About Positive Pathways of Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Robert McAlister, PsyD.

Currently Lead Consultant for Positive Pathways and more than 12 years of clinical mental health experience ranging from adult drug & alcohol outpatient to acute MH/MR children & adolescents.

Dr. McAlister has served as an Assistant Executive Director for a Community Living Arrangement program as well as serving as a Clinical Director for over 2 years with a local BHRS provider. Dr. McAlister has published articles on Positive Psychology and its overall effectiveness in “talk therapy”.

Contact Dr. Robert McAlister at rmcalister@positive-pathways.net.

Michael J. Connelly, M.Ed., NCC, LPC, NCGC, CCDP Diplomate

Currently a Licensed Professional Therapist, National Certified Gambling Counselor, Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Diplomate, National Certified Counselor and President of Positive Pathways, Mr. Connelly’s treatment philosophy is quite eclectic with concentration on Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (CBT). Mr. Connelly's professional experience has been with clients suffering with depression and anxiety disorders, especially those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD) by means of using Exposure Therapy. He has been a personal and academic counselor at a local University.

Mr. Connelly is trained in treating Problem/Pathological Gambling issues and Drug and Alcohol Dual Diagnosis issues. Mr. Connelly received his training for treating Problem Gambling at the University of Pittsburgh.

Contact Michael J. Connelly at: mconnelly@positive-pathways.net.

Theresa Edwards, LSW, NCGC

Currently, A Licensed Social Worker, National Certified Gambling Counselor and Clinical Therapist at Positive Pathways, Ms. Edwards is fluent in many modalities of treatment.  Her experience is in working with people in addiction.  Ms. Edwards specializes in working with clients that are dual diagnosed and those that have personality disorders. In addition, Ms. Edwards has received training from the University of Pittsburgh in treating Pathological Gambling issues.

Contact Theresa Edwards at: tedwards@positive-pathways.net.

Virigina Spindler, MS, NCC, LPC

Currently a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Clinical Therapist at Positive Pathways, Ms. Spindler has experience working with adults and adolescents for a variety of life’s struggles such as depression, anxiety, and relationships to name a few.  Ms. Spindler specializes in Grief issues and assisting individuals through the journey of loss or transition through major life changes. Ms. Spindler’s philosophy is grounded on the belief in the innate worth of every human being.  We are all striving to be the very best that we can with the resources we have. We may not all be responsible for our problems or current situation, but we have to be the ones to solve them anyway.

Contact Virginia Spindler at: ginny@positive-pathways.net.

Robin Witt M.S., LPC, CAADC, NCGC

Currently a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, National Certified Gambling Counselor, and Clinical Therapist at Positive Pathways, Mrs Witt has experience working with those suffering from problem gambling as well as drug and alcohol addiction. Her professional experience also includes working with children, families and those suffering from various problems such as depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Mrs Witt specializes in working with adults in addiction and the forensic population. Mrs Witt uses a variety of treatment modalities, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the primary method.

Contact Robin Witt at: rwitt@Positive-Pathways.net