Our Staff

Cindy Scheffler, LCSW

Cindy Scheffler, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker in both Delaware and Maryland. She has experience in individual, group, and family therapy. Cindy believes in a strengths-based treatment approach. She collaborates with clients to strengthen their ability to cope with stressors in a healthy and positive way. Cindy enjoys working with teens, adults, and couples.

Cindy received her master’s degree in Social Work from Delaware State University in 2000. Since that time, she has had experience working in inpatient mental health and substance use disorder facilities. She provides supervision to clinicians working to obtain their licensing in the social work field. She has extensive experience working across multiple treatment settings including private practice outpatient, primary care medicine, partial hospitalization programs, insurance case management programs, and school based social work programs.

Cindy’s experience has allowed her to work with a challenging high-risk population of adolescents, adults, and families. She is well versed at helping clients who may struggle with depression, anxiety, thought disorders, personality disorders, loss and grief, trauma, and mood disorders. Together with her clients, treatment goals are established to successfully navigate work, family, friendship, school, or relationship stress. Cindy is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, the grief cycle, addictions counseling, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma focused care, and psychodynamic and relational therapy modalities.

Cindy became a clinician to help others improve their lives and find their inner happiness. She is a warm, caring, direct, and genuine person ready to promote positive mental health within her community and the surrounding communities in which she works and lives.

Vida K. Adansi, LPC-MH

Hello, I must say, as a counselor, it’s a great pleasure and honor to serve humanity in a way that’s personal and compassionate. The change experience is never an easy journey and I commend you for your decision and boldness in taking the first step. As an established fact, the road to self-improvement can be a lifelong journey, with all sorts of difficulties along the way. But be encouraged and remember, that you are not alone.  I am here to support you with solutions from the best care. I am committed to listening to your personal story and assist you to generate and implement individualized goals in your quest for self-improvement. Let's start by introducing myself.

I am nationally Certified and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the states of MD and DE. I have over 5years of experience. I received my Master’s Degree in CMHC from Wilmington University and have been supporting people from different cultural backgrounds, with diverse range of mental health issues.  Clients have described me as compassionate, empathetic and driven to help. I strive to be a great listener, self-conscious, non-judgmental, patient, always ready to help.   My role is to support your change journey of self-improvement and the well-being, and help improve  your quality of life.

I work best with adults of all ages, genders, cultures and walks of life.  It will be my pleasure to serve.

Specialty

• Stress, Anxiety
• ADHD
• Relationship issues
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Substance Use Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder
• Coping with life changes/adjustment issues

I also have experience in Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self-esteem.

Alicia Fernandez, LPCMH

It takes courage to start the journey towards healing, self-acceptance, and happiness. I believe many people have answers within but are blocked from recognizing or implementing them. Each of us is shaped by our past and present life experiences. Sometimes early experiences, especially those that are painful or traumatic, follow us into the present and impact our feelings about ourselves and our relationships with family and friends. We are not quite the person we want to be. Sadness, worry, guilt, and anger get in the way of the life we want. That’s where I come in. I have an eclectic method of treatment tailored to the individual and their needs. I see no two people nor their experiences as the same and respect the importance in individually focused treatment planning. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate atmosphere where one can safely explore and work through feelings, thoughts, images, beliefs, both conscious and unconscious. I approach treatment using humor along with concrete goals and practical solutions. At your own pace and with the support you need we can begin to manage the things in your life that are effecting you most.

A little about me. I am a Bilingual English and Spanish speaking Nationally Certified and Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Holding a B.A in Criminal Justice/Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling both Degrees were awarded by Florida Atlantic University where I also worked helping disabled students reach their academic, emotional and behavioral needs.

For the past 15 years I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient facilities on and individual and group level. My treatment has focused on relationships, grief, depression, anxiety, but majority of my work has been specialized dealing with PTSD. Working for Wilmington’s VA hospital I led readjustment groups, drug and alcohol support groups, couple’s counseling and individual counseling for our returning service men and woman. My professional experiences has also allowed me to act as a Legal Advocate and support with Southern New Jersey’s legal system. I was a first responder to sexual assault survivors in the hospital and gave expert testimonial regarding Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault matters when needed. During my time working in NJ I was also able to develop several prevention programs and work as a School Based therapist providing individual therapy and presentations on the importance of Mental Health and dating violence. Staying involved with mental health and our legal system I took a position as the Coordinator of the Mental Health Unit in a local prison. Here I provided individual and group counseling to inmates unable to remain in general population. I preformed psychological evaluations determining the needs of the inmates and put their treatment into motion. The later part of my career has allowed me the opportunity to provide clinical supervision and move into the private sector where I have been treating children, adolescents and adults on an individual and family level. I look forward to working with you and building what can be a life changing therapeutic relationship with whomever I am serving.

