Judy has worked with the Board of Directors to lead The Peacemaker Center since its inception in 2000. Judy works from a family systems framework that includes understanding and changing patterns in one's life. She has worked with children and adults with learning disabilities and in the foster care and behavioral health systems. In addition to trauma, Judy works with couples and family relationships, people who have mood disorders and anxiety disorders and families with disruptive or addictive behaviors. Judy supervises the clinical staff and Interns which helps to maintain the high standard of clinical excellence.

​

Specialties

faith-based counseling, marriage, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, EMDR, and attachment disorder

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) - Pennsylvania

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) - Pennsylvania

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

Certified for Trauma Treatment

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved Supervisor

​

Education and Experience

Master of Social Work (MSW), Marywood Graduate School of Social Work.

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Social Work, Eastern College

Certification, Marriage and Family Therapy, The Family Institute of Philadelphia

35 years with Access Services, a non-profit social service agency

Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

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Offices

Downingtown

judy.reid@thepeacemakercenter.org

Scott joined The Peacemaker Center staff in 2006. Currently Scott is the Director of Operations while continuing to see clients in the Kennett Square and Downingtown offices. Scott has a wide variety of experience serving as a helping professional over the past 25 years. He has held positions both in church ministries and community agencies including Bereavement Counselor, Pastoral Counselor, Assistant, Associate, and Senior Pastor and as a Clinical Supervisor in Hospice. Scott adheres to an eclectic theoretical approach with an emphasis on person centered and cognitive restructuring. Scott enjoys the front row seat to seeing lives change for the better.

​

Specialties

pre-marital, marriage, grief and loss, spiritual growth, spiritual abuse, anxiety, depression, addictions, relational conflicts

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Certified Prepare and Enrich Administrator

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​

Education and Experience

Master of Divinity (MDiv), Asbury Theological Seminary

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary

Bachelor’s of Religious Education, Tyndale University

Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Counselor, Hospice of the Bluegrass, Kentucky (1995)

Pastor of Adult Ministries, Grace Church, Northern New Jersey (1999-2001)

Senior Pastor and Small Groups Pastor, Meadowbrook Church (2001-2006)

Clinical Supervisor and Chaplain, Delaware Hospice (2006-2018)

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Organizations

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Offices

Downingtown, Kennett Square

scott.edwards@thepeacemakercenter.org

Andy works with individuals and couples, focusing on relationship troubles, anxiety, anger, and depression. He worked with youth and young adults in pastoral ministry before pursuing counseling. Andy has been married since the summer of 2014 and resides in Harleysville.

Specialties

Couples counseling utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy, anxiety, depression

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​

Education and Experience

Master of Science (MS), Counseling, Cairn University (2015)

Bachelor of Science (BS), Bible and Youth Ministry, Philadelphia Biblical University (2008)

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Organizations

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

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Offices

Downingtown

andy.reynolds@thepeacemakercenter.org

Ann joined the Peacemaker Center in May 2007. She has worked for family service organizations, churches and Christian-based group practices as therapist, pastoral counselor, speaker, and trainer. She has maintained a private practice in the Philadelphia area since 1977. Ann has a desire to serve local churches by offering ministry leaders interactive workshops to equip them to deal with both the reality of and prevention of sexual abuse within the church. Ann’s main passion is to help people discover how to apply the grace of God practically to the details of their life. She is married and has two adult children. She thrives on variety-different types of personalities, food, travel, and styles of worship.

