OUR STAFF

CIM 940 Clinical Staff (L to R) Elyse, Carleen, Sal, Grace, Kathleen, Nina, and Alan

Nicholas Wood, PsyD

Psychologist & Director of Integrative Medicine

PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Widener University, Chester, PA.

BA in History and Psychology, Certificate in Spanish, Williams College, Williamstown, MA

Dr. Wood is the director of psychological services and mental health care at AIDS Care Group, the Center for Integrative Medicine, and Mosaic Medical Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ Health and Wellness.  He has served the community of people living with HIV since 2007, and he is committed to ensuring that all people are treated as “dear neighbors” as they receive high quality, dignified, and respectful medical and psychological care.  He is invested in training future professionals and previously was an Assistant Professor of Psychology and coordinated master’s-level training programs in trauma studies and substance use disorders at Chestnut Hill College’s Master’s in Clinical and Counseling Psychology Program.  Dr. Wood ran ACG’s satelite mental health clinic in Kensington for four years before transitioning to the Sharon Hill office.   He serves as ACG’s board liaison to Prysm Youth Center of Delaware County, the county’s LGBTQ youth center, and he was previously appointed by the mayor of Philadelphia to serve on the city’s HIV Prevention Planning Group and served as the Chair of the UPenn Mental Health AIDS Research Center’s Community Advisory Board.

Dana Lehman, PsyD

Supervising Psychologist

PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Widener University, Chester, PA.

In addition to providing individual, couples and family therapy, Dr. Lehman serves on ACG’s LGBT+ Advisory council.  She has an expertise in health oriented psychology and particularly enjoys treating people struggling with managing chronic health conditions, trauma, eating disorders, and compulsive sexual behavior.  In addition to her work at ACG she maintains a private practice in Philadelphia and lectures frequently at local universities. Dr. Lehman believes that a strong therapeutic relationship empowers people by giving them the support and skills necessary to help them reach their goals and live a life which they find meaningful and fulfilling.

Michael T. Long, PsyD

Supervising Psychologist

PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Widener University, Chester, PA.

Dr. Michael T. Long provides individual, group, and couples therapy for individuals with mental health, substance abuse, chronic health, and relationship issues. Dr. Long specializes in individual and group psychotherapy with specific populations, including those who live with substance abuse disorders, HIV and other chronic health conditions and people who identify as racial, sexuality, and gender minorities. His work is based on the belief that relationships facilitate change, and the recognition that each person is an expert on themselves. Dr. Long invests time and energy into understanding and empathizing the individuals with whom he works in order to craft unique treatment tailored towards helping each individual live their most fulfilling life.

Taisier Elessawi, PsyD, MACJ

Supervising Psychologist

PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Widener University, Chester, PA.

MA in Criminal Justice, Widener University, Chester, PA.

Dr. Taisier Elessawi provides individual and group therapy, particularly for individuals seeking help for their difficulties with mental health and substance abuse. She works with individuals to engage with life in a way that is more meaningful and gratifying for them. Dr. Elessawi seeks to honor individuals’ differences by providing a safe environment where they can gain insight into what they most value and build skills enabling them to cope with life as it happens.

Jeremy Peres, PhD, PsyD 
(He/Him)

Supervising Psychologist

PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Widener University, Chester, PA.

PhD in Applied Biopsychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA

Board Certified in Biofeedback

 Dr. Peres provides individual and group therapy for people living with mental health, substance abuse, and chronic health issues.  He completed his PhD in Biopsychology prior to respecializing in Clinical Psychology and, drawing from this foundation, strives to understand and treat people from a whole-person, biopsychosocial perspective.  Dr. Peres uses an integrated approach that draws from cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based interventions to help people cope with difficult experiences, overcome problematic patterns, and work towards living a meaningful, fulfilling life.  He has specialized experience and interest in the areas of stress, health psychology, psychophysiology, biofeedback, addiction, and integrated care.

Angela Kapalko (she/her)

Bachelor of Science in Health Science at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia​

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007

Angela Kapalko is a certified Physician Assistant and is also credentialed as an HIV Specialist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Since graduation, she has specialized in HIV treatment and primary care for PLWH. From 2007-2017, Angela held the position of Senior Research Coordinator and has been a sub-investigator of numerous HIV clinical trials run at the Jonathan Lax Treatment Center. In 2017, she transitioned out of research and into the role of Education Coordinator for APP students for FIGHT, being the main preceptor for NP and PA students during their clinical rotations. In August 2023, she joined AIDS Care Group, continuing her work in HIV treatment, prevention and primary care. She specializes in multi-drug resistant HIV, Hepatitis C treatment, and diabetes medication management. Angela is a guest lecturer for multiple Physician Assistant graduate programs throughout Pennsylvania and speaks nationally on topics around HIV healthcare. She is a member of the American Academy of PAs and the American Academy of HIV Medicine. She is on the national board of the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Angela is also the chairperson of AAHIVM Physician Assistant committee, an Executive Board Member and Secretary of the board, and is the creator of the PA Preceptorship Program through the academy connecting PA students with PA Clinicians in HIV medicine for rotations.

DeAnna DeHaas

MA in Clinical Psychology, Chestnut Hill University

DeAnna provides individual therapy with a person-centered trauma-informed, harm reduction approach. DeAnna has an integrative style, drawing from various theoretical frameworks, which she tailors to the unique needs of each person. She has multiple years of experience in community mental health with diverse people who live with mental health struggles, complex trauma, substance use disorders, and relational problems. DeAnna believes in the beauty of an authentic therapeutic relationship and empowering people on their journeys to healing.

