Clinician Profiles

Our team is made up of a talented and caring group of Licensed Psychologists, Psychological Evaluators and Therapists.

Our reach is constantly expanding and adapting to the need for delivering thorough, data-driven, integrative psychological evaluation reports in a timely manner, and in the provision of individual, family and group therapies. We pride ourselves in the emphasis on collaboration with client, family members and caregivers, schools and agencies in a strengths-based approach to treatment.

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Heather Apple Jenkins
M.Ed

Therapist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Heather Apple-Jenkins, M.Ed. (she/her/hers) has rejoined our practice in 2020 having previously been part of our group from 2003-2006. She has been in the Psychology/ Counseling field for over 25 years. 

I am certified as a Rational Living Therapist and as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist.  My favorite part of the therapeutic process is hearing the stories clients willingly share. Watching a client develop coping skills and grow into the person they wish to become, is an extraordinary transformation to watch. My training and background is rich and developed, however the research in this field is endless. 

My therapy tools capitalize on overall wellness, mindfulness, self-awareness and empowerment. I assist clients with coping skills to reduce stress, anxiety, sadness/depression and pain. I challenge clients to change the way they think, so that they can regulate and manage their feelings and actions in healthier and more meaningful ways.  I am definitely known as the “homework therapist”, as I believe there is much work to do outside of the therapeutic milieu.  The client sets the stage and the pace of the therapy process and their investment is paramount. 

Therapy is giving the client his/her voice to fully and safely express his/her thoughts, feelings and stories without feeling judged.  It is helping the client see clearly their role and place in life and to find the hero within themselves.  The client will be empowered to lead and enjoy their lives as productively as possible despite past and present hardships. 

Aaron Bayard
M.S.

Therapist

OFFICES:

Allentown, Bethany Children’s Home

Aaron Bayard, M.S. (he/him/his) has been with our group since 2020.  Aaron completed his undergraduate studies at Lehigh University and earned his M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Having worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, Aaron has developed a wide variety of clinical experiences in a number of different settings.  While he enjoys working with youth, he also finds satisfaction in partnering with adults and families to promote healing and assist with navigation through the challenges encountered in life.  

Aaron’s approach to therapy is mainly from a cognitive-behavioral orientation and is both person-centered and strengths-based. “Building trusting relationships and rapport through authenticity and warmth, I assess strengths and needs of the child and family to help address identified issues or areas of growth.”  Aaron also has experience with Intensive Behavioral Health Services as a Mobile Therapist providing individualized, family-focused psychotherapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other mental health syndromes.  In his free-time, Aaron volunteer in the community coaching youth sports.  

Stephanie Binter
Psy.D., CBIS

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Harrisburg Area

Stephanie Binter, Psy.D., CBIS (she/her/hers) is a licensed psychologist with a certification in neuropsychology. She has been a member of this practice since 2015 and is a supervising psychologist for our predoctoral internship program.  Dr. Binter conducts and provides supervision of psychological and neuropsychological testing.

“Neuropsychological evaluations employ a strengths-based approach as they provide a differential diagnosis as well as comprehensive picture of the persons areas of strength and deficits with recommendations to aid areas of deficit.”

Dr. Binter has also been trained in forensic psychology, working predominantly with children, youth, and family services and juvenile probation, conducting parent mental health evaluations as well as evaluations with children and adolescents assisting with diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Additionally, Dr. Binter conducts bariatric and spinal stimulator evaluations assessing for the impact of mental health concerns on treatment prognosis. She is also a trained Cognitive Behavioral therapist who specializes with eating disorders, self-mutilation, and trauma.

Scott Bloszinsky Psy.D., ABPP

Scott Bloszinsky
Psy.D., ABPP

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Dr. Scott Bloszinsky (he/him/his) received his B.A in Psychology from Rider University, M.A in Counseling Psychology from Boston College, and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford.  He became licensed as a Psychologist in Pennsylvania in 2002 and began working with Dr. Smith in this practice shortly thereafter. 

Dr. Bloszinsky is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).  His interests include psychotherapy and clinical supervision, as well as conducting psychological evaluations for ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. 

Racheal Crawford M.S.

Racheal Crawford
M.S.

Therapist/Evaluator

OFFICES:

Bethany Children’s Home

Racheal Crawford, M.S. (she/her/hers) joined Hugh S. Smith, Ph.D. & Associates, P.C. in February 2020 after many years of providing in-home family therapy and working with at-risk teens, specifically with populations that have been impacted by trauma.  She is presently an Outpatient Therapist and Evaluator for our group.  Racheal predominantly works out of our office at Bethany Children’s Home. She has been working with children, adults, and families, for over a decade. 

