Meet our Counselors
Executive Director
PATRICIA M. WRIGHT, LCSW
Patricia has a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and a BA in Psychology from Regent University. She received her master’s degree in Social Work from Millersville University, and is a Licensed Social Worker.
Patricia uses an eclectic approach for counseling. This approach uses various forms of therapy depending on the client’s individual needs. Patricia is also trained to provide CBT, DBT, trauma and grief therapy. She enjoys working with individuals, groups, families, children, adolescents, and couples. Patricia also has twenty years of experience ministering to those with intellectual disabilities.
Clinical Director
DR. JAMES E. JOHNSON, LCSW, D. MIN
AUGUST 2, 2021
We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Dr. James "Jim" Johnson passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2021, at the age of 82.
Words cannot express what a profound loss this is, not only for the Board, Counselors, and Staff at Upward Call, but for the countless lives of clients touched by Dr. J's wisdom, grace, and generosity of spirit. He is already greatly missed.
At Upward Call, we truly believe Christ-centered counseling can help bring healing, holiness, and wholeness to wounded lives and relationships. Dr. Johnson embodied that belief and spirit in his many years of dedicated and faithful service to Upward Call.
We are eternally grateful for Dr. Johnson's legacy and his imprint on each of us. We believe, as Jeremiah 29:11 says, that the plans God has for Upward Call are "...plans for good and not harm, to give us a future and a hope." We cling to that promise in the midst of our grief and anticipate all that God has in store for our clients and our ministry as we transition into a new season.
We would also greatly appreciate your prayers for Dr. Johnson's family and our Board, Staff, and Counselors during this difficult time. May God's strength be made perfect in each of us.
Grace and Peace,
Patricia Wright, Executive Director
Counselor
THOMAS GAVIN, LPC
Tom Gavin earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary, with additional graduate coursework from West Chester University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with diverse populations.
Over the last 25 years, Tom has worked as a Social Worker in Child Welfare as well as an Individual, Couples and Family Based Therapist. Tom also facilitated an Intensive Outpatient Program providing group therapy for clients struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental health difficulties. He enjoys working with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Tom’s approach to counseling utilizes a strengths based, client centered, holistic approach. In this context, Tom’s work integrates a spiritual understanding of client difficulties and considers the strengths of a faith perspective. Ultimately, Tom assists his clients gain personal and relational successes while experiencing renewed hope and purpose for their lives.
Counselor
LESLEY HART, M.A.C., B. MUS
Lesley is trained to work with individuals, couples and families in a collaborative and compassionate way. She uses narrative, attachment, cognitive, and family systems theories in her holistic approach for various mental health issues. She is specifically skilled in working with those who suffer from the effects of trauma, sexual abuse, emotional, and relational distress.
Lesley earned a Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield, PA, a Bachelor of Music degree from Houghton College, Houghton, NY, is certified for Church Lay-Counseling through the Allender Center, Seattle, WA, and is certified to counsel Trauma and Domestic Violence survivors through Safe Berks, Reading, PA. Lesley stands on a strong foundation of biblical wisdom and ethics, yet enthusiastically works with those whose faith perspectives may vary.
Lesley has been married for 38 years and has two grown sons. She enjoys playing the piano, flower gardening, and running.
Counselor
ALICIA HENDRICKSON, MS
Alicia received her Bachelor in Bible with an Emphasis in Counseling as well as her Masters degree in Counseling from Cairn University (formerly known as Philadelphia Biblical University). From a very young age, Alicia has always had a strong and compassionate heart for serving and helping others. At the age of five, she started volunteering in Nursing Homes, and throughout the years has developed a love and understanding for the elderly. Children also hold a special place in her heart, as it comes naturally and easily for her to connect with them.
Some of Alicia’s interests include: anxiety, depression, self-esteem & confidence, bullying, grief & loss, self-harm, emotional regulation, relationships, negative thinking, and spiritual issues. Alicia utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Structured/Non-structured Play Therapy in her work. She believes therapy for children happens through play, especially with children who are unable to verbalize their feelings.
She believes in recognizing and affirming an individual's strengths to promote positive change while empowering them to continue progress outside of therapy. She has genuine compassion, eager enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to the clients that she serves. Her vision is to reach and impact the heart of her clients, and to compassionately walk beside them through their pain.
Counselor
SUZANYA HUSING, BS, MA, CMHC
Suzanya Husing is graduating with honors in May 2021 with her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University. Her approach to therapy is theoretically eclectic. She is passionate about research, Biblical thinking, and applying resources helpful in aiding various client challenges.
Suzanya works with individuals, families, and couples. Prior to becoming a therapist, she worked in education as a middle school teacher in a Classical Christian School in Northern Virginia.
She has multiple interests including cooking, writing, music, reading, and traveling.
Counselor
BROOK LONG, MAMFT
Brook Has a Masters of Marriage & Family Therapy from Evangelical Seminary.
I take it as an honor that people allow me to sit with them in their weakest moments. I will provide a non- judgmental, safe place we will together process your pain and work towards your healing.
Life circumstances and experiences can influence our ability to see our strengths and unique selves, as well as affect our quality of life. Collaboratively we will work to make a connection between the way your history, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations impact the way you respond to the world.
