About Joe 

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I received my MSW in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, BS in computer science and mathematics, BA in economics, and MS in applied mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

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I interned at Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia. 

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I love what I do at Merak Health, which is to help clients live better lives. I strive to help clients manage relationships with their parents or communicate better with their partners. I truly believe it is possible to heal from intense anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. You don't have to do this alone. 

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Prior to social work, I was a Director at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an Associate Dean at Tufts University. I've advised and taught college students for over 10 years.

 

During my free time, I enjoy long hikes in nature and trying foods from all over the world.

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Joe's Modalities and Populations 

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In therapy, I tend to draw from a variety of modalities, including ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, mindfulness, and others.

 

I meet primarily with adults (individuals) on Medicaid on a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, sexual abuse, mood and personality disorders, and relationship issues. 

About Jillian 

 

I received my MSW with a specialization in healthcare social work from the University of Pennsylvania and my BA in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Education from Guilford College.

 

I interned at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center and Jefferson Health's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia, where I provided emotional support to patients and families who were navigating life-threatening illnesses.

 

At Merak, I'm committed to creating a supportive and collaborative space where clients can explore challenges, deepen insight, and move toward meaningful change. I was drawn to this work out of a deep respect for the resilience of the human spirit and a desire to be a steady presence for people during times of uncertainty, growth, and healing. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, healing from the past, or simply seeking to grow, therapy can be a powerful step toward a more connected and fulfilling life. I look forward to walking alongside you on that journey.

 

Prior to social work, I worked with high school and college students as a Tutoring Coordinator and a Research Assistant in Kentucky and North Carolina respectively. 

 

During my free time, I enjoy reading mystery novels, playing with my dogs, and rediscovering the little joys of life through the eyes of my infant son.

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Jillian's Modalities and Populations 

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In therapy, a person-centered approach is the foundation of our work together. From there, I tend to draw from a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, the Gottman Method, Psychodynamic Therapy, and SFBT. This integrative style allows me to offer care that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to your individual experience.

 

I meet primarily with adults (individuals and couples) on Medicaid on a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, parenting stress, pregnancy/postpartum issues, relationship difficulties, self esteem, and trauma.

About Brendan 

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I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University in Malvern, PA in 2025 and my Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Penn State University in 2019. 

 

I completed my internship at Temple University where I provided individual counseling services to student-athletes on a wide range of concerns including performance anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, relational conflicts, substance abuse, and suicidality.  For my practicum requirement, I led a social skills group for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to assist in their development of interpersonal skills.  

 

At Merak, I am devoted to forming trusting, caring, and empathic relationships with all of my clients which will provide the foundation to make positive changes in your life.  Through my work, I strive to act as a tool to facilitate intrinsic, positive growth in the lives of others.  I have a strong passion for helping individuals develop new insights into their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions while strengthening skills to better manage the stressors of life.  I recognize the uniqueness of each individual while also leveraging the universal hopes to create a happy and meaningful life for themselves.  

 

Prior to mental health counseling, I worked in a finance-adjacent role completing research for investment firm clients.  Thrilling, right!  I am so happy that I found this field and have never been more confident that this is what I am meant to be doing for my career.

 

In my free time, I enjoy going to sporting events, particularly baseball games with my father, hiking, snowboarding, seeing live music, and listening to records.

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Brendan's Modalities and Populations 

 

In therapy, I utilize Person-Centered principles to cultivate a warm relationship with clients while also incorporating CBT, Reality Therapy, and mindfulness into my work.  I believe that incorporating different theoretical frameworks can create a well-rounded approach to treatment.

 

I primarily work with adults of all ages with varying mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, relationship issues, familial concerns, substance abuse, and intrusive thoughts.

About Cassi 

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I received my MSW in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, my MA in Literature and Gender Studies from Villanova University, and my BA in English from the Pennsylvania State University.

 

I have worked with a wide range of adolescent and adult clients on varied issues over the course of my career, including the following: mood instability, chronic and childhood trauma, learning differences, fatal and non-fatal losses, criminal justice system involvement, psychosis, and patterns of interpersonal conflicts.

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My career began in the field of education and the liberal arts, during which time I tutored students in the Penn State Abington Learning Center and supported first year, transfer, international, and first generation college students with adjusting to a university environment. I went on to work with incarcerated individuals as a Mental Health Professional at the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, and I later enjoyed working with adult clients admitted to psychiatric inpatient, step-down, and transitional treatment units in my role as Activities Therapist with YesCare. During my free time, I try to practice a healthy balance of my love for spending time with my dog and being outdoors with my love for playing video games and watching horror movies.

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Due to my diversified educational and professional background, I use an eclectic approach to my practice. I keep the fact that every individual has distinctly unique experiences at the forefront when considering which therapeutic techniques to combine. Generally, I like to use techniques from Psychodynamic Therapy, Object Relations Theory, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to collaboratively discover and support each client’s treatment goals. I have also received formal training in modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Ecotherapy, and Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI).

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Cassi's Modalities and Populations

 

​I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Ecotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy.

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I work with adults, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, perpetrators of sexual violence with a focus on Medicaid populations.