Meet Our Team
Center for Families is proud to have assembled a robust team of credentialed professionals to provide the highest-quality mental health treatment and family support in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
Center for Families’ dedicated staff includes a growing roster of mental health experts, with a wide range of degrees and experience. Our integrated and collaborative team includes licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, family therapists, recovery therapists, art therapists, music therapists, adventure therapists, EMDR-certified therapists, registered dietitians, nurses, care coordinators, teachers, and private tutors.
Elizabeth McCarron, MSS, LCSW
About Elizabeth McCarron
Lizzy is a licensed clinical social worker who is devoted to working with teenagers and young adults, appreciating and valuing their creative minds and extraordinary resilience in the face of challenges. After graduating from Fordham University in New York City, Lizzy recognized her passion to support others by building trusting relationships, and pursued training at Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, subsequently receiving her Master’s in Clinical Social Work.
Clinical Expertise
Lizzy has had the privilege of working with adolescents through individual and group therapies in a range of settings, including alternative schools such as the Mill Creek School and the Renfrew Center’s day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment programs for girls and women with eating disorders. Lizzy is trained in a variety of treatment modalities, but first and foremost, she values the potential of the therapist-client relationship to produce lasting change. She works diligently to build safe spaces for teens and their families to find new understanding and paths forward. Additionally, this safe space is particularly extended to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Catherine Mayer, MHA
About Catherine Mayer
Catherine is passionate about serving youth and being part of a team dedicated to improving lives. Before joining the CFF team in Minneapolis, she spent seven years as the business manager for Ballard Clinic, a private group practice of therapists serving school-aged children in outpatient settings in Edina and Wayzata. Prior to that role, Catherine worked in the fundraising department of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.
Clinical Expertise
Catherine earned her Bachelor’s in psychology from Marquette University and her Master’s in Healthcare Administration at the University of Minnesota. She completed her administrative fellowship at North Memorial Healthcare in Robbinsdale, where she eventually transitioned into a specialty clinic manager role.
Marko Mircetic, MD, MPH
About Marko Mircetic
Dr. Mircetic specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry, and holds both a Medical Doctorate and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. His experience includes serving as Medical Director of Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and as a Clinical Research Associate for the National Institutes of Health.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Mircetic completed a residency in pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine, a residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, and a fellowship in child psychiatry at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was also a Fulbright Scholar, focusing primarily on maternal/fetal health and early child development.
Erin Cullen, LCSW
About Erin Cullen
Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience helping adolescents and families to heal from trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Bryn Mawr College, where she discovered her passion for supporting teens and families. Erin has dedicated her career to helping teens find their unique voice and path, and supporting families to break negative cycles and co-discover new, healthy ways of relating. Before joining the CFF team, she worked in a variety of clinical and program leadership roles at Pennsylvania behavioral healthcare companies including Behavioral Health Choices, Warwick Family Services, and Laurel House.
Clinical Expertise
Erin takes a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to treatment. She believes that individuals heal in the context of relationships, and that uncovering and encouraging strengths is the key to healing and transformation. She completed a three-year certification program in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, and has also received training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Sanctuary Model, a trauma-informed model for direct care. In addition, Erin is trained in Trauma Art Narrative Therapy and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
June Farlam, MSW, LCSW
About June Farlam
June is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose commitment to helping adolescents and families heal has informed her work in residential schooling, family placement, and preventative family support teams in the United Kingdom. After relocating to the United States, June earned her Master’s in Social Work from West Chester University. Her degree program included a field placement at Adolescent Advocates outpatient treatment center, working with young people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. June approaches her work with adolescents and families with curiosity, authenticity, warmth, and compassion. She is passionate about helping clients to process and heal unresolved traumas and wounds that are preventing change and happiness, while building on their strengths and resilience to support empowerment and growth.
Clinical Expertise
June is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Her strengths include group facilitation, active listening, and building trusting client/provider relationships.
