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) 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. 

Scott Bloszinsky Psy.D., ABPP

Scott Bloszinsky
Psy.D., ABPP

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Dr. Scott Bloszinsky (he/him) 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. 

Cheryl Buskirk
M.S., M.A., NCC

Therapist

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Bethany Children’s Home

Cheryl Buskirk, M.S., M.A., NCC (she/her) has been a member of our practice since 2022.

“What gets in the way of healing and goal achievement are questions that inspired my journey toward emotional well-being.  Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, uncertain or overwhelming circumstances, I invite working together to discover what you need to overcome obstacles and be at your best for enhanced well-being.  Individuals are viewed holistically with attention to the body-mind connection.” Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, Cheryl uses a person-centered approach that is trauma-informed and strength-based.  She is a National Certified Counselor.

Most of Cheryl’s career has been spent in the healthcare field focused on individuals with chronic medical conditions.  In addition to her master’s degree from Alvernia University in clinical counseling, she has a master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and is a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist also certified by the American College of Sports Medicine.  Cheryl has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in education and is a former Division I athlete.  She brings experience as a teacher spanning from pre-school to college level and coach of all ages.

 

Julia Carlson
M.A.

Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Julia Carlson, M.A. (she/her) is an Advanced Psychology Assessment Practicum student at our practice. She earned her master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from University of Denver in 2016 and is currently completing a Psy.D. program at Chestnut Hill College. Before returning to pursue a doctorate, Julia’s work was in a variety of spheres, including neuropsychological assessment, forensic assessment, and outpatient therapy.

 

Julia has experience with individual and group therapy for adults and adolescents, primarily utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral approach. She is also experienced in both psychological and neuropsychological assessment.

 

Julia’s clinical areas of interest include specific phobia, OCD, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Her research interests surrounding concussion and mTBI, including likelihood of reporting, obtaining accurate diagnosis, and the utilization of functional analysis to assess for deficits post-injury.

Racheal Crawford M.S.

Racheal Crawford
M.S.

Therapist/Evaluator

OFFICES:

Bethany Children’s Home

Racheal Crawford, M.S. (she/her) 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.” 

Olivia Dalton
M.Ed., CSC, LPC

Therapist

OFFICES:

Lancaster/Bethany Children’s Home

Olivia Dalton, M.Ed., CSC, LPC (she/her) has been a member of this practice since 2022. Olivia is an outpatient therapist who completed her undergraduate degree at Elms College and her graduate degree through the trauma focused mental health program at Cambridge College in Boston, MA. Olivia is also currently certified in Sports Specific Counseling focused on the wellbeing, mental functioning, and physical performance of athletes.

Olivia’s clinical work is rooted in validated theories and techniques and is consistently enriched by current research in psychology, neuroscience, and biology. Olivia operates from a holistic perspective that values the mind-body connection. She has clinical interests in disordered eating concerns, perfectionistic thinking, anxiety, depression, shadow work, and authentic personal growth and development.

“I view each client as a unique individual and seek to partner with them as their journey unfolds, discovering their innate strengths and resources along the way. I believe self-acceptance and embracing our whole, true selves-is the foundation for change.”

In Olivia’s free time she enjoys being out in nature; hiking, running, biking, and swimming, spending time with family and friends including her three rescue dogs, and coaching endurance athletes both physically and mentally. 

Kristen De La Rosa
M.A.

Evaluator

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Harrisburg Area

Kristen De La Rosa, M.A. (she/her) 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
Psy.D.

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Harrisburg Area

Donna-Mae Fierras, Psy.D. (she/her) is a Post-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow with our practice, having previously participated in the Pre-doctoral Psychology Internship program through HSSA from 2021-2022, and received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University in 2022.  Dr. Fierras 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.

 

Dr. Fierras 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 Dr. Fierras 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.

 

Dr. Fierras’ 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 12 years of experience in the field and draws from her diverse experiences to foster therapeutic alliance and pursuit of client meaning and goals.

Sara McConnell
M.S.

Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Sara McConnell, M.S. (she/her) presently serves as a Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee for HSSA. Sara completed her B.S., and B.A., in Criminal Justice and Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. She recently completed her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Chestnut Hill College, where she continues to attend working toward her doctoral degree.

Sara has worked with adolescents and adults in various settings including inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, and residential treatment facilities. Her areas of interest include trauma and abuse, adolescent/young adult development, attachment difficulties, mood disorders, suicide assessment and risk reduction, interpersonal relational problems and working with forensic populations.

Sara’s therapeutic style incorporates various treatment models including psychodynamic, family systems, and strength-based therapy. Sara is dedicated to creating a safe therapeutic space that promotes awareness, growth and empowerment.

Sandy Padron
Psy.D.

Postdoctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Sandy Padron, Psy.D. (she/her) is presently a Post-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow with our practice, having previously participated in the Pre-doctoral Psychology Internship program through HSSA beginning in 2022. She received her Master of Arts at Immaculata University in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling and has received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University. Dr. Padron pursued research and training in play therapy. This led to an interest in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Dr. Padron worked as a therapist for five years providing trauma-informed therapy, sand-tray therapy, and play therapy to individuals ages 6-17 years. Furthermore, she provided cognitive-behavioral therapy and reality therapy to the low-income Spanish-speaking adult population in the area.

