Welcome to our "Meet the Staff" page.  Please read on and meet our featured staff.  They are talented, friendly, skilled professionals, who provide quality services to our clients.  As you read, I think you will understand why we are so proud of them and why we appreciate them so much.

I started Strategic to provide a place for children to receive quality services that include their families.  Along the way, I have come to understand that one of the most important criteria for providing quality services is having a quality staff. 

I am proud to work with this outstanding group of professionals.  It is through them that we are able to help children and families in Central, Southside, and Southwest, Virginia.

Les Blondino, Jr., LPC, LMFT
Director

Prior to retirement, I was employed with Department of Social Services and periodically referred clients to Strategic, finding their work with clients to successful. 
In retirement I consult with Strategic as Supervisor of therapists with Masters of Social Work degrees, to help them attain licensure for clinical social work.  

I have been impressed with the supervision and training offered to the therapists.  It is thorough and consistent, continually reinforcing theory and practice.   Having received training in Structural Family Therapy and in experiencing the practices at Strategic, I now understand why we are so successful with those we help.
                                                                                                     Bill Aiken, LCSW
                                                                                                     Clinical Supervisor

As a newcomer to Lynchburg, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the incredible team at Strategic Therapy Associates.  The environment is on e of warmth, professionalism and dedication to respecting the unique experience of each family served.  The Strategic approach builds hope, recognizes strengths and restores loving relationships.  Its a dynamic method of addressing some of the most difficult family challenges.  As a clinical supervisor I am honored to join this dedicated team committed to supporting the families and communities in Central Virginia.
Heather Fronheiser, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor

When the non-profit group that I worked for began to dwindle in funding, it sought out to merge with an established agency to ensure continuation of services in the Danville-Pittsylvania county area.  This non-profit was most impressed with Strategic, because of their reputation for long-term success.  The agencies merged on July 1, 1998.

After the merger, I remained with the agency and quickly learned to appreciate the genius of the Strategic model.  Having been a Behaviorist prior to my time with Strategic, I realized that the Strategic model is what I had been searching for to fill the void between the real world and laboratory research.  It has been reassuring to be able to help clients achieve long-term success when crises arise.

Mike Irby, M.Ed.
Clinical Supervisor

I heard about Strategic through the career center at college.  I was eager to learn more about family therapy and to gain experience in the field, so I started working at Strategic as an intern.  Following my internship, I joined the staff as a Therapeutic Companion where I gained experience interacting with different children, families, and school systems, as well as working as a co-counselor on cases. 

I've supervised our day treatment and a home-based team, now oversee the region. These different experiences help me to inspire the staff to think therapeutically and creatively about our client work and remind me that though we have varied services and programs, we are all working towards one goal: instilling hope in families.
Angela Watkins, B.S.
Regional Manager- Lynchburg area

Before I was hired, I knew that Strategic had a very specific approach to solving family problems and a reputation for success.  I wanted to be a part of that, because I knew it was a place that I could be a successful therapist. 

Being able to help a family overcome the identified problem; restoring family hierarchy; providing parents with the tools to address future behavior; and most importantly, helping build healthy relationships within the family, is my passion.  At the end of the day, I like to know that I have been able to help someone.  I know I have succeeded when a parent says, "I feel like I am a parent now."  
                                                                           Nikki Craft, M.S.
                                                                           Regional Manager- Southside area

As a graduate student, I had the good fortune of studying Strategic Therapy model with a former protégé of Jay Haley and Cloe Madanes.  During that time, I heard about Strategic Therapy Associates and its distinguished reputation for helping families resolve difficult problems through the use of this model.  Within weeks of graduation, I was hired as a Home-Based Therapist.  I have become known as an enthusiastic advocate of both the agency and the inherent strength of families. 