Laura Whitman, M.Ed., NCC, LPC
About Laura Whitman
Laura brings nearly 20 years of experience in the mental healthcare field to her role at Center for Families. Before joining the CFF team, she served as a clinical director at LifeStance in Philadelphia, where she founded and facilitated a weekly outpatient group examining the intersection of identity, body image, sexuality, gender, and disordered eating. As a team leader and primary therapist for the day treatment program at the Renfrew Center in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Laura was responsible for clinical operations as well as training and supervision for post-doctoral and practicum-level students. She loves helping teens and families heal and says, “Being able to support someone else and help them become their authentic self is a gift.”
Clinical Expertise
Laura holds a master’s in education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, where she also completed a post-master’s program for professional counseling licensure. She is one of only 30 professionals in Pennsylvania trained to facilitate the grant-funded program Principles and Practices for Clinicians Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex Individuals. She has presented at numerous professional conferences on topics including eating disorder awareness and intersectional eating disorder treatment.
Kristen Case, MD
About Dr. Case
A devoted child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Case has been affiliated with PrairieCare, a division of CFF's parent company, Newport Healthcare, since 2009. She served as a Psychiatrist there, and for several years as Clinical Director of PrairieCare’s Partial Hospitalization Program in Edina. Dr. Case has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota, teaching medical students, residents, and child/adolescent psychiatry fellows.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Case earned her undergraduate degree at Carleton College and her medical degree at the University of Minnesota. She was honored as a “Top Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist in Minnesota” in 2022, and received Fellow status with the American Psychiatric Association in 2015, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of psychiatry.
Maria Elena Pena-Ariet, MD
About Pena-Ariet
Dr. Pena-Ariet has been working in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry for more than 20 years. She attended the University of Maryland and New York University before receiving her medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, one of the most prestigious universities in the Dominican Republic.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Pena-Ariet completed her fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital, and has served as a medical director and program director in a variety of settings, including partial hospitalization programs, residential treatment, and inpatient care for children and teens.
Julia Meeker, LPC, NCC, ATR-P
About Julia Meeker
Julia is dedicated to partnering with teens and families to ensure they receive comprehensive, compassionate, and integrative care. She has extensive experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Before joining the CFF team, Julia held a number of positions with Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, including clinical supervisor, outpatient therapist, family therapist, and finally clinical coordinator and program director.
Clinical Expertise
Julia specializes in relational therapy, art therapy, and trauma-informed care, along with a variety of other evidence-based modalities. She is trained as a supervisor in Eco-Systemic Structural Family Therapy. While working as an art therapist at the Center for Loss & Bereavement, Julia implemented art therapy interventions focused on trauma and loss, and piloted an art therapy program to support individuals, families, and groups. She received her Master’s in art therapy from George Washington University.
Erin Gautier, MSN, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
About Erin Gautier
Erin specializes in working with children and adolescents, with a focus on crisis management, psychopharmacology, and individual and family therapy. She holds an MS in psychiatric nursing from Yale University and a Master of Education degree in Child Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Clinical and Medical Expertise
Prior to joining the CFF team, Erin was a Psychiatric APRN in Child & Adolescent Services at Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook, Maine. Her graduate work included serving as an APRN at the Yale Child Study Center and as a research assistant for the nationwide Adolescent Brian and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.
Conor Quinn, CNP
About Conor Quinn
Conor has been in the mental health field for more than seven years, most recently with PrairieCare, a division of CFF's parent company, Newport Healthcare. He also spent five years at Easter Seals, working with special-needs adolescents and children from ages 10–22 with a wide variety of different psychiatric diagnoses, including schizophrenia, ASD, depression, and anxiety.
Clinical and Medical Expertise
After graduating with a psychology degree from the University of New Hampshire, Conor trained as a nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt University. He is inspired by bringing together clinical, psychopharmacological, and medical care to deliver the highest-quality treatment for young people.
