Lucene Wisniewski, Ph.D., FAED
Practice Founder & Leader
Dr. Lucene Wisniewski (she/her) is an internationally recognized leader in eating disorder treatment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with almost 30 years of clinical, research and training experience. An Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, Lucene has taught hundreds of workshops and continuing education seminars around the world and has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and invited book chapters.
Lucene has pioneered the use of DBT in the treatment of multi-diagnostic eating disorders (MED) and is a sought-after authority on this empirically founded method of treatment, providing consultation and training to clinics around the globe. She is the co-author of the MED-DBT Treatment Manual to be published in 2025 with Guilford Press.
Lucene has earned some of the highest awards and accreditations in the field. She has been elected fellow by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), where she has served on the board of directors and as the co-chair of the borderline personality disorder special interest group. In 2013 the AED awarded her the Outstanding Clinician Award to acknowledge her leadership in the field and her commitment to providing the best solutions for those with eating disorders. In 2023, she was recognized as Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Champion for her exceptional dedication, influence, and social impact through the promotion of evidence-based psychological interventions. In 2024 Lucene was honored with the Fulbright Specialist Award, through which she served at Comenzar de Nuevo AC, a non-profit eating disorder facility in Monterrey, Mexico.
Most recently, Lucene won the 2025 Cindy Sanderson Educator Award at the 30th annual International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Conference (ISITDBT).
She is the founder and Chief Clinical Officer of the Center for Evidence Based Treatment (www.cebtohio.com), which offers therapy, training, and consultation in evidence-based approaches to mental health conditions via traditional and teletherapy platforms.
- View Dr. Lucene Wisniewski’s Curriculum Vitae
Amy Kalasunas, LPCC-S, CCMHC, DBT-LBC Certified Clinician
Chief Clinical Officer
Amy Kalasunas (she/her), LPCC-S, CCMHC, is a behaviorist with over 25 years of experience working within evidence-based treatment models. A DBT-Linehan Board of Certification™ Certified Clinician, she has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its sub-specialty areas of DBT for Eating Disorders, DBT- Prolonged Exposure for Borderline Personality Disorder, and DBT supervision and consultation team adherence practice.
A co-chair for the DBT LBC™ Publications and Communications Committee, Amy is also a highly regarded instructor and trainer, and a sought-after presenter on the topics of comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), DBT and Multi-diagnostic Eating Disorders (MED-DBT), and DBT-Prolonged Exposure and Eating Disorders. She developed, piloted, and offers trainings on interventions for parents of multi-diagnostic adult children using an adaptation of the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) protocol and DBT.
Her clinical work has included developing, implementing and evaluating program outcomes across the spectrum of clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, community mental health agencies, specialty practice clinics and private practice offices.
Dean Malec, Ph.D.
Therapist, Director of Training & Staff Development
Dr. Dean Malec (he/him) has received intensive training in Dialectical Behavior and Cognitive Behavioral therapies, and is a Level 2-trained Unified Protocol clinician. He has worked with clients in settings such as university counseling centers, community based mental health, and eating disorder specialty clinics. He treats adolescents and adults with a variety of presenting problems, including eating disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and difficulties with emotion regulation. Valuing evidence-based practices within the context of cultural humility, Dean welcomes working with people of all identities and life experiences.
As the Director of Training & Staff Development, Dean oversees CEBT’s fellowship and practicum training programs, provides clinical supervision to trainees and works to assist all clinic staff in remaining up-to-date on best practices based on evolving research.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing trumpet and watching (and quoting) episodes of “The Golden Girls.”
Cindy Pikus, Ph.D., CEDS-C
Director of Eating Disorder Services
Dr. Cindy Pikus has been treating people with eating disorders and their families for more than 25 years. She has worked at all levels of care (inpatient, residential, PHP, and outpatient) and has served as clinical director in multiple eating disorder programs. She has extensive experience in program development, leading interdisciplinary treatment teams and providing clinical supervision. She has also worked extensively with individuals experiencing mood or anxiety disorders or difficulties with emotion regulation.
Cindy completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UCLA and post-graduate training at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital. She is broadly trained in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic treatment models and has completed advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has received the Certified Eating Disorder Specialist designation from the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) and is an iaedp-Approved Consultant.