Specialties

individual, marriage, premarital and family counseling. Special Interests: adult survivors of sexual abuse, life transitions, depression, adults who have had a physically or psychologically absent parent, blended families

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - Pennsylvania (1975)

Education and Experience

Master of Social Science (MSS), Clinical Social Work, Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (1974)

Certification in Biblical Counseling (1989)

Organizations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

Offices

Downingtown, Audubon

ann.spooner@thepeacemakercenter.org

Becca has worked to build hope and change with clients for over 17 years. Becca works from a holistic framework that includes using various theories and interventions to help children and adults understand themselves and how to create meaningful life change in practical ways.  She has worked with children and adolescence’s dealing with anxiety, trauma and mental health issues as well as their families within the school systems as well as the behavioral health systems. She has also worked in a residential setting with adults addressing multiple issues including addiction, bipolar, personality and mood disorders.  
​
Specialties
faith-based counseling, adolescents, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders,  mood disorders, addiction, relationships
​
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) - Pennsylvania
​
Education and Experience
Master of Social Work (MSW), Marywood Graduate School of Social Work.
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Social Work, Cairn University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bible, Cairn University
15 years with Lakeside Educational Network, a non-profit agency
3 years with Project Transition

Organizations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Offices
Fort Washington

becca.brittain@thepeacemakercenter.org

Bonnie works with clients from adolescent to adult with a wide variety of life issues including anxiety, depression, and adjustment difficulties. She also works with people experiencing the effects of abuse and trauma. She favors an eclectic approach to therapy, recognizing that the “past is present” and then working to modify current thoughts and behaviors to produce lasting change. Bonnie is a Christ follower and active member of Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square, PA. Bonnie and her husband Mitch have been married since 1984 and have 5 children. Bonnie desires to help her clients work through their difficult life experiences in order to “make beauty out of ashes” (Isaiah 61:3).

Specialties

EMDR, trauma, and abuse, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), faith-based counseling

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Pennsylvania

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​

Education and Experience

Master of Science (MS), Counseling and Human Relations, Villanova University

Bachelor of Science (BS), University of Maryland

Clinical internship at an outpatient facility working with individuals and groups struggling with drug and alcohol addiction

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Organizations

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Offices

Kennett Square

bonnie.kotler@thepeacemakercenter.org

Since 2008, Dan, a military veteran and former corporate executive, has supported clients of all ages at the Peacemaker Center. He has particular compassion for those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and/or post-traumatic stress. His desire is to come alongside the burdened with the encouragement and truth of God’s purpose for us, based on Jeremiah 29:11. A former corporate executive for 20+ years, Dan brings a unique understanding to executive coaching, military transitions, and vocational counseling. An avid musician, he enjoys offering music therapy. Dan is a lifelong learner and a disciple of Jesus Christ, saved by grace, passionate about philosophy and apologetics. He's been happily married since 1982 and has three daughters, all who enjoy time together outdoors! His family attends Providence church in West Chester, PA.

​

Specialties

trauma, addictions, grief and loss, marriage and family, relational stress, Biblical growth and spirituality

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

Trauma and Event-Driven Trauma Certified

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Certified

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Certified

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Certified

Hypnotherapy Certified​

Prepare and Enrich Certified for premarital or marital counseling

Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling, Liberty University

Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Miami

Master of Arts (MA), Music, University of Miami

Decade serving in a clinical rehab setting with substance abuse addiction therapy

Worship leader

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Organizations

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

Offices

Kennett Square, Downingtown

dan.rodgers@thepeacemakercenter.org

Karen has been in the field of counseling since 1980. Her background in counseling started in the area of drug and alcohol addiction. In Karen’s many years in working with individuals, she has expanded her counseling to help others with addictions as well as mental health, trauma, individual, couple’s and marriage counseling, and eating disorders. Her goal is to lead her clients into regaining hope in their lives and help them find and live out their true identity. Her clinical approach is Reality therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT).

Specialties

drug and alcohol rehab, life trauma, mental health issues, individual and marriage counseling, eating disorders, spirituality

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling Psychology, Immaculata College

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Criminal Justice, The College of New Jersey

Inpatient rehabilitation center for 14 to 25 year old adolescents and young adults (4 years)

Outpatient drug and alcohol counseling

Methadone maintenance clinic

Organizations

​

Offices

Downingtown

karen.uhler@thepeacemakercenter.org

Lisa has eight years of experience in a private practice setting, and she believes in collaborating to create a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can be explored, understood, and healed. Lisa especially enjoys working with women who want help with depression, relationships, eating disorders, body image, and boundaries. Lisa is married and has two young sons. Her husband is in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Reserves and they are happy to be reunited after his first deployment. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with friends.

