Dr. Erica Givner, DSW, LCSW, EMDR-C

Lead clinician / owner

Erica L. Givner is a pioneer in the social work space who has served Black/African American clients for the past two decades. Since the beginning of her professional career, she has been inspired by the plight of Black America and uses her professionalism as a tool to heal her community. Givner has stated that her agility and focus when she has had to “hit the ground running” in various life circumstances has defined her outlook and workflow in the most positive way. From being a teen mother, a veteran, to an entrepreneur of 2 businesses Givner is thankful for the many challenges in her life which have allowed her to remain deeply connected to her clients and colleagues. In 2007, Givner received her Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and she she received her doctorate in social work from Simmons University in 2023. She began her career as a therapist and soul connector, contributing to healing Black America.

Areas of Expertise: Addiction | Mental Health | Anger Management | Spirituality | Stress Management | Women’s Issues | Crisis Intervention | Depression | Anxiety and Fears | Grief Counseling | Relationship Issues | Self-Esteem | Couples Therapy | Family Counseling | Dual Diagnosis | Outpatient Mental Health Assessment | PTSD | EDMR Therapy

Read Erica’s Full Bio

Michelle Nesby, MA

Licensed Clinician

Michelle Nesby is a seasoned mental health professional with an impressive 16-year track record of transforming lives. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Michelle possesses a unique blend of expertise, as well as a high level of compassion and empathy that enables her to approach mental health challenges from various angles.

Michelle has experience and a background working with in home family services, children and teens, community services, severe mental illness, and outpatient services. Her skills and knowledge have allowed her to orchestrate comprehensive care for clients, ensuring that they receive the right resources and treatments tailored to their needs. With an extensive background and commitment to making a difference, Michelle continues to empower individuals and families on their journey towards mental health and well-being. Outside of her work, Michelle enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones. 

Areas of Expertise: Anxiety and Fears | Depression | Self-Esteem | Women’s Issues | Relationship Issues | Mental Health | Grief Counseling

TeOnna (Onika) Ross

Licensed Clinician

Onika Reigns is a licensed social worker, focusing on racial/queer identity, understanding intuition, and mindfulness throughout her career. She graduated from Carlow University with a BA in Psychology, with a concentration in Clinical Counseling and Biology. Onika is a first generation graduate degree recipient, holding a Masters in Social Work from George Washington University in St. Louis. Onika is also knowledgeable in the therapeutic advantages of plants, holding a Horticulture degree from Bidwell Training Center. In her spare time, Onika plays instruments, cares for her plants and animals, and sips tea. Onika is also the co-creator of Black Dream Escape, an arts practice centering Black and Brown sleep. Onika has been a therapist for Vision Towards Peace for three years, and has been practicing therapy for twelve years..

Areas of Expertise: Mental Health | Anger Management | Spirituality | Stress Management | Child/Adolescent Issues | Depression | Anxiety and Fears | Self-Esteem | Couples Therapy | Family Counseling | Outpatient Mental Health Assessment | Sleep | EDMR Therapy

Savanna Naylor

Licensed Clinician

“Truth Will Correct All Errors in My Mind.”

I am a passionate advocate & walking testimony that honoring your truth, is where healing begins. You cannot heal and begin to change what you don’t acknowledge. Oftentimes we are unaware of the multitude of effects that trauma can have on our minds , bodies , and spirits. Through the skillful art of questioning and individualized therapeutic exercises, I challenge my clients to dig deep within themselves. Uncovering the impacts from your experiences without fear or shame, empowers you to seek solutions for a healthier life.

With genuine transparency, I aim to cultivate a safe nonjudgmental space for healing. I will meet clients where they are, and collectively we will analyze factors that contribute to dysfunction or unfulfillment.

My style of therapy is a mixture of Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. I am a Psychology Graduate from The Pennsylvania State University, where I became a member of the International Honors Society in Psychology. Pieces of training are in Restorative Practice, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Sand Tray Therapy. As a former passionate educator with Pittsburgh Public Schools, I have years of experience servicing the community.

I assist children, teens, young adults, and adults with problem-solving, managing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and self-esteem. I am dedicated to offering my wisdom, knowledge, personal training, and expertise to assist clients in discovering their purpose and meaning in life.

