ICON STAFF & FACULTY
Director
Carrie Meo-Omens, LCSW is the Director of ICON, the Florida Institute for Continuing Professional Development at Family Service Centers and an adjunct faculty member at USF. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is licensed to practice and credentialed to supervise in both Florida and Illinois. She has many years of experience in psychiatric program administration and direct practice. Her clinical expertise is in treating major Axis I disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder. Carrie is a trained DBT therapist, a certified trainer in Suicide Prevention and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. She has developed courses in both Crisis Intervention and Suicide Assessment/Prevention for Psychiatric Residency Education. Carrie enjoys the challenge of working with individuals in acute distress and is passionate about patient care and safety.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Lisa Signorelli, LCSW is Clinical Supervisor and Professional Trainer with ICON, the Florida Institute of Continuing Professional Development, at Family Service Centers, Inc. Lisa holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL. Lisa is a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Qualified Supervisor and an USF Field Instructor. Lisa has an 18-year history of service in the Pinellas County non-profit community in clinical treatment, community education and program management. Lisa specializes in issues related to sexual violence. Lisa has also worked with pregnant and mothering teens and abused children in various settings. She is an experienced provider of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has extensive experience in community and professional training, group facilitation and advocacy.
VISITING & ADJUNCT FACULTY
Pamela Alvarez, MSW is the founder and owner of JDI Group, Inc., a corporation that assists organizations in maximizing their potential and creating an environment conducive to change. Ms. Alvarez holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and is working toward her Ph.D. in Organizational Development. She is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work, at USF and an online course facilitator at University of Phoenix.
Christina Bellamy, LMHC, has been in private practice in Tampa since 1990, and has worked in the field of addictions for over 20 years. Christina has a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida and is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Christina has been providing continuing education training and community workshops since 1980 and much of her work has been with organizational and agency staff. Christina's facilitation style includes dialogue and experiential approaches in order to learn from many different perspectives. She has instructed a wide variety of courses in many settings including addictions treatment, mental health, healthcare, social services, education, corrections, religious organizations, professional associations, and community groups.
Eric Carver, MPA, MABMH is the Project Coordinator for a Federal Department of Labor Grant in the Health Informatics Dept. at St. Petersburg College. He is also Adjunct Faculty in the Applied Ethics Institute at SPC. Eric’s management experience is supported through his graduate work in Public Administration, Bioethics & Health Leadership and Management. Eric is currently working toward his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Barry University.
Karen J. Cochran, MS holds a Master of Science from Troy State University in the Management of Human Resources, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and has attended postgraduate studies at Boston University. She has over 27 years experience working in both the profit and non-profit arenas in service industries, resource management, child abuse prevention, and youth/adult skill building. She has designed and presented a wide variety of workshops for professionals, community members, youth and adults with the goal of information designed to build a solid foundation for good decision making.
Linda Cordon, LMHC, TEP has a private practice in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. She is a certified Trainer, Educator, and Practitioner of Psychodrama and has facilitated trainings at a variety of national conferences. She is the author of “The Warm-Up Ring: Keys for Energizing Your Group” and has written a chapter for “Interactive and Improvisational Drama” on Bibliodrama.
Heather Curry is a scholar on the dynamics of healing and motherhood as a spiritual practice. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Women’s Studies at the University of South Florida. She is a founding partner of the Initiative on Complexity and Community Sustainability, through which she is co-developing integrated approaches to citizen engagement, scholarship, research and practice to promote the healthy development of infants and caregivers in local communities.
Laurie Deer, LCSW has worked with children, adolescents and families for over ten years in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, outpatient and private practice. Laurie holds a Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida, is licensed to practice in the State of Florida and credentialed as a Qualified Supervisor. In addition, Laurie is certified in traumatology.
Laurie is currently Residential Supervisor at Family Resources SafePlace2B Adolescent Emergency/Crisis Shelter and is conducting research examining connectedness between teens and their parent/guardians.
