MEET OUR TEAM
Owner|Clinical Director
Medication Management
Meet Our Therapists
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MEET OUR TEAM
Danielle Vogan MA, LPC, NCC
Certified EMDR Therapist
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Owner/Clinical Director
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Danielle Vogan is the owner and founder of Favored Wellness Counseling and Consulting, LLC. She carries a Master of Arts in Community Counseling, specializing in Addictions. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified EMDR Therapist, and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Danielle has a passion for bringing trauma-informed, trauma-focused care to the Southwestern PA and for extending the fight against stigma around trauma, addictions and mental health.
Along with experience in treating more generalized mental health issues, she specializes in working with those navigating the impacts of trauma and all angles of addiction. Working with individuals in recovery, along with their families and loved ones, is at the heart of her work. In Latin, trauma means “wound,” and because of this, the human condition includes various levels of “wounding.”
Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.
~John Paul Satre
Therapeutic change starts with building a relationship. Danielle works to provide an inviting, relaxed environment where privacy and security are built upon to develop a foundation of trust and safety, paced to fit your needs. She encourages and challenges her clients to discover their inner strengths, resources, and resilience. She works with clients to apply their strengths to create unique processes and develop steps toward achieving long-term change and increased adaptability.
Danielle employs a trauma-informed, trauma-focused integrative approach including: CBT, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt Theory, and motivational interviewing. Based on your individual set of strengths and circumstances, Danielle will work with you to move toward the changes you seek to apply to your life.
Dr. Sarah Robertson DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Sarah Robertson (formerly Dr. Sarah Long) is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience providing patients with mental health services. Her approach is one the encompasses treating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. She has worked extensively with clients across the life span from children to geriatric. She has also worked extensively with clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Schizoaffective/Schizophrenia, and Autism Spectrum disorder. She has a very patient centered approach to her practice which allows for very individualized and collaborative care with her patients. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree and Master of Science in Nursing Degree from Robert Morris University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Penn State University.
She understands that no two people are alike, and that in order to truly help her patients that she must see them as a whole person and not just a diagnosis or symptoms. Her philosophy that everyone has strengths and building on these strengths we can accomplish individual wellness and growth is what guides her practice. Dr. Robertson provides psychiatric diagnosis and medication management utilizing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities. These are based on current evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines. She understands and values the importance of staying up to date on the latest research available to better serve her patients and to achieve the best long-term outcomes.
Dr. Robertson also developed a nursing theory which she presented at Sigma Theta Tau International 44th Biennial Convention which focused on the experience of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Dr. Robertson was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. She and her family enjoy pretty much any outdoor activity and are avid sports enthusiasts.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner
Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lisa Wilson, MS, LPC
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Wilson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in the treatment of trauma, women's issues, depression, anxiety, personality, and grief/loss. She has over 20 years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in a wide variety of settings. Her treatment approach is trauma-focused and incorporates evidence-based practices including EMDR, mindfulness, CBT, interpersonal therapy and trauma-focused CBT.
Lisa provides a gentle and supportive environment for clients to explore their feelings and work toward making positive changes. She believes that all clients have the ability to heal and grow. Within her practice, she focuses on creating an environment in which everyone feels safe, accepted, and empowered to explore and express what they want to express, in ways they feel comfortable expressing it (e.g., verbally and/or nonverbally - through play, writing, drawing, art, etc.).
She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. She completed her master's degree in Psychology from Penn State University. She has been an adjunct professor at CCAC.
Erin LaRue, MA, LPC
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling, specializing in youth. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is powerful and has the ability to create change, growth, and healing. Erin creates a calm space for clients to express themselves, learn new skills, find solutions, and receive support.
As a therapist, Erin has experience in working with children with severe behavioral disorders, and is passionate about helping children and their families develop healthier communication and coping methods. She also has worked extensively with children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and grief. Using play, books, music, art, movement, and games, Erin can connect with children of all ages and individualize treatment accordingly. She also enjoys working with adults struggling with trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and parenting stressors.
Erin believes that treatment is most successful when it is unique to the client. Therefore, she incorporates the most appropriate techniques for you, drawing from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, play therapy, and person-centered therapy. Erin is ready to walk alongside you as you begin this valuable process.