Aura Quezada-West, M.A., LMFT (she/her/hers)

Psychology Practicum Student

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA

BA in Psychology and Spanish, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA

Aura has always found it crucial to focus on the individual through a systemic and trauma-informed lens to strengthen bonds with her patients and allow them to learn from their past to guide their future positively. Aura firmly believes in helping her patients learn and heal from trauma so they can grow in response to it. In addition to this, Aura utilizes a multicultural lens to understand best how cultural factors influence individuals and their society. In the therapy room, Aura aims to validate and empower her patients toward their treatment goals. Her clinical experience has been served in community mental health settings, providing Aura with experience in different mental health concerns among a widely diverse population. Aura is also fluent in Spanish.

Nisha Bhatt, Ph.D., (she, her)

Psychology Resident

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA

Nisha provides individual and group therapy to individuals experiencing trauma, serious mental illnesses, substance use, navigating religion/spirituality issues, and chronic medical conditions. She is passionate about working with diverse people from different walks of life. Her approach is based on building a strong relationship with individuals and collaborating with them to live their life according to their values.

Ashlee Ballard

Post-Doctoral Resident

Ashlee provides individual therapy for those seeking to improve their mental health and are seeking help in managing their substance use. She utilizes an integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational Psychodynamic Therapy to help shape therapy that is most beneficial and supportive for the client. She has experience working with individuals who struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and relational issues. She believes that therapy is most successful when there is collaboration between the client and therapist and aims to co-construct what treatment looks like with her clients.

Sarah Pfeil, ATR-BC (she/her/hers)

Staff Therapist

MA in Art Therapy, Marywood University (Scranton, PA)

BA in Art Therapy, Marywood University (Scranton, PA)

“Yet the key to unleashing our creative energy is finding the deepest sense of approval within ourselves.” – Natalie Rogers

Sarah is a full-time mental health therapist practicing both verbal counseling and art therapy within both individual therapy and group therapy sessions in the HIV and LGBTQIA+ community. In her post-graduate experience, Sarah has provided creative therapeutic care to adolescents, young adults, and older adults with a wide range of both mental health and behavioral needs working as a mobile art therapist and an expressive arts therapist within an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Sarah combines her verbal and creative skill sets to focus on the importance of the individual’s self-awareness, emotional needs, emotional regulation, and self-expression as the authenticity of the individual comes to surface through the creative experience.

Aubrey Tucker (she/her/hers)

Counseling Internship Student

MS in Psychology, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)

BA in Psychology, Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA)

Aubrey provides individual psychotherapy at Mosaic Medical Center and co-facilitates group therapy at the Center for Integrative Medicine. She is currently a second-year master’s student in Lehigh University’s Counseling and Human Services program. Aubrey is particularly interested in working with members of the trans community and with survivors of trauma. She provides a safe, supportive environment and employs practices and perspectives inspired by a variety of therapeutic styles to help clients explore and find healing in their relationships to themselves, to their environments, and to others.

Annie Mullin, MA (she/her/hers)

Psychology Intern

MA in Clinical Psychology, Widener University (Chester, PA)

MA in Theatre, Villanova University (Villanova, PA)

BA in Theatre, Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, PA)

BA in Communications, Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, PA)

Annie provides individual and group psychotherapy at Mosaic Medical Center and the Center for Integrative Medicine. She uses a blend of therapeutic styles to best suit the needs of her clients. Annie is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that is warm, compassionate, and supportive for each person as they grow toward their own goals and heal. She uses a collaborative style founded in accepting her clients wholeheartedly, building their agency, and the belief that the client is the expert of their own experiences. Annie specializes in eating disorders and trauma-informed care.

Lily Goldshore (she/her/hers)

Psychology Practicum Student

BA in American Studies, Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Lily provides individual psychotherapy at Mosaic Medical Center and co-facilitates group therapy at AIDS Care Group. She is a second-year student in Widener University’s PsyD/Human Sexuality program and has a particular interest in working with people facing issues related to gender and sexual identity, interpersonal relationships, managing chronic health conditions, and navigating experiences of trauma. She is inspired by her background in multidisciplinary cultural studies to explore relationships between individuals and their sociocultural contexts. Lily provides a warm, supportive environment that prioritizes both safety and growth and is passionate about helping people lead fulfilling, connected, and value-driven lives.

Sarah Taddei (she/they)

Social Work Intern

BA in Social Work, Neumann University (Aston, PA)

Sarah has worked in a variety of areas including victim assistance, domestic violence and sexual violence prevention targeted toward college students, crisis counseling, and people with intellectual disabilities. Sarah created a brief course about the impact of violence against people in the LGBTQ+ community for other helping professionals. Sarah is passionate about advocating for underrepresented populations and strives to create a safe and empathic environment. Sarah believes in focusing on the strengths of a person to induce empowerment and self-advocacy.

Ayisha Lee, MA (she/her/hers)

Psychology Intern/ Mosaic Group Facilitator (Transgender and Genderdiverse)

MS in Community and Trauma Counseling, Philadelphia University (Philadelphia, PA)

BA in Psychology, Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)

Ayisha provides individual psychotherapy within the Center for Integrative Medicine and HIV program and co-facilitates the TGD group at Mosaic Medical Center. Ayisha is particularly interested in working with individuals from marginalized communities and complex trauma. She has several years of experience working in community mental health settings with individuals across the developmental life span. Ayisha takes an integrative approach to psychotherapy, grounded in psychodynamic theory, and draws from various theoretical frameworks to best support the patient. Ayisha strives to form a collaborative partnership with patients, in which therapy provides a safe space where patients are seen, heard, and valued.