Meet The Team | Renewed Hope Family Services

Meet the Renewed Hope Family Services Team

Therapist

Monica Alfieri

MS, Psychology

Children 13+, Adults

Hello! My name is Monica, and I believe in the potential that each person has to create meaningful change in their life, recognizing that this journey looks different for everyone. It's easy to fall into routines and use distractions to avoid larger issues, but facing those problems head-on, though challenging, can lead to profound growth. My goal is to support and guide you through this process, facilitating positive change over time. I see you as the expert and leader of your own life, while I work alongside you as an assistant in your journey. In our sessions, I will equip you with the tools and skills needed to lead a happy and healthy life, while also empowering you to navigate future challenges with confidence.

I graduated from Temple University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. During my time at Temple, I had the enriching experience of studying abroad in Rome, where I gained significant cultural insights and traveled to various countries. I was also selected for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, where I participated in transformative educational experiences with incarcerated individuals. This experience fostered empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and individuals as a whole.

Following my undergraduate studies, I obtained my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Children and Adolescents at Delaware Valley University. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, grief, and family issues. I also have significant experience working with adolescents from the LGBTQIA+ community as well as dealing with behavioral and school related issues. Additionally, I have worked closely with the family court system and juvenile court, aiding in communication and support for those involved.

My approach is compassionate, non-judgemental, client-centered, and rooted in the belief that with the right support, everyone can achieve their personal goals and find a path to healing and growth.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Jackie Benowitz

M.S.

Adults 16+, Couples

Jackie Benowitz is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She comes to Renewed Hope Family Services with a specialty in working with LGBTQI+ clients and with all client populations who present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, anger management, and trauma related issues. She meets with couples, families, and individuals ages 16 and older.

Jackie is a therapist who respects everyone’s journey and guides her clients and stands by their side when they need support to get through life’s challenges. She believes that each person possesses the knowledge within to identify their own path towards happiness. Jackie is dedicated to all of her clients, both long-standing and new, and deeply values the opportunity to join her clients on their journey towards achieving their personal goals.

Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Darren Blase

M.A.

Children 5+, Adults, Couples

Darren Blase is a professional counselor who resides in Bucks County. Darren graduated from La Salle University’s graduate program in Counseling and Family Therapy. Previous to working at Renewed Hope Family Services, he gained experience at local agencies such as Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) and Penndel Mental Health. Darren enjoys working with children, adolescents, teens, individual adults and couples of all genders, cultures, religions, and lifestyles.

When working with young children, Darren prefers to engage them in their natural language; play. He seeks to utilize children’s natural creativity and energy by designing collaborative and structured therapeutic play activities. Children can have fun, but also learn to identify their thoughts and feelings as well as practice coping techniques to help them gain greater self-control. By using a child-friendly and collaborative approach, children gain insight about themselves while feeling like they have input into treatment and that what they say matters. When working with adolescents, Darren aims to use their recent intellectual growth as a strength in the therapeutic process while also seeking to keep them engaged in order to hold their interest.

Regardless of the age of the child, parents and caretakers are an important ally in treatment. Caretakers have insight into their children that no one else has. Darren wants everyone to work together (therapist, child, caretakers) to offer support and facilitate growth in a young person’s life. Darren works with caretakers to best understand the child’s developmental level and work to address such problems as Depression, School Performance, Self-Image, ADHD, Challenging Peer Relationships, Academic Success, Parenting Strategies, Anger Outbursts, Coping, Anxiety, Bullying, Trauma & other developmental concerns as they arise.

When working with teens and adults, Darren prefers to blend evidence-based techniques and a client-centered, supportive approach to ensure appropriate treatment but also making sure clients feel heard and understood. He works with his clients to customize treatment plans to best suit each individual’s unique identity and needs. With proper support and opportunities to explore their challenges, clients can find the strength to overcome their challenges and reach their potential. Darren frequently works with adults to overcome challenges with Trauma, Child rearing, Job Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Self-discovery, Low Self-Esteem and a variety of other presenting concerns.
When working with couples, Darren aims to take a supportive and non-judgmental approach, encouraging all present to share their experience in the relationship. He seeks to facilitate communication that often does not occur during conflict and help clients put a voice to the feelings they may have. Rather than placing blame, he looks to identify and help change the patterns or cycles of behavior that cause pain by helping people feel closer to each other and hear the concerns, feelings and hopes that are so often lost when feeling resentment, detachment, or anger.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Anna Crooks

MFT

Children 6+, Adults, Families, Couples

Anna grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and went to the University of Arizona for her undergraduate education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Retail and Consumer Sciences. After 5 years in the corporate world, she realized her true passion was helping other people. She made the choice to go back to school and change her career. Anna received her Master’s from Drexel University in Couple’s and Family Therapy. She has found what she was meant to do, and is thriving as a therapist.

