Ali Faris, PsyD
My passion for working closely with medical teams has lead me to my work in hospital and outpatient medical settings, including in the field of oncology. In my work I have directly witnessed the struggles of healthcare professionals and have learned how to support these providers through the many challenges they face in their professional and personal lives.
My approach focuses on honoring your knowledge in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. It is important to me that we consider culture, history, and identity in the context of your struggles. I truly appreciate the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are.
I specialize in working with clinicians struggling with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, relationship struggles, existential crisis, transitions, performance challenges, self-worth, and perfectionism. In additional I have experience working with clinicians with serious medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries.
When not working, I can be found doing many physical activities including circus arts and spending time catching up with friends and family.
Amy Trachter, PsyD, PhD
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with people struggling with substance use issues, relationship problems, learning disorders, and eating and weight difficulties. I have specialized training in working with those who have experienced trauma. I spent the early part of my career in academics at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami working with those living with medical conditions and substance use disorders.
Throughout my career I have focused on working with people with both physical and mental health difficulties, many of those with acute and chronic medical disorders including Crohn’s Disease, IBS, hepatitis, cancer, cardiac and liver disease including those on the waiting list for transplant and people living with HIV/AIDS. I also have extensive expertise working with people with dementia, traumatic brain injury, CVA/Stroke, and other cognitive difficulties.
I was a special education teacher prior to becoming a psychologist and am a strong advocate for those with special needs. I care deeply about the needs of those I work with. I am particularly interested in working with people to improve interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
I live in Bergen County, New Jersey, and enjoy hiking, running and yoga.
Throughout my career I have focused on working with people with both physical and mental health difficulties, many of those with acute and chronic medical disorders including Crohn’s Disease, IBS, hepatitis, cancer, cardiac and liver disease including those on the waiting list for transplant and people living with HIV/AIDS. I also have extensive expertise working with people with dementia, traumatic brain injury, CVA/Stroke, and other cognitive difficulties.
I was a special education teacher prior to becoming a psychologist and am a strong advocate for those with special needs. I care deeply about the needs of those I work with. I am particularly interested in working with people to improve interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
I live in Bergen County, New Jersey, and enjoy hiking, running and yoga.
Brian Sandoval, PsyD
I am a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience working in the “trenches” of primary care with medical providers and residents. I’ve heard consistently that practicing medicine can be incredibly rewarding and draining – sometimes on the same day. I wholeheartedly believe that supporting providers through these ups and downs is critical to sustaining our health care system. While that support can take many forms, I have often found myself helping providers manage the consistent tension between their occupational calling, the toll it takes on their personal lives, and the concrete stress of daily clinical practice.
My approach to clinical care is both compassionate and practical. Each provider brings a unique experience and history, and I aim to help individuals function more effectively in their personal and professional lives as soon as possible. My focus is not on psychological labels but instead on helping people cope and get “unstuck” through evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you’re interested in learning more, I’m happy to offer an initial 20-minute consultation call so we can determine together the best approach for your situation.
On a personal level, I love taking road trips with my family, coaching my sons’ sports teams, eating tacos, and watching soccer (the “real” football.)
My approach to clinical care is both compassionate and practical. Each provider brings a unique experience and history, and I aim to help individuals function more effectively in their personal and professional lives as soon as possible. My focus is not on psychological labels but instead on helping people cope and get “unstuck” through evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you’re interested in learning more, I’m happy to offer an initial 20-minute consultation call so we can determine together the best approach for your situation.
On a personal level, I love taking road trips with my family, coaching my sons’ sports teams, eating tacos, and watching soccer (the “real” football.)
Claudia Allen, PhD JD ABPP
I’m a board-certified clinical psychologist with a passion for supporting health care professionals in living healthy lives and finding joy in their work. I’ve been working in academic medicine for almost two decades teaching and mentoring family medicine, pediatric and psychiatry residents. I have also been caring for physicians and nurses for many years in my counseling practice. Being a clinician can take so much out of us and it can be so important to stay tuned in to our own core values and needs. There is so much pressure on clinicians to help others while covering up our own wounds. I love providing a safe space for healthcare professionals to consider their needs and figure out how to move towards well-being.
I use a holistic approach rooted in attachment and Emotion Focused Therapy melded with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques. I have expertise in couples work and parenting. With couples, I use Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and in the parenting arena I am guided by attachment theory and positive parenting. I co-authored a book on my approach to parenting adolescents called Escaping the Endless Adolescence: Helping our Teens Grow Up Before They Grow Old.
