Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a focus on children, adolescents, and young adults. She specializes in helping children manage and cope with anxiety, depression, and trauma (separation from a primary caregiver, death of a loved one, sexual abuse, foster care, other stressors) and has been practicing since 2013. Samantha is also adept at helping parents manage their children’s challenging behaviors. She is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and the Incredible Years.

Samantha obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She enjoys utilizing a strengths–based blended approach culled from dyadic therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy in order to individualize therapy to best meet clients’ needs. She firmly believes in reducing the stigma associated with mental health care and enabling others to live their best lives.

SAMANTHA STRUM

MS, LPC

Skylar is a graduate of Pennsylvania State Erie, The Behrend College with a BA in Psychology. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Skylar has been providing Intensive Behavioral Health Services to children and their families in the home, community, and school settings beginning in 2017.

After several years of working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, Skylar transitioned to working with children and their families who have experienced traumatic life events. Using strategies from multiple orientations, Skylar works to create an environment that promotes strengths, healing, growth, and healthy attachments. 

SKYLAR AMOROSE

MSCP

Brittney D. Singletary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who attended the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work Program and received an MSW in Mental Health and Integrated Health. Throughout her six years of experience Brittney has provided care to youth ranging from early childhood to late adolescents and their families in variety of settings.

Brittney’s areas of focus are early childhood trauma, acute/chronic/complex trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression and family conflict resolution. She has worked with families in navigating school behavioral health, IEP meetings, behavior modification techniques and familial interpersonal communication. She specializes in helping children develop increased coping skills, social emotional development, and interpersonal skillsets. Brittney has used her training in Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Incredible Years (IY)- Small Group Dina and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to help individuals overcome significant stressors that impede the life span and improve resiliency for the client.

As an LCSW, Brittney is multifaceted and utilizes a person-center fundamental framework. Her psychotherapy approaches consist of dyadic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, play therapy and attachment-based therapy. Her diverse and profound skillset has allowed her to provide optimal care and empowerment to all individuals in need of social and mental health services.

BRITTNEY D. SINGLETARY

MSW, LCSW

Gabriela Mance is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. Gabriela received her B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University in 2013, and she continued her education at Kent State University earning her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2015. Gabriela began her practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and continued her practice and training to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with training supervision designation in Ohio before she became licensed in Pennsylvania.

Gabriela’s experience includes providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders with a focus on but not limited to, anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, trauma, ADHD, and disruptive behavior. Gabriela has experience providing individual, group, and family counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. Gabriela continued her education and training in early childhood mental health, receiving a credential as an Ohio Early Childhood Mental Health Professional.

In order to best support children and families, Gabriela is knowledgeable in the Incredible Years Program, Conscious Discipline, Devereux Early Childhood Assessments, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy techniques, Ethics, Diversity, and Zero Suicide. Gabriela enjoys providing services to children and families in order for them to grow and accomplish their own goals.

GABRIELA POMPEO

LPC

Stephanie graduated from California University of PA in 2013 with a BA in psychology and a sociology minor. She later returned to California University of PA where she obtained a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019. Additionally, she has a certification in Addictive Disorders, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Stephanie is actively working towards state licensure. 

Stephanie has experience working with adults, families, and children ages 5-18, in school and community settings. Over the last 10 years she worked at the partial hospitalization level of care, a behavioral health school, and presently works at an intensive out-patient program for drug and alcohol addiction. Stephanie has worked with a myriad of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to anxiety, depression, autism, suicide, addiction, behavioral, self-harm and ADHD. She is also familiar and closely involved with, foster care.

Stephanie believes that creativity, imagination and a true interest in a child’s individuality are crucial to counseling. With parents, she provides a space to grow and learn with their child that is free of judgement and respectful of the family unit. Stephanie employs an approach that validates, explores, teaches, supports, challenges, encourages, and empowers. She facilitates an environment where strengths are celebrated and growth and change are possible. Stephanie implements a holistic style that often includes some combination of strength-based, play, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, person-centered, and solution focused therapies. In this way, she hopes to work together with the client to help them achieve self-determined goals. 

Stephanie Craig

MS, NCC

Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in perinatal/postpartum mood disorders and early childhood social emotional needs including attachment and emotional regulation through a family focused perspective. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and MS degree in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University with a completion of an Infant Mental Health certificate program.

Upon graduation, Stephanie worked with children and families receiving wraparound services within Allegheny county while earning her professional counselor licensure. In 2015, Stephanie shifted focus to working with individuals dealing with perinatal/postpartum mood disorders including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, traumatic birth, and infertility.

While addressing maternal mental health concerns, Stephanie utilizes an infant mental health focus in order to strengthen the attachment formed between the child and caregivers. She believes there is a need to increase the education provided to expecting families regarding the postpartum period as well as services available.

