Our Staff
Our highly compassionate staff and clinicians help clients heal traumatic responses to traumatic events through a variety of best practices and empirically found interventions.
Rooted in a shared belief of hope and compassion, we strive to heal and restore those impacted by trauma through a combined practice of counseling, creative expression and wellness.
Center for Hope and Healing, LLC is a trauma informed counseling practice that is specialized and designed to treat children and adults who have become imbalanced from traumatic responses to distressing and/or life threatening event(s) either directly or indirectly, in any facet of functioning and living. We offer hope and healing to children, adolescents, adults and their families.
Our highly compassionate staff and clinicians help clients heal traumatic responses to traumatic events through a variety of best practices and empirically found interventions. Members of the clinical staff utilize interventions including; TF CBT, CBT, EMDR art therapy, play therapy, and motivational interviewing. The Center for Hope and Healing, LLC takes a creative approach to healing those affected by trauma responses to trauma experiences through blending trauma therapy with artistic expression and wellness.
Toinette “Toni“ Shearer
LPC, CCTP, CATP, CJSOTS
OWNER/DIRECTOR
Toinette “Toni” Shearer has been providing counseling and leadership in human and social services for 31 years.
Ms. Shearer earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1991 from Antioch New England Graduate School. Her class was a prototype for what would soon become a degree in Marriage and Family.
Despite an ongoing passion and commitment for working with children and adults who identify with being abused, professional circumstances created opportunity for her to become additionally specialized in working with adult sexual offenders, youth with problematic sexual behaviors and perpetrators of family violence. Ms. Shearer’s commitment has always been for those most vulnerable and doing her part to make communities, families, and individuals safer from emotional, physical and sexual violence.
Ms. Shearer feels fortunate to have had opportunities to be creative and develop cutting edge programming. Such programming included chaperone training, a visitation center and an in home, intensive program for youth with problematic sexual behaviors.
Ms. Shearer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA who is specialized in sexual and family violence. Ms. Shearer is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional and Certified Family Trauma Professional, through the International Association of Trauma Professionals and also is certified as both; a Juvenile Sexual Offender Treatment Specialist and an Assessor of Juvenile Sexual Offender Risk.
The Center of Hope and Healing, LLC is a dream come true which grew from a culmination of personal and professional experiences, a deep commitment for non-violence and a desire to help people feel less pain while finding hope, safety and balance.
Jennifer Julick
LPC CCTP CJSOTS
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Jennifer or “Jenny” is responsible for providing clinical oversight at the Center. Jennifer also provides supervision and support to all therapists and interns.
Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor who obtained her Master of Science degree (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) at Shippensburg University. She has over 11 years’ experience in a variety of mental health settings, including a group home, specialized in home family-based services, on-call crisis worker and private practice.
As a clinician, Jennifer’s commitment is to meet clients where they are to create trust and safety, help them to develop a sense of empowerment and learn ways to heal parts of oneself that have been neglected or harmed. Jennifer wants therapy to be an opportunity to be open and verbalize deep emotions without restraint or fear of judgment. Through this process, the goal is to assist clients in developing a healthy perception of themself, strengthening their relationships, and letting go of shame. Jennifer recognizes that there is no “one size fits all” in therapy and thus utilizes multiple approaches such as Gestalt therapy, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, acceptance, and commitment therapy (ACT) and solution-focused techniques to name a few.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time at home with her cats and husband, catching up with loved ones or exploring new travel locations.
Allison Mohney
BSW CJSOTS
COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR
Allison is the Compliance Director at the Center for Hope and Healing. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kutztown University and has been working in the mental health field for 11 years.
At the Center, Allison is responsible for compliance issues and determining clients most appropriate to be served by the Center. Allison assists in scheduling new and returning clients as well as meets with clients prior to their intake to complete the necessary paperwork to make the first session with their therapists more personal and less about the required paperwork.
Allison will often assist clients in completing applications for medical assistance and disability, assist with resume building, applying for employment or other ways to enhance the lives of those we serve. She can help with any questions related to case management and regulatory compliance.