Meg Ellenbaum, MSS, LCSW
About Meg Ellenbaum
Meg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is dedicated to building relationships with clients in which they feel safe, accepted, and empowered to explore their individual needs and therapeutic goals. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Smith College and continued her studies at Bryn Mawr, where she received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work and developed a passion for group therapy. She has provided trauma-informed therapeutic services across the continuum of care to clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. Meg has a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of therapy, and feels privileged to be a part of this experience with her clients.
Clinical Expertise
Meg has received training in a variety of treatment modalities, including Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and offers an individualized approach to each client and family she works with. At Center for Families, she provides therapy for clients and families, as well as facilitating process-oriented, skills-based, psycho-educational, expressive arts, and experiential group therapies.
Jaclynn Baird, MSW, LSW
About Jaclynn
Jaclynn has a wide range of experience within a variety of settings. She served as an MSW Intern with the Downington (PA) Area School District, and as a Family Resource Specialist for JusticeWorks, working with children and families at risk of out-of-home placement. As a Social Work Intern for Chester County probation services and the Office of the District Attorney in Philadelphia, she supported individuals and families in the court system.
Clinical Expertise
Jaclyn is trained in Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a graduate of West Chester University, where she earned her Master in Social Work degree and a Bachelor's in social work with a minor in special education.
Benjamin Goldstein, LCSW, MSW
About Benjamin
Benjamin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his Master of Social Work degree from Bryn Mawr College. Ben has experience working with diverse populations, including individuals struggling with substance use, elderly victims of domestic violence, LGBTQ+ children of non-accepting parents, and neurodivergent individuals. His true passion is working with teens and their families, helping to strengthen the relationship between adolescents and their caregivers at a time when they are in greatest need of emotional support.
Clinical Expertise
Ben is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He specializes is using ABFT to work with teens belonging to the sexual/gender minority and neurodivergent populations, with the goals of healing relational wounds with their parents/caregivers and helping parents/caregivers to better understand, relate to, and support their child's needs.
Christine Earle, MSW, LCSW
About Christine Earle
Christina is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and graduate of Widener University with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Her primary focus is supporting adolescents experiencing crisis related to trauma, anxiety, depression, family dynamics, and/or school challenges. She specializes in guiding teens and their families through critical developmental stages, by fostering the adolescent’s independence while expanding and strengthening the family foundation.
Clinical Expertise
Christine is trained in a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT). Her approach helps clients build individuality, self-esteem, critical thinking, and independent living skills, as well as trust in themselves and others.
Ivy Elwell, MSS, LSW
About Ivy Elwell
Ivy holds a Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, where she was a graduate teaching assistant. Before coming to CFF, she was a Clinical Social Work Intern at the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders, providing group therapy for the Center’s Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Ivy also served as a social work intern with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, leading social skills groups with eight separate Autistic Support Classrooms throughout the district.
Clinical Expertise
Ivy facilitates individual, group, and family therapy for Center for Families’ Nourish program. She is trained and experienced in Attachment-Based Family Therapy and the Renfrew Unified Treatment Model, among other modalities, and has completed Safety-Care and CPI training.
Jay C. Valdez, MA, ATR-P, LAPC
About Jay
Jay holds a master's in Art Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University, and brings experience providing integrative care to children, adolescents, and families, promoting the well-being of each individual while prioritizing the family as a unit. He has completed internships in both medical and educational settings, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Wissahickon Charter School.
Clinical Expertise
Jay specializes in art therapy, relational therapy, and narrative therapy, along with a variety of other evidence-based modalities. He has provided creative therapeutic practices and trauma-informed care to individuals facing PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief/bereavement, and intellectual/physical disabilities. As an advocate for representation and diversity across the field of creative arts therapy, Jay manages communications for the Creative Art Therapists of Color (CATs of Color) community, which supports 180+ clinicians of color across the country by supplying resources and hosting community gatherings.
