Meet The Team
Gail Wilson, LCPC, ACS
Gail Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her Master's degree from Loyola College in 1986 and has been practicing for over 40 years. She also received her Grief Educator Certificate in 2021. Gail welcomes adults to the "therapeutic club" who need a safe haven to share stressors, grief, challenges, depression, aging, and trauma. She works to create a safe and validating environment to help others explore themselves. Gail feels that it is an honor and privilege to walk with others in the pilgrimage to promote healthier lifestyles and coping skills for themselves.
Gail is also a Board-Certified Supervisor who provides clinical supervision hours to Master's Level Interns and Graduate Level Counselors. Gail currently accepts most major insurance and is available to meet in the Perry Hall Office. Please call for availability.
For direct contact, please email Gail at gwilson@renewalcounseling.com
Casey Bennett, M.S., LCPC
Clinical Director
Casey is a compassionate listener who is here to provide support and guidance to individuals so they can have healthy, fulfilling lives. Casey uses a person-centered-approach. Casey strives to understand your point of view and take a non-judgmental stance. Casey has experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, marital conflict, divorce, life transitions/stress, ADHD, and more.
Casey primarily works with young adults to help them overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequacies, perfectionism, and shame. Casey helps clients learn ways to be more connected to others.
Casey is available to meet in the Perry Hall office. Please feel free to contact Casey directly at cbennett@renewalcounseling.com with any questions.
Gwen Trader, LSCW-C
Gwen Trader received her Master’s Degree in clinical social work from the University of MD. She has experience in outpatient & inpatient mental health settings. Her practice includes counseling & psychotherapy with adults, couples and group therapy. Gwen Trader, MSW, is available to meet in the Perry Hall office and accepts most major insurances. Please call for availability.
Jessica Donovan, LCPC
Jessica Donovan is from Boston, Massachusetts, but has resided in Baltimore, Maryland since 2009. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who obtained her masters in counseling psychology, from Loyola University Baltimore, in 2011. She earned her bachelor’s of science from the College of the Holy Cross, in Massachusetts, with a double major in Psychology and Anthropology. She has extensive experience providing individual and family therapy sessions, working with all age ranges including children/adolescents, and their families, young adults and beyond.
Since 2011, Ms. Donovan has worked as a therapist at several residential treatment centers (RTC) for children and adolescents who have experienced significant traumas and has also conducted disability evaluation reports for Disability Determination Services, at Good Samaritan Hospital. Additionally, she has experience working within the Baltimore School system, as a school-based therapist, providing in-house treatment, as well as implementing various programs, and facilitating with 504 Plans and IEPs.
Ms. Donovan’s clinical focuses include, but are not limited to: ADHD symptom management, Anger Management, Assertiveness/Boundary setting, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Concerns about Sexuality and Gender, Coping Skills, Depression, Anxiety and other Mood Disorders, disruptive classroom behavior and academic difficulties, Grief, Peer or Family Conflicts, Self-Esteem, Social Skills, Trauma and 504 Plan and IEP consultation. She utilizes evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic Psychology principles to help her clients process traumas, develop their identity, problem solve and learn coping skills. She is available to meet at the Perry Hall office . Please call the office for availability.
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Rachel Prezzano, LCPC
Rachel is a licensed clinical professional counselor and earned her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology at Loyola University in 2017. She has worked in outpatient mental health services for the past nine years. Rachel’s clinical focus has included addressing life stress/transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship conflict and rebuilding, communication, and self-esteem. Rachel utilizes a holistic approach that has also incorporated physical and spiritual health with clients who value these aspects in their own life. She currently treats clients ages 16+ as well as couples.
Rachel Prezzano, LCPC, is available to meet in the Perry Hall and Bel Air offices and accepts most insurances. Please call for availability.
David Ehrlich, LCPC,CCTP, ACS
David Ehrlich received his Masters degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Baltimore, in 2008. He began his career at Harbel Prevention and Recovery, a substance abuse program, starting an Intensive Outpatient Program. He has been with Renewal Counseling since 2017. David has obtained his Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certificate, which signifies a commitment to working with people dealing with the lasting effects of trauma. David is also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) of LGPC therapists and interns.
David’s approach to therapy will be tailored to you and uses an eclectic approach to therapy that includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Trauma-informed Therapy. In order for therapy to be successful with anyone, the therapist must create a safe, judgement-free, space for the client to be able to openly share their thoughts and feelings. David is here to listen to you, move at your pace, and help you manage the parts of your life that you currently find unmanageable. He has experience working with people who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and more.
