Dr. Geith Shahoud, M.D. Psychiatrist, Medical Director

Dr. Shahoud graduated from the University of Damascus in Syria in 1992 and practiced internal medicine for two years before taking up practice in Pittsburgh in 1994. From 1998 to 2001, he practiced internal medicine with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His interest in psychiatry continued to grow while practicing internal medicine.

With the discovery of a program combining the medical aspect with psychiatry offered by the University of Missouri, he decided to move to Kansas City to enroll in the course; Dr. Shahoud graduated in 2004. He remained in Missouri, practicing child psychiatry at the University of Missouri, Columbia until 2007.

In 2008, Dr. Shahoud returned to the Pittsburgh area. He was hired as the Medical Director of Mental Health at Highland Hospital located in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. During this time, he treated adults with issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to mental illness and emotional and behavioral issues. He also treated children with many different behavioral and pervasive development disorders such as Autism or Rhetts.

Dr. Shahoud began working at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital for Children located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; he continues to work there today treating patients with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. In addition, Dr. Shahoud has also worked at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania treating children and adults with many different psychiatric disorders.

In 2009, Dr. Shahoud successfully opened his own private practice, Western PA Behavioral Health Resources, that grew into three locations.

Dr. Raj Narayan, M.D. Psychiatrist

Dr. Raj Narayan is a Psychiatry Specialist. He graduated with honors from University of Toledo College Of Medicine in 2000. His medical training was completed at the Medical College of Ohio and his residency in Psychiatry was completed at the Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh. He has more than 22 years of diverse experiences, especially in Psychiatry. Dr. Raj Narayan considers it a privilege to practice medicine and to offer care to the amazing clients he works with. He especially enjoys the art of integrating science and the healing arts in his treatment of mood disorders, addictions, psychosis, and other disorders that create such great suffering.

 Brittany Stoken, PMHNP, Provider

Brittany began her medical career with Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland in 2009 as a Medical Assistant. She continued her journey with PAW, becoming a Registered Nurse in 2014, along with taking on the role of Clinical Manager. In 2019, she received her master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner from Carlow University. Brittany has always had a special interest in pediatric psychiatry. This led her to seek additional training with Dr. Shahoud so she can help her patients of all ages with mental health needs.

Kaitland Shuster, PMHNP, Provider

Kaitland received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Penn State University. She earned her Master’s Degree and her Doctoral from Carlow University. She is currently working on her Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Regis College. In her spare time she enjoys exercising and photography. Kailand is the founder of a non-profit, One Helping Others. Kaitland is excited to work with and learn from Dr. Shahoud. She has always had a special interest in pediatric psychiatry and wants to be a resource to her patients of all ages with mental health needs.

Christina Thayer, PA-C, Provider

Christina graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She then received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at Emory & Henry College in Marion, Virginia. In 2019, Christina received the Alpha Eta Honors Society Award from Emory & Henry College. She lives in the Irwin area with her husband, Anthony, and their two dogs, Milo and Thor. She enjoys hiking, exercising, and traveling in her free time. Christina is happy to be serving the community she grew up in.

Laura DiNardo, PA-C, Provider

Laura graduated from University of Pittsburgh with her Bachelors of Science in Biology in 2019. She then attended Mercyhurst University and received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies in 2021.

 Tara Comer, PA-C, Provider

Tara graduated from Seton Hill University in 2000. She continued on to become a Physicians Assistant. Tara has practiced Medication Management in the Mental Health field for over 12 years.

Rayannon Scholl, CRNP, FNP, Provider

Rayannon graduated from Clarion University with her Master’s as a family Nurse Practitioner and started her career working in mental health in 2022. She is currently working towards her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Wilkes University and will graduate this November. Rayannon is committed to providing quality care and improving the mental health of all her patients. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults looking to make a change for a better tomorrow.
Rayannon lives in Westmoreland County with her husband, 5 month old son, and two golden retrievers.

Siix Mangery, PMHNP, Provider

Crystal Trasoline, PA-C, Provider

Crystal has been a practicing Physician Assistant for over 20 years, with experience in psychiatry, family practice, urgent care, and drug and alcohol addiction medicine. Additionally, Crystal provides medical education for Physician Assistant students. She is passionate about providing quality mental healthcare to our community, having lived locally for many years. 