“As someone who understands how difficult or uncomfortable the therapeutic process can be, I strive to maintain a person-centered approach that empowers the individuals that I work with to be a driving force in their treatment.  Whether it be the effects of past trauma or current challenges, I believe that establishing a non-judgmental and trusting relationship between client and therapist is key to initiating change and working towards solutions.  My areas of specific focus have included anxiety, depression, single episode or complex trauma, loss, addiction, mood disorders, and family and relational concerns.  I use an honest and direct approach to clarify problems, minimize negative patterns, and ease painful symptoms and situations.  My goal is to focus on transfer of skills with the hope of supporting life-long change.” 

Kristen De La Rosa
M.A.

Evaluator

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Harrisburg Area

Kristen De La Rosa, M.A. (she/her/hers) has been working at Hugh S. Smith, Ph.D. & Associates, P.C. since 2010 and has been involved in the mental health field since 2003. She started her employment in mental health working in direct care after completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology through the Pennsylvania State University. She obtained a Master’s degree in Psychological Research, also through the Pennsylvania State University, where her education and research were highly focused on Eating Disorders.  Kristen completed her thesis, as well as other research, collaboratively with the treatment team at the Penn State Hershey Eating Disorder Clinic.

“Currently, I complete psychological evaluations and intakes to connect clients with resources, such as outpatient therapy, in-home therapies, and out-of-home treatments, that will best able to meet their needs.”

Donna-Mae Fierras
M.A.

Predoctoral Psychology Intern

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Bethany Children’s Home

Currently, Mae (she/her/hers) serves as the Pre-doctoral Psychology Intern for this practice. She received her Master of Arts at New York University in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Psychology. She subsequently pursued research at New York University and the University of the West Indies in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders and treatment approach efficacy. These endeavors led to interest in behavioral approaches with antisocial youth along with trauma-informed approaches to address attachment and other developmental trauma needs.

Mae correspondingly assumed the role of Multi-Systemic Therapist for two years, working with an evidence-based model to reduce antisocial and at-risk behaviors in juveniles from 12 to 17 years old using a family-based and systemic approach. She further served as the Multi-systemic Therapy Coordinator for Chester County for 9 years. In these capacities Mae was able to practice a range of evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive processing therapy, interpersonal therapy along with aspects of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Mae’s areas of interest include antisocial behavior, trauma and abuse, child and adolescent development, attachment difficulties, marriage and couples conflict, mood disorders, suicide assessment and risk reduction, and parent-child relational problems. She has over 10 years of experience in the field and draws from her diverse experiences to foster therapeutic alliance and pursuit of client meaning and goals.

Alexandria “Alyx” Hatton
LSW

Therapist

OFFICES:

Allentown

Alexandria Hatton, LSW (she/her/hers) who goes by Alyx, has been a member of this practice since 2020. She is a Licensed Social Worker who completed her graduate degree through the Trauma-Focused MSW program at Widener University. Alyx is currently working toward her clinical social work license as well as a certification in Geek Therapy. Alyx has worked in the field for more than 10 years, with all her experience right here in the Lehigh Valley. While Alyx primarily works with autistic individuals, she treats other areas such as ADHD, trauma, codependency, anxiety, and depression. Alyx has a passion for social work and applying therapy in out of the box ways. Alyx currently facilitates therapeutic immersive role play gaming groups through our practice.

Alyx takes a collaborative approach to treatment, meaning she works with the individual, their caretakers if applicable, other therapists, and schools. Alyx works from a strengths-based model, providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) including Trauma-Focused CBT. Alyx is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.

In her time off, Alyx enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, crafting, watching anime, playing video games, and playing tabletop role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons®.

Jenni Higgins
LSW

Therapist

OFFICES:

Allentown

Jenni Higgins, LSW (she/her/hers) was welcomed into our practice in 2021, after earning her Master’s degree in Social Work from Marywood University. She has also recently received her LSW.  She provides therapeutic services using a strengths-based, client-focused approach. Jenni believes in empowering each client through a positive therapeutic alliance and is experienced in trauma-informed practice to include working with individuals, groups, and families. Jenni guides her clients in identifying individual needs and meets the client where they’re at in their treatment. With a focus on empathy, active listening, and a caring nature, Jenni specializes in working with children and adolescents to identify obstacles, implement interventions, and accomplish therapeutic goals. 

Jenni values the importance of movement to achieve emotion, thought, and body cohesion, as she studied dance for 20 years and has worked with children to promote this cohesion in different practice settings.  She currently facilitates the Social Movement Group through HSSA.

Emily Leayman
LSW

Therapist/Evaluator

OFFICES:

Allentown

Emily Leayman, LSW (she/her/hers) has been working for this office since 2018.  Emily received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Penn State University in 1998 and her Master’s in Social Work from Marywood University in 2001.

