Community Mental Health Services

 

Michele Pole, Ph.D. 
Clinic Director

Dr. Pole is a licensed psychologist in the state of PA with experience treating a wide range of mental health issues and specialization in the treatment of trauma disorders and addiction disorders. She has completed training for evidence-based treatments including ACT, DBT, CBT. Additionally, she completed specialized training in Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD. Prior to coming to CMHS in 2019, Dr. Pole was the Director of Psychological Services at a nationally known center for the treatment of addiction and behavioral health disorders. Dr. Pole has presented nationally and internationally on addiction and trauma. In addition she has been interviewed by numerous news outlets on various topics including addiction, trauma/PTSD, shame and the #metoo movement. She has 20 years of experience in the field of psychology and enjoys training/supervising WCU doctoral students as part of her role as CMHS Director. Dr. Pole is committed to the CMHS mission to provide high quality psychological services at low cost to those in need.

 

Amanda Sykes, B.S. Anthropology and Sociology, Minor in Architectural History, Kansas State University 
CMHS Administrative Manager

Amanda Sykes has over 17 years of management and leadership experience. Prior to coming to CMHS, she managed multiple local health practices, helped start up a successful muscle therapy clinic, and was a retention manager for a prominent pet insurance company. She looks forward to using her years of experience in neighborhood outreach and fundraising development to assist in providing our community with much needed psychological services at reasonable cost. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing fantasy football, and reading.

 

Veronica Parris, Psy.D. 
Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Program Manager

Dr. Parris received her PsyD from West Chester University (WCU) of Pennsylvania. She completed her predoctoral internship at Carson Valley Children's Aid and her postdoctoral training at a private practice that focused on psychotherapy and psychoeducational assessment. She was awarded the Frederick Douglass Teaching Fellowship at WCU. Dr. Parris specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly populations from under-resourced communities, with trauma backgrounds, or with immigration experiences.

 

Gracen Shepps
Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Assistant Program Manager

Gracen Shepps is a recent graduate of West Chester University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She brings various experiences in community outreach and behavioral intervention, having worked with children as both a Registered Behavior Technician and a research assistant during her undergraduate studies. Gracen is incredibly excited to contribute her skills to the VIP and CMHS teams. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.

Laura Boznango – B.A. Psychology, minor Neuroscience & Spanish, University of Delaware
Laura is interested in working with adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety and mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, as well as struggles with identity and self-esteem. Currently, Laura’s research interests focus on the physiological & neurobiological underpinnings of behavior and applying their impacts on well-being to building comprehensive, holistic treatments for clients. In the therapy room, Laura aims to take a collaborative therapeutic approach where clients feel safe and emboldened to achieve their individual goals.

Kimberly Bucklin – B.S. Psychology, West Chester University
Kimberly is passionate about working with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma. She has two years of experience supporting children and adolescents, particularly those on the Autism spectrum, as well as those with other diagnoses. Outside of her professional work, Kimberly enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, listening to music, and reading.

Vanessa Chery - B.S., B.A. University of Florida, majors Psychology & Sociology, minor Health Disparities in Society
Vanessa is interested in working with adults and adolescents, particularly those with trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, and individuals from underrepresented, oppressed, or minority populations. Her research interests include initiatives to destigmatize mental health services, address mental health disparities, support Black and African American individuals, and explore the benefits of single-session interventions. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time at the beach when visiting her hometown in Florida.

Shayna Eubanks - B.S  Major Psychology, Minor Family Studies, Towson University
Shayna’s primary clinical interests are in individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) who have experienced trauma and learning to build resilience from their experiences. She places emphasis on a holistic approach by not looking only at symptoms, but other factors such as culture, family dynamics, and financial obligations.

Mollie Katzen – B.A. in an integrated major of Psychology, Biology, and Linguistics from Franklin & Marshall College.
Mollie’s primary clinical focus is working with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, helping them feel empowered and develop effective strategies to navigate everyday challenges. She is deeply passionate about advocating for neurodiversity and fostering a broader movement of inclusion, respect, and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals in all aspects of life. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Maddie Kiefer - M.A. in General Psychology from Teachers College Columbia University
Maddie’s primary clinical and research interest is in the intersection of mental health, gender identity, and sexual orientation, primarily in adolescence. In her research, she hopes to learn more about mental health disparities and improving care for LGBTQIA+ populations. She hopes to make the therapeutic space accessible and inclusive.

