Meet Our Staff

Get to know the staff at Council for Relationships.

Leadership Team

Jeannine L. Lisitski, PhD
Chief Executive Officer

Jeannine L. Lisitski, PhD

Chief Executive Officer

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3220

Jeannine Lisitski joined Council for Relationships in 2022 as Chief Executive Officer. She brings decades of management and leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Jeannine served in a variety of executive level roles in organizations focused on alleviating violence, poverty, and behavioral health issues, including as the Executive Director & President of Women Against Abuse (WAA) for over a decade. Under her leadership, WAA grew exponentially in all service areas, deepened agency infrastructure, and achieved certification in the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed care. In addition to her extensive leadership experience, Jeannine also brings insight from her early social work career providing direct counseling and case management services.

Jeannine has been the recipient of multiple awards for business acumen and social innovation. She led an effort to create a citywide plan to address relational violence in collaboration with over 60 agencies and organizations resulting in a first-place award for the international Lipman Family Prize for social innovation out of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In her role on the senior leadership team at Project H.O.M.E., Jeannine collaborated with and received an award from CFR for establishing a partnership to provide high quality therapeutic services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

A New Jersey native and Philadelphia resident, Jeannine earned a Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Research from Bryn Mawr College, a M.A. in Applied Psychology from Rowan University, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Stockton University. In addition, she holds certificates in executive leadership from Bryn Mawr College and Harvard Business School and co-facilitated in the Bryn Mawr College program for two years. Jeannine is passionate about learning, empowering teams, and alleviating suffering through programs that create a more peaceful and united community.

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Jason Anhorn, MEd, CFRE
Chief Advancement Officer

Jason Anhorn, MEd, CFRE

Chief Advancement Officer

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3155

Jason joined Council for Relationships in August 2021. He brings with him a strong 20-year background in higher education administration and nonprofit management, including teaching college communication studies courses and first-year student seminars. He has held senior administrative positions at Lehigh University, Coastal Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Elon University and served nine years on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, including one term as President. Jason also worked on the Executive Team for Delta Phi Epsilon International Headquarters, a women’s collegiate organization headquartered in Philadelphia, PA where he was responsible for alumnae development, membership growth and retention, and volunteer training.

Jason recently served the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation as its Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development where he led efforts to build connections with undergraduate and graduate donors with a series of live, virtual talk shows and online fitness challenges, which raised record donations benefitting the Foundation itself, as well as Habitat for Humanity and Feeding America. His development of procedures and protocols for the Foundation enhanced its efficiency and effectiveness as well as increased donor engagement.

Jason graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Lehigh University and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is a fitness fanatic finishing multiple half and full marathons, triathlons, and CrossFit competitions. He lives with his husband, Martin, in South Philadelphia.

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Howard Cohen
Chief Financial Officer

Howard Cohen

Chief Financial Officer

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3228

Howard Cohen joined Council for Relationships in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Cohen’s career has been spent primarily at firms in the professional services field whose work frequently included delivery of coaching and advising programs to executives.  In his role, Mr. Cohen leads the financial planning, reporting, and financial management functions at CFR. Recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Decision Strategies International, and had been a vice president at Right Management. A member of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, Mr. Cohen holds an MBA from Rutgers University and a BA from Lafayette College.

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Emma Steiner, MSW, MFT, LCSW
Chief Clinical Officer

Emma Steiner, MSW, MFT, LCSW

Chief Clinical Officer

(215) 382-6680 ext. 4279

Emma Steiner joined Council for Relationships in 2010 as an intern in the Post Graduate Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy and has since held a variety of positions within the organization. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist in Philadelphia, including several years working in a residential treatment program with pregnant and parenting women recovering from substance abuse. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts and Sciences as well as the Graduate School of Social Policy and Practice, Ms. Steiner came to train at CFR in order to gain a better understanding of systemic practice. Her knowledge of systems informs both her clinical work and her work in her position as Chief Clinical Officer. In her role, Ms. Steiner oversees the Client Care department, clinical services and operations, therapy groups, and professional development programming; meets with other organizations to build relationships and introduce them to CFR; hires and orients new therapists; and develops policies and procedures.