Emily is a Licensed Social Worker who has worked in the field of behavioral health for over 20 years in both clinical and administrative roles. Emily has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders through both behavioral and family-focused lenses. She is trained in Trauma Informed Care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches. Emily has been working with HSSA providing biopsychosocial evaluations and is excited about expanding services through the Allentown location. 

Katarzyna Lesniak Karpiak
Ph.D.

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Katarzyna Lesniak-Karpiak, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) became involved with our practice in 2021 as a consulting/supervising psychologist. She had previously been a member of this group from 2001 to 2010. Dr. Karpiak is a licensed psychologist in PA. She completed her doctorate degree at Drexel University.

As part of her predoctoral fellowship, she provided behavioral consultations and testing services to children and teens with developmental and medical disorders at Kennedy Krieger Institute and medical patients at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology was completed at Hahneman Hospital and St. Christopher’s Hospital. 

Dr. Karpiak’s areas of clinical focus and training are in the assessment process, completing neuropsychological and psychological evaluations with clients across the lifespan with a variety of developmental disorders (learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders), medical problems (genetic conditions, dementia, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, etc.) and behavioral/emotional disorders.   In addition to being involved in assessment, Dr. Karpiak has worked as a consultant to parents and young adults to improve their executive skills due to medical issues or attention deficit related problems. 

Sarah Patches
Ed.S.

Evaluator/School Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Sarah Patches, Ed.S., (she/her/hers) has been a member of our practice since 2019.  Sarah graduated from Lehigh University with her Master’s in School Psychology where she received gold standard training in assessment and diagnostics, as well as behavioral and academic interventions. Sarah has 10 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings, including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she worked in the Center for Autism Research as a Clinical Coordinator.

She is passionate about educational psychology and neuropsychology and performs psychological and neuropsychological evaluations of children with a variety of conditions and concerns.

Jessica Port
MS, LPC, CCTP

Therapist/Evaluator

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Allentown

Jessica Port, MS, LPC, CCTP (she/her/hers) has been a member of our practice since 2018. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University and subsequently worked as an outpatient therapist. Following completion of her master’s program, she received her LPC and received a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional certificate through IATP.  She is currently working towards her doctorate in clinical psychology from Immaculata University.

Jessica has experience with individual therapy and group counseling for adults and adolescents in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospital programs, and outpatient behavioral health clinics. She also is well versed in psychological and neuropsychological assessments.

Jessica’s areas of interest include trauma, anxiety and depression, self-injurious behaviors, and drug and alcohol concerns. Utilized therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness, Family Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. 

Alyson Reidel, MA, LPC

Alyson Reidel
MA, LPC

Therapist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Alyson Riedel, MA, LPC (she/her/hers) joined our practice in 2021.  She provides therapy in our outpatient office as well as in detention center and youth shelter settings. Alyson obtained her B.A. in Spanish with a Minor in Latin American Studies in 2002 from Gettysburg College and her Master’s Degree in Counseling/Psychology with Emphasis on Equine Assisted Mental Health from Prescott College in 2009. 

Alyson is a Licensed Professional Counselor focusing on adolescents, adults and family systems experiencing trauma, anxiety, adjustment, and depression. She is trained in family systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and strengths-based approaches which she uses to increase resiliency and create positive outcomes with her clients. 

Alyson is also Spanish speaking. / Alyson habla español.

Stacy Shober
Psy.D.

Evaluator/School Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Allentown, Harrisburg Area

Stacy Shober, Psy.D. (she/her/hers) has been a member of our practice since 2016. In addition to providing services through HSSA, Dr. Shober is currently employed full-time as a school psychologist in the Office of Early Childhood and Student Services at the Berks County Intermediate Unit. She has previously worked as a school psychologist in a variety of educational programs, including providing consultation services for the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Shober has previously served as an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Psychology Department at Immaculata University, teaching in both the school psychology and clinical psychology programs.

Prior to working as a school psychologist, Dr. Shober spent over twenty years working in the mental health field in both inpatient and outpatient mental health programs, providing services for children, teens, and adults.

Educationally, Dr. Shober earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Kutztown University and a master’s degree in psychology at West Chester University. Dr. Shober completed her doctorate degree in clinical psychology and her school psychology training through Immaculata University.

In her spare time, Dr. Shober enjoys spending time with her family, riding bicycle, knitting, fishing, clamming, and boating.

Alexandra Smith
Psy.D.,

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Harrisburg Area, Towson

Dr. Alexandra Smith (she/her/hers) has been with our practice since 2018, initially for post-doctoral training, and presently as a licensed psychologist. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  Dr. Smith obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the George Washington University in 2014, then earned a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Psychology from Immaculata University, graduating in 2020.

