Biographies

CLINICAL THERAPISTS.

Justyna Bates, LPC, NCC
Clients served: Adults, Children, Adolescents, Couples and Families
Specializations: Marriage and Family therapy, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Anger Management, Women’s issues, Stress Management, Job related issues, Grief and Loss, Developmental Disabilities, Head Trauma, Substance Abuse, Anger management, Parent Education.

Justyna Bates is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has worked at Provident since 2000.  Although her area of specialty is Marriage and Family Counseling, she works with children, adolescents and adults experiencing multitudes of problems, ranging from depression and anxiety, to substance abuse and psychosis among many other ones.  Justyna is a strong believer in Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Justyna is located at our Central City Office, 2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Angela Cook, MSW, LCSW
Clients Served: Individual, Family and Couples Therapy
Specializations: Mood Disorders, Stress Management, Adolescent Issues, Relationship Enhancement, Sexual Issues and Attention Deficit Disorder

Angela Cook has extensive experience working with children with ADD/ADHD but she also treats broader adolescent issues, both individually and in group settings.  In addition, she treats adults and the elderly, utilizing cognitive-behavioral, reality and eclectic modalities.  Angela joined Provident in 2000 and works out of our Jefferson County Office, 3675 W. Outer Road, Suite 203, Arnold, MO 63010.

Linda Diggs, MSW, LCSW
Clients Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children
Specializations: Learning Disabilities, Speech and Language Disorders, Spectrum Disorder

Linda Diggs has professional experience working with special needs children and adolescents, i.e. Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, Speech and Language Disorders, Spectrum Disorder, physical disabilities, and Intellectual Disorders.  She has worked with children ranging in age from 5 to 17 and is experienced in both individual and group counseling. Linda works at our North County Office, 409 South Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO 63135.

Lou Faggetti, LPC
Clients Served: Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families
Specializations: Trauma/PTSD, Mood disorders, Grief/loss, Relationship enhancement, Family systems, Addictive behaviors, Assertiveness training

Lou is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to the individual dignity and worth of each person, and the unlimited potential of the human spirit. He believes that a sound therapeutic alliance promotes the identification and reduction of self-defeating behaviors, the development of new and positive coping skills, and increased accuracy of communication patterns. Lou believes that strength-based  collaborative therapy will improve the functioning of individuals, families, and relationships: “Specific therapies often reduce conflicts, and lead to more satisfying outcomes of individual and relationship goals.”  Lou has additional training in organizational and couples communications, and works from the Wildwood Office at 2634 Highway D, Suite E, Wildwood, MO 63040 and the West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

Michelle Goldstein, MSW, LCSW
Clients Served: Adults, Adolescents, Couples, Families and Elderly
Specializations: Depression, Anxiety, Women’s Issues, Relationship Problems, Parent-Child Problems, Marital Conflict, Grief and Loss 

Michelle Goldstein specializes in assisting adults and couples address internal and interpersonal problems.  Michelle demonstrates a great respect for client’s individuality and develops a personalized treatment plan together with the client, utilizing cognitive, behavioral and family therapy, as well as solution-focused therapy modalities.  Michelle has over 20 years experience helping clients to overcome problems and embrace life.  Michelle has worked in not-for-profit agencies, EAP settings, as well as private practice offices.  Michelle is located in our West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO. 63141.

Ida J. Grider, LPC
Clients Served: Adults, Children and Adolescents
Specializations: Women’s Issues, Developmental Disabilities, Oppositional Behavior, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Co-Dependency, Grief/Loss, Bipolar, Job-Related Issues, Depression and Self-Esteem Issues, Anger and Stress Management 

Ida J. Grider is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified School Counselor with 15+ years of experience at Provident, Inc. and Lindbergh School District. She works with individuals, families, couples and groups; and is comfortable dealing with both children/adolescents and adults.  Ida works at our West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

Renee Hodgins, LPC
Clients Served: Individuals, Couples, Families, Adults and Adolescents
Specializations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused Techniques

Renee Hodgins is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused Techniques and other relevant therapeutic techniques.

