Tree of Hope Counseling Therapist Profiles

Kara Juszczak, LCSW-R, CCFP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-owner of Tree of Hope Counseling, LCSW, PLLC. Kara specializes in supporting individuals and families through life transitions/adjustments, anxiety, chronic/critical illness, trauma, and grief/loss, by utilizing cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness based stress reduction, play, yoga/meditation, art, and solution focused approaches. Kara serves families, couples, adults and adolescents. Kara also provides mindfulness group therapy, professional self-care workshops and clinical supervision/consultation within Tree of Hope Counseling. Kara brings eleven years of post-graduate experience, which includes school, community, medical, clinic-based settings., as well as graduate level social work teaching experience. Kara is also certified as a Compassion Fatigue Professional and provides support, consultation and training to others around compassion fatigue prevention, intervention and resiliency.
Kara currently provides consultation to local school districts on the integration of mindfulness based stress reduction in the education environment.
Visit Kara's website at www.kmjcounseling.com.

Pete Navratil, LCSW-R, CASAC is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor and co-owner of Tree of Hope Counseling, LCSW, PLLC. Pete offers person centered, recovery orientated and trauma informed interventions tailored to the individual needs of each client. Areas of focus include stress reduction, anxiety, depression, substance use/abuse, PTSD, grief, trauma and loss, He works with adolescents, adult, families and couples utilizing a variety of proven, evidence based, clinical interventions. He is also certified by the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), and NYS DMV to provide Screening and Assessment for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) offenses. As a teacher/trainer Pete is also available to conduct workshops/trainings on a wide variety of Behavioral Health Care topics. Pete is also a domestic violence sensitive therapist.
Visit Pete's website at www.pknavratil.com.

John Aceto, MS, LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, has twenty years of experience helping those who struggle with grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and change of life issues. John utilizes a combination of cognitive-behavioral (CBT), person-centered and mindfulness practices to help people challenge thoughts that are barriers to personal growth. He is committed to helping people reach their goals, and access their potential for well being. John also enjoys working with college age/young adults and is supportive of the LGBTQ community.
For more information visit John's website at www.acetocounseling.com

Dena Rain Adler, M.A., ATR, CMBM, a Registered Art Therapist and Certified Mind=Body Medicine Practitioner (www.cmbm.org), believes that at the heart and root of self-care is the capacity to cultivate joy and potential. She provides health and wellness life coaching to discover the scientific basis of the mind-body connection and teaches and nurtures simple, powerful mind-body skills to respond to stress/anxiety more effectively, enhance self-awareness and foster healthy relationships. The restorative practices are evidenced-based drawing from healing traditions including movement, healthy eating, mindfulness meditations and creative visualizations. Dena has over thirty years of experience with a specialty with children, youth and families. She works with individuals and facilitates 8-12 week groups (all ages) and trainings.
Visit Dena's website at www.spiralriver.net

Tracy Bussey, LMHC, LPC, ACS, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, takes a holistic and integrative approach to therapy. Tracy draws from treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional focused therapy, eco-psychology and mindfulness. She supports maintaining a healthy balance in life and when indicated as a need in treatment, holistic nutrition and lifestyle education is incorporated. Tracy offers individual, couples, family and group counseling. With fourteen (14) years of clinical expertise, she specializes in treating clients with anxiety and depression, relationship issues, life transitions, trauma recovery, nutrition and mental health, and multicultural challenges. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, Tracy also offers clinical supervision for established counselors and those seeking support while exploring the challenges of being a practitioner.
Visit Tracy's website at www.busseyholistictherapy.com.

Megan Clifford, LCSW-R, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has expertise in providing assessment, counseling, outreach and training services to clients of all ages with particular focus on emerging adults (ages 18-26) and adults. Megan's practice focuses on working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transition issues and negative self worth perception from a cognitive behavioral therapy perspective.. Megan brings fifteen (15) years of clinical experience and offers mental health first aid training to the community as well.
Visit Megan's website at www.meganclifford.com.

John J. Connors, M.D., affiliate to Tree of Hope Counseling, is a Board Certified Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with additional training in Family Therapy. After completing Medical Training at SUNY Upstate, Dr. Connors completed six years of Residency and Fellowship Training in Buffalo and Philadelphia before settling in New York City where he worked for over twenty years in Community and Emergency Psychiatry Programs in The Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. Dr Connors returned to his hometown of Rochester in 2011, where he most recently served as Medical Director for the Monroe Youth and Family Center. His interests include diagnostic evaluation and treatment of mental health challenges across the lifespan, with a strength based approach to helping others tackle developmental tasks and personal achievements in the context of their supports and relationships at home, school and in the community.

