About

Our Team

“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”

– Dave Meurer

Matt Smith, M.Min

Certified Mental Health Coach

234-704-3448

Matt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2000 from Hyles-Anderson College and directly began his work as a children’s pastor in ministry. Over the next 20 years he fulfilled the roles of children’s director, youth director, and finally as senior pastor with a counseling focus in each ministry opportunity. In 2012, Matt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Master’s of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry in 2016 from Great Plains Baptist University. Matt is a Certified Mental Health Coach and especially enjoys working with men to develop personally and thrive in relationships.

Born and raised in Salem, Ohio, Matt has made a full circle back to the Canton, Ohio area where he enjoys spending time with his three children and their beagle, Bailey, hunting, fishing, and shooting as well as playing the piano and guitar.

In addition to these pursuits, Matt is a Captain in the United States Army, Reserve Component serving our heroes as Chaplain specializing in relational skills training, crisis intervention counseling, and suicide prevention.

Education, Workshops, Trainings & Certifications
  • Bachelors in Pastoral Theology- Hyles-Anderson College
  • Bachelors in Pastoral Ministry- Great Plains Baptist University
  • Masters in Pastoral Counseling- Great Plains Baptist School of Divinity
  • Certified Mental Health Coach- Light University
  • Captain in the United States Army Reserve and currently serving as Chaplain
  • SYMBIS Certified (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts)
  • Workshops include:
    • 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Certified
    • PREP Certified (Prevention and Relationship Education Program)
    • Laugh Your Way (to a better marriage) Certified
    • Lasting Intimacy through Nurturing, Knowledge 7 Skills Certified
    • OXYGEN (for your relationships) Certified
    • Active Military Life & Resiliency Skills Mastery Series Certified
    • Got Your Back for families, couples & Individuals Certified
    • Our Home Runs (families Stepping up to the plate) Training
    • ACE Suicide Intervention Trained
    • Survival Skills Certified
Married Life Founder Christie Orosz

Christie Orosz

MA, LPCC-S
Owner & Counselor

234-303-1534

Christie received her Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Akron and her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Ashland University Theological Seminary. She is Gottman and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) Trained and constantly pursues continuing education through books, podcasts, workshops, and training.

Married for 29 years and a mom to four daughters, two bonus kids, and a couple of ‘fur’ babies, Christie spent many years raising children before returning to professional work.

A resident of the west side of Akron, Christie enjoys spending time with family, which can include anything from painting fingernails to hiking the Metroparks. She also enjoys restoring and repurposing home furnishings.

Education, Workshops, Trainings & Certifications
  • Bachelors in Education at The University of Akron
  • Masters in Clinical Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary/Ashland University
  • Gottman Levels 1 and 2 trained
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), externship and Core Skills completed
  • Experience with spiritual abuse and ADHD
  • Married 30 years with multiple personal experiences with couples counseling (both positive and negative) and a passion for marriage 
  • Attended Hope Restored Marriage Intensive with Focus on the Family
  • Attended Love After Marriage Intensive
  • SYMBIS Certified Facilitator (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts)
  • Member of Akron Women’s Therapy Group
  • Member of Ohio Counseling Association
  • Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors

Jamie Dunlap

Intake Coordinator

234-303-2325

Jamie Dunlap joined the Married Life Counseling team as Intake Coordinator. She has a diverse background in marketing, team management, and customer relations.

Jamie is a local Copley gal and has been married 25 years to her high school sweetheart, Greg. Jamie & Greg have two spirited children who keep them very busy and sleep-deprived.

Jamie enjoys gardening, volunteering at the kids’ schools, interior decorating, reading to her children, family hikes, and cooking for gatherings with neighbors, family, and friends.

Are you passionate about marriage?

We’re always looking for qualified counselors passionate about promoting and supporting marriage. Visit our Careers page for more information.