To schedule an appointment with a JFS counselor, call 804-282-5644, ext. 239.
JFS Counseling Staff
Lisa Colegrove Asiamah, LCSW, LICSW
“I strive to develop a trusting relationship with clients, helping them to identify their strengths and develop positive skills, moving themselves towards a happier, healthier outcome.”
Lisa seeks to create a judgement-free environment in her work with teens, adults, and couples. She uses a variety of evidence-based practices to support clients along their journey navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and other barriers to living their best life. She recognizes and values the uniqueness of each individual and works with them to find, and use, their own strengths and personal values to inform and guide their journey. Lisa received a MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been practicing for over 15 years.
Teresa Birchett, LCSW
“I work to create a genuine, collaborative and supportive relationship so clients can grow, heal, and find more joy in their lives.”
Teresa has worked in foster care and adoption with adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. She has experience with children and adolescents in treating issues of trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Teresa utilizes a holistic mindfulness strengths-based approach that focuses on building skills and supporting personal growth. She incorporates Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness based interventions into her practice. Teresa provides LGBTQIA affirming care and is an advocate for the community.
Kristen Emerson, LCSW
“I provide empathy and encouragement for individuals to share about their experiences and develop coping skills to navigate life’s difficulties.”
For more than a decade Kristen has provided meaningful counseling for children, teens, adults, and seniors facing transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma. In addition, she has a specialization in grief and loss. Kristen incorporates solutions-based concepts, narrative approaches, creative expression, and evidence-based practices to foster healing and transformation. Kristen received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Olivia Faries, LCSW
“My empathetic approach is supportive and intentional to help each client achieve personal healing and flourish in life’s journey.”
Olivia’s background in counseling has shaped her keen ability to help clients who are experiencing current or past trauma, anxiety, depression, or difficulties with life transitions. She works with teens, adults and seniors to effectively guide all individuals to identify solution based strategies that build confidence, clarity and purpose. Olivia received her MSW from the University of North Carolina and has been practicing for over 30 years.
Dr. Sydney Fleischer, Ph.D., LCSW
“I strive to help each client find a healthy mindset and positive strategies to meet their goals.”
Sydney serves as the Director of Clinical Services at JFS and has a rich background in mental health counseling. Her practice model combines a dynamic understanding of the issues that brings the client in as well as short term problem solving strategies. Sydney received her MSW from the University of California- Berkeley, and doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sydney also serves as co-chair of the VCU/MCV Psychiatry Department’s clinical faculty and has been in practice for over 30 years.
Sonya "Sonni" Gittelman, LCSW
“I believe in the strength and resilience of the human spirit to achieve holistic healing.”
Sonni has extensive experience counseling young adults, new mothers, the LGBTQ community, and those coping with anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, and personal trauma. She journeys alongside her clients using empathy and respect. Sonni works to help clients reconnect with their strengths and empowerment supporting their ability to learn and grow from challenges and personal struggles. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has been in practice for 25 years.
Ben Katz, LCSW
“I recognize the importance of how past and present experiences shape who we are so that we can embrace growth and change to be our best self.”
For over a decade Ben has worked with teens and young adults helping to facilitate positive identity formation and coping skills. He has a genuine passion for assisting each client through challenging transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, and chronic illness. Ben integrates a variety of evidenced-based practices when counseling clients and meets each one with compassion and understanding. He earned his MSW from the Smith College of Social Work and has been in practice for 11 years.
Phyllis McCafferty, LCSW
“I recognize and honor the strengths of each client to maximize their journey towards achieving health and well-being.”
Phyllis has an extensive background working with individuals experiencing bipolar, schizophrenia, mood disorders and intellectual disabilities. She also counsels couples assisting them with communication and relationship issues. Phyllis received her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been practicing for 37 years.
Rose Miola, LCSW, MTS
"Listening to oneself and deciding to change one's life can be both scary and sacred. I aim to accompany clients in discovering their own solutions and trusting in their own wisdom."
Rose collaborates with clients to support them in exploring their own personal path to wellness and healing. She works with people of all ages, and has had experience with women, sexual and relationship violence, substance abuse, trauma, children and adults in crisis, and folks in the LGBQT community. Rose favors solution focused and narrative approaches and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Rose has a Master's in Theological Studies and is open to working with individuals who want their faith and spirituality to be a part of the conversation with their mental health. She is proficient in Spanish and is open to working with Spanish-speaking clients. She received her MSW from Boston College School of Social Work and has been providing therapy for 5 years.
Lynn Mosby, LCSW
“My practical approach in counseling my clients is rooted in a supportive relationship that nurtures self-growth.”
Lynn began her career working in adoption and foster care, and has a background counseling children and adolescents dealing with trauma, attachment and developmental issues. She uses a solution-based model with individuals of all ages who experience ADHD, anxiety, grief, loss and challenging transitions. Lynn received her MSW from the University of Michigan and has been practicing for 29 years.
Chris Nufer, LPC
“My work focuses on helping folks develop the tools they need to create positive, meaningful, and lasting change in their lives.”
Chris specializes in treating mid- and late-life depression, anxiety and trauma. He has worked as a certified caregiver counselor with the Alzheimer's Association and the University of Virginia Department of Neurology’s Memory and Aging Care Clinic, where he helped spouses and families cope with a loved one's diagnosis of dementia. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University and Brooklyn College in New York City, where he served on the faculty in the Department of Psychology after graduation.
NeuroPsychology (Memory Assessment Services)
Joy O'Grady, Ph.D.
“My special interest is helping older adults with epilepsy and memory disorders like dementia.”
Joy is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a specialization in Neuropsychology and currently provides Clinical Neuropsychological services to older adults. She is also involved in several multi-national pharmaceutical trials of Alzheimer’s medications. Joy received her B.S degree from Ursinus College, M.A from American University, and Ph.D. from University of Memphis. She completed internship training at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia Health System.
Jennifer Morgan, PsyD
“I aim to provide compassionate care to patients and efficient services for referral sources.”
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a specialization in Neuropsychology. She has worked in private practices since 1999, with previous experience in hospital and educational settings. She volunteers at the state and national level, advocating for issues related to health care benefits. Jennifer received her doctoral degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, completed her internship at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and completed residency training at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.