Valene Gifford, LMHC

Michael McNeill, LCSW, is an accomplished and creative therapist with a reputation for achieving positive outcomes. He has experience working with adults, children, families, and couples across the lifespan, from early childhood through end of life. Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he is trained in EMDR and trauma care, and blends CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches to support healing, strengthen relationships, and build resilience.

Michael provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and understood. He collaborates with clients to reframe challenges and focuses not on what is “wrong,” but on building skills and achieving meaningful goals that enhance daily life and overall well-being.

Michael begins by helping clients identify their goals and desired outcomes, then works together with them to create a clear path toward achieving those objectives. He honors each person’s perspective as the true expert of their own life, ensuring that therapy is guided by their unique experiences, values, and needs.

Penny Clark is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey in 2004. Penny also completed a one-year training to become a Certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York in 2017. Penny has more than 20 years of counseling experience and has worked with individuals, couples and families, beginning by working with 9/11 displaced workers and recovery workers, including police, firemen and EMTs, and then Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy families, after which she worked with bereaved military families, homeless veterans, and other homeless men. Penny has done individual, couples, career and relationship counseling. Penny has worked in various levels of care including inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial care programs. Penny has answered the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK, has worked in a psychiatrist’s office, and in her own private practice. Penny also worked at a drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation program.  Penny has worked with individuals with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, health and medical challenges, substance abuse, and the specific challenges that seniors face.

Penny provides a safe, therapeutic environment in which clients can share and process their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and set and reach realistic and achievable goals. Penny’s primary goal is to develop a trusting relationship with her clients and helping them to improve their lives.

Penny uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT,) Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation while working with clients. Penny enjoys assisting clients in determining where they are and where they would like to be, the steps they need to take to get there, and in identifying and overcoming any obstacles that may be in their way.

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Keren Salcedo graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2019 with a degree in Mental Health Counseling. While in school she interned at an outpatient addiction treatment center which sparked her interest in working with adults. After graduation she moved back to New York City. Keren continued her work in addiction by working at a rehab facility. She later transitioned to an outpatient clinical where she had the opportunity to work with clients across a wide of diagnosis for three years. This experience has made her more comfortable and confident supporting individuals with diverse mental health needs.

It is important to Keren that every client feels safe, heard and supported. She is passionate about creating a comfortable and friendly environment where you can speak openly and feel at ease. Keren is easygoing and approachable, and she believes in meeting clients where they are. Her goal is to build a trusting relationship where you feel comfortable to explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals at your own pace.

In the beginning, Keren's approach would be Person Centered Therapy to help build a strong therapeutic relationship and for clients to feel supported. Once we’ve established a foundation, she would tailor her approach based on the clients' presenting concerns. Keren often incorporated techniques that she has experienced and feels comfortable using, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Therapy. She also believes in being flexible and adapting her methods to fit each client's situation.

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Stephanie McGee, LCMHC, received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY, in 2011. She has provided outpatient therapy across a variety of settings, including ACTT services, group therapy focused on substance use, and individual therapy. Stephanie is passionate about creating a safe, unbiased, and nonjudgmental space where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered. She believes that life’s challenges can shift our focus, and it is her privilege to provide support, encouragement, and practical tools to help patients navigate those moments.

Stephanie works with young adults and adults, offering encouragement, guidance, and tools to help patients reach their personal goals. She views therapy as a collaborative process and emphasizes building trust, honoring diverse perspectives, and ensuring patients feel comfortable. New patients can expect a compassionate space to share their stories, identify goals, and gain a clear sense of what therapy with her will feel like.

Stephanie tailors her approach to each individual, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, among other modalities. She balances directive strategies with exploratory work, adapting her methods based on what resonates with patients. Stephanie regularly checks in for feedback, ensuring therapy remains meaningful and aligned with each person’s goals. Above all, she strives to create a supportive, collaborative process where patients feel validated, respected, and empowered.

Christine Cook is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. She is licensed in Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia. Christine is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, DBT, play therapy, and holds certifications in life coaching and EAGALA. Her diverse experience includes roles as a primary, family, adventure, equine, crisis, and expressive arts therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as private practice.

Christine is passionate about helping patients overcome life’s challenges by building on their strengths and developing healthy coping strategies. She brings a sensitive, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and genuine approach to therapy, creating a safe and accepting environment for growth and healing.

Christine tailors each session and treatment plan to a patient’s unique strengths and goals. Her respectful, empowering style integrates various therapeutic methods including solution-focused therapy, CBT, DBT, psychoeducation, IFS, and expressive arts to support personal growth and internal healing.

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Valerie Stern, LCSW, has extensive experience in hospital outpatient settings, nonprofit agencies, and private practice. She is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, MI, and IP, and is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy, having led groups for veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in recovery. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in clinical social work. She began her career working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and co-founded the Hearing Loss Association of Los Angeles, serving as its first president. Fluent in English, French, and American Sign Language, she brings a deep cross-cultural understanding from her time living in Europe and Asia.

Valerie approaches therapy with curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to creating a supportive, open environment. She helps clients challenge misconceptions and develop healthier thought patterns while fostering honesty, respect, and open communication. When appropriate, she uses humor to build connection and lighten moments in the therapeutic process.

In the first session, Valerie takes time to fully understand each client’s history and experiences to determine the best level of care. She collaborates with clients to create realistic, achievable treatment plans focused on positive behavioral and emotional change. She may incorporate homework, videos, and handouts for later reference, and uses appropriate self-disclosure to strengthen rapport and trust.