Ebony Hunter, MA, NCC, LACMH

Ebony holds a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from the College of Saint Elizabeth.  She is a Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health.

Ebony believes that everyone holds the key to their mental health and, with a bit of guidance, they are able to unlock positive personal growth. She approaches therapy from a Humanistic and Behavioral perspective by using the following therapeutic theories: Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).  She believes that it is important to establish healthy relationships with clients and promote healthy thinking to ensure outcomes that fit the clients needs.

Ebony has over 10 years of experience working in many different settings such as psychiatric emergency rooms, prison substance abuse treatment programs, outpatient substance abuse treatment programs and with survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence.  Through this experience, she has become knowledgeable with working with clients with various underlying mental health concerns including:

• Depression
• Stress Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Relationships
• Self-Esteem
• Trauma
• Substance Use Disorders

Ebony is trained in crisis intervention, drug and alcohol abuse, and trauma.  She is skilled in working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. She values that she is an LGBTQAI+ safe therapist. As a woman of color, Ebony also understands the importance of someone's unique diverse and cultural experiences. She is comfortable with working with individuals, families, and couples.

Deb Dalrymple, LCSW

I am a licensed Clinical social worker in both Delaware and Maryland.

I received my Master’s Degree in Social work in 1995 from Boston College. I completed my Internship at the Family Center in Somerville Massachusetts.

Over the years, I have had a variety of experience working in the field of social work including clinical work with both individuals and families. I have worked in various settings including foster care service, school based, crisis management, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and more recently the primary care medical setting. I also have experience working in a college counseling setting.

I am a firm believer in the mind body connection. I encourage mindfulness in my practice along with holistic interventions that promote the individual as whole. I also believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship and understand that it often takes time to build trust. I also understand that there is much stigma that many individuals have to overcome before they are able to reach out for help. I work with individuals at their own pace as I am aware of the many obstacles that may exist prior to coming to therapy.

It would be my pleasure to offer you a safe journey to explore the unique situation that is occurring for you at this time. I am most comfortable working with older teens, and adults of all ages.

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Grief
• Co-Occurring disorders

Marcy Resnick, LCSW

Are you struggling to ‘pick up the pieces’ and want to make a change in your life?

Therapy is similar to the Japanese art of kintsugi—in which the cracks and breaks in a piece of pottery are repaired with gold; using the ‘scars’ to make a new, unique, beautiful design. In the process of healing that which feels broken within us, we can become stronger, more resilient. Therapy can help you with the challenges you are facing, to move forward and to realize your potential or gain peace-of-mind.

My role is to help you tap into the core of who you are, to assist you in achieving your goals in a safe, compassionate, nonjudgmental environment.

Marcy Resnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who obtained her Master’s degree at Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.  She has worked with clients and families with chronic illnesses and individuals experiencing trauma. Her experience includes case management, individual therapy, and support groups. She has knowledge of client issues involving: depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, life-changes, and chronic illness.

Her therapeutic philosophy is collaborating with clients to accomplish desired goals while developing strengths and resources to deal with life’s challenges. Therapeutic techniques are tailored to the individual and may include: cognitive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed therapy.  Marcy is happy to accept adults of all ages for treatment.

You can take the next step on your healing journey by booking an appointment.

Nell Kelley, LPCMH, NCC

Looking for professional help is not always an easy thing to do. Congratulations on taking a big step towards feeling better.

As a licensed professional counselor of mental health, I have provided care in a variety of settings including residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient environments. I have won several awards for academic and clinical excellence. I attended Vassar College, Georgetown University and Wilmington University. A former board member of the Delaware Professional Counselors Association, my approach to therapy is integrative and tailored to the individual. My patients have described me as caring and dedicated – I really want to see you succeed.

Treatment with me will focus on working together to help you understand the root causes of your problems and improve the way you function in the world. In a safe, secure environment, you will feel comfortable exploring areas of your life that you find challenging, whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges or adjusting to major life changes. We can set goals and come up with strategies to help you function better, enjoy your life more and find peace of mind.  I enjoy working with adults of all ages and stages of life.

Stephanie Lyman, LPCMH

Stephanie Lyman is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware. She received a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and a M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling from LaSalle University. Stephanie has experience working with adults, teenagers and couples in outpatient settings. She has worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, anger, trauma, interpersonal conflicts and mood disorders. She utilizes different therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person-Centered therapy. Stephanie works from a wellness perspective, helping clients identify strengths and build upon them to achieve their goals in counseling. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is a key component to counseling and works collaboratively with clients in their journey towards growth.  Stephanie works to create a safe, comfortable and nonjudgmental space where clients can freely express themselves.  Stephanie enjoys working with teens, adults and couples.

