Meaningful Treatment with Dignity

The Silvermist Recovery Center Team

Cydney Krol

Executive Director

Prior to joining the Silvermist and Pyramid Healthcare team, Cydney spent 10 years in a variety of behavioral health roles, including therapeutic staff support, milieu therapist, patient safety representative and supervisor of patient relations and experience. Cydney grew up in the Pittsburgh area where she completed her undergraduate degree from Clarion University and received a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management from Point Park University.

In her free time she enjoys shopping and spending time with family.

Kristianne Carper

Psychiatric Physician Assistant

Kristianne became a Physician Assistant after graduating from Lock Haven University’s Physician Assistant Program with her master’s degree in health sciences in 2018. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology and psychology at Lycoming College. Following graduation, Kristanne practiced medicine in an outpatient psychiatry clinic in the State College area for three years where she gained experience working in the mental health field. In 2022, Kristianne and her husband relocated to the Pittsburgh area and she joined the Silvermist Recovery Center team.

In her free time, Kristianne enjoys reading, exercising, spending time with her cat (Ginny) and exploring Pittsburgh with her husband, friends and family.

Desiree Pannier, LPC, CAADC 

Clinical Director

Currently a licensed professional counselor, Desiree’s education began at the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Possessing dual graduate degrees in psychology and professional counseling, Desiree is certified in the state of Pennsylvania as an advanced alcohol and drug counselor.

Desiree is passionate about serving individuals through a trauma-focused lens, establishing a foundation for long-term healing with the use of acceptance and commitment therapy.

Outside of Silvermist, Desiree enjoys traveling, running (yes, for fun!) and spending time with her family.

Oleksandra (Sasha) Banjak

Therapist

Sasha received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Slippery Rock University. She is interested in treating a wide array of issues, including substance-related and addictive disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, loss and trauma.

Sasha enjoys working from a holistic model, integrating the mind-body connection while working towards a value-oriented life in recovery and healing. She is trained in acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT) and loves applying the constructs of ACT in groups and individual sessions. Sasha’s goal is to support each client in accessing their authentic self and their inner wisdom in order to live a more fulfilling, value-oriented life.

Sasha was born and raised in Ukraine. She is fluent in 4 language, including Ukrainian, Russian, Slovak and English, and has a basic knowledge of Czech and Polish. She has developed multicultural sensitivity, which allows her to effectively address emotional and behavioral issues for clients from diverse backgrounds. In her free time, Sasha enjoys spending time with her son and her family in Ukraine (when possible), traveling, baking, cooking and enjoying the beauty of nature. Sasha’s motto “Chase your dreams… In high heels, of course.”

Heather Truchan, MS

Therapist

Heather has been working in the behavioral & mental health field for the last ten years. Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Slippery Rock University in 2010. After completing her undergrad she began working with adolescents in the mental health field. She went on to continue her education earning her Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from South University in 2013. Since obtaining her master’s degree, Heather has been counseling in both inpatient and outpatient settings assisting individuals experiencing various struggles in their lives. Heather brings her passion for helping others to work daily, providing individual, group and family therapies. She incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) into her daily work while assisting her clients as they begin their healing and recovery at Silvermist. While not at work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and her friends, exercising and watching sports.

Angela Simmons, MS

Therapist

Angela began working in behavioral & mental health over a decade ago and quickly found her passion for helping individuals experiencing various struggles in their lives. Angela holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix.

Angela provides a compassionate and empathetic therapeutic approach to individuals, as well as incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Angela facilitates group, individual and family therapy.

Angela has two children and enjoys spending time with her family. When not a Silvermist, Angela is often outside enjoying time in the pool, playing games, cooking out as well as catching up on Netflix. Angela also enjoys the study of crystal healing and the various therapeutic properties of crystals.

Michael Leasure

Case Coordinator

Michael started working in the treatment field in 2017 at Pyramid Healthcare’s Ridgeview facility. He is currently studying for his degree in psychology with a trauma and crisis focus at Carlow University. Michael has degrees in both psychology and social work as well as an addictions recovery certificate.

Michael works with our clients and national providers to provide the most effect individually based aftercare plan possible.  He enjoys helping clients from a person-centered perspective throughout all stages of their journey. He believes that all people deserve and are capable of healing and recovery.

In his free time Michael enjoys watching all Pittsburgh sports, golfing and spending time with friends and family.

Silvermist recovery center staff

Yoga Sam, E-RYT 200

Yoga Instructor

The services of Hillside Yoga are brought to Silvermist by Yoga Sam. Yoga Sam brings years of experience teaching in a variety of capacities. She trained at the Temple of Kriya Yoga based in Chicago. Since 2006, Yoga Sam has taught at studios, gyms and colleges, as well as privately at her own studio. Through her years of experience she has the ability to instruct students of various abilities and previous yoga exposure. Bringing pose work and practical yoga philosophy, Yoga Sam is thrilled to share her knowledge with new people.

“The best part of teaching at Silvermist is sharing yoga with people who would otherwise never have walked into a yoga class.”