Renee is a graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis and brings extensive experience as an Educator, Career Counselor, International Academic Advisor, and Educational Consultant.  Her areas of expertise include: ADHD, Child Psychotherapy including Play Therapy, Depression, and Women’s Issues.

Renee is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes supporting and providing practical feedback to clients so that they can effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach for each client. With compassion and understanding, Renee works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Renee is located at our North County Office, 455 South Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO 63135.

Kathleen Hurley, M.Ed, PLPC
Clients Served:  Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Specializations:  Adult and Child Trauma, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Stress Management, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Relationship Problems, Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

 Kathleen is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor who recently joined Provident. Kathleen believes that psychotherapy offers individuals and their families the opportunity to find direction and healing when faced with difficult situations. Kathleen has many years of experience working with those experiencing trauma, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, addictions, eating disorders, relationship problems, depression, and anxiety.  She received her Masters in Education for the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a focus on Community Counseling.  She works out of the Jefferson County Office, 3675 W Outer Road, Suite 203, Arnold MO 63010.

Rosemary Jackson, MSW, LCSW
Clients Served: Individuals, adults, children, couples and families.
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, parent/child problems, grief and loss, relationship problems, self esteem issues, attention deficit disorder, anger and stress management, women’s issues, job related problems, adoption.

Rosemary Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. She works with a variety of clients - individuals, adults, families and couples. In addition she works with clients who have a history of trauma and PTSD issues. Rosemary is located at our Central City Office, 2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Marcy Krems, M.Ed., LPC
Clients Served: Children, Adolescents, and Families
Specializations: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Group Therapy. 

Marcy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is working towards certification at The St. Louis Center for Play Therapy. Marcy has worked with adolescents for 3 years providing DBT individual therapy and teaching DBT Skills Group to adolescents and their parents. Marcy works with clients who have experienced trauma and who are dealing with self-injurious behavior, interpersonal problems and emotional dysregulation.

Marcy attended Miami University in Ohio and University of Missouri-St. Louis and received a BA in Psychology (2006) and a Masters in Education in Counseling and Family Therapy (2008). Marcy is a member of the American Counseling Association.  Marcy works at the West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

 Nicole Lakebrink, MA, PLPC
Clients Served:  Children, Adolescents, Adults & Families
Specializations:  Adolescent issues, Relationship Issues, Grief and Loss, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Self Esteem, Family Conflict, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Play Therapy and Group Therapy.

Nicole is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor providing integrative psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults and families.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2005 and her Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling in 2010.  She works as a clinician in private practice and has specialized training in grief counseling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention.  Nicole is an active member of the American Counseling Association and is located at our West County Office, 12755 Olive Blvd, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

Larry Marshall Jr.  MA, LPC
Clients Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Families, Couples and Groups
Specializations: Victims of Sexual Abuse, Sex Offenders, Eating Disorders, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Parent Education, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management and Couples Therapy. 

Larry Marshall is an experienced therapist who believes that psychotherapy can free individuals, couples and families from the oppression of illness and disorder.  For more than twenty-five years he has been helping people as they journey to find healing, meaning and growth in their lives.  He has assisted individuals seeking freedom from the restrictions imposed by phobias, anxiety and depression.  He also helps parents, and families dissolve power struggles and increase communication and connection.  He is located at the West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 and Central City Office, 2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Nancy Mesey, MA, LPC
Clients Served: Adolescents, Adults, Families
Specializations: Group Therapy, Addictions, Mental Health Issues, Motivational Enhancement Therapy                                                      

Nancy recently joined Provident, coming from Chestnut Health Systems in Illinois where she worked as a clinician serving the mentally ill, adolescents with dual diagnosis and people in crisis.  While at the residential treatment facility, some of the presenting problems were substance abuse, mental health issues, self-harm and suicide ideations.  Nancy provided empowerment to the patients by teaching coping and communication skills and ways to increase their self esteem and self respect.  In therapy sessions, Nancy teaches core values: respect; hope; empowerment, physical well-being; and spirituality.

