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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 Social Worker.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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MELANIE MYER, MA, NCC

Counselor

Melanie has a BA in Psychology from The King’s College and graduated in 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. She is a board-certified counselor and a certified life coach.
 

Melanie’s areas of interest include grief and loss, child loss, serious/chronic illness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, obsessive-compulsive disorder, 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.

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JESSICA SMOKER

Counselor

Jessica received her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Theology from Colorado Christian University in Denver, Colorado, and from there, moved to East Texas to work at a residential rehabilitation facility for struggling teens for 3.5 yrs. She is currently receiving her MSW from Liberty University.

 

Jessica has a heart to serve and help those in need through a holistic approach, which engages various techniques and focuses on the individual or family and their community. 

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LINDSEY SULLIVAN

Counselor

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.

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.

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

Meet our Staff

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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. 

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Office Manager

WENDY MCCARDELL

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

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Bookkeeper

KAREN MURDOCK

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

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