Our Team
We look forward to partnering with you on your wellness journey.
Amy B. Young, Psy.D.
Founder/DirectorDr. Amy Young is the Founder and Director of the CBT Center for Anxiety & OCD and has been working in the behavioral health field since 1995. She completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship training under nationally recognized OCD expert, Dr. Jonathan Grayson, and anxiety expert, Dr. Linda Welsh. She holds a Doctoral degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a Clinical Psychology program specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Young also holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Read Amy’s full bio>>
Melody Bish, M.A., CSP
Melody Bish, M.A., CSP is an Advanced Masters Clinician at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD and has been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Melody has provided child, teen and adult treatment for clients with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, school refusal, and depression. She has additional expertise in teaching executive functioning skills and social skills training. As a Certified School Psychologist, Melody has extensive experience conducted psychoeducational evaluations for individuals with academic, social and emotional concerns and is especially adept at assisting clients in navigating various educational systems. Melody works from a consultation model by involving parents, teachers and counselors, when appropriate, to ensure that the entire system is working in her client’s best interest. Read Melody’s full bio, here>>
Mary Ann Blumenthal, M.C.
Mary Ann Blumenthal, M.C., is a Masters Level Clinician and fifth-year doctoral candidate at West Chester University’s Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology. Mary Ann’s doctoral training specializes in clinical child and adolescent psychology. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University. She has years of experience using evidenced based treatments, such as CBT, Prolonged Exposure (PE), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to successfully assist children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and mood disorders. Mary Ann has worked with people across the lifespan in community mental health, outpatient and college campus settings. Read Mary Ann’s full bio >>
Naomi Brinton, Psy.D.
Dr.Naomi Brinton is a Licensed Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, with concentrations in the areas of child, adolescent, and family psychotherapy Dr. Brinton utilizes Evidence-Based Treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in her work with children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Brinton works with all types of anxiety disorders and OCD, including social anxiety, specific phobias, panic, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, selective mutism, ARFID, PANS/PANDAS, health-related anxiety, and perfectionism. She has additional specialty working with co-occurring conditions such as depression, trauma, self-harm, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and coping with chronic illnesses. Read Naomi’s full bio >>
Janessa Brown, Psy.D.
Dr. Janessa Brown, Psy.D., is a Licensed Psychologist holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). From PCOM, she also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree and a Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology degree. She completed her APA-accredited Predoctoral Internship at the University of Delaware’s Center for Counseling and Student Development, where she further honed her skills in providing evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional processing therapies, and interpersonal therapy to a diverse patient population. Dr. Brown holds certifications in Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. Read Janessa’s full bio >>
Shana Brown-Lieberson, Psy.D.
Dr. Shana Brown-Lieberson is a Licensed Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her Doctoral degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a Clinical Psychology program that specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Dr. Brown-Lieberson earned her Master’s degree from PCOM in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology. She completed her Predoctoral Internship at the Center for Brief Therapy in Philadelphia, PA and Main Line Health at Bryn Mawr Family Medicine, where she focused on delivering CBT to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in an outpatient setting and various medical settings. Read Shana’s full bio >>
Abby Bugbee, Psy. D.
Dr. Abby Bugbee is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She graduated from La Salle University where she received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Bugbee completed practicum rotations at the Center for Cognitive Therapy at UPenn and Thomas Jefferson University’s OB/GYN Counseling Center. Dr. Bugbee completed her Predoctoral Internship at APA- accredited Center for Women’s Emotional Wellness at ChristianaCare. Dr. Bugbee has received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Women’s Health, including Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Read Abby’s full bio>>
Blair Burgin, M.A.
Blair Burgin, M.A.,is a Masters Level Clinician at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She is currently a third-year Doctoral student at La Salle University’s Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology where she focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for a range of disorders. Blair has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults providing treatment for anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. During her doctoral training, Blair has gained experience providing individual and group therapy in a trauma-informed elementary school setting and an inpatient hospitalization setting. Blair has been a member of the Anxiety Clinic Team as well as a Graduate Team Member of the Child Research team at La Salle University.). Read Blair’s full bio >>
Kelsey Cannamela, M.A.