LPC, BSL, NCC

STEPHANIE D WIER

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Kara (she/her) is a graduate of Florida State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Kara’s experience includes working collaboratively with children, adolescents, and their families to identify tailored approaches to promote resiliency and flourishing within the family structure.

Kara’s areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, adjustment concerns, depression, disruptive behaviors, and family conflict resolution. She specializes in applying creativity to assist children in developing increased coping skills, social-emotional development, and interpersonal skills. While Kara defines her approach as strengths-based person-centered at its core, she also utilizes elements of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, and systemic therapy. Kara is an LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity-affirming therapist. 

Kara Ziringer

MSCP

Katelyn earned her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Duquesne University. She then went on to graduate from The University of Pittsburgh with her masters in Applied Developmental Psychology. 

While she worked as both a preschool teacher and childcare director early in her career, for the past fourteen years Katelyn has been an educational coach and consultant. She has spent time consulting in early childhood classrooms on topics including enriching classroom environments, defining teacher roles and responsibilities, and implementing developmentally appropriate practice. However, the focus of Katelyn’s work has always been on supporting young children with challenging behaviors and the teachers and families who care for them. She believes in the importance of early childhood education and that with the right supports in place, all children can grow and thrive in their learning environments.

Katelyn is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Alliance for Infant Mental Health as an Early Childhood Family Specialist and is also a PQAS certified instructor with the PA Key. 

katelyn collins

Education Director

Sarah is a graduate of Lock Haven University with a BS in Psychology and earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Sarah has been practicing since 2014, starting with individuals with autism and moving into the community mental health setting before joining Sprout. 

Sarah’s experience includes working with children, adolescents, and young adults utilizing an eclectic approach of Cognitive Behavioral, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Play Therapy based on the unique needs of each individual. Sarah’s areas of focus are on anxiety, depression, mood management, ADHD, conflict resolution, and skill building. Sarah’s passions lie within providing treatment to LGBTQIA+ youth and believes strongly in the advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and equal rights for all. 

sarah mcdonald

MSCP, LPC

Arti Maharaj is a licensed professional counselor. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at La Roche College and her Masters of Fine Arts degree in Clinical-Community Psychology at Point Park University. She offers individual therapy for kids between the ages of 6-18 and family treatment. She has extensive experience in community and outpatient services with children, adolescents, and families. She has 8 years of experience working in the field with depression, anxiety, autism spectrum ADHD, PTSD, and numerous other mental health disorders. She began employment with Intensive Behavioral Health Services providing in-home services to children and their families. As a practicum student she was trained to use Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also trained in Alternative for Families-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. While employed with WPH’s Behavioral Health Community Services she developed more experience in the community through Outpatient/School Based Services and has developed knowledge of student support to help support parents in seeking support for children in school. During her time with this department she also received specialized training for children with ADHD through the use of COPE Strategies and was also trained in Structural Family Therapy during her time there. She also identifies as a multicultural therapist and exercises cultural competence and has worked with a number of diverse populations.

arti maharaj

LPC

Meghan is a Licensed Professional counselor, with a focus on children and adolescents. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with depression, anxiety, ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorder. She has spent the last four years providing in-home family therapy services to families struggling to navigate normal life stressors in conjunction with their child’s mental health concerns.  

Meghan received her undergraduate degree in psychology from La Roche University. She continued her education at Chatham University where she earned a Masters of Counseling Psychology. During this time Meghan provided treatment to children with Autism in a classroom setting. She also has experience with preschool aged children, children in foster care and teen parents. 

Meghan has experience with Structural Family Therapy interventions, mindfulness and errorless teaching strategies. She believes all children have the potential to be successful despite any difficulties they might be facing.  

meghan spears

LPC

Caitlin received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a concentration in public relations from West Virginia University. She then went on to pursue her passion of helping others and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University.

Caitlin is a Nationally Certified Counselor and has experience working with children ages 3 to 17 with a wide range of presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use. She also has recent experience working at a college counseling center with students ages 17 to 28. In her sessions, Caitlin values her clients’ individuality and strives to help them maintain their sense of self-worth while guiding them to a healthy lifestyle.

