William J Heran, PhD, LICSW
Chief Executive Officer
William J Heran, PhD, LICSW
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. William Heran is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Providence Treatment. Dr. Heran holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from Smith College and a Master in Social Work from New York University and has over 35 years as a clinician, researcher, author, educator, spiritual advisor and program developer. He worked as a research associate with Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. at the Boston Trauma Center and published research on the traumatic effects of awareness during surgery. He has worked in many multi-cultural settings including Jamaica, Hawaii, New York City and Boston. He is a former Jesuit and continues to integrate spirituality into his work and programming at Providence Treatment. He has worked with professionals for many years and serves as an evaluator for State Licensing Boards, State Boards of Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing. He also is HIMS-program trained and treats private and commercial pilots. Dr. Heran has a particular interest and skill to work with clergy from all faiths with a substance use disorder. Dr. Heran’s skill and leadership makes Providence Treatment a leader in healthcare and treatment. He is a certified SAP evaluator for U.S. Department of Transportation and works closely with employers’ EAPs. He is also a certified mindfulness teacher.
Dr. Heran recently received the prestigious William F. Callahan award. This award is presented by the NAADAC. It is not presented each year. It recognizes sustained and meritorious service at the national level to the profession of addiction counseling. It recognizes individuals with a strong dedication to the addiction profession as demonstrated by involvement in and commitment to a variety of key organizations.
His new book, "The Missing Peace" is recently published and is available on Amazon.com
Gabe Lau, PhD, PE
Chief Operating Officer
Gabe Lau, PhD, PE
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Gabe Lau is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Providence Treatment Companies and he has overall responsibilities for the operation and management of Providence Treatment, Sober Living Program, and Caduceus Academy for medical students. He completed his Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organization Development (OD) at Cabrini University in Philadelphia. He is also a licensed practicing engineer and holds both Bachelor and Master degrees in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University. Prior to joining Providence Treatment team in 2014, Dr. Lau worked for 2 world-renowned US-owned engineering and construction companies. He brings more than 15 years of corporate experience in project management and program management in various industrial and manufacturing businesses, commercial and healthcare buildings, telecommunication, fossil and nuclear power plants.
Christopher Owsiany, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCS
Clinical Supervisor
Christopher Owsiany, MA, LPC, CAADC, CCS
Clinical Supervisor
Mr. Christopher Owsiany is the Clinical Supervisor of Providence Treatment. He has a master’s degree in clinical counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. He has certifications as an advanced addictions counselor and clinical supervisor by the Pennsylvania Certification Board. Christopher has over 20 years of experience as a clinician treating substance use disorders and other mental health concerns in a wide range of individuals, groups, and families. He has training in the treatment of process addictions and helping those with a history of trauma through Cognitive Processing Therapy.
David Steinman, MD, DFAPA
Psychiatrist Consultant
David Steinman, MD, DFAPA
Psychiatrist Consultant
Dr. David Steinman is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who graduated from The Medical College of Pennsylvania. He completed an internship in Pediatrics at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children-Temple University Hospital, and served his Residency in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. He also received post-graduate training at the Philadelphia Psychoanalytic Institute. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Steinman performs medication consultation and follows up for a variety of disorders. He has extensive experience with depression and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, adjustment reactions, eating disorders, and attention deficit disorder (ADD), adolescent issues, and impairment in professionals, particularly physicians.
Joseph Resignato, MD
Psychiatrist Consultant
Joseph Resignato, MD
Psychiatrist Consultant
Dr. Resignato is double-board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He completed his B.A. at Cornell College, a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences at Boston University, followed by his medical degree at New York Medical College. After graduating from medical school he moved to Philadelphia to complete his Psychiatry residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
At Jefferson he played a key role in developing and implementing addiction treatment-related guidelines and policy to improve the care of patients admitted to the hospital with substance use disorders. He has several academic and addiction-related publications and has been nationally recognized for his contributions to this area of medicine.
He currently works both in private practice and in the hospital treating veterans with mental health and addiction disorders. Academically, he supervises and assists in the training of medical students and doctors specializing in Psychiatry at both UPenn and Jefferson.