Anna works with clients of all ages and has experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ adolescents, grief, and illness. She takes a systemic approach to therapy and looks into multi-generational patterns within families. Anna is emotion focused and works to uncover the deeper emotions of her clients. Anna works with individuals, families and couples. She creates a safe space and gets to know each client for who they are without passing judgement.

Pscyhologist

Dr. Sanjay Deendyal

Psy.D.

Adults 16+

Sanjay (“Jay” for short) is a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) who grew up in Yardley and currently resides in Bucks County. He received his doctorate from Holy Family University (HFU), where a large emphasis was placed on integrating multicultural-feminist-social justice frameworks in his clinical work.

Jay obtained a B.S. in General Science from Penn State and a M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling from La Salle University. This background in the sciences informs his work as he enjoys the scientific method of approaching problems analytically and in an evidence-based manner. Jay completed his pre-doctoral internship at Foundations Behavioral Health, where he worked as a therapist in a residential facility serving adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities.

In his work with clients, Jay employs a Solutions-Focused approach. As such, he explores clients’ experiences to uncover their answers for their problems. He enjoys working collaboratively with clients and examining where they have previously experienced prior success and possess strengths that will lead to solving their current problems. Jay also incorporates motivational interviewing strategies as he invokes his client’s internal motivation for change. He focuses on the mind-body connection and incorporates the use of physical movement, mindfulness, meditative techniques, and has conversations with clients about sleep hygiene and nutrition.

Jay has extensive experience working in substance abuse treatment at various levels of care and enjoyed purveying this knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor in HFU’s Master’s program. Jay works with clients of all ages and has experience working with adolescents, emerging adults/adults, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and with individuals experiencing relationship difficulties.

Therapist

Dr. Melissa Genn

PSYD

Ages 5+, couples, individuals

Dr. Melissa Genn is a doctor of psychology (PsyD). She earned her doctorate and master degrees in counseling psychology from Holy Family University. She is a licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania and certified in Functional Behavior Assessment.

Dr. Genn is a cognitive behavioral therapist who helps clients change their unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to more helpful ones thus improving mood. She has conducted psychological assessments and provided therapy to children, adolescents, and adults with autism, depression, anxiety, selective mutism, trauma, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Dr. Genn has supervised clinicians who provided community-based services for children and adolescents. Additionally, Dr, Genn has taught several undergraduate psychology courses. Her research interests include understanding the impact of nonattachment (such as letting go of thoughts, feelings, and experiences) on mental and physical health in adults.

Therapist

Alexandria Kazandjian

Masters

Children 6+, Teens, Adults

Alexandria Kazandjian is a pre-licensed clinician with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Delaware Valley University, focusing on social justice and advocacy. Alexandria’s current clinical interests include working with non-majority communities, namely the LGBTQ+ community and communities of color. Alexandria works with clients of all ages and is interested in exploring work with families and couples. A believer in the interplay between the person and their environment, Alexandria believes the client must be considered within their sociopolitical and familial systems. They acknowledge the uniqueness of all clients and understand that behavior and belief stem largely from the cultures in which clients are involved. Alexandria puts a feminist and multicultural spin on Adlerian and Structural Family therapy techniques to center client beliefs about the self within their social context. They believe therapy should be a collaborative process, and thus they encourage and model communication between the therapist and client. Alexandria believes all clients are capable of growth and is eager to support clients on their journeys.

Alexandria has experience working with children and adults with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. They have also worked with members of the LGBTQ+ community across the lifespan. They have a passion for advocacy and education, with a background in advocacy work within the Armenian and LGBTQ+ communities. Before pursuing counseling, Alexandria received an Honors B.A. in History at Temple University, where their primary explorations included examining gender and queerness through a historical lens. They have interned in the research and curatorial departments of the Franklin Institute and the Michener Art Museum as well as worked at the Mercer Museum as a historical educator and guide.

Therapist

Rowena Murray

Children & Families, Adults, Couples

Rowena Murray grew up in the greater Los Angeles area, studying and performing piano from the age of six, and began teaching her own students from the age of 13. This formative experience turned out to be the start of a lifelong passion and journey, working with children and families. She received a B.S. in Sociology and a minor in Philosophy from UC Santa Barbara in 2012, and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at La Salle University in Philadelphia.