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Brittani Williamson, MA, LPC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Britt is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Addictions. She recognizes the importance of establishing a strong and effective therapeutic relationship based on trust in order to provide a safe place for healing to occur.
Britt has experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, women’s issues, and relationship issues. She has worked in a variety of different settings as a therapist, clinical manager, and clinical director. She is continually reminded of her motivation and passion for helping people to live life to its fullest, explore personal values, build self-esteem and self-love, and form healthy human connections.
Britt utilizes various modalities including motivational interviewing, EMDR, solution-focused, rational emotive behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and overall, takes a strengths-based approach to therapy. She recognizes the importance of individualizing treatment for everyone she works with. Britt walks with clients on their journeys to wellness, remembering that “we’re all just walking each other home” (Ram Dass).
Danielle Dawgiello, MS, MA, CRC, LPC
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’” -Audrey Hepburn
Danielle is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has master’s degrees in both Vocational Rehabilitation and Professional Counseling. She believes that one’s full potential is based on a foundation of trust, support, creativity, and awareness of what brings out their best. Danielle employs a trauma-informed approach to cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, and person-centered therapy throughout the therapeutic alliance.
Danielle has experience working with individuals with anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, trauma, and those struggling with self-esteem. She has also worked with children and their families as a mobile therapist and behavioral specialist for 4 years. Danielle has worked in the vocational rehabilitation field for 7 years and enjoys working with adults in finding the right career fit. She is also trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis and is certified to complete functional behavioral assessments.
Danielle holds evening and weekend appointments for children, parents, families, and adults, ages 7+. She is accepting telehealth and in-person clients and takes Highmark, UPMC, self-pay clients only and offers a sliding scale fee structure to help accommodate each individual set of financial circumstances. Her main goal is getting services to those in need.
Jessica Rumbaugh, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica is a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in youth counseling.
Jessica takes joy in helping clients build lives worth living by breaking down large goals and barriers in life to make change more achievable. She values the effort a client makes in coming to treatment, and works to provide a therapeutic environment where clients can genuinely be themselves. Jessica recognizes the vulnerability one may experience in the therapeutic process, and works to provide treatment to her clients with a focus on dignity and respect.
Jessica uses an eclectic approach to offer different modalities to best aid clients with the challenges they are facing in that moment. This includes elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, interpersonal social rhythms therapy (IPSRT), and mindfulness. Jessica emphasizes a strengths-based approach, utilizing a trauma-informed, person-centered lens. She has experience working with those facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, interpersonal conflict, life transitions, grief, and dual diagnosis disorders.
Ariana Wood, MS, LPC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Ariana specializes in adolescent and adult counseling for those coping with trauma, anxiety, parenting stress, cancer treatment or survivorship, and adult insecure attachment. She has over 5 years of experience working in human services and received her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Carlow University.
Ariana believes everyone is shaped by their past, but the past can sometimes come to haunt you. Arriving at a place of peace often involves reprocessing those past painful memories and facing the negative messages that those experiences told you about yourself. This is what Ariana facilitates in her work with her clients.
Ariana’s mission as a counselor is to meet you where you are, help you build up a toolbox of coping skills, and then venture into the journey of healing with you. She believes that every person possesses the ability to heal themselves with their own power, and that it is crucial that she, as a therapist, foster hope in healing. Ariana utilizes cognitive therapy and EMDR therapy to help clients articulate their thoughts and core beliefs, but also employs attachment theory, cognitive processing therapy, and trauma-focused care to help her clients seek the changes they want in their lives.
Nicole Vozza, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University and a Bachelor degree at University of Pittsburgh in Psychology.
Nicole’s therapeutic passions lie with Dual Diagnosis, and Trauma, working extensively with legal and illegal substances, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and personality disorders. Additionally, their diverse background includes Severe mental health, Sex offender treatment, and Forensic/ Court ordered therapy.
With an approach that is trauma-informed with unconditional acceptance, Nicole cultivates a welcoming, trusting, and safe environment. This environment allows collaborative efforts, focusing on your needs, enhancing existing and gaining new coping skills to improve life's purpose and reduce stress.