Specialties

faith-based counseling, women, diagnosis, geriatrics, and adult issues

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Education and Experience

Master of Arts Biblical Studies (MABS), Dallas Theological Seminary (2008)

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Organizations

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Offices

Downingtown, West Chester

lisa.qualmann@thepeacemakercenter.org

Samantha has always had a dedication for helping others and has been working in the counseling field since 2014. She believes it is of the utmost importance to develop a strong, trusting, and safe relationship with all her clients. She uses a strength-based and psycho-dynamic approach in order to assist her clients in gaining insight and healing. Her background is in drug and alcohol addiction as well as mental health and repairing damaged relationships within the family unit. Samantha has worked in both inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facilities prior to joining the Peacemaker Center team. It is Samantha’s passion to take a journey with her clients as they heal from their woundedness.

Specialties

Individual and group therapy, addiction recovery, mood disorders, trauma recovery, co-occurring disorders

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Education and Experience

Masters of Science (MS), Counseling and Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in co-occurring disorders, Chestnut Hill College (2016)

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Organizations

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Offices

Downingtown

samantha.hess@thepeacemakercenter.org

Vicki became a therapist because of her desire to help people reach their fullest potential by overcoming their difficulties and making changes to live a healthier, happier life. Using an approach that combines reality theory and person-centered techniques, Vicki works to facilitate an environment of hope and healing; to integrate faith, grace, and proven psychological principles with individuals, couples and families as they work through their difficulties and goals towards greater personal growth and wellness. Vicki and her husband, Tim, have three children and one grandchild. As the mother of an autistic young man, she understands the challenges as well as the joys that come with raising a child with special needs, and together with her family is an active advocate for children and families of children with autism.

​

Specialties

faith-based counseling, couples and families, special needs, anger management, anxiety and depression, women's emotional health, family therapy, adolescent behavior issues, and trauma treatment

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Pennsylvania

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

Professional Anger Management Treatment Training and Certification (AMTP)

​

Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Mental Health Counseling, Immaculata University

Certificate in Biblical Counseling, Liberty University

​

Organizations

American Counseling Association (ACA)

Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology

Alpha Sigma Lambda, Delta Xi Chapter, National Honor Society

Delta Epsilon Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Chapter, National Scholastic Honor Society

Kappa Gamma Pi, National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society

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Offices

Kennett Square, Coatesville, Downingtown

vicki.shay@thepeacemakercenter.org

Dr. Nicole McKinney is an individual, couple, and family therapist who is passionate about people, especially one’s well-being and the restoration/maintenance/progression of their relationships. She particularly enjoys premarital counseling. She too counsels at a private practice in the Philadelphia area. Additionally, Dr. McKinney is a Program Manager at the University of Delaware for the R01 research trial “African American Families Fighting Parental Cancer Together”. She presents at annual speaking engagements and is a published researcher in areas including: mental and physical health disparities, nursing and mental health leadership development, race relations, racial identity, socialization, and trauma. Dr. McKinney is involved in the prayer ministry and the youth department at her church and participates in missions work to third-world countries.