For direct contact, please email David at dehrlich@renewalcounseling.com
Patrice O'Donnell, LCPC
Patrice O’Donnell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LGPC) who provides direct counseling to children, adolescents and teenagers, and emerging adults ages 6-19. Patrice is dedicated to working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, family issues, identity development, and trauma. Patrice guides clients to develop both insight and effective coping skills to improve stress tolerance and emotional regulation.
Originally from New York, Patrice has lived in Baltimore since 2015. Patrice received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland in 2019 and her Master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling from her alma mater in 2021. Additionally, Patrice became a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) in 2022. Patrice’s theoretical orientation is built to help each client by using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), play therapy, and trauma informed care. Patrice is available to see clients at the Perry Hall office and accepts most major insurances, with the exception of Medical Assistance. Please call the office for availability.
Alison Hollida, LGPC
Alison Hollida is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2022. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Towson University and was born and raised in Harford County, Maryland. Alison has experience in outpatient and inpatient settlings, and has primarily focused on outpatient counseling services for the last decade. Alison provides counseling services for high school aged teens, young adults, adults, and seniors, as well as couples. Alison has experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures to assist with issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life changes/transitions, relationship rebuilding, communication, conflict resolution, and family issues. Alison’s approach to counseling is very much based on the individual client or couple. She will meet the client where they are, and work with the client to determine what their own personal goals for therapy include. Alison utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness approaches, and is interested in tailoring these to meet the needs of each individual client.
Alison is available to meet in the Bel Air office. Please call for availabilty.
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Octavia Baryayebwa, LGPC
Octavia is currently a counseling intern with Renewal Counseling Center and a finalizing graduate student in the Clinical Professional Counseling program at Loyola University Maryland, set to graduate in December of 2023. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.
Octavia’s approach to therapy utilizes a person-centered orientation with the idea of collaborating with clients on their goals for treatment and centering clients as the most informed about their own personal experiences. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and feminist therapy approaches with a variety of difficulties including depression, loss, anxiety, PTSD, racial stressors, interpersonal relationship stressors, and life transitions. You can expect therapy with Octavia to include: compassionate listening, validation of difficult emotions and experiences, challenging your thoughts and beliefs, and teaching skills which can deepen your understanding of your experiences and help you to better cope with your stressors.
Octavia’s goal is to work collaboratively with clients so that they can work towards a place of thriving—and not just surviving.
Octavia is currently available to meet with clients virtually via telehealth or in person at our Perry Hall or Belair office locations for individual or couples therapy for those 18 years old and above. Please call the office or email Octavia directly at obaryayebwa@renewalcounseling.com for availability.
Jayyidah Clarke, LCSW-C
Jayyidah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Clinical who received her Master’s in Social Work from New York University. Jayyidah has over 10 years’ experience working in the behavioral health field. She believes that each of us hold the capacity to utilize our personal creativity to resolve life’s challenges. Through this creative process, we collaborate to work towards developing new insights that inform change. Jayyidah believes treatment is most effective when we not only observe the challenges, symptoms or problems but also assess your strengths. She believes that life brings us opportunities to see ourselves more clearly through that with which we struggle. Jayyidah has experience working with trauma. Jayyidah uses mindfulness-based practices and incorporate this in treatment when clinically appropriate. Jayyidah also utilizes EBP, CBT, and play therapy as needed with children and adolescents.
Jayyidah is available to meet in the Bel Air office. Please call for availability.
Lauren, Meier, LCSW-C
Lauren Meier is an LCSW-C who received her master’s in Social work from the University of Maryland School of social work in 2014. Lauren has had several years of experience working with children and adults of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and enjoys working with a wide range of therapeutic interventions to assist clients in improving their daily lives. Lauren mainly specializes in trauma, anxiety, self-care, stress management, major life transitions, and grief. Her philosophy on therapy is very person centered. Lauren finds it important to start where the client is, and allowing them to achieve their goals by helping them identify what is most important to them, helping them feel more empowered, and assist them in gaining more control over their own lives. Lauren accept most major insurances and are currently seeing clients in the Perry Hall/Nottingham location.