Cindy has presented at national conferences and taught continuing education workshops on eating disorders. She provides supervision, consultation and training to CEBT staff and also provides training and ongoing consultation to clinicians outside the practice on the assessment and treatment of eating disorders.
Cindy is based in New Jersey and offers online sessions for individuals and families living in New Jersey, New York, California or in any PSYPACT-participating state (psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap).
Kaya Anabella
Intake Coordinator
Kaya Anabella is the Intake Coordinator at Center for Evidence-Based Treatment, where she helps individuals and families navigate the intake process and connect with care that best fits their needs. She is currently applying to medical school and hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
Kaya graduated from New York University with a degree in Language and Mind, an interdisciplinary field combining linguistics, psychology, and philosophy. Her academic background sparked a particular interest in communication and the ways meaningful, compassionate communication can contribute to effective care.
Kaya is passionate about helping individuals and families feel supported as they take the first steps toward finding treatment that is the right fit for them.
Emily Axner, LSW
Therapist
Emily Axner, LSW (she/she), earned her Master of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University. She has years of experience working with children with ADHD in outpatient treatment settings and has extensive training in behavior modification and facilitating groups for youth with ADHD and co-occurring disorders. She has also worked with children and adolescents in inpatient psychiatric care, supporting individuals with a wide range of disorders, including eating disorders.
At CEBT, Emily has received specialized training in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and provides DBT services to adolescents, adults, and families. In addition to her clinical work, Emily has contributed to peer-reviewed research and presented her work at conferences nationwide. Her broader research interests include the intersection of eating disorders and sexual minorities, as well as other minoritized groups. She is passionate about integrating evidence-based interventions into her clinical practice and is committed to providing culturally responsive care and creating an inclusive therapeutic environment where people of all identities feel welcomed, respected, and understood.
Denise Ben-Porath, Ph.D.
Therapist
Dr. Denise Ben-Porath earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Kent State University. In addition to her role as a treating clinician at CEBTOhio, she is a professor in the Department of Psychology at John Carroll University.
Denise has over 20 years of experience as a DBT practicing clinician with difficult-to-treat multi-diagnostic individuals, including but not limited to those diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety/depression, eating disorders and personality disorders.
As a seasoned clinician and researcher, her experience of applying DBT to various treatment settings extends to residential settings, day treatment programs, inpatient units, VA hospitals, correctional facilities, community mental health centers, and private practice settings. She has provided hundreds of trainings, both national and internationally; and is a DBT trainer for Behavioral Technology (B-Tech), which was founded by Marsha Linehan, the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Denise is the author of over 30 publications, including recent publications Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: An Update and Review of the Existing Treatment Models Adapted for Adults With Eating Disorders, and Physical Health-Related Counseling Issues: Eating Disorders, Elimination Disorders, and Chronic Illness/Disability Counseling.
Jennifer Campbell, LISW, LISW-S
Therapist
Jennifer Campbell, LISW, comes to CEBTOhio with her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She is a DBT LBC Certified Clinician™ and has several years of experience delivering evidence based treatments, including comprehensive DBT, CBT-E, ACT, and DBT-PE for clients across various levels of care.
Her specialties include treating teenagers and young adults struggling with eating disorders, chronic emotion dysregulation, trauma, and concerns with rigid cognitions and fixed thinking.
In addition, Jennifer serves as co-chair of the Residential & Inpatient Special Interest Group for the Academy of Eating Disorders and serves on the Academy’s SIG Oversight Committee. She has also served as team leader for the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) for the state of New Jersey.
Jennifer is independently licensed in New Jersey and Ohio. When not in practice with her certified therapy dog, she volunteers at Comfort Zone Camp for grieving children, and enjoys water sports and competing in triathlons.
Amanda Groves Kopchak, LPCC-S
Therapist
Amanda Groves Kopchak, LPCC, is a licensed professional clinical counselor with CEBTOhio. 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.
Serving as an individual therapist and DBT skills trainer, Amanda is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and is a certified therapist in the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders. Amanda is also a trained Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) provider. SPACE is an evidence-based treatment focusing on skills and tools parents can learn to help their child overcome anxiety and OCD. 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 college 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 as a mental health counselor in therapeutic foster care, supporting children and adolescents who have suffered severe neglect and trauma.
