Dr. Ventura is a licensed professional counselor and President of Associates in Counseling & Wellness. She has been practicing clinically since 2004. She received her doctorate from Duquesne University in 2010 and has been clinically trained at the University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH, The Cleveland Clinic, and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Dr. Ventura also a professor at Walden University in their Graduate Counseling Department, and serves as Part-time Faculty in the Undergraduate Psychology Department at Robert Morris University. Dr. Ventura has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences, including the professions flagship professional conference, The American Counseling Association on counseling related topics and she is published in several texts regarding trauma work and clinical issues in therapy.

Professionally, Dr. Ventura adheres to the professions code of ethics and maintains active continuing education credits required for licensure. Dr. Ventura has had extensive

experience treating adults and children, couples and families struggling with various mental health and developmental conditions. She has specific training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, EMDR, and other trauma specific interventions, however, believes completely in meeting the needs of each specific individual and therefore utilizes an eclectic approach to enhance the strengths of each client. Dr. Ventura believes in the inherent strength that each person embodies and therefore, uses therapy as a place to enhance the inner experiences of each client from a holistic perspective.

She has spent a majority of her training working across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood, and within family systems. In addition, Dr. Ventura has specific training in addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, self- esteem, impulse-related conditions, self-injury, and mood disorders.

Dr. Ventura also has training in treatments specific for individuals with neurobehavioral conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Tourette's Syndrome, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Early Childhood Developmental Delays, and Anxiety Disorders and can provide resources for psychological testing in conjunction with therapeutic support within the practice.

Lastly, as a clinician, educator, and avid researcher, Dr. Ventura believes in the value of continuing education and professional organizations in the field of counseling. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and participates in the associations' trauma division. Dr. Ventura remains active in her research and writing and is currently in the process of authoring a casebook for mental health providers and counselors-in-training. She consults for local attorneys regarding conduct and behavioral assessments as part if the PA Bar Examination and she serves as a consultant to attorneys and as an expert witness on child abuse and trauma related cases.

Laura Kleemook is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor who has spent the last 14 years working as a School Counselor for grades 7-12. Laura received her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Slippery Rock University in 2007. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University in 2004. During the time she was earning her Master's she worked as a Mobile Therapist and a Behavioral Specialist for children and adolescents with Autism. Laura also worked in a co-ed residential youth home treating borderline personality disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, reactive attachment disorder, and major depressive disorder. She also spent three years working with college students performing social, emotional, interpersonal and career counseling.

While working as a School Counselor, Laura was the Student Services Department Chair and a member of the Student Assistance Program. She served on the emergency response team, the MTSS team and helped create and implement the district 339 Plan for Career Development. Laura has been trained in Suicide Prevention, Child Abuse Reporting, ALICE protocol, Domestic and Sexual Abuse Response and SAFE Zone. Laura was the head of the Counseling Department and she worked as a liaison between agencies, parents, teachers and students to ensure the accurate and efficient distribution of services to her students.

Laura enjoys attending conferences and continuing her professional development. Some of her favorite counseling theories to use include reality therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy and person centered therapy. Besides the client's motivation, Laura identifies the second most impactful part of therapy is the relationship between the client and their therapist. Laura strongly believes in advocating for her clients to help remove barriers and work towards the realization of their goals.

Gilah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Gilah's clinical experience includes working with children and adolescent teenagers, young adults, and adults with a variety of mental health concerns; anxiety, depression, negative self-talk, poor self-esteem, effects of childhood adversity, and relationship/family conflicts.

Gilah's therapeutic approach is culturally competent and person-centered, incorporating evidence-based strategies to provide meaningful support to clients in their unique circumstances. Gilah utilizes collaborative exercises and humor to create a relaxed environment for clients to play an active role in the therapeutic process.

With a passion for helping clients develop adaptability and emotional wellbeing, Gilah is committed to empowering clients to practice self-exploration and healthy communication.

Courtney is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a diverse background in both private practice and school counseling. With years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, she specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and build stronger, healthier coping mechanisms.

Courtney has a deep understanding of issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and sexual identity. Her approach is compassionate and client-centered, focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings, set meaningful goals, and develop practical skills for emotional well-being. Courtney's favorite counseling theories include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Gestalt therapy.