Specialties

anger, anxiety, “Before the Ring” counseling, communication, disability, infidelity, life transitions, premarital and re-marital counseling, self-worth and spirituality (Christian counseling)

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - in progress

Education and Experience

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Couple and Family Therapy, Drexel University (2016)

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling Psychology, Adlerian, Bowie State University (2010)

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Women’s Studies minor, West Chester University (2004)

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Organizations

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

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Offices

Downingtown, Kennett Square

nicole.mckinney@thepeacemakercenter.org

Amy has experience as a coach and mentor in youth volleyball, where she continues to support young women in their college search process. As a therapist, Amy holds the belief that each person has the capacity for growth and change. She incorporates self-compassion into therapy sessions as a way for individuals to form a new, healthier view of themselves. With couples, she helps them move past quarrels to take a look at what sits underneath the surface, which sets the stage for creating a more secure and trusting bond. Amy is married and lives with her husband in West Chester. She enjoys being outside at the beach or lake, painting, reading, and doing yoga.

​

Specialties 

Marriage & Premarital Counseling, Women’s Issues, Faith/Spirituality (especially related to faith-shifts or changes), Depression, Anxiety/Stress, Identity, Communication, Mindfulness, Therapy with Art

​

Licenses and Certifications 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) - in progress

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​ 

Education and Experience 

Doctorate (DA) Marriage and Family Therapy, Eastern University 

Masters in Theology (MA ) Theology and Counseling, Palmer Seminary

Palmer University Internship, working in a women's shelter, Tijuana, Mexico

Bachelor of Science (BS) Psychology and Spanish, Virginia Tech

​

Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Offices

Downingtown

amy.hummel@thepeacemakercenter.org

Christie values establishing strong relationships with clients in a safe, confidential, and compassionate environment that accommodates client needs and preferences in therapy. With strong perception and articulation skills and the ability to reveal and inspire significant hope, ​Christie is skilled in relational dynamics, and she utilizes a strengths-based approach to support clients in improving their awareness, insight, and action to foster resilience, purpose, and peace.

​

Specialties

positive psychology, anxiety, depression, relationships, teenagers, families, marriage, spirituality, identity, adjustment, communication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - in progress

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​

Education and Experience

Master of Science (MS), Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Johns Hopkins University, summa cum laude (2015)

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Trinity College, Hartford, CT (2008)

Director of Web Development, World Well-Being Project, Penn Positive Psychology Center (2014-2017)

College Counselor, Franklin & Marshall College, Ursinus College (2014, 2015, 2016)

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Organizations

Chi Sigma Iota Lambda Chapter, Counseling Academic & Professional Honors Society International

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Offices

Downingtown

christie.versagli@thepeacemakercenter.org

Dawn is a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with couples, families, individuals, and children. She implements a systematic treatment approach, which holds the belief that in order to treat an individual, it is important to explore how their family, work, and school systems correlate. Dawn also utilizes faith based counseling to help individuals grow closer in their relationship to God. Dawn recognizes that each person and family is unique and requires a customized treatment plan. She has worked with children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities in the behavioral health system. She is married and enjoys spending time outside.

​

Specialties

faith-based counseling, couples and families, children, adolescents, relationship concerns, low self-worth/self-esteem, life transitions

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - in progress

Certified Emotion Focused Therapist - in progress

​

Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Marriage and Family Therapy, LaSalle University

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Millersville University

Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family (AAMFT)

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Offices

Kennett Square

dawn.sirois@thepeacemakercenter.org

Ed’s passion for counseling is rooted in his concern for people and the problems that plague us and make life difficult. He considers it an honor to sit with those in pain and listen with compassion, respect, and honesty to their struggles. Ed and his wife have been actively involved at Calvary Fellowship Church since moving to Pennsylvania in 1999. They have five children from toddler through college age.

​

Specialties

faith-based counseling, individual, marriage and family

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Licenses and Certifications

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Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling, Biblical Seminary (2012)

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Organizations

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Offices

Downingtown, West Chester

ed.fleth@thepeacemakercenter.org

Megan seeks to help clients overcome personal obstacles to improve their own lives and their relationships. Her greatest reward as a therapist is helping her clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. She provides a safe space to discuss difficult issues that prevent her clients from living the life they want. She specializes in couples counseling, as well as adult family counseling with specific experience among geriatric family members.