Ken Donaldson, MA, LMHC has been exclusively, and successfully, in practice as a Psychotherapist and Life and Relationship Coach since 1993. He is both the former President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com and Director of Practice Development for the Relationship Coaching Institute. He holds a Master of Arts in Counselor Education, is a Certified Master Counselor, and a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Ken works with psychotherapists, coaches, and other health-care practitioners throughout the U.S. and around the world and teaches them how to build their ideal practices and businesses. He is the CEO/Owner (Creative Effervescence Officer) of Kenilee, Inc., and the Founder of REALationships 101. He is also the creator of the “Illuminations and Sparks of Brilliance Network."
Author of Marry YourSelf First, Saying “I Do” to a Life of Passion, Power & Purpose
www.REALationshipCoach.com * Ken@REALationshipCoach.com
R.J. Doody, Ph.D. holds a Doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master's Degree in Counselor Education from Duquesne University, and a Bachelor's Degree in English from Duquesne University. He has been a professional educator for 42 years, serving on the faculties of Boston University and Eckerd College. He has served as a Family Therapist in Pittsburgh and in Munich, and as Director of Training in Pinellas County for twenty-five years. Dr. Doody is also the Advisory Council Chair of the Florida Institute for Continuing Professional Development, and a Board member of Family Service Centers, Inc.
Jonna Douglas, Ph.D., LMFT holds a Ph.D. from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California and a Master of Arts from Pepperdine University. Both are in Clinical Psychology. Her undergraduate degree is from Pacific Christian College in religious studies. Jonna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1986 in the state of Florida and is former Clinical Director of Family Service Centers, Inc. She has recently returned to Florida from a ten-year clinical practice in Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Douglass was a President of the Association of Mandala Teachers from 1993 to 1997. She has been involved in the clinical application of mandala drawings for more than twenty years and has been a primary trainer in the use of Mandalas for research and clinical work.
Nancy Gordon, LCSW holds a Master of Social Work from Simmons Graduate School of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. Ms. Gordon has served as a clinician, supervisor and director in outpatient, inpatient and residential child and adolescent mental health services for over 20 years. Ms. Gordon is extensively training and experienced in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and has implemented DBT programs in Vermont and Florida. She is presently Clinical Director at Directions for Mental Health in Clearwater, Florida where she is currently implementing DBT in Adult and Child Programs. Ms. Gordon has presented on DBT at national and local conferences throughout her career.
Rachael Haskell, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a therapist and educator. She works as an instructor at the University of South Florida, a sexual abuse therapist at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, a Supervisor of Registered Social Work and Mental Health Interns, and a hypnotherapist in private practice. She also has experience as a Pinellas County School Social Worker and former clinical director at Family Service Centers, Inc. Her work has given her the opportunity to appear as a sexual abuse expert on the Today Show, and to participate in many advocacy projects for abuse survivors. She is currently also a social work doctoral candidate working on research related to social workers’ perceptions of disability, and a disability awareness trainer.
Nyamekye Laird, Ph.D. holds a Doctorate of Counseling Psychology and Human Systems from Florida State University. She has more than 10 years of experience working with youth and families in a wide variety of mental health settings. Dr. Laird has provided presentations, programs and trainings for professionals, communities and organizations including the American Psychological Association, Weed and Seed, and the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation. She has traveled as far as South Africa to dedicate her time and expertise to program development for resilient youth. Dr. Laird’s professional interests include resilience, trauma, alternative therapies and cultural sensitivity. In addition to her degree in psychology, she is a certified yoga instructor and Reiki Master.
Martha Lenderman, MSW retired after 30 years of service to the State of Florida and served at one time as the state’s Baker Act Director. She has also served as a member of the Florida Supreme Court Commission on Fairness, addressing the Baker Act. Martha now does consulting, primarily related to the Baker Act and Marchman Act. She works with courts, hospitals, law enforcement agencies and professional associations throughout the state on the appropriate use of the Baker Act. She is also an expert witness in medical malpractice cases.
Martha assisted the Florida Legislature in preparing the 1996 Baker Act reform. She wrote the Florida Administrative Rules governing the Baker Act and developed the model Baker Act forms and facility survey guidelines. Martha also wrote the State of Florida Baker Act and Marchman Act Handbooks.