Caitlin Cuomo

MSCP

Michelle Altman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in pediatric mental health. She is passionate about working with families to address common concerns such as anxiety, stress management, depression, and emotion dysregulation. She values meeting clients “where they are” and helping clients navigate life’s challenges using the power of empathy and validation. Michelle earned her Masters in Social Work (MSW) and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Trauma-Informed Care from Syracuse University (Go, Orange!) Michelle is also proud to be a Latinx, bilingual provider; offering therapy services in both English and Spanish.

michelle altman

LCSW

Holly is a graduate of Carlow University with a BA is Early Childhood Education. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Holly spent 8 years as an early childhood educator working with infants through preschool-aged children. With this experience she developed an understanding of child development and ways to support children developmentally, socially, and cognitively. Through her work, Holly had developed an understanding the importance of working collaboratively with families to find the best ways to support children. Through her work, Holly uses play therapy, strength-based, person-centered, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques. Holly believes in working collaboratively with each child to recognize and further develop their strengths and capabilities.

holly CAMARDA

MSCP, LPC

Allie graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2014 with a B.S in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. Not long after graduation, she moved to Nashville and started a career in hospitality and event planning. Allie moved back to Pittsburgh with her husband and son to be closer to family in 2018. She continued her career in hospitality and event planning at a hotel downtown until the pandemic began and the hotel closed down. She found herself as a stay at home mom (which she always dreamed of being able to do!) and welcomed their baby girl in August 2020. She is now back in the workforce, loving every minute of helping the community through Sprout Center and is excited for her future with the company!

ALLIE EARNEST

Office Manager

Kara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received a BA in Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2001, an MS in Applied Developmental Psychology from University of Pittsburgh in 2006, and an MSEd in Community Counseling from Duquesne University in 2013. She has been working in the field of mental health for 20 years in most levels of care, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, in-home, and in schools. Most recently, she has spent time working as a mental health treatment specialist for preschool aged children on the Autism spectrum, as a family based mental health therapist, and as a school based therapist. Kara employs a strengths-based, client-centered approach in her work with children, adolescents, and their families. This approach includes techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, the use of play and art, and mindfulness techniques.

KARA SAUERWEIN

LPC

Rachel Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who attended the University of Cincinnati's School of Social Work Program and received an MSW in Mental Health. Rachel has worked with children and their families in home, school, and community settings for the past 5 years.

Rachel has specialized in working with children on the Autism Spectrum and those diagnosed with behavioral disorders as well as depression and anxiety. Rachel works to help children develop enhanced coping skills, social emotional development, interpersonal skills, and more. Rachel utilizes a strengths-based, client-centered approach in her work.

Rachel Jones

LCSW

Katie has been a passionate advocate and determined worker for child and adolescent health, wellness, and safety for over 20 years. Her previous professional experiences are in behavioral psychology, kinesiology, and communications. She is a graduate of Stetson University with her Masters of Science in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy, a certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a certificate in Play and Expressive Arts Therapy. Katie began her therapeutic work focused on serving adolescents and families in the foster care system at a group home, as well as, adult individuals, adolescents, children, and families at a community mental health agency. Her practice includes serving individuals of diverse backgrounds and cultures, who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and self harm, eating disorders, and grief. 

Based on these experiences and in conjunction with her training in adoption competency, play therapy, sand tray, psychodrama, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed techniques, Gottman Couples Therapy, Prepare/Enrich, expressive arts techniques, suicide prevention, multicultural competency, and mindfulness, Katie focuses on providing an integrated counseling approach to meet each individual client where they are. She utilizes a Person-Centered, Attachment-Based, Satir Transformational Systemic foundation, with techniques that draw from Dialetical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, and Expressive Arts. 
Katie believes in walking alongside and working collaboratively with her clients on their journeys toward wellness and healing. Her passion is with children and families in the adoption and foster care communities, as well as increasing access to mental health services and expanding current therapeutic structures to be more inclusive and culturally representative and respectful for all.

KATIE MERCADANTE, MFT

Regine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focusing her work with children, adolescents, and families across all life domains. As a graduate from University of Pittsburgh, she is an experienced clinician with over 15 years of experience. She has provided services in the home, school, and community settings; as well as working with children with special needs, children and families who are involved with foster care and child welfare system. 

Regine’s area of expertise is in childhood trauma, social-emotions regulation, behavioral disorders and children on the Autism Spectrum. She values involvement from caregivers to better enhance the child and family functioning as a unit. Regine utilizes Solution Focus therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy techniques and Zones of Regulation. Along with these approaches, Regine has helped family understand how trauma impacts daily life functioning, providing psychoeducation to caregivers on how to effectively gain an understanding of their child’s behaviors, and teach children to develop tools to manage their own emotions and feelings. 

Regine RAWA

LCSW

Lauren is a graduate from Saint Vincent College, with her BS in Psychology. She went on to earn her MA in Forensic Psychology at Marymount University, followed by earning a MA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Lauren has been working in the mental health field for 10 years, providing services in different levels of care including inpatient, in-home, residential, and Intensive Behavioral Health Services.

She has spent her time working with children, adolescents, and their families helping them to manage and cope with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and other behavioral disorders across the home, school, and community settings. In her approach, Lauren utilizes play therapy, strength-based, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness techniques. Lauren believes in meeting the child where they are, developing one’s strengths and abilities in order to promote growth, healing and becoming one’s best self. 

LAUREN WAUGAMAN-SCKONIECZNY

MSCP