Brendan Cooper, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, offers a person centered approach to assist individuals with reaching their goals. He has broad experience and training in treating depression, anxiety, grief, self harming behavior, and addiction.
Brendan utilizes dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution focused interventions to help adolescents and adults identify values and use their strengths to create a satisfying life.

Stephen Demanchick, Ph.D., LMHC, RPT, is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Registered Play Therapist.
Dr. Demanchick earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 2007 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Creative Arts Therapy Department at Nazareth College. His work with Tree of Hope Counseling will focus on adult clients, specifically men, and developing a practice where men feel comfortable engaging in the therapeutic process. He employs a wide range of approaches to include Person Centered Therapy, Gestalt work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy. Areas of interest include those clients dealing with life transition and adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, career concerns and personal growth.

.Jessica Fowler, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializes in working with women and men transitioning to parenthood.
She has training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders from both Postpartum Support International and The Postpartum Stress Center. In addition, she enjoys working with couples trying to navigate their relationship in early parenthood and provides parent coaching (positive parenting strategies). Jessica utilizes a variety of approaches including cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, person centered and couples counseling.
Jessica has also spent several years working at a local agency helping those who struggle with chemical dependency. She believes that having a full understanding of how addiction impacts the family can be a step toward healing. She is passionate about helping not just individuals struggling with chemical dependency but all members of the family who have been impacted by addiction.
You can learn more about Jessica at jlfcounselingservices.com.

Barb Higgins, LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, has been helping families with young children for over twenty years. Although she is a generalist, she has extensive training in early childhood mental health. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma, Barb uses Child-Centered Play Therapy to help young children develop a positive self-image and improve their ability to self regulate their behaviors and emotions. When working with couples, Barb uses a skills-based approach to helping clients strengthen their relationships using deep empathy and skillful communication. This approach, Relationship Enhancement®, is research based. Studies have shown it to be highly effective in bringing couples closer together and strengthening their commitment to each other. Visit Barb's website at www.bhigginstherapy.com.

Reena Hutchinson, MS, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, has over 10 years' experience working with children, adolescents, couples and families. Reena specializes in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, peer related issues, parenting and family issues. She utilizes a collaborative approach to therapy, and is considered to be an "integrative therapist". Reena incorporates different methods of treatment based on each client's individual needs, and strives to create a warm, safe and nurturing environment.

Cemre (pronounced "gem-ray") Korman, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, provides strength-based and trauma-informed care to individuals, couples, and families, as well as group therapy. Cemre incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical-Behavioral and Solution-Focused therapies, Mindfulness practices and Motivational-Interviewing as needed to meet the needs of clients. Cemre's background is in social work, yoga, and childbirth education. Her special areas of interest include: getting through the teen years and thriving, improving relationships and learning healthy assertive communication/anger management skills, practicing mindfulness and learning healthy coping skills to improve overall quality of life, and working with the LGBTQ+ community. She also provides a supportive environment utilizing Gender Affirming Interventions for trans/non-binary clients. Cemre currently works with adolescents ages 10+ and adults of all ages. Visit her website at www.cemrekorman.com.

Stacey E. Kulik, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has fifteen years of experience working with children and families in various mental health settings in both the Rochester and Boston areas. Stacey focuses her practice on children between the ages of 3-12 and uses both play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. She has extensive experience with children who have experienced some form of trauma and/or loss and is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
In addition to seeing clients in her practice, Stacey provides behavioral health consultation to several area childcare centers.

Raeanne Lacatena, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a Life and Business Coach, specializes in working with professionals who are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted due to the many roles and responsibilities in their lives.
Raeanne uses strengths-based and action focused strategies with her clients, and enjoys working with individuals who are motivated
and committed to find their purpose and improve their relationships with others and with themselves. Raeanne utilizes a variety of therapeutic and evidence based models, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for stress management, wellness, and to
empower clients to improve their coping skills professionally and personally.
Check out Raeanne's coaching website at soulpurpose.institute.

