Westwood’s Stricker retires after 21 years

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Westwood Behavioral Health Center, now in its 35th year of providing services to the community, announced the retirement of longtime Chief Executive Officer Thomas Stricker Sr., who has headed the agency since October 30, 1990.

During this time, the agency has undergone significant change. Incorporated in 1976 as Van Wert County Comprehensive Mental Health Services, the center relocated to 1158 Westwood Drive and changed its name to Stepping Stones Center in 1996.

In 2000, the center consolidated with what was then Fountainview Center, an alcohol and drug addiction and treatment agency to form the current Westwood Behavioral Health Center.

The agency acquired Family Counseling and & Psychological Services, with offices in Van Wert and Russels Point, in 2005, while in 2007 it became the mental health services provider in Paulding County and, in November 2010, began providing alcohol and drug treatment services in that county.

Taking over the Stricker’s duties will be Mark Spieles, LISW, a seven-year employee of the center, who was recently named the new Westwood CEO. Spieles has a master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University and served as a therapist and qualified mental health specialist (QMHS) supervisor prior to becoming CEO.

Spieles, who resides in Van Wert with his wife and three children, brings strong clinical experience, along with a deep commitment to providing behavioral health services to Van Wert and Paulding counties.

Lori Klaus, an experienced clinician, has been hired to fill Spiele’s former position of therapist and QMHS supervisor. She resides in Delphos with her family.

An open house is planned for Friday, December 16, from 4-6 p.m., at Willow Bend Country Club to allow the community to wish Stricker the best in his retirement. A surprise farewell party hosted by Dr. Antoine Demosthene, Westwood’s chief medical officer, was held on Friday.