Outside of work, you can find Allison traveling or with her husband and their ”fur dogter,” Laguna.
Nia Johnson-Shearer
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
Nia is the Finance Director at the Center for Hope and Healing and will be celebrating her 6th year in 2023.
Nia started as an Administrative Assistant and has worked her way to her current position. Nia is responsible for financial oversight that keeps the Center growing and able to serve clients.
Nia enjoys all aspects of her position including getting to know about those we serve, as well as our staff. She is the point of contact for any questions pertaining to insurances and billing for our Center.
Nia prides herself on knowing all clients by name, being kind, and compassionate.
Our Clinicians
Rebecca Singer
LPC CCTP, CAIMHP, CGCS, CAADC, CCPG
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Rebecca has been working in the Human Services field since 1996 and as a therapist since 2007. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Shippensburg University and then continued on to earn a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Shippensburg University. Since then, she has earned additional certifications/credentials including but not limited to Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with a supplemental credential in Gambling Counseling (CCPG), Certified Grief Counselor (CGCS), and Certified Addictions Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP). In addition to the trainings and education, she brings much personal and professional experience to therapy but also learns much from those she works.
Rebecca takes an eclectic approach to therapy that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. “We work together to identify concerns and strategies to help overcome challenges to improve one’s life to promote comfort and healing.” She specializes in trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and addictions. She provides individual, family, and group sessions and during sessions and incorporates expressive arts including music and art as well as using humor. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, elderly, people with co-occurring diagnoses, and intellectual disabilities.
Rebecca recognizes and accepts that trust and comfort take time and respects these processes. She encourages everyone to express their needs and wants openly. Rebecca provides a warm and accepting environment and want everyone to feel physically and emotionally comfortable and safe in her office.
In her free time, she greatly enjoys spending time with her family (husband, dad, fur babies), doing volunteer work with local cat rescues, reading, listening to music, crafting, and lucky, spending time exploring Cape May, New Jersey. She truly believes in embracing the healing qualities of pets and humor in both her personal and professional life.
Erin Murphy
LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Erin Murphy received her undergraduate degree from Penn State Harrisburg University and her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Shippensburg University.
She has worked at various levels of the mental health system for over eight years, although enjoys the diversity of the outpatient setting most.
Erin has received training in TF-CBT, CPT, and DBT with future ambitions to jump into learning EMDR to further aid in helping clients heal.
She resonates most with the work of Irving Yalom and Gabor Maté, which translates into her work of being an instrument for her clients’ journey in finding meaning.
Cameron Burns
LPC, MS, NCC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Cameron is experienced working with individuals and groups. He has experience working with teens and young adults developing life and social skills. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from Millersville University in 2013 and Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2018 from Shippensburg University. While working on his master’s degree, he worked as an intern with the Center for Hope and Healing and was formally hired in 2019.
He takes a humanistic and experiential approach to counseling in general but takes an eclectic approach and adjusts his style to fit each client’s needs and preference. He describes himself as a “huge nerd” and loves anime, videogames, and tabletop games and does his best to incorporate those interests when it is appropriate in therapy. He is happily married and lives with his wife and two cats. He is teaching himself Japanese for fun.
Alan Wenrich
PhD, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Dr. Wenrich is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience in providing counseling for individuals and couples. He is a certified clinical trauma professional and a certified EMDR therapist. He specifically treats adolescents and adults with traumatic memories – PTSD, issues of depression, and anxiety, and couples with relationship problems.
His educational achievements included a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The Union Institute and University in Cincinnati Ohio, a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling from The Theology School at Drew University in Madison, N.J., a Master of Divinity degree in pastoral counseling from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, PA, and a Bachelor of Social Science in psychology from Penn State University Capital Campus. He was ordained a Lutheran pastor and is now retired from active ministry.
Outside of his professional life, Alan loves to sing Bass with The Harrisburg Singers and the chancel and concert choirs at Trinity Lutheran Church. He also enjoys playing golf although he states that he does that poorly, and he enjoys fishing although the catching part leaves a lot to be desired.