Emily Slook, MSW, LSW
About Emily Slook
Emily is a Licensed Social Worker who is devoted to working with adolescents and their families who have faced trauma or adversity. After completing her Master’s in clinical social work at the University of Pennsylvania, Emily has had the privilege of working in a range of settings, including home-based family therapy programs and a trauma-informed outpatient treatment facility. She works diligently to create a safe space for adolescents and families while focusing on building stronger attachment within the family system. Emily also has significant experience providing trauma-informed care to children and adolescents with complex trauma histories, though individual and family therapy. Before joining the CFF team, she held clinical positions at several Pennsylvania mental healthcare organizations, including the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, and Family Support Systems.
Clinical Expertise
Emily has clinical training in Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Health, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based modalities. She tailors treatment to each individual’s specific needs, using a strengths-based approach. She is also a certified Sexual Assault Counselor who has volunteered on crisis hotlines and provided crisis counseling and education.
Sarah Carminati, MSRT, CTRS
About Sarah Carminati
Sarah is a certified therapeutic recreational specialist who is passionate about using experiential learning to reach therapeutic goals. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Recreational Therapy from Temple University, and is also certified in Horticultural Therapy. Prior to joining the CFF team, Sarah provided recreational therapy in multiple mental and behavioral health units of hospitals, and in substance use treatment at Marworth Treatment Center. Her background also includes supporting adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities to integrate into the community, and serving as an instructor at Philadelphia Outward Bound School.
Clinical Approach
Sarah focuses on incorporating experiential learning, mindfulness, and nature-based activities into her recreational therapy practice. She is dedicated to supporting adolescents' growth by using recreational therapy as a supportive and integrative part of the healing journey.
Jan Bookwalter, LSW, CTRS
About Jan Bookwalter
Jan is a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who is passionate about working with adolescents. She received her Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from Brigham Young University, and went on to Rutger's University to pursue her Master's in Social Work. Jan is trained in EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, adventure therapy, and psychodrama. Her experience includes working at an outpatient and residential treatment center in Utah associated with Primary Children’s Hospital, where she developed an experiential therapy program for teens. Jan also has experience developing a recreational therapy program for a residential treatment center for adolescents that included music, art, bibliotherapy, wellness, experiential modalities, and an on-site high ropes course.
CFF in Her Own Words
“It is so rewarding to see a client take a leap into the unknown, work hard at something, succeed, and have fun in the process. Each client has their own story, and we work together as a team to help them feel loved and accepted for who they are. I feel privileged to be a part of the CFF team.”
Natalie Loschiavo, RD, LDN, RYT
About Natalie Loschiavo
Natalie holds a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and completed her dietetic internship following graduation. Since then, she has worked in clinical and outpatient nutrition, gaining experience and training at the Renfrew Center of Philadelphia. She opened the doors of Balanced Nutrition LLC in 2013 to provide comprehensive nutrition counseling in a relaxed, inclusive, empowering environment, free from judgment or rules around food or movement. Natalie strongly believes in the importance of collaboration and coordination with the client and their other care providers, and advocates for a holistic approach to wellness, health and recovery that focuses on emotional, social, and spiritual health as well as physical. In addition to her health-at-every-size approach to nutrition, Natalie also owns a yoga studio offering classes suitable for anyone who wants to move their body in a fun and uplifting way.
Clinical Expertise
With clinical expertise in eating disorders, disordered eating, and recovery from chronic dieting, Natalie takes a non-diet, weight-inclusive, and client-centered approach to nutrition counseling. She also has extensive experience in medical nutrition counseling for gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and food allergies/intolerances.
Shannon Mazzei, NDTR
About Shannon Mazzei
Shannon is a registered diet technician with Balanced Nutrition in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, which partners with Center for Families’ Nourish program. She spent 16 years as an inpatient diet technician with the Renfrew Center in Philadelphia, providing nutritional assessments, counseling and demonstrations, and ongoing menu evaluation and management. Shannon also brings to her work extensive experience as a chef and food artist.
Clinical Expertise
Shannon conducts nutritional assessments for adolescents, establishes individualized food plans to initiate appropriate eating patterns, and provides ongoing evaluation and management of meal plans. She is a certified ARFID specialist and holds a degree in nutrition.
