Meet Our Team
CCS Registration Department will assist you in choosing a Therapist that will best fit your needs.
A. “Pete” Peters, M.S.
“Pete” Peters graduated from Texas A&M University and then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University. He has been with Cornerstone Community Services since 1994 originally serving in the Clinical Services Unit and then in the Partial Hospitalization Program. From there he went on to serve as the Program Director for Blended Case Management. In 2019, he returned to the Clinical Services Unit and served as Clinical Director for three years. Currently he is serving as the Director of the Enhanced Outpatient Program in Bedford and Somerset Counties.
In addition to supervising psychiatric case managers and therapists, over the years, “Pete” has utilized therapeutic skills by providing in-home and office-based therapy. He will be the first to tell you that counseling has always been his first love and that he does so enjoy working with individuals in order to help them to change their own personal stories for the better. If you have questions about the Enhanced Outpatient Program at Cornerstone Community Services, “Pete” is available to discuss options with you.
Linda Benza, M.S.W.
Linda earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1990 and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2007. Linda works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who are experiencing a variety of difficulties. She dedicates her time and efforts to helping individuals make positive changes within their lives. Over the years she has attended many hours of training to enhance her skills in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health/substance abuse concerns. Her area of interest and growing expertise includes grief and loss and other trauma, especially among children and adolescents. Linda also works part-time in crisis intervention services.
Linda began her career as an elementary school teacher substitute and then as a director/teacher at a daycare/preschool. Linda then worked as a Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) in order to work on a more one on one level with children and adolescents. She also worked as an Intensive Case Manager as well as the Student Assistance Program Liaison for the Bedford County School Districts. Linda enjoys continued learning in an effort to improve ways to help individuals make positive changes within their lives. In her spare time, Linda enjoys reading, gardening and crafting. She is very family oriented and loves spending time with her beloved miniature dachshund, Frodo.
Rhonda Sarver, M.S.
Rhonda graduated with her B.S. in Psychology from Frostburg State University in 1990. She received her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University in 1993. Rhonda began her mental health career as a Crisis Counselor at Western Maryland Health System in 1990. She worked with many mental health, substance abuse, and interpersonal crises. Rhonda also delivered Individual and Group treatment on the Mental Health Unit of the hospital.
Rhonda began working for Bedford-Somerset DBHS in 1996. She was the lead therapist in the Family Based Mental Health Services program for 16 years until its closure in early 2012. Rhonda worked with families experiencing many different issues and needs. Rhonda also taught undergraduate classes at Frostburg State University for 10 years. Rhonda presently works in the Clinical Services Unit. She enjoys working with many diverse people to help them open doors to healthy change in their lives. Rhonda enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family and dog, Jasper.
Chelsee Smith, M.S.W.
Chelsee earned her B.S. in Child Development and Family Resources with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 2017, she earned her Master’s of Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. In the past five years, Chelsee has worked with wide ranged population of children and their families. She worked as a Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) while obtaining her master’s degree. She has experience working with children and families in foster care. Chelsee also has experience working with medically complex children and their families. Along with her experience in working with children children and their families, she also has experience working within the elderly population as well.
Chelsee began working at Bedford-Somerset DBHS in the Clinical Services Unit as an Outpatient Therapist in 2019. She works with children, adolescents and adults. Chelsee enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends and dog, Willa.
Laura Nale, M.S.
Laura earned her B.A. Degree in Sociology from St. Francis University in 2011. In 2015, Laura earned her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling at Mount Aloysius College. Laura has had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Laura has experience as a drug and alcohol outpatient therapist where she worked with clients struggling with addiction and mental health concerns. More recently, Laura has worked as family therapist where she assisted at risk youth and their families in need. Laura has clinical skills and experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol, grief and loss, ADHD, ODD, and other mental health concerns. Additionally, Laura has had the opportunity to facilitate family and couples counseling treatment when needed.
Laura began working at Bedford-Somerset DBHS/Cornerstone Community Services in 2020 in the Clinical Services Unit as an outpatient therapist. Laura is excited to join the team as well as meet new clients to help them achieve their mental health goals. During her spare time, Laura enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family.
Brianna Lynch, M.S.
Brianna Lynch has a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College and a Master’s in Education with Elementary Certification. She completed 3 years of PA state mandated training as a Family Based Therapist and obtained a PA state certification. She also has a Master’s degree in Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Brianna has worked for more than 15 years in social services as a teacher and a counselor, with the majority of that time being spent as a family-based therapist. She began working in the Clinical Services Unit in February of 2022. Brianna has experience providing therapeutic support in home, community, and office settings and enjoys helping people learn new ways to manage life’s challenges and create change. Brianna works with children, adolescents, and adults. Brianna enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets, gardening, and engaging in artistic projects.
Kay Fair
Kay graduated with her B.S. from Brigham Young University with a major in Social Work and minor Psychology. Later she received her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University. Kay began her mental health career as an outpatient therapist at J.C .Blair Hospital in Huntingdon, PA and also participated in the Student Assistance Program where she provided assessments for middle and high school students. She went on to become the Mental Health Director for the hospital’s counseling program which included oversight at several satellite sights (Juniata College, four medical centers, the county Base Service Unit, Partial Hospitalization Program and county school sites). She obtained specialized training at Penn State University in Play Therapy, and in Relationship Enhancement from the National Relationship Enhancement Center in Maryland. Kay also delivered individual and group treatment while working for the hospital. After leaving J. C Blair Hospital, she was a Mobile Therapist, Behavioral Specialist, Outpatient Therapist, and supervisor at Alternative Community Resource Program in Bedford. Kay worked in the schools, homes, and communities with children and teens experiencing difficulties in those settings. She is also a licensed Behavior Specialist Consultant who has worked many years with Autistic children and adults. More recently she has obtained training in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma therapy for adults, and is a certified Trauma Focused CBT therapist for children and teens.
Kay began working for Cornerstone Community Services in the Clinical Services Unit in 2020. She enjoys meeting with people of all ages and specializes in helping people reduce their depression and anxiety using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She tries to provide an empathetic ear and instill hope for a better tomorrow. She is a great believer in collaborating with people to help them reduce their mental health symptoms and to help them achieve a much better quality of life. Kay enjoys nature and the beauties of the world, walking, gardening, landscaping, spending time with her family and pets and reading.
Jamie Turingan
Jamie earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022. Jamie became a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in June of 2022. Jamie has an interest in working with people of all ages and a variety of mental health concerns. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing a variety of issues due to complex trauma. She feels very passionate about providing trauma-informed care and utilizing a psychodynamic approach in treatment. Jamie counsels from an eclectic approach that encompasses a variety of different treatment interventions including CBT, DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing.
Jamie has worked in a residential treatment facility in Pittsburgh that focuses on treating youth ages 5-18 who have severe emotional, behavioral, and/or intellectual difficulties due to traumatic experiences. Jamie has been able to support youth and families through difficult times in providing counseling that focuses on the person as a whole, taking into consideration any biological, social, psychological, environmental, and cultural factors that have impacted an individual’s well-being.
Jamie is excited to pursue continued learning and to keep up to date on evidenced-based treatments to better serve her clients. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her puppy. Jamie also likes reading, hiking, and practicing yoga.
