Mary Anne Albaugh, MD
Credentials

As a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist practicing in Erie, PA, in practice for over 20 years. She is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is a graduate of Hahnemann University Medical School in Philadelphia, PA. Mary Anne is our consultant for the Affinity Specialized Outpatient Program.

Dennis R. Valone, Ed. D.
Credentials

Denny is a Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist as well as a Certified School Psychologist. He has 40 years of experience in public education and children’s mental health. He provides psychological services, testing, evaluations, and consultations at Affinity Family Support Services PC. He is a Fellow in the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and has served twice as the president of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Psychological Association.

Lauren DiBacco
Credentials

Lauren is a Pennsylvania Licensed Social Worker with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings dealing with co-occurring disorders. She attended The Pennsylvania State University and received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to attend
the University of Pittsburgh to obtain her Masters of Social Work. Lauren utilizes a strengths based approach when interacting with clients and also has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Management, and Trauma Informed treatment modalities. Lauren has a passion for helping
individuals and families improve their overall emotional wellness and assist them in reaching their identified goals.

Jessica Bingle, LSW
Credentials

Jessica is a Pennsylvania licensed social worker who has extensive experience working with children and families within the intellectual disability and behavioral health field since 1996. She obtained her bachelor degree in social work in 2000 from Mercyhurst University in her masters of social work degree in 2004 from Edinboro University. Jessica is a therapist in these specialized outpatient program and in the outpatient arena. Jessica focuses on complex trauma, parenting special needs children, depression and anxiety. She was trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Fran Cochis, LCSW
Credentials

Fran is a Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has over 20 years of combined experience in the fields of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice, as well as inpatient, outpatient, and school-based mental health treatment. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies from Penn State University in 1989, and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 1996. She has been a therapist at Affinity Family Support Services PC since 2009, where she is a part of the Specialized Outpatient Program, as well as provides outpatient therapy to children, youth, adults, and families, utilizing a variety of cognitive/cognitive behavioral, play, trauma/grief and relaxation therapy techniques, attachment and bonding therapies, as well as the promising practice of Girls Circle group work. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDR International Association. She has an ASAM certification (American Society of Addiction Medicine) and is a National Association of Forensic Counselors (Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist). She is a member of NASW and was the recipient of the 2004 Northwest Division of the PA National Social Worker of the Year Award.

Todd Lunger, LSW
Credentials

Todd is a Pennsylvania Licensed Social Worker and has almost 10 years of combined experience in the fields of Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, and Group therapy . Todd graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2010 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and a Masters in Social Work from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2014. Todd provides outpatient therapy to children, youth, groups, adults, and families, utilizing a variety of cognitive behavioral, play, trauma/grief and relaxation therapy techniques.

Patti Palotas, LPC
Credentials

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addictions Counselor, and a National Board Certified Counselor I have over 20 years of experience providing outpatient treatment to children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings and provided treatment for many different types of issues. I provide a warm and caring environment which helps guide clients to gain insight into their challenges and support to make necessary changes. I also have extensive knowledge of the educational system and recognize the importance of collaboration when providing services to school age children and adolescents.

Erica Potter, LPC
Credentials

Erica is a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor and a national Certified Professional Counselor. She is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and was a Presidential Scholar and an Academic All-American on the Women’s Basketball Team. She received her Master of Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
She is an outpatient therapist, as well as a therapist in the Specialized Outpatient Program at Affinity Family Support Services PC. She specializes in working with children, adults, and families with anxiety, depression, attachment, and trauma, as well as those with autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, she has valuable experience in working with neuro-feedback and sports psychology. Erica utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trama-Focused CBT, and mindfulness.

Angela Tirpak
Credentials

Angela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience. She enjoys collaboratively working with clients to help build healthy relationships, behaviors, and thought processes to support and increase well-being and values helping people become the best version of themselves. With an extensive knowledge base with the education system, she works collaboratively within this system in addressing mental health needs. She is trained in trauma focused CBT for children. In the recent past, she has worked within the education system and assisted schools to become trauma informed organizations, while facilitating trauma focused groups for students and educated teachers on being trauma informed.

She works with individuals of all ages to include; toddlers /preschoolers (0 to 6) children (6 to 10), preteens/tweens (11 to 13) adolescents/teenagers (14-19) and adults providing outpatient treatment. Angela has the ability to work in a variety of settings, providing treatment for diverse mental health issues while utilizing a range of techniques, which enables her to find a perfect balance which suits a persons particular needs. Additionally, she specializes in working with clients to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationships.  Angela looks forward to working with you to tailor your individual therapy needs.

Renee Wells, LSW
Credentials

Renee is a Pennsylvania Licensed Social Worker. She received her bachelor degree in social work in 1993 and masters of social work degree in 2017 from Edinboro University. In her 25 years of experiences she has worked with individuals, children and families in a variety of situations and settings. Renee has extensive knowledge and experience in the area of intellectual disabilities, developmental disorders, developmental-centered parenting and attachment
education. She uses a strength-based approach in helping children and families cope with issues such as anxiety, depression and self-esteem in a safe and productive way. Renee is a therapist in the outpatient program and is working towards earning her LCSW. She has been trained in trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, parent-child interaction therapy and is a member of NASW.