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IMHC Founder & President
Olya Zaporozhets, PhD, Founder & President, IMHC & UIT
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 th
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 several nonprofit organizations. As a professor in the School of Psychology and Counseling at Regent University, she directs two institutes: The Ukraine Institute for Education in Psychology and Counseling; and The Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity. She also co-founded, with Dr. Oksana Syvak, The Center for Psychological Counseling and Trauma Therapy “Open Doors”, as well as created the Int’l Institute of Postgraduate Education, an accredited postgraduate degree program, both of which are in Ukraine. Their umbrella organization – The Association for Psychological Counseling & Trauma Therapy – Ukraine, founded in Kyiv in 2020, is dedicated to providing quality mental health services and training future professionals in the use of advanced approaches and standards of trauma therapy. Olya’s mission is ensuring Ukrainians receive the best trauma-informed trained therapists to help them navigate their mental health needs.
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)
IMHC Fundraising Team
Larry Clayton - Fundraising Director
I am excited to be a part of the Ukraine Institute of Trauma-therapy (UIT) and International Mental Health Counseling (IMHC). As a combat veteran who grew up in extreme poverty and one who suffers daily from PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury, I have a personal understanding of War and Trauma. As a public school teacher and a student of clinical mental health, I learned firsthand how sustained trauma can destroy soldiers, families and have lifelong effects on children. Please help us as we work tirelessly to bring relief to the Ukrainian people. People who are suffering daily and who are unwillingly bound in the throngs of war. PLEASE HELP US as we look for a variety of ways to raise the necessary funds to build a much needed trauma center that will benefit all Ukrainian people. We appreciate your resources, your fund raising ideas and your prayers for our success in the coming year. Thank you! God bless. Larry Clayton, Warrior for God.
“Semper Fidelis”
Svitlana Beltyukova. PhD - Fundraising Administrator
I am honored to serve as the fundraising administrator for IMHC & UIT. Born and raised in Ukraine, I speak Ukrainian and maintain a deep cultural connection with my country. My heart is with the people of Ukraine, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire me. This role at IMHC is both professional and deeply personal, allowing me to give back by serving as a liaison between the American and Ukrainian teams and helping IMHC & UIT build sustainable, culturally responsive mental health support for families and communities in need. While I continue my work as a university professor in the United States, I am proud to contribute my skills, lived experience, and commitment to advancing IMHC & UIT’s mission and lasting impact.
“Dum Spiro Spero!”
IMHC Board
David Daulton, JD
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
David Daulton, JD
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.
Kathy Erwin, PhD
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
David Daulton, JD
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.
Oksana Syvak, MD
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
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.
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
Jaqueline Smith, EdD, LPC, LPCC
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 Officers
Deanna Towns, PhD, LPC - Secretary
Andreas Bienert, PhD, LPC - Treasurer
Andreas Bienert, PhD, 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.
Andreas Bienert, PhD, LPC - Treasurer
Andreas Bienert, PhD, LPC - Treasurer
Andreas Bienert, PhD, 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.
IMHC Advisory Team Members
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
New Jersey
UIT Campaign Committee & Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
GINA BERKEMEIER
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
Missouri
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
LARRY CLAYTON
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
LARRY CLAYTON
Virginia
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
SCOTT FOX
LINDA LEITCH ALFORD, PhD
LARRY CLAYTON
Virginia
UIT Campaign Committee Team Member
MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA, PhD
MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA, PhD
MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA, PhD
Illinois
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
JOSHUA KRIEMEYER, PhD
MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA, PhD
MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA, PhD
Spain / Ukraine
Veteran Liaison & Military Family Retreat Coordinator
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
CINDY PALEN, PhD
MANDY KELLUMS-BARAKA, PhD
CINDY PALEN, PhD
Arkansas
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
LISA RAMSEY, PhD
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
Missouri
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
Colorado
Open Doors Supervision
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
KAITLYN STAFFORD, PhD
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
KAITLYN STAFFORD, PhD
Florida
UIT Campaign Committee & Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
MICHELL TEMPLE, PhD
CORIE SCHOENEBERG, PhD
KAITLYN STAFFORD, PhD
Colorado
Ukraine Aid Coordination Team Member
Our Team in Action
Our Partner Organizations
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.
Capital Campaign Lead Partner
Ukraine Partner, Lead for Building Project
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
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 Ukrainian 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.