Kelsey Cannamela, M.A., is a Masters Level Clinician and fourth-year Doctoral Candidate in La Salle University’s Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Manhattan College and a Master’s Degree from La Salle University. Kelsey has worked on the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic Team at La Salle University, which focuses on providing effective, evidence-based evaluations and interventions to children and adolescents. The Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic Team has a particular focus on implementing CBT for pediatric anxiety, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for pediatric OCD, and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for pediatric trichotillomania and tic disorders. Read Kelsey’s full bio >>
Amanda Chusid, Psy.D.
Dr. Amanda Chusid, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She received her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, where she specialized in child, adolescent, and family psychotherapy. She is a PA certified school psychologist and has experience working within schools and consulting with school personnel to provide supports for students in the classroom. During her doctoral training, she received experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety disorders, OCD, and depression. Read Amanda’s full bio >>
Tessa Clarkson, Ph.D.
Tessa Clarkson, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Level Clinician, who completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Temple University and clinical internship at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School at the JFK Center for developmental disabilities. She is the recipient of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship and American Psychological Association (APA) Dissertation Research Award. Read Tessa’s full bio >>
Doug Clapp, Psy.D., LMFT
Dr. Doug Clapp (he/him) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD and seasoned clinician with over a decade of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University. Dr. Clapp trained with experts at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Clapp completed his Predoctoral Residency at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, where he treated anxiety and OCD in both school and medical settings. He has experience treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety, and panic, as well as expertise in treating school avoidance. Read Doug’s full bio>>
Gina Creatura, Ph.D.
Dr. Gina Creatura is a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Clinical Psychology Doctoral graduate of Temple University. Dr. Creatura specializes in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, PTSD and sleep disturbances. She has completed significant coursework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and has experience using evidence-based therapies including Exposure and Ritual Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Therapy (CT), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). Gina has successfully treated individuals with social anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and insomnia. Read Gina’s full bio >>
Erik Cwik, M.A., M.S (he/him)
Erik Cwik, M.A., M.S., is an Advanced Master’s Clinician at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. Erik is passionate about treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the complete range of anxiety related disorders including panic, specific phobias, generalized anxiety and trauma. Erik also enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults with depression, ADHD, pain, auditory issues and tics. He is well versed in several treatment modalities and strategies, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. While working toward his M.S. at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Erik was invited to serve as a guest speaker at the 2025 Teal Cord Honors Ceremony, selected to present on the impact of popular media on counselor ethics at the University’s 2nd Annual Clinical Mental Health Counseling Virtual Conference, and served as the Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Peer Mentor Program. Erik has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Arcadia University.Erik is a compassionate, empathetic person who fosters supportive partnerships with clients while utilizing evidence-based methods to help them live and thrive in alignment with their personal values. In his free time, Erik enjoys playing and listening to music, physical fitness, gaming, and spending time with his wife and daughter.Education:. Read Erik’s full bio >>
Mary Kate Deacon, M.A.
Mary Kate Deacon, M.A., is a Masters Level Clinician and fifth-year Doctoral candidate at La Salle University’s Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology where she has focused coursework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Mary Kate has spent the past 18+ months working on the Anxiety Clinic Team at La Salle University, which focuses on the provision of evidenced-based treatments, primarily CBT, for the treatment of OCD and an array of anxiety disorders. Prior to entering graduate school, Mary Kate worked with children and adolescents in an outpatient behavioral health treatment program. During her doctoral training, Mary Kate has gained experience providing individual therapy and group therapy in a partial hospitalization setting and college counseling center. Mary Kate also has specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment modality that emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Read Mary Kate’s full bio >>
Rudner H. Devera, Psy.D.
Dr. Rudner H. Devera is an Advanced Psychology Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. He earned his Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University and his Master’s degree in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). He completed his Predoctoral Internship at Elwyn in Philadelphia, PA, where he helped treat children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in an outpatient setting. Most recently, Dr. Devera completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Beck Institute where he acquired extensive training in Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy. While at the Beck Institute, Dr. Devera trained with internationally known CBT expert, Dr. Aaron T. Beck, globally recognized as the father of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Read Rudner’s full bio >>
Carly Doucette, Ph.D., CSP (she/her)
Dr. Carly Doucette, Ph.D., CSP, is an Advanced Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She received her Doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University in School Psychology. She specializes in working with young children, adolescents and young adults with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, trichotillomania, ADHD, depression, trauma and learning differences. Additionally, Dr. Doucette has extensive experience working with gifted individuals. She is well-versed in a variety of Cognitive Behavioral interventions including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). She is experienced in direct social skills instruction, behavior modification planning and Parent-Child Interaction Training (PCIT), a structured approach with the aim of increasing positive parent-child interactions. Read Carly’s full bio>>
Mia Grosso, Ph.D.