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Specialties

children through geriatrics, couples and family relationships, emotional regulation, grief and loss, eating disorders

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Licenses and Certifications

Marriage and Family Therapist (MMFT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Trained

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

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Education and Experience

Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT), Abilene Christian University

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Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (PAMFT)

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Offices

West Chester

megan.delp@thepeacemakercenter.org

Kathy is passionate about helping individuals create lasting change.  Her goal is to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental place to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  She uses her experience with grief, adoption, parenting and self-esteem issues to help clients move through their challenges.  Her goal is to empower each client with tools that make daily life run more smoothly.  Kathy lives in Chadds Ford with her husband and 3 kids.  She loves writing, hiking, photography and spending as much times as possible outside.

Specialties

anxiety, body issues & weight loss, boundaries, grief & loss, infertility, adoption, attachment, parenting challenges, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma, work & life purpose

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) - in progress

Education and Experience

Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Houston

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Art History, Sweet Briar College

Organizations

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Offices

Kennett Square

West Chester

kathy.overman@thepeacemakercenter.org

Melanie's goal is to help clients navigate difficult circumstances and life transitions to bring healing and restoration to their lives. She seeks to utilize techniques from Solution Focused and Narrative Therapy to help couples and families overcome stressful situations, believing every life story has the potential to be re-written. Melanie has experience working with women to empower and help them find hope as they work through issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, spirituality, and relationships. She recently left a 19-year career in the banking industry to follow her passion in marriage and family therapy. Melanie attends Willowdale Chapel and enjoys serving within the women's ministry. She lives in Southern Chester County with her husband and daughter. 

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Specialties 

marriage, couples & family, trauma, depression, anxiety, women's issues, adolescents, faith-based counseling

​ 

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - in progress 

​

Education and Experience 

Master of Science (MS), Marriage and Family Therapy, Capella University

Bachelor of Arts (BS), Psychology, West Virginia University

​

Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society

Delta Kappa MFT Honor Society

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Offices

Kennett Square

melanie.wilson@thepeacemakercenter.org

Pam focuses on women's issues, relational struggles, and domestic abuse. She has walked with victims of domestic abuse, which led her to co-found a ministry called "God Providing Safety" (GPS). This ministry helps to educate local churches and their leaders in order to provide safety and care for victims of domestic violence in their local congregations. She has been married to her husband, Kenny, for 33 years. together, they have six children and ten grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, cooking,
entertaining, reading, and gardening.

​

Specialties

domestic abuse, spiritual abuse, women's issues, cognitive therapy, grief, and marriage issues

​ 

Licenses and Certifications

Global Trauma Recovery Institute Certification

The Trauma Healing Institute: Certified as Apprentice Facilitator

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Education and Experience 

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling, Missio Seminary

Bachelor of Science (BS), Bob Jones University

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Organizations

American Counseling Association (ACA)

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Offices

Downingtown

pam.hopkins@thepeacemakercenter.org

Sandy is part of a diverse multicultural family. She has raised six children and currently enjoys eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In 2018, after 20 years of service, Sandy retired as Director of Counseling for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC). Previously she served as Program Director for Drug & Alcohol Outpatients at Riverside Care, Inc. She also served as Program Director at Women's Association for Women's Alternatives and was the founder of Gateway Emergency Shelter, the first in Chester County. Sandy was also the founder of the National organization, Bridge of Hope. Drawing on her diverse experience, Sandy looks forward to working with individuals and families in need of support and encouragement. 