In her clinical work, she sees individuals and couples and is particularly interested in working with women on the development of self and identity through family of origin and childhood work, organizational leaders and executives navigating the complexities of holding highly visible or scrutinized positions, college students and young adults, and clients navigating new parenthood, life transitions, trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression.

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Sara J. Corse, PhD
Director, Community Partnerships Initiative

Sara J. Corse, PhD

Director, Community Partnerships Initiative

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3117

Guided by the principle that healthy relationships are essential to the well-being of our entire community, the Community Partnership team, under Dr. Sara Corse’s leadership, tailors therapeutic and psycho-educational services to the needs of partner agencies so that disenfranchised individuals and families can reclaim their lives and reestablish healthy relationships. Dr. Corse is a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in treatment outcome research in community psychology.

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Bea Hollander-Goldfein, PhD, LMFT
Director, Transcending Trauma Project

Bea Hollander-Goldfein, PhD, LMFT

Director, Transcending Trauma Project

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3118

Dr. Bea Hollander-Goldfein has been involved in training for over 25 years and is the Director of the Transcending Trauma Project, a longstanding research project investigating coping and adaptation after extreme trauma. She is a senior staff therapist, instructor, AAMFT approved supervisor, senior author of Transcending Trauma: Survival, Resilience and Clinical Implications in Survivor Families, and co- editor of Narrative Reflections: How Witnessing Their Stories Changes Our Lives.

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Profile of Dr. Nancy Isserman with her left shoulder forward and looking directly at the camera against a green, natural background. She is wearing a blue turtleneck with a white necklace. She has short hair is a smiling. She is also wearing a blue hat.

Nancy Isserman, MSW, PhD
Director, Operation Home and Healing: Services for Veterans and Families

Nancy Isserman, MSW, PhD

Director, Operation Home and Healing: Services for Veterans and Families

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3133

Dr. Nancy Isserman is the Director of Operation Home and Healing (OHH). Since 2007, OHH has provided support, education, and counseling for military service members, Veterans, and their families. Dr. Isserman is also the Co-Director of the Transcending Trauma Project, a research project on coping and adaptation after the Holocaust. She is a co-author of Transcending Trauma: Survival, Resilience and Clinical Implications in Survivor Families and author of articles on Holocaust survivor families and on educating clinicians about understanding military culture and mental health treatment for Veterans and families. She teaches a course on military culture to clinicians and students at CFR.

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Dolores Littleton, DMin, LMFT
Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program, Clergy Track

Dolores Littleton, DMin, LMFT

Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program, Clergy Track

(610) 213-9725

The Rev. Dr. Dolores E. Littleton (Dee) is a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Eastern University with a BSW. Dr. Littleton received her M.Div. from The Lutheran Theological Seminary (United) in Philadelphia and was ordained in 1983 as a Lutheran Pastor and has served two congregations in the Philadelphia area. She received her Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Ministry from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Palmer). She completed the Council for Relationships post-graduate clinical training in Marriage, Family, and Sex Therapy. In addition, Dr. Littleton is a graduate of the ELCA Systems Academy, which is a four-year structured engagement with family systems theory, theology, and clinical work.

Dr. Littleton has been in practice for 25 years, providing therapy for individuals, families, and couples. Her areas of expertise include pre-marital, marriage education, relationship enrichment, spiritual and faith issues, mid-life transition, abuse, attachment, parenting, remarriage, and stepfamilies. Dr. Littleton is a consultant and coach for churches and clergy who are experiencing conflict and are seeking to focus on mission and ministry. She is an experienced retreat leader, workshop speaker, and trainer.

