New Beginings Staff Bios and Credentials

Dr. Jennifer Durham, LPCC-S, Director of New Beginnings qdsCounseling Center
Dr. Durham has been with the agency since 1999. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Malone University, a master’s degree in clinical counseling, and a doctoral degree in formational counseling from Ashland University/ ATS. Dr. Durham specializes in trauma and reactive attachment disorder; and also sees patients as a general practitioner. Aside from her clinical and administrative duties at CCHO, she enjoys teaching undergraduate psychology classes and writers’ workshops.

Clinical Staff:

Jeanne Miller, MA, LPC
I received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Akron, and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a P.C. level counselor, with 40 hours training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Angela Workman, MA, LSW
I am a licensed social worker and I have a master’s degree in social work. I received my training from The University of Akron. I love working with all types of people, especially children and families. I thrive on the opportunity to guide and support my clients through trying times. I enjoy working at New Beginnings Counseling Center because of the kind nature of the employees and the Christian atmosphere provided. When these elements are combined, they create the recipe for healing and growth—which is the ultimate goal for each client.

John H. Smith, MA, LPC
*Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary
*Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Malone College
*Licensed as a Professional Counselor with the state of Ohio
Specialties include: children, couples/marriage, family, and pastoral counseling. I am currently developing trauma therapy as well.
*25yrs of marriage and 10 children have given me real world practical experience to add to my clinical training.
*25 yrs of experience as a police officer in a suburb of Cleveland has given me other real world experiences that when added to my clinical training, will help in the areas of trauma and meeting the needs of our public service employees.

Erica M Spencer, MA, LPC
I am a licensed professional counselor. I received my masters degree in community counseling from The University of Akron. My educational training has mainly focused on individuals, specifically adults. I have additional training in working with couples, families, adolescents, and children. My clinical interests include, but are not limited to, trauma, post-traumatic growth, military service men and women, anxiety, and helping individuals and families through a difficult time in life. I enjoy working at New Beginnings Counseling Center because of the caring nature of the individuals I work with, the support of the different offices, and the wonderful array of clients I have the privilege of seeing and having the opportunity to participate in their lives.

Support Staff:

Julie Andrews Lee, PCC-S
In 1992, I began serving the homeless who were in need of counseling at the Atlanta Union Mission. I continued counseling the homeless for the next 10 years at the Haven of Rest Rescue Mission in Akron, Ohio. While at Haven of Rest, I wrote a comprehensive Bible study guide that integrates Biblical and theological truths with practical counseling applications. I have extensive experience counseling individuals, families, groups, couples and adolescents for almost 20 years. I enjoy helping people through times of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, abuse and a wide variety of spiritual or emotional struggles. I earned her Bachelor of Arts from Moody Bible Institute in Bible and Theology and her Master of Arts from Denver Seminary in Clinical Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and clinical supervisor. My personal goal in counseling is to help each and every person's experience God's love and healing in their lives.

Sandra McMullin, MA, NCC, PCC-S
Joining the professional clinical counseling staff at New Beginnings, in April of 2011, led it self to a wonderful opportunity to join other professionals who are committed to serving those suffering from mental health disorders and in need of healing from past hurts while discovering one's healthy individuality.

Assisting families, adolescents, children and couples navigate through the healing process, learn new coping skills, increase self-esteem, communication, and emotional regulation skills in order to connect to others is a strong focus of mine. My orientations are; Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Structured Sensory Interventions for Traumatized Children, Trauma Debriefing for Schools and Agencies, Intensive Attachment Training, Disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and certified as a trauma specialist.

Rebecca L. Ryder, NCC, PCC
After a previous career in education, I returned to school to pursue a masters degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2006. Following my experience as well as passion, I have utilized my counseling gifts to focus primarily on children and adolescents and on providing support to their families. Since 2008, I have worked in a school for kids with emotional difficulties who struggle to maintain emotional and behavioral regulation. I have provided on-site support for these students through Group Therapy, Individual counseling, classroom behavioral coaching and support, staff education, coordination with other service providers, and communication with family members. In 2011 I joined the counseling team at New Beginnings River Tree as an outpatient counselor.

My passion is helping children, adolescents, and families work through emotional, behavioral, developmental, traumatic, and relationship issues in order to improve their functional skills and increase their ability to use their gifts and talents to serve God and others through positive self-image and positive communication. It is a privilege to help open doors for others to seek healing from God.