- 412-823-5155
- info@persoma.com
- Office Hours: M-F 8am-4pm
- Clinical Hours: M-S 8am-9pm
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Contact us for more information about our services
Phone
412-823-5155
Fax
412-823-8262
Email
info@persoma.com
Hours
Office Hours: Mon-Fri | 8am-4pm
Clinical Hours: Mon-Sat | 8am-9pm
Dawn is the Office Manager. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Business Administration Degree from Robert Morris University. Dawn joined PERSOMA P.C. in 2015. She has a background in Human Resources and Accounting which makes her an ideal fit as Office Manager. She enjoys helping our clients understand the billing process and helping them resolve problems.
Emily is is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Emily obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the James Madison University and Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including anxiety and panic, depression, couple’s therapy, life transitions, and bereavement.
Emily sees adults and children in our Monroeville office.
Iruaku (Iru) Brodie-Mends is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Iru obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from Bethany College in West Virginia and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She has extensive experience with college students and women’s issues as well as with supervision and training.
Iru’s areas of clinical interest include adjustment issues, life transitions, trauma, long-standing family concerns, issues of faith and spirituality as well as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Her approach to therapy is strength-based with self-compassion. She uses various modalities to help clients to achieve their goals.
Dr. Carosella is a psychiatrist with a special interest in Adult, Geriatric, and Neuropsychiatry.
He completed his Psychiatric training at the University of California in Los Angeles and Neurology training at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Dr. Carosella has practiced in Pittsburgh in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings since 1992.
He specializes in the diagnosis and medication management of major psychiatric disorders, including bipolar, psychotic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Lynn Coghill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Lynn obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California Irvine and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including anxiety and panic, depression, couple’s therapy, life transitions, bereavement, professional coaching and clinical supervision. She received the Women of Achievement award in 2013 and Social Worker of the Year, NASW-PA in 2015.
Lynn sees adults in our Shadyside and Fox Chapel offices.
Rachel is the Intake Coordinator and joined Persoma P.C. in 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a minor in Psychology.
She finds joy in making a difference in the lives of others and assisting clients with meeting their needs. In her free time, she has a deep love for photography, music, and being outdoors with her husband and two large-breed dogs.
Michele Devlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Social Services and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Certificate of Achievement upon graduation.
Michele specializes in working with anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma. Modalities of Treatment used are CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Based therapies. An emphasis is made on learning to make positive changes and heal.
Michele sees adolescents, families, and adults at the Monroeville office.
Ashley Gradert is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She obtained her Bachelor in Psychology and Criminal Justice as well as her Master in Counseling Psychology from Waynesburg University. Ashley has a wide range of interests and specializations including addiction treatment, autism, depression, bi-polar, anxiety and schizophrenia. Some of the interventions she uses are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Play Therapy.
Her treatment philosophy towards therapy is to create a safe environment for individuals to come in and feel comfortable to begin the process of self-discovery and growth.
Ashley sees children and adults in our Robinson and South Hills offices.
Aaron Jennings is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is the owner and CEO of Persoma Counseling Associates. Aaron obtained his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Vincent College and Master of Social Work from St. Ambrose University. He has worked at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic as a clinician and program manager, at Youth Advocate Program as a mobile therapist, and for Persoma as an outpatient therapist.
Aaron has worked with children, families, and adults since earning his MSW. Aaron has gained extensive experience in treating ADHD and Executive Functioning Deficits in his role as a founding clinician and program developer for the ADHD Across the Lifespan Clinic at WPIC. Aaron also has a background in working with children and adults with developmental delays including Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Recently, Aaron has ventured into providing ADHD Coaching to individuals struggling with ADHD or ADHD-like concerns.
Aaron has presented extensively on the topics of ADHD and Executive Functions, presenting at the local CHADD chapter, to local parent support groups, and at the Annual Conference on ADHD and Executive Function.
Aaron continues to provide therapy, consultation, and coaching to individuals of all ages. His specialty is in the area of Executive Skills Deficits and ADHD across the lifespan.
