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Meet Our Therapists

The therapists at Nickischer & Associates are sole proprietors who contract to work part-time in this practice. Most of our counselors work for other practices or facilities. As a result, their schedules and openings vary according to their personal needs. We cannot guarantee an appointment with any specific therapist, though prospective clients are more than welcome to request to see someone specific. Therapists have every right to accept or decline a case based on their scope of practice, schedule, openings in their caseload, and intuition.

Kathryn Nickischer Friel, LPC, NCC

Kathryn Nickischer Friel, MS, LPC

Kathryn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. She holds a BA from Marywood University and an MS in Clinical Health Counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM.) Kathryn has owned and operated Nickischer & Associates since 2015. 


In June of 2017, Kathryn was selected by Lehigh Valley Business as one of the 40 Under 40, an award that honors business professionals who have achieved entrepreneurial success while also contributing to the success of the community. In 2023, Kathryn was selected for the Lehigh Valley Business Empowering Women award, for her success as a female business owner and her commitment to hiring and empowering other women. 

 

Kathryn is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) level two graduate, and an Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) advanced practitioner for couples who are looking for IFS-style coaching to enhance their relationship. She also offers IFS-informed groups, both in-person and via telehealth.  Kathryn is an active volunteer and Board Member for Manito Life Center.

Lacey I. Binkley, LPC

Lacey I. Binkley, LPC

Clinical Lead - Allentown

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With over ten years of experience as a therapist, Lacey’s clinical knowledge is a strength in her work as a therapist.  Lacey holds a BA in Criminal Justice from Penn State, and an MA in Education and Secondary School Counseling. She is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist. Lacey has worked for various, well-respected mental health community agencies in both Pennsylvania and Florida. These include KS-MST, Children’s Home of Reading, Pennsylvania Counseling Services of Lebanon, and The Center for Psychology, in Fort Meyers, FL.  As a program supervisor, Lacey’s Juvenile Court program won the 2010 Court Operated Program of the Year award. 

 

Lacey enjoys working with teens and adults. Her specialty treatment areas are trauma, PTSD, and personality disorders. She is currently invested in a Trauma-Focused CBT certification program and is also an active participant in Internal Family Systems (IFS) trainings.  Lacey combines person-centered and IFS approaches to empower clients to discover their inner warriors and learn to love themselves. Her straightforward approach and sense of humor allow for both fun and focus in the therapy space. 

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Lacey also consults as a TF-CBT Family Therapist for KS Consultants.

Susan Featro, LPC, Ed.D

Susan Featro, LPC, Ed.D

Clinical Lead - Lehighton

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Susan earned a B.A. from Lycoming College, an M.Ed. from Penn State University, and an Ed.D. from Wilkes University. After earning her doctorate in education and teaching in K12 schools and at the university level for 15 years, Susan decided to pursue an M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology and to work towards licensure. She graduated with an M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and has done additional training in trauma-focused CBT counseling, addictions, and working with LGBTQ couples. Susan also works at a short-term residential psychiatric crisis center for adults.

Susan combines her background and experience in education, her background and experience in counseling psychology, and her training in yoga, mindfulness, and body-based therapies in serving her clients. She specializes in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), depression, trauma, addictive behaviors, relationship issues, and women's issues. Susan focuses on helping clients to grow in self-awareness and helping them to heal, grow, and find balance in their lives. She sees children, adolescents, and adults and also works with couples in the Lehighton office, offering daytime and evening hours.

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Susan is an adjunct professor at a local university and a well-known recording artist.

Roslyn Birnbaum, LPC

Roslyn Birnbaum, LPC

Roz brings with her a fantastic reputation in the field and a following of clients who truly respect her. Roz has a BA from Pennsylvania State University, and received her MS in Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. Roz is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Dual Diagnosis Counselor who specializes in emotional and mental health as well as drug and alcohol issues. 

Roz provides a safe environment where you can explore your issues to gain insight and develop skills to make positive life changes. Her therapeutic areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, mental and physical abuse, self-esteem, ADHD, life transition issues, and codependency. She also helps those with chronic pain problems in regaining confidence.

Holly A. Mullen MSW, LCSW

Holly A. Mullen MSW, LCSW

Holly is a Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kutztown University in 2008 and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University in 2013. Holly has been in private practice for the past 8 years working with adults, adolescents, and couples.

 

Her specialties include the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, marital issues, premarital counseling, blended family challenges, and career and life stage adjustments. Holly utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strengths and Mindfulness-based approaches, with a focus on strength and resilience. As a therapist, Holly seeks to promote a safe and healing environment where you can unveil your personal inner strengths and develop a plan for lifelong growth and healing.

 

Holly welcomes the opportunity to assist you in your journey toward personal growth and healing, offering an improvement of your life’s experiences for years to come.