From Your Therapist:

Hi, families! I am honored to bring my extensive background working with children and families to Renewed Hope Family Services. I believe emotions are at the heart of everything humans do; after all, emotion is our first language, one that is innate, and universal. However, we often find ourselves unable to understand or share our feelings with clarity, leaving room for uncertainty, confusion, assumption, and misinterpretation to change the course of our interactions and impact our sense of self. As a musician since childhood, I have spent my life studying the art of emotional expression. My previous role as a music educator offered decades of valuable experience nurturing emotional awareness and personal growth by guiding others to explore their own inner worlds in new and creative ways, and to learn to communicate feelings through the languages of music and movement. I find Family Therapy to be a similar–yet unique–creative and collaborative process, one in which we learn to explore our complex, multifaceted inner- and outer-selves alongside the people most important to us, utilize our innate shared language of emotion to communicate in new ways, and create necessary changes that stick!

My therapeutic goals are to help your family do the following:
-Identify and understand each others’ challenges
-Recognize your individual and shared strengths
-Honor your past experiences and histories
-Shed roles, narratives, and cycles you have outgrown
-Find new ways of relating to one another
-Increase the self-esteem and emotional and psychological wellness of each family member
-Strengthen your family bonds from the inside-out

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Mira Patel

Individuals and Families age 14+

From a young age, Mira Patel has always believed in the transformative power of therapy. She was drawn to helping others navigate life's challenges and find their path to healing. Through dedication and hard work, Mira became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), ready to guide others towards a greater well-being.

After many years of experience, Mira has developed a deep understanding of the human psyche and a passion for providing personalized, compassionate therapy. She has seen firsthand the impact that anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues could have on individuals and families. But she has also witnessed the resilience of the human spirit and the profound transformations that could occur with the right support and guidance.

Mira's approach to therapy is rooted in collaboration and empowerment. She believes in working alongside her clients, tailoring each session to their unique needs and goals. Whether through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), art therapy, or mindfulness-based techniques, Mira is committed to providing her clients with the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and build healthier coping strategies.

Mira's dedication goes beyond just providing therapy. She firmly believes in creating an environment of diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. She wants her clients to feel welcomed, respected, and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances. For Mira, therapy is not just about treating symptoms but about fostering insight, growth, and positive change for the future.

Therapist

Katelyn Petruzzi

Children & Families, Adults, Couples

Katelyn Petruzzi is a graduate-level intern at La Salle University, working towards her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her BA in Psychology from Temple University. Katelyn has experience working with children, adolescents, and families, providing her with a deep understanding of developmental milestones, behavioral patterns, emotional regulation, family dynamics, cultural and socioeconomic factors, and communication styles.

Katelyn is eager to expand her clinical skills through her internship, focusing on diverse client populations and a range of presenting symptoms. She is particularly interested in working with teenagers, young adults, couples, and families, and aims to address topics such as identity development, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, cultural and identity issues, relationship conflicts, and family system challenges. Her clinical approach integrates Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Systemic and Structural Family Therapy, Existential Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Katelyn is committed to fostering growth and resilience, grounded in empathy and the belief that all clients have inherent strengths and the capacity for change. She views therapy as a collaborative, intimate, and respectful process, where clients are encouraged to explore and utilize their internal and external resources to navigate life’s challenges.

Katelyn’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of making therapy as “human” as possible for her clients. She believes that therapy should provide a safe space for individuals to feel seen, heard, and understood, and acknowledges that healing is a non-linear journey that requires patience and self-compassion.

Katelyn’s Message to the World: Every grief that you meet will come with growing pains, but with each, you will also meet fragments of you that you've never seen before-- ones that all your life you wanted to deny or turn away, only now, they've been hardening into relief, into love. Always be curious in your sadness and curious in your joy. Be ever-seeking and ever-feeling. Be in awe of the beautiful moments life gives you, and in awe of the difficult ones. Become transfixed by grief, by growth. Feel it all. Don't try to cover it up or numb it. Be open. What you lived through lives within you, and you are worthy of the time it takes to do things that heal your heart.

Business Manager

Nicholas Pinto

BS, MS

Nicholas Pinto is a highly skilled professional with a diverse background in both Information Technology (IT) and Finance. He holds degrees from both Drexel University and LaSalle University, where he honed his expertise in these fields.

With a strong passion for helping others, Nicholas has dedicated his career to providing exceptional service and support. Currently, he serves as a key member of the team at Renewed Hope Family Services, where he assists individuals with a wide range of needs, including billing and insurance questions. Nicholas's extensive knowledge and experience allow him to navigate complex billing and insurance processes with ease, ensuring that individuals receive the assistance they require.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Heather Pinto

Psy.D.