The experienced therapists at Alepix are ready to begin the journey with you. Whether it’s a mental health or behavioral issue, we are here for you each step of the way.

Georgina Hilinski, LPC – Clinical Supervisor

Georgina graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2013 with her MA in Community Mental Health Counseling and received her BS in Psychology in 2011 from University of Pittsburgh. Georgina has worked in the mental health field for over a decade, including several years of experience in Outpatient Therapy as a therapist and within various leadership roles. She has also worked in wraparound (IBHS) and Family Based therapy. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, women, and trauma. She is EMDR trained and Trauma Focused-CBT certified. In her free time, Georgina can be found with her nose in a book or spending time with her spouse and her dog.

Jeni Clegg, LPC – Lead Therapist

Jeni has been providing therapy for 20 years. She has an AAS in Criminal Justice, a BS in Administration of Justice/Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.Ed in Community Counseling from Duquesne University. She specializes in treating patients with anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Ketty Johnston, MS

Ketty Johnston earned her BA in Communications from San Diego State University and her MS in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix, San Diego in 2013. Ketty has experience working with children, teens, young adults, couples, and families. Ketty uses various types of psychotherapy models and techniques catered specifically to each individual she serves, including CBT, DBT, SFT, Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology. Ketty incorporates mindfulness in her practice to assist individuals dealing with various forms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Ketty has a passion for helping clients connect with their inner strengths and strive for their greatest potential.

Erika Resnick, BA

Erika graduated from Penn State University in May of 2008 with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Applied Psychology. Erika has worked in the Mental Health field for over 13 years. Her primary focus is working with teens and adults that have Anxiety and Depression. Her previous experience includes working with individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. She has always been fascinated by the human mind and how it works. She really enjoys helping people achieve their mental health goals! Erika is very family orientated! She loves being a mom! She loves animals. Erika has one dog and three cats. She enjoys reading, music, and the beach.

Sami Rivera, MS

Sami graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology in 2014. She then graduated from Carlow University in 2018 with her Master’s in Professional Counseling. She has experience working with children, young adults, and families. Sami has over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in residential settings, in schools, on an inpatient unit, in mobile therapy, and as an outpatient therapist. Sami uses a combination of CBT, client-centered therapy, and play therapy in her sessions.
In her free time, Sami enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Karen Evans, LSW

Karen graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelors Degree in 1990. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work from California University in 2015. Karen earned her LSW degree in 2015. She is EMDR, TF-CBT, and Trauma trained.
Karen has worked in the social work field for over 30 years and is just as passionate about it as she was when she first started her career. As a social worker/therapist, she specializes in helping people who have been through traumatic events or experiences find hope.
When Karen is not at work she likes to read and spend time with her family, which includes her two children and her dogs, Ramirez and Lucky LaRue.

Brendan Donovan, MA

Brendan received his BA and MA in Clinical Psychology from Point Park University and anticipates receiving his Psy.D in Clinical Psychology in 2024. Brendan’s theoretical orientation to therapy stems from an interpersonal, relational, existential, and phenomenological perspective.
Outside of being a therapist, Brendan has worked in community outreach, counseling centers, intensive outpatient and inpatient settings. He is also a musician and a painter.

Alexandra Chirico, LPC

Alexandra graduated from Lock Haven University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy with Minor in Criminology from Slippery Rock University. Alexandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has been working in the mental health field for nearly a decade. Alexandra Has worked extensively with people in the criminal justice system, psychiatric hospital settings, and juvenile justice system. Her primary focus is working with adolescents and adults. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Her approach to therapy is collective and individualized. She uses a combination of Person-Centered, CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.