Meena Lall, LMSW, a Licensed Master Social Worker, integrates clinical and holistic perspectives into her therapy practice that result in an intuitive, person-centered, whole hearted self-exploration. Meena weaves her study of evidence based interventions, human development, emotional regulation and the mind-body connection together to support individuals with problem solving, adjusting to life's changes, and overcoming negative behavioral patterns. Areas of special focus are parenting challenges (including parenting special needs youth, juvenile justice involvement), teen and adolescent issues, divorce, and individuals experiencing spiritual crisis and/or cultural issues. Meena is a trauma sensitive and LBGTQ affirmative therapist who is a warm and welcome ally to all.

Connie Lembaris, LCSW-R, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has worked with children and families for over thirty years. Her specialty is working with children who have experienced trauma. Connie integrates Child Centered Play Therapy with EMDR Therapy. She uses Sand Play Therapy and many other modalities to assist her patients in resolving the issues that hinder normal growth and development. Connie enjoys working with children and uses play to engage them in dealing with the difficult issues they face. She has extensive experience in working with children of divorced families and sexually abused children.

Amy Loblaw, ATR-BC, LCAT, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), and Registered and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), specializes in creative interventions to help children, adolescents, and young adults express, explore, and work through challenges.
Amy also draws from training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to support individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, compulsive overeating, and self-harm.. Amy also provides group therapy, clinical supervision/consultation, along with training and workshops.

Lindsey Macaluso, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializes in working with children and adolescents who are experiencing distress as a result of trauma exposure, attachment disturbances, and adjusting to challenging life transitions. Through developmentally appropriate modalities such as play therapy, Lindsey works to restore joy in young people's lives. Understanding the importance of the relationship between children and caregivers, Lindsey provides parent support and coaching to assist parents in managing and resolving their children's symptoms and creating deeper connections. Lindsey is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and is in the process of obtaining her registration in play therapy (RPT).

Christine Magee, LMSW, a Licensed Master Social Worker, has experience working with children, youth and families. She specializes in using Animal Assisted Therapy in her counseling practice along with her certified Therapy Dog Kelsey, who is a Newfoundland. Together they work as a team with individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, social skill development, or loss. Through Motivational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based stress reduction, and Solution Focused approaches, Chris assists clients with developing healthy coping skills and pro-social communication skills. She believes animals can have an incredible influence on the emotional and physical healing of people. Kelsey's presence in counseling sessions adds to a positive low-stress environment that encourages communication, lessens anxiety, and overall creates motivation for change to occur.

Lisa Maynard, LMSW, ACSW, TCTSY-F, a Licensed Master Social Worker, has advanced training and expertise in trauma, attachment and adoption. She utilizes a person-centered approach, specializing in supporting women adjusting to life transitions including change in relationships, spirituality, new parenting or empty nesting, change in career, separation or divorce.
Lisa serves children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in need of support. She is one of approximately 100 yoga professionals in the world certified in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), an adjunctive evidence-based intervention for treating complex trauma. Lisa integrates evidence-based therapies, meditation and mindfulness in her work with clients guiding them to explore life challenges in a safe, supportive environment. Lisa is a senior consultant with the National Center for Adoption and Permanency, is on the Advisory Committee for the Adoption and Foster Family Coalition of New York, and works with the Center for Adoption Support and Education to provide web-based adoption competency training across the U.S.
Visit Lisa's websites at www.sativirya.com, www.adoptioncenterofupstateny.com, www.spriralriver.net

Andra Niculescu, MS, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializes in working with individuals and couples who are experiencing distress and conflict due to relationship challenges such as infidelity, an acute or chronic illness, a job change, parenting issues, or those navigating through separation or divorce. Andra's approaches come from evidence-based methods to include family systems, attachment, emotionally focused theories, and the Gottman method. Her goal is to help transform "feeling stuck" into healthier ways of approaching a situation where communication is improved, problems are solved, and competency about taking care of one's life is restored.

Tara Pierce, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has been dedicated to partnering with adolescents and families to help resolve identified issues for more than a decade. Using an evidence based model of family therapy in both practice and as a supervisor, Tara's work has been successful in helping families achieve their desired goals. Tara's scope of practice includes individual, youth and family therapy with an emphasis on person-centered and mindfulness practices.

