Lauren Wenclewicz, LBS, LPC

Assessment Clinician/BC

Lauren began her career as a therapist in 2019, following her transition from the teaching world into counseling. It became her mission to help children and adolescents across settings, and she quickly realized a passion for helping both children and adolescents struggling with ADHD, ODD, ASD and anxiety. In 2019, she graduated with her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and later obtained her Behavioral Specialist and Professional Counselor License.

Her speciality is working with children and adolescents who exhibit signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositional defiance and anxiety, as she knows first-hand how this affects individuals across settings. Lauren has experience in facilitating individual therapy and primarily utilizes CBT techniques, both in and out of the classroom setting, making her uniquely attuned to the needs of individuals and families she serves. 

Shayana Thompson, MS

Outpatient therapist

Shayana Thompson has experience working with children, teens, and adults seeking support with depression, anxiety, addiction, anger management, and trauma. Shayana obtained her Bachelor’s in Neuroscience from Temple University. She has her Masters in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. Shayana has experience working as a co-occurring therapist, ABA therapist, outpatient therapist, and as a behavior specialist working with children and parents on behavior modification.

Shayana possesses extensive training, an academic background in clinical psychology, and is well-versed in counseling theory. Shayana’s primary approach is from a cognitive-behavioral standpoint. Shayana gives each person time to process their thoughts and feelings and then helps them devise strategies to move forward. Shayana has a passionate personality and is committed to helping individuals meet their goals by tailoring her therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each individual.

 

Laura Tarbert, MS

Clinical Intern Supervisor, Outpatient Therapist

Experience with a wide variety of clients ranging from children, teens, and adults providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Play Therapy, and a Person-centered approach. Some areas of expertise include: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Behavioral Concerns, and Self-Esteem. You can expect a compassionate and warm environment, allowing yourself to be creative and compassionate towards yourself while also setting goals. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and safe space to help you feel comfortable and open to engage in the therapeutic process through empathy, authenticity, and honesty. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and  Master’s in Counseling from Cairn University in 2019.

Alexis Vazquez, MS, LBS

Assessment Clinician/MT/BC

Alexis has ten years of experience providing support, guidance, and therapy to adults, children, and families from diverse walks of life in a variety of settings. Her passion lies with working with children and adolescents, which derives from her experience working with youth at risk of out of home placement and their families. She works from a systemic, collaborative, strengths-based approach to assist and support clients, meet them where they are at, and keep careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices. At Milestone, Alexis is able to use her skills as well as continue to learn as she works as an Assessment Clinician, Mobile Therapist, and Behavior Consultant. Her goal is to help children reach their highest potential, empower parents to improve their relationships with their children, and guide families to living a more harmonious life together. Alexis graduated from Holy Family University with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a Licensed Behavioral Specialist and is currently working on obtaining her Professional Counselor License.

Betsy Stephens, LPC, MS

Outpatient Clinical Supervisor

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have several years of experience working with people of all ages and diagnoses. I take pride in my ability to build a comfortable and safe setting for my client’s to begin their journey of healing, which includes a strong therapeutic relationship. My primary therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness. I believe that every client’s therapy needs to be structured and based on the client’s individual needs and goals. I specialize in trauma processing, addiction’s counseling, and anxiety reduction.

Hilde McKernan, MS, LPC

Clinical Program Supervisor of IBHS

Hilde is a licensed professional counselor who is responsible for conducting written orders, coordinating services between agencies, completing higher level of care evaluations, and performing initial assessments. She is responsible for making recommendations for IBHS services and works closely with families to ensure that services are being utilized appropriately. Hilde offers comprehensive LPC supervision for the clinicians at Milestone ensuring they have the tools and support needed to provide high-quality care to each child and family they service.

Hilde earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Drexel University and obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University. She obtained her Professional Counseling License in 2019. Hilde is married with two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, three dogs and their chickens. She is an avid BRAVO fan and loves to shop.

Leah M. Gillespie, LSW

Director of Outpatient Psychiatric Services & Co-Founder

Having a background in Social Work, Leah approaches treatment with the goal of implementing change for individuals that will improve their quality of life. Leah has worked with children, adults and families living with mental illness specifically treating anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder. Leah is certified in perinatal depression and has found great joy in working as a postpartum doula.

Lauren A. Akruk, LSW

Assessment Coordinator of ibhs

Lauren Akruk is the Assessment Coordinator at Milestone Behavioral Health and has been working for Milestone since March of 2020. At Milestone, Lauren completes initial assessments with new IBHS clients. She also assists with supervision of clinicians and interviews others who want to work at Milestone.

Lauren has been working with children and families for more than 15 years. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Lauren received her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Saint Joseph’s University and then attended Temple University where she graduated with her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) degree in 2004.

Meredith Dickinson, MS, LBS

Clinical Director of IBHS & Co-Founder

Meredith Dickinson, founder of Milestone Behavioral Health, began her career in 2004 working with children and their families as a blended case manager in Bucks County. In this role, she assisted children in reaching their goals and being successful within their environments. She attended Holy Family University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her passion lies in helping children in all settings and providing support and inspiration to the children and families she served. Meredith fueled this passion by working as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant and Mobile Therapist. In 2014, she became a licensed Behavior Specialist Consultant. After being in the field for over a decade, Meredith decided to open Milestone to fulfill the needs of children in Bucks County. As the Clinical Director, she excels at getting to educate and empower her team of clinicians to provide top-quality services and needed support to their clients. Meredith is married and has 3 children and 2 dogs. She loves to spend time with her family, travel to the beach, and shop.

Monica Bradley, MS, LBS

Clinical Manager of IBHS

Monica has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges. She is driven to build a brighter future for every child she serves by providing effective treatment that increases their independence, well-being, and quality of life. She has extensive experience working as a client advocate during their intake process, and perseveres to help individuals of all ages and abilities receive the services they need to reach their full potential. Her primary therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy. Monica is dedicated to creating customized therapy and adapting her approach to meet the evolving needs of each client. She feels truly honored by each and every family who entrusts her to be part of their journey and is committed to being a beacon of hope for them and the community. 

Monica received her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University, and became a licensed Behavior Specialist in 2017.  She is married and enjoys going to Disney and spending time with her 2 pups and 3 cats.

Amy Ellison, M.ED, LBS

Assessor/New Hire Trainer

Amy strives to help each child become the best possible version of themselves and chose to work in the field because of her love of helping people and making a difference in the lives of others. She has a passion for understanding and tapping into individual strengths, and then utilizing those assets to support families and help children overcome areas of weakness.

Before joining Milestone, Amy helped run AMICA, a dedicated day camp serving Bucks County area children and adolescents with High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. It was at AMICA that Amy learned how much community plays a role in a child’s treatment and the importance of providing opportunities for personal expression to develop proficiencies and increase progress. 

As a clinician, Amy has had the privilege to work with many children and their families over the years and be a part of their successes.  In the four years she has been at Milestone, Amy has assessed, developed, implemented, and monitored services and treatment plans for children, as well as, providing vital training and support to newly hired BHTs. 

Amy has been a lifeline to many children and their families throughout her career, helping them long after services have ended which reflects her authentic desire to make the world around her better. Her tenacious spirit and contagious enthusiasm allows her to connect with patients and build the needed rapport to make real change happen. We feel so fortunate to have her on our team and know your family will feel the same way.

Amy obtained her Master’s degree in Education from Cabrini University and is a licensed Behavior Specialist. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter Maxi and family.