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Physicians & Medical Staff

Dr. John Johnson, MD
Dr. Navdeep Purewal, MD
Mary Beth Hein, PA-C
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Dr. Johnson is a Board-certified Psychiatrist with over 30-years of clinical experience. 

 

He specializes in caring for adolescents, adults, and elderly persons with mental illness, intellectual disability, and/or substance abuse challenges. 

 

Dr. Johnson is licensed by the State Medical Board of Pennsylvania in addition to the State Medical Board of Ohio and is a certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

 

In addition to Western Pennsylvania Psych Care, Dr. Johnson is the CEO and owner of numerous medical locations in the state of Ohio.   

 

Dr. Johnson is also passionate about teaching future medical professionals and is currently an Associate Professor with Wright State University.

Dr. Purewal is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

 

In addition to being licensed by the State Board of Medicine in Pennsylvania, he is also licensed in the states of Ohio and West Virginia. 

 

Dr. Purewal is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association. 

 

Dr. Purewal received his Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatric residency at the Medical College of Virginia.  

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Mary Beth Hein is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a special focus in psychiatry.  She earned her degree, with high honors, from Saint Francis University and later completed additional training in psychiatry, achieving the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Psychiatry from the NCCPA.

Mary Beth is passionate about helping people and takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.  She finds it rewarding to support individuals and families as they work through the challenges of mental health.

When she is not at work, Mary Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, their children, and their dog, Leia.

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Outpatient Therapists

Dr. Joseph E. Peters, PsyD
Matthew Maurer, LPC
Victoria Phillippi, LPC
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In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Peters has extensive teaching and supervisory experience in the training of future clinicians and is a professor emeritus of graduate counseling at Geneva College.  He has over 40 years of professional experience; is board certified in clinical psychology; is an approved clinical supervisor; has over 50 presentations and publications; and has served as co-ordinator of an interdisciplinary pain management program, chair of the research and development program, director of clinical psychology training, and president of the medical staff at the Lebanon VA Medical Center.  Dr. Peters' clinical practice utilizes an eclectic, individualized, and personalized orientation and addresses the full spectrum of psychological conditions with particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, trauma and coping with chronic medical illness. *Dr. Peters is currently not accepting new patients.*

Matthew is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with almost a decade in the mental health field working with children, families, and couples of all age ranges.  He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other Evidence Based Psychotherapy Methods to help clients achieve their goals.  By using an eclectic modality of counseling he is able to provide the most effective, treatment for each client, by utilizing a holistic approach and various range of therapeutic approaches; this allows for an individualized approach to help ensure the most current and efficacious treatment methods are being utilized.  Matthew has a flexible schedule, including evening appointments, so that he is able to ensure that his clients are able to receive the care that they need.  Matthew accepts most major insurances, and medical assistance insurances. 

Victoria is a US Army combat veteran that served eight years active duty as a combat medic and a flight medic.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences from American Military University.  She then received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University.  Victoria is the Western PA Psych Care agency director and clinical director for the  outpatient clinic, the school-based programs, and the IBHS program.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Level-II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II).  Victoria specializes in anxiety and depression disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and PTSD counseling for both civilian and veteran/military individuals.   Victoria accepts Optum, Highmark, Aetna, UPMC, Beacon, Cigna, United Healthcare, and MA/BHO. 

Rose Colatriano, LCSW
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Rose is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Slippery Rock State University in 1987. She also graduated with a Master of Social Work Degree in 1995 from the University of Pittsburgh. Rose has been a therapist at Western PA Psych care since 1996.  Rose accepts most health insurances including MA, UPMC, VBH, and Highmark. Rose is not currently accepting new patients, but will open her schedule soon. 

Jennifer Winston, MA

Jennifer earned her BS in Psychology from Penn State University and MA in Counseling  from Slippery Rock University. She provides therapy in our outpatient clinic and also serves in our IBHS program as a BC.  Jennifer has been working at WPPC for 16 years now. Her treatment focus is CBT and DBT  for Anxiety, Depression ,  Adjustment Disorders. She also has a special interest in working with the LGBTQ population. Jennifer accepts medical assistance insurance and is currently taking new patients.

Susan Hughston-Roberts, LCSW

Susan is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She graduated with her bachelor's and master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. Susan has been serving patients in outpatient practice for the past 8 years. She accepts most major insurances, Medicare and Medicaid. 

Timothy Evers, 
MEd.
Valerie Grabowski, LCSW
Dianna Stafford,
MA

Tim is an outpatient therapist working with WPPC for 18 years now. He has over 35 years of experience working in the human services field. He specializes in therapy with clients with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Parent-Child Relationship problems.  Tim also recently obtained a Sex Offender Treatment Provider Certificate through the International Trauma Training Institute (ITTI). Tim presently serves patients through outpatient therapy and School Based Behavioral Health therapy after having done Wrap-Around Services for over 15 years. Tim also is a supervisor and Community Liaison for WPPC working with multiple schools, agencies, and organizations. 

