Team

Carol R. Gross


Executive Director

Carol R. Gross

Executive Director

Carol R. Gross MSOL

Executive Director

Carol has been working in the human services field for 32 years, graduating with a BS in Social Work from Cairn University and an MS in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College. Carol joined MYCS in 2000 as the Senior Manager of Clinical and Community Operations and now serves as the Executive Director. Carol is committed to providing MH, IDD and Addiction Services to the Mon Valley, promoting wellness and independent for those served by MYCS.

Tom Rector


Director of Finance

Tom Rector

Director of Finance

Tom Rector CHFP

Director of Finance

Tom joined MYCS in April 2008 and brings knowledge and expertise in the areas of accounting, auditing, finance and strategic management. He graduated from Kent State University and holds a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) certification. Prior to joining MYCS, he had 19 years of experience in the accounting and finance areas, working with a CPA firm and various for -profit companies in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Tom is actively involved in his community’s local soccer association, serving both as the Treasurer and a Coach.

Becky Burkley


Director of Compliance and Regulatory

Becky Burkley

Director of Compliance and Regulatory

Becky Burkley MS., LBS

Director of Compliance and Regulatory

Becky graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master’s Degree in Child Development and Child Care and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Becky joined MYCS in 2017 as Director of Compliance and has worked in the Behavioral Health field for 30 years. She has worked as a Program Director for 18 years in Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services and has a Behavior Specialist License for PA. Becky enjoys spending time with her family and puppy.

Susanna Zawacki


Director of Data & Outcomes

Susanna Zawacki

Director of Data & Outcomes

Susanna Zawacki, MA

Director of Data & Outcomes

Susie joined MYCS in 2018 with extensive experience in quality management and data / statistical analysis reporting, and process and outcome measurement in both the behavioral and physical health care fields.  Having worked in quality and data-related positions in the behavioral health provider and managed care field for several years, she also has a background in social science and juvenile justice research during which she had reports and a journal article published.  Susie holds a Master’s degree in Social and Public Policy from Duquesne University with an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. A dedicated volunteer for the Pittsburgh Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a non-profit bereavement support organization, she serves on the Steering Committee, as newsletter editor, webmaster, and membership database administrator.

Alicia Bisaha


Program Director

Alicia Bisaha

Program Director

Alicia Bisaha MA, NCC, LPC

Program Director of Clinical Development

Alicia joined MYCS in 2005 as a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been working in the field of Behavioral Health for over 27 years. She has a Master’s degree in Community Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Indiana University of PA. and is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors. Alicia is also a trained Gestalt clinician who studied at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh. She provides licensure, clinical supervision, training and staff development at MYCS, along with specializing in treating the needs of the LGBTQ community. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.

Joy Jones


Program Director

Joy Jones

Program Director

Joy Jones, MS

Program Director of SCU/Recovery Services

Joy has worked in the Behavioral Health field for 12 years and joined MYCS in 2017. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master’s Degree in Psychology in Education and a Bachelor’s degree from IUP in Child Development/Family Relations and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of Community Mental Health. Joy loves to travel and spending time with her family and friends.

Carol Lingsch


Program Director

Carol Lingsch

Program Director

Carol Lingsch, MS

Program Director of Outpatient Adult

Carol joined MYCS in 1991 as a supervisor. Upon obtaining her master’s degree from Buffalo State College, Carol has managed several roles at MYCS over the years She now serves as the Program Director for Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services. Carol enjoys having the opportunity to make a difference in this community.

Karen McKivens


Program Director

Karen McKivens

Program Director

Karen McKivens, BS

Program Director of Vocational and Employment Services

Karen Joined MYCS in 2000 as Supervisor in the MH Residential Programs. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Karen has worked in the Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities field for over 24 years. As Program Director of Vocational and Employment Services, Karen and her team are committed to providing support to over 250 individuals with both Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities in receiving day programming, vocational training, employment, and community volunteer opportunities based on individual needs and desires.

Lisa Peterson-Lizun


Program Director

Lisa Peterson-Lizun

Program Director

Lisa Peterson-Lizun

Program Director of Child and Adolescent Services

Lisa joined MYCS in 2019 and has been working in the human services field for 13 years; graduating with a BS in Psychology from Juniata College and a MS in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University. She brings experience in community-based services that serve children and their families. Her background also includes volunteering with a variety of non-profit organizations and her church. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and running

Paula J. Siers-Burns


Program Director

Paula J. Siers-Burns

Program Director

Paula J. Siers-Burns, LCSW BSED CAADC CCPG

Program Director of Addiction Treatment and Intervention Services

Paula joined MYCS in 2018 bringing with her a specialty in Addiction Medicine. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Pennsylvania and is a Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor in addition to being certified competent to counsel in problem gambling. Prior to earning her Master’s Degree at the University of Pittsburgh, she received a bachelor of science degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University in 1994 and spent ten years providing educational services to children diagnosed with mental health conditions. Paula combines the two degrees as a trainer for the Pennsylvania Certification Board. She is a girl scout troop leader and actively serves in her church.

Amber Vash


Program Director

Amber Vash

Program Director

Amber Vash

Program Director of Residential Services

Amber, a graduate of Duquesne University, has dedicated over 17 years to Mon Yough Community Services. She began in Mental Health Residential Services providing direct care and counseling to individuals with chronic mental illness in a residential setting. In 2014, Amber became the Manager of Mental Health Residential Services, and in 2016, Amber’s position was expanded to include IDD Residential Services. As Program Director of Residential Services, Amber ensures the highest quality of care to each of the 109 MH and IDD Residential consumers.

Nikki Mazza-Fredley


Program Director

Nikki Mazza-Fredley

Program Director

Nikki Mazza-Fredley

Program Director  MH Residential Services

Nikki joined MYCS in 2017 and has worked in the behavioral health field for 19 years in a variety of clinical and supervisory positions.  Nikki holds a B.A. in Theology and Religious Education with a minor in Psychology from Wheeling Jesuit University and received her M.Div. with a focus in Urban Studies and Human Services from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Nikki is also an Ordained Minister and teaches on Mental Health Awareness and Anti-Racism in church settings.  As Program Director for MH Residential Services, Nikki ensures the highest quality of care for each of the 61 MH Residential consumers that MYCS serves within the Mon Valley.

 

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster hope, renewal, healing and wellness for those who face the challenges of mental health, substance use, and intellectual disabilities.

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