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.
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, LSW
About June Farlam
June is a Licensed 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.
Maria E. Aguilo-Seara, DO
About Dr. Aguilo-Seara
Dr. Aguilo-Seara is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has spent her career as an advocate and voice for children and adolescents who feel unheard or misunderstood. Her past positions include attending psychiatrist and medical director for the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove. She also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Aguilo-Seara completed her Adult Psychiatric and Child Psychiatric training at Drexel College of Medicine in Philadelphia, and is double board certified. She particularly enjoys teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows.
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.
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.
Christine Earle, MSW, LSW
About Christine Earle
Christine is dedicated to creating a safe space in which adolescents can process their emotions and past experiences, while also supporting the family along the healing journey. Before joining CFF in 2021, she was the Risk, Quality Assurance, and Training Manager at Brians House in Exton, Pennsylvania, providing housing and work for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Prior to that role, Christine spent 12 years with Connections Community Support Programs, Inc., in Wilmington, Delaware, serving in a variety of roles, including Safety Director and Director of IT.
Clinical Expertise
Christine is a Licensed Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work degree from Widener University and a BS in Community and Family Services from the University of Delaware. She is trained in Attachment-Based Family Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among other modalities.
Hayley Addesa, MA, NCC, LPC
About Hayley Addesa
For Hayley, empowering young people to recognize their own worth and value is the biggest reward of her work. Prior to joining the CFF team in 2021, she was a therapist at Evolve Counseling Services in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Hayley also worked for three years at the Renfrew Center, a residential eating disorders treatment program for adolescent girls and women, where she held the position of Admissions Coordinator before becoming a Primary Therapist.
Clinical Expertise
Hayley earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University, and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. A Licensed Professional Counselor, she also holds a National Certified Counselor Certification.
Sydnee Wells, MSW, LCSW
About Sydnee Wells
Sydnee has more than seven years of experience working with individuals and families within foster care, hospital, and treatment settings, supporting them to address a wide range of mental health conditions. She is passionate about serving her community and advocating for those in need. Before joining the CFF team, Sydnee was a behavioral health therapist at Mirmont Treatment Center in Lima, Pennsylvania, conducting individual, group, and family counseling. She also served as a clinical supervisor at Bowling Green Brandywine Treatment Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Clinical Expertise
Sydnee’s areas of specialization include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relapse prevention, and culturally competent care. She has facilitated support and educational groups for first responders in the wake of trauma and for LGBTQ+ populations. Sydnee holds a Master of Social Work degree from West Chester University.
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.
Jan Bookwalter, CTRS
About Jan Bookwalter
Jan is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who is passionate about working with adolescents using the modalities of experiential and Adventure Therapy. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Recreational Therapy and, while in Utah, worked at an outpatient and residential treatment center associated with Primary Children’s Hospital. Her work there included developing an experiential therapy program for teens in their outpatient center. Jan has also had 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. She is thrilled to be working with adolescents at Center for Families and hopes to be able to help make a difference in their lives.
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.
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.
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.
Sarah Guido
About Sarah Guido
As a Care Coordinator with Center for Families, Sarah works directly with teens to support the treatment process. Her role is an essential aspect of CFF’s treatment team approach, which ensures that clients are surrounded by 360-degree care, including individual therapists, family therapists, experiential practitioners, counselors, and academic teachers and tutors. Sarah loves knowing that her work makes a positive difference in young people’s lives, in big and small ways.
Jack O’Connell
About Jack O’Connell
Jack is passionate about helping adolescents to strengthen their mental health. As a Care Coordinator working directly with teens, he ensures that clients are safe and supported throughout their healing journey at Center for Families. Jack holds a degree in psychology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. His volunteer activities include serving as a program assistant for A Path to Hope, which provides support to parents and caregivers in Pennsylvania navigating the mental healthcare system.
Emily Grant
About Emily Grant
Emily is a certified special education teacher with a talent for reaching students who are struggling academically and behaviorally. After graduating summa cum laude from West Chester University with dual certifications in elementary and special education, Emily taught middle school math and learning support in a Chester County public school district. In 2018, she received an amazing opportunity to work for a literacy non-profit, which sent her to a tiny island in the Bahamas called Eleuthera. For two years, she headed a special education initiative within the public school system there, and managed a literacy center at one of the local primary schools. It is Emily’s core belief that all students can learn, when teachers can tap into their strengths, needs, and learning styles. Her goal is to build self-confidence and independence in each of her students. Emily was thrilled to join our team as Lead Teacher and to return to her roots in Chester County.
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.
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.