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Meet our Counselors

Patricia Wright
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PATRICIA M. WRIGHT, LCSW

Executive Director

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 Clinical Social Worker. Patricia also has her DSW (ABD) and is currently working on her DMin with a specialization in leadership at Lancaster Bible College.

 

Patricia uses an eclectic approach to counseling, using various forms of therapy depending on the client’s individual needs.  While Patricia is trained to provide many different types of therapy, biblical counseling is both a specialty and passion. Patricia has worked with many church leaders in crisis and led spiritual retreats and sabbatical equipping times.  Patricia has over 15 years of experience in providing trauma therapy, including a certification in EMDR. She works with individuals (children and adults) who have been abused sexually, physically, and/or emotionally. She has served in positions at mental health hospitals, crisis intervention facilities, and has held behavioral health emergency room positions. She has experience in providing mandated support group sessions for domestic violence offenders.

 

Certifications include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Anger Management, Grief Therapy, Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, EMDR for Trauma, Internal Family Systems, Pre-Marital Counseling, Trauma Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Children’s Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (for children and adults), Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and Biblical Counseling.

 

Currently, Patricia spends much of her time training University intern counseling students and is a public speaker for businesses and churches. Today she leads both a Grief Share Group and a Women’s Trauma Group in her community.

 

Patricia lives in Lancaster with her husband and family. She has a passion for leadership development and is currently working on projects for improved counselor and leadership health and wellbeing. She will publish the research from these projects during her dissertation work.

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GRACE BARTON

Intern Therapist

Grace has a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College (LBC) and attended Asbury University for two years. She is receiving a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from LBC. She has been the in-house Spanish Interpreter at the Lancaster Children & Youth Agency for the past four years, where she has advocated for those experiencing domestic violence, trauma, abuse, injustice, poverty, and homelessness. She worked as a behavior technician for four years, using Applied Behavioral Analysis to promote positive interactions with children with trauma, ADHD, Autism, ODD, and mood disorders. Grace worked as a women’s counselor at the Water Street Rescue Mission for two years, where she implemented the appropriate level of response and intervention.

 

Grace is interested in various counseling techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Relational-Cultural Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Biblical Counseling is her primary focus. She considers the bio-psycho-social-spiritual determinants of overall health and well-being. She recognizes that each individual, couple, and family is the expert of their experience and values their right to make decisions. 

 

She desires to use her life experience and education to empower and inspire hope in problematic areas such as trauma, abuse, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), postpartum depression, spirituality, assertiveness, attachment disorders, relationship conflict, grief and loss, cultural integration, involvement with the justice system, and life-stage transitions. Her approach is warm, interactive, and accepting.

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Grace grew up in Honduras as a child of missionaries and looks forward to utilizing her cross-cultural and bilingual communication skills as a culturally sensitive therapist. Grace has five adult children and two grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her dogs, gardening, and homemaking..

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MIKAYLA BEERS

Intern Therapist

Mikayla completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College and is currently receiving her MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.

 

She has worked with children extensively in the past and is currently working at her church part-time overseeing their nursery ministry. 

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Mikayla is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families to help them toward a brighter future. She likes to integrate a variety of different approaches including family systems therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and emotion-focused therapy. She values creating a safe space for her clients while working collaboratively together, ensuring that therapy is individualized, holistic, and helpful for each client's personal wants and needs. 

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THOMAS GAVIN, LPC

Counselor

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.

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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.

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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.

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LESLEY HART, M.A.C., B. MUS

Counselor

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.

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SUZANYA HUSING, BS, MA, CMHC

Counselor

Suzanya Husing is a nationally certified counselor with her MA in clinical mental health counseling from Bradley University. In working with a variety of mental health conditions, Suzanya encapsulates many different techniques and theories with Biblical truth and creativity unique to her clients needs.

 

She enjoys working with youth, individuals, couples, families, and seniors. She has worked with clients suffering from emotional, cognitive and behavioral disorders; individuals suffering from loss and trauma; marriage and family counseling; eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and learning disorders. Suzanya is committed to regular research as she aids her clients in their healing journey.

 

 

Suzanya taught middle school in a classical Christian school prior to becoming a clinical mental health counselor. She enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and music. She is happily married and has two grown sons.

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KENZIE HUSS

Intern Therapist

Kenzie grew up in Montana before moving to Lancaster where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College. She is currently working on her MA in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling at Lancaster Bible College.