Christa Restifo
MA
THERAPIST
Christa is passionate about working with individuals who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional and psychological trauma through modalities such as DBT, CPT, TF-CBT, as well as anyone who is simply looking to have greater mindfulness of the ways that their mental health may be impacting other areas of their lives.
In Christa’s personal life she is passionate about her own physical and mental health, focusing heavily on the correlations between “food and mood” and the ways to intervene with unhealthy habits that may progress to interrupting the mind/body connection.
Sarah Mathes
ATR
THERAPIST
Sarah’s journey of becoming a registered art therapist (ATR) and therapist began with a love for art and a passion for helping people. During my senior semester in my Bachelor’s program for Art at Shippensburg University, I found healing through art.
The search for a master’s program specific to counseling with art methods was a difficult one in 2011 and 2012, and she was limited in choices for locations. Sarah began commuting to Pittsburgh, weekly, for graduate courses and as a single mother this became a challenge to balance, so she sought out an online program in the state of Indiana about halfway through the master’s program.
For over ten years she has worked and volunteered with children, adults and the elderly using art as therapy in such programs as; “after school,” supervision of child reunification, and therapeutic support for children who were diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, ODD and on the Autism spectrum.
In the fall of 2018, Sarah joined the Center for Hope and Healing for her internship and practicum, and has been here ever since. We are grateful to have her.
Her free time is not really free as a single mom of a teenager. Her time away from the Center is filled with baseball practices and games, family events and movie nights as well as long walks with my and black lab named Oso.
Amanda Shull
EdD, MSW, MSPEd
THERAPIST
Amanda is a therapist at the Center for Hope and Healing. Amanda has her master’s in social work (MSW, 2012) from Temple University, a master’s in special education (MSPEd, 2021) from Shippensburg University, and a Doctorate in Education, Leadership and Management (EdD, 2019) from Drexel University. Amanda’s past research and dissertation included how effective programs and services are improving student success with the goal of holistic learning. She is a former family law paralegal, emotional support intern at a local school district and a behavior specialist/mobile therapist and enjoys working with families through a systems-based perspective. Amanda enjoys working with children, adults, and families through trauma informed care from a strengths-based perspective while using empathy, encouragement, cognitive behavioral techniques, family therapy, as well as behavior modification. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Laongdao “Laura” Estavillo
MS
THERAPIST
Laura has a master’s degree in Counseling, in both Clinical Mental Health and College Counseling Specialization, from Shippensburg University. Over the past couple of years, she has garnered experience in both outpatient counseling and college counseling settings. Laura uses a strength-based, humanistic approach to counseling and provides therapeutic services to her clients including adults, couples, college students, teens, and children.
Laura holds the belief that her clients have the capabilities within themselves to overcome their struggles and that it is her job to help them harness that potential through growth and self-actualization. She enjoys using modalities such as mindfulness, inner child work techniques, internal family systems techniques, DBT skills, CBT, and motivational interviewing techniques. Through this, Laura believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and uses the therapeutic models of Rogers and Gestalt to help guide clients through their journey of self-empowerment and healing. Laura also uses her strength in multicultural counseling skills to provide an inclusive space for all.
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and three dogs (Olly, Milo, Daisy), lifting weights, being outdoors (in the warm weather) and traveling.
Taylor Grimes
MA
THERAPIST
Taylor recently received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern University. Taylor is working toward her LPC licensure. Taylor has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has a variety of experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, self-harm/ suicidal ideation, substance/ alcohol use and eating disorders. Through her work, she strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how that has impacted them, and create a new reality that is more fulfilling.
Gwen Burns
LSW
THERAPIST
As a therapist, Gwen is committed to working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages who are seeking to make a positive difference in their lives. Gwen sees the potential and strengths within their clients and seeks to empower their clients through providing approaches and techniques that are applicable to their client’s unique experiences and needs. Gwen works together with their clients to create a plan to help reach their client’s personal goals.