Courtnee Wright, LCSW-C
Courtnee received her master’s in social work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been working in the mental health field since 2013. Courtnee has familiarity working with clients who struggle with various illnesses including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, grief, low self-esteem, life transitions, communication conflicts, and marital conflicts. She has completed a trauma certificate program and is trained in Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Courtnee believes in creating a comfortable atmosphere and allowing clients to express themselves at their own pace. She believes in the importance of a strong, healthy therapeutic relationship and how it is essential to treatment. She enjoys working with female adolescents ages from 15 and older, and adult males ages from 18 and older. A few treatment techniques she uses are: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, Trauma Informed Care, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, and Strength-Based Therapy. Courtnee Wright, LCSW-C, is available to meet virtually via telehealth. Please call for availability.
For direct contact, please email Courtnee at cwright@renewalcounseling.com
Lois Sheeler, LSCW-C
Lois Sheeler is passionate about connecting with clients, and creating a safe, supportive space where clients can reflect and be curious. Using a strengths-based, solution-focused model, she works collaboratively and respectfully to help her clients make positive changes. She has a Master of Social Work from University of Maryland and has been working as a therapist at Renewal Counseling for 30 years. She has specialized training in trauma, couples work, gerontology, foster care and adoption, and parenting education. She works with adults specializing in adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting, (including foster care and adoption), grief, spiritual issues, trauma, and attachment. She also works with couples, using an evidence-based model to improve relationships, and she works with families. She works with the parents of small children, believing that the parent, with some coaching, can effect positive and lasting changes for the child. She has a Judeo-Christian worldview and is comfortable having faith-based conversations if the client wants. She is married, has 5 children and 3 grandchildren and is a former foster parent.
Dr. Robert Rivera
Dr. Rivera is a Licensed Clinical and School Psychologist who brings to you over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. His approach is down to earth, uses an array of modalities to benefit you, and for your convenience he utilizes Telehealth. Modalities he applies include but are not limited to CBT, psychodynamic, DBT, Behavioral/ABA, and ACT. Dr. Rivera is also a Licensed School Psychologist who offers consultation and advocacy for IEPs and 504Plans. Likewise, he provides psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults. Testing is provided for ages 3 and up, which includes ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Behavioral Disorders, and Personality Disorders.
Dr. Rivera is available to meet, Telehealth only, and accepts all insurances, excluding Medicaid. Please call the office for availability.
Robert Castle, LCPC
Robert (Bob) Castle holds degrees from Hobart College, the University of Baltimore, and Loyola University Maryland, where he obtained his Master of Science degree in counseling psychology. He currently provides individual therapy services at Renewal Counseling Center for depression, anxiety, O.C.D. and other mood dysregulation conditions. He also helps individuals develop coping skills for the stress of major life transitions, partner-family relationship difficulties, and long-term recovery from substance use disorders. When relevant to a client’s needs, he feels comfortably equipped to assist those who wish to integrate their mental/emotional healing with their Christian faith or any other faith tradition. Bob is a Board–Approved clinical supervisor for LGPCs and is active in various networks of therapists including the LCPCM professional association in Maryland. He currently provides services via teletherapy for people residing in the greater Baltimore metro area. Please call for availability.
Martha Miller, LCSW-C
Martha Miller received her MSW from UCLA in 1980. Since then she has been working as a therapist in outpatient mental health settings with adults, adolescents, children and their families. More recently her practice has shifted from children and adolescents to adults with trauma histories, both childhood and as adults. She has been trained and is experienced with EMDR for the treatment of trauma. In addition, she has a special interest working with clients who wish to integrate their emotional healing with their Christian faith. Ms. Miller has memberships in the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, EMDRIA, and the Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work. Martha Miller is not accepting new clients at this time.
Mikayla Marsjanik, Intern
Mikayla is a counseling intern who is currently pursuing her master’s in clinical professional counseling at Loyola University Maryland. She received her bachelor’s in psychology at York College of Pennsylvania. With experience in many childcare and behavioral health settings, Mikayla is passionate about working with children and using a person-centered approach with every client. Mikayla incorporates CBT, ACT, and elements of play therapy and strengths-based therapy into her work. Whether her clients are children having difficulties with school or adults going through major life transitions, Mikayla’s goal is to make the therapy room a comfortable, collaborative, and creative space. Mikayla sees clients at the Bel Air office or via Telehealth, and can be reached at mmarsjanik@renewalcounseling.com.
