I come here to do something, to be involved. If I was home, I would probably be watching tv or doing something non-productive. It’s good for me to get out for a few hours. I like the activities now. It was a time when we were not going on trips. Now we are doing a lot of things. I have been coming to Life Skills for about four or five years.
Dr. Litman completed his medical residency in Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. Shortly after, he joined the Experimental Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, as a Senior Staff Fellow. He remained at NIH until 1995, when he joined this private mental health program, where he continued to pursue his interest in psychiatry. Today, he serves as Chief Medical Officer for Centers for Behavioral Health, LLC, and as a consultant in psychopharmacology for many area providers.
Nicole Lindsay is the Program Director at the Mar-Lyn Rockville supported housing location. She has a diverse background in social services, professional development, and program management in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining Centers, she worked in program development with Montgomery County hospitals Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program. She served as an Assertive Community Treatment member with Green Door, both in Washington, DC.
Nicole earned her BS in Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University. She attended the Catholic University of America’s graduate program in clinical social work. Overlapping her education, Nicole worked as a program manager of military culture education programs with the Center for Deployment Psychology for the Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. There she was the program manager for the University Core Competency programs (1&2) and the Speakers Bureau program. Nicole’s passion for social services is fueled by race equity, diverse equity, and inclusionary philosophies.
Janet Horowitz is the Program Director for Mar-Lyn Supportive Housing located in Cockeysville, Maryland. She has worked with the Centers for Behavioral Health for 37 years! Before joining Centers, Janet worked in the retail industry managing a 20-member team. She enjoys working in the mental health field as it provides a different daily challenge. Janet believes in the importance of honest, open communication and authenticity. In her spare time, she enjoys playing mahjongg, watching a good love story, going to dinner, and shopping with good friends and family. She especially loves spending time with her husband and sons.
Allison Miller is the Program Director for Life Skills Rockville. She has been with Centers for over 10 years and served in many different capacities. Allison graduated from East Carolina University in 2009 with a master’s degree in clinical psychology and obtained LCPC licensure in Maryland. At Life Skills, she has helped foster a community of support and provide quality care for needy individuals.
Petranda Simmons is the Program Director of Life Skills PRP in Baltimore, MD. She joined Centers in 1999 as a case manager and was promoted to Assistant Director and then Program Director during her employment. Petranda specializes in working with adults with behavioral health disorders. Petranda earned her clinical social work license (LCSW-C) and maintains continuing education units for active licensure and to remain current in the field.
Petranda feels it’s crucial to be approachable to both staff and clients. Her strengths are to provide open communication, organization, and collaboration. With these qualities, she’s been an essential part of the management team, leading her team at Life Skills. In her spare time, Petranda enjoys spending time with her immediate family, including her husband and son, as well as a large extended Greek family. Petranda’s latest joy is their new Cavapoo puppy, Pita.
Debbie Brady is the Human Resource/Operations Manager seated in our corporate office in Derwood, MD. She joined Centers in 2021 and brought with her significant experience in both human resources and operations. In 2019 she earned her professional certification (SHRM-CP) from The Society for Human Resources Management and maintains continuing education courses to remain current and up to date on the latest trends.
Debbie believes open communication, authentic collaboration, and strong teamwork provides the most positive and encouraging experience for staff, stakeholders, and clients. Her door is always open. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys photography, spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as her dogs and other members of her pet menagerie (she is passionate about animals).
Tracey Dehm is the Chief Clinical Officer for Centers for Behavioral Health, LLC (Centers). She sits at the corporate office in Derwood, Maryland. Tracey joined Centers in 2017 as the Program Director for the Life Skills Psychiatric Day Program in Rockville, Maryland. She was elevated to Chief Clinical Officer in 2019. Before joining the Centers’ team, Tracey worked as an Intern and Counselor at Shady Grove Adventist Behavioral Health Hospital and later became the Inpatient Social Work Supervisor. She has earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Clinical Professional Counseling. She is a licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in Maryland.
Tracey’s leadership philosophy is building collaborative teams and ensuring we “do the right thing.” Tracey’s hobbies include listening to music, cooking/baking, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Ruby Pardo is the Assistant Controller located in our corporate office in Derwood, MD. She joined Centers in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll, and finance. She has a degree in Business Administration and Accounting and remains up to date on federal and state laws, changes in payroll requirements, etc., through continuing education courses. She is organized, detail-oriented, and eager to assist staff with accounting-related issues. In her free time, Ruby enjoys being outdoors, hiking, loves dancing, and is an avid moviegoer.
Jay Yospe is the CFO/COO of Centers for Behavioral Health, LLC, which was formed in conjunction with his two partners. Jay had significant business experience as CEO of a large Insurance Agency in Baltimore, MD, followed by 25 years as CFO /COO of CBH Health LLC, a pharmaceutical clinical trials company. Jay graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Accounting and Business and shortly after acquired his CPA certification.
Jay believes in a strong work ethic, accentuating the positive in work and personal life. He believes firmly in building an open and collaborative relationship with the employees of Centers. He is excited about the continued growth of Centers and is very proud of the excellent work performed by the staff and the wonderful benefits Centers is able to provide to the client base of the Company.
In his spare time, Jay enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife, children, & grandchildren.
Barton Azwalinsky is the CEO of Centers for Behavioral Health, LLC. As a principle in the company Barton began working with Centers in 1981 in multiple programs. He began leading as director of the residential programs, Mar-Lyn, named after his mother Marilyn the original founder of the supported living programs, located in Baltimore and then later in Montgomery County. As Director, he gained much knowledge in the day-to-day operations of housing programs.
He graduated from University of Baltimore with a degree in business. Prior to stepping into the CEO role with Centers Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP), Barton served as CEO of a psychiatric medical practice.
He has over 40 years of experience in the mental health field. In addition to supporting the Centers programs, he owned and operated a large research facility that developed psychotropic medications for 30 years. In 2019, he sold that company with his partners and now dedicates his time to assisting his team in making Centers the best PRP in Maryland. Much of his spare time is spent being with family, especially his grandchildren.
