Meet Our Team

Elaine A. Malec, PhD is a licensed psychologist. With a collaborative style, she provides an approach that integrates mind, body and spirit. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Doctorate of Counseling Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Malec completed her clinical internship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She has over 25 years experience in the field of psychology. Additional services provided by Dr. Malec include a program specifically designed to address chronic stress and anxiety.

Michele Bowne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with nearly 10 years of experience in the mental health field across a wide range of settings. Michele values using a person-centered, strength-based approach when working with all clients.  She believes in empowering each client in treatment to help them to cultivate their best quality of life.  Michele takes a systemic approach, meaning she considers the influence of family and culture, to understand each individual’s lived experience and how it impacts their mental health.  

Michele specializes in treating individuals who have experienced trauma and believes in always practicing trauma informed care.  She employs evidenced-based approaches in treatment including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Exposure Therapy. Michele always works to create trust in the therapeutic relationship and hold a safe space for her clients to process their experiences and emotions in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Michele attended Towson University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Anthropology. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America.

Debra Myers is Certified in Stress Management and Integral Yoga. She has received close to 500 Yoga Alliance hours.

Ms. Myers provides Corporate Wellness to local businesses and instructs Stress Management for Highmark Insurance Company.

Through her commitment to daily practice of stress management, she has seen significant improvement in her own health challenges involving the immune system. She is dedicated to promoting awareness of the body’s natural ability to relax and respond to stress.

It takes strength & courage to acknowledge personal shortcomings, painful experiences, & life stressors. I commend you for seeking professional help & I would be honored to be part of your journey of healing & self-improvement. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, lesbian, woman of color, & person with chronic health issues. I believe that, in addition to my professional training, these multiple identities & life experiences have enabled me to understand & help a variety of therapy clients. My therapeutic style is collaborative, egalitarian, & non-judgmental. The most significant aspect of treatment is our relationship. I strive to create a safe space where individuals can process their life experiences, figure out who they are / what they value & develop healthier coping skills. I have experience working with individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds & nationalities. As a staff psychologist in university counseling centers, I specialized in treating young adults.

I have helped clients address struggles with anxiety, depression, self-injury, low self-esteem, lesbian/gay/bisexual & transgender identity issues, family relationship difficulties, & eating disorders / negative body image. Lastly, I utilize a wellness / mind-body perspective in helping individuals process receiving medical diagnoses & learning to cope with chronic health conditions.

Rick Miller, M.Ed. is a licensed psychologist with offices in Mars and Mt. Lebanon, PA. His  primary focus has been treating adults with marital issues, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, divorce, and some types of personality disorders. 

With more than 20 years of experience in private practice, he has specialized trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema-Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. Rick also have a background working with biofeedback therapy, relaxation, and stress management. In working with couples, he uses the John Gottman approach to do what healthy couples do as a guide.

Dr. Nicole Brynes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, provides psychiatric medication management, consultation & diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents & adults to help you achieve your highest potential. Perhaps you are interested in learning what medications might be options for you or your loved one, want a second opinion, or are ready to start regular medication management with an experienced provider. Please note that in accordance with the Ryan-Haight Act, I do not prescribe controlled substances (including stimulants or benzodiazepines) to those outside of Pennsylvania.Dr. Brynes has worked at Mayo Clinic, a nationally-renowned Brown University affiliated medical/psychiatric program, and the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Passionate about evidence-based, outcomes-driven care, she has worked with children and adults with mood & anxiety disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, autism, sleep disorders, and trauma.Dr. Brynes works with each individual, family and system to find the right fit for your particular needs - collaborating closely with your therapist(s), family, school, and medical team.

Laura Zajac, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with a dual doctorate in clinical and health psychology.  She provides evidence-based, goal-oriented individual therapy services for adults with various mental health needs, such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. Dr. Zajac has specialized training in behavioral medicine, including assessing and treating insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and emotional distress due to acute and chronic illness, as well as delivering behavior change interventions such as smoking and vaping cessation and weight management. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing.

Dr. Zajac also provides psychological evaluations, including brief neurocognitive screens and presurgical psychological evaluations.

Dr. Zajac earned her doctorate in clinical and health psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the Salem VA Medical Center, and her postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral medicine and primary care mental health integration at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Amanda Tucker, LPC is a licensed professional counselor who provides services to adolescents and adults. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies, Pre-Ministry Concentration from Mount Union College and her Masters of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham College. Amanda has over 15 years of experience working with clients who are experiencing a range of issues including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, crisis management and stress reduction. 

Regina Santelli, PhD is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experiencein varied clinical settings. Dr. Santelli provides insight and solution-oriented psychotherapy for adults coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and related diagnoses. She has a primary, but not exclusive, emphasis on cognitive behavioral, and reality-based interventions.

In addition to out-patient treatment, Dr. Santelli practiced in integrated health care settings, hospitals, and nursing homes. Her experience and interest include working with those who have co-existing medical diagnoses, and in recovery. She has also worked with victims of domestic violence, is familiar with the criminal justice system, and the medical community.

Having worked with different cultures, ethnicities, and faith-based clients, Dr. Santelli is mindful of a holistic approach, integrating body, mind, and spirit, when addressing problems, healing, recovery, and during life transitions.

Dr. Santelli earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh.
While teaching GED classes she saw the impact emotional/psychological issues may have on all aspects of life’s journey. This led to her pursuing her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Duquesne University.