Meet Our Counselors
Diane Sawyer, MA, BCC
Education
- Master of Arts in Counseling, Liberty University 2005
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Indiana Wesleyan University, 1971
- Transformation Prayer Ministry, 2000 – present
Professional Memberships:
- Member of American Association of Christian Counselors
- Board Certified Christian Counselor (AACC)
- Work extensively with clients who experienced sexual, psychological and verbal abuse.
- Trained in attachment issues related to relational dependency and co-dependency.
- Counseling at the Christian Counseling Center for 23+ years.
- Conducting Transformation Prayer Ministry for 15 years.
- Taught General Music and conducted school choruses in Public Schools for 2 years.
- Married to a pastor for the past for almost 45 years.
- Mother to 4 children and grandmother to 10 grandchildren.
Specialties
- Victims of sexual abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Self-Esteem
- Attachment Difficulties
- Co-Dependency
Laura Ward, MSW, LCSW-R
Licensed Counselor
Credentials:
- Masters of Social Work, Marywood University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-R
Professional Experience and Services: Laura graduated from Marywood University with a Master’s of Social Work. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker. Laura has specialized in training in sexual abuse treatment and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy. Laura has worked with children, adolescents, and adults to help them manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stressors.
Michelle Morante, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Counselor
Credentials:
- Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Music, SUNY Geneseo
- Masters of Social Work, Syracuse University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Professional Experience and Services: Michelle Graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelors of Arts double major in psychology and music; and from, with a Masters of Social Work. She is licensed in New York as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and has experience with individual, couples, family and group therapy in outpatient, day treatment and group home settings.
Doug Hill, BRE
Pastoral & Marriage Counseling
Credentials:
- Bachelor of Arts, Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Professional Experience and Services: Professional experience since 1974 has come in the setting of pastoral ministry. In that setting I have counseled couples in preparation for marriage (pre-martial). I estimate that I have performed more than 100 marriages; also I have and continue to counsel marriages in every stage. We use a tool which starts with a 280 question profile that enables us to objectively examine strengths and weaknesses of relationships. I am trained and accredited to use this tool which is called “Prepare and Enrich”. Other than martial counseling, I have been involved in helping those trapped in substance abuse, pornography, genetic and demonic strongholds: My particular experience is in discipline and or evangelizing men. I consider that my most important credentials are that I have had a personal relations with Jesus since 1955. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Nancy, since 1970, and together we are parents to six adult children and their spouses. To GOD be the glory!
Anna Hoover, Life Coach
Credentials:
- Certified Life Coach
Life Coach Training Institution
Professional Experience and Services:
Because of my passion for seeing people live their lives with contentment and joy I have been mentoring women of all ages for the past 20 years. My goal is to build a strong rapport with clients, explore their needs, and utilize my coaching skills and your strengths to fulfill those needs.
My own life’s journey has been filled with major heartaches/challenges and triumphs. Some of the triumphs include my 17 years of marriage to Bill, raising three children, being the primary caregiver to my mother in law for 18 months, the birth of my five grandchildren and the fulfillment of my 27 years of employment undertakings. Conversely, some of the challenging times included a previously failed marriage, death of my brother and niece and an abortion experience.
This combination of challenges and positive experiences has equipped me to be a small group leader for the past 16 years and has motivated me to attain my certification in Life Coaching. My faith is of utmost importance to me and I strive to keep God at the forefront of everything I do including my coaching endeavors.
Julia Johnson, BA, MA
Counselor
Credentials:
- Seton Hall University
Professional Experience and Services: Julia is a Christian Counselor who obtained her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University. Julia has been working in the mental health field since 2012. Her experience includes individual therapy, inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, substance abuse and research. Julia is under the direct supervision of Christian Counseling Centers Clinical Supervisor, Laura Ward, LCSW-R.