Courtney obtained her Undergraduate Degree at Penn State University and her Master's in Counselor Education at Duquesne University. In her time as a School Counselor, Courtney has been dedicated to ensuring equitable access to resources and support for all students. She has collaborated with students, parents, and staff to ensure an environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Courtney's favorite forms of self-care include taking long walks, listening to podcasts, reading, and dancing. When she is not working, you can find her coaching her high school dance team and trying new restaurants with friends.

In Person and Telehealth

Colleen Triffanoff is a National Board Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of PA as well as a School Counselor certified in grades K to 12.

Colleen specializes in working with children and teens with anxiety. She plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to young individuals by helping to navigate through their emotions.

Through empathy and understanding, she understands developmentally appropriate techniques while creating a safe and supportive environment to ultimately build coping skills to specifically address anxiety. She has over 25 years of experience in working with

students in grades K to 12 as school counselor where she understands the demands placed on students and has worked with thousands of families over the scope of her career with children as young as age five. Her main focus is to calm down the brain's response to anxiety in order to get back to living life to the fullest.

Colleen also has done extensive work on the topic of pain reprocessing in the brain and how to heal from chronic pain. She understands chronic pain and can help identify why it develops and persists, by recognizing behavioral patterns that identify the common behaviors and coping mechanisms that reinforce chronic pain and anxiety.

Colleen's goal is to help her clients learn that anxiety, pain and fear are all normal bodily responses to life and through guidance can truly be empowered to accept these sensations… and to move on, and to get back to life.

With a deep commitment to helping individuals thrive, Meghan brings a wealth of education, experience, and specialized training to Associates in Counseling and Wellness. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania, Meghan went on to pursue a Master's of Education in School and Community Counseling, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to support people across a variety of settings.

In addition to her formal education, Meghan is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC), a National Board-Certified School Counselor (NBCSC), an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), and holds certifications as a Clinical Trauma Therapist (CCTP I & II). She also earned a certification in Athletic Counseling, further expanding her ability to support individuals dealing with the pressures of athletics.

Throughout her career, Meghan has worked with a diverse range of clients, including children as young as 4 years old, adolescents, and adults in various environments including schools, homes, and outpatients settings . She is passionate about using evidence-based therapies such as Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to identify solutions, build resilience, and navigate life's challenges.

Whether working with children, families, or adults, Meghan is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective counseling tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Laura grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While pursuing her career and education, she worked at St. Anthony’s School Program as a life skills coach and student teacher, mainstreaming special need students into the school population. Her experience working with these challenging and amazing students sparked her desire to pursue a Master’s Degree in school counseling. Laura is a licensed school counselor and received her Master’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on low socioeconomic populations. She experienced meaningful experiences at IUP, including working as a facilitator and coordinator for several school based therapy programs. Some of her most impactful groups included: grief and loss, self-esteem building and career counseling programs.

Currently her focus is on helping young adults, adolescents, and their families with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Additionally, she specializes in peer relationships, coping skills and ADHD. Laura believes that change can be difficult for everyone and that a skilled therapist can help you to identify the change that you want to make and assist you in getting there. She confidently believes that everyone is capable of change, growth and healing and is willing to take those steps of courage alongside you.

Outside of the office, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, raising two dogs, reading, traveling and exercising. She is passionate about community service and advocating for children.

Melissa is a Nationally Certified Counselor and has experience working with children, adults, and families. She believes that every person is unique and experiences the world differently; and, that a healthy mix of humor and reality can lead to both humility and awareness, which can help one achieve their ideal self. It is for this reason that she utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment, in order to meet the needs of each client in a manner that best suits them and in an attempt to find personal peace and fulfillment.

Melissa has 10 years of experience in clinical mental health, both residential and outpatient settings. Her work in both settings was and continues to be benefitted by her ability to see the individual as a person as opposed to a diagnosis.

She has worked with various populations and have treated a multitude of issues, such as; grief and loss, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, self-esteem and family conflicts.

Ms. Mansberry admires everyone who takes the brave step into treatment and will work to assist each client to fulfill their personal goals.