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Peter D. Ellison, LPC, CCDPD

Peter D. Ellison, LPC, CCDPD

Peter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Saint Joseph’s University in 2002, as well as a Master of Arts degree in community counseling (2004) and an Education Specialist degree in mental health counseling (2005), both from Seton Hall University. Peter has extensive experience providing care within various clinical settings. This includes inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment programs, working within a psychiatric and addiction medicine practice, and as an independent practitioner.

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Peter has training and experience in working with adults who are seeking help for managing depression and other mood issues, anxiety, substance use issues, relationship struggles, and stress management. He has provided group therapy, individual therapy, and couples therapy, and specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Person-Centered therapy skills and techniques. Peter views each person as a unique individual with their own set of strengths and capabilities that can be developed and used to help challenge and overcome personal issues.  

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Peter is a full-time therapist at Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Slatington, where he treats adults with co-occurring disorders.

Kerin Oksienik, LPC

Kerin Oksienik, LPC

Kerin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and is additionally recognized as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Lafayette College in 2009 followed by her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lehigh University in 2011.  Kerin has several years of experience working in outpatient treatment settings helping individuals to gain stability over their mental health symptoms and co-occurring substance use disorders to be able to live fulfilling lives.

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Kerin specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, addiction, trauma, and relational conflict. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples using a therapeutic approach that integrates elements of cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies.  Kerin understands the importance of having a safe, supportive environment to feel validated while confronting some of life’s most challenging times.  She develops this through a genuine, caring approach while helping to change unhealthy thought patterns that could be getting in the way of personal growth and satisfaction.

Heidi Mack, LPC

Heidi Mack, LPC

Heidi is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Moravian College and her Master of Science degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, with a focus on Marriage and Family Counseling, from Chestnut Hill College. 

 

Heidi has over ten years of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in outpatient and community health settings. She takes an eclectic approach to therapy and counseling by utilizing a combination of cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies. Heidi believes in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship to help her clients heal from past experiences, learn skills to cope with challenges and explore their personal growth.

Joseph Young, LPC NCC

Joseph Young, LPC NCC

Joseph is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania and a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor (NCC.) He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and his Master’s degree in Mental Health and Counseling from Antioch University. Joseph has worked as a Family-Based Therapist providing in-home and community-based services enhancing feelings of empowerment and self-efficiency so families can help themselves and their children become psychologically self-sufficient. He worked as a Multisystemic Therapist (MST) empowering teens, young adults, individuals, and families using an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client and family.

 

Joseph’s clinical vision is to ensure a safe environment for clients to explore and to assist clients in the discovery of their strengths, building support systems, and developing healthy lifestyles to set the foundation for life successes. He employs a cross-disciplinary therapeutic approach utilizing modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychoeducation, and mindfulness, helping clients navigate Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, life stressors, and family and relationship issues.

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In addition to the private counseling services he offers in this practice, Joe is the owner of J. Young Health Minds, LLC.

Ann Goodrich, LCSW

Ann Goodrich, LCSW

Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Pennsylvania and New York. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Adelphi University in 2012. Ann went back to school to pursue a career in social work after raising her children.

 

Ann has many years of experience working with individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Ann specializes in mood disorders, as well as paths to sobriety. She enjoys working with people in recovery, helping them develop the self-awareness and coping skills necessary in order to redefine their lives. In addition to using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Ann utilizes mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and behavior therapy in assisting clients to set life goals.

Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad, MA, LPC

Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad, MA, LPC

Waded is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in her home country of Ecuador. She received her graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University. She has worked as a Mobile Therapist for children providing home and community services. In addition to her career in private practice, she works as a professional counselor for a Community-Based Agency. Waded has experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses that include Generalized Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADD, and trauma.  

 

Waded focuses on building insight in order to create self-awareness, personal improvement, and growth. Her approachability and openness to the human experience fosters a safe and accepting environment. She uses a humanistic, person-centered approach, while also utilizing mindfulness and sensorimotor techniques. Waded is bilingual in Spanish and English, and especially enjoys providing counseling and therapy to Latin American and Hispanic community members as a proud bicultural practitioner of compassion. 

Whitney Keefner, LPC, NCC

Whitney Keefner, LPC, NCC

Whitney is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania and a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned her BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Vermont in 2014 and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from the University of Vermont in 2018. Whitney has worked as a Family and Community-Based Clinician for the Howard Center in Burlington, VT, before moving to Philadelphia in 2021, where she then began working as an Outpatient Therapist for Wedge Recovery Centers in North Philly.

 

Whitney works with teens and adults and especially loves working with couples. Whitney is certified as a Skilled Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in a Community Setting and is currently training in the Drexel Motivational Interviewing and SBIRT program. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, relational conflict, life transitions, and co-occurring disorders.

 

Whitney focuses on helping her clients through a combination of processing/exploring experiences, skill building to increase emotional regulation as well as learning and discussing psychoeducation to help better understand and make sense of our experiences. She places the utmost importance on the therapeutic relationship and fostering a space that feels warm and safe for clients to be able to authentically express themselves in.