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Valerie is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She earned her master’s in Social Work is from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also worked as an outpatient therapist for Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.  Valerie has been in treating patients in private practice for 26 years.  She is passionate about helping people; she believes that each client possesses the capacity for personal growth, change, and has the right to be happy.  By helping clients realize obstacles to happiness and engaging them to actively work towards improvement, she has helped many people access their happiness within.  Valerie has experience working with all age groups, children to geriatric. 

Dianna is the newest addition to our outpatient staff. She has an associate's degree in education from CCBC, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Washington and Jefferson College, and a master's degree in counseling psychology from Geneva College. Dianna has worked as a Behavioral Specialist for Life Management and Northwestern Human Services where she developed Behavioral Treatment Plans for individuals with Autism and developmental disabilities. She taught in the Psychology department at Robert Morris University and Community College of Beaver County. Before joining WPPC, Diana had a private practice offering CBT for anxiety, marriage and family therapy, grief therapy, and depression.    

Danielle Schotsch, MSW
Denise Dymond, MSW
Todd Bowser,
LPC
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Danielle Schotsch earned a Bachelor of Science degree through Slippery Rock University and holds a Master's Degree in Social Work through the University of Pittsburgh.  She began her career as a Child Welfare Casework and counseled teenagers in foster care to work towards the adoption process.  She is also a published author, as she fell in love with writing and sharing her personal stories to make an impact on her readers.

Danielle was previously employed as a School Social Worker, completed mental health assessments and drug and alcohol assessments, as well as counseling for children and teenagers.  She is currently an addictions counselor in New Castle and as outpatient mental health therapist at WPPC.   She enjoys counseling teenagers who are struggling with peer related stressors, anxiety, depression, and self-harming behaviors.   Danielle also offers counseling for adults that struggle with domestic violence situations, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, miscarriage support, and adults going through relationship stressors, such as separation or divorce.  She accepts medical assistance insurance.

Denise is a dedicated and compassionate licensed social worker committed to supporting clients through life’s challenges with empathy, respect, and collaboration.

Denise holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has built a career centered around advocating for and empowering those navigating complex emotional, behavioral, and relational issues. Her approach is client-led, honoring each individual’s unique story, strengths, and goals in the healing process.

 

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Denise creates a safe, supportive environment where clients—especially children and women—feel seen, heard, and equipped to grow. Whether working with families to strengthen relationships or helping individuals develop coping skills and resilience, Denise brings warmth, insight, and a deep commitment to holistic well-being.

Todd is a Licensed Professional Counselor having received  a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree from Geneva College.  He has been an Outpatient Therapist for over 15 years and works with all ages and diagnoses.

Todd works in our outpatient clinic as well as tour Positive Steps program in two school districts:  Rochester (Tuesdays) and Blackhawk (Thursdays).  He accepts most insurances and has availability in our outpatient clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, both mornings and evenings.

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School-Based Therapists:
Positive Steps

 Lori Bollen,
MS
Angela Parker, LPC
Dawn Brendle, PhD

Lori is the school-based District Supervisor for Rochester Area Schools. She graduated from Geneva College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and earned her master's degree in counseling from Capella University. She has been with WPPC for 17 years and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Lori's main area of focus is anxiety disorders, but she does address other behavioral health concerns. She has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with children and adolescents with mental health needs.  She can be reached at 724-775-7500 ext. 1949 or by email at: bollenl@rasd.org

Angela is the district supervisor and licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the School Based Behavioral Health outpatient office at South Side Area School District. She has been working with WPPC for 18 years.  Angela earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her graduate degree in counseling from the University of California.  She can be reached at: 724.573.9581 ext. 1404 or by email at: aparker@sssd.k12.pa.us.

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Dr. Dawn Brendle is the district supervisor and licensed behavior specialist in the NBASD. She has been working with WPPC for 17 years. Dawn has specialized in autism spectrum disorders and has been providing therapy in this field for 27 years. She has been New Brighton's district supervisor for 10 years. After first earning her bachelor's degree and teaching certificate in elementary education from California Univ of PA, she continued her education at Geneva College where she earned her Master's Degree in Psychology. Dawn then earned her Ph.D in Instructional Management and Leadership and conducted her research for her dissertation on anxiety and depression in teens. To contact Dawn, she can be reached at 724-846-1050 ex. 330 or email: dbrendle@nbasd.org.

