Our Staff

Ken Jacob, MA., CCDCI

CREDENTIALS
Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (CCDCI)

1989 -Masters in Pastoral Counseling & Psychology
Ashland Theological Seminary

1974 -Bachelor of Arts in Business
Grace College

1972 – Associates Degree in Commerce


PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
During the time I have worked specifically with adolescents, I have learned that building a trusting professional relationship is paramount in determining whether or not the therapist and resident will be able to effectively work together. I have learned that by listening more than talking, the client feels like they have been heard, and the more they believe they are being heard, the more they share with me. The young ladies I counsel are not bad young ladies, but young ladies who have been badly hurt, and are in desperate need of healing. I try to convey this message to them whenever I can, to help relieve the guilt they feel over the choices they have made, and hopefully to teach them how to make better life choices.

MY EXPERIENCE
I have been a counselor since 1987. In 1987 I started my career in counseling as a family counselor at Freedom Hall in Crestline, Ohio. Freedom Hall was an adult residential chemical dependency treatment facility. In 1988 I began working in Mansfield as a mental health counselor. I worked in this position for over ten years. Next I went to work for at a residential facility for chemically dependent male adolescents. Eventually I came to work for Foundations for Living to work on the unit for female adolescents that are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. I have been with FFL now for the past six years.
 

MY COMMITMENT
I am committed to providing the residents in my care, with a gentle and understanding level of care. They deserve nothing less. I try to help residents explore their use of their drug of choice, to try and help them understand what led them to using drugs in the first place. Then I try to help them come to the conclusion that they have become dependent, and that they need help in overcoming their dependency. I work hard at trying to help them learn how to forgive themselves for the choices they have made while using drugs. I try to help the see themselves not as young women who are problems, but as young women who have legitimate hurts, that deserve healing.

CREDENTIALS
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, State of Ohio

2003-Masters in Pastoral Counseling-Ashland Theological Seminary

1999-Bachelor of Arts in Psychology-Malone College

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Through life interactions, I have discovered that we are all wounded individuals. It is important for us to find healing to the infections that interfere with our everyday lifestyle. Recognizing what the wounds of our heart are and how they affect our current thinking and behaving is a crucial part of a person’s recovery.

MY EXPERIENCE
I have been with Foundations since 2003, and I have found that experience is a key to effectiveness. In my time of providing individual, group and family therapy, I have worked with hundreds of adolescents that deal with a wide variety of tribulations and problems. It is through these experiences and ongoing education in which I strive for excellence.
 

MY COMMITMENT
Through a sensitive and warm approach, I have my clients gently explore some of the difficult paths in their life as I walk beside them.
My passion is working with the adolescent population. I believe that it is during this time that people can be instilled with making life changes that become habits for a successful lifestyle.
Of all of the clinical values on the road to recovery, I view the relationship with the
client as the most important.

Matt Nelson, M.A., P.C.

CREDENTIALS

M.Div. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling
Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio

Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio


A SOUND EDUCATION

Helping people through difficult times in their lives requires the best possible education available. I received my training in a top-notch program. But, more importantly, being an effective therapist requires engaging in a continual learning process. I have a strong belief that clients deserve a counselor who is passionate about deepening his knowledge and understanding of peoples’ problems and also successful ways of helping them accomplish their goals in treatment.



MY EXPERIENCE

My counseling career began in the field of crisis counseling, where for five years I helped people who were in deep despair. I worked with them to create and implement plans that provided them with the support and direction they needed to become stable and move out of the situation that led to the crisis. Next, I worked with adolescent males who abused substances along with having mental health issues. This provided me with excellent experience in dealing with the issues of adolescence and the pressures they face as they try to form their identities and develop healthy relationships. At Foundations For Living I have learned about the worlds of adolescent females and the unique issues they face. I have learned to help them heal from past abuse and trauma, as well as take responsibility for their lives and build a successful and satisfying future.
 

MY COMMITMENT

I have a deep belief in the ability of people to change and grow. In counseling, I seek to look at every part of the client’s life that might be contributing to his/her current difficulties. By addressing multiple areas of a client’s life the potential for success and healing improves. In addition, I continually seek to increase my knowledge and counseling skill repertoire so that I am better and better able to help my clients reach their goals. But, perhaps my greatest strength as a counselor is my ability to build a working relationship with clients based on respect, trust, and positive regard. This collaborative relationship enables us to work as a team to accomplish the goals that are important to them.

Clyone Washington, CSP

CREDENTIALS

1978-Mansfield Senior High

1987-Mansfield Business College
Certified Medical Assistant and Secretary

1995-North Central Technical College
Early Childhood Education and Pre Nursing


PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

Through both my experience working with the youth at Foundations for Living and being a mother, I have discovered that we all need to be loved. I have found that adolescents need both security and structure. Here at FFL we provide that stable pathway for recovery to be attained. Treatment involves being able to explore what helps us and what hinders us in reaching our goals. Overcoming hurdles is a crucial part of a person’s success.


MY EXPERIENCE

I have been with Foundations since 2003, and have found that my experience is a key to my effectiveness. In my time at FFL I have provided both Group and Individual sessions with adolescents. I also communicate with both families and the community on behalf of our residents. I have worked with youth that have a plethora of difficulties and struggles and it is through both these experiences and my ongoing education in which I strive for excellence.

Elizabeth Goudge BS., MSW., LISW

CREDENTIALS

• Licensed Social Worker, State of Ohio
• Master’s in Social Work, The Ohio State University
• B.S. in Human Ecology, specializing in Human Development and Family Science, The Ohio State University

A COMMITMENT TO HUMANITY

Throughout my life, I have chosen to come to the aid of others. I have volunteered from a young age with organizations such as a suicide hotline, a drug education program, and programs to help families in need. My goal as a therapist is to be able to establish a positive rapport with my clients so that I may be able to adapt my skills to assist them in reaching their needs and provide them with an array of skills that they can utilize during times of stress.

SOLID FOUNDATION

A passion for helping others achieve their full potential led me to social work. My education, combined with learning from others’ life experiences, has enabled me to be accepting, open-minded, and empathetic to concerns of others. I desire to provide equal care to all clients despite their means and needs.