Seona Goerndt

President & CEO

Seona Goerndt serves as President & CEO of Hitchcock Center for Women, bringing more than 25 years of healthcare and nonprofit leadership experience spanning behavioral health, addiction and recovery services, health system operations, and community-based care. Throughout her career, Seona has focused on strengthening organizations, expanding access to care, and building partnerships that improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Her leadership approach combines mission, strategy, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to compassionate, person-centered care. At HCFW, Seona is leading the organization into its next chapter while honoring its nearly 50-year legacy of serving women and families. She is committed to creating opportunities for women to heal with dignity, build lasting recovery, and strengthen their families. Her work is grounded in the belief that recovery is strengthened when women are surrounded by compassionate care, meaningful opportunity, and a community that believes in their future.

Eilish Counts

Chief Clinical Officer

Eilish Counts serves as the Clinical Director at the Hitchcock Center for Women, where she plays a crucial role in empowering women through her dedication to clinical excellence and compassionate care. With experience as an outpatient counselor, Eilish brings valuable experience to her leadership role, fostering a supportive environment for individuals seeking help.

Known for her exceptional leadership skills, Eilish Counts is committed to creating a culture of teamwork and collaboration within the center. Her ability to guide and inspire her team enables them to work cohesively towards the common goal of providing comprehensive and effective care for women in need. Eilish is a passionate advocate for women’s well-being, utilizing her expertise to champion important causes and raise awareness about issues affecting women. Her advocacy extends beyond the clinical setting as she strives to make a positive impact on the broader community. Her dedication to empowering women, coupled with her leadership skills, teamwork ethos, and advocacy commitment, make her an invaluable asset to the Hitchcock Center for Women.

Brian Merlini

Chief Financial Officer

Brian Merlini is the Chief Financial Officer and Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer at the Hitchcock Center for Women. He joined the organization more than four years ago, bringing over two decades of non-profit and healthcare financial experience. Brian plays a key role in guiding the organization’s fiscal strategy, ensuring resources are managed responsibly to advance Hitchcock’s mission of supporting women in recovery and their families. His thoughtful leadership has strengthened the organization’s financial foundation during a time of significant growth and expansion. Passionate about community impact, Brian is dedicated to using his expertise to help Hitchcock Center for Women continue providing life-changing services to women and children across Northeast Ohio.

Kimberly Fowler

Care Specialist Supervisor

Kim began her career with HCFW as a Care Specialist and transitioned to the Care Specialist Supervisor role in ­2010. With almost 15 years of experience as the Care Specialist Supervisor, Kim is a dedicated professional with a passion for women’s rehabilitation. In her pivotal role, Kim ensures that we deliver high-quality care to our clients. Leading by example, she embodies the core values of empathy and professionalism that define Hitchcock Center for Women’s caregiving philosophy. Kim’s unwavering dedication and commitment make her an indispensable asset to the Hitchcock community. With her wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and compassionate leadership, Kim Fowler continues to uphold the highest standards of care at Hitchcock Center for Women, ensuring that every client receives the support and attention they deserve.

Laura Harms

Director of Marketing and Community Engagement

Laura Harms is the Director of Marketing & Community Engagement at Hitchcock Center for Women and has been with the agency for three years. She oversees Hitchcock’s marketing and communications, community outreach, events, donor relations, and grant writing. Laura enjoys sharing the work happening at Hitchcock, building relationships throughout the community, and finding new ways to connect people with the organization and its services.

Toni McCord

Quality Assurance Manager

Leah Orndoff

Are you ready to take the first step to recovery.

Call us at (216) 421-0662 to speak confidentially with one of our caring admission specialists.