Nancy received her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, has a Certificate in chemical Dependency, and is licensed in the area of Professional Counseling from the State of Missouri.  Nancy works at our West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

Spignotta Milam, MSW, LCSW
Clients Served: Individuals, Children, Adolescents, Adults & Families.
Specializations: Multi-Systemic Therapy, Anger Management, Parent Education, Social Skills, Anxiety, Parent/Child Conflict, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Self Esteem, Substance Abuse Counseling and Behavior Problems.

Spignotta’s previous experience includes: assisting the Director of Family Haven Homeless Shelter; past Coordinator of Safe Schools; and several years of experience working as a school social worker in Elementary, Middle and Secondary Schools. Previous positions at Provident include: safe school coordinator, substance abuse counselor, and family mental health collaborative therapist. Spignotta works at our North County Office, 455 S. Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO 63135..

Tyree Miller, LCSW
Clients Served: Children and Adolescents
Specializations: Substance Abuse and Adolescent Mental Health Issues

Tyree earned his MSW from Washington University with specialized concentrations in group work and mental health.  He obtained his License in Clinical Social Worker in 1993. 

He has a diverse work background which includes: child abuse investigator; psychiatric social worker: chemical dependency aftercare group facilitator; Director of Therapeutic Services at ECHO Children’s' Home; private clinician and consultant to three local school districts; school social worker; and Executive Director of an adolescent boys’ group home;. Tyree has focused most of his career on facilitating healthy mental and spiritual growth in children and adolescents so that they may live more positive and productive live. Tyree is located at our North County Office, 455 South Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO 63135.

Kathy Ronek MA., PLPC
Clients Served:  Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Specializations:  Women’s issues, Athletic Performance Anxiety Issues, Overcoming Depression

Kathy Ronek joined Provident in January 2013 as a PRN Clinical Therapist.  She has a Bachelor of General Studies from Southeast Missouri State University and earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University.  In addition to working toward full state licensure in professional counseling, she is a certified school counselor for grades K-12.  
Kathy’s experience in the field includes working with children, adolescents, and their families within the foster care system as well as in elementary and high schools.  She also currently works with adolescents and adults within a private practice setting while completing a post-graduate training program in psychodynamic psychotherapy as well as through an area hospital.  Her clients or students have dealt with problems involving substance abuse, financial instability and unstable households, boundary issues, disabilities, parenting concerns, health and adjustment problems due to aging and/or life transitions, elevated anxiety issues/athletic performance anxiety problems, depression, bipolar disorder, stress and/or anger management, relationship concerns, divorce adjustment or separation of loved ones, grief/loss, work related problems and educational concerns, women’s issues, and self-esteem deficits.   Kathy’s therapeutic priorities include assisting clients with the ability to gain independence and manage the stress in their lives as well as to improve their overall mental health.  Kathy works at our Wildwood Office,  2634 Highway 109, Wildwood, MO 63040.

Margaret Schicker, LCSW
Clients Served: Adults, Couples and Groups
Specializations: Groups, Sex Offenders, Victims of Sexual Abuse

Margaret Schicker, LCSW, has been with Provident since 2002.  She holds a license in Missouri and Illinois.  She works with a variety of adult clients with mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety to victim issues or couples counseling.  She also works with mandated clients requiring sex offender, addictions or domestic violence treatment.  She is a member of ATSA and MoATSA, drawing upon the research for providing best practices for sex offender treatment and oversees the groups’ programs for Provident. Margaret works at our Central City Office, 2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Angie Sellenriek, MA, LCSW
Clients Served: Children and Adults
Specializations: Dual Diagnosis, Survivors of Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Reactive Attachment Disorder

Angie has worked in the social services field for 25+ years.  She believes in finding the right therapy  for each individual client and is adept in a number of different therapeutic modalities so that she can be flexible in her approach. Her priority is to empower the client so that he/she is able to assume the ultimate responsibility for the treatment process.  Angie has experience with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Perception Therapy and Play and Art Therapy.  Angie is located at our Central City Office, 2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103..