Katherine McKay, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist licensed in both New York and Florida. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology and master’s degree in clinical and school psychology from Adelphi University. For over 15 years, Dr. McKay has worked in the field of psychology in a variety of settings including the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, universities, community mental health agencies and private practice. Her areas of specialization include the treatment of trauma, specifically sexual trauma, resilience, interpersonal relationships, stress management, and effective coping. She provides workshops and group therapy on mindfulness, stress management and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. In addition to her private practice, Dr. McKay is also on the faculty of a clinical psychology doctoral program and provides consultation and supervision to other mental health providers and agencies.
Rhonda Miller Sheared, MA is Vice-President of Programs/Development at Family Service Centers, Inc. She has over 20 years of experience in counseling, education and foundation and non-profit leadership. Rhonda is an instructor for St. Petersburg College through the Southeastern Public Safety Institute, the Vice-Chair of the Reach-Up Foundation, an affiliation of Central Hillsborough Healthy Start, and sits on numerous committees at the Local and State levels. Rhonda is deeply committed to the work that strengthens the voices of those least heard.
Joseph Monahan, Esq. is co-founder of the law firm Monahan & Cohen, Chicago, IL, and adjunct professor of law at Loyola Law School. Joe represents individual clients, social service agencies and hospitals on issues such as guardianship, mental health, and risk management. He has represented hundreds of clients in adult guardianship proceedings in Probate Court. His efforts have led to the recovery of millions of dollars stolen from persons with disabilities. Joe is regularly appointed to represent persons with disabilities in complex or extraordinary mental health cases and has been an active participant in various legislative efforts concerning changes in the Illinois Mental Health Code. Joe has lectured extensively on legal issues concerning guardianship, ethics and mental health and is a frequent speaker at professional, lay, and lawyers groups on these topics. He is a trustee for NASW Legal Defense Fund and has been an active member of and speaker for NASW since 1976. He is a member and past chair of the Mental Health Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Joe achieved his MSW and was trained as a social worker; as such, he was the Executive Director of a county-licensed child welfare agency.
Mary Jo Monahan, LCSW is the President & CEO of Family Service Centers, Inc., and former President of NASW FL & Chair of the CH491 F.S. Licensure Board. She has over 28 years experience in agency administration, clinical practice, and practice management. Mary Jo is an adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work at USF, and a Board Member of the Alliance for Children and Families.
Rick Morris, MA, LMHC, CSAYC, NCC holds a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. Rick is a Nationally Certified Counselor, and Credentialed Sexually Abusive Youth Clinician. He has worked with children, adolescents, and families for over 25 years. Rick is an accomplished author. His book, "Protecting and Parenting Sexually Abused Children," offers parents and caregivers the information they need to provide a safe loving healthy home for children whose lives have been touched by sexual abuse. He is in private practice in Largo, FL and specializes in treating high risk and oppositional adolescents and their families.
Dr. Russell Omens, Psy.D. is the Project Manager of the Wellness Community of Southwest Florida, Manatee County. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, Illinois, and is a Licensed Psychologist in both Florida & Illinois and a Certified Mediator in Illinois. Dr. Omens has over 15 years of clinical and administrative experience across a wide variety of treatment settings including inpatient and outpatient psychiatry and private practice. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois, and an Adjunct Faculty member at Argosy University. Dr. Omens has published and presented on many topics including: Clinical Interviewing, Trauma, Informed Consent, Research Ethics, Medical Illness and Depression, Psycho-Oncology, Doctor-Patient Communication, Clinical Supervision, Severe Psychopathology, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and Axis II disorders.
Luanne Panacek, Ed.D. has been the CEO of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County for over 10 years. She has been a key leader in improving services for children and families across the State of Florida and at the national level for over 29 years. Her leadership and systems development experience spans an array of children’s services including mental health, education, early childhood intervention, early childhood education, residential and day-treatment, and juvenile justice.