Aaron’s personal philosophy regarding therapy is: “Individuals know themselves best. It is the job of the therapist to help the individual develop self-awareness skills and learn strategies that allow them to achieve their personal life goals. This is only achieved through compassionate and attentive listening and offering honest and constructive feedback.”
Aaron sees children and adults in our South Hills and Robinson offices.
Sarah is a clinically licensed social worker. She obtained her B.A. in English from Juniata College in 2003 and then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her MSW in 2005.
Sarah has worked as a forensic interviewer than in private practice with recovering opioid addicts. After that, Sarah took a job providing individual and family therapy at the Center for Children and Families along with people of all ages in ADHD Across the Lifespan clinic.
Currently, Sarah works in integrated care at UPMC as a behavioral therapist as well as a therapist at Persoma.
Sarah primarily works with individuals who struggle with poor executive functions and ADHD.
Paula is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Social Work from The University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. She has a wide range of interests and specializations that include substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, families dealing with a loved one’s substance use disorder, women’s issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and stress management. She has specialized training in trauma-informed care models and working with families dealing with substance use disorders, including seeking safety and the Invitation to Change Approach. She uses interventions such as Motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and guided imagery.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Only when we are brave enough to explore our darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light” – Brene Brown
Erin Lafferty is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Allegheny College and her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University.
Erin has a wide range of interests including anxiety, depression, stress management, and co-occurring disorders. In addition, Erin also utilizes a range of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Erin sees adults in our Shadyside and Monroeville offices.
Dr. Lisa Maccarelli is a licensed psychologist and has over twenty-five years of experience providing individual, family, and group therapy.
Her treatment approach incorporates trauma-informed, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and interpersonal therapy.
Areas of clinical practice include trauma, women’s issues, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use, and self-injurious behaviors.
Dr. Maccarelli sees individuals ages thirteen and above in our Shadyside and South Hills offices.
Nicole Marinacci-Magee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience providing individual psychotherapy to adults.
Nicole obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree as well as her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Nicole’s areas of clinical interest and practice include relationship issues, depression, anxiety, women’s issues, chronic illness, trauma, adjustment to life transitions, and grief and bereavement. Her approach to treatment incorporates psychodynamic, feminist, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered therapy.
Nicole provides individual psychotherapy to clients aged 21 and older. She is currently providing telehealth services.
Kelly Mariska is a Licensed Social Worker.
Kelly received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
She has a wide range of interests including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, stress management, life transitions, and re-entry.
Joanna McNally is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. Joanna obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as her Master of Science in Nursing from Carlow University. She has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years, specializing in Women’s Health. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including depression, anxiety and mood changes. She has received certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Joanna sees adults in our South Hills and Robinson offices.
Shirley Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Shirley obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including adoption, attachment issues, anxiety, and depression. She has certifications in Child Abuse and Neglect and Family Therapy.
Her treatment philosophy that she uses in therapy is the Serenity Prayer.
Shirley sees children and adults in our Robinson, Monroeville, and Shadyside.
Kathy Mountz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Kathy obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree as well as her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including depression and anxiety. She has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life” – The Summer Day by Mary Oliver.
Kathy sees children and adults in our Monroeville office.
Susan is a graduate of Mercyhurst College and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work. Before joining the staff at WPIC, she supervised a private drug and alcohol treatment center, she participated in the Family Therapy Institute, Brief Therapy Institute, as well as providing individual and group psychotherapy.
She was part of the original team at AGH that developed a treatment protocol for traumatic grief after 9/11. She presented this at the International ADEC Conference.
Her interests are in the treatment of anxiety, depression, traumatic grief, and bereavement. Sue is eclectic with a focus on the use of CBT and believes that treatment teaches skills to help clients have a happier life.
Stephanie Pasquarelli is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Chief Operating Officer of Persoma Counseling Associates.
Stephanie obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as her Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, trauma, family difficulties, and school issues. She has received advanced training in cognitive behavioral therapy, treatment of trauma, psychodynamic, and family therapies.
