Our Counselors
John E. Keil MS, LCSW
As the Owner of Monarch Behavioral Health Associates, allow me to introduce myself and my colleagues;
I have been a Licensed Psychotherapist for over 20 years. I have degrees from Gannon University (BA Psychology), The University of Pittsburgh (MSW), and LaRoche College (Masters in Human Resource Management). I began my career at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic following my graduation from The University of Pittsburgh in 1988. In addition to Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (Inpatient, Outpatient Research), I have also worked at The United States Postal Service as EAP, Citizens Hospital in New Kensington as the Program Director, as well as Mercy Hospital EAP. I have worked in a Private Psychotherapy setting over the past 25 years concurrently.
My areas of expertise include the following;
- Depression
- Manic Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Couples, Marriage Counseling
- Addiction
- Personality Disorders
On a personal note, I am a Christian and a member of Amplify Church. I am married, have 2 children and have lived in the area for over 25 years.
Jennifer Oswalt, LCSW
Jennifer Oswalt, LCSW is a Licensed Social Worker and a graduate of the Social Work program at the California University of Pennsylvania. With over five years of direct clinical and mental health experience, Jennifer has worked with a diverse population of individuals with issues including:
- Addictions
- Children and adolescents who have experienced trauma
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Family counseling
- Autism
Jennifer specializes in working with children and adolescents. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who focuses on pragmatic and personalized counseling, Jennifer can provide individual treatment for children, adolescents, and families.
Sherri R. Polhemus, LPC, NCC
Sherri R. Polhemus is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. A graduate from Liberty University in 2015 with honors, she also earned her bachelor's from Liberty University, graduating summa cum laude. Sherri believes every person has a story that needs to be told and brings a passion to encouraging others in overcoming obstacles in life. Sherri works with couples and with individual adults with a multitude of struggles, including communication problems, depression and anxiety, grief and loss, addiction issues, and other mood disorders. Sherri has also worked as an EAP counselor since 2014, helping people through short-term crises. Sherri focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, goal-setting, and psychoeducation to help people live their best lives. Sherri enjoys working with all populations and strives to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental setting for everyone. Sherri is married with two children whom she homeschools, is a Christian, and has lived in the area for over 13 years.
Rachel L. Leghart, LCSW
Rachel L. Leghart, LCSW is a Licensed Psychotherapist with years of experience working in many facets of mental health treatment, inclusive of inpatient care and outpatient therapy. After graduating in 2004 with her BA in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she earned her MSW with a Direct Practice Specialization from The University of Pittsburgh in 2006. As a Licensed Psychotherapist, Rachel utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her practice along with Client-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing as an approach to treatment. Rachel strongly believes that a positive rapport between therapist and client is an essential part of treatment and ensures respect and dignity for each client. Although she has experience working with various age groups and issues, Rachel prefers treating adults individually with:
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Relational Issues
- Stress-Management
- Self-esteem/Assertiveness
- Sexual/Gender Identity
Rachel is married with two children and enjoys vacationing and spending time with friends and family.
Christina Handley
Christina Handley is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor who is devoted to helping others. Christina earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania then continued her education at Duquesne University receiving her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Pursuing her counseling career she has worked in various clinical settings, both inpatient and outpatient, serving adolescents and adults. In addition, she is comfortable performing individual, couples, or family therapy sessions and working with people from all backgrounds. She has considerable experience with issues of anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, trauma, marital/couple difficulties, and family conflicts.
Christina is a dedicated, compassionate counselor with extensive knowledge of offering advice, support, encouragement, rehabilitation, and guidance to clients. She has a proven ability to empathize with individuals while retaining an objective and realistic approach to their treatment and therapy. She employs a client-centered style of counseling focused on the holistic process of uniting mind, body, and spirit.
Being a proud native to the Western Pennsylvania area, Christina values family and friends, and is committed to not only helping people but also the environment. She is the vice president of a local nonprofit organization devoted to water protection.
Casie S. Vargson, LPC
Casie is a licensed professional counselor with a background in children and adolescents. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Child Development and Family Relations at Indiana University of PA in 2011. From there, she went on to receive her Master of Science in Infant Mental Health/Counseling Psychology in 2014. With her background in biological and social development Casie considers how these formations as children impact adulthood. Her counseling techniques focus on client centered, positive psychology, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and Choice Theory.
She has experience working with:
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Families
Anxiety
Depression
Personality Disorders
Casie is married with two children and lives locally.
Zachary Kennedy
Zachary obtained his Graduate degree in clinical mental health from Waynesburg University in 2014 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He is also a member of The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). He has his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Penn State University at New Kensington, which he obtained in 2009.
Zachary has worked in the mental health field since 2009, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addictions. He has spent the majority of his career working with addictions, specifically substance abuse and dependency. He also has worked with those suffering from serious mental illness on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. Zachary currently works with the forensic population full time at a State Correctional Institute and will be working part-time at Monarch Behavioral Health Associates.
Zachary is married, has two children, and is an active member at Christ Community Fellowship. Zachary was born and raised in the AK Valley and looks forward to serving the Valley for years to come.
