IMHC Staff
Dr. Olya Zaporozhets, Founder & President, IMHC & UIT
Carrie Ann Alford, US Project Manager, UIT Capital Campaign
Carrie Ann Alford, US Project Manager, UIT Capital Campaign
Olya is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Ohio. She's taught in Ukraine since 2005, and at Regent University in Virginia Beach for over a decade. She splits her time between the U.S., Ukraine, and traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East promoting awareness of mental health needs in Ukraine, supporting the EMDR ther
Olya is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Ohio. She's taught in Ukraine since 2005, and at Regent University in Virginia Beach for over a decade. She splits her time between the U.S., Ukraine, and traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East promoting awareness of mental health needs in Ukraine, supporting the EMDR therapy community, consulting with mental health professionals, and conducting fundraising for her many nonprofit organizations. She currently works as an professor in the School of Psychology and Counseling at Regent University where she directs two institutes: The Ukraine Institute for Education in Psychology and Counseling; and The Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity.
In addition to all of that, she founded, along with Dr. Oksana Syvak, The Center for Psychological Counseling and Trauma Therapy “Open Doors”, and created the Int’l Institute of Postgraduate Education [IIPE], an accredited postgraduate degree program, both of which are in Ukraine. Her mission is ensuring Ukrainians receive the best trauma-informed trained therapists to help them navigate their mental health needs. They also created an umbrella organization The Association for Psychological Counseling & Trauma Therapy – Ukraine [APCTT], founded in Kyiv in 2020, dedicated to providing quality mental health services and training future professionals in the use of advanced approaches and standards of trauma therapy. Along with Open Doors and IIPE, there are five other partners of APCTT, please visit the website for the full list: https://www.psycounseling.org/copy-of-our-partners
In her free time she likes to go to the movies, take long motorcycle rides, and visit Biltmore down in Asheville, NC. - her "happy place".
CREDENTIALS:
- Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, The University of Toledo
- M.A. Counseling, Cincinnati Christian University
- Specialist in Practical Psychology & English Language, Melitopol State Pedagogical University (Ukraine)
- Licensure/Certification: Licensed Professional Counselor (VA)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (OH)
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (OH)
- Certified Health Officer in Wood County (OH)
Carrie Ann Alford, US Project Manager, UIT Capital Campaign
Carrie Ann Alford, US Project Manager, UIT Capital Campaign
Carrie Ann Alford, US Project Manager, UIT Capital Campaign
Carrie Ann is an experienced policy professional, consultant, writer and fundraiser with a demonstrated history of bipartisanship in veterans issues at the state and federal levels. She has a track record as a strong community leader and a proven track record in building broad coalitions for policy, nonprofits and capital campaigns.
She
Carrie Ann is an experienced policy professional, consultant, writer and fundraiser with a demonstrated history of bipartisanship in veterans issues at the state and federal levels. She has a track record as a strong community leader and a proven track record in building broad coalitions for policy, nonprofits and capital campaigns.
She comes to IMHC from Gunston Hall the historic home of George Mason, where she was part of a team working on a major capital campaign.
She previously served the Commonwealth of Virginia for 7.5 years (8 legislative sessions) in the Senate of Virginia as aide to state senator Toddy Puller, then as Director of Policy & Planning for the Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services. In 2018, she was nominated for the Professional Women In Advocacy “Excellence in Advocacy for a State Issue Campaign Award” for her role in shepherding a project to replicate the USC Military MSW program at the College of William & Mary as a Military Masters in Counseling.
She lives in Alexandria, VA with her dog Goose, a French Brittany, who is excited to serve as IMHC Chief Morale Officer. In her free time, she sings in the choir at historic Christ Church Alexandria, is active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving her chapter, state society and the national society in several ways, and loves finding time to explore the many museums, historic sites, restaurants and outdoor activities in the Washington, D.C. area.
CREDENTIALS:
- M.P. S. in Legislative Affairs with an emphasis in National Security & Intelligence Policy, Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- Certificate in Advanced International Affairs, emphasis in National Security Policy at The Bush School, Texas A&M University (online)
- Dual B.A. - Mass Communications - Print Media & Bible - Old Testament Literature & Jewish Studies, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL
IMHC Board
Dr. Andreas Bienert, LPC Treasurer
David Daulton, JD Board Member
Dr. Andreas Bienert, LPC Treasurer
Virginia
Andreas is a nationally certified counselor and certified substance abuse counselor, recognized for his work with individuals struggling to recover from addiction and trauma. He is a native of Austria, and his bi-cultural background and focus on Community Mental Health has led him to a number of volunteer opportunities and leaders
Virginia
Andreas is a nationally certified counselor and certified substance abuse counselor, recognized for his work with individuals struggling to recover from addiction and trauma. He is a native of Austria, and his bi-cultural background and focus on Community Mental Health has led him to a number of volunteer opportunities and leadership roles in Ukraine.