I have worked with an array of populations from adolescents to seniors. My clinical approach varies based on client needs, however, I incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy components, as well as other evidence based practices to meet you where you are at and encourage you towards further growth.
My goal is to provide a warm setting for you to find rest and peace even in difficult circumstances.
Counselor
DAVID MCADAMS, M.DIV, MAMFT
David grew up in Central Florida where he enjoyed the surrounding lakes and wildlife. Singing in choirs was one of his early passions. David graduated from Asbury University in 1998 with a Bible Degree and then proceeded to Asbury Seminary to obtain a Masters of Divinity Degree. Pastoring in Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, David led youth groups, prayer groups, and at times small groups to deepen individuals walks with Christ. David is a licensed pastor in the Missionary Church denomination.
Over time, a deep passion developed to work as a therapist, so he obtained his degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist at Evangelical Seminary. He currently works at Upward Call's Lebanon and Ephrata campuses. David has a compassionate presence as a therapist as he helps persons reach their untapped potentials, create new narratives, and heal from their hurts. It is his hope that individuals, couples, and families become healthier and engage in flourishing lives. David enjoys working with those who are desiring help on issues that include: faith, anger, anxiety, depression, self-worth, identity, grief, same sex attraction, sexual, marriage, and family systems. Groups he specializes in are church leaders and those who struggle with sexual brokenness.
David lives in the Lancaster area with his wife Kellie and their four children Ava, Kalyssa, Graceanne, and Eli. He also works at another therapy agency dealing specifically with sexual issues. He enjoys nature, sports, travel, reading, and watching movies like Marvel, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, or Narnia.
Counselor
BRUCE MCINTOSH, B.A.,M.A.
Bruce holds a B.A. in Biblical Education from Florida Bible College and an M.A. in Ministry {Counseling Focus} from Liberty University/Lancaster Bible College Graduate School.
Bruce has experience and training working with families, parents, couples, adolescents, and adults dealing with issues regarding marriage, parent-child, couples, depression, grief, OCD, ADD/ADHD, addictive attitudes/behaviors, and faith struggles.
Bruce also worked recently at Philhaven as a Family Based Therapist for almost eight years, dealing with families of children and teens with behavioral struggles. This included addressing issues such as Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (O.D.D.), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), Borderline Personality Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
He utilizes a strong foundation of Bible-based principles in his counseling, yet is experienced in working with those who do not have a faith perspective.
Counselor
PAUL MILLER, MAMFT
Paul Miller has a BS in Bible from Lancaster Bible College and a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Evangelical Seminary.
Paul developed an integrative model of systemic therapy he calls Spirit Focused Therapy while a graduate student. This Model of therapy focuses directly on improving a family’s ability to Honor, Identify, Sense, Give, Receive, Accept, Communicate, and Embrace (H.I.S.G.R.A.C.E.) God’s Love and apply it within your family.
Paul uses a unique and creative Biblical approach to therapy that includes play therapies for both adults and children, and incorporates humor, art, reading, music and dance as part of the therapeutic experience of healing (when applicable).
Paul works with families, couples, children and individuals with a diverse array of issues; however, Paul believes Biblical healing requires full family participation at some point in the therapeutic process.
Paul has transitioned from an abuse survivor to an Overcomer in Christ and is currently a creating and developing a parachurch ministry to help others become Overcomers.
Counselor
MELANIE MYER, MA
Melanie has a BA in Psychology from The King’s College and is graduating in April 2021 with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. She received recognition for academic and professional excellence from the Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International, Chi Sigma Iota. In addition to interning at Upward Call, Melanie served as a school-based counseling intern with families and children ages 5-15. She has previously worked in early childhood education and is a certified life coach.
Melanie’s areas of interest include grief and loss, child loss, serious/chronic illness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, self-worth/self-esteem, bipolar disorder, life transitions, career development, identity issues, spirituality, faith/religious crises, child and adolescent development, parenting, relationships, and stress.
Her counseling methods include compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, stress management, mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, dream work, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, play therapy, bibliotherapy, and expressive arts therapy. Her approach is inclusive and multicultural, honoring each client’s unique experiences and views of the world.
Counselor
RHONDA STIVER, LPC
Rhonda obtained her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Rhonda’s vision is a world where all children are loved and cherished. She believes this begins one family at a time and by changing the family, we change the world. Trained as an emotionally focused (EFT) therapist, Rhonda will lead Hold Me Tight workshops. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, the workshop teaches individuals, couples and families seven conversations that are essential for successful relationships. Hold Me Tight transforms the ability to communicate by recognizing the destructive dialogues, what is behind the negative talk, deescalating conflict, engaging in healthy emotion, connection, and forgiveness. Rhonda counsels individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Rhonda and her husband, Rick, have three sons. She enjoys developing and writing group trainings, walking, hiking, and swimming.
Meet our Staff
Office Assistant
DONNA BIVINS
Donna joined the Upward Call team in October 2013. She moved to Lancaster from California with her husband, Danny, and her family that same year.
Donna has five children and seven grandchildren and enjoys all things art, spending time with her grandchildren, and exploring new places and things with her husband.