Bree Scribner, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has over a decade of experience working with adolescents, adults and families. Bree specializes in ages 13 and up, with a focus on anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, grief and loss, and general life transitions. She uses a variety of therapeutic and evidence-based models to meet her clients needs and their desired goals/outcomes. Bree is extensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness practices, as well as Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Elizabeth (Bits) Shannon, RN, MS, PMHNP-BC, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, provides medication management and psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults. Bits has completed studies at The University of Rochester and St. John Fisher College. She holds two Master of Science degrees in Mental Health Counseling (SJFC) and Nursing (UR), a Bachelor of Arts degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences (UR) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (UR). She has worked with all ages in a variety of mental health care settings including embedded counseling for high school substance abuse prevention, ambulatory (outpatient) psychiatry, inpatient psychiatry, partial hospitalization programs, and a psychiatric emergency department. Bits is committed to providing effective, ethical care that is person-centered and complements the work being done in therapy.

Alexis Slaninka, LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, specializes in working with adults, adolescents and college students who are interested in gaining more insight/control over their life by learning an array of mindfulness practices that build awareness, growth and change. Alexis specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, grief/loss, women's issues, life transitions, self-esteem, life-coaching and career exploration. She also works with family members of individuals with mental illness, by guiding them through challenging times and helping them learn how to respond in a supportive yet structured manner. In addition to her private practice, Alexis works with several Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide counseling to employees and their family members.
Alexis has been trained as a Life Coach and helps clients discover strengths and values as a foundation to their personal and professional growth.

John Sobraske, MA, LMHC, LMFT, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist, has twenty-four years of clinical experience treating children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. John practices psychoenergetics, which combines psychodynamic psychotherapy with mindfulness and qigong to attune to and utilize the energy system of the body. Areas of interest include early loss and attachment, adoption and foster care, trauma, executive function, autism, and fetal alcohol as well as personality disorders and spirituality. John is also a natural health practitioner, a divorce mediator and facilitator in collaborative law, and a national trainer on adoption.
Visit John's website at www.adoptioncenterofupstateny.com

Heather Starks, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has nearly fifteen years post graduate work with youth, adults, parents, and extended family members. She utilizes a holistic, collaborative, person-centered approach focusing on individual strengths and needs to develop skills with clients. Heather draws upon a trauma informed approach and training that includes trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and functional behavioral approach.
Heather is highly skilled in areas of de-escalation and crisis intervention, and developing resilience skills within individuals.
She is also an experienced trainer and consultant in many areas.

Alexa Weeks, LMSW, a Licensed Master Social Worker, provides therapy and mindfulness-based coaching services to individuals, couples and families. She believes that therapy provides an open, supportive, non-judgmental space for exploration, growth and meaningful change. While Alexa works with clients who are seeking therapy for a variety of reasons, she specializes in pregnancy/postpartum and parenting issues with particular expertise working with those experiencing depression, anxiety, insomnia or attachment difficulties after the birth of a child. Her work includes supporting individuals and couples around infertility, pregnancy, infant loss and parenting conflict. Alexa employs an integrative approach which draws from a variety of both holistic and more traditional approaches to therapy.
Visit Alexa's website at www.mindfulwellnessrochester.com.

Jesse Williams, LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, works with individuals who are having challenges due to anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, life transitions and adjustments, and those who are on a personal journey toward self-growth and wellness. Jesse works with a diverse population of adults including veteran and college age populations. He utilizes various modalities including person centered therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), solution focused therapy, gestalt, and mindfulness techniques. Jesse is committed to helping his clients utilize the creative power within them to create the movement in life that they hope for.
Visit Jesse's website at www.jqwcounseling.com.

Loraine Young, LCSW-R, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has over twenty-five years of clinical experience providing services to individuals and their families. Loraine works with a diverse population helping them to manage conflict and develop a more integrated sense of self. She serves families, couples, adults and teens who struggle with depression, anxiety, behavioral and emotional issues, stress, relationship and parenting concerns, by utilizing a multi-modal of treatment. Her treatment strategy is built on a foundation of respect and acceptance of individuals, families and cultures. Loraine incorporates a variety of strength-based therapeutic methods, principals and philosophies in order to create a treatment plan to meet specific needs.

Tree of Hope Counseling, LCSW, PLLC
95 Allens Creek Road
Rochester, NY 14618
585-500-9420
treeofhopecounselingrochester@gmail.com