Andreas serves as a Steering Committee Member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs, where he represents the development of counselor education for the continent of Europe.
Dr. Deanna Towns, LPC Secretary
David Daulton, JD Board Member
Dr. Andreas Bienert, LPC Treasurer
North Carolina
Deanna has a wide variety of clinical experiences working with adults, children, couples, and families from a trauma informed perspective. She is skilled in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT).
She has extensive experience conducting cross-cultural s
North Carolina
Deanna has a wide variety of clinical experiences working with adults, children, couples, and families from a trauma informed perspective. She is skilled in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT).
She has extensive experience conducting cross-cultural supervision and providing humanitarian aid efforts in Eastern Europe.
David Daulton, JD Board Member
David Daulton, JD Board Member
David Daulton, JD Board Member
Virginia
David and his wife have 14 children, 5 “homegrown” and 9 adopted. One of their birth children and all 9 of their adopted children have Down Syndrome, and include one Ethiopian and five Ukrainians. They have been working with Ukrainian orphanages since 1999, helping people to adopt and sponsoring training programs for children with
Virginia
David and his wife have 14 children, 5 “homegrown” and 9 adopted. One of their birth children and all 9 of their adopted children have Down Syndrome, and include one Ethiopian and five Ukrainians. They have been working with Ukrainian orphanages since 1999, helping people to adopt and sponsoring training programs for children with disabilities and their care-givers. David earned his Juris Doctor degree from Regent University School of Law in 1990. He started Father's Heart, Inc. which sponsors orphans in Ukraine. In 2017 he started Endangered Species Ministries, Inc., which is an educational and advocacy nonprofit organization that promotes the value and importance of children with Down Syndrome, especially in regards to pre-natal testing and genocide.
Dr. Kathy Erwin, Board Member
Dr. Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC, Board Member
David Daulton, JD Board Member
Florida
Kathie has worked in private practice and developed geriatric group programs over the past 28 years. She is the author of six professional books on aging issues and practice development. Dr. Erwin is a Fulbright Specialist for teaching and research at the University of Iceland. She serves as Past President of Florida Mental Health
Florida
Kathie has worked in private practice and developed geriatric group programs over the past 28 years. She is the author of six professional books on aging issues and practice development. Dr. Erwin is a Fulbright Specialist for teaching and research at the University of Iceland. She serves as Past President of Florida Mental Health Counselors Association and Board Member of Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. She has been a team leader with Green Cross in Trinidad, Tobago, India and Romania. Dr. Erwin is a guest lecturer for NordMag Intensives at University of Iceland and the International Institute of Postgraduate Education in Ukraine.
Dr. Oksana Syvak, MD Board Member
Dr. Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC, Board Member
Dr. Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC, Board Member
Ukraine
Dr. Syvak is a co-founder and director of several institutes in Ukraine, including the International Institute of Postgraduate Education, Ukrainian Institute for Traumatherapy, and Center for Psychological Counseling and Traumatherapy “Open Door.” She has served as adviser to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, and as Deputy Ministe
Ukraine
Dr. Syvak is a co-founder and director of several institutes in Ukraine, including the International Institute of Postgraduate Education, Ukrainian Institute for Traumatherapy, and Center for Psychological Counseling and Traumatherapy “Open Door.” She has served as adviser to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, and as Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs for European Integration, where she supervised the direction of physical and mental health of veterans and their families. Dr. Syvak also took an active part in the public sector as an adviser to the Minister of Health, and then as Deputy Minister of Health for European Integration in 2016-2017.
Dr. Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC, Board Member
Dr. Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC, Board Member
Dr. Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC, Board Member
Kentucky
Jacqueline is Counseling Department Chair and an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology & Counseling at Regent University. Smith holds an undergraduate degree in music therapy from Ohio University, and completed both her master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and doctoral degree in Counseling Education and supervi
Kentucky
Jacqueline is Counseling Department Chair and an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology & Counseling at Regent University. Smith holds an undergraduate degree in music therapy from Ohio University, and completed both her master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and doctoral degree in Counseling Education and supervision from the University of Cincinnati. She especially enjoys teaching courses involving skills & techniques and multiculturalism. Smith has more than 30 years of experience in community mental health counseling, Her focus include counseling ethnic/racial minority groups; religion and spirituality in counseling; creative arts in counseling; group work; and counselor training and supervision.