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Specialties

multi-abuse trauma, domestic violence mediation & reconciliation, victims of human trafficking, grief & loss, addictions

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Licenses and Certifications

Mental Health Certification (2016)

Family Development Certification (FDC) (2013)

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Education and Experience

Master of Human Services (MHS) (1998)

Graduate & Undergraduate Field Instructor for Eastern University, West Chester University, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, Immaculata University, Lincoln University, Valley Forge University, Newman University, Virginia Tech, Gwynedd-Mercy & Hahnemann at Drexel University

Prejudice Reduction - Advanced National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) trainer

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Organizations

Phi Gamma Mu National Honor Society of Social Workers
Central-Eastern Conference United Methodist Church Domestic Violence Concerns
Order of the Eastern Star Fraternal Chapter 249  
 

Offices

Downingtown

sandy.lewis@thepeacemakercenter.org

Sandy is building her specialty in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Her approach to therapy is using Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused, or Person-Centered approaches to help adolescents and adults cope with the concerns that bring them into therapy. Sandy is also currently working towards a certification in Play Therapy to provide therapy and treatment for children.

Specialties

faith-based counseling, children and adults, Spanish-speaking populations

​

Licenses and Certifications

Certified Play Therapist - in progress

​

Education and Experience

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology, Immaculata University - in progress

Master of Arts (MA), Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, Immaculata University (2017)

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Kean University (2014)

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Organizations

American Psychological Association (APA) 

Offices

Downingtown, Kennett Square

sandy.padron@thepeacemakercenter.org

Shavaun received her MA in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University. She combines both client centered and reality therapy approaches in her work with clients. A certified grief counselor, Shavaun has a passion for helping people work through grief and loss and has facilitated a bereavement support group in her community for the past ten years. Shavaun also draws upon her experience as a school counselor in working with children and adolescents. Shavaun and her husband have three children and two dogs.

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Specialties

grief and loss, trauma, children and adolescents

​

Licenses and Certifications

National Certified Counselor (NCC)

Certification in Thanatology (CT), Association for Death Education Counseling

Certified Elementary Guidance Counseling, Pennsylvania Department of Education

​

Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling Psychology, Immaculata University

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Russian and International Studies, University of Richmond

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Organizations

Association for Death Education and Counseling (ACEC)

American Counseling Association (ACA)

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Offices

Downingtown, Kennett Square

shavaun.mcginty@thepeacemakercenter.org

TaMara brings a wealth of experience in an unconventional way. As a former owner of a home healthcare company that provided services to the elderly, TaMara assisted families, particularly adult children, making tough healthcare and financial decisions for their parent(s). TaMara currently specializes in creating a platform of transparency and acceptance, and an environment in which concerns can be explored, understood, and resolved. She works from a family systems framework with a solutions based focus. She is married and enjoys a blended family of seven which includes a daughter and son with her husband and three teenage step-children from her husband’s previous marriage. 

​

Specialties

marriage and relationship/family dynamics (divorce, finance, communication, sex, and in-laws), death, abandonment, fairness in the household, roles and responsibilities, children with mental illness

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - in progress

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​

Education and Experience

Master of Science (MS), Marriage and Family Therapy, Capella University

Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology, Spelman College

Graduate work, biological sciences, Harvard University

Leadership team member, Non-profit organization Marriage Ministry 

Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (PAMFT)

Chi Upsilon Chi chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society

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Offices

Downingtown

tamara.grayphillips@thepeacemakercenter.org

Whitney brings a wealth of experience from a diverse background.  She has spent her life’s work helping people through change, first in a corporate setting and now as a family therapist. Her approach is holistic, person-centered and strengths based.  Whitney works from a family systems perspective that includes exploring the interpersonal dynamics that play such an important role in our overall well-being. She enjoys helping her clients bring out the best in themselves and in their relationships.  She is married with two children and enjoys spending time in nature, running, dancing and connecting with friends and family.