As no two individuals are the same, therefore, Nicole utilizes an eclectic therapeutic style, adapting to meet an individual’s life approach and needs. Included in their therapeutic catalog are Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Strength based approach,Solution-focused therapy, Reality Therapy, DBT, and CBT.
Brittany Sanson, MS, LPC, NCC, CAADC, CCTP
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Brittany is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master of Science degree in Professional
Counseling with a specialization in Addictions. She also holds Certifications as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor as well as a National Counselor. Brittany has experience working with individuals, couples and families dealing with; mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, behavioral concerns, substance abuse, legal concerns, life transitions, relationship issues and women’s matters.
Brittany is an experienced Clinician, having worked within the field in some capacity for over 13 years. She has worked in a variety of different settings as; a case manager within the Allegheny County jail assisting inmates with counseling resources/referrals, a mental health therapist for methadone maintenance, therapist in a residential agency for children and adolescents between 7-18 years of age, clinical director for a residential agency for those with severe mental illness transitioning from state hospitals, a contracted assessor for the state working with individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities and a therapist in community mental health outpatient.
To foster a therapeutic relationship, she will strive to create a relaxed space to explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences both past and present. The core relational style is authentic and warm, and she will adapt to your personality and pace, so you feel supported rather than pushed.
Brittany strongly feels that helping people find their true self-actualization is her purpose in life and is constantly finding new opportunities to grow within the field to effectively impact her clients. Brittany works from a direct yet strength-based approach, focusing on the positive attributes and characteristics for each of her clients to establish realistic goals, develop healthy skills/behaviors and to promote self-acceptance and love. Her playful nature, sense of humor, and humility help clients of all ages feel comfortable and make the therapy experience as pleasurable as possible.
Brittany operates from a trauma and strength-based approach. She utilizes various modalities including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, REBT and Behavioral Modifications.
Bryanna Kort MS, LPC, NCC
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Bryanna obtained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gannon University. Bryanna has a variety of experiences with adults and children with mental and behavioral issues. She also has experiences working with trauma and attachment, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, relationships issues, family conflict, grief and loss, growing families, pregnancy and postpartum, marital and premarital issues, and parenting.
Bryanna believes that healing comes from improving the relationships that exist in our lives and emphasizes the importance of having healthy relationships. Bryanna works with mostly adults 18+, couples, and families but also enjoys working with children 8+, but is open to accepting younger children.
Jaclyn Wasco, M.Ed., MA, LPC, NCC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Over the past decade+, Jaclyn has worked with children and young adults in a variety of settings. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English in 2014 from the University of Pittsburgh. After teaching in Virginia and Pennsylvania, Jaclyn was drawn to working with students on their mental health and how it can affect other areas of life. This led her earning her Master’s in School Counseling (K-12) in 2019 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has had the opportunity to work with children and teens in both school and outpatient settings addressing anger management, social skills, coping skills, stress/anxiety, depression, ADHD and focus, and identity.
Jaclyn works with children 4+, teens, adults, and families. She predominantly employs person-centered, play and art therapy techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). These methods serve to connect with the client in a safe and empathetic environment. The goal of these therapeutic methods is to aid clients in recognizing their strengths and how thought patterns can impact behaviors, as well as identifying and practicing coping skills.
Allison Kent, M.Ed, LCSW
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Allison Kent is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing counseling and therapy for individuals, couples and families. Allison uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and solution focused approaches in working with clients. Allison believes that people are more motivated to change when they understand themselves and others better. Developing a deeper understanding of ourselves makes it easier to set boundaries, negotiate shared needs, and create healthy, balanced lives.
Allison’s area of focus includes parenting, sexuality, intimacy, healing trust and navigating challenging life changes. Allison has worked with people who are non monogamous/poly, blended families, co-parents, LGBTQIA, single parents by choice, people who have experienced foster care and adoption, as well as those struggling with substance use, or experiencing challenges due to childhood trauma.
Allison has been working in private practice since 2019, prior to which she has worked in the nonprofit sector, Child Protective Services, and in college & university settings. Allison completed her Master’s in Social Welfare from University of California, Los Angeles; Master of Education from University of Pittsburgh and her undergraduate degree in Sociology from California State University, Northridge. Allison is originally from Los Angeles, California but has lived in Pittsburgh with her family (and three cats) for over a decade.