I live in Virginia and Maine and love painting, recreational sports, being in nature, hiking with my therapy dog, Scout, and spending time with my husband and three adult children.
I use a holistic approach rooted in attachment and Emotion Focused Therapy melded with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques. I have expertise in couples work and parenting. With couples, I use Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and in the parenting arena I am guided by attachment theory and positive parenting. I co-authored a book on my approach to parenting adolescents called Escaping the Endless Adolescence: Helping our Teens Grow Up Before They Grow Old.
I live in Virginia and Maine and love painting, recreational sports, being in nature, hiking with my therapy dog, Scout, and spending time with my husband and three adult children.
Jake Austin, PsyD
As a health psychologist my practice centers on whole person wellness. I strive to work collaboratively with patients to help them develop the insight necessary to break out of limiting thought and behavioral patterns that prevent flourishing and well-being.
For the past ten years I’ve worked in primary care, supporting medical providers in caring for patients across the lifespan and addressing the variety of health concerns common to family medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, and pediatrics.
My clinical interests include men’s mental health, grief, geropsychology/older adult care, suicide prevention, parenting, and working at the intersection of science and spirituality. I have emerging competence in couples work, family systems, and behavioral skill development for managing ADHD and ASD. I mainly employ an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach to my work, informed by my training in traditional CBT and Family Systems Theory.
When I’m not on the clock, I am remodeling our old home, fishing, hiking, reading or writing. I also enjoy endurance sports and spend an inordinate amount of time dreaming about someday hiking the Camino de Santiago.
For the past ten years I’ve worked in primary care, supporting medical providers in caring for patients across the lifespan and addressing the variety of health concerns common to family medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, and pediatrics.
My clinical interests include men’s mental health, grief, geropsychology/older adult care, suicide prevention, parenting, and working at the intersection of science and spirituality. I have emerging competence in couples work, family systems, and behavioral skill development for managing ADHD and ASD. I mainly employ an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach to my work, informed by my training in traditional CBT and Family Systems Theory.
When I’m not on the clock, I am remodeling our old home, fishing, hiking, reading or writing. I also enjoy endurance sports and spend an inordinate amount of time dreaming about someday hiking the Camino de Santiago.
Jennifer Ayres, PhD, ABPP
I have been practicing as a licensed psychologist for 20 years and began working in medical settings 25 years ago as a graduate student. I have worked in hospitals, primary care, community mental health centers, schools, shelters, and residential facilities. My approach is authentic, practical, collaborative, trauma-informed, integrative, and begins with a gentle invitation: “Tell me what’s bringing you here and how I can help.” I am board-certified in clinical psychology and am a trained teacher of mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, writing, and exploring new places with my twin sons and our dogs.
Jo Vogeli, PhD
I earned my PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and bring over a decade of experience working with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and medical trainees. My journey in healthcare worker wellbeing started at a Level IV NICU in Denver. I found the emotionally complex environment of the NICU left providers vulnerable to compassion fatigue, moral distress, and second victim phenomenon. It was at this Level IV NICU that I began to develop expertise in interventions geared toward burnout prevention, promoting resilience, and understanding posttraumatic growth.
As a psychologist in academic medicine, I work directly with physicians, APPs, fellows, and residents utilizing a “care for the caregiver” approach. I provide evidence-based interventions for a variety of needs such as anxiety, sleep problems, chronic health conditions, role transitions, as well as work with those who are struggling with professional challenges to revitalize the sense of meaning and purpose that originally brought them to medicine. I offer a compassionate approach when helping individuals navigate the vulnerable time after unanticipated medical events and other adverse events that occur in professional or personal life.
For my own wellbeing, I dance hula, read many books with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on my lap, and ride my Peloton bike.
As a psychologist in academic medicine, I work directly with physicians, APPs, fellows, and residents utilizing a “care for the caregiver” approach. I provide evidence-based interventions for a variety of needs such as anxiety, sleep problems, chronic health conditions, role transitions, as well as work with those who are struggling with professional challenges to revitalize the sense of meaning and purpose that originally brought them to medicine. I offer a compassionate approach when helping individuals navigate the vulnerable time after unanticipated medical events and other adverse events that occur in professional or personal life.
For my own wellbeing, I dance hula, read many books with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on my lap, and ride my Peloton bike.