Dr. Mia Grosso (she/her)*is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from The State University of New York at Binghamton. She then completed her Predoctoral internship at Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, where she supported clients across the lifespan navigating a broad range of challenges, identity concerns and major life transitions. Read Mia’s full bio >>
Gareth Harrison, M.A.
Gareth Harrison, M.A., is a doctoral candidate in Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, pursuing a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Gareth has received additional training in behavioral theory and techniques in his master’s program at American University (Washington, DC). Gareth has a wide array of experience providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment services through placements at Fairmount Behavioral Health System, Widener University’s Adult Therapy Clinic (part of Organizational Development Services), and La Salle University’s Student Counseling Center. These opportunities have given Gareth experience working with a wide range of psychological issues, with much of that experience focusing on helping older adolescents and adults to tackle the many facets of anxiety and anxiety-related difficulties. Read Gareth’s full bio >>
Bridget Hearon, Ph.D.
Dr. Bridget Hearon is a Licensed Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD (CCAO). She earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Boston University, where she specialized in anxiety, mood, OCD, and related disorders. She then completed an Pre-Doctoral Internship and a clinical research Postdoctoral Fellowship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. At McLean, Dr. Hearon worked in the Behavioral Health Partial Hospitalization Program, the Klarman Eating Disorders Center, and the OCD Institute. Throughout her training, Dr. Hearon gained expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and academic chapters. Read Bridget’s full bio >>
Grace Holzmann, M.A. (she/her)
Grace Holzmann, M.A., is an Advanced Doctoral Extern at the CBT Center For Anxiety & OCD (CCAO). She is a Doctoral student at La Salle University with a Child Clinical concentration, with coursework primarily focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also has experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Her clinical interests include sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety, specific phobias, executive dysfunction, and emotion regulation. Grace has significant experience providing individual and group therapy in a boarding school setting for children ages 5 through 18. She is a member of the Health Clinic Team – training in the intersection of physical and behavioral health – and Mood Clinic Team at La Salle University.
Grace is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults as they grow into the world. She is also particularly skilled at working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients. Grace strives to bring warmth and authenticity to every client interaction, taking a strengths-based approach to foster self-efficacy and resilience. In her free time, Grace enjoys journaling, watching horror movies, cooking, Minecraft, tending to her indoor plants, and spending time with her cat, Marceline. Read Grace’s full bio >>
Pamela Hunsberger, M.A.
Pamela Hunsberger, M.A., is a Postdoctoral Level Clinician at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She is currently a fourth-year doctoral student at Immaculata University in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program where she has focused her coursework on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She received training in evidence-based treatments including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Behavioral Activation (BA). Pamela has utilized empirically supported pediatric anxiety manualized treatment, “Coping Cat”, for the treatment of anxiety in children. During her doctoral training, Pamela has worked with children and adolescents experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. Her experience includes providing psychotherapy and neuropsychological assessment through prior placements at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Pennsylvania Forensic Associates, and NeurAbilities Healthcare. Pamela utilizes a family systems approach by engaging with the family throughout her work with children and adolescents. Read Pamela’s full bio >>
Emily Hershorin, Psy.D. (she/her)
Dr. Emily Hershorin, Psy.D., is an Advanced Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD (CCAO). She graduated from West Chester University, where she received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Hershorin completed her Predoctoral Internship at APA-Accredited Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. She completed practicum rotations at the Home for Anxiety, Repetitive Behaviors, OCD, and Related Disorders (HARBOR), Main Line Therapy Solutions, and West Chester University’s Community Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Hershorin has extensive experience utilizing a variety of Evidence-Based Treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and CBT for anxiety, specific phobias, Body Dysmorphia, Mood Disorders, Selective Mutism, Eating Disorders, and Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorders (ARFID). Read Emily’s full bio, here>>
Ebony Johnson, M.A., LPC.