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Priscilla Singleton, MSW, LMFT, LCSW
Director of Clinical Standards

Priscilla Singleton, MSW, LMFT, LCSW

Director of Clinical Standards

(215) 382-6680 ext. 7045

Priscilla Singleton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a summa cum laude graduate of the Temple University Masters in Social Work program, a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and an AAMFT approved supervisor. Ms. Singleton is trained in EMDR, Sandtray Therapy, Co-Parent counseling, and Parent Coordination.

Ms. Singleton is Associate Program Director, instructor, and supervisor in the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Couple & Family Therapy and an instructor in the Council for Relationships’ Post Graduate Certificate Program. Ms. Singleton is Director of Clinical Standards at Council for Relationships, former Co-Director of the Council’s Center for Families in Transition, and part-time clinician in Council’s Exton office. Ms. Singleton has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Widener University School of Social Work, Clinical Associate in Psychiatry in the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Field Instructor for the Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work, and social worker for Chester County (PA) Children and Youth Services and other Pennsylvania agencies. Ms. Singleton has lectured at the Temple University School of Law, and appeared as a guest expert on National Public Radio programs and on local Philadelphia television. Ms. Singleton has been in practice for 30 years.

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Michele Southworth, JD, LMFT
Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program

Michele Southworth, JD, LMFT

Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3115

Michele Southworth is the Director of the Post Graduate Certificate Program at Council for Relationships. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and also a licensed attorney. In her practice, she specializes in working with motivated, thoughtful people who feel stuck in some important aspect of their lives and are ready to move forward in a way that is true to who they are, and to the values that matter to them. Her clinical practice encompasses a range of issues, including personal growth and development, gender-role and power conflicts, bereavement, and divorce-related issues. When working with divorcing and divorced families, she uniquely combines her two professions to serve as therapist, co-parenting counselor, mediator, or parenting coordinator.

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Jane Summers, MD
Director, Women's Psychological Health Services

Jane Summers, MD

Director, Women's Psychological Health Services

(215) 382-6680 ext. 7070

Dr. Jane Summers received her Medical Degree from Georgetown University and completed her psychiatry residency training at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. She has been in practice for 28 years.

Dr. Summers has specialized in women’s behavioral health throughout her career, focusing on providing individualized psychotherapy and evaluation for medication treatment. Dr. Summers’ approach prioritizes understanding the unique issues that effect the emotional health of women, such as reproductive health and hormonal changes over the lifespan and challenges created by family and societal roles.

She served as the Medical Director of Pennsylvania Hospital Women’s Mental Health Program and, most recently, developed and directed the Women’s Behavioral Health Program at Crozer Chester Medical Center. Dr. Summers currently serves as the Director of Women’s Psychological Health Services at Council for Relationships.

CFR’s Women’s Psychological Health Services seek to address the needs of women experiencing difficulties related to pregnancy, postpartum, fertility issues, premenstrual symptoms, menopause, breast and gynecologic cancers, and other women’s issues. Our team of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists does this by providing individual, couple, sex therapy, and referral for medication treatment.

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James Wadley, PhD
Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program, Sex Therapy

James Wadley, PhD

Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program, Sex Therapy

Dr. James Wadley is Director of the Sex Therapy program at Council for Relationships. As a scholar-practitioner, he is a licensed professional counselor. He is the founding editor of the scholarly, interdisciplinary journal, the Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships (University of Nebraska Press). He is also the founder and Principal of the Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians and his professional background in human sexuality education, educational leadership, and program development has enabled him to galvanize scholars and practitioners in the field of sexology across the world.