Katelyn Jakubovic, MA, NCC, LPC, C-DBT, TF-CBT
Certified EMDR Therapist & EMDRIA Approved CIT
National Certified Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
DBT Certified Therapist
TF-CBT Certified Therapist
Katelyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Certified Therapist, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Certified Therapist, and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Certified Therapist. Katelyn is also trained in Parts Work and Brainspotting.
Katelyn has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, particularly concerning trauma, anxiety, grief/loss, depression, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders, through inpatient psychiatric, residential, partial-hospitalization, community-based, corrections, and outpatient settings. She believes that much of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors stem from parental figures and relationships, childhood experiences, significant life events, as well as responses to the here and now. She offers you the opportunity to explore relationship dynamics, behavioral patterns, and life circumstances which may have left you feeling as though you have an unhealed wound. Her top priority is to provide a safe environment to establish trust and to process that which does not feel safe otherwise.
Her treatment approach largely focuses on a well-crafted combination of attachment-focused, mindfulness, ego state, somatic, psychodynamic, and skill-based strategies, while offering a strength-based, empathic, and collaborative environment. Katelyn is primarily telehealth, offering evening and weekend appointments for clients ages 12+.
Starlene Delp, MA, LPC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Starlene holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor's of Science in Human Services from Geneva College.. Starlene’s experience includes two decades of working in the human service field with clients from diverse backgrounds in multiple capacities.
As a mental health clinician she has assisted clients in stabilization and community integration. Starlene employs a person centered approach using Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with clients to guide her therapeutic approach to counseling.
Starlene primarily works with adults 18+ but also see adolescents on a case by case basis.
David Spence, M.S. Ed.
Pre-licensed Professional Counselor
Dave seeks to walk alongside clients in their journey as they endeavor to overcome the obstacles and challenges that they are facing. He works to help clients to more clearly view the choices in front of them as they grow in their awareness regarding which choice best fits their goals. Beginning a two-year training program through the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh in September of 2021, he is passionate about continuing to integrate a more Gestalt approach into the foundation of his work as he learns. Dave also has eight years of training and practice with Eco-Systemic Structural Family Therapy which he draws from regularly in his work, and includes significant use of Person-Centered Therapy techniques as well. He can incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, while the lens these things are viewed from has changed for him due to the current training program he is in. He believes the world would be a better place if everyone were to read Man’s Search for Meaning, written by his hero in the field, Viktor Frankl.
Dave has experience working with individuals, families, and couples. When working with individuals, he typically finds that his style connects best with adults, while it can often work just as well with teenagers 14 and up. So far in his career, Dave has the most experience and comfort working with people facing concerns that include trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, significant life transitions, spirituality, self-esteem, identity, parenting, and relationship conflicts. He is very enthusiastic about the things he enjoys in life so clients meeting with him may benefit from preparing themselves to hear about concepts and references related to psychology, philosophy, gaming, comics, music, and tv shows from time to time.
Paige Malnofsky, MS, LPC NCC
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Paige obtained a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling from Duquesne University and has experience in the mental health field across various settings including residential treatment facilities, inpatient hospitalization programs, methadone clinics, and private practice. She works with individual adolescents, children, and young to middle aged adults, along with couples.
Paige has experience working with children/adolescents with severe/mild trauma as well as attachment issues, various behavioral concerns, and those that are on the spectrum. She also has experience working with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and self esteem.
Paige often uses EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, and a strength based approach to individualize each client’s treatment and works with children
Chelsey Naum Purpura, MS, LPC
Fully Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chelsey Naum Purpura received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at West Virginia University and her Masters in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA.. She is licensed as a Professional Counselor and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. Throughout her work as a counselor, she has gained experience in working with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, and grief and loss.
It was due to working with clients who have experienced domestic violence and abuse that she found a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma. With this passion, she became trained in EMDR therapy. She believes that everyone has the capacity to heal, grow and gravitate towards the changes that they want for themselves and she is determined to help them do so.