Pamela Stearn, LCSW

Thank you for reviewing my profile and I commend you on taking the very brave step of beginning therapy! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have a Master’s in Social Work degree from Widener University. I began my career 20 years ago working for a local nonprofit agency and spent 13 years there. I have also spent 4 years working as an outpatient therapist at Jewish Family Services.

I am passionate about helping people and have experience working with adults and teenagers dealing with substance use issues, grief related challenges, depression, anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential for helping people on their journey of self-discovery, growth, and change. The connection that I am able to build with my clients provides a safe environment for them to work through the challenges they are facing. I help my clients develop skills and strategies for managing these challenges and explore new and healthy ways of living.

Debra Thompson, PsyD

Dr. Thompson is currently scheduling sessions for PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION only, with an exclusive focus on ADHD assessment.  If you would like to schedule an appointment for PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION/TESTING, please call us at:  302-724-6662. For therapy or counseling needs please schedule with another Thriveworks provider below.

Dr. Debra Thompson is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience conducting psychotherapy and psychological evaluations in Pennsylvania and Delaware.  She is a native of Philadelphia.  She earned her doctorate at Immaculata University.  She is the founder of Thriveworks Newark.

Dr. Thompson provides Psychological Evaluation services to children, teens and adults.  At this time, practice is focused exclusively on assessment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD in children, teens and adults.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is typically life-long, though oftentimes undiagnosed, especially among girls/women or anyone with higher than average intelligence or creativity.  Assessment of ADHD can be a first step toward getting the help and support you need.  Determining whether you or your child is struggling with ADHD can lead to renewed hope and understanding of intractable problems, as well as, opening new possibilities for coping and thriving.

Judith Pantalino, NCC, LPCMH

Judith Pantalino is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware.  She received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling in 2013 after completing her clinical internships with Catholic Charities, Delaware Hospice, and the Cancer Support Center.

Judith takes a person-centered approach to counseling in the initial phase while the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client builds, further using motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) for the client to discover new and healthy ways of coping.  Judith is a great listener, who strives to maintain a warm and supportive relationship with each client, to help support them while they find solutions to challenging life problems.

Judith worked as a Bereavement Counselor with a local Hospice for many years.  She is skilled at supporting individuals and families coping with serious illness and loss.  Judith’s interest in Grief Counseling was a result of the personal experiences with loss, including the loss of her sister to suicide and her son to sudden death.  Her Initial work as a grief counselor has resulted in her desire to move to the general outpatient counseling setting to work alongside her adult clients struggling with emotional needs and life problems.   While she has extensive experience in grief counseling, Judith also has experience working with clients who have a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.

Judith works well with adults of all ages, genders and life circumstances.

Taylor Donovan, LCSW

Are you looking for someone to talk to who “gets it” or understands what you are trying to say?

Maybe you are looking for support to make a change for the better in your life?

Or maybe you’re looking for support with a mental health concern?

 Well I am here to tell you that I can help with all those things and much more!

Allow me to introduced myself, my name is Taylor Donovan. I have a master's degree in social work and I hold a license in the state of Delaware as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Individuals pursue therapy for all sorts of reasons. Some examples include, but are certainly not limited to, managing stress, discussing relationship or family concerns, learning new coping skills, managing anxiety and/or depression, or even just to “vent” to an unbiased individual about what they are currently experiencing in their life.

I am open to seeing clients of all ages, but have the most experience in the young-adult, middle-age-adult and older-adult populations.

My office is wheelchair accessible as well as a warm and welcoming environment. There are beverages (water, coffee, tea) and magazines available in our comfortable lobby as well as soft music playing. There is art work hung for your viewing and my smiling face will come retrieve you at the time of your appointment.

We would begin our therapy sessions by getting to know one another to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship as well as a strong foundation. I will meet you “where you are at”, no matter what is happening in your life, without judgement, and we will proceed as you are ready.

We will then proceed by creating goals and expectations for our sessions together. The rest is really up to you and depends on how you wish to proceed. However, therapy tends to be most beneficial when the client (A.K.A you) is engaged during sessions, productive in working towards their goals and consistent in attending their appointments as scheduled. We will work together as a team to achieve your goals by taking into consideration all the important factors of your life (work, friends, family, belief system, culture, etc.).

My practice style varies depending on the client. We will find what best suites you. My commonly used styles include the person-center approached, motivational interviewing, solutions-focused or goal-oriented therapy, person-in-environment therapy and family systems therapy.

I hope you decide to give therapy a try, as it can be beneficial to everyone.

I look forward to working with you.

Edith Porter, LPC-MH

Edith Porter is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health.  She has an undergraduate degree in Education and currently holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University in Delaware.