Hannah Heffner, ATR-BC, LPCC, DBT-LBC
Therapist, Assistant Director of Training & Staff Development
Hannah Heffner, ATR-BC, LPCC, DBT-LBC, (she/her) is a licensed professional clinical counselor and board-certified art therapist. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and is a DBT-LBC Certified Clinician™. She has extensive history working with adolescents, young adults and their families who have presenting concerns such as depression, suicidality/self-harm, anxiety, autism, low self-esteem and trauma.
Hannah uses evidence based modalities such as DBT, DBT-PE, CBT, TF-CBT. Hannah is also a Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) provider. SPACE is an evidence-based treatment for parents of children/adolescents/young adults with anxiety disorders. Depending on the client’s goals and preferences, these modalities can be combined with art making interventions to strengthen skills and insight. In addition, she has a passion for working with LGBTQ+ people who are exploring their identities. She holds a post master’s certificate in Affirmative Therapy and values using evidence based approaches such as the AFFIRM model, which focuses on CBT tenets to improve the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ teens and their caregivers.
Hannah enjoys using humor and irreverence in sessions and believes she is forever learning from her clients. She also finds pleasure in getting messy with art and house projects, kayaking, camping and experimenting in the kitchen with her partner.
Madeline Herman, Psy.D.
Therapist
Madeline Herman, Psy.D. (she/her) earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford’s Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. Her clinical experience includes providing individual, group, and family psychotherapy across residential, inpatient, community mental health, and private practice settings. Maddie works with adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a range of concerns, including emotion dysregulation, anxiety, mood difficulties, trauma, and eating-related concerns.
Maddie is particularly passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate the effects of trauma and adversity. She takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach to treatment, helping clients develop practical skills to better understand and regulate emotions, navigate relationships, and build a life worth living. She utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with an emphasis on tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs, goals, and identities.
Maddie is a nationally certified provider of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through the National Therapist Certification Program. She is also certified in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. She is enthusiastic about integrating mindfulness, movement, and other experiential practices into therapy to help clients build greater awareness and develop skills for navigating difficult emotions and experiences. Outside of her clinical work, Maddie enjoys spending time with family and friends, paddle boarding, practicing yoga, and hanging out with her dog, Ruby.
Michelle Lupkin, Ph.D.
Consultant
Dr. Michelle Lupkin specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with eating disorders, including those presenting with suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury. She is the founder and former clinical director of the Eating Disorders Program at Montefiore, and has extensive experience providing supervision and training in DBT and FBT to psychology interns, psychology externs, and psychiatry and pediatrics residents and fellows.
Michelle earned a B.A. in economics from Barnard College, Columbia University; and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with health emphasis from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University.
She has presented at international conferences on the integration of DBT and eating disorders, and provides ongoing consultation and supervision to hospitals and clinicians on the implementation of evidence-based treatments for eating disorders across different levels of care. Michelle is the owner and clinical director of Lupkin Psychology PLLC, a private practice in New York City, Westchester, and New Jersey. She trains CEBTOhio clinicians and consults with CEBTOhio on Adolescent DBT as well as the integration of DBT and FBT.
Monika Mendels
Director of Operations
Monika Mendels, M.S., joined CEBT in 2022. Her role as director of operations includes answering any questions you might have related to billing, insurance and administrative operations. CEBT/WPS would not be the same without her skillful guidance, analytical skills and caring commitment to clients and staff.
Monika graduated from Syracuse University, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in photojournalism and international relations, and a master’s degree in higher education. She has a wealth of experience in office operations and management through previous work in law offices, law schools and as a leader on various volunteer boards.
Monika is passionate about fostering a supportive environment for clients and staff alike, prioritizing mental health advocacy and optimizing the clinic’s ability to provide exceptional care. She is skilled in budgeting, regulatory compliance and process improvement, with a focus on enhancing patient experience and maximizing clinical outcomes.
When not managing the practice, Monika enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, traveling, reading and deepening her commitment to holistic health and well-being.
