ABOUT COUNSELING AND CONSULTING

Rita Vennetti is the founder of Leading Lantern Counseling and Consulting. Rita is a licensed professional clinical counselor and a certified clinical trauma professional. Rita has over 25 years of experience in working with adults, couples, and families. Rita treats depression, anxiety, self-esteem, abuse issues, and childhood disorders. She specializes in grief and trauma. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and is trained in early childhood development. 

Evelyn is a licensed professional clinical counselor and a chemical dependency counselor assistant. Evelyn uses a client-centered approach and provides a non-judgmental atmosphere. Evelyn has experience treating individuals with dual diagnoses, and working with couples and families. She also treats children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. Evelyn is a gender-affirming counselor who has experience working with LGBTQ + population. Treatment methods include CBT, DBT, and positive psychology. 

Diane Yossef is a licensed professional counselor with experience in treating teens and adults experiencing grief, anxiety, anger, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma. Diane earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from YSU, a Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University, and a Master of Science in Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from YSU. She believes in a holistic approach and draws from various therapeutic modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR and IFS. 

Ronald is a licensed professional counselor. He has worked with children in the foster and residential care systems, adults and adolescents managing trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and stress. Ronald also works with couples and families. Ronald utilizes several approaches when working with clients, including CBT, person-centered therapy, & DBT. He enjoys helping clients recognize irrational patterns of thinking and counterproductive core beliefs. He meets every client where they’re at, and puts empathy and compassion at the forefront of the counseling relationship. 

Gale is a licensed social worker with over 25 years of experience working in many areas of mental health: drug and alcohol abuse, dual diagnosis, emergency services, compliance courts, probation investigations, and private practice. She utilizes CBT, DBT, MI, positive psychology, and behavioral techniques. She works with children, teens, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, family/marital issues, ADHD, grief, abuse, and chronic health problems.  

Kristin is a counseling trainee at Youngstown State University, where she is completing her final year in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both Criminal Justice and Mental Health Psychology. Kristin has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly in both individual and group settings as well as with juveniles and adults in the criminal law system. Kristin utilizes treatment methods including CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, and faith-based counseling. 

Olivia is a counselor trainee working towards her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Youngstown State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Youngstown State University. Olivia has experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with behavioral and neurodevelopmental disabilities in ABA clinics. Olivia utilizes treatment methods including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques. 

Mike Morris is a counselor trainee at Youngstown State University. He has a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a focus in communications. He is a former football player at Youngstown State and has experience with athletic issues. Mike also has experience working with children, coaching sports. Mike treats anxiety, depression, and anger using CBT and REBT. He is empathetic and enjoys creating meaningful connections with his clients. Mike is always looking to positively push clients to their goal and to give them the proper support they need.