Meet Our Counselors
Tom Russell, Life Coach (Mansfield)
Tom is Founder of HCCM, and has recently transitioned into Life Coaching.
After teaching school for eleven years, he began counseling in 1996. He works with individuals and families as they deal with life's challenges.
Tom has a Bachelors of Education degree from Ohio State, a Masters of
Education degree from Ashland University, and a Masters of Pastoral and
Clinical Counseling from Ashland Seminary.
He has been married to Kathy (Thomas) since 1975, and they have four
children and nine grandchildren.
Tom is Founder of HCCM, and has recently transitioned into Life Coaching.
After teaching school for eleven years, he began counseling in 1996. He works with individuals and families as they deal with life's challenges.
Tom has a Bachelors of Education degree from Ohio State, a Masters of
Education degree from Ashland University, and a Masters of Pastoral and
Clinical Counseling from Ashland Seminary.
He has been married to Kathy (Thomas) since 1975, and they have four
children and nine grandchildren.
Laura Byrom, MSW, LSW (Mansfield)
Laura has worked at Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries since 2012. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University and her Masters of Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College (now University).
Over the years Laura has worked with diverse populations in multiple settings. She has lived and worked in Ohio, California, Upstate New York, the Bronx New York, and New Jersey. She has worked with children and families, adoption and foster care, and has lived overseas for seven years as an International Worker for a missions organization.
Currently, Laura primarily focuses on serving those 18 years and older who might be struggling with Anxiety and Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief, Low Self Esteem, ADHD, Pregnancy Loss, Still Birth, Codependency, Living Overseas and Re-entry, and navigating Life Transitions. As a pastor's wife, and as a woman in ministry, Laura seeks to encourage other pastor's wives and those ministering within their churches to identify and prevent burnout, along with being renewed and refreshed so they can continue to minister God's love.
She loves to focus on setting healthy boundaries and encourages the development of positive communication skills within relationships and marriages.
Laura lives with her husband, Eric (married in 1999) and their three children and three pets.
Laura has worked at Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries since 2012. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University and her Masters of Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College (now University).
Over the years Laura has worked with diverse populations in multiple settings. She has lived and worked in Ohio, California, Upstate New York, the Bronx New York, and New Jersey. She has worked with children and families, adoption and foster care, and has lived overseas for seven years as an International Worker for a missions organization.
Currently, Laura primarily focuses on serving those 18 years and older who might be struggling with Anxiety and Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief, Low Self Esteem, ADHD, Pregnancy Loss, Still Birth, Codependency, Living Overseas and Re-entry, and navigating Life Transitions. As a pastor's wife, and as a woman in ministry, Laura seeks to encourage other pastor's wives and those ministering within their churches to identify and prevent burnout, along with being renewed and refreshed so they can continue to minister God's love.
She loves to focus on setting healthy boundaries and encourages the development of positive communication skills within relationships and marriages.
Laura lives with her husband, Eric (married in 1999) and their three children and three pets.
Linda Emerson, LISW (Virtual)
Linda has a Masters Degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and
attended Northeastern Seminary. She has worked in missionary
service and been a pastor's wife for many years.
She has worked in schools, churches, and Christian counseling
settings, and works well with couples, families, and individuals
from age four through the elderly years.
Linda has been married to her high school sweetheart, Charlie, for
44 years, and they have three children and six grandchildren.
Linda has a Masters Degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and
attended Northeastern Seminary. She has worked in missionary
service and been a pastor's wife for many years.
She has worked in schools, churches, and Christian counseling
settings, and works well with couples, families, and individuals
from age four through the elderly years.
Linda has been married to her high school sweetheart, Charlie, for
44 years, and they have three children and six grandchildren.
Jeaneen Perry, LPCC-S (Shelby)
Jeaneen earned her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Profession
Counseling degrees through Liberty University. She has worked in
Community Mental Health with at-risk adolescents in residential settings,
in long term care, and in private practice. She works with pre-adolescents,
adolescents, and adults dealing with a wide range of issues including, but
not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, grief, low self-esteem
and neurocognitive difficulties.
Jeaneen desires to assist individuals in finding emotional and spiritual
restoration and health. By providing education and guidance she hopes to assist clients in understanding and restoring their mental health. Whether through individual sessions, or marriage or family sessions emotional and spiritual health is essential to life.
Jeaneen and her husband Monty (Dale) have two adult children and two grandchildren. They feel blessed to have assisted in raising several other
children whom always hold a place in their heart and family. Together, on this journey, they believe in the importance of marriage and family unit.
