Case Manager Family Violence Project/LEED

Justin Bales

Justin serves as a Case Manager in Harford County’s Family Violence Project and with the Bel Air Police through Maryland’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program (LEAD). Through LEAD, Justin provides intensive therapeutic support to individuals that police believe could benefit from the support rather than face criminal charges.

“My work allows me to provide meaningful engagement and empathy to people who normally do not receive care or concern from others.”

Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, Case Manager

Guy Matthews

Guy brings a wealth of experience to Springboard. For years, he handled child abuse and neglect cases as a paralegal for the Legal Aid Bureau. He also worked with the Maryland State Division of Rehabilitation (DORS) and the House of Ruth as a Group Facilitator for domestic violence offenders.

Guy grew up in East Baltimore where he witnessed a lot of pain and misery, “I want to be that person that puts a smile on someone’s face, no matter who they are.”

Guy likes taking long drives to unwind with the radio on.

Behavioral Health Clinician

JESSICA PLACEK, LCSW-C

Jessica Placek, LCSW-C, has been working in the mental health field for over ten years. She received her Bachelors of Social Work from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Master’s Degree in Social Work with a mental health concentration from University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2013. Jessica has worked in a variety of treatment settings including residential treatment facility, inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization empowerment program and outpatient mental health. Jessica specializes in treating children, adolescents and adults for anxiety, mood and trauma-related disorders. She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT.) Jessica believes in empowering her clients to meet the goals they’ve set for themselves.

FVP Case Manager

AMY M. PUSHKIN

Amy joined SCS in February 2021 as the Family Violence Case Director for the “First Step Project” which she co implemented with Westminster City Police.   She is a graduate of the Baltimore County Police Academy and held the position of PSO in the Spousal Assault Unit in the Criminal Investigation Division in BA CO Police Headquarters.  Amy has over 3 decades of experience in the field Coordinator for Harford County. Amy previously worked for FCS as the Program of criminalization working with victims of violent crime in Maryland and has held positions not only as an Investigator, but also Crisis Therapist, Program Director and Victim Advocate.  Amy has obtained many certifications over the span of her career span which include American Sign Language Interpreter, Advanced Advocate Credentialing by NACP and a Bujinkan Self Defense Instructor.

Amy has also been a Maryland State Police licensed Private Detective for over 20 years managing both civil and criminal cases and is a business owner of Reload Firearms; a firearms safety, training and instruction company.

Recipient of MNADV “State of Maryland Advocate of the Year Award”, in addition to, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention; “Outstanding Victim Services Professional Award”.

Behavioral Health Clinician

JESSICA REHREY, LCPC

Jessica is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and has been in the field of mental health counseling since 2010. Jessica obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stevenson University, followed by obtaining her Masters in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University’s online program. Jessica received her CAC-AD in addiction counseling and became fully licensed as a licensed professional counselor in August 2016. Jessica has spent the last nine years assisting adolescents and adults who have dual diagnosis along with mental health disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Jessica has worked in different settings including hospital, outpatient mental health, and inpatient recovery centers. Jessica uses various therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person centered in her practice. Jessica ensures that clients will feel comfortable and supported by providing a therapeutic environment in which the client will feel safe while building a therapeutic relationship that facilitates trust.

Behavioral Health Clinician

MARGARET SCHMIDT, LCPC

Margaret Schmidt, LCPC is a licensed professional counselor in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. She is certified by the NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFIED COUNSELORS. She has experience working with diverse populations including children and adults with anxiety, mood, and trauma-related disorders. She has also worked with children with developmental and emotional disturbances. Margaret has capability with both individuals and groups and values involving families and others systems in the therapeutic process. Margaret is a compassionate clinician with the skills to help individuals and families succeed.

Program Coordinator

ERICA WASKEY

Erica Waskey is the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Program Coordinator for the Harford County Office. She is responsible for supporting the work of the Harford County ACEs Steering Committee to address childhood trauma as a public health issue across generations; including educating the surrounding communities on ACEs information, conducting community outreach and events, and networking with local organizations to help reduce childhood trauma in Harford County. Prior to joining Springboard, Erica started a mentoring program for at-risk youth within Harford County Public Schools and also worked as a School Counselor in Baltimore County for 5 years. In addition to her counseling and mentoring experience, Erica brings to our team a background in marketing, customer service, and program development. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology from Towson University and her Masters in School Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. Erica is also a proud CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County) Alum where she played soccer and lacrosse. Originally from Catonsville, MD, Erica now resides in Bel Air with her husband and two kids. When not in the office, she and her family are often found camping in their RV or exploring the numerous trails and parks in Harford County.

Violence Intervention Program Supervisor

KATIE WHITTAKER-LYONS

Title:  Violence Intervention Program Supervisor – Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

Katie Whittaker-Lyons joins Springboard with more than 20 years of experience working in behavioral health and related services.  A 2003 Clinical Psychology graduate of Towson University, her undergraduate thesis examined the relationship between child sexual abuse, psychiatric diagnoses, and self-harm.  While enrolled at Towson, Katie provided 1:1 behavioral therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, facilitated a group therapy program at a local high school, and worked as a case manager at a center for adolescents with psychiatric diagnoses.  She has also previously worked as a research coordinator, undergraduate adjunct professor, substance use disorder counselor, and abuse intervention facilitator.  While enrolled in graduate school at George Mason University, she published a book chapter “Assessment of Self-Injury and Aggressive Behavior” along with her advisor.  Katie is now a certified alcohol and drug counselor and is certified in comprehensive intimate partner violence intervention.  Her interests are focused on reducing the negative impact intimate partner violence and substance use have on both individuals and the communities they live in.