Adam Martell
About Adam Martell
Adam Martell brings a humanistic approach to all his interactions with clients, treating each person with unconditional positive regard. His previous experience in the substance abuse treatment field includes more than two years as manager of a recovery house. Adam enjoys volunteering in his community, helping those less fortunate, and supporting individuals with mental health issues. He is currently earning his social work degree.
CFF in His Own Words
“There is something magical about CFF. The love permeates the building, and that’s what makes the biggest difference for our teens.”
Molly Patwell
About Molly Patwell
Molly brings to her role a range of experience and particular strengths and expertise in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. She has held roles in retail management, clinical research, and avionics. Her achievements include successfully leading diverse teams, building exceptional customer loyalty, and seamlessly coordinating highly detailed operational systems. (Fun fact: During her stint as an avionics technician, Molly worked on the instrument panel of the Queen of England’s personal helicopter.) She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in social work at West Chester University.
Anna Torrens
About Anna
Anna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from West Chester University. Her goal is to create a safe space for clients and provide positive support for them as they navigate treatment.
Kennedy Doyle
About Kennedy
Kennedy's prior experience includes spending two years as a residential Care Coordinator with Newport Healthcare, CFF's parent company. Prior to that, she served as a mobile crisis counselor. Kennedy has a passion for working with adolescents, helping them move forward to become their happier, healthier selves. She holds a BS in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and is currently enrolled in West Chester University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Kennedy has extensive experience facilitating group therapy, which goes hand in hand with her belief in the healing power of community, belonging, and understanding each other's perspectives.
Melanie Somppi
About Melanie
As a Care Coordinator with Center for Families, Melanie helps to oversee the physical safety of the clients while also creating positive connections to inspire and support clients throughout their treatment experience. She holds an MS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and gained hands-on experience in psychology-based research labs during her undergraduate education at West Chester University. Melanie is dedicated to creating a safe, caring space where clients can feel free to be their authentic selves.
Graham Campbell
About Graham Campbell
Graham Campbell brings unconditional positive regard to each client who steps through the doors of Center for Families. He is passionate about helping young people who are struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Graham’s previous experience includes working for the E Chelsea Campbell Memorial Foundation, which helped to raise money for underprivileged individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse. Graham one day hopes to start a non-profit of his own to help those in need.
Emily Grant, M.Ed
About Emily Grant
Emily is a Pennsylvania-certified special education teacher who is dedicated to building confidence and self-advocacy within her students through personalized mentoring. After graduating from West Chester University with her teaching degree, Emily worked as a special education and math teacher in a Chester County public school. She then spent two years teaching literacy and special education abroad for a non-profit organization based in the Bahamas, before returning to her roots in Chester County as the Lead Teacher at CFF’s first outpatient program, in Malvern. Recently, Emily returned to school to further her professional development through obtaining her Master’s degree in Education. She serves as Education Supervisor for CFF's three Pennsylvania programs.
CFF in Her Own Words
“I love working at CFF because of the collaborative environment and individualized care we provide our clients. As Education Supervisor, I aim to support our teaming team to build students’ self-confidence, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills through personalized mentoring. I feel lucky to be a part of our clients' journey and growth.”
Navid Ghanadan
About Navid Ghanadan
As a Lead Teacher in our Therapeutic Day School, Navid supports adolescents to bolster their strengths and build their motivation and engagement in learning. Before joining the CFF team, Navid was a tutor at Newport’s teen outpatient program in Maryland. His previous positions include Intake Specialist at the Freedom Center, conducting assessments and helping create treatment plans for clients at the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) levels of care. Navid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, with a focus on aeronautics, from the University of Maryland. He is passionate about helping teens become the best versions of themselves.
Adam Gamber
About Adam Gamber
Adam specializes in teaching mathematics, standardized test prep, and writing/composition. He created the Math For Life curriculum, designed to prepare students of all ages and levels of experience for practical applications of mathematical concepts. Before joining the CFF team, Adam was a tutor for Miles Smart Tutoring Inc. He graduated from Dickinson College, where he majored in math with career interests in sustainability and higher education. Adam is inspired by witnessing students’ moments of realization, when what they’re learning suddenly clicks.