Ebony Johnson, M.A., LPC, is an Advanced Doctoral Extern at the CBT Center for Anxiety & OCD. She is a 4th year Doctoral candidate at Immaculata University’s Psy.D program in Clinical Psychology. Previously, Ebony earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University. She has past experience working as a clinician at Rogers Behavioral Health in their Anxiety and OCD program. While there, she helped developed Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment plans and assisted her clients in implementing their individual exposure and response prevention goals. Ebony has worked with adults and teenagers in college counseling centers, psychiatric hospitals and partial hospitalization day programs. All of these experiences have allowed Ebony to be a skilled clinician in treating OCD, depression, eating disorders and anxiety disorders. She believes that therapy should be a place where all are welcome and feel safe to tackle some of life’s biggest challenges together. Read Ebony’s full bio >>
Marisa Leib, Psy.D.
Dr. Marisa Leib, Psy.D., is a Licensed Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), where she was trained extensively in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) methodology. She also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University.Read Marisa’s full bio>>
Kristin Mack, Psy.D.
Dr. Kristin Mack (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety & OCD and Certified School Psychologist. She earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Widener University. While at Widener, she completed the school psychology certification and trained in numerous Evidence-Based Treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Read Kristin’s full bio>>
Deborah Madnick, Psy.D.
Dr. Deborah Madnick (she/her) is a Licensed Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She graduated from La Salle University where she received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a concentration in Health Psychology. Dr. Madnick completed practicum rotations at Merakey Behavioral Health, Jefferson Center City Clinic for Behavioral Medicine, and Cooper University Hospital. Dr. Madnick completed her APA-Accredited Predoctoral Internship at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. Dr. Madnick has received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Women’s Health, including Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Read Deborah’s full bio >>
Jerry Martin, Psy.D.
Dr. Jerry Martin is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center For Anxiety & OCD. He has completed La Salle University’s Psy.D. Doctoral program in clinical psychology, where he focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for a range of psychological disorders. Jerry has experience working with clients of all ages providing successful treatment for anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. Jerry has received training in providing a number of evidence-based treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Therapy (CT). Read Jerry’s full bio >>
Josh McKinney, Psy.D.
Dr. Josh McKinney is an Advanced Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. He earned his Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, and his Master’s degree in K-12 School Counseling at Slippery Rock University. He completed his APA Accredited Predoctoral Internship in Health Psychology at St. Agnes Hospital (SSM Health) in Wisconsin where he specialized in working with patients whose physical health concerns impacted their mental health. He is also trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He has experience working with patients with a variety of concerns including all manifestations of anxiety, panic, OCD and depression. Read Josh’s full bio >>
Annie McMahon, M.A.
Annie McMahon, M.A., is an Advanced Doctoral Extern and fourth-year Doctoral candidate at Immaculata University’s Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology. She has studied and implemented evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and has completed training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Annie has experience treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and depression. Read Annie’s full bio >>
Marisa Motisi, Psy.D.
Dr. Marisa Motisi (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. During her doctoral training, Dr. Motisi gained experience working with a range of anxiety disorders including OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (trichotillomania, skin-picking), tics, social anxiety, specific phobias, generalized anxiety, selective mutism, and separation anxiety. She also treats clients with co-occurring conditions such as depression, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and learning disabilities. Read Motisi’s full bio >>
Stephanie Munio, M.A.
Stephanie Munio, M.A., is an Advanced Masters Level Clinician and fifth-year Doctoral Candidate at La Salle University’s Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology where she has focused coursework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Stephanie has received extensive training in CBT with children, adolescents and adults. She has worked with individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, identity development concerns, and body image issues. She has specific experience treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety, selective mutism, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Stephanie has also received training in other modalities including Acceptance Commitment Behavioral Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions. During her doctoral training, Stephanie Munio has experience providing short-term and long-term individual therapy and group therapy in a college counseling center and a gifted high school. Prior to entering her Doctoral program, Stephanie worked with children and families with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and behavioral difficulties. Read Stephanie’s full bio >>
Julia Ney, M.A. (she/her)
Julia Ney, M.A., is a Master’s Level Clinician at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD (CCAO). Julia is a Doctoral candidate at Temple University’s Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology. At Temple University, Julia works with international pediatric anxiety specialist, Dr. Philip Kendall in the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic (CAADC), which focuses on research, treatment, and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for youth with anxiety disorders. As an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Julia is interested in exploring the role of peer-to-peer advice giving after treatment for anxiety disorders. Julia’s previous research positions in positive psychology and the dissemination of evidence-based treatments continue to influence her clinical practice.