Alexis Boie, M.Ed

Alexis graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in May 2020 with her BS in Psychology and a minor in Athletic Coaching. She then obtained her M. Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Athletic Counseling from Springfield College in MA. She has spent the past 3 years working with young adult, college, and adolescent populations.
Alexis believes it is important to have a person that will be there for support and be a non-judgmental safe place. She respects the space between therapist and client with the rapport that is being built and working with the client on achieving their goals. She first got interested in providing mental health services through college athletics and continued to expand providing services to other populations and communities.
Alexis uses various interventions and techniques to work with clients on their goals, including SFT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. She believes in a person-centered approach with therapy with focusing on the importance of building a strong client-therapist relationship, as well as concentrating on working with clients towards achieving their goals and needs. Alexis has experience with working with individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and stress.
She is happy to be back home in Pittsburgh and enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, hiking, and watching or attending sporting events.

Jen Gruber, LSW

Jen graduated from California University of PA in 2000 with a degree in Industrial/Organization Psychology. She earned her Masters of Industrial/Labor Relations from Indiana University of PA in 2001. She also earned her Masters in Social Work in 2008 from University of Pittsburgh. Jen is currently working to obtain her LCSW. Jen started working with children and families with mental health and intellectual disabilities in 2004. 

Charles Melton, MA, LAPC

Charles is a nationally certified counselor and member of the American Counseling Association. In 2019, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology-Deviance from California University of Pennsylvania, followed by a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022.  Committed to expanding his knowledge, Charles concurrently pursued a certificate in Substance Use Disorder from Edinboro University in 2022. Notably, he was also inducted into Alpha Epsilon Lambda in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments during his graduate tenure. Charles’s passion for supporting diverse communities is evident in his recent role at a private practice in Pittsburgh, where he specialized in serving the LGBTQIA+ population.

Charles believes in a holistic and integrative approach to therapy, drawing from various evidence-based techniques to provide tailored and effective treatment. His therapeutic approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. His goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can collaboratively explore your concerns, identify patterns, and develop practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. Charles firmly believes in the power of therapy to foster personal growth, resilience, and well-being.

Charles takes great joy in working with a diverse range of individuals, offering his expertise in addressing challenges related to depression, anxiety, life-transitions, gender and sexual identity, and relationship concerns. With a warm and compassionate approach, he tailors his support to the unique needs of each person, fostering a trusting and empowering environment for their journey toward mental and emotional well-being.

Jessie Halapia, MA, LAPC

Now introducing… Alepix Jr.!

Wendy Criner, LPC

Wendy earned her Bachelors of Science in Education in 1989, her Master of Arts in Community Mental Health in 2014, and her LPC in 2021. Although not her first career path, Wendy is glad she followed this passion. Wendy has worked in the field for 28 years. She really enjoys getting to know her clients by working with them to determine how to manage their feelings and emotions and to live a more productive life. She enjoys getting to work with children and young adults because it gives her the opportunity to also work with the parents.
Wendy enjoys her time with her 2 foster children that she adopted, her 4 dogs, and 4 cats. Wendy loves animals, the sunshine, swimming, and being outdoors.

Symantha Cloherty, BA

Symantha graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2021 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. Symantha previously worked with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience working in psychiatric hospital settings. Symantha loves working with people of all ages, but most of her experience is with children and adolescents. She has previously worked with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and mood disorders. She provides support to LGBTQIA+ community and trauma informed care. Symantha enjoys using art and play in her therapeutic approach and individualizes her clients experiences.
Symantha has a passion for wanting to help others better themselves and to reach their full potential. She strives to provide a safe space for clients to process their feelings and thoughts.
In her free time, Symantha likes to spend time outdoors with her dogs Fiona and Bear. She also loves to create art through painting or drawing. Symantha loves art, music, and reading.

Mary Gross, LSW

Mary graduated from University of Pittsburgh with her Masters in Social Work in August of 2022. She earned her Bachelors of Social Work in 2018 from Franciscan University. Mary has previous experience working with children, young adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Mary uses a combination of CBT, DBT, and play therapy in her sessions.
Previously, Mary was an English teacher in Hong Kong.

Melanie Livingston, MS

Our office staff plays a vital role in our practice. From scheduling appointments, to helping with insurance, we couldn’t provide the care and support our patients need without them.

Mallory Clary BA, Office Manager

Lisa, Billing Specialist

Kristen, Insurance Specialist

Tiffany, Provider Liaison

Allison, Front Desk

Terrie, Front Desk

Jen, Front Desk

Katie, Front Desk

Jordan, Front Desk