Areas of Expertise: Anger Management | Women’s Issues | Mental Health | Spirituality | Stress Management | Child/Adolescent Issues | Depression | Anxiety and Fears | Relationship Issues | Self-Esteem | Couples Therapy | Family Counseling | Co-Parenting

Anita Levels, MS

LICENSED CLINICIAN

Anita Levels, MS brings a multidisciplinary approach to Vision Towards Peace. I have over 15 years of experience in family systems, mobile therapy, social justice, legal advocacy, performing and teaching vocal arts. I also have personal experiences of spiritual abuse, and divorce in which I hope to come alongside individuals in finding their truths, purposes and fulfillments.

As mentioned, I’m passionate about exploring a person’s truths, purposes and fulfillments, however, this also means exploring their deepest blockage. I work on exploring blockages within a multidisciplinary framework, i.e., vocationally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and relationally. Within doing so, we can then create tools and goals to fortify the client in these areas. I am passionate about and also believe that special care and nuance must be given to Black folx when administering therapy. Especially within family and religious systems. Areas of focus: spiritual abuse, divorce, lgbtqia+care, body image, grief & loss, anxiety, depression, family systems I am honored to be a part of the Vision Towards Peace family!

Areas of Expertise: Spirituality | Relationship Issues | Spirituality | Women’s Issues | Depression | Anxiety and Fears | Stress Management | Mental Health | Self-Esteem | Addiction

Dr. Naweed Hayad, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Hayat holds a degree in Neuroscience from UCLA and earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona - Tucson. He completed his residency training in psychiatry at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is undergoing further training in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program at UC San Diego. Fluent in Farsi/Dari, Hindi/Urdu, and Pashto, Dr. Hayat has a keen interest in community and cultural psychiatry and has a passion for working with underserved/refugee populations. Dr. Hayat sees adults and adolescents.

Dr. Wang

Psychiatrist

Dr. Wang is a Psychiatrist at Vision Towards Peace who only sees referred adults.

Ashleigh Wright

Daytime Office Coordinator

Ashleigh Wright is the daytime office coordinator at Vision Towards Peace Counseling Services. With a rich history of community engagement, she started volunteering at the NAACP and American Red Cross from the age of 5, inspired by her grandfather, civil rights leader Harvey Adams. Throughout her adult years, she continued her community involvement by volunteering for Homewood Community Sports as a cheerleading coach and serving on the homeless board for Allegheny County DHS. Nowadays, she focuses on her role as an office coordinator at VTP, spending time with her children and providing discounted hairstyling services for women and children during her spare moments.

Annie J. Cunningham

EVENINGS/WEEKENDS Office Coordinator

Annie J. Cunningham is the part-time Office Coordinator for VTP, primarily working evenings and Saturdays. By day, she is a Human Resources professional within the retail banking sector but also has experience with community outreach, non-profit operations, and marketing.

Originally from Braddock, PA, Annie enjoys singing, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her educational background includes an MBA from Chatham University, a B.S. in Marketing from Hampton University, and certification in Digital Design from CCAC. 

Annie wholeheartedly believes in the work of VTP and is proud to be part of the VTP family.

Sharisse Warren

WEEKEND Office Coordinator

My name is Sharisse Warren. I serve as a part time office coordinator for VTP. For the last 15 years, I have worked in the Healthcare industry in many facets. I enjoy helping others connect with the proper resources needed to sustain a happy and healthy lifestyle. I hope to open my own nonprofit organization to aid our community with such thing's. Me being a part of this team helps me connect those who are need of mental health services receive the proper care and treatment. It has definitely been a pleasure working with such a well rounded team and meeting amazing clients. 

Joyce Upshaw

BILLING MANAGER

Born and raised in the Hill District. I have 9 ½ grandchildren between my 3 wonderful daughters. I have been a military wife for 4 years. I belong to Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and worked for the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 13 years before I got sick. I also worked at Sojourner House, Whale’s Tales, Strength Inc., and First Step Recovery House; I have an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, a certificate in Drug and Alcohol, and a certificate in Intervention on Families. I have invested 23.9 years into my personal recovery. I love to dance, sing and skate.