His research and publication interests include sexual decision making among young adults, masculinity development and conceptions of fatherhood by non-custodial fathers, and HIV/AIDS prevention. He has written undergraduate and graduate courses and authored 22 courses for the Master of Science in Counseling program for Lincoln University (PA). In addition, he recently co-authored 13 doctoral level courses for the Theological Seminary of Puerto Rico. In 2015, Dr. Wadley earned his NBCC-International Mental Health Facilitator certification after spending time with Rwandan therapists discussing the impact of genocide and trauma in the early 1990’s. In 2016, he helped developed curricula and conducted a sexuality education course at the University of Muhimbili in Tanzania for the nursing and midwifery program. Later that year, he developed and taught an applied research methods course at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2017, Dr. Wadley’s work and advocacy domestically and abroad enabled him to complete his first documentary, Raw to Reel: Race, Drugs, and Sex in Trenton, New Jersey, which captures some of the challenges that emerge in addiction and recovery. Finally, in 2018, Dr. Wadley co-edited The Art of Sex Therapy Supervision (Routledge), which is a book devoted to the clinical experiences of supervisors and supervisees in the field of sex therapy. The book won AASECT’s 2019 Book of the Year Award. His new book, The Handbook of Sexuality Leadership: Inspiring Community Engagement, Social Empowerment, and Transformational Influence (Routledge), carves a new path for sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists in that it serves as an invitation for re-conceptualizing the consultative roles in which sexuality professionals engage.

Dr. Wadley received his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Human Sexuality Education. He earned a Master of Science in Education degree in School Psychology from the University of Kentucky after completing his B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University. He holds a clinical postgraduate certificate from Council for Relationships and is an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor.

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Portrait of Michael Fasano-McCarron wearing a grey suit with a purple and organge bow tie, a grey vest, and a white shirt. He is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile against a backdrop of a stone building and green grass.

Michael Fasano-McCarron
Director of Communications & Development

Michael Fasano-McCarron

Director of Communications & Development

215-382-6680 ext. 3160

Michael (he/him/his) joined Council for Relationships in November 2022. He brings over a decade of experience working in nonprofit communications and development.  Prior to joining Council, Michael served as the Development and Marketing Manager at the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (BAGLY), a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community. Michael has also served as a Senior Technical Writer for Oracle Cerner and was a high school British and American Literature teacher in the Spring-Ford Area School District.

A proud Philadelphian, Michael is fiercely protective of his hometown, especially their four major sports teams, along with his alma mater, Temple University.  Michael founded the nonprofit, Punk Out, in 2012, as a way to connect bands and musicians with local LGBTQ+ youth organizations and to support closeted musicians while on tour.

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Alexis W. V. Bové, MS, JD, LMFT
Associate Director of Clinical Standards

Alexis W. V. Bové, MS, JD, LMFT

Associate Director of Clinical Standards

(215) 382-6680 ext. 4441

Alexis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and completed her Post-Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Council for Relationships. She also holds an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University and is a graduate of Villanova University School of Law. In addition to her clinical work, Alexis is the Associate Director of Clinical Standards at CFR and teaches Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Systems Therapy in the Post-Graduate program.

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Allen-Michael Lewis, LMFT, AS
Director of Clinical Internships

Allen-Michael Lewis, LMFT, AS

Director of Clinical Internships

(215) 382-6680 ext. 4206

Allen-Michael Lewis, LMFT, AS is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pennsylvania & Delaware working with his clients toward the change they would like to see in themselves, their relationships, and their families. Allen received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Marriage & Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College and is an Approved Supervisor through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy. Allen works with his clients to see patterns of negative interaction with the systems in which they function, understand what is in their control to change and how to forge new ways of interacting with these systems that will yield better results. Allen’s goal is to empower families, support partners to build healthy communication patterns and techniques, and empower his clients toward change. Allen has experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds and his approach is systemic, trauma-informed, culturally aware, and collaborative.

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author of how to manage stress during the holidays matthew mccrickard

Matthew McCrickard, Ed.D.
Associate Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program

Matthew McCrickard, Ed.D.