She meets every client where they are with her person-centered/client focused approach and also focuses on teaching clients the tools they can use to not only empower themselves but also to enhance quality of life and overall mental wellness.
Jessica Navarro, MS
Pre-licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carlow University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and their families within a social work setting, addressing anger management, parenting approaches, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions.
Jessica uses an eclectic approach drawing from different methods to best meet each client’s needs. Some of these methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Jessica takes on a strength based and trauma informed perspective in helping clients work through challenges towards their goals. Jessica believes that while she provides an empathic and supportive environment, the client holds all the answers to creating their desired life and therefore is the driving force behind their successes in treatment.
Jessica works with adolescents 14 years or older and adults, offering telehealth and in person sessions.
Megan Berringer, LCSW
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Megan (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and provides EMDR therapy. She enjoys working with clients who have perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, personality disorders, and is especially passionate about those who identify as queer and gender diverse. Her therapeutic style is eclectic as she strives to be anti-racist, gender-affirming and fat-positive. Megan comes from a case management background in forensic, medical and psychiatric settings.
Megan’s approach to counseling is informed by humanistic, existential and social justice perspectives. She understands therapy as a relationship with its own imperfections. She is committed to radical empathy and does not believe it is possible to be “nonjudgmental,” rather that we each have unique stories and experiences that inform our perceptions. Megan recognizes that reality holds multiple truths that require multiple ways of understanding and coping.
Megan sees clients ages 14+ and is available for evening and weekend appointments.
Dee Strickland, MS, LPC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Dee has worked in the mental health field for over 30 years. She received her master’s degree in community agency counseling from California University of Pennsylvania, her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mercyhurst College, and served in the U.S. Army as a medical service commander for 12 years. She is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Criminal Justice program through Liberty University. She is certified in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy. Dee works best with families, couples, and individuals ages 4+.
Dee has experience working in a multitude of therapeutic environments, including: residential treatment, foster care, community outpatient clinic, partial school, wraparound, the city welfare department, and the Allegheny County Jail.
Dee specializes in working with individuals that have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, intellectual disabilities, PTSD, and multiple mood and anxiety disorders. She focuses on utilizing CBT, DBT, EMDR, and ACT techniques to improve the emotional and mental welfare of her clients. She also employs solution-focused therapy, internal family systems therapy, behavior management, and play therapy for kids.
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Samantha Bohr, LPC, CAADC, CCTP
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Samantha is a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor who earned a double Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Addictions Counseling.
Samantha is motivated to help adults, adolescents, families and couples identify and progress towards personal change to provide a more fulfilling and positive life experience. She understands the apprehension that some may have of beginning therapy and places the utmost priority in providing a safe, validating and comfortable environment where together, you will attain your highest personal potential.
Samantha is very eclectic in her approach by providing different modalities to best support our individuals with their challenges in life. These modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR), solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and utilizes a client centered approach. Samantha practices trauma informed, evidence based care and focuses on strength based counseling. She has experience working with adults and adolescents facing many different challenges, not limited too, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, interpersonal conflict, dual diagnosis, and many substance use disorders.
James Barum, LSW
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Social Worker
James is a Pennsylvania state-licensed social worker who earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. He has spent over 7 years in the human services field where he has learned the value of addressing difficult issues head on and gained the conviction that there is nothing wrong with us that cannot be cured by what is right with us.
James has experience working in hospital, outpatient, and correctional settings and believes in "holding space" for adults 18+ from any walk of life. He specializes in working with mood disorders, trauma, drug & alcohol use, grief/loss, co-dependency, low self-esteem, life transitions (going to college, changing jobs, etc.), spiritual/religious concerns, and the general sense that "something ain't right" with one's life.
James is eclectic in his approach to treatment and utilizes approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF), and an overall "harm reduction" approach to dealing with challenges.
Shannon Dering, LPC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon is a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor who earned a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Geneva College in 2016. She has spent 8 years in the field working with children, adolescents, families and adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient acute hospitalization and outpatient mental health. Through her work as a counselor, she has gained
experience in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, those on the spectrum, ADHD, anger management, bipolar, self-esteem concerns, grief and loss, and PTSD.
