JFCS Counseling Services

I have been with JFCS for over 20 years, in a number of positions in the older adult and counseling departments. I received my MSW and certification in gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. I specialize in older adults, working with them on issues that are specific to them as well as on more general topics. As a social worker, I approach client work from a strengths-based perspective and use many interpersonal techniques and problem solving processes. In addition to individual therapy, I facilitate our caregiver support groups and work with other organizations and agencies in the region.

I am an Art Therapist who specializes in trauma. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families who have been impacted by trauma from violence and crime for the last 12 years. I use a person-centered integrative approach to therapy, often encouraging creative expression, mindfulness and meditation, and other practices that help to regulate the nervous system. I returned to JFCS over 6 years ago to work with those impacted by the synagogue shooting on October 27, 2018. I now work with clients with a broader range of needs. I believe the relationship between client and therapist can be the catalyst for change and prioritizes establishing safety and trust as the foundation of my work.

My career in mental health has spanned over 15 years and I’ve had the privilege to work with people from many different walks of life. I have always had a passion for working with vulnerable populations and have had the opportunity to be helpful as a social worker, an employment specialist, a crisis counselor, a group therapist, and even a camp counselor for grief. Over the past 5 years I have honed my years of clinical therapy experience to focus on anxiety and OCD. I have been trained by the International OCD Foundation in their Behavioral Training Institute and I previously worked as a therapist at UPMC’s Pediatric OCD Clinic. It has been an exciting opportunity to support individuals in the Jewish community at JFCS using this expertise. I am very passionate about supporting individuals to learn tools and skills to help them overcome their anxiety and OCD, managing stress or life transitions and improving their quality of life. In my office you will find humor, education, empathy and compassion, I look forward to connecting with you!

I have worked at JFCS since 1992. I began in the Older Adults Department providing care management services to older adults living in the community. This work included assessments, resource coordination and mental health counseling. Over the years my focus has been on providing in office or virtual counseling services to older adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, loss or any type of situation they feel they can use some support.

I am a licensed therapist and seasoned educator who brings a unique blend of warmth, clinical insight, and nearly two decades of experience supporting children, families, and schools.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and a Bachelor’s in Education—with additional coursework in special education—from Western Governors University. I currently serve as principal at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh and also provide therapy and coaching through separate clinical settings, working with children, adolescents, and parents. My clinical work is informed by my background in special education and my leadership experience as principal at Darchai Menachem in Brooklyn, United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Ocean Parkway, and Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh. Throughout my career, I have focused on building inclusive, supportive environments and partnering with families to help students—particularly those with emotional, behavioral, or learning challenges—thrive.

In addition to my work in schools and clinical settings, I consult with educators, camps, and parent groups on behavior intervention, mental health systems, and special education supports. I am especially passionate about helping young people develop emotional regulation skills and supporting parents in building calmer, more connected relationships with their children.

I am currently a doctoral student at Carlow University in their PsyD program in Counseling Psychology. I have previously worked as a behavioral health technician in an inpatient unit at a hospital. I have received training in CBT and psychodynamic approaches. However, I believe that tailoring therapy to each client is of the utmost importance. Additionally, I believe that it is necessary to create an environment where clients feel comfortable being their authentic self. Similarly, I believe that it is essential to be nonjudgmental and respect the autonomy of clients. Ultimately, I am committed to finding what works best for you.