Katharine Oh, Ph.D -- Director of the University Counseling Center
I love working with college students and take a collaborative approach to therapy. Together, we can identify your strengths and roadblocks and find the best ways to help you move forward to be more of yourself. I use gestalt, relational cultural, and feminist therapy to empower students to reach their goals. I received my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. In addition to college and university counseling centers, I have experience working in an intimate partner violence shelter, an eating disorder clinic, and a psychiatric hospital.
Clinical Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Suicide Risk and Self-Harm, Identity and Acculturation, LGBTQ clients, and Asian and Asian American clients
Personal Interests: Reading broadly, weight lifting, cooking new dishes, travelling, and learning about leadership.
Amanda Groves Kopchak, LPCC-S -- Assistant Director of the University Counseling Center
Amanda Groves is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She completed her MA degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University in 2020, and her MA in higher education from Baldwin Wallace University in 2014.
Amanda is trained extensively in evidence-based treatments such as: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her areas of interest include the treatment of anxiety, depression, emotional eating, adjustment and life transitions, academic and career exploration, relationship issues and bereavement.
Amanda has over 10 years of experience working at various colleges and universities across the United States supporting the diverse needs of young adults. In addition to her experience in the collegiate setting, she has worked in the community supporting children and adolescents who have suffered severe neglect and trauma.
Shelby Jones, LPCC-S -- Full-time Staff Counselor
I truly enjoy working alongside my clients to empower and instill positive change. I believe that we all have the power within us to achieve and sustain personal growth and wellness and live the life we ultimately want. With each client, I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where everyone is free to be themselves and work toward their goals. I earned both my bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Ohio State University. In addition to university counseling centers, I have experience working in community mental health agencies, a domestic violence shelter, and private practice.
Clinical Interests: Anxiety, life transitions, athlete issues, relationship concerns, adult children of emotionally immature parents, depression, self-esteem and identity development.
Personal Interests: Watching sports, exercising, exploring new places in Cleveland, cooking, and spending time with my friends, family, partner and dog!
Ophira Dar, LSW -- Full-time Staff Counselor
I feel that it’s truly a privilege to work with clients and hear their stories. As part of this work, I aim to serve as a guide and rely on a collaborative, strengths-based, and inquisitive approach. As a clinician, I’m passionate about creating an accepting and affirming space for all clients. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and education from Barnard College and my master’s degree in social work from The Mandel School at Case Western Reserve University. I have experience working in university counseling, community mental health, and private practice.
Clinical interests: Adjustment and life transitions, trauma, anxiety and depression, minority stress, and cultural identity
Personal interests: Singing, crocheting, art/decorating projects, cooking, and hanging out with my loved ones!
Wanting Zhao, LPC – Part-time Staff Counselor
I believe everyone can instill the change they want, and I am committed to empowering them in therapy. I use Motivational Interviewing within an intersectional cultural competence framework. I combine different counseling approaches to best assist my clients in achieving their goals and fulfilling their mental well-being. I received my master's degrees in Educational Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. In addition to working in college counseling centers, I have experience with community agencies and intensive outpatient groups.
Clinical Interests: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Trauma, Substance Use, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Multiculturality, and LGBTQ+ clients
Personal Interests: Watching movies, hiking, listening to music, and learning new things
Jeannea Cobb, M.Ed. – Doctoral Practicum Counselor
Jeannea Cobb is a second-year Ph.D. student at Cleveland State University. She completed her M.Ed. degree in Psychology from Kent State University in 2021 and her BA in Psychology from Point Park University in 2020. Jeannea has worked in various mental health settings, including psychology research labs, behavioral health private practice, college counseling centers, and community mental and substance abuse agencies. Jeannea seeks to promote a collaborative environment where she can promote therapy as a safe and inclusive space for all.
Clinical interests: identity development, anxiety, depression, family conflict, perinatal mental health within women of color, and interpersonal relationship concerns.
Personal Interests: reading, spending time with friends and family, hiking, DIY projects, Cleveland sports and going to the gym!
Dylan Glover, CT – Counseling Intern
Counseling is collaboration, and what a privilege it is that I am able to work alongside others as they develop the changes they wish to see both in their inner and outer worlds. The foundation of my practice is creating and sustaining the therapeutic relationship; this is one of the most fertile practice grounds for clients to use new skills, broach tough subjects, and explore their vulnerability. I am a Counselor Trainee finishing my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Cleveland State University, and I hold a Bachelor of Psychology from Cleveland State.
Clinical interests: Substance abuse, compulsive sexual behaviors, life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and athlete issues.
Personal interests: I'm a super sports fan, but I have a real love for playing and watching basketball. Go Cavs! I sing in bands, love specialty coffee, lift weights, do yoga, and travel quite adventurously to the furthest reaches of our beautiful world.
Mirriah Wells, CT – Counseling Intern
Mirriah Wells is a Counseling Intern from Cleveland State University, working on her MA in clinical mental health counseling. She currently holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, which she also obtained from Cleveland State University.
From Mirriah: "I desire to create a space where clients can be their authentic selves and work towards their goals; by helping individuals come to their own insight and awareness, which allows them to remain aligned in what they value and truly desire out of life."
Clinical Interests: Trauma victims, Substance use, Anxiety, Perfectionism, Interpersonal relationships issues/skills, Eating disorders, Self-esteem, Children of emotionally immature parents.
Personal Interests: Cooking, Fashion, Art/Creative projects, Reading, Yoga.
Dr. Matthew Andersen -- Psychiatrist
Matthew Andersen, MD, is a general adult psychiatrist with special interests in college mental health, refugee/immigrant mental health and LGBTQ+ mental health. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and psychiatry residency training at Mount Sinai St Luke’s-Roosevelt program in Manhattan, NY. He is an assistant professor for Case Western University School of Medicine and works primarily at University Hospitals Adult Psychiatry clinic.
Mary Beth Kelley – Administrative Assistant
I have been the Administrative Assistant at the Counseling Center since 2007. Prior to coming to John Carroll I held a similar position at CWRU School of Law and was at home for several years navigating the schedules of our five kids. I am fortunate to work in such a welcoming, nurturing environment. I’ve learned so much about adjusting to college, stress management and self-care. I find it rewarding to connect students to the help they need during their time at John Carroll.
Personal interests: I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, reading, and going outdoors in Cleveland when the weather permits.
Alexis Gilan, CT -- Graduate Assistant
It is empowering to assist the University Graduate Center on various outreach projects and ensure a positive and safe space for all individuals as the counseling center Graduate Assistant. My passion for mental health stems from my compassion and desire to advocate for others. I am currently working towards my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at John Carroll University. I am also a counseling intern at Matt Talbot for Men, a dual-diagnosis residential addiction treatment center in Parma, Ohio. I believe counseling spaces should offer empathy, safety, collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility to all individuals.
Personal Interests: Reading, travel, nature walks, coffee, meditation
Clinical Interests: Substance Use Disorders and dual diagnosis, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ+, Eating Disorders, and cultural diversity