Tamera Hunter
Chief Executive Officer
Master of Arts, PC
Townhall II’s Chief Executive, Tamera Hunter, specializes in administration and trauma-informed care.
Tammy coaches softball and spearheads the Ohio SlamForce Softball Association
She graduated from Walsh University with a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development and is a member of the Sigma Chi Iota Honor Society.
Kurt Ruehr
Chief Financial Officer
Master of Business Administration
Kurt Ruehr serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Townhall II and is committed to expanding our services.
Kurt formerly served as Executive Director of Leadership Portage County.
Kurt has a Masters Degree from Kent State in Business Administration and he served as President of the Portage Parks District Foundation.
Dean DePerro
Chief Medical Officer
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Dean DePerro oversees Medical Operations with a focus on helping clients heal and prosper.
Dean treats hypertension, diabetes and heart disease in his private practice.
Dean serves as Portage County Coroner. He is very aware of the consequences of opioid addiction and works hard to solve addiction problems in Portage County.
Rob Young, Director
Addiction Services
Master of Education, LICDC-CS
Rob specializes in substance use disorders and supervision.
Rob enjoys photography and sports in his spare time.
Rob graduated from Kent State University with a Master’s of Education and he’s worked with Townhall II since the ’90s.
Sarah McCully, Director
Prevention & Outreach
Bachelor of Arts, Kent State U.
Sarah specializes in prevention curriculum, family education and victim outreach.
Sarah enjoys reading and yoga in her spare time.
Sarah graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies.
Stephanie Perdue, Director
Quality Improvement
Licensed Social Worker, MSW, MCJ
Stephanie Perdue is the Director of Quality Improvement. She specializes in client rights and HIPAA Confidentiality.
Stephanie graduated from Tiffin University with a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and from Ohio University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
“Dream big and dream often. Choose kindness, because you never know what battle someone is facing in that moment. You may be the only sunshine in their clouds.”.
Chris Syphrit, Director
Operations
Master of Arts, PC
Chris oversees all operations with a focus on creating efficiencies in our buildings and facilities.
Chris is a lifelong Kent resident with a passion for sports and the outdoors. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, serving both healthcare and education. With a BA in Business and Engineering, Chris excels at hands-on problem-solving.
Kevin Brosien
Marketing Director
Kevin has extensive experience in marketing, publicity and public relations.
Chris Rucker
Horizon House Manager
Chris is a Desert Storm veteran with a passion for service and ministry.
Mike Hovancsek
Counseling Supervisor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Designation (LPCC-S)
Mike Hovancsek is a respected counselor with a gift for treating patients who suffer from trauma. His grounded, calm energy makes everyone feel welcome.
Mike writes, creates art and composes music in his spare time. His music is available for free listening on Bandcamp.
David Stanek
Director, I.T. Services
I.T. Specialist
Dave specializes in networks and security.
Dave has more than 30 years of experience in IT Services.
Rebekah Swango
Helpline Director
Tracy Jobst
Counseling Administrative Manager
Counseling Administrative Manager
Tracy Jobst specializes in client engagement, group coordination and detox referrals.
Tracy loves crafting and she runs a crafting business in her spare time.
Tracy studied Public Health and Health Services Administration at Kent State University.
Deanna Christian
Barb Folan
Administrative Assistant
Barb Folan maintains meeting minutes for the Board and Foundation as well as serving the agency as Admin Assistant to the CEO.
Barb coordinates agency events and enjoys helping staff solve problems. Her many years of experience with the organization is a valuable resource.
Jen Fisher, LPCC-S
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Designation (LPCC-S)
Jennifer Fisher works as a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Specialist.
She graduated from Kent State as a Master of Education with a concentration in Community Counseling.
Valerie Browning, LPC
Mental Health Counselor
Chris Leonard
Substance Abuse Counselor
Chris helps train and onboard new counselors.
Jim Swanson
Counselor
Kristin Green-McElhiney
Joy Simon
Counselor
Madison Harmon
Counselor
Joe Follen
Tina Puckett, M.Ed., LPC
Mental Health Counselor
Tina is trauma-informed, multiculturally-aware and person-centered. Her approach is integrative, collaborative, individualized, and uses evidence-based interventions. She has additional training in advanced contemporary grief counseling, disability, college student concerns, and thanatology to support clients. She works with adults of all ages and has been described as a calming presence.
Tina holds M.Ed. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) and Ed.S. (Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs) degrees and graduate certificates (Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Career and Academic Advising) from Kent State University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling) Honor Society.
Charisma Carnes
Kari Truckey
Nick Maricic, LPC
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Nick is a licensed professional counselor who enjoys working with clients from all walks of life. He maintains a trauma-informed lens and uses evidenced based practices to assist clients in their healing journey. He utilizes an existential approach with a philosophy of finding meaning in one’s suffering as well as utilizing our core values to guide our lives towards one we find contentment in. Nick greatly values the therapeutic relationship and believes human connection, empathy, and compassion are integral parts of the therapeutic process.
Nick obtained his Master of Arts from The University of Akron in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has previous experience working with children in the foster care system as well as children from African refugee backgrounds. In his spare time, Nick enjoys yoga, nature, movies, music, and spending time with his 3 cats.
Olivia Taxatcher
Katy Siko