Therapist
Samantha Smith, MS, LLPC
Samantha’s clinical work is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a modality she values for its ability to empower individuals by helping them identify and change negative thought patterns.
She works primarily with adults but also provides care for children, offering a flexible and compassionate approach that meets each client where they are.
Samantha holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice, as well as a master’s degree in Counseling. She brings a wealth of experience from a variety of clinical and community-based settings, including social service agencies, girls’ homes, shelters, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), community mental health, nonprofit organizations, and the criminal justice system.
Outside of her professional work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and helping others through acts of encouragement and support. She believes that meaningful change begins with a single decision, and through CBT, she strives to guide others toward healthier, more positive outcomes.
Other Team Members
Psychologist
Ray Kamoo, PhD, LP
A licensed psychologist with 34 years of experience, Dr. Kamoo is the Clinical Director for Apex Therapy Services, having started the clinic as an extension of his private practice.
Nurse Practitioner
Hassan Ajami, PMHNP-BC
Hassan specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, insomnia, and a wide range of other mental health conditions through therapeutic interventions and evidence-based medication management.
Therapist
Rebecca Antonacci, MA, DTLLP
Rebecca works from a primarily CBT-oriented approach, and is trained to integrate across a range of modalities including EFT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches. She works with both adolescents and adults.
Psychometrist
Anderson Boatman
Anderson relies on an interpersonal process approach to help clients achieve their goals.
Psychologist
Tom Bottenfield, Ph.D, LLP
As a staff psychologist, Tom works with a diverse population of adolescents and adults and treats a number of different disorders.
Therapist
Lindsey Burton, MA, LPC
Lindsey is experienced in vocational rehabilitation counseling, working with adults and adolescents, including those with traumatic brain injury.
Therapist
Imani Byrd, MS, DTLLP
Imani specializes in therapy for trauma, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity concerns, and suicide and self-injury prevention and intervention. She has extensive experience across various clinical settings, including inpatient facilities, community mental health, nonprofit, first response, and corrections.
Operations Manager
Linda Dashow
Linda's expertise in staff leadership, financial management, and compliance and quality improvement initiatives consistently lead to positive outcomes for patients, providers, and staff.
Psychometrist | Autism Program
Amy Devellis, MS, BCBA, LBA
With 30 years in the field of autism, Amy specializes in diagnostic evaluations for children.
Psychometrist
Paige Erickson, PhD, TLLP
As Paige works with clients, she tailors her approach to make certain they are comfortable with her and the therapy process.
Psychometrist
Hannah Ethridge
Hannah aims to create a structured yet supportive environment while conducting psychological assessments with the diversity of individuals.
Therapist
Julia Ettema, MA, TLLP
Julia primarily works with adults using psychodynamic and integrative approaches to help individuals process past experiences, navigate self and interpersonal issues, and find meaning in their lives.
Therapist
Sharthea Fitzhugh, MS, LLPC
Sharthea’s orientation is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, complemented by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing.
Autism Program Director
Bethany Gorka, BCBA
Experienced in diagnostic assessment, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and involvement with families/caregivers, Bethany approaches her work with a neurodiversity-affirming mindset.
Benefits Verification Coordinator
Kristin Gray
Kristin supports the patient insurance eligibility and prior authorization process to ensure accurate billing, minimized claim denials, improved patient experience, and streamlined operations.
Practicum Therapist and ABA Technician
Riley Hawley
Riley has developed the skills to do therapy with children and teens. Her work experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA) while being a registered behavior technician has helped her become familiar with behavior problems in children. She personalizes interventions for her clients that incorporate her clinical expertise with her client’s passions and strengths for a...
ABA Technician
Kassandra (Kassie) Hernandez
Kassie has extensive experience delivering evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges.
Registered Nurse
Barbara Jonas, RN
Barbara helps providers obtain authorizations for medications prescribed for their patients. She can also assist patients with filling out forms or other issues that may arise.
Director of Human Resources
Nolan Kamoo, BAA
At Apex, Nolan serves as a psychometrist, conducting psychological testing with children, adolescents, and adults. Nolan obtained his Bachelor of Applied Arts in organizational leadership from Central Michigan University in 2024. After completing his student teaching internship this fall, Nolan will also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with a focus in...
Therapist
Ann Kassab-Gray
Ann is an experienced licensed clinical social worker specializing in individual and family therapy, behavioral interventions, and school-based support.
Therapist
Jess Kopitz, MS, DTLLP
Jess utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based strategies in work with adolescents.
Therapist
Jessica Malaney, MA, LPC
Jessica helps clients develop tools to effectively manage their needs through cognitive behavioral therapy, incorporating other techniques like mindfulness, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, somatic approaches, and a person-centered approach.
Director of Psychological Assessment
Heidi Martin, PhD, DTLLP
Typically taking a psychodynamic approach to therapy, Heidi integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques when appropriate.
Therapist
Rhondi McGill, LMSW
Rhondi's approach is supportive and individualized; her aim is to provide needed guidance and assistance for each client to achieve their identified goals.
Therapist
Pamela Mobley, MA, LPC
Pamela specializes in working with children and adolescents from ages 6 to 17 years old, as well as adults, utilizing CBT and additional evidence-based practices, to assist with creating personal goals and ways to reach them.
Nurse Practitioner
Zahra Moshref, PMHNP-BC
Certified as both a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Zahra is committed to providing a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Nurse Practitioner
Ashley Nutt, PMHNP-BC
Ashley specializes in geriatric and adult psychiatry, providing compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Her approach to patient care is rooted in being genuine, as authenticity is essential to building trust and rapport.
Chief Compliance Officer
Lauren Penfold
As compliance officer for Apex Autism Services, Lauren strives to be a strong advocate for patients and families.
Practicum Therapist
Maeson Schlaud, MA, TLLP
Maeson's goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to help them get to the root of their problems and meet their goals, tailoring the treatment approach to help meet each client's unique needs.
Therapist
Hayli Shopshire, LMSW
Hayli's goal is to build a strong rapport and connection with each person, something often missing in our everyday lives, but crucial for healing.
Therapist
Samantha Smith, MS, LLPC
Samantha’s clinical work is rooted in CBT, which she values for its ability to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. She works primarily with adults but also provides care for children.
Psychometrist
Adrienne Sulma, MS, MSEd, DTLLP, NCC
Adrienne offers a safe, strengths-based, and affirming space during psychological assessment services. She is experienced working with youth and adults in both research and clinical practice.
Behavior Analyst, Autism Services
Matthew Szubelak, BCBA
Through his work with kids, both typically developing and with additional needs, Matt has become known as supportive, calm, and confident.
Finance and Billing Associate
Nanci Weisman
Nancy works with clients to assure that their association with the practice is a fruitful one; her role encompasses client relations, staffing, and billing and finances.
Speech and Language Pathologist | Autism Program
Catherine Williams, SLP
A certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), Catherine is licensed to practice speech language pathology in the State of Michigan.
Collaborating Physician
Ahmad Zubairi, MD
Dr. Zubairi’s areas of interest are depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD/ADD, anxiety disorders, and relationship issues; he is also experienced in treating all psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, substance abuse, and sexual dysfunction.