Katherine Bergs, PhD
Dr. Katherine Bergs is originally from North Carolina and trained at East Carolina University (Go Pirates!) in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Health Psychology. After finishing training in the Family Medicine department at the University of Colorado, she has been in Family Medicine residency education in Fort Worth, Texas for the past 5 years. In that role, she has been involved in training of medical students, residents, and behavioral medicine learners. Additionally, she has a strong interest in physician well-being and impairment concerns. Her clinical interests include couples therapy, sleep, and brief behavioral interventions. In her spare time, she enjoys watching football and any chance to go to the beach.
Lane Weeks DeWan, PsyD
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I have 10 years of experience working with students and trainees. My goal is to provide a compassionate and clarifying space as we work toward optimal wellness and quality of life. We might explore relevant experiences, values, identities, relationships, thought and behavior patterns, and contextual systems.
My approach is strengths-based, to amplify the good while also tending to difficult domains. We’ll use evidence-based practices including CBT and ACT. Therapy goals are flexible and informed by your priorities.
I have ample experience working with people from underserved populations. My work is informed by specific training and experience with people of prominence, health care professionals, attorneys, first generation families, women, neurodiverse people, and LGBTQIA+ folks. I value the unique challenges healthcare professionals face via advanced clinical training and professional roles – concurrent with leading full personal lives.
Outside of my work you can find me in the forest, reading, or trying my hand at various creative endeavors.
My approach is strengths-based, to amplify the good while also tending to difficult domains. We’ll use evidence-based practices including CBT and ACT. Therapy goals are flexible and informed by your priorities.
I have ample experience working with people from underserved populations. My work is informed by specific training and experience with people of prominence, health care professionals, attorneys, first generation families, women, neurodiverse people, and LGBTQIA+ folks. I value the unique challenges healthcare professionals face via advanced clinical training and professional roles – concurrent with leading full personal lives.
Outside of my work you can find me in the forest, reading, or trying my hand at various creative endeavors.
Laura Lovato, PhD
I have over ten years of experience working in hospitals and primary care settings as both a colleague and therapist to health professionals. One of the most meaningful professional experiences I’ve had was working with medical trainees. I understand the sacrifice and resilience it takes to be a health professional and the challenges of managing personal well-being under the weight of exceptional responsibility and stress. I have an integrative approach to therapy, using experiential, relational, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients develop practical skills that support a greater sense of clarity and confidence and help them reconnect with the meaning in their professional and personal lives. I strive to be transparent, genuine, and warm and hope my clients feel seen and appreciated for their humanness and not a diagnosis.
Mandy McCorkindale, PsyD, ABPP
I am a board certified Clinical Health Psychologist with over a decade providing therapy and consultation. My background and experience have focused on the primary care setting and I've worked with medical professionals in a variety of clinical areas.
My approach to therapy is client-centered using evidence-based interventions. Generally, it is my goal to understand the challenges you face as you navigate the demands of working in the medical field and caring for others while also trying to maintain your own mental, emotional, and physical health. I enjoy and have expertise in working with individuals who have had all types of trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and difficulty adjusting to life circumstances or situations.
In my own journey to living a balanced life, I enjoy walking, yoga, kayaking, and spending time with the people who matter most to me. I am a veteran and currently serve in the Army National Guard. I have two adult children, and two incredibly amazing grandchildren who help remind me to explore the wonders of life. My partner and I also recently added a mini Aussie puppy to our household so she and her energy keep me moving!
My approach to therapy is client-centered using evidence-based interventions. Generally, it is my goal to understand the challenges you face as you navigate the demands of working in the medical field and caring for others while also trying to maintain your own mental, emotional, and physical health. I enjoy and have expertise in working with individuals who have had all types of trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and difficulty adjusting to life circumstances or situations.
In my own journey to living a balanced life, I enjoy walking, yoga, kayaking, and spending time with the people who matter most to me. I am a veteran and currently serve in the Army National Guard. I have two adult children, and two incredibly amazing grandchildren who help remind me to explore the wonders of life. My partner and I also recently added a mini Aussie puppy to our household so she and her energy keep me moving!
Emily Traupman, PhD
I am a clinical health psychologist with 10+ years experience working in a variety of medical settings, from level 1 trauma center to inpatient rehabilitation hospital to primary care clinic. For the past 5+ years I have been working in family medicine residency education. I am engaged in interdisciplinary work on clinician wellness, justice, equity, and inclusion work, social determinants of health, and medical ethics.
