His commitment to Shelter Care is based upon his Christian faith and his desire to provide quality leadership to a program that is designed to meet the needs of the many troubled children, youth and families in our community.

 

Joe Rizzo M.A.Ed., PCC-S. – Clinical Director
Joe is responsible for supervising all of Shelter Care's residential programs and overseeing the new Treatment Foster Care program.  Joe began his time at Shelter Care in 1996, as an intern and quickly developed into an excellent therapist. He then took his energy to the Director’s position of Safe Landing in 1998. Joe has a B.A. in Psychology, and a M.A.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Akron.




Diane Gingo M.A.Ed., PC – Director of Treatment Services, Girls Shelter Home Program
Diane performs all of the individual and family therapy duties in the girls Shelter Home program. She has faithfully been with Shelter Care since 1983, with prior experience working with the Summit County Children Services Board as a protective service caseworker. Diane has a B.A. from Kent State University in Corrections, and a M.A. Ed. From the University of Akron in Community Counseling: emphasis on Marriage and Family.
 

Dean Cunningham, M.A., PCC - Director of Treatment Services, Boys Shelter Home Program  
Dean is the primary individual and family therapist for the boys in the long term Shelter Home program. He also directs the Respite Home Program. Dean has been with Shelter Care since 1993, also serving as a houseparent for 5 years. Dean has a B.A. from Moody Bible Institute in Bible Theology, and a M.A. in Counseling from Denver Seminary.
 

Cindy Murphy M.A.Ed., PC – Case Manager, Girls Shelter Home Program
Cindy manages the activities of the girls in the Shelter Home Program, and supervises the houseparents in the Girls Shelter Home Program. She graduated from Malone College with a B.A. in Business Management and a M.A. Ed from the University of Akron in Community Counseling in 2003. Cindy received her license as a professional counselor in May, 2006 and has been with Shelter Care since 2002.   
 

Mike Johnson, M.A., PC - Case Manager, Boy’s Shelter Home Program

Su Hunt, M.A.Ed., PCC-S – Director, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Girls
Su has been with Shelter Care since 1983, serving first as a therapist, and then the director of Safe Landing Shelter for Girls. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio University, and a M.A.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Akron.
 

Bridget Weidenborner- M.A., LSW, PCC - Counselor, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Girls

Bridget joined the Safe Landing Youth Shelter staff in 2005.  She graduated from the University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts in Mental Health/Human Services in 1986.  She graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio with a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counseling.  Bridget recently adopted a baby girl from Guatemala.

Joanna Brown - M.S.Ed., PCC - Director, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Boys
Joanna began her career in the social services field at Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Girls in 1995. She has a B.S. in Child and Family Development from Bowling Green State University, and a M.S.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Akron. At Safe Landing, she has served as Group Life Supervisor, Counselor, and her current role as Director.
 

Dan Tousely – M.A.Ed., PC- Counselor, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Boys

Dan provides individual and family therapy at Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Boys.  Dan has a B.S. in Youth Ministry from Valley Forge Christian College and an M.A.Ed. in Community Counseling from Malone College.

Hollie Ashworth M.A. - Volunteer Coordinator/Spokesperson for Safe Landing Youth Shelters

Mary Kay Dotterer – M.A.Ed., PCC – Director, The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Home
Mary Kay provides individual as well as family therapy to the girls at The Highlands. She has been involved with Shelter Care for over 16 years, serving first as a volunteer, and staff member at Safe Landing before becoming a counselor there. Mary Kay has a B.A. in Psychology, and a M.A.Ed. from the University of Akron.

Carrie Sensius - M.A., PCC, NCC - Individual and Family Counselor, The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Home

Support Staff

Sue Hartney – Licensing Coordinator

Sue came to Shelter Care in 1990. She started as a Administrative Assistant and Receptionist. Her duties continued to grow and her expertise in licensing saw way to a new, full time position.

Jeanne Sobul – Bookkeeper

Jeanne came to Shelter Care with the office! Really, in 1982 Shelter Care acquired the office space where she worked. Dave Fair (then Executive Director) asked her to stay and become his secretary. Jeanne quickly assumed the bookkeeping role and is absolutely invaluable. If we need to know anything, we ask Jeanne.

Regina Thompson – Bookkeeping Assistant

Regina has become an integral part of our structure, helping to assure we're "balanced".  She has been with us since January, 2004.

Debbie Vogel – Receptionist

When you call us, it will be Debbie who will assist you first. She has been with us since February, 2007.

Dave Pickens – Maintenance Supervisor

In January, 1983 Dave was hired to do maintenance work on the then six facilities. Over the years, we grew in size and complexity and Dave has become the "Everything" guy, from light bulbs to managing information services. He has been heard saying "If it's broke, I can fix it, if I can't fix it, it's not broke." (We think he heard that in the Navy.)

Dawn Swanson – Administrative Supervisor, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Boys

Dawn began her career at Safe Landing as an intern in 1998.  She was hired on as a staff member at the completion of her internship and assumed her current role as Administrative Supervisor in 2000.  She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Corrections with a Minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Akron. 

 Lynn Smith – Administrative Supervisor, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Girls

Lynn has been a member of the Safe Landing team since 1993 serving as a Group Life Supervisor.  In 1998, she moved to her current role as Administrative Supervisor at Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Girls.  Lynn obtained an Associates Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron.