Meet the Professionals at Mountain Top Counseling

 
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Michelle Zapotoski, LPC, NCC, Owner

Michelle loves to work with clients from various backgrounds and issues from ages 18 and older. She is especially passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias. Michelle also offers specialized services in the form of couples therapy and women struggling with work stress, perfectionism and burnout. Michelle utilizes advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Couples Method with her clients.

Michelle is an avid cyclist. She loves to ride her indoor bike and outdoor bike as often as possible. She also has a love of books, she can always be seen reading in waiting rooms and listening to audiobooks. As a former school counselor, Michelle made the switch from the education environment to focus on contributing to the mental health needs within our area. Michelle has a niche of working with client struggling with work issues and assertiveness training.

Favorite Quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ~ Maya Angelou

Education and Experience:
Years of Experience: 21 years
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC
Mountaintop Counseling, LLC, Owner/Therapist, 2016 – Present
Hanover Area School District, School Counselor, 2005 – 2021
Various counseling agency positions, 2002-2005
Penn State University, BS Psychology/Women’s Studies and Business Minors, 2002
University of Scranton, MS School Counseling K-12, 2004
Misericordia University, Addictions Counseling Certification, 2016
Center for EFT Studies, Level I and II EFT/Tapping Certification, 2016
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, UMass Memorial Medical Center , 2017
Embodied Philosophy, Deep Healing Through IFS, 2020
The Beck Institute, CBT for Anxiety, 2021
Chopra Institute, Meditation Certification, 2023
Internal Family Systems Therapy Live Training: 2023
Cornell University (online), Women’s Entrepreneurship, 2023
IFS Circle with Dr. Dick Schwartz, Advanced Certification, 2023
Gottman Couples Therapy Training: 2024
Adjunct Professor, Marywood University: 2024
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Lauren Martonick

Lauren enjoys working with individuals who are motivated to help themselves, open to change, and willing to have deep conversations about their challenges. She has a special interest in working with individuals who have endured any type of trauma in their lifetime or those experiencing relationship or family issues. Lauren is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and has experience working with many levels of trauma. Her goal is to provide individualized counseling approaches, primarily using trauma-informed practices, attachment theory, and cognitive-behavioral skill principles. Lauren strives to provide an environment where clients feel safe, supported, and validated. In turn, this will lead to a positive therapeutic relationship in which self-reflection and processing can take place.

Lauren has a broad range of experience in the counseling field, having worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families with a variety of backgrounds and concerns in home-based, school-based, and outpatient settings. Her most recent experience includes working primarily with adults who suffer from Mood Disorders, Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Lauren is very family oriented. She has 2 sons with her high school sweetheart and 2 chocolate labs! Lauren finds that she can make great connections with new moms and she is passionate about helping individuals struggling with relational issues. She likes to think of herself as fun and interactive, and she brings this to her therapy sessions to establish a strong therapeutic alliance.

Favorite Quote: “Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” ~ Lisa Olivera

Education and Experience:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BA in Psychology
Walden University, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Robyn Docherty

Robyn specializes in working with adolescents and young adults working to manage emotions around work, family dynamics, and expectations of self. Her approach is eclectic and person centered to meet individual needs bridging together skills from multiple therapeutic modalities such as art therapy, CBT, and DBT.

Robyn has been practicing for 4 years with experience primarily working with adolescents and young adults at a partial hospitalization program and school based program within a local high school. Throughout that time she has provided individual therapy and group therapy, focusing on managing anxiety and depression symptoms, emotional regulation skills, and providing a safe environment to open up.

Robyn is passionate about promoting the importance of self care to clients, and practicing what she preaches outside of work. In her downtime she enjoys reading, making art, spending time with her husband and their 3 cats, and finding new places to experience.

Favorite Quote: “Being human is not about being any one particular way; it is about being as life creates you with your own particular strengths and weaknesses, gifts and challenges, quirks and oddities.” ~ Kristin Neff

Education and Experience:
Board Certified Art Therapist, ATR-BC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Marywood University, Bachelor of Art Therapy
Marywood University, Master of Art Therapy
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Ariel McPeek

Ariel has experience with many populations. She has worked with incarcerated men and women, male veterans with psychiatric needs, and children who have experienced trauma. She currently works mostly with adults who have anxiety, depression, and trauma. Ariel really enjoys helping clients learn new coping skills to manage their symptoms while also confronting unhealthy patterns in behavior or relationships. She worked at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for one year as an intern in their suicide watch department. She helped clients work through emotions relating to first time incarceration, suicidality, and depression. Ariel also has experience at the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center where she was a social work intern in their psychiatric ward. She ran and facilitated group sessions with veterans who were experiencing suicidal thoughts. The last 2 years before her transition to Mountaintop Counseling, she worked at Kistler Elementary where she was a Mobile Therapist for children in grades K-5. Ariel provided individual, group, and family therapy in the school and home, collaborated with all treatment team members including the school, completed assessments and treatment plans for a caseload of 24 children, and provided supervision of Behavioral Health Technicians. Her clients ranged in diagnosis from adjustment disorder to a variety of mood disorders and trauma.

Favorite Quote: “Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” ~ Pema Chödrön

Education and Experience:
Misericordia University, BA in Philosophy and Medical Health Humanities
Marywood University, Master of Social Work
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Leila Tucker

Leila is a Licensed Social Worker and provides counseling virtually or in person in both the evenings and on the weekends. As we know, stress, anxiety, depression, and traumatic events can happen to any of us irregardless of age, race, profession, sexual orientation. It is her goal as a therapist to meet clients where they are at in their life and make seeking counseling as accessible as possible. Leila has experience in helping individuals process the issues that are causing distressing symptoms and enable them to find their inner strengths, skills and abilities to be resilient. Leila focuses on helping empower clients to choose healthy instead of unhealthy thinking, feeling and acting. She has a special place in her heart for helping those who are struggling with grief, loss, and traumatic events as she has worked with grief groups, hospice, and end of life for 15 + years.

Leila has experience dealing with child welfare and family reunification. She has been a director of partial hospitalization for children with a variety of mental health diagnoses and a hospice social worker dealing with end of life issues. She also has experience helping patients and families deal with approaching death, resolving and mending relationships, and allowing patients to be able to have input into their end of life decisions. Leila is also a personal trainer focused on helping clients recognize their physical strengths and focus on what they can achieve through exercise, strength building, routine, and mindfulness.

Lelia is a wife and mother of 2 adult sons and 1 adult daughter with very unique and different personalities, strengths, and visions that have opened her eyes to the wonderful and challenging role of being parent, mentor, teacher, disciplinarian, and now, friend. Being a parent has challenged every fiber of her being and she made many mistakes along the way. Leila was tough on herself but now recognizes that even her mistakes, and the challenges she faced through each phase of their development were all for the right reasons, they were driven by the love for her children.

Favorite Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill

Education and Experience:
Child Welfare Certification
Certified Personal Trainer
Advanced Care Planning Certification
Misericordia University, Bachelor of Social Work
Marywood University, Master of Social Work
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Sarah Kosloski

Sarah enjoys working with clients from adolescence (ages 15+) and up. She is passionate and has experience working with clients struggling with depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. Sarah primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with her clients and is willing to meet you wherever you are at in your therapy journey.

Sarah specializes in pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, adolescents, major depressive disorder, and general anxiety disorder.

She loves attending concerts and comedy shows. She lives for her yearly trip to Ocean City, Maryland with her husband and 2 sons. Her dream is to buy a beach house there one day. She adores baby goats and loves getting a chance to hang with them and do yoga. She doesn’t have any goats, but she does have a dog named Bruce (after Springsteen) and 2 cats, Scooby & Daphne. She is an avid shopper and loves finding good deals.

Favorite Quote: “Somebody who can reckon with the past, who can live with the past in the present, and move towards the future-that’s fabulous.” ~ Bruce Springsteen

Education and Experience:
Kutztown University, Psychology
Marywood University, Master of Social Work
Marywood University, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Kristen Shipsky

Kristen has dedicated her career to serving seniors and their families. She has extensive
experience working in skilled nursing facilities, where she provided medically based social work
services in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, Kristen has served as a
community-based social worker with the Alzheimer’s Association, where she cultivated a deep
passion for dementia awareness and advocacy and became a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Through her work, she has developed specialized skills in supporting caregivers, individuals
with traumatic brain injuries, and those in the early stages of dementia. Kristen utilizes an
educational and strength-based approach, focusing on empowering caregivers and individuals
with cognitive impairments to build coping skills and enhance their overall quality of life.

As a therapist with grief counseling training, Kristen brings a deep understanding and
compassionate human-centered approach to supporting individuals through their grief. She
uses her expertise to help them process complex feelings of loss and sorrow, guiding them
through personalized therapeutic strategies to find healing. Her approach emphasizes the
importance of honoring each client's unique grief journey, helping them develop coping tools
and providing a safe, empathetic environment where clients can express their emotions freely
and without judgment.

Kristen is an avid reader/audiobook listener and enjoys history, memoirs, and true crime genres.
She also enjoys cooking and baking, crafting, and sewing quilts. Kristen is very family oriented
and spends as much time with her family as she can. She and her boyfriend share their home
with their dog, Maverick and their cat, Gracie.

Favorite Quote: “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always
should have been.” – David Bowie

Education and Experience:
Licensed Social Worker, LSW
Marywood University BA English Literature with minors in Women's Studies and History, 2008
Marywood University Master of Social Work, 2010
Misericordia University Geriatric Care Management Certificate, 2017
Member of National Association of Social Workers
Certified Dementia Practitioner
Success Completion of Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program 6-month
Online Training, 2024
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Natasha Nayduch

Natasha recognizes that life isn't always easy, and that everyone deals with and processes life's events in different ways. That's why it's especially important to her to individualize therapy for you and your specific needs. Natasha works with clients  that may be struggling with managing all that is going on in their lives, including managing additional anxiety, stress and/or depression. She feels passionate about working together with her clients to develop a personalized plan for them so that they feel heard, safe, and confident as they move forward in their healing.

For the past 18 years Natasha has worked in the human services field in a variety of different capacities, from caseworker in a foster care agency, to elementary school counselor to outpatient therapist. Seven years ago she shifted her focus to health & fitness coaching and supported women in committing to living sustainable, healthy lifestyles. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis she shifted her path to a more holistic approach of healing, living, and counseling.
The natural healing journey that she’s been on has taught her so much about how energy stores in our bodies, and it is what ultimately brought her back to her counseling roots. Natasha utilizes the tools she’s learned over 14 years of counseling, healing, and Reiki/energy work to support her clients in achieving their goals.

Natasha loves spending time with her husband and daughter. She loves anything outdoors; from hiking to mountain biking to planting her garden. Natasha also loves the escape that a good book can give her. Natasha is passionate about supporting her clients in becoming the most beautiful versions of themselves that they can possibly envision.

Education and Experience:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BS in Psychology
Shippensburg University, M.Ed. in School Counseling
Nationally Certified Counselor
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Amanda Tomlinson

My ideal client is someone who recognizes the significance of holistic healing and is eager to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery. They may be navigating the aftermath of trauma, seeking relief from anxiety and depression, or striving to build healthier relationships. Their needs include a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings. They aspire to uncover their strengths, build resilience, and cultivate balance in their life. Motivated to achieve holistic well-being, they value a client-centered approach and are ready for a collaborative, empowering journey of self-exploration.

Empowering you through challenges, I specialize in domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance use, and various issues such as addiction, codependency, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Offering support in coping skills, family conflict, and relationship issues, I guide you toward healing and enhanced well-being.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. As a pre-licensed professional counselor, I am here to build empathy, understanding, and support. Your path to well-being begins with a conversation. Reach out, and let's navigate this transformative journey together.
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Ashley McAndrew

Life is not always black and white. I am here to help provide you with the tools to be the driving force behind creating your own narrative. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, going through a life change or just feeling stuck, no concern is too small to take the leap and begin your therapeutic journey.

Through my person-centered approach, I can utilize a combination of talk and art therapy to help engage individuals in a nontraditional way. I have helped children, adolescents, and adults by giving them the necessary tools to openly communicate their struggles in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.

It is important that every individual feels heard and seen in order to create a strong therapeutic relationship. I believe change and growth occur after a strong relational foundation is built. I strongly believe that together we can work to begin taking control of your own life back and strive toward creating the best version of yourself.

Education and Experience:
Marywood University, Masters of Arts (Art Therapy)
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Corynne Rutz

Corynne believes it is important to meet clients where they are in their life journey mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Meeting clients where they are, Corynne understands the importance of being flexible in creating a therapeutic plan that is tailored to meet her client’s specific needs. Though Corynne offers a client-centered approach in most of the sessions that she offers, she is willing and able to utilize different therapeutic interventions to meet the specific needs of her clients.

Corynne works with clients experiencing anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, symptoms of OCD, clients seeking to manage anger in a less reactive manner, and clients who feel they may be victims of domestic violence.

For the last 13 years, Corynne has worked with children in detention and residential treatment facilities as a supportive counselor and mental health worker, at a psychiatric facility as a mental health technician, in the prison setting as a treatment specialist, and in a domestic violence counseling center as a supportive counselor and advocate for victims of domestic violence. Corynne, this past year, has provided therapy sessions to many different individuals looking for extra support in their healing journey as an intern. She is also a mandated reporter trainer currently for Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance.

Outside of work, Corynne spends the majority of her time with her husband, son, and 4 dogs. Corynne is a 5x marathon finisher and 2x sprint triathlon finisher. She’s also a nature photographer who loves hiking, traveling, and being outdoors. When Corynne isn’t spending time with family or in the outdoors, she is usually reading, hanging out with friends, or listening to good music!


Education and Experience:
Messiah University, Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Tiffany McCary

Tiffany is a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate their unique paths to healing and growth. She specializes in using a person-centered approach to therapy. This means she believes deeply in the power of a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship where you are the expert of your own experience.

In addition to her person-centered foundation, She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(TF-CBT). These evidence-based techniques are particularly effective in addressing trauma, anxiety, and other related disorders. As a certified trauma professional, Tiffany is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where we can work together to explore and process your experiences. Whether you are facing past trauma, struggling with anxiety, or seeking personal growth, Tiffany is here to support you with compassion and expertise.

Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys shopping on Amazon and buying plants. Tiffany loves spending
time with her family and friends. Tiffany likes trying new places, especially ones with either
good food or coffee.

Favorite Quote: “ Be messy and complicated and afraid, and show up anyways.”


Education and Experience:
Marywood University, Masters of Social Work
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Laura Janov

Laura has been practicing clinically for 13 years. The majority of her experience has been with children, adolescents, and families. However, in recent years she has developed skills and passion with adults as well. She has worked with some of the most difficult situations involving trauma, loss, and difficult life and relationship issues. Her passion has become having the honor to witness and hear her clients' stories as well as be a part of watching their growth and healing.

Laura is EMDR trained. Her work has also become IFS therapy informed, which is a therapeutic approach that explores the different parts of ourselves. She enjoys
being innovative and working with clients creatively when necessary in session. An example may be using Sand Tray therapy! Laura's specialties include anxiety, trauma, depression, and resolving family conflict. She aims for her client’s to lead in what they want to work on, while also feeling safe and well served with her services as she does see therapy not only as a craft and art but as a service, too.

Outside of work she loves being a mom to her son and spending time with him and her husband. She loves spending time in the kitchen cooking and also enjoys challenging herself with exercise and hot yoga! Her secret passion is interior design, but it mostly consists of watching HGTV. She sees herself as having a country, down to earth heart that is drawn to helping people navigate their lives.

Favorite Qote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful then the risk it took
to blossom” – Anais Nin



Education and Experience:
Marywood University, Master of Social Work
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Jennifer Lau

Jennifer has spent the last 18 years working between the education and office environment. With nearly a decade working in the classroom, as well as medical and financial office experience, she is committed to assisting others in achieving success.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She loves to travel, especially to the beach. In her free time she enjoys entertaining and spending time with friends.

Education and Experience:
University of Valley Forge, BS in Elementary Education
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Remy

Our practice mascot - Remy!

Remy was found by a good samaritan at a bus stop in Texas. He was being taken care of in an overcrowded facility when Michelle Zapotoski came across his profile online. Michelle was able to adopt him and the rescue organization transported him all the way to PA. It was love at first treat!

In a therapy session, you can expect to be greeted by Remy when you get here. After that he typically will lay on his bed. He is also sensitive to crying and will take it upon himself to be a canine tissue for you if you would like! If not, Remy can be kept on a leash with Michelle for the session. He has been through a lot in his short life and we are so grateful to have him with us everyday! 

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