She recognizes that everyone is an individual and uses an eclectic, client led approach to therapy. Treatment modalities that Shannon often utilizes include but are not limited to: Person-Centered, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Strength Based and Motivational Interviewing. Shannon will also be completing her EMDR training this year.
She believes that the relationship between client and therapist is sacred and pulls from the teachings of Dr. Irvin Yalom, noting “I prefer to think of my patients and myself as fellow travelers, a term that abolishes distinctions between “them” (the afflicted) and “us” (the healers). ... We are all in this together, and there is no therapist and no person immune to the inherent tragedies of existence” Shannon will walk with each client on their journey, providing unconditional support, encouragement and empathy. She strives to create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to live to their full potential.
Lisa Hoffman LSW, CAADC, CRS, CTP
Licensed Social Worker
Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Certified Recovery Specialist
Certified Trauma Professional
Lisa is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who will complete her LCSW in 2024; she earned her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, where she also became certified in Mental Health. Lisa also carries Pennsylvania Certification Board credentials as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Recovery Specialist. Lisa is also a Certified Trauma Professional. Lisa has worked in the field of human services for over 10 years, with an eclectic background in practice, including individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, co-occurring or dual disorders, among others.
Lisa most enjoys working with individuals with substance use disorders, as well as adolescents, adults, and couples with various concerns, aiming to improve overall quality of life across all systems. Lisa specializes in trauma, relationships, fertility issues, attachment wounds, and codependency, and utilizes a conversational approach to therapy. Some of Lisa’s favorite treatment modalities include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), the Gottman method, Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF), Mindfulness, person-centered therapies, and Motivational Interviewing. Lisa is also supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Lisa deeply believes in building therapeutic relationships on safety, trust, and unconditional positive regard. She focuses on meeting the client where they are, at their own pace, while providing encouragement and supportive challenges in a secure environment. She also believes that the client is the expert on self, and maintains curiosity about each person’s individual experiences and reality. Lisa will work with you to recognize and develop your own goals, and will assist you in aligning with your best self.
Mikayla Bogaski, MS
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Pre-licensed Professional Counselor
Mikayla has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Duquesne University and has experience working with children and their families addressing emotion regulation, parenting approaches, anxiety, stress management, life transitions, executive functioning problems, and attachment issues. She uses an eclectic approach to counseling, drawing from different theories to best meet each individual client’s needs. The main approaches she draws from are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution Focused Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.
Mikayla has a special interest in working with adolescents and young to middle aged adults. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and drawing from their strengths to help them create meaningful connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She believes that growth and positive change comes from the exploration and incorporation of all parts of the self.
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Courtney Milstead, MA
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Pre-licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney has a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health experience working with adults of all backgrounds in both an individual and group setting. She has experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, and issues surrounding identity and acceptance. Courtney’s areas of focus include motherhood and postpartum, family planning, infertility, parenting, and couples counseling.
Based in a psychodynamic & EMDR approaches, Courtney works with clients who are interested in exploring how their childhood and past experiences have shaped their current engagement with the world around them. She adjusts her client-centered, trauma-informed approach to counseling to facilitate growth for each individual client, based on the changes that they seek.
Kathleen Locmelis MHS, CRC, LPC
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Kathleen is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with a Master of Health Sciences in Rehabilitation Counseling. She specializes in the treatment of trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, vocational needs, adjustment to disability, and grief/loss issues. She enjoys using play therapy and expressive arts to provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Her treatment approach incorporates evidence-based practices including EMDR, CBT, solution focused therapy, Adlerian, and Internal Family Systems/parts work.
Kathleen has been promoting emotional wellness across settings for the last decade. She likes Rumi’s poem comparing being human to a guest house, “every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.” She is excited about helping people learn more about their visitors and what they need so the person can make room for better stories at home, school, work, and in their social life.
Online or in person, Kathleen offers a safe space to process past events, face current stressors, and take action to live the good life you deserve. She is also able to provide a faith-based approach if you’d like to integrate that into sessions. Kathleen looks forward to assisting you in meeting your goals and living out your values and interests in a courageous way.
