About Us - Sandy Straffen Jay RN, BSN, PCC-S

Sandy Straffen Jay graduated from the University of Toledo with a double major in Nursing and Psychology.  She pursued a 19 year career at the Cleveland Clinic as a psychiatric nurse, on the inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit.  During this time she returned to school at John Carroll University and obtained her Masters degree in Counseling and Human Services.  Sandy is also a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC-S) licensed by the State of Ohio, with supervisory accreditation.   

Sandy has also worked in both private practice and community agencies providing individual and group therapy specializing in the care of children and adult women of domestic violence.  She went on to present regionally and nationally on the effects of domestic violence on children, as well as pursuing her interest in wellness promotion and the development of a healthy lifestyle through her research, national presentations and a journal publication on the wellness levels of graduate counseling students. 

Sandy continued her work towards health promotion and balanced lifestyles at the Cleveland Clinic, as the Clinical Director of the eating disorders intensive outpatient program for the next 12 years.

During this time, Sandy developed a passion for the treatment of eating disorders and has presented extensively to local universities and hospitals on eating disorder recognition and treatment. Sandy has also provided community talks on eating disorders, as well as being featured on local and cable television, and radio talk shows and news programs.

Sandy specializes in treating eating disorders as well as issues related to anxiety and  depression.  As a registered nurse, and with her experiences in wellness promotion, she is able to provide a more holistic approach towards the counseling experience.  Sandy is able to monitor medical concerns while continuing to assist individuals in redesigning their life through the development of a balanced lifestyle and life skills promotion.

Sandy balances her work life with time spent with her husband and daughter, as well as pursuing her interest in athletics as a competitive rower.

You may contact Sandy at:  440-570-4460
Email  Sandy@newbeginningscounseling.org