Associate Director, Post Graduate Certificate Program

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3157

Matthew McCrickard, Ed.D. is experienced in working with individuals, couples, and families to improve relationships, deepen communication, and navigate life challenges. He is a warm and caring therapist who uses strengths-based integrative approaches to help clients explore insights and achieve their goals for therapy. Matthew also draws upon his extensive work in adult learning and development and higher education. Matthew completed post-graduate training in couple and family therapy at the Council for Relationships and holds a doctoral degree in adult education, as well as master’s degrees in counseling, communication, and public administration.

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Administrators

Anusha Ramdeen
Administrative Specialist

Anusha Ramdeen

Administrative Specialist

215-382-6680 ext. 3124

Anusha (she/her) is currently an Administrative Specialist at Council for Relationships. She is one of Council for Relationships’ newest employees and began her role in May 2023. Her role is to support CFR’s Executives and to ensure the organization runs as efficiently and effectively as possible. She brings 4 years of experience working within the healthcare industry, primarily in administrative roles. Having witnessed the lack of accessible healthcare and mental health resources prior to and during the pandemic, Anusha became determined to work within an organization that focuses on creating inclusive spaces where mental healthcare is easily accessible to all of those in need. Prior to joining Council for Relationships, Anusha not only served as an Administrative Assistant but also worked within Higher Education serving as an Admissions Operations Coordinator at PCOM. Her acquired skill set and competency from experience at previous organizations have helped her to identify methods of increasing organizational efficiency and productivity. Throughout her experiences, her passion to ensure accessible healthcare for all who need it has only increased over time. She is very excited to work with like-minded individuals and to be part of a meaningful cause, impacting communities in the best way possible with Council for Relationships.

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Michelle Serious
Academic Administrator

Michelle Serious

Academic Administrator

215-382-6680 ext. 3236

Michelle Serious joined Council for Relationships in 2023 as the Academic Administrator.  Prior to CFR, Michelle worked as the Coordinator for Student Programs and Recruitment at Philabundance Community Kitchen. Before that she was a Mental Health Therapist at The Center for Autism.

Throughout her career she has worked to service individuals from a variety of backgrounds while assisting each individual in creating opportunities to improve their lives.

Michelle’s formal and educational studies include a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Chestnut Hill College, and a Master’s Degree in the Administration of Human Services from Wilmington University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA in both her undergrad and graduate studies. Michelle’s career goal is to continue assisting individuals to be the best version of themselves, for themselves.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Michelle is a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan who has had the pleasure of and opportunity to meet some of her favorite players such as Lane Johnson, Brandon Graham, and Alshon Jeffery…she even attended the 2017 NFL Draft held in Philadelphia. Michelle is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

“One’s journey isn’t always a straight path, remain steadfast and you will make it to the end!”

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Emeritus Staff

Steve Treat, DMin, MFT
CEO Emeritus

Steve Treat, DMin, MFT

CEO Emeritus

Dr. Stephen R. Treat is a former Director and CEO of Council for Relationships as well as a former Senior Staff Therapist. In his role as CEO, he managed the organization’s operations, numerous professional and public educational programs, and his own busy clinical practice. Dr. Treat was an in-demand speaker and media expert who saw clients, taught at Thomas Jefferson University, and consulted with family businesses.

Dr. Treat received his doctorate from the Andover Newton Theological Seminary in 1976. He completed post-doctoral work in Human Sexuality at the University of Pennsylvania and the Marriage and Family Therapy Training Program at Council for Relationships in 1981. In addition to being an instructor in Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Thomas Jefferson Medical College, he was a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counseling.

Dr. Treat has co-authored two books, Pastoral Marital Therapy and Couples in Treatment: Techniques and Approaches for Effective Practice. In addition, he has published numerous book chapters and articles on process and content of marital and family therapy.

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April Westfall, PhD
Director of Clinical Services, Emerita

April Westfall, PhD

Director of Clinical Services, Emerita

(215) 382-6680 ext. 3122

With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Westfall maintains a full-time practice in our University City and Wynnewood Offices. She has also held academic appointments within the Departments of Psychiatry of the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson University Medical School.

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