Our Bios

Val Frentz,  MSW, LCSW (FLSW3395)
Clinical Director

Val is board certified with credentials to practice in the field of Mental Health in Florida. Val interned at Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Psychiatric Center and has been in practice since 1991. Val specializes in the medically complex patient, with an emphasis on neurological dysfunction in the psychiatric patient for both chronic and acute care. Val has credentials to provide mental health services for children, adults and the elderly. Val also specializes in case management for the development of interventions and treatment plans for court-appointed family or professional guardians. She is credentialed to complete capacity/competency evaluations for the court.

Stacey Frentz, MSW, RCSWI (FLSW12123)
Director of Operations

Stacey Frentz is Director of Operations and a Clinical Case Manager who assists individuals and families navigate intricate social and medical systems to ensure optimal care is provided. Stacey believes that all individuals have the right to personalized medical care, access to all available resources, and guidance through the complexities of the social service systems on a state and federal level. Stacey specializes in managing complex medical and mental health diagnoses while empowering individuals to participate in their own care. Her expertise in the intricacies of Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, and other insurance providers allows her to assure that her clients receive access to all needed medical care in the most comprehensive and affordable way.

Stacey holds a Master in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University, where she also earned her Bachelor in Social Work.

Charlotte Heuler, MS, MSW

Charlotte has lived in Tallahassee since 1978. Since receiving her MSW from FSU, she has worked in the areas of developmental disabilities, child welfare, adoption and elder case management. In 2005 Ms. Heuler was certified as a Registered Guardian through the National Guardianship Foundation. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. From 1997-2008 she volunteered at Neighborhood Health Services coordinating vision services and the NHS Optometric clinic. Ms. Heuler served on the NHS Board of Directors for six years.

Sonya Vause, RN (FL-2736272)

Sonya received her first Associate’s Degree in 1982 and worked for the state of Florida in the insurance and legal divisions for 3 years before deciding to pursue a degree in Nursing. She earned her nursing degree in 1993 and worked at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare until 2007.  Sonya then worked as an orthopedic/medical-surgical nurse at Capital Regional Medical Center and in 2014, she transferred into a case management role. Sonya joined Lifespan in 2018 as the lead provider of medication management services.

This includes administering medications through an automated process; reviewing medications for side effects and drug interactions; monitoring patient’s reactions; and coordinating with private physicians for continuity of care. Sonya sees patients weekly, or as medically indicated. She works closely with the treatment team in developing a realistic plan for all patients including those who are “aging in place.”