Staff

Anthony Villa

CEO / Owner

Anton Crosby

Therapist / Case Worker

My name is Anton Cross and as a Master’s Degree holder in Social Work it’s my belief that humankind will grow toward maturity and productivity if not hindered by discrimination, lack of opportunity, oppression and other environmental obstacles. The purpose of society is to enhance the life and opportunity of humankind. I am here to serve my fellow man and that’s why I use a multi-system framework approach with the assumption that human events can best be understood in their context. I use and eclectic and holistic approach to ensure that the interaction between the client and myself is therapeutic so that the client can have their bio-psychosocial and spiritual needs met.

Jennifer Simmons Means

Counselor / Group Therapist

She has over 25 years experience in the field of mental health and in the field of addictions. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Baldwin Wallace College where she was the Delo Grover Award winner for outstanding student in Psychology. Mrs. Means obtained her Master degree in Human Psychology, Family Development, Human Development Intervention, and Child Development. She attended Kent State Doctoral Program in Counseling and is ABD.

Migdalia Turner

Case Manager

My name is Migdalia Turner. My higher power allowed the doors of helping others to be open, and it has become a way of life for me. I have been given a second chance at life to fulfill my calling, which I truly believe helping others is my life’s purpose. I am a mother of four wonderful children, and hope to be an example for them. My dream is to impact the lives of those around me, by providing living proof that recovery does happen.

John Corry

Case Manager

John Corry is an honorable Army Veteran who served proudly with the 1/502nd 101st airborne Division. John is a CDCA who Joined the Fortaleza team in June of 2014 and provides case management services to our clients. Since joining the Fortaleza team John has developed countless resources throughout Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties enabling clients to meet their case management needs such as, housing, physical & mental health, dental & vision care, employment, as well as a myriad of additional needs as they surface throughout treatment. John shares in Fortaleza’s vision of strengthening individuals, families, and communities.

Luz N Diaz

Group, Individual Counselor

I have an overall 19 years of experience in the substance abuse, mental health and human social service field and have adhered to the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics. I am a dedicated and committed professional who advocates for the best interest of the clients. In December 2014, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University and have an ongoing interest to purse a Master Degree in preparation for a licensure as a Professional Counselor. During the course of my career I have had several opportunities: in 2011, I was interviewed by UNIVISION “Enlace Semanal” regrading substance abuse and the Hispanic/Latino community.

Celia Ortiz

Human Resource

When I graduated from Lorain Highschool in 2013, I decided to further my education at Ohio Business College and chose to enter the medical field as a medical Assistant. During my time in college I learned all aspects of working in and running a physician’s office. Upon my completion of my externship I was given the opportunity to work at Fortaleza or for a hospital. I decided to further my education towards those suffering from addiction. Having no idea what to expect, I have gained a great amount of knowledge and insight working with addiction. At the age of 19 working here has influenced my decision to further my education. I am a student as LCCC since fall of 2016.

Awilda Garcia

Quality Assurance

My Name is Awilda Garcia, I am the Quality Assurance and Medical Language Translator and Medical Record Release of Information for Fortaleza. I graduated from Lorain High School, When to Lorain County Community College, then to Lorain County JVS. I have a certification in Business Office Technology.

CYNTHIA ARNOLD

Clinical Director

I AM LICENSED INDEPENDENT CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR WITH CLINICAL SUPERVISION SKILLS. I HAVE WORKED IN TH FIELD OF CHEMICAL DEPENNCY SINCE 1989.MY FIRST JOB WAS WORKING WITH FAMILY MEMBERS OF CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT CLIENTS IN A HOSPITAL INPATIENT SETTING FROM 1989-1997.I HAVE WORKED WITH CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT ADOLESCENTS AND IN WOMEN’S RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS FROM 2000-2005. MY CAREER LED ME TO WORK IN GRAFTON PRISON FROM 2006-2008 IN THE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY PROGRAM.