In addition to providing therapy, including presently delivering therapy to delinquent and dependent youth at a local youth intervention center, Dr. Padron found a great interest in neuropsychology and psycho-educational assessments. She is presently pursuing a specialty area in neuropsychological assessment through HSSA. She previously worked as a psychometrist providing evaluations to children with ADHD, Learning Disability, and genetic disorders such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Dr. Padron also provides services in Spanish. / Dr. Padron habla español.

Jessica Port
Psy.D., LPC, CCTP

Postdoctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Allentown

Jessica Port, Psy.D., LPC, CCTP (she/her) has been a member of our practice since 2018 and is presently a Post-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow.  Dr. Port received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University in 2022. 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, Dr. Port received her LPC and received a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional certificate through IATP. 

 

Dr. Port 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 is also well versed in psychological and neuropsychological assessments and is presently a clinical supervisor for our predoctoral internship and practicum programs.

 

Dr. Port’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. 

Stacy Shober
Psy.D.

Evaluator/School Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster, Allentown, Harrisburg Area

Stacy Shober, Psy.D. (she/her) 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

Alexandra Smith, Psy.D. (she/her) 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 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, focuses on assessment, including neuropsychological testing 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, as well as providing outpatient therapy.

 

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.

 

Dr. Smith also provides services in Spanish. / Dr. Smith habla español. 

Kristen Smith
M.Ed., M.A.

Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Intern

OFFICES:

Lancaster/Bethany Children’s Home

Currently, Kristen (she/her) serves as the Pre-doctoral Psychology Intern for this practice. Her prior training is as a special education, early childhood, and elementary school teacher. She has also taught at the undergraduate level as an adjunct professor at Immaculata University. Kristen also has Master’s degrees in Educational Psychology from Widener University and in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University

“I take an integrated approach to therapy to choose among current evidenced-based treatments customized for each client’s presenting concerns. Working with children, adolescents, and families for over 20 years has led me to use attachment theory as an overall guide for clinical decision-making while allowing the flexibility to serve a diverse range of needs. Moreover, I feel that an integrated approach to treatment enhances each client’s functioning as they move through the therapeutic process at their own pace.”

In addition to therapy services, Kristen has extensive experience in offering psychological assessment including diagnosing mood disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and personality functioning from children to older adults. Her areas of interest and training include bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also has experience working with the elderly population offering neuropsychological assessment including various types of dementia including Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, and Frontal Lobe, as well as Parkinson’s disease.

Christopher Stewart
M.A., LPC

Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Christopher Stewart, M.A., LPC (he/him) is a Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Trainee currently pursuing his Ph.D. through Fielding Graduate University’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology. He has been a therapist for the past nine years and has worked with a wide variety of clients during that time. 

 

“I have a love for working with people from all walks of life, and my passion includes working with people in the LGBTQ+ community in an open, affirming, and educated manner.  I approach treatment from a humanistic and experiential standpoint with a focus on feminist and solution-focused theories, incorporating CBT skills and tools as needed.  I approach assessment from a multiculturally sensitive lens, ensuring I take into account background information, cultural positioning, and how individual experiences may impact the outcome of assessment measures. On a more personal note, I have a passion for learning, enjoy many things in geekdom, enjoy time with my pets (cats and a dog), and love to spend time with my two beautiful nieces.”

Andrea Weller
Psy.D.

Psychologist

OFFICES:

Harrisburg Area

Andrea Weller, Psy.D. (she/her) 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. 

Katelyn Witkowski
M.S.

Evaluator

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Katelyn Witkowski, M.S. (she/her) joined the practice in 2022 as a doctoral assessment practicum student. She is completing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in psychological assessment at Chestnut Hill College, where she also earned her M.S. in 2020. She provides psychological and neuropsychological assessments for clients of all ages at HSSA and takes a collaborative and strength-based approach to testing. 

 

Katelyn’s clinical strengths include providing culturally informed treatment and gender-affirming psychological services. She has experience providing individual, group, and family therapies, and psychological/neuropsychological assessments in outpatient and acute partial hospitalization settings. She is also experienced in the provision of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and has worked with neurodiverse children and adults as a behavior therapist and camp counselor. Her approach to psychotherapy is an integration of psychodynamic and systemic modalities. She creates a warm and empowering environment to support clients in reaching their personal goals.

Melissa Zipser
M.S., NCSP

Evaluator/School Psychologist

OFFICES:

Lancaster

Melissa Zipser, M.S., NCSP (she/her) was welcomed to our practice in 2023. In addition to providing services through HSSA, she is currently employed full-time as a school psychologist at Hempfield School District.

Educationally, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at Lafayette College and a Master of Science degree in psychology at Millersville University. She also completed her school psychology training through Millersville University.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, practicing mixed martial arts, and nature photography.

 

 

 

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