Julia has experience working with children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and mood disorders, and uses cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and dialectical-behavioral (DBT) approaches to treatment. She is committed to providing evidence-based care and collaborates with her clients and their caregivers to develop treatment plans that are strengths-based and goal-oriented. In her free time, Julia can often be found planted in front of the TV, cheering on Philadelphia sports teams and bingeing on reality TV shows. But don’t worry, she also makes sure to get some fresh air and exercise by dragging her puppy and child on outdoor adventures with her family and friends. Read Julia’s full bio >>
Joy Nissen, M.A.
Joy Nissen, M.A., is an Advanced Masters Level Clinician and fourth-year Doctoral Candidate at Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. She has academic concentrations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Additionally, Joy is working towards her MBA at Widener University. She was awarded the prestigious Tilelli Leadership Fellowship for her ongoing research focusing on the efficacy of executive coaching, drawing on her expertise in the fields of both psychology and business. Joy is passionate about supporting clients experiencing anxiety, OCD, BFRBs and other related disorders. She collaboratively works with clients to help them develop evidence-based coping strategies to build resilience and improve quality of life. Her lived multicultural experiences and various clinical experiences have allowed Joy to be exceptionally attune to understanding the cultural factors each person brings to therapy. In her free time, Joy enjoys listening to podcasts, trying out new food recipes, and spending time with her husband and daughter. Read Joy’s full bio >>
Katie Parsons, Psy.D.
Dr. Katie Parsons is an Advanced Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. Katie completed her Predoctoral Internship training at West Chester University’s Counseling Center where she specialized in working with college-age individuals. She also completed Predoctoral Internship training at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD where she provided treatment for various manifestations of OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety, trichotillomania, tics, trauma and perfectionism. Additionally, she has experience working with clients with co-occurring ADHD, bipolar, and depression. Read Katie’s full bio >>
Jolie Pepperman, B.S.
Jolie Pepperman, M.A., is a Predoctoral Extern and third-year Doctoral student at Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. Jolie has a focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as school psychology. Jolie has experience working in private psychotherapy practice with children, adolescents and young adults. She has a worked with students in the classroom setting which required frequent collaborating with team members, including teachers. Jolie has taught Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and provided individual therapy to students in a school setting. She has utilized the “Coping Cat”, an empirically supported treatment for pediatric separation anxiety, social anxiety and generalized anxiety. Jolie is trained in the use of biofeedback and uses tenants of ACT in the treatment of anxiety, helping clients learn to relate differently to the behavioral and cognitive symptoms of anxiety. She has experience working with clients with various manifestations of OCD including checking, just-right and perfectionism. Read Jolie’s full bio >>
Danielle Scharf, M.A.
Danielle Scharf, M.A., is an Advanced Masters Level Clinician and fourth-year Doctoral Candidate at La Salle University’s Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology where she has focused coursework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has worked with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, OCD, ARFID, trauma, eating disorders, body image issues, ADHD and autism. During her doctoral training, Danielle has experience providing long-term individual therapy in a boarding school setting. She also has experience providing group therapy on an adolescent inpatient unit. Prior to entering her doctoral program, Danielle worked with adolescents with various eating disorders in a Residential Treatment Center. Read Danielle’s full bio >>
Stephen Seger, LSW
Stephen Seger, LSW, is a Pennsylvania License Social Worker, a Masters Level Clinician, and a fourth-year Doctoral Candidate at Immaculata University’s Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology. Stephen received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University. He has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in school, community mental health, and healthcare settings. Stephen has worked successfully to treat anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, substance use, and parent-child relationship issues. Stephen has received training in evidenced-based treatment for anxiety, trauma and substance use at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Stephen is currently a clinical supervisor and therapist at Holcomb Behavioral Health, where he provides therapy and behavioral treatment planning for children and adolescents. Read Stephen’s full bio >>
Sonja Sepkowitz, Psy.D. (she/her)
Dr. Sonja Sepkowitz, Psy.D., is a Licensed Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety & OCD (CCAO). She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) at Widener University. While at IGCP, she completed the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) concentrations. She has extensive training and experience in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD/trauma, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. Raised in a family of physicians and through clinical training, Dr. Sepkowitz is well-versed in working with clients with co-ocurring psychological and medical issues. Read Sonja’s full bio >>
Aleida Silva-Garcia, M.S., Ed.S.