Linda Sexton

Counselor

Linda was born 7/23/1956 and raised in Lorain County, Ohio. Linda received her Associates of Art in Psychology from LCCC on May 5, 2012 and her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Cleveland Stated University on December 12, 2012. Linda continues to attend training seminars and takes Alcohol or other Drug related courses to continue to learn new things, keep her mind engaged, and stay motivated. Prior to studying Psychology, Linda was awarded a place among Who’s Who of Women Business Executives in 1989-1990, earned certifications in Novell Networking, Microsoft Operating systems, and Rockwell Computer Information Systems.

Linda Helm

Counselor

I have been at Fortaleza for going on two years as a counselor, and find each day a new challenge. I am truly blessed due to the great teachers I have had in the past 25 years of being a counselor. When I am not at work I enjoy my family and friends.

Nicole Podgorski

Social Worker / Counselor

I am a licensed social worker. I graduated Cleveland State University December 2015. I have a passion and dedication to AOD counseling. I enjoy educating clients about the disease concept of addiction and watching clients go through positive changes in their life. I look forward to building and growing with clients at Fortaleza!

Mercedes Serrano

Medical Assistant

As a mother I needed to be able to provide a stable life for my young sons. This wasn’t always so easy as I was in recovery myself. I worked for many years as an administrative assistant, secretary and front office professional but wanted a more one on one experience with patients. At this point in my life I enrolled into the Medical Assisting program where I obtained my diploma and began my journey. I came to Fortaleza after moving from Florida and was far enough into my recovery that I could give back to those in need.

Dominique Moon

Medical Assistant Supervisor

Dominique Moon was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. Graduated from Admiral King School and Ohio Business college. Dominique is a Medical Assistant with Fortaleza. In Role Dominique does urine specimen collections for the clients, interpret test results, collects vital signs and prior authorizations. Dominique is big believer in ‘’Everyone deserve a second chance in life’’

Jesenia Santiago

Medical Assistant

Narcisco Inchaurregui

Transportation / Group Monitor

My name is Narcisco Inchaurregui and I am 25 years of age. I was born in Lorain, Ohio. I graduated from Lorain High school in 2011, and in 2016 I graduated from Norte Dame College with a Bachelor of Arts. While attending college I wrestled for the college beating National Champions and an Olympic wrestler. I currently help the Lorain High wrestling team, I am a professional wrestler and am currently training for the MMA. I have no kids but have a dog that I love very much. On my free time I like chilling with my nephews and enjoy playing video games. I enjoy working at Fortaleza because I want to change the outlook of the community.

Zeno Inchaurregui

Security / Front Desk

My name is Zeno Inchaurregui. Im 5’8 and 27 years old. I am a proud father of 5 amazing boys, and 1 beautiful wife. I enjoyed playing sports on the weekend with my brother Desmine and spending time with my kids and wife. I graduated in 2015 earning my diploma. I’ve been working for Fortaleza for almost 3 ½ years and it has been a pleasure. I am currently a security guard maintenance and front desk worker. I also enjoy giving back to the community by getting kids engaged with youth sports such as youth football, wrestling, basketball, and baseball teams. I have 2 amazing nephews that I love to hang out with. My main goal at Fortaleza is to help others, while I learn more the stages of addiction so one day I can become a counselor and help strengthen the community.

Joseph Sharp

Group Monitor / Transportation

Elvin Santiago

Transportation / Translator

I started working at Fortaleza Treatment Center on January of 2018 as a driver, front desk and translator. I am very glad to be part of the Fortaleza team and every day I strive to learn more in how I can be of assistant to those who worked every day in making the life of hundred of clients suffering from addiction easier. My main goal is to served better at what I do as a driver and as a translator.

Andrew Mendez

Therapist / Group Counselor

Myesha Crowe

Social Worker / Therapist

She is a licensed social worker, earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Before coming to work at Fortaleza,LCC. Myesha was employed with Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland, Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau and Applewood Centers. She also volunteer at the Westside Community House, Oriana House, Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center and Southwest General Hospice.

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