Stephanie developed and coordinates the Master’s Level Internship Training Program, and also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Social Work.
Stephanie provides treatment across the lifespan seeing children, teens, and adults in our Monroeville office. She also provides telehealth services.
“When we can talk about feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, less scary” – Fred Rogers
Phyllis Pigan is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Phyllis has a wide range of interests with specializations in substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and stress management. She utilizes a variety of counseling modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Her philosophy relies on a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to help people develop healthy coping strategies to create positive changes in their mental and emotional health.
Phyllis sees adolescents and adults in the Monroeville office and virtually.
Sherri Polhemus received her Master’s in Professional Counseling degree from Liberty University in 2015. She works with issues such as anxiety and depression, work concerns, relationship issues, and other stressors with individuals and couples. She believes in empowering others and striving for healthy self-care and balance in one’s life. Sherri is also trained and part of our Critical Incident Stress team.
Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Slippery Rock University and, a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Courtney has a wide range of interests and specializations such as behavior modification, crisis intervention, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, mental health concerns during pregnancy, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She uses a variety of therapeutic approaches and treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Humanism, Behaviorism, and Person-Centered.
Courtney believes in taking a client-centered holistic approach and personalizing each individual’s therapeutic experience to best fit their needs. She believes therapy is about creating a safe place for individuals to discover, flourish, and function as their most authentic selves.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty” – Maya Angelou
Courtney sees children and adults virtually and in person at the Shadyside and South Hills offices.
Tenley is a Licensed Social Worker. She graduated with her BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler and her Master in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.
Tenley is passionate about trauma-centered therapy and serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Her experience includes the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral concerns, ADHD, and co-occurring disorders.
Tenley sees adolescents and adults both virtually, and in the Monroeville and Shadyside offices.
Laura Rausch is a Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW). Laura obtained her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Chatham University and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pittsburgh.
Since earning her MSW, Laura has gained extensive experience in grief and loss, including infant loss. Laura also specializes in depression and anxiety.
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” — John Lennon.
Laura sees adolescents and adults in our Robinson and South Hills offices.
Dr. Manuel Reich completed his pre-medical studies at Brandeis University and received his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was a resident at the State University of New York at Downstate and a fellow at New York University/Bellevue Hospital. Before becoming Medical Director at PERSOMA, Dr. Reich was on the faculty at UPMC/WPIC. His interests are in psychotherapy and psycho-pharmacology.
Luann Richardson is a Psychiatric Certified Nurse Practitioner. Luann obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama and Master of Science in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner for Family and Occupational Health at the University of Pittsburgh. She then continued her studies at the University of Pittsburgh and obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. She completed her formal education by completing a Post–Degree Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Pittsburgh. She concurrently is an Associate Professor at Robert Morris University in the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences.
She has a wide range of interests and specializations including treating a variety of patients ages 13-100+ with behavioral health problems including mood disorders, depression and adjustment disorders, anxiety, ADHD, cognitive disorders, PTSD, and illicit drug use.
She personally believes in holistic care, appreciating the mind, body, spirit connection. Belief in recovery is important to her, thus she uses multiple interventions including medication, basic therapeutic therapies, and natural preventive strategies. She enjoys helping patients and providing her undivided attention to their unique individual needs.
Luann sees adults in our Robinson office.
Brianne Robinson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelors in Psychology at St. Vincent College and she obtained her Master in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh.
Brianne has a wide range of interests including anxiety, depression, grief, stress management, family issues, and bipolar disorder. Some of the interventions she uses are Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness strategies.
She uses a person-centered and holistic approach to therapy in order to tailor treatment according to the client’s needs.
Brianne sees adults and teenagers in the Monroeville office.
John Russo has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy. His areas of interest include mood, anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders.
John believes in integrating treatments through a trauma-informed perspective. The modalities utilized are IFS (Internal Family Systems), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and psychodynamic and mindfulness-oriented practices.