Daniel Foreacre
Daniel holds a BS in Computer Science from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and an associate’s degree in computer science from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He has presented and published research on artificial intelligence, neuron simulation, and neural networks, and is familiar with various programming languages. Before joining the CFF team, Daniel was a professional tutor at the HACC Learning Center, providing walk-in tutoring services to fellow students in math and computer science, as well as physics, psychology, and philosophy. He spent two years as a game developer, using the Roblox platform, and honed his organizational and customer service skills as a restaurant general manager.
Isabella Brignola
Isabella holds a master's in Medieval Literature from the University of York, located in the United Kingdom. It was here that she honed her ability to explain complex and ancient literature and history in ways that emphasize the humanity of people in the past. During her undergraduate career, Isabella attended Shippensburg University, where she served as a writing tutor, aiding a diverse range students with a variety of skill levels. These experiences cultivated in her a desire to help students find their own voice in academic writing, learn languages like French and Latin, and understand—through literature and history—the ways that humanity has both changed and stayed the same.
Brendan Querey
Brendan holds a degree in industrial engineering, with a concentration in operations research and computer modeling, from the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering. His areas of knowledge encompass calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Brendan was a peer tutor during college as well as high school, and loves simplifying complex topics to create clarity and excitement around mathematics subjects.
Patricia Duross
About Patricia Duross
Trish brings to her role extensive knowledge, experience, and talent in assisting parents to access the best and most comprehensive care for their child. Her skills in customer service and insurance review, coupled with her understanding of care options, support teens and families to make a smooth transition into CFF programming at the appropriate level of outpatient care. Before joining the CFF team, Trish spent close to 10 years as an administrative assistant and then office manager at the Renfrew Center in Radnor, Pennsylvania. She loves helping young people find the path to healing and a vibrant future.
Katie Sweeney
About Katie Sweeney
Katie believes kindness and compassion are the most essential qualities for those who work with adolescents healing from mental health conditions and substance abuse. She firmly believes that every individual has the ability and strength to overcome their challenges. Katie is committed to giving each client her personal best, and is grateful to have found a wonderful place where she can use her experiences to make a difference in the lives of others.
CFF in Her Own Words
“We love each teen until they learn to love themselves, and we allow them the space they need to be vulnerable while feeling safe and protected. It's so important for teens to be able to process their emotions in a safe place. I often reflect on how I could have benefited from a program like Center for Families when I was struggling in high school.”
Gwenn Mascioli
About Gwenn Mascioli
Gwenn is a dedicated team member who supports both clients and staff, keeping our facility both welcoming and organized. With an economics degree from Dickinson College, she has 15 years of professional experience in the non-profit world, and another 15 years donating her time to local organizations. For more than a decade, Gwenn led ARCH, a Tredyffrin/Easttown organization helping parents to help their kids make healthy choices, specifically relating to alcohol and other drugs. Gwenn brings to CFF a dedication for this work and a deep compassion for those struggling with mental illness and substance abuse disorder. She is often referred to as the “office mom” by both clients and staff. Gwenn and her husband have lived in Berwyn since 2000 and have two daughters in college.
CFF in Her Own Words
“Center for Families is warm and welcoming to kids and their families. There is a comfort that is baked into the building as well as the program philosophy. The beautiful décor helps dissolve the stigma attached to seeking help, and we all do our utmost to create a safe space for kids to share and hear from others. Seeing clients grow and transform, moving from a place of confusion and anger to confidence and hope, is what I love most about working at Center for Families.”
Adam Schultz, BSW
About Adam Schultz
Adam is passionate about normalizing and raising awareness around mental health issues, and ensuring that young people and families know that they are not alone. Before joining the CFF team, he spent five years as a Social Work Services Coordinator for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Adam also has four years of experience as a medical case manager with Family Service Association of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Temple University.