Haley LeFevre - B.S. West Chester University of Pennsylvania, major Psychology
Haley has previous experience working with children with Autism and leading body image intervention groups for college aged women through the National Eating Disorders Association. Clinically, she is primarily interested in working with children and families, with a specific emphasis on disordered eating behaviors and substance use disorders. Her research interests include body image, motherhood cognitive load, and food and alcohol disturbance.

Jenna Loquercio – B.A. University of Delaware, major Psychology, minor Sociology
Through her research, Jenna has gained a deeper understanding of child development and has experience working with at-risk adolescents. Her research interests focus on integrating psychology into healthcare and improving mental health services for vulnerable children and families. Jenna’s primary clinical interests lie in working with children and adolescents, with an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive environment to help clients achieve their goals.

Amani Patel - B.S. Hofstra University, Major in Psychology
Amani’s primary clinical interests include working with adolescents and adults to develop effective skills for managing symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders. Her research interests include evaluating the impact of sociocultural factors on children’s abilities to regulate their emotions, specifically for children coming from minority cultural backgrounds. Amani hopes to take a collaborative approach with clients, contributing to a therapeutic space built on mutual respect and cultural competence.

Christopher Popielarz – BA Psychology & Criminal Justice, La Salle University, MS General Psychology, concentration in trauma & development, West Chester University
Chris is a first-year Psy.D. Student. Currently, he is studying the effects of sleep quality on various mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, suicidality, eating disorders, psychosis, and interpersonal conflict in college students. In his practice, Chris aims to improve mental health outcomes in college students and adults by providing a supportive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed environment in therapy where the client can feel understood yet empowered to grow. He hopes to embed his research into his practice by emphasizing quality sleep as a protective factor for mental health. In his free time, Chris likes to travel, follow Philadelphia sports, and spend time with his friends and family.

Lynne Raju – M.S. in Biomedical Sciences concentration in Forensic Biology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, MFT in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) Drexel University
Lynne is a PA licensed Marriage and Family therapist bringing over 15 years of clinical experience utilizing a diverse range of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs. She integrates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (t. Additionally, she has completed Level 2 training in the Gottman Method and incorporates mindfulness techniques to provide a holistic and eclectic approach to therapy. Lynne has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship conflicts.

Naserra Robinson - B.A. Psychology, Cheyney University; M.Ed Counseling Psychology, Temple University
Nasserra is passionate about breaking down the systemic barriers that Black communities face in accessing mental health care, particularly in regard to the role of cultural stigma and the deep-rooted impact of mistrust within these communities. She is a U.S. Navy veteran and gained her clinical experience at Temple University working in a partial hospitalization program, where she facilitated CBT and DBT-based group therapy. She is primarily interested in collaborating with young adults and advocating for culturally competent equitable mental health services.

Caitlyn Thomas – B.A. Psychology, University of South Carolina
Caitlyn is a first-year student in the Psy.D. program. Her primary clinical interests are in working with underserved and trauma-impacted youth populations. Caitlyn is specifically interested in an integrative approach that analyzes the development of childhood psychopathology by incorporating culture, social-emotional factors, family dynamics, and past experiences. She aims to make community and school settings safe, inclusive, and supportive for all children.

 

Dr. Kelsey Blum

Dr. Blum attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania where she received her Psy.D. Dr. Blum completed her predoctoral internship at Clemson University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, and she returned to WCU to work as a Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. Dr. Blum utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with a solution-focused, person-centered lens. She specializes in working with young adults, college students, body image and eating concerns, and student athletes.

 

Dr. Paula-Boulware-Brown

Dr. Paula-Boulware-Brown earned a Doctorate in Psychology from Regent University in Virginia and pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency training in an out-patient setting providing psychological testing and psychotherapy to an adult population. Dr. Brown completed advanced training in psychological testing at the Eden Family Institute in Hampton, Virginia. Her theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral, and she holds specialized training in evidence-based psychotherapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and an evidence-based model for the treatment of addictions known as Living in Balance. Dr. Brown also has extensive training and experience in providing treatment for patients with co-occurring disorders. Dr. Brown has had the pleasure of working with diverse populations. Additionally, she had developed and facilitated training programs for addiction treatment certification. Dr. Brown is the author of “Eagles Don’t Eat Chicken Food,” an inspirational book offering a strategy for overcoming life’s obstacles with the goal of self-actualization to its fullness. Her work as a trainer and seminar facilitator is uniquely marked by the integration of psychology and theology promoting health and healing for women. She provides numerous trainings in the mid-Atlantic Region. Dr. Brown’s approach to treatment is colored by her passion and belief in the resilience of the human spirit.