I enjoy helping physicians connect with their values and the meaning within and outside of work to maintain their purpose or “north star” around which we shape our lives. My approach is collaborative, individualized, and holistic incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy. I work with health professionals on burnout, stress, mood, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, performance challenges, perfectionism, and coping with acute and chronic medical conditions. When not working I enjoy practicing yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, baking, reading, and long walks with my dog.
I enjoy helping physicians connect with their values and the meaning within and outside of work to maintain their purpose or “north star” around which we shape our lives. My approach is collaborative, individualized, and holistic incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy. I work with health professionals on burnout, stress, mood, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, performance challenges, perfectionism, and coping with acute and chronic medical conditions. When not working I enjoy practicing yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, baking, reading, and long walks with my dog.
For existing patients: Meet with Emily.
Emily is not taking new patients at this time.
Joan Fleishman, PsyD
I have worked alongside health care clinicians my entire career, starting in 2011 rounding in the hospital and working in the ED in South Chicago. From academic medicine to rural primary care, I understand the culture of medicine and struggles and sacrifices you make to do your work. Whether it is a life transition, getting through residency, maintaining a two clinician household, relationship struggles, or recovery from a bad outcome or loss we all need a little support.
I spend my free time exploring the PNW, spoiling my fur babies, being active outside, and cooking.
For existing patients: Meet with Joan.
Joan is not taking new patients at this time.
Julie Morris, PhD
As a native New Yorker, I like to say that I was born interested in human behavior; that interest eventually led to a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming (Go Pokes!). Since that time, I have worked exclusively in Academic Medical Centers alongside medical colleagues. When working with patients I provide an affirming space to say things perhaps never spoken before. My therapeutic approach is evidence-based, mindful, creative, and when needed, kindly challenging. I value you, what you have to say, and our time together. In my free time I value time spent in nature, in movement, in artistic creation, and time with my loved ones.
For existing patients: Meet with Julie.
Julie is not taking new patients at this time.
Marilyn Piccirillo, PhD
I have nearly 10 years of experience helping folks navigate challenging emotions and experiences, particularly within the context of anxiety, stress/trauma/PTSD, OCD, substance misuse, and suicidality. I strongly value a collaborative approach to therapy and am skilled at tailoring evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, ACT, ERP, and DBT) to fit your individual needs.
I'm grateful to have worked alongside health professionals in multiple medical organizations and maintain several close relationships with those working in healthcare. I draw on these experiences to help me understand the unique challenges of being a healthcare provider.
As a human and therapist, I strive to be radically genuine and I aim to bring my expressive, goofy, and irreverent self into our work together. I prioritize being direct and compassionate and am committed to understanding you - as best as I’m able.
In my free time, I enjoy relaxing outdoors, snuggling my two cats, or testing out spicy curry recipes.
I'm grateful to have worked alongside health professionals in multiple medical organizations and maintain several close relationships with those working in healthcare. I draw on these experiences to help me understand the unique challenges of being a healthcare provider.
As a human and therapist, I strive to be radically genuine and I aim to bring my expressive, goofy, and irreverent self into our work together. I prioritize being direct and compassionate and am committed to understanding you - as best as I’m able.
In my free time, I enjoy relaxing outdoors, snuggling my two cats, or testing out spicy curry recipes.
For existing patients: Meet with Marilyn.
Marilyn is not taking new patients at this time.
Medication Support
Deb Kiehlmeier, DO
I have been a board-certified psychiatrist since 2021. I am originally from New Jersey and completed my training on the East Coast before graduating and moving to the Pacific Northwest. I struggled with my own mental health during medical training, and understand the extreme stress that trainees must endure.
As cliche as it may sound, I do believe I have a holistic approach to psychiatry, and try to first "do no harm" - by ensuring medications are appropriate and not causing harm, and maximizing lifestyle interventions.
My greatest joys are my cats, who sometimes like to join me on telepsych visits.
As cliche as it may sound, I do believe I have a holistic approach to psychiatry, and try to first "do no harm" - by ensuring medications are appropriate and not causing harm, and maximizing lifestyle interventions.
My greatest joys are my cats, who sometimes like to join me on telepsych visits.
Tara O'Connor, PMHNP-BC, DNP
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I collaborate with my clients in a whole person approach to mental health, including whether medication management is right for them. I follow evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. My practice focus includes treatment of anxiety, trauma related conditions, mood disorders, life transitions, relationship health, expecting and postpartum parents, and consultation with other health care providers.
Tina Runyan, PhD, ABPP
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