Jayna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor.  She has significant research, teaching, and clinical experience with adolescents and adults struggling with various mental health issues, trauma histories, and substance abuse problems. She has specific training in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to offer an integrated approach that meets the needs of each individual client.

Jayna was trained clinically at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and has experience working with justice-involved adolescents and adults, and with adolescents and adults struggling with transitional issues (e.g., emerging adulthood, divorce, empty-nest syndrome). She is also a part time faculty member in the Graduate School at Waynesburg University. Jayna has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences on counseling related topics from trauma therapy to ethical decision-making to diversity in graduate school programs.

Jayna is in her final year of doctoral study at Duquesne University and obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Waynesburg University. She also has a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University and is a graduate of Georgetown University. She is a member the international honor society of professional counseling Chi Sigma Iota – Delta Upsilon Chapter. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and served for two years on their Ethics Committee. She is also a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Counseling Association (GPCA) and has served on their board, as well as the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe that all individuals have the right to experience themselves in what they define as their best possible form. I use an integrative, eclectic approach so that I may best meet the needs of each individual client, and strive to promote continued personal growth.

I have more than 10 years of experience working with diverse populations spanning a variety of issues and diagnoses, such as, but not limited to; depression and
anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem and peer-related issues.

I have specialized training in domestic violence and related issues, and have trained hospital staff, agency workers and local law enforcement in the recognition of and response to these issues. I have advanced training in other areas of trauma, including; sexual assault, rape, grief, childhood abuse and neglect.

In addition, I have experience working in community mental health, as well as with families involved with Children and Youth Social Service agencies. I have co-facilitated court mandated seminars for families involved in custody disputes, which focuses on maintaining effective communication and healthy interaction within the family system.

Overall, I believe in the inherent strengths that individuals possess. I believe in the capacity for change and in the hope that individuals are in constant pursuit of their best possible self. I look forward to accompanying you on that journey.

Stephanie is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed behavior specialist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has over 10 years’ experience working clinically in the behavioral health field, with children and their families. Her experience includes working with various childhood disorders including autism spectrum disorders, behavior disorders, and ADHD. Her extensive clinical history includes experience utilizing various therapeutic approaches including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, teaching and modeling behavior modification techniques for parents, and social skills training. Stephanie believes that when one family member is experiencing difficulties the whole family is affected. She believes in working with the entire family in order to sustain lifelong change and wellness within the family unit.

Stephanie also has experience counseling adolescents addressing various clinical issues including difficulties forming attachments, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, ineffective coping skills, sexual abuse trauma, sexual identity issues, depression, anxiety, anger management issues and low self-efficacy. Stephanie strives to support the strengths of the child/adolescent by providing a supportive experience in order to foster healthy self-esteem and a positive sense of self.

In addition to her work with children and families Stephanie has experience working with adults with various diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. She demonstrates skills in addressing presenting problems including difficulties with interpersonal communication and developing and maintaining close personal relationships, low self-esteem, ineffective or unhealthy coping mechanisms, and emotional dysregulation.

Stephanie obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Waynesburg University and is a second year doctoral student in the Counseling Education and Supervision program at Duquesne University. She is a member the international honor society of professional counseling Chi Sigma Iota – Delta Upsilon Chapter, is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA), and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).

Stephanie believes in utilizing an integrative approach to counseling in order to best meet the needs of each client. Stephanie utilizes approaches from various counseling theories including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); solution focused brief therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and behavioral therapy techniques. Stephanie has had specific training in DBT and Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA). Stephanie has continued to accrue continuing education credits in various topics including concurrent treatment of sexual victimization and sex offending behaviors, parent-child relationship therapy, family counseling, counseling parents, child and adolescent counseling interventions, counseling in the social media age, child-centered filial family therapy, evidence-based interventions in play therapy for traumatized children, dialectical behavior therapy with adolescents, perfectionism and relationships, motivational interviewing, impact therapy, and person-centered treatment planning.
Professionally Stephanie is dedicated to working with individuals, families, and couples. Many people come to counseling looking for answers from the counselor. Sometimes this may be necessary however; Stephanie believes that the answer that the individual is looking for lies within and counseling assists the client in discovering his or her own personal wellness.

“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself” - Galileo