Gwen graduated from Shippensburg University in May of 2022 with their Master’s in Social Work. Gwen is passionate about social justice issues and believes that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard and valued. As someone who has experience working with the LGBTQIA+ communities, Gwen aims to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for their clients to be their authentic self.
In their free time, Gwen can be seen hanging out with their cats while they make art or play video games. Gwen’s favorite self-care plan includes going out for a walk-in nature.
Haley Adams
MS, BS Nutrition and Dietetics
THERAPIST
Haley recently received her master’s degree at Messiah University. She has experience as a Registered Dietitian working with individuals who have diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and eating disorders. Haley is passionate about combining her dietetics background and counseling degree to help clients who are struggling with eating disorders by improving their relationship with food and body image. She hopes to bring warmth, compassion, and a judgment-free space for clients to express themselves, feel empowered, and find emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational healing. Haley is committed to collaborating with clients of various backgrounds to bring deeper self-awareness as they navigate the complexities of life and work towards their desired goals. In her free time, Haley enjoys hiking with her husband and puppy, exploring new places, and trying new food.
Jessica McGhee
MA
THERAPIST
Jessica has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Arcadia University. During her time there, she completed a thesis creating a training for resident assistants to gain knowledge and awareness of LGBTQIA+ community prior to beginning their jobs on campus. Over the years, Jessica has gained experience in outpatient, college, school based, and substance abuse counseling over a variety of settings. She utilizes a strengths-based, collaborative approach to counseling and provides services to primarily adults, teens, and children.
Jessica believes strongly in working with her clients to achieve their goals, make positive changes in their lives, and overcome their obstacles. She enjoys using modalities such as motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT skills, and CPT. Jessica believes it is always important to view each individual’s situation and experiences through the lenses of trauma, cultural experiences, and attachment. She strongly believes in building the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client as an important part of treatment to create an inclusive and safe space for her clients.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and dog (Koda), crafting, being with family, learning new things, and spending time outside.
David Moore
MA
THERAPIST
David has experience working with individuals across the lifespan as well as couples, and is passionate about empowering all individuals to grow, develop, and accomplish their goals and objectives. As a former high school educator and school-based therapist, he has more than two decades of experience helping teens and young adults develop social and interpersonal skills. David is adept at instilling hope, motivation, confidence, and resilience, while prioritizing compassionate self-reliance. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2016 and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 from Colorado Christian University.
He employs a rational emotive behavioral and relational cultural approach to counseling to best support the interactive nature of all humans, but views meeting his client’s needs and preferences as an ethical imperative. David is a nature-lover and enjoys being outside with his wife, son, dog, as well as friends whenever possible. He often incorporates similar natural behavior alterations, as appropriate in therapy. As a weightlifter and former football player, David also focuses on performance enhancement when a related aspiration is expressed.
Gina Casner
MS
THERAPIST
Gina’s undergraduate degree is a B.S. in Sociology, and she received her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has a diverse background in mental health services to include family preservation and reunification, family-based mental health services, IBHS services, inpatient psychiatric services, domestic violence services, and suicide prevention education. Gina takes an eclectic approach with her counseling clients focusing on their individual needs and goals while utilizing best-fit approaches. Her main theoretical approaches are rooted in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systems Theory, and in Narrative Reconstruction. Gina has completed extensive training in chronic suicidality and helping clients live productive and fulfilling lives. She incorporates mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and empowerment in helping her clients overcome and cope with trauma, anxiety, and day-to-day life stressors. When she is not helping clients here at the Center for Hope and Healing, she enjoys sharing time with her husband and two fur babies, Ginger and Zelda. Her favorite pastimes include reading, writing, meditating, kayaking, and being “Gigi” to her grandchildren.