Bailey Wahlquist, MA, LCPC
Clients Served: Adults, Individuals, and Groups
Specializations: Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, Stress Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Group Therapy

Bailey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and began working for Provident in 2011. Prior to coming to Provident, Bailey worked in an outpatient community mental health center in Northern Illinois providing individual, family, and group therapy and crisis services to a variety of client populations. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2006) and Master’s degree in Clinical Adult Psychology (2008) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Bailey particularly enjoys treating anxiety disorders, as stress and anxiety contribute to medical and health problems. By treating the anxiety, psychotherapy is also improving one’s overall health and well-being. Bailey is located at the Illinois Office, 141 Market Place, Suite 206, Fairview Heights, IL. 62208.

Maria M. Watkins, ATR-BC, LPC (Missouri), LCPC (Illinois)
Clients Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Couples and Families
Specializations: Art therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Psychotherapeutic Approach, Grief Counseling, Anger Management and Social Skills 

Maria has been a therapist with Provident since May of 2000.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Illinois and a board-certified Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

In addition to the specializations listed above, she is also experienced in dealing with children who have been abused and those recovering from trauma, depression and anxiety.  She also provides support to parents whose children have ADHD and other emotional/behavioral disorders.  Her work experience is broad, ranging from schools and community health clinics to in-patient and outpatient therapy agencies.  Maria works primarily out of the Jefferson County Office, 3675 W. Outer Road, Suite 203, Arnold, MO 63010.

Jessica Williams, MA, PLPC
Clients Served: Adults, Adolescents and Children
Specializations: Family issues, Parenting and Blended Families, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Relationship Issues, Anxieties, Phobias, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Bereavement, Depression, Learning Disabilities, Chronic Stress, Coping with Life Transitions, and Support for Caregivers

Jessica practices therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.  She has a passion for helping others, whatever their challenges may be, from coping strategies to goal-setting, organization, relationship issues, family issues, divorce, and parenting, to name a few.  She has extensive experience working with children and adults who are in conflict or crisis. She mediates with couples, siblings, and parents to find alternative solutions to problems and has also worked with the elderly in various settings.  Jessica’s therapeutic modalities are based on what style best fits each individual client.  Furthermore, she strives to be empathetic with each client, and assesses their situation with an active listening, non-judgmental ear.  Jessica works out of the Jefferson County Office at 3675 West Outer Rd. Suite 203 Arnold, MO 63010.

Kati Williams, MSW, LCSW
Clients Served: Children and Adolescents
Specializations: Depression, anxiety, grief/loss, social skills, self-injury, adolescent issues, abuse,  school based consultation

Kati is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. She has a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Denver and a Master’s in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis with a specialization in direct practice with children, youth, and families.  Kati is also a certified school social worker (IL).

Kati has worked as a crisis counselor, school social worker, clinician and homeless coordinator in local area school districts. Her therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to make positive changes their lives, while also developing the necessary skills to lead a more productive and healthy life.  Kati works at our West County Office, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Gwendolyn Anderson, Clinical Supervisor, BSW
Clients Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children
Specializations: Supervision and case management

Gwendolyn has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Non-Profit Administration at Lindenwood University. Gwen became a part of the Provident family in October 2007.  Previously she worked as a Child Abuse and Neglect Investigator for St. Louis City Children’s Division and a Career Counselor for Nu-Way Truck Driving Training Center.. Gwen believes that helping families to "juggle the many balls that life throws their way" is the key to sustainability.  Gwen works at three locations:  Central City, 2650 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103; West County, 12755 Olive, Suite 115, Creve Coeur, MO 63141; and Jefferson County Office, 3675 W. Outer Rd., Arnold, MO 63010.

Mitchell Ure, MSW
Clients Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children
Specialization: Clinical Case Management

Mitchell has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Religion and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Health/Mental Health. He works at the Jefferson County Office: 3675 W. Outer Rd., Ste. 203, Arnold, MO 63010.

Jennifer Washington, MA,  PLPC
Clients Served: Adults, Seniors, and Groups
Specializations: Case Management, Groups, Sex Offender, Addictions, Depression, Solution Focused Therapy

Jennifer is a new addition to the Provident team; earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kentucky State University, and her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University.  Jennifer serves the community in dual roles which includes case management and clinician duties with an emphasis in sex offender treatment. Jennifer has written and published a motivational book entitled I Needed This; it’s her desire to empower and uplift the community in which she serves.