GET TO KNOW US
Spring-Ford Counseling Services (SFCS), established in 1994, is a non-profit agency that
addresses the emotional and educational needs of the surrounding communities.
addresses the emotional and educational needs of the surrounding communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide therapeutic, professional and educational services, in the most ethical manner possible, to all people requesting assistance in the areas of mental health and substance abuse. Here at Spring-Ford Counseling Services, we are committed to treating every client with the highest level of respect and personal attention to their needs.
Meet Our Team
The
Spring-Ford Counseling staff is comprised of:
Certified Addictions Counselors • Family and Marriage Counselors • Licensed Clinical Social Workers • Licensed Professional Counselors • Prevention Specialists
Our team
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Louisa Pieri, MS, CAACD
CERTIFIED ADVANCED ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR
Louisa is the Executive Director of Spring-Ford Counseling Services. She provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment for her clients to learn about addiction, while motivating them to make significant life changes. Louisa utilizes the disease concept combined with cognitive-behavioral techniques. She received her Masters of Counseling degree from Loyola University in Maryland.
Amanda Williams, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Amanda approaches the therapeutic journey holistically, using a number of approaches based on the individual
goals of her clients. She believes in her clients ability to impact positive change on their own lives, and she provides guidance and support throughout the process. Amanda received her Master of Arts in Clinical Professional Counseling degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
Shardae Wescott, LCSW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Shardae believes that listening to someone who is in need is the pathway to healing and the relief of one’s suffering. Through years of clinical experience, Shardae has learned that there is an art to listening that requires skill, discipline, and patience. She is aware of the importance of having a safe place to be truly vulnerable. Shardae welcomes all parts of the individual, couple, or family receiving care, without assumption or judgment. In practice, her goal is to bear witness, hold space, validate experiences, and help the individual listen to and trust in oneself. Through a strengths-based approach, Shardae supports individuals with developing healthy coping skills in order to manage triggers, and feel empowered to navigate day-to-day life. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University.
Katherine Schenk, MA, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Katherine is a theoretically integrated clinician who places value on a client centered approach. She supports individuals in identifying challenges and constructing achievable goals in order to build insight and confidence for success. Katherine received her Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology and in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Kristin Paulson, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Kristin’s great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience. I help my clients who include children, adults and families find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, grateful, whole and safe. With over 25 years of private practice experience, she still absolutely loves her work. Kristin received her Master of Social Work from Temple University.
Ariana Labenskyj, MSCP, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Ariana received her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh. She supports her clients by identifying and changing thought patterns leading to maladaptive coping skills. Ariana integrates various approaches to treatment depending on individual needs. Some of these include social cognitive theory, cognitive behavioral treatment and solution-focused treatment. Ariana has experience working in substance abuse treatment and has provided Anger Management, Domestic Violence and Sex Offender treatments.
Donna Krieger, M Ed.
MASTER'S LEVEL COUNSELOR
Donna has over 20 years of direct experience as a caseworker for Montgomery and Chester County CYS, Catholic Charities and Concern Youth and Family Services working with foster, adoptive, kinship and birth families, understanding the emotional conflict of protecting children and preserving families. Currently Donna works in our Intervention Programs providing education and support for those struggling with substance use, anger and self-care. Donna helps individuals focus on their strengths and healthy ways to move toward improving one’s life one step at a time. Donna received her Masters of Education from Temple University.
Josette Grady, MSW, LCSW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Josette considers it a privilege to walk with clients through their greatest challenges and deepest pain, and is inspired by the strength and resilience that clients have. Her approach as a clinician is always person-centered and individualized. She believes clients are the expert on themselves, and she works to collaborate with them in determining the best strategies to support them in working towards their personal goals. As such, she pulls from various evidence-based therapies (including CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing) and is eclectic in her approach to best meet each person's unique needs. Her goal as a clinician is for clients to feel heard, empowered and given the tools and skills necessary to care for themselves and make meaningful change, and to feel supported along the way. Her clinical experience includes working with adolescent and adult clients, providing individual, couples, and family therapy. She has worked as both a clinician and a clinical supervisor in mental health and substance use disorder treatment settings at all levels of care- residential, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. She values providing a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for all clients. Josette received her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University.
Diana Finesmith, M.S.Ed, LPC, NCC, CCTP
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Diana utilizes a person-centered and strengths-based approach that incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices in order to foster meaningful change and personal growth amongst her clients. She received her Master of Science in Education in School & Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016.
Renée J. Cardone, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Renée believes in social work’s prevailing philosophy that people are best understood in the context of their environment- family, work, school, community, culture, etc. She draws from and integrates various approaches to treatment, including ego psychology, relational theory, cognitive behavioral treatment, systems theory, solution-focused and problem solving approaches. Renée received her Masters in Social Work from the Smith College School for Social Work.
Kathryn Beccaria, MS, LMFT
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Kathryn helps individuals resolve their problems in the context of their family units, utilizing the family systems approach. Kathryn received her Bachelor of Arts in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Temple University and Master of Science with specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College.
Bryan Bankes MA, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Bryan utilizes reality therapy and motivational interviewing to assist clients work towards personal growth by improving their decision making processes. Bryan has experience working with clients with serious mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, as well as a litany of other mental health disorders. Bryan has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. Bryan received his Master of Arts from Immaculata University and is currently a doctoral candidate at Duquesne University.
Bryan Bankes MA, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Bryan utilizes reality therapy and motivational interviewing to assist clients work towards personal growth by improving their decision making processes. Bryan has experience working with clients with serious mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, as well as a litany of other mental health disorders. Bryan has experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. Bryan received his Master of Arts from Immaculata University and is currently a doctoral candidate at Duquesne University.
Michelle Sipe
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Michelle joined Spring-Ford Counseling Services in 2000. She brings many organizational and managerial talents to her role as office manager, as well as a flair for client services. Michelle is the person responsible for scheduling all appointments at our office location in Royersford.
Michelle Sipe
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Michelle joined Spring-Ford Counseling Services in 2000. She brings many organizational and managerial talents to her role as office manager, as well as a flair for client services. Michelle is the person responsible for scheduling all appointments at our office location in Royersford.
