Meet Our Staff

Katharine Oh, Ph.D -- Director of the University Counseling Center

I love working with college students and take a collaborative approach to therapy. Together, we can identify your strengths and roadblocks and find the best ways to help you move forward to be more of yourself. I use gestalt, relational cultural, and feminist therapy to empower students to reach their goals. I received my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. In addition to college and university counseling centers, I have experience working in an intimate partner violence shelter, an eating disorder clinic, and a psychiatric hospital.

Clinical Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Suicide Risk and Self-Harm, Identity and Acculturation, LGBTQ clients, and Asian and Asian American clients

Personal Interests: Reading broadly, weight lifting, cooking new dishes, travelling, and learning about leadership. 

Amanda Groves, LPCC-S -- Assistant Director of the University Counseling Center

Amanda Groves is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She completed her MA degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University in 2020, and her MA in higher education from Baldwin Wallace University in 2014.

Amanda is trained extensively in evidence-based treatments such as: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her areas of interest include the treatment of anxiety, depression, emotional eating, adjustment and life transitions, academic and career exploration, relationship issues and bereavement.

Amanda has over 10 years of experience working at various colleges and universities across the United States supporting the diverse needs of young adults. In addition to her experience in the collegiate setting, she has worked in the community supporting children and adolescents who have suffered severe neglect and trauma.

Shelby Bitter, LPCC-S -- Full-time Staff Counselor 

I truly enjoy working alongside my clients to empower and instill positive change. I believe that we all have the power within us to achieve and sustain personal growth and wellness and live the life we ultimately want. With each client, I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where everyone is free to be themselves and work toward their goals. I earned both my bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Ohio State University. In addition to university counseling centers, I have experience working in community mental health agencies, a domestic violence shelter, and private practice. 

Clinical Interests: Anxiety, life transitions, athlete issues, relationship concerns, adult children of emotionally immature parents, depression, self-esteem and identity development.

Personal Interests: Watching sports, exercising, exploring new places in Cleveland, cooking, and spending time with my friends, family, partner and dog!

Katherine Antall -- Doctoral Intern

Katherine is a fourth-year counseling psychology doctoral student at Cleveland State University. She completed her MS in school psychology from Miami University and has extensive training in sexual health via the University of Michigan’s Sexual Health Certificate program. 

Katherine’s areas of interest include sexual health, relationships, sexual trauma, human trafficking and has worked extensively with neurodivergent adults. Using a collaborative, person-centered approach, Katherine works to ensure clients have a safe space to feel heard and are empowered to reach their therapy goals. 

In her time outside of work and school, Katherine enjoys hiking, boating, baking, traveling (mostly to Ireland), and spending time with family and friends. 

Lorris Robinson -- Doctoral Intern

I enjoy working with people of color regarding their racial identity and their experiences maneuvering the world. My expertise is in helping clients develop their definition of masculine standards, while combating today’s societal expectations. I utilize a strength-based approach when it comes to therapy because we all can benefit from seeing the positives in our actions. Clinical Interests: Racial Identity, Masculinity, Depression, Multiculturalism, LGBT+, people of color, and black people.  Personal Interests: Video games, Anime, X-men and traveling.

Sophia Petrov -- Graduate Assistant

I graduated from Capital University with a BA in psychology, minor in music (cello performance), and a concentration in art therapy. Similar to the varieties of subjects I studied during my undergraduate degree, I worked in a variety of fields before coming to JCU to pursue my masters in clinical mental health counseling. I worked as an activities coordinator at Bickford Senior Living in Columbus, a “paint night” instructor at a couple of art studios in Columbus and Cleveland, and most recently as an ophthalmic technician at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute where I specialize in retinal and pediatric ophthalmology. I have realized in all of these roles that no matter what I do, I know I want to support people in feeling their best regardless of what life has thrown their way. So when you see me at the front desk of the university counseling center, please know I am here for you too!

In my free time, I enjoy making art projects with my cat Koko on my desk (and in my paint), camping with my husband Jon and dog Gladys, browsing used book stores, listening to podcasts, and finding the best bubble tea in Ohio with reckless abandon. 

Dr. Matthew Andersen -- Psychiatrist

Matthew Andersen, MD, is a general adult psychiatrist with special interests in college mental health, refugee/immigrant mental health and LGBTQ+ mental health. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and psychiatry residency training at Mount Sinai St Luke’s-Roosevelt program in Manhattan, NY. He is an assistant professor for Case Western University School of Medicine and works primarily at University Hospitals Adult Psychiatry clinic.

 Dr. Amy Li

Amy Li, MD is a general adult psychiatry resident with special interests in cultural psychiatry and college mental health. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Richmond and her medical degree from University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences. She is currently training at Case Western Reserve University Psychiatry residency program. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and board games. 

Mary Beth Kelley – Administrative Assistant

I have been the Administrative Assistant at the Counseling Center since 2007. Prior to coming to John Carroll I held a similar position at CWRU School of Law and was at home for several years navigating the schedules of our five kids. I am fortunate to work in such a welcoming, nurturing environment. I’ve learned so much about adjusting to college, stress management and self-care. I find it rewarding to connect students to the help they need during their time at John Carroll.

Personal interests: I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, reading and getting outdoors when the Cleveland weather permits.

Ophira Dar, LSW -- Part-time Counselor

I feel that it’s truly a privilege to work with clients and hear their stories. As part of this work, I aim to serve as a guide and rely on a collaborative, strengths-based, and inquisitive approach. As a clinician, I’m passionate about creating an accepting and affirming space for all clients. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and education from Barnard College and my master’s degree in social work from The Mandel School at Case Western Reserve University. I have experience working in university counseling, community mental health, and private practice.

Clinical interests: Adjustment and life transitions, trauma, anxiety and depression, minority stress, and cultural identity

Personal interests: Singing, crocheting, art/decorating projects, cooking, and hanging out with my loved ones!