Clay Gueits, MD
Psychiatrist Consultant / HCP Group Facilitator
Clay Gueits, MD
Psychiatrist Consultant
Nicole Zmuda, PhD, LCSW
Senior Addictions Counselor
Nicole Zmuda, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Nicole Zmuda is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, in both clinical and administrative roles. She has treated individuals, families, and groups, including facilitating a process group for individuals with problematic sexual behavior. Dr. Zmuda has extensive experience treating healthcare professionals, pilots, and other individuals in safety sensitive positions with substance use disorders. Dr. Zmuda’s work is rooted in a humanistic, strengths-based approach, wherein she utilizes motivational interviewing to help support change. She has also been trained in other evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, and utilizes these interventions as appropriate. Dr. Zmuda earned her MSW from Marywood University, and an MEd and PhD in Human Sexuality from the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University. She is an Assistant Professor in the Master of Social Work Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Zmuda also serves as the Director of Advocacy and Education for the NEPA Pride Coalition, a non-profit serving the LGBTQIA+ community in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Natalia Giraldo Santiago, PhD, LCSW
Senior Addictions Counselor
Natalia Giraldo Santiago, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Natalia Giraldo Santiago is a bilingual (Spanish and English) and bicultural (Puerto Rican and Colombian) licensed social worker with 10 years of clinical, research, and academic experiences improving the quality and evidence of mental health services with diverse populations. Dr. Natalia worked for over two years as a full-time clinician facilitating substance use and mental health treatment services through individual, group, and family therapy sessions in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Natalia was trained on 12-step, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral approaches to assists individuals and families in the identification and coping with stressful situations, external pressures, difficult emotions, and trauma contributing to addictive behaviors. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston and a dual research fellowship appointment at the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), respectively.
Scott Strubinger, MSW, LCSW, RD, CAADC
Senior Addictions Counselor
Scott Strubinger, MSW, LCSW, RD, CAADC
Senior Addictions Counselor
Mr. Scott Strubinger received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from West Chester University and a Bachelors of Science in dietetics from East Carolina University. He holds long-standing memberships with the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Integrating physical wellness to assist the mind-body-spirit connection is a key feature of his psychodynamic approach. Scott also has postgraduate training and experience in trauma therapy (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. With each unique individual and family, he uses evidence-based practices to design their care and track progress. Scott promotes successful recovery from substance use and mental health disorders through accountability, strengthening communication, the reduction of trauma, and self-advocacy.
Frederick Pence, MSW, LCSW, MFA, CCHP
Co-Occurring Counselor
Frederick Pence, LCSW, MFA, CCHP
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Mr. Frederick Pence has a Master of Social Work degree and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. He is certified in both Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy and forensic social work. Frederick has experience in a variety of clinical settings treating substance use disorders and behavioral health challenges. He provides a non-judgmental, inclusive atmosphere, helping clients question problematic beliefs, and determine appropriate behavioral changes. Frederick helps clients achieve transformational change in a safe place where they are unconditionally accepted.
Will Pham, MSW, LCSW
Co-Occurring Counselor
Will Pham, MSW, LCSW
Addictions Counselor
Mr. Will Pham holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Temple University and completed his undergraduate education in social work at The College of Saint Rose. In treating substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions, Mr. Pham conducts comprehensive assessments and implements interventions tailored to meet individuals’ presenting needs. Mr. Pham employs evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. In working to build strong therapeutic relationships, Mr. Pham aims to support clients in a capacity which is person-centered, goal-oriented, and promotes the dignity and worth of each individual.
Merrit Drake, MSW, LSW
Addictions Counselor
Meritt Drake
Addictions Counselor
Ms. Meritt Drake received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University after completing her undergraduate education at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Meritt utilizes an empathetic, strengths-based approach when working with our clients and their families. She incorporates a psychodynamic approach while integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in the individual and group settings. She focuses on building meaningful relationships, fostering self-growth, and honoring the importance of dignity in the healing process with our clients. Meritt is currently working on obtaining her LCSW license while at Providence.
Mary Minton
Practice Manager
Mary Minton
Practice Manager
Ms. Mary Minton is a long time resident of Delaware County. As a former business owner who has many years of experience in the corporate setting, she utilizes her background in customer relations and management to ensure that a visit to Providence Treatment is a comforting time. She shares and joins the mission and the vision of Providence Treatment that she appreciates the opportunity to serve the community and is dedicated to helping people.
Marylee Cannatelli
Administrative Associate
Marylee Cannatelli
Administrative Associate
Ms. Marylee Cannatelli is a long time resident of Philadelphia. She spent almost 20 years with American Airlines at Philadelphia International Airport providing administrative supports to airmen and captain pilots. In the midst of COVID in 2020 her position at AA was eliminated due to cost reduction. She feels fortunate to have found her new home at Providence Treatment as she continues to support our clients who are professionals because she can relate to their needs.
Biofeedback Clinic
Widener University
Biofeedback Clinic
Widener University
Widener University’s Biofeedback Clinic & Certification Center (BCCC), chaired by Dr. Pamela Calvert-Hirt provides psychophysiological interventions for common issues such as: attention, insomnia, stress, headaches and test anxiety to our professional clients. The clinic offers personalized coaching proven to enhance performance and productivity in academics, athletics, and business. This biofeedback service is facilitated by a post-doctoral clinician from Widener University at Providence Treatment’s outpatient facility.