Leadership Team

Dr. Kilinc joined the Freedom Center as Executive/Clinical Director in April, 2019. She has over 22 years of experience working in behavioral health, accreditation, managed care, and government sectors. Before joining the Freedom Center, she served as the Director of Behavioral Health for Aetna Better Health of Ohio where she helped to implement Ohio’s Duals Medicare and Medicaid Managed Care Demonstration. She is a Professional Clinical Counselor with 20 years of clinical and management experience. Dr. Kilinc earned a doctorate degree in Counselor Education from the Ohio State University in 2001.

Debbie joined the Freedom Center staff in 1987. She oversees the day-to-day operations of our agency and supervises the administrative staff. Debbie ensures we are meeting the requirements for certification for the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services and CARF. She keeps us organized and has the crucial data ready when we need it for reports, grant writing and to fulfill the requirements from our funders. All her efforts help ensure we will be able to continue offering our important services.

“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe” –Lao Tzu

Melissa has been a counselor with the Freedom Center since 1999 and was honored by the Mental Health and Recovery Board in 2009 as the Staff Person of the Year. Melissa is a licensed Chemical Dependency counselor and Licensed Social Worker. She oversees the Adolescent Treatment Program, including coordinating the treatment component of the Juvenile Drug Court that is in conjunction with Knox County Juvenile Court.

Melissa coordinates The Parent Project Program. This is an education/support group for parents of strong willed children. Melissa, along with other adolescent staff, facilitates this program.

Melissa also oversees the Strengthening Families Program. This program provides services and support for loved ones affected by an individual’s substance abuse.
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Melissa will bring her canine companion Copper to work with her through-out the week to provide support and therapy for the clients. Melissa keeps a fine balance of unconditional support with her young clients while showing them the consequences of continuing their drug abuse. Co-workers describe her as supportive and dedicated to her clients. Melissa is always willing to go above and beyond to meet needs of her clients to ensure they are getting the help they need from the Freedom Center.