Jennifer Ruttinger, MA
Partially Trained EMDR Therapist
Pre-Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer is a Pre-licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical
Mental Health Counseling from Geneva College. She is a National Certified Counselor.
Jennifer is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. She is committed to forming strong, trusting relationships with clients, believing that the therapeutic alliance is at the heart of treatment.
Jennifer believes in working together to create meaningful change across all areas: physical,
mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Her approach to therapy is based on the individual’s
needs and will utilize various approaches to work collaboratively with you towards your personal goals.
Jennifer has experience working with individuals and couples with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, autism, and substance use disorders. She is currently accepting new clients with in person options.
Jessica Northcott-Brillati, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in veteran and military family mental health. Jess provides counseling and therapeutic services for adults, adolescents, and couples using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and other evidence based approaches when working with clients.
Jess’ areas of focus includes perinatal mental health and substance use/addictions. Jess has experience working with adults and adolescents. Jess has also worked with veterans, people who have been involved with the criminal justice system, individuals who are non monogamous/poly.
Her treatment approach focuses on empowering clients in strengths focused and collaborative space. Reaching out for support is hard, and Jess prioritizes a judgment free and inclusive space while also remaining present throughout every individual’s journey. Her therapy does not tell you what to do, but rather walks alongside you asking questions and offering insight along the way.
Akira Kirkpatrick, BS
Robert Morris University
Counselor Intern
Akira is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program at Robert Morris University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020.
Akira takes an integrative approach in counseling drawing mainly from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) while also incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Advocacy and social justice also influence her counseling framework.
While Akira mainly has experience with children ages 2-14, she is open to clients from all walks of life. She believes in greeting individuals with unconditional positive regard, in allowing space for vulnerability and difficult emotions, and in the importance of emphasizing an individual’s personal strengths.
Meet the Holistic Wellness Team
Rita de Freitas, RD, LDN, CLT
Registered Dietitian and Certified LEAP Therapist
Certificate of Training in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy (IFMNT)
Rita de Freitas promotes the ways in which physical activity and proper nutrition can create an optimal state of well-being. She teaches nutrition and educates people on how to lead healthy lifestyles by teaching nutrition-not dieting-for long-term weight management and disease prevention. As registered dietitian and certified LEAP therapist, she emphasizes the importance of how eating well, exercising and managing stress can influence the state of their physical, mental and emotional health.
Rita has a B.S in dietetics from Virginia Tech. She strongly believes in the promotion and integration of health, fitness and a balanced lifestyle. She considers herself extremely fortunate to have chosen a field of study about which she is passionate, and a career in which she can translate her passion into improving the lives of others.
Her primary focuses are:
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Gut Health
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Autoimmune
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Disease
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Thyroid Health
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General Nutrition and Wellness
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Diabetes
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Heart Health (High Cholesterol, Lipids, Blood pressure)
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Weight Management
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Specific diet needs (Celiac Disease-Gluten Free diet, Vegetarian/Vegan, PCOS, IBS, etc)
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Food Sensitivities
Sarah Simone BA, YYT 200
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
Sarah has spent many years learning and practicing different modalities that improve mental and physical health. After earning her Bachelors in Psychology, she became certified in alternative therapies including 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, Chakra Therapeutics, and several group fitness methods. She believes in using the blend of several methods across mental and physical health in order to find the best path for your healing. She is passionate about making these types of options available to as many people as possible. Sarah’s offerings of individualized yoga, chakra balancing, and meditation are trauma informed and can be personalized to compliment psychotherapy sessions. This creates a beautiful fusion of traditional and alternative therapies.
Denise Lueck, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Reiki Practitioner
Denise has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 20 years. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Point Park College, she attended the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy.
Denise is a trauma-informed, trauma-focused holistic practitioner who's specialties include Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Fertility Massage, Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage, and Reiki.
Some of her experience includes working at a chiropractic office and also on her own providing in-home massages in both corporate and social settings, spa parties, networking retreats, and (some of her favorite work) providing massage at an adult daycare facility.
Denise’s approach is health-minded, spiritual and holistic, that is not just physically supportive, but can also be an excellent compliment to psychotherapy, if the client is partaking in therapy. Each massage is customized to each client's needs to help them leave feeling relaxed, revived and rejuvenated.