​

Specialties

Individual, marriage, premarital and family counseling. Special Interests:  life transitions, relationship difficulties, stress, depression, anxiety, career counseling, self-esteem, parenting, communication, spirituality

​

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)  - in progress

Applied Positive Psychology Certificate - in progress

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

​

Education and Experience

Master of Arts (MA), Marriage and Family Therapy, LaSalle University

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Communications, Miami University

Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

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Offices

Kennett Square, West Chester

whitney.witczak@thepeacemakercenter.org

Jill's passion is helping her client's feel heard, supported and encouraged while working with them to identify areas for growth and tools for strength. Her wide range of personal and professional experience lends well to her holistic approach to healing. A combination of motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy and solution focused therapy are applied depending on the client's needs and comfort. An authentic desire to help an individual gain insight into their challenges and confidences in their inherent strengths drive Jill's motivation to counsel. Jill also welcomes and encourages incorporating faith into therapy when desired. She is married with three children and loves cycling in and outside, yoga, and pretty much anything outdoors!

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Specialties 

marriage, couples & families, adolescents, sibling issues, anxiety

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Licenses and Certifications

PA Elementary Education

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Education and Experience 

Master of Arts (MA), Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Immaculata University

Med, Elementary Education, Cabrini College

Bachelor of Science, Cornell University

​

Organizations

American Counseling Association (ACA)

Chi Sigma lota Honor Society

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Offices

Downingtown

jill.maher@thepeacemakercenter.org

Karen, a breast cancer survivor, brings a variety of life experiences (e.g. Registered Nurse, small business owner, Human Resource Director, crisis pregnancy lay counselor) to her counseling. In addition, Karen has mentored many women and girls. Karen desires to help others work through struggles and find hope and healing utilizing an integrated approach, which includes person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and other approaches. Karen is married to Curt and she enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and baking. 

​

Specialties 

faith-based counseling, women, individual, adolescents, anxiety, crisis

​ 

Licenses and Certifications

Registered Nurse (RN)

​

Education and Experience 

Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling, Liberty University

Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology, Liberty University

​

Organizations

American Counseling Association (ACA)

The American Association for Christian Counselors (AACC)

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Offices

Kennett Square

karen.fitchett@thepeacemakercenter.org

Nancy brings an abundance of life experiences to the counseling process. During her first career as a Certified Public Accountant, she audited major corporations and later led team-building exercises for CPA firms using DISC profiles. In her second career as an executive recruiter for attorneys, she helped professionals with the emotional aspects of job and career changes and coached them in effective interviewing skills. After a diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent treatment, Nancy returned to school to study counseling and pursue her lifelong interest in helping others live their lives to the fullest. With warmth, compassion, and humor, Nancy walks alongside her clients to support them in their journey toward emotional health and restoration. She uses an integrative approach to counseling that is suited to the need of the moment and includes cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, strengths-based therapy, and other approaches. A lifelong Texan, Nancy and her husband Jerry recently moved to Pennsylvania from Houston.

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Specialties 

faith-based counseling, individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, women's issues, issues unique to single women, seniors, career and vocational counseling, executive coaching

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Licenses and Certifications

Certified Marriage Strong Leader

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Education and Experience 

Bachelor of Arts (MABC), Biblical Counseling, Dallas Theological Seminary - in progress

Bachelor of Science (BS), Accounting and Management, Houston Baptist University

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Organizations

Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)

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Offices

Downingtown, West Chester

nancy.mitchell@thepeacemakercenter.org

Tracy has extensive experience working with families as a preschool teacher, ministry head, and as a wife and parent of teenagers. Her passion is seeing families thrive. With compassion and connection she offers hope for clients to grow, healing wounds and relationships. As someone with a high ACE (adverse childhood experiences) score, she is intimately aware of the possibilities for the healing of trauma. She also delights in walking alongside clients on their faith journey as interested. Tracy enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, travel, and her family. 

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Specialties

couples, children, faith/spirituality, life transitions

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Licenses and Certifications

PA Elementary Education Certification

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Education and Experience 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - in progress

Masters of Education (M.Ed), Cabrini College

Bachelor of Arts (BA), International Relations & French, University of Richmond

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Organizations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)

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Offices

West Chester, Downingtown

tracy.defina@thepeacemakercenter.org