Gretchen Ricchino, LPC
Marcie Torreance,
MEd.
Elizabeth Mitch, 
MS
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Gretchen is the school-based lead clinician and licensed professional counselor (LPC) for New Brighton School District.  She graduated with a BA in Psychology from Edinboro University and an MA in Marriage & Family Counseling from Geneva College.  Gretchen has been with WPPC since 2007, initially working in our BHRS program (now IBHS).  She is a trained PCIT therapist, former group supervisor, and outpatient therapy in our Beaver Office.  She enjoys working with different populations and ages as well as using an eclectic approach in treatment.  To contact, Gretchen, please call 

Marcie provides therapy services as the School-Based Therapy District Supervisor for Blackhawk School District for the past six years.  She has a Special Education Degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Master's Degree from NOVA Southeastern University  Throughout the 15 years she has been with WPPC, she was a Behavior Specialist Consultant, Mobile Therapist, Parent Advocate, and Program Director for AVID Learning that provided Early Intervention service.  She is deeply passionate about working with children and teens, especially with helping them navigate challenges and build confidence in themselves.   Marcie also enjoys spending time and traveling with her partner, Mike, and their 4 children.  She can be reached at 724-843-1700 ext. 3600 or email: mtorreance@bsd.k12.pa.us

Liz Mitch is the Elementary District Supervisor for School-Based Behavioral Health outpatient offices in Ambridge School District.  She has been working with WPPC for 13 years.  She earned her BS at Pennsylvania State University and continued on to earn her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Child Development at Capella University.

 

Liz's main focus is anxiety, autism, and attention deficit disorders. She is experienced with children, adolescents, and family counseling.   She can be reached at: 724-266-2833 ext. 7254 or email wppc@ambridge.k12.pa.us

Nicole Krupa, 
LPC
Matthew Belcufine,
LPC
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Nicole is one of the passionate team members apart of the Ambridge school district school-based behavioral health team and outpatient office. Nicole received both her bachelor's degree, bachelor of science, in Psychology and her Master's degree in Counseling with concentration in mental health counseling services at Slippery Rock University. She has been working in the mental health field for over 13 years,

 

Nicole has work experience with children who have been housed in residential treatment facilities, has provided therapy and mental health consultation in the homes and school settings, and has been a dedicated school-based therapist/outpatient therapist for over six years. She specializes in working with children, teens, and adults who have struggles with depression, oppositional defiance disorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, anger, obsessive compulsive disorder, family and relationship difficulties, friendship difficulties, and academic concerns. 

Matthew is a master’s level therapist in the School Based Behavioral Health outpatient office at Ambridge Area School District. He has been working with WPPC for 7 years. 

 

Matthew earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his graduate degree in counseling from Waynesburg University.  He is also a Certified Advanced Addiction & Drug Counselor (CAADC) with 18 years’ experience. Matthew can be reached at matthew.belculfine@wpapsych.comor (724) 266-2833 x7254. 

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IBHS Consultants (BC)and Technicians (BHT)

Janine Boyd,
LBS (BC)
Jenna Sudar,
LBS (BS)
Pamela Smith,
BS (BHT)
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Janine is a licensed behavior specialist, providing services for our Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) program at WPPC.  She has been with WPPC for 13 years.  Janine received her Bachelor's degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her Masters of Science in Psychology from Capella University.  Janine is also certified in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University.

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Jenna is a licensed behavior specialist in the state of Pennsylvania. She attended California University of Pennsylvania in 2012, where she majored in Communication Disorders and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in science.  After graduating, Jenna worked as a TSS (Therapeutic Support Staff) while attending Slippery Rock University, where she majored in Special Education, with an emphasis is Autism.  She graduated with her Masters degree in May of 2016 and  received her Behavior Specialist license shortly after.  

 

Jenna continued to work as a TSS until she was hired as a Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC) and began working at Western PA Psych Care in October of 2016. She is currently a Behavior Consultant (BC) for the IBHS program (Intensive Behavioral Health Services) and a therapist at Blackhawk School District for the school-based outpatient program, Positive Steps. 

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Pam earned her Bachelor of Science teaching degree in special education from California University of Pennsylvania. She went on to teach special education in the public schools and then preschool in a Christian preschool. She also was a learning support aide in a Christian School and privately tutored children. She has been a BHT (Behavior Health Technician) at WPPC for 16 years. She works mainly with children on the autism spectrum (both nonverbal and verbal) and children with behavioral issues.

Denise Clements
BS (BHT)
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Denise Clements is a highly experienced professional with a robust educational foundation in the field of education.   She earned a comprehensive dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University which has equipped her with a deep understanding of diverse learning needs.  For over thirteen years, she has dedicated her career as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), providing targeted and emphatic support.   Denise's area of expertise lies in working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and effectively addressing complex behavioral challenges fostering positive development and improving overall well-being.