Dr. Smith works primarily with children and adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system, as well as child protective services. She focuses on assessment, including competency to stand trial, amenability to treatment evaluations, neuropsychological testing, psychosexual and firesetter risk assessments, and mental health evaluations to help recommend appropriate mental health services and connect families with resources. Dr. Smith also enjoys working with adults, conducting neuropsychological evaluations, mental health evaluations, and parenting evaluations, as well as providing outpatient therapy. Dr. Smith also provides services in Spanish. / Dr. Smith habla español. 

Dr. Smith’s primary interest within the field revolves around trauma and the impact this has on emotional and behavioral functioning throughout the lifespan, and the relation to involvement with the legal system. She also enjoys teaching and sharing what she has learned with trainees, and within the office, Dr. Smith provides supervision of practicum students and predoctoral interns, as well as program development.

Lacey Snyder
M.S.

Evaluator

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Lacey Snyder, M.S. (she/her/hers) has been a member of our practice since 2020, providing psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Lacey is currently working toward her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University in Malvern, PA. She earned her M.S. in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and has completed predoctoral externships at a private practice in Newark, DE, Inspira Primary Care Clinic in Woodbury, NJ. She most recently completed a neuropsychology externship through the Baltimore VA Medical Center. She previously worked at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA as a psychology technician and research coordinator for two years.

Lacey has a strong interest in neuropsychology and rehabilitative psychology throughout the lifespan. On a personal note, Lacey enjoys going hiking with her husband and two dogs, traveling, and crocheting.

Kimberly Steltz
LCSW, CATP

Evaluator

OFFICES:

Allentown

Kim Steltz, LCSW, CATP (she/her/hers) has been with our group since 2019.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mary Washington College in 2000 and completed her Master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College in 2002.  Kim became licensed in the state of Pennsylvania in 2002 and later became certified as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. 

Over two decades, Kim has served clients aging from birth through adulthood in various settings including Early Intervention Services, Intellectual Disabilities Department, Behavior Health Rehabilitation Services and Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics.  These various roles include the development and management of various evidence based curriculums as well as cutting edge service delivery models.  While teaming with local multidisciplinary professionals, she integrated the critical lens of child development, relationship based learning and sensory processing into mental health assessment and care.  For nine years, Kim expanded her skills as Outpatient Supervisor providing management and oversight of a Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatric program.  Kim became passionate about the role of diagnostic assessment and its role in successful treatment outcomes. 

Special areas of interest include Autism Spectrum Disorders across the life span, ADHD, supporting positive educational environments, twice exceptional students (Gifted/LD), assessment/evaluation, trauma, and parenting challenges.  Through her education, training and experience, Kim is passionate about advocating, empowering and assisting clients in minimizing barriers that prevent access to successful outcomes.

Haley Walker, M.S.

Haley Walker
M.S.

Therapist

OFFICES:

Bethany Children’s Home

Haley Walker, M.S. (she/her/hers) was welcomed into our group in 2021, having graduated from Walden University where she received her Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in trauma and focus. Prior to graduate school she attended Kutztown University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in clinical psychology and criminal justice.

Haley’s therapeutic focus is a primarily person-centered and cognitive behavioral approach, along with talk and play therapy, in addition to trauma therapy. “By utilizing my different therapeutic focuses, my role in this organization is to serve the youth residing at Bethany Children’s Home; by supporting their journey of healing toward a brighter and healthier future.”

Andrea Weller
Psy.D.

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Harrisburg Area

Andrea Weller, Psy.D. (she/her/hers) received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. After completing an APA-accredited internship with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, she returned to Pennsylvania and continued her career working with troubled youth and struggling families. She is experienced in individual, family, and couples counseling; however, her passion has always been in working with challenging youth.  

Dr. Weller has enjoyed teaching college students a variety of psychology and counseling classes as well as co-authoring a book by writing a chapter on Eating Disorders (Bloomgarden, A; Mennuti, R., Conti, A., & Weller, A) in 2007. Dr. Weller has been working with Hugh S. Smith, Ph.D. & Associates, P.C. since 2012 in some capacity (e.g., supervising/mentoring, conducting psychological assessments, working with children and families).  Dr. Weller was trained primarily in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapeutic techniques but over the years has learned to use more eclectic approaches. Dr. Weller is professionally licensed in the states of PA and MD.

Dr. Weller enjoys traveling, shopping, being outside, collecting antiques, and crafting. She is frequently involved in volunteer activities around Central Pennsylvania including fundraisers for animals and mental health. She participates in various community outreach activities through her church and sponsors four children (ages 3-18) living in Peru, Philippines, and Thailand through Compassion International. 

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Hugh S. Smith, Ph.D. & Associates, P.C.
Main Office: 1831 Lititz Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601

Phone: (717) 391-6808
Fax: (717) 391-0709
E-mail: HSSA@hssmithassociates.com 

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