Jeaneen earned her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Profession
Counseling degrees through Liberty University. She has worked in
Community Mental Health with at-risk adolescents in residential settings,
in long term care, and in private practice. She works with pre-adolescents,
adolescents, and adults dealing with a wide range of issues including, but
not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, grief, low self-esteem
and neurocognitive difficulties.
Jeaneen desires to assist individuals in finding emotional and spiritual
restoration and health. By providing education and guidance she hopes to assist clients in understanding and restoring their mental health. Whether through individual sessions, or marriage or family sessions emotional and spiritual health is essential to life.
Jeaneen and her husband Monty (Dale) have two adult children and two grandchildren. They feel blessed to have assisted in raising several other
children whom always hold a place in their heart and family. Together, on this journey, they believe in the importance of marriage and family unit.
Leah Smith, MA, LPCC-S (Ashland)
Leah and her husband, Tyler, are the owners of HCCM.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Harding
University and received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. She specializes in
working with adolescents with low self-esteem concerns as well as
depression and anxiety. Leah also specializes in working with the
Plain Community and has had experience treating Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder and trauma.
Leah has been married to Tyler since 2009 and they have three
children.
Leah and her husband, Tyler, are the owners of HCCM.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Harding
University and received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. She specializes in
working with adolescents with low self-esteem concerns as well as
depression and anxiety. Leah also specializes in working with the
Plain Community and has had experience treating Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder and trauma.
Leah has been married to Tyler since 2009 and they have three
children.
Tyler Smith, LPC (Ashland)
Tyler and his wife, Leah, are the owners of HCCM.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Bible at Ohio Valley
University and received his Master's in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. He specializes
in working with those struggling with depression and anxiety.
Tyler has a passion for working with marriage and family
concerns. He also has a passion to help those who are
suffering spiritually.
Tyler has been married to Leah (Nowlin) since 2009, and they
have three children. He is also the Youth Minister at the
Ashland Church of Christ.
Tyler and his wife, Leah, are the owners of HCCM.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Bible at Ohio Valley
University and received his Master's in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. He specializes
in working with those struggling with depression and anxiety.
Tyler has a passion for working with marriage and family
concerns. He also has a passion to help those who are
suffering spiritually.
Tyler has been married to Leah (Nowlin) since 2009, and they
have three children. He is also the Youth Minister at the
Ashland Church of Christ.
Leonard Robinson, D.Min, LPPC-S
(Mansfield, Shelby)
Lenny's interests in professional healthcare began in his early
formative years; at about 10 years old. He wandered around
with a plastic stethoscope and mallet, checking the heart and
limbs of his first sibling, a boxer named Lad, applying the
mallet to his joints to be sure his reflexes were in first class
fighting trim. He has since realized the risk of getting around his
teeth and claws. Alas, some efforts to help involve more risk
than others.
By God's grace Lenny overcame many debilitating effects of racial oppression. He scaled the ghetto wall of the 60's and 70's in
Cleveland. He earned a Bachelor's Degree at Ohio Wesleyan University in Social Welfare, and a Master's Degree from the Emerge Counseling program at Ashland Theological Seminary. He also completed a D. Min. in Formational Counseling. His doctoral research interests emerged out of the ground of desire to do psychotherapy with emphasis on helping a person discover how their faith is related to their feelings and emotions. His other interests are in trauma-informed psychotherapy, Couple's and Family Therapy, and Behavioral Risk Assessment, involving forensic mental health intervention.
Bob Buford, LPCC-S (Mansfield,
Ashland)
Bob has worked as a professional counselor since 1992. He was
a pastor for 18 years, and a life coach for those re-entering society
for 16 years. Bob specializes in working with individuals, marriage
and family, as well as having experience dealing with anger and
domestic violence issues.
Bob graduated from LIFE Pacific University with a B.A. in Bible and
Biblical Languages, and Ashland Seminary with a Masters in
Pastoral Counseling, as well as a Masters in Spiritual Formation.
Bob has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, since 1981. They have two married adult sons and one grandchild. He is blessed to be able to babysit his granddaughter at least once a week. Bob is an avid wildlife photographer, especially birds, and loves being out in creation (nature). He and his wife enjoy hiking together.
Ashland)
Bob has worked as a professional counselor since 1992. He was
a pastor for 18 years, and a life coach for those re-entering society
for 16 years. Bob specializes in working with individuals, marriage
and family, as well as having experience dealing with anger and
domestic violence issues.
Bob graduated from LIFE Pacific University with a B.A. in Bible and
Biblical Languages, and Ashland Seminary with a Masters in
Pastoral Counseling, as well as a Masters in Spiritual Formation.