Angela Clarke, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Training

Dr. Clarke holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. In addition, she participated as a Fellow in the Child Intervention, Prevention and Services (CHIPS) NIMH Mental Health Summer Research Institute, served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and was a Fellow in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment Disabilities (LEND) Program. She is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and specializes in collaborating with families to address child and adolescent mental health, parenting concerns, school problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavior disorders, depression and the effects of community violence exposure. Dr. Clarke has 21 years training and experience and is a member of APA Division 52 (Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology). 

Lauren Brumley, PhD

Dr. Brumley received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania. She completed her predoctoral internship at Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children and her postdoctoral fellowship at the Child Abuse Research Education and Service (CARES) Institute at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. She has extensive experience utilizing evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents presenting with anxiety and phobias (CBT), obsessive compulsive disorder (Exposure and Response Prevention), tics and trichotillomania (Habit Reversal Training), depression (CBT), trauma (TF-CBT), behavior and parent-child relation problems (behavior therapy), ADHD (Organizational Skills Training), and adjustment to chronic illness (CBT and ACT). She has served children, adolescents, and families across outpatient clinic, hospital, primary care, and telehealth settings.

Michael Gawrysiak, Ph.D.

Dr. Gawrysiak earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a Pennsylvania and Delaware licensed Psychologist. Dr. Gawrysiak completed post-doctoral training at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center where he worked within the Center for Studies of Addiction at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Gawrysiak has worked on various clinical trials, as study-clinician as well as principal investigator, assessing the effectiveness and efficacy of behavioral treatments for various mental health disorders. Dr. Gawrysiak specializes in mindfulness-based interventions for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and general management of stress and anxiety. He is additionally trained in both psychodynamic and behavioral approaches to the treatment of personality disorders, depression, addiction, and PTSD.

 

Stevie N. Grassetti, Ph.D.

Dr. Grassetti is a broadly trained, licensed psychologist whose research and clinical work aim to improve clients’ accessibility to science-based mental healthcare. Dr. Grassetti assesses and treats children, youth, and adults in individual, group, and family modalities. Often this clinical work takes place in community-based settings such as schools, pediatric hospitals, community mental health clinics, and juvenile justice settings. Dr. Grassetti earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Delaware and M.A. from The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She completed her pre-doctoral residency in an integrated behavioral health track of a pediatric medical center and her post-doctoral fellowship in a research position that focused on advancing clinical science in community settings.

Susie Metrick, Psy.D
Adjunct Faculty

A Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Psychologist in the state of PA, Dr. Metrick has been working with children, adolescents, and young adults for over 20 years. She earned her M.A. and Psy.D. from Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology where she focused on child development and school psychology. She has spent the last 17 years serving as School Psychologist at The School in Rose Valley, a local preschool and elementary school rooted in the principles of progressive education, and is coordinator of the school's Learning Support Team. Dr. Metrick also works in private practice administering psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents. Her specialties include school-based and learning challenges, social-emotional development, and pediatric assessment.

Michael Roche

Dr. Roche earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University, and is a licensed psychologist in the state of PA. He completed his pre-doctoral clinical internship at the Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School. He is a member of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) consortium, which is focused on finding more efficient descriptions of psychopathology (e.g. viewing psychological difficulties on a continuum rather than yes/no categories, grouping disorders based on their co-occurrence to guide more efficient treatments, etc.). Dr. Roche supervises graduate students in research, therapy, and assessment. He has experience treating adult clients on a variety of difficulties (e.g. anxiety, mood, stress, externalizing behaviors, eating disorder, interpersonal conflicts). Dr. Roche has a special focus on the assessment and treatment of personality disorder and can utilize different empirically supported treatments (e.g. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Transference Focused Psychotherapy) to fit the client’s needs.

Dr. Lindsay Zavislak

Dr. Lindsay Zavislak earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University and is licensed in PA. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency at the Milton Hershey School, where she provided individual and group therapy along with psychological assessment services for children and adolescents. Dr. Zavislak's passion is working with underserved populations utilizing strengths-based, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed interventions to foster a therapeutic alliance rooted in unconditional positive regard.