Children, Adults, Couples

Dr. Heather. Pinto is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She earned her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a clinical focus on working with families from Chestnut Hill College. She earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in working with children and adolescents also from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Pinto completed her Doctoral Internship with Northeast Treatment Centers in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her Post-Doctoral Internship at Penndel Mental Health Center in Bucks County, PA. Additionally, Dr. Pinto was selected to participate in an Extermship with the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her work has also included providing and developing training for the clinical staff of several mental health agencies. Training topics have included using play therapy with children diagnosed with ADHD, parenting workshops, working with children with difficult and intense behavioral concerns and DIR style interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Dr. Pinto has over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals and families to addressing concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, divorce trauma and loss. When an individual feels disconnected from their family and/or community, feelings of worry, sadness and/or social awkwardness tend to surface. These feelings can also arise when individual or family experiences multiple transitions brought about by job loss, grief, adoption, a traumatic event, social difficulties and/or school difficulties.

Dr. Pinto considers engaging families and developing connections in relationships to be at the center of her work. She works to identify the client’s/family’s strengths, to build a developmental understanding of the child/family’s problem solving strategies and to help all those involved identify new and innovative strategies for change to achieve the desired change.

LMFT

Geraldine Plaisir

Master of Family Therapy

Children 8+, Adults, Couples

Geraldine is a licensed clinician (LMFT) who treats individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Currently, Geraldine is also a PhD MFT candidate at National University and attained a Master's of Family Therapy degree from Drexel University.

She is experienced in treating individuals with intricate trauma(s), a range of mental health illnesses and interpersonal relational issues within the context of intimate partners, friendships, and family systems. Clinical treatment may also involve targeting/reducing symptoms of common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and substance abuse. Clinical work aside, Geraldine also enjoys teaching as an adjunct professor at Montgomery County Community College.

As a first-generation Haitian American, Geraldine is most passionate about facilitating the empowerment, advocacy and wellness of Black and Caribbean men and women. Similarly, Geraldine aims to dedicate her clinical research to advocating for Black and Caribbean mothers who struggle with maternal depression.

Administrative Assistant

Valerie Spiecker

B.S.

Valerie joined the Renewed Hope Family Services team in 2018. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from West Chester University and is passionate about the field of mental health and the betterment of one's life and relationships. She strives to connect each potential client with an appropriate therapist who will meet both their clinical and interpersonal needs. Call (215) 579-2180 any time to speak with her or leave a message - she returns all voicemails!

Licensed Professional Counselor

Edythe Turner

M.S.

Adults, Couples

Edythe (Ebby) L. Turner, MA, NCC, LPC earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). She was a graduate assistant in the Psychology Department and earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey and graduated magna cum laude. Ebby is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), License Number PC000786, and she provides supervision for other clinicians working toward licensure. She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

Ebby has extensive experience in community mental health and private practice working with adults struggling with a range of issues including, but not limited to, trauma, depression, mood fluctuations, anxiety, anger, grief, relationship issues, and substance abuse. As you strive to achieve emotional well being and balance in life, her approach in counseling is collaborative, client focused and cognitive-behavioral based.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Tracy Varghese

Couples, Adults

I see my role as an honor and privilege to be able to walk alongside each one of my clients in order to find hope, and healing. Healing requires a safe place to explore deeper emotions and thoughts that may arise. I recognize the importance of providing that secure and safe space to help clients feel comfortable enough to share their stories, struggles and pain. Being a second generation American, I want to bring cultural humility to my approach and seek to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to client’s specific needs.

I aim to cultivate meaningful and collaborative therapeutic relationships, approaching each session with openness, empathy, and genuineness. I hold a Licensed Professional Counselor and have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals. I also have 15+ years of working in a corporate setting.

I primarily work with adults and couples struggling with a wide variety of mental health issues: relational and marriage struggles, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, dissociative disorder, sexual addiction, trauma, race-based traumatic stress, grief/loss, and more.

MFT license eligible

Elizabeth Waholek

MA, LBSC

Children 3+, Adolescents, Parents, Adults, Couples, and Families

A lifelong resident of Berks County, PA, Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from Temple University in 2012, where she also studied abroad in Leipzig, Germany and Dublin, Ireland to experience cultural diversity. She then went on to obtain her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, CA, in 2016. There she learned about the intricacies of depth psychology and how to reach into the heart of a person’s early trauma to heal their soul. She is now prepared to take the examination for licensure to become a fully licensed marriage and family therapist.

Currently licensed as a behavior specialist consultant (LBSC), Elizabeth continues to work with children with autism and other behavioral disorders and their families. Capitalizing on strategies such as sand tray and child-centered play therapy, she is able to engage successfully with children as young as three to promote positive improvement in behavior and teach parents strategies to use at home. Also a parent of a child with autism, Elizabeth practices at home with her own youngster what she shows others at work.

Elizabeth has expanded her clientele to include adolescents, adults, and couples as well as young children and their parents. She believes she has the knack and understanding to work with a variety of individuals to assist them in achieving their treatment goals.