Marissa Cruz, LPC, LBS

Marissa Cruz, LPC, LBS

Marissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) in the state of Pennsylvania. She earned her BA in Psychology from Cedar Crest College, and MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College. Marissa has worked for several years providing behavioral therapy and family counseling to children, teens, and families in community and outpatient settings. 

 

Marissa has experience in treating couples, families, and individuals encountering anxiety, depression, developmental/spectrum disorders, and ADHD. She uses an integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic approaches, and psychoeducation in her work. Marissa strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where one can explore difficulties, gain insight, and begin the journey to radical self-acceptance.

Melissa Ditaranto, LPC

Melissa Ditaranto, LPC

Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from West Chester University and a Master in Science in Mental Health Counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Melissa has more than 8 years of

experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families in home, community, and outpatient settings in the greater Philadelphia area. She has worked as a mobile therapist for a non-profit organization, and an outpatient therapist at the Center for Autism and Child Guidance Resource Centers.

 

Melissa has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, autism, stress management, relational conflict, and life transitions. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, person-centered, and trauma informed approaches. Melissa believes that you are the expert on your life. She understands the value of the therapeutic relationship, and having a safe, non-judgmental space to allow for collaboration, self-discovery, learning, and growth. Her goal is to support and empower you to meet your goals.

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Sarah Rentz, MA, MAT, LAPC

Sarah specializes in treating clients dealing with trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship difficulties. As a cancer survivor herself, she is particularly drawn toward helping individuals and families dealing with the mental health impacts that coincide with chronic illnesses. 

 

Sarah has a warm and interactive style, and approaches treatment from a trauma- informed lens. She utilizes Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Existential, Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) in her approach. For couples, she will use Emotionally- Focused Therapy (EFT) or other attachment- based techniques. Sarah has a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University, and a master's degree in teaching from Lehigh University. She resides on a small farm with her husband and a plethora of animals. In her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, gardening and yoga. 

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Nicole Falcone, MA

Nicole is a clinical psychology and counseling intern in her last year of graduate school at Chestnut Hill College. Nicole has a special interest in supporting children, teens and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, social anxiety, perfectionism, and other anxiety-related challenges, along with the parents, families and loved ones who are impacted. In treating OCD and anxiety disorders, Nicole uses the gold-standard of exposure and response prevention (ERP) along with mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy. In working with families, she uses a mindfulness model and SPACE, a program focused on teaching parents and caretakers how anxiety works and how to respond in a grounded, supportive way.

Nicole also enjoys working with couples who want to improve intimacy, connection and communication and parents who want to build sturdy, attuned relationships with their children. 

Having the courage to reach out to someone for help is a huge step - take that, anxiety! Together we’ll work to make sure your relationships, values, and goals are no longer dictated or controlled by feelings of panic, despair or terror.

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Alise Shadle, MA, LAPC

Alise is a pre-licensed counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She obtained both her bachelor's degree in psychology from Kutztown University and her masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. Additionally, she is a level 2 reiki certified practitioner. 

Alise focuses on engaging a holistic approach by connecting the mind, body, and soul individually. She uses an integration of mindfulness, CBT/DBT, gestalt, and somatic approaches. Alise has experience in supporting individuals with trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, autism/intellectual impairments, and addiction. Alise has worked with a variety of ages including children, teens, young adults, and adults.  She believes that grounding one's self and enhancing self-awareness can help to navigate through difficult journeys, and allow for radical acceptance to occur. 

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Christine C. Holmfelt (she/her), MSW, MACC, LCSW

Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania. She earned a BA degree from Virginia Tech, an MACC degree from Moravian Theological Seminary, and an MSW degree from Marywood University. 

 

Christine worked for many years as a hospice grief counselor before connecting with clients as a mental health therapist. She is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level Two graduate and enjoys working with clients and their parts to find relief and healing. Having been in the field of education prior to healthcare, Christine has worked as a high school English teacher, a university adjunct professor, and currently serves as a program assistant (PA) for IFS-I trainings. 

 

Clients connect with Christine for support and healing through life transition issues, relationship conflict and codependency, and coping with feelings of depression and anxiety. Many of her clients carry the burden of family and ancestral trauma and find themselves feeling lighter and more confident after working with her. 

 

When she’s not at work, Christine enjoys creating art in her studio and trying new gluten-free and plant-based recipes in her kitchen. Her latest obsession is with composting and seed saving, as well as supporting organizations that focus on local food production and distribution. If you visit her virtual office space, you may also catch a glimpse of her beloved Frenchie, Grayson, snoozing (and usually snoring) on her lap. 

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Ellen Lutz, Office Manager

Ellen is the friendly voice you hear when you call to make an appointment at our practice. A graduate of Quakertown High School and Lansdale School of Business, Ellen has worked in business administration for over 15 years. Professional, courteous, and truly caring, Ellen is an asset to the practice, and will gladly help you with any scheduling, insurance, or billing questions that you may have. Ellen is the proud mother of Parker, Abby, and Hudson.  

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