John Russo provides individual psychotherapy to those aged 18+, and up, at our Monroeville location.
Dr. Taylor Saunders is a licensed psychologist. She obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Children, Adolescents, and Family as well as Health Psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, KY.
Dr. Saunders completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Pediatric Psychology and Psychosomatic Medicine with the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Saunders has functioned as a member of an inpatient behavioral health consultation and liaison team within a pediatric medical setting and an inpatient pediatric physical rehabilitation unit. She also has experience within community mental health.
Dr. Saunders provides services across the age span of early childhood through adulthood.
Her areas of clinical expertise include the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, traumatic stress, relational concerns, disruptive behavior, somatic symptom disorders (including functional neurological symptom disorder), medical adherence, as well as adjustment and coping support related to chronic illness or injury.
Her practice style includes person-centered, interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, behavioral, and trauma-focused therapies, with a focus on the underlying elements of attachment.
Amanda Simmen is a Licensed clinical social worker. Amanda obtained her undergraduate degree from Penn State and her Masters of Social Work for the University of Pittsburgh.
Amanda is a graduate of WPIC’s Structural family therapy program and maintains certification through The Center for Family-Based Training. Amanda has received specialized training in OCD, DBT, and IFS. She also enjoys working with foster care and adoption.
Amanda is trained in and receiving consultation in EMDR through the Institute of Creative Mindfulness. She is a graduate of Capacity Building Institute where she worked with agencies and providers across systems throughout the state to advocate for individuals who are dually diagnosed and have multi-system involvement. Amanda is in the certification process to become a Registered Play Therapist.
She is trained through the Trauma Play Institute, providing care to traumatized children and families.
Jonathan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jon obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State and his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Jon has experience in working in various settings, including inpatient and residential, in-home family-based services, and outpatient working with children and adults. Jon has received training in the Eco Systemic Structural Family Therapy Model.
Mrigaya Sinha is a licensed psychologist and has been in clinical practice for over 15 years. She has worked extensively with adults facing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, chronic pain, interpersonal issues, and adjustment problems.
Mrigaya uses multiple therapeutic approaches including mindfulness-based cognitive behavior therapy (MBCBT), solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapies. She incorporates body-centered techniques that look at the connection of mind and body and uses body-based work for holistic healing. Her approach to work is eclectic and person-centered, exploring clients’ strengths and giving them the needed skills to reach their goals.
With presence, curiosity, patience, and understanding, Mrigaya is committed to helping her clients achieve insight, stability, personal growth, and self-acceptance.
Education:
PhD in Clinical Psychology from NIMHANS, India
Ages Treated:
Ages 18 and older
Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned both her Bachelor of Science Degree and her Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Wendy has a wide range of interests and specialization including depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral, and school issues.
“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light”. — Albus Dumbledore
Wendy sees children, adults, and couples in our South Hills and Robinson offices.
Amy Wineman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Amy obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including anxiety, depression, family, and adoption. She has received training in Child/Adolescent Mental Health and Family Therapy training at WPIC.
Her treatment philosophy is to help people make positive changes in their lives and families with kindness, empathy, and compassion.
Amy sees children and adults in our Monroeville office.
Jane Zwier is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Jane obtained her Master of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University. She has a wide range of interests and specializations including substance use disorders, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, stress management, and other issues that interfere with a person’s ability to achieve a healthy life balance. She has received specialized training in Seeking Safety and completed a 200-hour EmbodiYogi® teacher training in 2017 and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) with Yoga Alliance.
“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be.” – B.K.S. Lyengar
Jane sees adults in our Shadyside and Monroeville offices.
Emma is a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Pittsburgh and will graduate in April 2024. She received her BS in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Emma has a wide range of therapeutic interests but is especially passionate about providing trauma-centered therapy as well as working with anxiety disorders.
Emma has experience working with adults and teens, and previously provided case management services for homeless victims of domestic violence.
Emma sees adults and children both in-person and virtually at our Monroeville and Shadyside offices.