Aleida Silva-Garcia, M.S., Ed.S., is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Advanced Doctoral Extern. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Temple University, a Master of Science (M.S.) in School Psychology, and an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology. Ms. Silva-Garcia is currently a third-year doctoral student seeking licensure as a Psychologist in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a PsyD program devoted to rigorous training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Read Aleida’s full bio >>
Simone Sims-Riley, Psy.D.
Dr. Simone Sims-Riley is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. Dr. Sims-Riley is graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology. PCOM’s program exclusively focuses on training students in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In 2017, Simone graduated from PCOM’s Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Read Simone’s full bio >>
Tanya Singh, Ph.D.
Dr. Tanya Singh (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD and has been in the field of psychology for over a decade. She completed her APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University, NJ. Tanya also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Read Clare’s full bio >>
Lori Skucas, Psy.D.
Dr. Lori Skucas is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. She earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University. Lori completed her Predoctoral Internship at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in Berwyn, PA, where she focused on delivering evidence-based psychological interventions to adults with various disorders. She has extensive experience working with individuals with anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. In addition, Dr. Skucas has significant experience working with postpartum mothers and veterans. Read Lori’s full bio >>
Sarah Thompson, M.A.
Sarah Thompson, M.A. (she/her) is an Advanced Masters Clinician at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD and a Certified School Counselor. Sarah has been working with children and adolescence for nearly 20 years. She is skilled at treating generalized anxiety, school refusal, selective mutism, OCD, phobias, separation anxiety, social anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, giftedness, depression, trauma and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sarah has extensive expertise in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques including exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, social skills, problem-solving skills, mindfulness techniques and executive functioning skills.. Read Clare’s full bio >>
Carrie Thornton, Psy.D.
Dr. Carrie Thornton joins the CBT Center team as a Postdoctoral Fellow. She earned her Doctoral degree from Widener University. During her graduate school training, she fulfilled requirements for not only the Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapy concentration, but also the Forensic Psychology distinction.
Dr. Thornton utilities evidence-based treatments such as Acceptance as Commitment Therapy (ACT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She also leans heavily on family systems theories in order to understand the family system needs. Dr. Thornton has a particular passion for working with people from minority or marginalized communities. Read Carrie’s full bio >>
Portia Womer, Psy.D.
Dr. Portia Womer is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the CBT Center For Anxiety & OCD. She is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Her clinical interests include the use of exposure-based therapies for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to her work at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD, Portia is competing a Doctoral Practicum at UPenn’s Center for Cognitive Therapy and UPenn’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety where she provides exposure-based therapies. She has completed a Practicum at Nemours Children’s Health System where she provided CBT for OCD, trauma, GAD, Separation Anxiety Disorder, depression, ADHD and sleep difficulties. Portia has completed a Practicum at A.J. Drexel Autism Institute in their early detection and intervention department. Read Portia’s full bio >>
Jasmine Yi, M.Ed. (she/her)
Jasmine Yi, M.Ed., is an Advanced Doctoral Extern and fourth-year doctoral student in School Psychology at Temple University, where she also earned her M.Ed. in School Psychology. Jasmine has extensive pediatric experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings. Through her experience and education, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of education systems thereby allowing her to be well versed in collaborative therapist-school methodology and best-practice therapeutic and educational accommodations.
Jasmine has received instruction on a breadth of evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), social skill intervention, Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) and children (DBT-C). Knowledge of these modalities have given her skill in treating a wide range of presenting problems including anxiety, OCD, panic, phobias, trauma, social anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, Autism and depression, among others. Jasmine has utilized CBT principles to design and implement individual and group counseling programs. Her clinical interests center around providing culturally responsive care to children and adolescents while supporting critical family needs. Read Jasmine’s full bio >>
Alisha Chacko, B.A.
Alisha Chacko, B.A. is an Intake Coordinator at the CBT Center for Anxiety & OCD (CCAO). She is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, with a concentration in forensics, at Widener University. Additionally, Alisha is earning her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Alisha has worked as a hotline counselor, Registered Behavioral Technician with neurodiversity and autistic individuals and has assisted in research focusing on anxiety. In her free time Alisha enjoys scrapbooking, reading and painting. Read Alisha’s full bio >>