Allison Pinto, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical child psychologist with a certificate in Infant Mental Health. She coordinates an early childhood community learning initiative through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and is an assistant professor at the University of South Florida coordinating a cross-disciplinary, cross-sector Initiative on Complexity and Community Sustainability. She serves on the training task force of Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, and formerly developed and directed a birth-to-five assessment and treatment program in a county-contracted community mental health center in Santa Monica, California.
S. Ruth Power, LCSW, CAP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Professional. She has worked in the field of Addictions since 1987. For the past 11 years, Ruth has worked with adults, children and families addressing issues of sexual and physical abuse. Ruth joined the Child Protection Team in Hillsborough County in 1999 where she supervised case management programs for children who had been sexually abused, and for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Additionally, Ruth was the Project Coordinator for the Sexual Abuse Intervention Network. SAIN is a community collaboration of all of the agencies and programs that address the issues of children with sexual behavior problems in Hillsborough County. She joined Help A Child, Inc. in 2004 as the Child Protection Team Program Coordinator.
Michael G. Rank, Ph.D. is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF). He holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Social Work from Bryn Mawr College. In his career Dr. Ranks’ professional roles have ranged from Infantryman in the U.S. Army and state parole agent in Pennsylvania, to clinician and Director of numerous programs. Dr. Rank’s research interests include motivational interviewing, personality disorders, bioterrorism, compassion fatigue, posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic stress, incarcerated fathers, academic leadership and reaccreditation. He has published numerous articles and presented workshops, trainings, and seminars about the psychological effects of biological and chemical disasters, critical incident stress debriefing,traumatic stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, compassion fatigue, fatherhood,motivational interviewing, and academic leadership.
Nancy Ross, Ph.D., ARNP, is DANA Professor of Nursing and Past Director of the Department of Nursing at the University of Tampa. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Nursing from the University of Florida and a Doctorate in Applied Anthropology/Medical Tract from the University of South Florida. Dr. Ross has 25 years of teaching experience in three universities, ten years of clinical administrative experience, and has owned a private practice in psychotherapy since 1973. She is the author of Jagged Edges: Black Professional Women in White Male Worlds (1995). Her current research interests are focused around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in children. Dr. Ross has presented at over 90 local, state and national conferences and has been a recipient of the Mental Health Service Award (Pinellas County/1983), the Pearl Award (FNA/1996), the Barbara Lumpkin Political Action Award (FNA/1997), the Nursing Leadership Excellence in Nursing Award (Sigma Theta Tau-Delta Beta/1999), the Outstanding Service Award (University of Tampa/1999), the Louise Loy Hunter Award as Outstanding Faculty Member (University of Tampa/2004), and named a DANA Professor of Nursing in 2005.
Phillip B. Russell, Esq. is a labor and employment lawyer exclusively for businesses. He represents employers in all labor and employment matters. He not only defends employers before government agencies and courts and in union-organizing campaigns, he proactively advises businesses on how to best comply with the extensive and constantly changing labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations. Mr. Russell is a frequent speaker at industry and human resources trade associations and he regularly submits articles to various publications and newsletters regarding hot labor and employment topics and trends for businesses.
Jessica Shellard, CPA earned her BS from USF and is the founder and owner of Shellard Consulting which offers finance and consulting services to Bay Area non-profits. Prior to founding Shellard Consulting, she was CFO of a non-profit in the Tampa Bay area and also an Audit Manager with a CPA firm that performs non-profit audits. Jessica is a Board Member of the Accounting Circle at USF and a member of the Florida Institute of CPAs.
Natalie Zindorf, Esq. focuses her practice in the area of employment litigation and personnel relations in both state and federal courts and in arbitration. She has represented private and public sector employers in litigation under Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the FLSA, the FMLA, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Florida Whistleblowers' Act, the Florida Trade Secret Act, and in labor arbitrations. Natalie has also responded to charges of discrimination filed with federal, state and local administrative agencies. Natalie has published articles in many areas of labor and employment law including discrimination, harassment, wage/hour, and other personnel issues.