Krystyna Matisse
MA
THERAPIST
Keris Mickovska
MA
THERAPIST
Tyler Graver
MS
THERAPIST
Our Psychologists
Center for Hope and Healing has four psychologists who supervise our unlicensed therapists. Psychologists provide clinical oversight by offering guidance to unlicensed therapists regarding clinical cases, treatment planning, and interventions. They review cases, discuss progress, and offer recommendations for therapeutic approaches. Psychologists provide ongoing training and education, covering topics such as therapeutic techniques, ethical guidelines, cultural competence, and legal regulations. Unlicensed therapists regularly meet with their supervising psychologist to discuss challenging cases to receive feedback and support. The psychologist helps the therapist navigate complex clinical situations and make informed decisions. Psychologists monitor the progress of unlicensed therapist’s clients to ensure that interventions are effective and appropriate. They review session notes, assessments, and treatment plans to assess outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
Overall, psychologists play a crucial role in supervising unlicensed therapists ensuring that they deliver high-quality, ethical mental health services to their clients while supporting their professional growth and development.
Nicolee Hiltz, Ph.D.
Kenneth Small
PhD
Mark Zengerle
Roger Bruce Kelly
Administrative Support
Areana Collins-Rubertone
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Areana is an Administrative Assistant at the Center for Hope and Healing and has been working here for a couple years. She loves so many parts of her job here that she decided to go back to school to work towards becoming a social worker, minoring in sign language. Her ultimate goal is to run Center for Hope and Healing one day! She will be attending Bloomsburg in the Fall. She is always someone with an open ear and a love to help others. Areana is loved by most at the Center because she is so welcoming like a burst of fresh air. Areana was voted “staff of the year” by her peers in 2022 due to her actions most reflective in representing the values and mission of the Center.
Doreen Winey, MBA
CLINICAL CASE MANAGER
Doreen has over 30 years of experience working in the human services field, ranging from juvenile justice, civil rights, to child welfare. Doreen has a master’s degree in business administration and undergraduate degrees in Spanish, Psychology and International Studies. Doreen is a Case Manager here at the Center and is fluent in Spanish.
Hannah Sohn
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hannah achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and her minor in human services at Elizabethtown College in July of 2023. She is currently attending Shippensburg University for her master’s degree in School Counseling. Hannah is also a member of Psi Chi – the International Honor Society in Psychology, and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Hannah has held many different internship and employment positions – which included the Center for Hope and Healing in the summer of 2021. Since then, she has interned at the Case Management Unit (CMU) in Harrisburg during the summer of 2022; gaining the opportunity to shadow case workers, as well as plan events for the Jeremy Project. This past spring, Hannah also had the opportunity to intern with the Elizabethtown Area School District’s school psychologist. Through this experience, she has been able to observe the assessment process. Also, Hannah worked alongside the psychologist to analyze and interpret the assessment data to determine proper placements and accommodations for the students. In May of 2023, Hannah presented her senior honors research project at the annual American Psychological Society (APS) Conference in Washington, D.C. Her year-long research project was on helicopter parenting and its effects on emerging adult decision-making, confidence, and sense of autonomy.
In her free time, Hannah enjoys trying new recipes as well as drawing, painting, and binge-watching tv shows (currently “Friends”). She also likes to spend time outdoors – hiking, kayaking, running, or spending time with her chickens.
Wellness Instructors
John Davis
John Davis is a native and lifelong resident of Central Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State, and took Graduate classes in Leadership from Duquesne University.
Following a career in the Corporate world, John has been employed full time for the past twenty-plus years at Milton Hershey School, the last 15 of which has been an Art Educator and School-wide Coordinator of Visual Arts. Outside of his full-time career, he is a Past-President of The Hershey Area Art Association; Board member of The Art Association of Harrisburg; Board member of the former local Arts-based JumpsStreet organization; and a member of The Association of Managers of Innovation. He also has a fine arts studio at The Millworks in Harrisburg.
John developed and started an Art Therapy program at Milton Hershey School over a decade ago, serving students in need. His life passion is to help both youth and adults alike in expressing themselves through various experientially-based Visual Arts means, with the goal of healing and leading healthy and successful lives.