Mrs. Porter has experience working with families, teens and adults.  She has provided mental health services in a variety of settings including schools, homes, community, and outpatient clinics.  Her previous work experience focused on individuals with depression, anxiety, anger management issues, trauma and addiction.  Edith takes an integrative approach in order to meet the needs of her clients.

Michael Beckham, LPC-MH

Time to make a change? I accept my clients without judgement and introduce new insights and strategies that lead to them feeling empowered, focused, confident and in control. Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem and other issues can be addressed by discussing your belief system, thought processes, how you connect with others, how you create your own reality and we may even explore how your dreams open a window to your subconscious. A high percentage of my patients are female due to my experience and background, although I do work well with male clients also.

My clients often say they feel like I 'get' them. That connection is what I believe therapy is all about. Together we will challenge irrational thoughts and replace outdated beliefs allowing you to feel confident in yourself and your decisions. We will reduce negative feelings and find new solutions to the issues that are keeping you from moving forward.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor with many years of experience.  I work with older teens, and adults of all ages.   Located near of the University of Delaware-Newark with plenty of parking. I will work with your insurance so there are no surprises. I accept all forms of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicaid and also have many private pay clients.

Before joining Thriveworks I was a Clinical Supervisor for an in-patient clinic in Maryland and a Director of a large out-patient mental health clinic in Austin, TX focusing on Anxiety, Depression, Life Changes and Self-Esteem.  I have also worked extensively with victims of rape or sexual violence.

 

Michael Smith, LPCMH

Michael Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) with experience working with individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, depression/bipolar, and anxiety-type disorders, especially in co-occurring presentations. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University. He believes working collaboratively with clients to create an environment in which health change can occur and in establishing an understanding of current life narratives and constructing a preferred narrative so that clients can move from one to the other. He is trained in Narrative Therapy from the institute of Narrative Therapy in England. He has experience working with people struggling with addiction, past and present sexual trauma, childhood abuse, and a variety of other issues.

Specialties include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma/PTSD
• Self-esteem
• Individual Therapy
• Men's Issues
• Stress Management

He also utilizes treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, Experiential therapy, and Existential Therapy. Michael approaches therapy through the lens of finding/creating/altering personal meaning when it comes to pivotal life events in a way that allows for growth and change to occur in a healthy way.

Christina Reed, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Christina Reed is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority, which allows her to prescribe and manage medications to patients across the lifespan. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Monmouth University and her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Drexel University. Christina has over 2 decades of experience in the field of psychiatric behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. She is skilled at treating patients with complex medical comorbidities, is a certified geriatric resource nurse, and is a certified case manager.

Christina specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD and mood disorders. She is attuned to the fact that ADHD can have wide-reaching effects and cause problems in virtually every aspect of an individual’s life, especially if left undiagnosed or untreated. Christina is particularly interested in helping college students and young professionals achieve their personal and career goals.

Christina provides all her clients with upbeat, stigma-free, individualized care. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association, the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Society.

Robert G. Thompson, Psy.D

Robert G. Thompson, Psy.D., is a clinical and forensic psychologist, a consultant, and an educator.  At Thriveworks Newark, Dr. Thompson exclusively practices forensic psychology.  In his practice, Dr. Thompson provides a variety of psychological assessment services.  Among those services, he provides forensic psychological evaluation, which involve the use of psychological methods to address legal or court-related issues.  In criminal cases, he focuses on the following areas:

• Competency to stand trial
• Competency to waive Miranda rights
• Criminal responsibility (i.e., mental state at the time of an alleged offense) as it pertains to verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity, guilty but mentally ill, extreme emotional distress, duress, and self-defense
• Violence and sex offender risk assessment
• Correctional mental health treatment
• Fitness for duty in police, security and correctional personnel
• Pre-sentence treatment recommendations

Within the area of civil forensic psychology, Dr. Thompson provides evaluations in the areas of disability (Social Security, worker’s compensation), personal injury, and independent medical (psychological) examinations.  Dr. Thompson is an experienced expert witness who has provided testimony in the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, where he holds active licenses to practice.  Dr. Thompson also provides clinical psychological evaluations for purposes of differential diagnosis (deciding which diagnosis is correct) and treatment and placement recommendations.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Thompson currently serves as the chief competency program executive and Norristown State Hospital Regional Forensic Psychiatric Center.  He is an adjunct assistant professor at the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University, where he teaches classes in psychological assessment and serves on oral examination committees for students preparing to receive their doctoral degrees.  He also teaches undergraduate classes in psychology and forensic psychology at Bay Path University.  Dr. Thompson has given presentations on a wide variety of topics at conferences across the United States.

If you think Dr. Thompson may be able to provide a useful service to you or someone you know, we encourage you to speak to him. Call 302-779-0057 for a free telephone consultation.