 

Kenzie has become a facilitator of Prepare/Enrich and looks forward to working with premarital couples. She has a passion for working with children, adolescents, single individuals, engaged couples, and the plain community. 

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Kenzie enjoys using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Theory, Bowen Family Therapy, and Narrative Therapy as her approach to counseling, but will draw from a variety of techniques.  

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LINDA LITSCHI, MAMFT

Counselor

Bio coming soon!

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BROOK LONG, MAMFT

Counselor

Brook has a Masters of Marriage & Family Therapy from Evangelical Seminary.

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From Brook :: 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.

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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.

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DAVID MCADAMS, M.DIV, MAMFT

Counselor

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.

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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.

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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.

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PAUL MILLER, MAMFT

Counselor

Paul Miller has a BS in Bible from Lancaster Bible College and a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Evangelical Seminary.

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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). 

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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. 

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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.

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MELANIE MYER, MA, NCC, CTP

Therapist, Counselor, Life Coach, Play Therapist

Melanie has a BA in Psychology from The King’s College and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is a certified trauma professional (CTP), a national certified counselor (NCC), and a certified life coach. She is currently in the final phase of working toward the Association for Play Therapy’s registered play therapist (RPT) credential. Melanie works with clients of all ages.

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Her areas of interest and experience include self-worth/self-esteem, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, grief and loss, serious/chronic illness, stress, trauma and complex trauma, identity issues, spirituality, faith/religious crises, child and adolescent development, parenting, relationships, career development, wellness, and personal growth. She has specialized training in ADHD.

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Melanie assists individuals and families across the lifespan, drawing from a variety of methods and approaches to meet the specific needs of each person. These include compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, relational-cultural therapy, stress management, mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, coaching, dream work, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, play therapy, bibliotherapy, sand tray, expressive arts therapy, and group therapy.

 

Upcoming groups may include A Journey to Self-Worth, Bibliotherapy for Adult ADHD, Expressive Arts for Trauma Recovery, Game Therapy for Adults, Game Therapy for Teens, and process groups.

 

Melanie’s approach is inclusive and multicultural, honoring each client’s unique experiences and views of the world. She cares deeply and seeks to help people heal and flourish through the client-therapist relationship and relationships with others.

 

Melanie lives in Lititz and loves spending time with her family. She enjoys playing board games, growing flowers, hiking, reading, writing, and learning.

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LINDSEY SULLIVAN

Intern Therapist

Lindsey has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is currently receiving an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. She worked as a permanency specialist with children placed in foster care to collaborate with both the biological family and the foster family through transitions. During this time, she became very familiar with trauma and attachment theory. She also has experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and was a behavioral health technician for a combined 4 years.

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Lindsey’s area of interest includes working with trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, family and couples’ conflict, self-esteem, spirituality, illness, post-partum depression, family transitions, and grief and loss. Through her own personal journey, she developed a holistic, and strength-based approach to counseling. She views each person and family as unique and believes in a collaborative approach during therapy.

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Lindsey has two daughters and enjoys spending time with family, biking, and swimming during the warmer months.

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RHONDA ZOOK, MAMFT

Counselor/Therapist

Rhonda has a B.S. in Nursing from Penn State University and a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Evangelical Seminary.

 

From Rhonda :: I loved my work as a nurse during my 25-year career where I worked with oncology patients, palliative care patients, child and adult inpatient behavioral health patients, and home care patients. However, I always had a dream of being a therapist which led me to my current career as a marriage and family therapist.

 

I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, individuals, and couples. Between my nursing career and my training as a therapist, I have developed a holistic approach that addresses the mind-body connection. I also work to help you discover your strengths and encourage you to grow as you develop those strengths. I love to help those who are struggling with anxiety and depression find a way out of the darkness. I also have a passion for working with women who are in difficult marriages, especially spouses of sex addicts.

 

I am married and have one young adult child as well as two teenagers. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking, canning, crocheting, reading, and traveling. My husband and I enjoy taking trips on our Honda Goldwing motorcycle. 

Meet our Staff

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DONNA BIVINS

Office Assistant

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. 

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WENDY MCCARDELL

Office Manager

Wendy has been an invaluable part of Upward Call, serving clients and staff since 2002.

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KAREN MURDOCK

Bookkeeper

We are so thankful to have Karen as part of Upward Call, joining the team in 2019 as our Bookkeeper.

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