Bob has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, since 1981. They have two married adult sons and one grandchild. He is blessed to be able to babysit his granddaughter at least once a week. Bob is an avid wildlife photographer, especially birds, and loves being out in creation (nature). He and his wife enjoy hiking together.
Judy Culler - LPC (Mansfield)
Judy graduated from Ashland University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from Ashland Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Clinical Counseling. Her focus is on working with women in the areas of anxiety, depression, self-concept and grief. She is also trained in the Prepare Enrich program for premarital counseling.
Judy has been married to her husband, Andy, for over 40 years and has two children and five grandchildren.
Judy graduated from Ashland University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from Ashland Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Clinical Counseling. Her focus is on working with women in the areas of anxiety, depression, self-concept and grief. She is also trained in the Prepare Enrich program for premarital counseling.
Judy has been married to her husband, Andy, for over 40 years and has two children and five grandchildren.
Christine Mangette, LSW (Shelby)
Christine is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio. She received her BSSW in 1985, at Bowling Green State University. She brings 11 years of experience in mental health, having worked in Community Mental Health for children and adults, Intensive Day Treatment/Alternative School for K-12th grade, and Residential treatment for adolescents. In addition, she has 15 years of experience with Children and Family Services.
Christine is available to provide individual counseling to clients ages 10 to 99 experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment, and Trauma. She also provides Marriage Counseling. She believes in empowering clients to make healthy changes in their lives by building strength and confidence. Experiencing their journey and witnessing positive changes are humbling and rewarding for her
Christine has been married for 32 years, has 4 children: three grown and one still at home. She is excited to become a grandmother for the first time this winter. Christine has been a Christ follower since 1986. Her faith in Jesus Christ is essential to her mission and approach in counseling.
Christine is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio. She received her BSSW in 1985, at Bowling Green State University. She brings 11 years of experience in mental health, having worked in Community Mental Health for children and adults, Intensive Day Treatment/Alternative School for K-12th grade, and Residential treatment for adolescents. In addition, she has 15 years of experience with Children and Family Services.
Christine is available to provide individual counseling to clients ages 10 to 99 experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment, and Trauma. She also provides Marriage Counseling. She believes in empowering clients to make healthy changes in their lives by building strength and confidence. Experiencing their journey and witnessing positive changes are humbling and rewarding for her
Christine has been married for 32 years, has 4 children: three grown and one still at home. She is excited to become a grandmother for the first time this winter. Christine has been a Christ follower since 1986. Her faith in Jesus Christ is essential to her mission and approach in counseling.
Jamie Wright, LSW (Shelby)
Jamie received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Bowling Green in 2013. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work Master's program through Ohio University. She has several years experience working with children and families, as a Help Me Grow home visitor and CASA worker in Huron county, as well as in office and school-based counseling services.
Jamie's main area of concentration is Play Therapy and other children's therapies. She has experience working with crisis interventions, addiction issues and trauma.
Jamie has one son and three beautiful cats.
Olivia Covert, M.Ed., LPC (Mansfield)
Olivia is from Upstate New York, but went to college in Ohio and graduated from Kent State in 2018 with her Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to complete her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Kent State and graduated in 2020.
Since graduation, Olivia has worked with all ages, but specializes in adolescents. She is trained and certified in play therapy to work with children ages 2-10 years old. Olivia has experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and adjustment disorders. She has training in child-centered non-directive Play Therapy, and often utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-focused Therapy.
Olivia now lives in Ohio with her husband, Zak, two cats, and a new puppy!
Marirae Frankenfield, MSW, LISW (Mansfield)
Marirae is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with five years of experience in clinical social work and 30 years in general social work. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University in 1973 and her Master's in Social Work from The Ohio State University in 2016. She received post master's training at the Cleveland Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 2016 and her therapeutic approach is CBT as she works with anxiety, depression, and trauma, along with other mental health disorders. Marirae also offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She works with adults 18 years and up.
Marirae has been married for 45 years, and has three grown children and three grandchildren. She and her husband, Greg, are committed Christians and attend and serve at Grace Fellowship Church in Mansfield.
Marirae is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with five years of experience in clinical social work and 30 years in general social work. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University in 1973 and her Master's in Social Work from The Ohio State University in 2016. She received post master's training at the Cleveland Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 2016 and her therapeutic approach is CBT as she works with anxiety, depression, and trauma, along with other mental health disorders. Marirae also offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She works with adults 18 years and up.
Marirae has been married for 45 years, and has three grown children and three grandchildren. She and her husband, Greg, are committed Christians and attend and serve at Grace Fellowship Church in Mansfield.