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School-Based Therapists:
Positive Steps

 Lori Bollen,
MS
Angela Parker, LPC
Dawn Brendle, PhD

Lori is the school-based District Supervisor for Rochester Area Schools. She graduated from Geneva College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and earned her master's degree in counseling from Capella University. She has been with WPPC for 17 years and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Lori's main area of focus is anxiety disorders, but she does address other behavioral health concerns. She has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with children and adolescents with mental health needs.  She can be reached at 724-775-7500 ext. 1949 or by email at: bollenl@rasd.org

Angela is the district supervisor and licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the School Based Behavioral Health outpatient office at South Side Area School District. She has been working with WPPC for 18 years.  Angela earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her graduate degree in counseling from the University of California.  She can be reached at: 724.573.9581 ext. 1404 or by email at: aparker@sssd.k12.pa.us.

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Dr. Dawn Brendle is the district supervisor and licensed behavior specialist in the NBASD. She has been working with WPPC for 17 years. Dawn has specialized in autism spectrum disorders and has been providing therapy in this field for 27 years. She has been New Brighton's district supervisor for 10 years. After first earning her bachelor's degree and teaching certificate in elementary education from California Univ of PA, she continued her education at Geneva College where she earned her Master's Degree in Psychology. Dawn then earned her Ph.D in Instructional Management and Leadership and conducted her research for her dissertation on anxiety and depression in teens. To contact Dawn, she can be reached at 724-846-1050 ex. 330 or email: dbrendle@nbasd.org.

Gretchen Ricchino, LPC
Marcie Torreance,
MEd.
Elizabeth Mitch, 
MS
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Gretchen is the school-based lead clinician and licensed professional counselor (LPC) for New Brighton School District.  She graduated with a BA in Psychology from Edinboro University and an MA in Marriage & Family Counseling from Geneva College.  Gretchen has been with WPPC since 2007, initially working in our BHRS program (now IBHS).  She is a trained PCIT therapist, former group supervisor, and outpatient therapy in our Beaver Office.  She enjoys working with different populations and ages as well as using an eclectic approach in treatment.  To contact, Gretchen, please call 

Marcie provides therapy services as the School-Based Therapy District Supervisor for Blackhawk School District for the past six years.  She has a Special Education Degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Master's Degree from NOVA Southeastern University  Throughout the 15 years she has been with WPPC, she was a Behavior Specialist Consultant, Mobile Therapist, Parent Advocate, and Program Director for AVID Learning that provided Early Intervention service.  She is deeply passionate about working with children and teens, especially with helping them navigate challenges and build confidence in themselves.   Marcie also enjoys spending time and traveling with her partner, Mike, and their 4 children.  She can be reached at 724-843-1700 ext. 3600 or email: mtorreance@bsd.k12.pa.us

Liz Mitch is the Elementary District Supervisor for School-Based Behavioral Health outpatient offices in Ambridge School District.  She has been working with WPPC for 13 years.  She earned her BS at Pennsylvania State University and continued on to earn her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Child Development at Capella University.

 

Liz's main focus is anxiety, autism, and attention deficit disorders. She is experienced with children, adolescents, and family counseling.   She can be reached at: 724-266-2833 ext. 7254 or email wppc@ambridge.k12.pa.us

Nicole Krupa, 
LPC
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Nicole is one of the passionate team members apart of the Ambridge school district school-based behavioral health team and outpatient office. Nicole received both her bachelor's degree, bachelor of science, in Psychology and her Master's degree in Counseling with concentration in mental health counseling services at Slippery Rock University. She has been working in the mental health field for over 13 years,

 

Nicole has work experience with children who have been housed in residential treatment facilities, has provided therapy and mental health consultation in the homes and school settings, and has been a dedicated school-based therapist/outpatient therapist for over six years. She specializes in working with children, teens, and adults who have struggles with depression, oppositional defiance disorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, anger, obsessive compulsive disorder, family and relationship difficulties, friendship difficulties, and academic concerns. 

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IBHS Consultants (BC)and Technicians (BHT)

Janine Boyd,
LBS (BC)
Jenna Sudar,
LBS (BS)
Pamela Smith,
BS (BHT)
Janine.heic

Janine is a licensed behavior specialist, providing services for our Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) program at WPPC.  She has been with WPPC for 13 years.  Janine received her Bachelor's degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her Masters of Science in Psychology from Capella University.  Janine is also certified in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University.

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Jenna

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Pam earned her Bachelor of Science teaching degree in special education from California University of Pennsylvania. She went on to teach special education in the public schools and then preschool in a Christian preschool. She also was a learning support aide in a Christian School and privately tutored children. She has been a BHT (Behavior Health Technician) at WPPC for 16 years. She works mainly with children on the autism spectrum (both nonverbal and verbal) and children with behavioral issues.

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