Melanie Rista, LMSW
Therapist & Training Coordinator
Melanie Rista, LMSW, graduated from Columbia University’s School of Social Work, where she participated in the intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training program and lab under the supervision of Dr. Andre Ivanoff, Ph.D. Prior to completing her graduate work, she graduated cum laude from Hunter College with a B.A. in Psychology.
Melanie received her foundational training in DBT through Behavioral Tech in 2020 and has since completed several advanced trainings in DBT for eating disorders and families. She has also received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Beck Institute, with a focus on personality disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Melanie provides comprehensive DBT to adults and families in Ohio and the greater New York and New Jersey area. In addition to her work as a therapist, Melanie provides training and consultation management at CEBT. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at St. Elizabeth University, furthering her clinical training and professional development.
Outside of her professional work, Melanie enjoys needlepoint, scrapbooking, reading, and taking long walks around New York City. She also loves spending time with friends and family.
Sandra Rublee, LCSW-C, LISW
Therapist
Sandra Rublee, LCSW-C, LISW, is a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work from University of Maryland, a B.A. in chemistry and an M.Sc. in biochemistry from University of Zürich, Switzerland. She also earned a postgraduate diploma in psychodynamics of human development from University of London.
Sandra is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults recover from all types of eating disorders and other mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality disorders. She believes therapy should feel compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
She is certified in Family-Based Treatment (FBT) through the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, a leading evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Sandra has worked across all levels of care in the eating disorder field, from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization to outpatient treatment, giving her valuable experience supporting clients and families through different stages of recovery.
Previously, Sandra worked in a variety of clinical settings across the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia. She has extensive training and clinical experience in evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Beck Institute, Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E) through CREDO, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech, CBT-AR, CPT for trauma, DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE), MED-DBT, SPACE for ARFID, and other specialized treatments for eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Her clinical practice is grounded in research, inclusive care, and a strong belief that recovery is possible with the right support.
Will Schutt, Ph.D.
Therapist
Dr. Will Schutt earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. At the Center for Evidence-Based Treatment (CEBT), Will conducts comprehensive intake assessments, provides individual psychotherapy, and facilitates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups. He is licensed to practice in Ohio and participates in PSYPACT, allowing him to provide telepsychology services across participating states.
Will specializes in working with adults with histories of trauma. He has received advanced training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), the Unified Protocol (UP), and DBT. He also works with individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, mood disorders, addiction, and grief.
In addition to his clinical work, Will has published peer-reviewed research and presented at conferences nationwide. His research interests include spiritual struggle and growth, as well as the therapeutic potential of psychedelic experiences. Across his work, he aims to help clients better understand their experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward meaningful, values-driven lives.
Lindsay Varkula, Ph.D.
Therapist
Dr. Lindsay Varkula (she/her) is a licensed psychologist specializing in treating eating disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and developmental and complex trauma.
Lindsay has utilized a variety of evidence-based therapies to provide specialized eating disorder treatment to individuals in partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care; she particularly likes to utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and practices that foster mindful self-compassion. Lindsay is an expert in helping heal PTSD and complex trauma from a trauma-focused perspective.
She is especially interested in treating individuals who have survived multiple aversive events and/or who have not received needed nurturing from others. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist and provides Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
As a counseling psychologist, Lindsay believes in assisting clients in achieving wellness across life domains. She has provided supervision, consultation, and professional training, especially on topics related to eating disorders, diversity, and complex trauma. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Mairav Linzer, Psy.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Mairav Linzer earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University Post. She has worked with clients in inpatient and intensive outpatient settings, as well as in an established private practice in New York City, where she utilized comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has extensive training in both DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and works with adolescents and adults, with a particular interest in supporting individuals and families through the transitions and challenges of emerging adulthood.
Mairav works with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, and difficulties with emotion regulation. She has experience in both clinical work and research related to suicidality, with her dissertation examining the relationship between reasons for living, disclosure, and treatment-seeking.
Mairav brings a thoughtful, flexible, and warm approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. Her style balances compassion and curiosity with authenticity and wit. She is passionate about helping clients develop lasting tools for emotional resilience, deepen self-understanding, and cultivate greater confidence and self-acceptance as they work toward building a life worth living.