Christine E. Oglesby, LPC, LMFT
Home-Based Therapist

From being a Peer Mediator in elementary school, to a Safety Patrol in middle school, and for always being the "go-to" person for advice, I knew early in life that I wanted to help people solve problems and to be happy with themselves and their choices.  As I searched for a job with meaning and opportunity for growth I found Strategic Therapy.  I was excited to start working with at risk youth.  Little did I know, not only would I be helping kids and families, I would be working with some of the most compassionate and goal-oriented people I have ever met.  I fell in love with the job, the people, and most of all the differences made in each life that Strategic Therapy Associates helps.

Amber Irby
Site Supervisor

The values and standards of Strategic Therapy Associates led to my desire to work for the agency. Strategic is an agency that believes in creating a hopeful and optimistic therapeutic environment.  We put the family and child first by creating a nurturing environment where each client is treated with respect and care.  I am privileged to work with a skilled team who has passion for working with children and families. My experience at Strategic Therapy Associates has been a rewarding experience. We are truly making a difference in the lives of children and families everyday!
                                                                                William Verdon, M.Div.
                                                                                Staff Development Supervisor

Having been employed for several years with Strategic, I have come to appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to work for an agency that understands the value of family.  Strategic provides a positive environment of growth and advancement, not only for the many families served, but for me personally.  I look forward to a continually growing relationship with the agency as it moves into the future. 

Cynthia Wallace, B.S.
Site Supervisor

I learned about Strategic Therapy Associates while attending graduate school.  I started as as a Home-Based Therapist, and with the guidance of my supervisors, I learned that in-home counseling is an effective and powerful way to assist children and families in making positive and significant changes in their lives.  I have had the opportunity to manage both our Day Treatment program and our Home-Based team which has afforded me even greater clinical perspective as I pursue professional licensure at the agency.

Lisa A. Taylor, M.Ed.
Home-Based Team Leader- Southside Area

Some do not understand the impact a person can have on at-risk youth and the  community.  The Nurtured Heart explains it best: "Children who feel successful, think and act successful."  I want to be known as one who encourages children to strive toward their goals.

The structure and the foundation of Strategic is exactly what I was looking for, an  agency that stands for the rights of kids while treating them like who they are, not just the labels attached to them.  At Strategic, I have the opportunity to gain more knowledge while doing the things that I really love- helping our youth. 

Dominique Coles, B.S.
Home-Based Therapist

Family Systems Therapy was foundational in my Masters program at the University of Northern Colorado.  I know problems presented by children at home and in the community originate from incongruous hierarchy in the family.  Unless addressed at that level, long-term solutions are less likely to be implemented. 

Strategic offers consistent and on-going training in Strategic Family Therapy, a model that has proven long-term, success with wide range of difficult issues including: abuse, oppositional defiance and juvenile delinquency.  The training and supervision at Strategic is designed to arm therapists with unique interventions that meet the individual needs of the families.  I'm delighted to work with a team of dedicated professionals with a passion for children and families.
                                                         Berkley Holston, MFT
                                                         Home-Based Team Leader- Lynchburg area

When I first met Les, he shared with me his dream of starting an agency that specialized in working with families in their homes and preventing the unnecessary placement of their children.  His passion for this dream was contagious, and I found myself wanting to be a part of making it come true.  

Soon after, Strategic was born.  Since that time, I have had the honor and privilege of helping to create it and am proud to be helping children and families lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

Laura Blondino, MBA
Administrative Coordinator

When I found Strategic, I was new to Virginia searching for a job that could be meaningful.  I saw an agency that was committed to helping children by strengthening their families.  I believe the family is the core of society.  How can society be OK if the family isn't OK?  I was fortunate to become the Human Resources Manager for the agency.  Now, I get to help find incredible people to carry out an incredible mission, and through them, I am going to positively impact families throughout the region.

Erika Eades, PHR
Human Resources Manager

I grew up in the Chatham area and moved to Lynchburg after getting married.  Shortly thereafter, I was hired by Strategic as an Office Assistant and now work as the Accounts Receivable Associate.  It has been a great experience.  Being able to see the many children and families that receive our services and interacting with them on a regular basis really means a lot to me.  I love the fact that I am able to work with so many great people and help families at the same time.

 Samantha Hyler
 Accounts Receivable Associate