Our Counselors
At the individual level, we are able to provide counseling services to members of the safety forces and, if needed, to their spouse/partner for issues arising from the officer’s service. We offer educational programs to departments to make them aware of signs of individual trauma and then offer a highly trained and confidential outlet where individual safety forces members can be referred without affecting their relationship and social-emotional standing with their colleagues.
Melissa Marshall Allen
Melissa Marshall-Allen, LISW-S, is the Director of Behavioral Health for SFSC, providing counseling services to first responders. Melissa is a licensed clinical social worker with supervisory designation and is certified in EMDR.
Melissa graduated with her master’s degree in social work in 1999. Fitting since her favorite number is 9. Her husband of almost 25 years and she were married that same year as well. Three days after their wedding they shipped off to Germany where they were stationed in the army for the next 6 years. While in Germany, Melissa worked as a therapist for the army hospital treating service members and their families through the deployment cycle.
One deployment to Iraq and another duty station in Kansas later, they separated from the military and returned home to Ohio. Melissa has been working in non-profit since then and during that time became trained in EMDR – an invaluable trauma treatment. She is honored to have accepted the role at SFSC – helping those who, like the military, help others.
Email Melissa at [email protected] or call her directly at 330-696-7147.
Dr. Donald A. Lichi
Donald A. Lichi, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist and the Clinical Director of ASSIST 77 for SFSC. Dr. Lichi is Vice President Emeritus of EMERGE Counseling Ministries where he served for 30 years. While providing clinical services at EMERGE, he also served on the Emerge Leadership Team. Dr. Lichi has taught at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (MO), Trinity International University (IL), Asia Theological Center (Singapore), All Nations Theological Seminary in Malawi, Africa, Ashland Theological Seminary and the University of Akron. He was on the teaching faculty of Heart-to-Heart Communications (Akron, OH) and served for 12 years on the Pastoral Ministry Team of the Akron Chinese Christian Church. He is a guest lecturer at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
From 1992-2002 Dr. Lichi served as Executive Vice President of EMERGE Ministries, Inc. During this period Dr. Lichi was the Director of Education and responsible for the Ashland Seminary/EMERGE Master of Arts program in Clinical Counseling. He was a supervisor, directed the Institute of Pastoral Counseling program and did marriage, family and individual counseling.
He has spoken at numerous conferences and workshops on integrating spiritual and emotional health, education, parenting, marriage, and family issues. He has authored articles on integrating faith and mental health. Dr. Lichi’s ministry has taken him to Singapore, India, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Ecuador, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Romania, China, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary, Scotland, Nicaragua and Malawi.
Email Dr. Don at [email protected] or call the Safety Forces Support Center at 330-376-0091 ext. 106.
Carman Cunningham, MSSA, LiSW-S
Carman Cunningham, MSSA, LiSW-S is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for SFSC. She attended Case Western Reserve University, Mandel School of Applied Social Science, receiving her Master’s degree in Social Science Administration, with a focus in Alcohol and Other Drug addiction. Carman’s work is driven by the idea that individuals can lead healthy productive and satisfying lives. She practices with compassion, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Carman provides services in areas of: addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, phase of life problems, family conflict, PTSD, vocational stress, child/adult trauma, adjustment and anger issues, grief, and parenting. She incorporates different modalities of therapy to help clients achieve their treatment goals and outcomes; she believes there is no cookie cutter approach, but rather she adjusts her style/approach based on a client’s need. Overall, Carman’s goal is for clients to feel safe, comfortable and understood throughout the therapeutic process.
Carman has been employed with the federal government as a Senior Social Worker, working with veterans for the last 7 years. She is excited to be entering into private practice and joining the SFSC team. Carman and her husband have been married for 5 years; Together, they are devoted foster parents and are ‘human’ parents to their 2 chihuahua pups. Carman can be contacted directly by email at [email protected] or by calling the Safety Forces Support Center at 330-376-0091 ext. 105.
Angela Richmond-Rossiter, LPCC-S, LICDC
Angela Richmond-Rossiter is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor for SFSC.
Angela is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory status (LPCC-S) and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), bringing over 15 years of dedicated experience to the field of mental health. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Angela has cultivated a profound expertise in treating a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders and substance use disorders.
Throughout her career, Angela has developed a particular passion for working with first responders, understanding the unique challenges and stresses faced by these individuals. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, Angela creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and achieve lasting change.
Angela holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Walsh University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Toledo. Whether working with individuals, families, or groups, Angela strives to empower clients to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives.
Angela can be contacted directly by email at [email protected] or by calling the Safety Forces Support Center at 330-376-0091 ext. 108.
Rebecca Serfozo, LISW
Rebecca Serfozo is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with SFSC.
Rebecca is a licensed therapist supporting clients through their lifelong journey of self discovery and awareness. If you find yourself with a desire to change how you feel about yourself, a situation, relationship, or have goals you want to explore, congratulations! You’ve made your first step towards owning and validating your experience! I specialize in self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. It is my goal to challenge any self-defeating thoughts and replace them with a framework that assists your personal development.
I come from a family of Veterans and have always had a desire to show my appreciation and support to those who serve their country and communities. I am passionate about creating safe spaces in the communities I work and live and I value the necessary role of first responders towards this shared mission.
My commitment extends beyond the present moment, aiming for lasting positive change in your life. Expect a collaborative atmosphere where your unique experiences are valued, and we work towards a shared goal of wellness.
Rebecca can be contacted directly by email at [email protected]g or by calling the Safety Forces Support Center at 330-376-0091 ext. 110.
Rob Pursley, LSW
Rob Pursley is a Licensed Social Worker with SFSC.
Rob is retired with over 33 years of fire service experience. He began as a part-time firefighter/paramedic in 1988. In 1992, he was hired by the Barberton Fire Department, where he progressed through the ranks and retired as the Fire Chief in 2022. Throughout his career, he was a fire instructor, Vice President of BFFA Local 329, and a member of the Summit County Technical Rescue Team and Ohio Task Force One. Rob is the recipient of various awards and commendations, including a State of Ohio Letter of Commendation, Kiwanis Outstanding Service Award, Rotary Club of Barberton Service Above Self Award, Barberton Employee of the Year, and several Barberton Fire Department Commendation Letters and City of Barberton Recognition of Service Commendations.
Rob has been a member of ASSIST 77 since 2021 and recently graduated from Ohio State University with a master’s degree in social work. He also works as a victim advocate at the Victim Assistance Program. He is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and has completed several courses through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. He is also a Credentialed Advocate through the National Advocate Credentialing Program. Finally, Rob has been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 25 years and works with those wanting to recover from addiction.
Rob decided to pursue a career in counseling because of witnessing and experiencing the effects of cumulative stress and the mental toll traumatic incidents take on first responders. Often, first responders struggle with finding and trusting someone with mental health challenges. Rob believes the ability to open up to someone who has done the job and shares the emotional connections to the profession can make the difference in the person staying and receiving the help they need.
Rob is married and lives in Barberton. He and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. Rob enjoys hiking, biking, woodworking, stained glass, photography, and working around the house.
Rob can be contacted directly by email at [email protected] or by calling the Safety Forces Support Center at 330-376-0091 ext. 107.