IMHC Advisory Team Members
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
New Jersey
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
GINA BERKEMEIER
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
Missouri
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
LARRY CLAYTON
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
LARRY CLAYTON
Virginia
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
SCOTT FOX
DR. LINDA LEITCH ALFORD
LARRY CLAYTON
Virginia
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
Colorado
UIT Capital Campaign Team Member
DR. MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
Illinois
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
DR. JOSHUA KRIEMEYER
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
DR. JOSHUA KRIEMEYER
Span / Ukraine
Veteran Liaison & Military Family Retreat Coordinator
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
DR. CINDY PALEN
COL. DAVID HALE, JR. (USA, RET.)
DR. JOSHUA KRIEMEYER
Arkansas
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
DR. LISA RAMSEY
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
Missouri
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
Colorado
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
DR. KAITLYN STAFFORD
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
DR. KAITLYN STAFFORD
Florida
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
DR. MICHELL TEMPLE
DR. CORIE SCHOENEBERG
DR. KAITLYN STAFFORD
Colorado
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
Our Team in Action
Our Partner Organizations
Open Doors
Int'l Institute of Postgraduate Education
The Center of Psychological Counseling & Traumatherapy "Open Doors" is a structural unit of the International Institute of Postgraduate Education. Our threefold mission is to Educate, Facilitate, and Advocate for the highest quality mental healthcare services possible in Ukraine. The staff see both veterans and civilians who have endured sexual violence, death, displacement and living in occupied territories.
Open Doors currently manages the in-office and Telehealth mental health services that will become UIT.
Since 2022, Open Doors has provided 24,192 total clinical hours of counseling
with 2,419 clients.
Int'l Institute of Postgraduate Education
Int'l Institute of Postgraduate Education
The International Institute of
Postgraduate Education (IIPE) provides quality education for mental health professionals in accordance with American standards of providing psychological assistance. We teach and accompany with supervision the practice of Ukrainian specialists, who provide psychological help to those who need it qualitatively, responsibly and on the basis of scientifically proven methods.
IIPE is our partner in training the next generation of clinicians and will partner with UIT to produce academic research and best practices for the effective treatment of war trauma.
Regent University
Regent University is the original partner providing doctoral students an opportunity to gain experience, hone skills and give back by partnering with clinicians and students in Ukraine. It is a Christian institution, offering programs accredited by both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) committed to the idea that science and faith do not oppose each other, but in fact, complement one another.
Association of Play Therapy
Mental Health Professionals
Applying the Therapeutic Power of Play! The Association for Play Therapy (APT) is a national professional society established in 1982 to foster contact among mental health professionals interested in exploring and, when developmentally appropriate, applying the therapeutic power of play to communicate with and treat clients, particularly children.
APT is our partner with children's therapy play kits.
Institute of Human Sciences, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University
Institute of Human Sciences is part of the Boris Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University founded in 1903. It offers an excellent combination of long-term traditions and innovative approaches to education, based on European standards.
Razom
Razom for Ukraine was founded in 2014 and is a leading US-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Ukraine. With a robust international network of volunteers and partners, we provide humanitarian aid, and administer programs focused on health, advocacy, civil society and culture. Headquarters are in New York City with offices in Washington, D.C, and Kyiv, Ukraine. Born of a historical imperative when Ukrainians came under direct threat, and Crimea and Donbas were illegally occupied by Russia, the mission conceived then has not changed and indeed, is more salient than ever as we enter our second decade of work to support Ukraine in its quest to be integrated into Europe and the western world order.
Capital Campaign Lead Partner
IMHC is responsible for the U.S.-based fundraising, communications, consulting and strategic planning of the building of UIT campus.
Once UIT is built it will partner with UIT LLC in the education, research and programs directly related to patient care, as well. as promoting the best practices and evidence-based research at UIT.
Ukraine Partner, Lead for Building Project
In Ukraine, nonprofit organizations and charitable funds function a bit differently than in the U.S.
UIT-CF can raise funds for the capital campaign and coordinate with IMHC on the campaign, but cannot provide the programs & services once the building is complete.
Lead Partner for UIT Programs & Services
Lead Partner for UIT Programs & Services
The Ukraine Institute of Traumatherapy, LLC is the for-profit company that will be allowed to run UIT once it is complete and accept fees for services. UIT will provide services on a sliding scale based on patients' ability to pay.
UIT is committed to offering free services to military and veterans, which will be handled by UIT-CF.