Michelle Adams, MSW/ Doula

Michelle Adams earned her Bachelor and Master of Social Work at Delaware State University.  She faithfully served 23 years in the United States Air Force where she resided at various overseas and stateside locations and was afforded the opportunity to provided medical support to a number of diverse populations in the capacity as an OB/GYN, labor/delivery medical technician.  Michelle also worked in a variety of settings and with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief interventions for the Department of Veteran Affairs as a Substance Use Disorder Social Worker, Christiana Care Health Services HIV Program and Mental Health Therapist at Dedicated to Women. Michelle understands that living can be filled with an array of challenges that requires a little more than “a rub on the back” or “It will be okay”. She is motivated by as she says “the privilege to see and support women experiencing these challenges become healthy, whole and embrace their new optimistic approach towards life. 

As a Doula, Michelle enjoys the unique blend of providing the necessary therapy to the woman who now requires pre and post-natal care as she enters into motherhood.  
Michelle is driven and committed to ensuring women adopt a healthier quality of life and mental wellness. 

Michelle's counseling philosophy and orientation incorporates, but are not limited to cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, solution-based, and motivational interviewing approaches. 
As a therapist, she strives to connect with people through compassion, empathy, kindness and respect.

Vanessa Foulk, LPCMH

 A natural “Listener” type since childhood, Vanessa has long recognized the value of a safe space to pour out thoughts that would otherwise be kept under tight wraps. It was the love of lending an ear and hearing people’s life stories that led Vanessa to seek a career in counseling.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH), Vanessa has found that finding true happiness often starts with being true to one’s self. The feelings of anxiety and depression can creep in little by little, and we can feel lost as to where to start in figuring out the answer to “what’s wrong.” Other times? We know just what the problem is, and therapy gently opens the opportunities of discovery that lead to understanding our unique ways of viewing the world, or patterns of thinking that shape our perspectives. We can learn what our underlying fears may be that hold us back. We learn how to tap into the courage previously deemed unobtainable, beyond our reach. 

It’s the journey of self-discovery and the unexpected “ah-hah” moments that make Vanessa most passionate in her work. Whether it’s a general anxiety that’s been building or a relationship issue that we no longer feel we can handle on our own, a little guided conversation (yes, therapy!) can be just the thing we need to tap into previously hidden strengths and insights.

Vanessa’s counseling style begins first and foremost with the building of a relationship that fosters warmth, encouragement, and trust. From this Person-Centered philosophy she then incorporates various therapeutic approaches. From the focus of finding our meaning and values in life (Existential Therapy), to the skills-based focus of challenging faulty thinking (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Vanessa enjoys the art of subtly weaving in various therapeutic strategies best suited for each individual.  

Erin Cliffe, 

LCSW CADC

Erin is an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Advanced Addiction and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified ADHD Coach and Certified Trauma Specialist (CCTP-II) with 17 years of clinical experience. She has an extensive educational background, having graduated with honors from Widener University in 2004 with a BA in Psychology and certificates in Gerontology, Child and Family Services, and Counseling Psychology. She later obtained her Master's in Social Work from Delaware State University in 2014, again graduating with honors.

Throughout her career, Erin has been involved in various leadership roles, such as serving as Vice President of the Widener MSW Student Organization and being an officer on the Widener University MSW Advisory Board. She has also contributed to research as a research assistant on the topic of "Teaching Mobile Device-Based Leisure to Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability" alongside Nepo et al. Erin has also had the opportunity to serve as a clinical supervisor overseeing clinicians in an outpatient setting and teaching an LCSW prep course for other master’s level clinicians. 

Erin's current clinical emphasis is working with adult populations experiencing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. She is well-versed in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These modalities allow her to tailor her approach to each individual's specific needs. Additionally, she has experience in spiritual counseling, offering a holistic approach to her clients' well-being.

As a clinician, Erin is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for her clients to openly discuss their goals, concerns, and needs. She believes in delving deep into the core issues that may impact everyday functioning, even those that may go unnoticed. With her support and knowledge, Erin empowers her clients, believing that everyone has the potential to heal and live their best life. 

Katie Polkinghorne-Gibbs, LMSW

Katie Polkinghorne-Gibbs, a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of compassion to her role as a therapist. Throughout her career, Katie has had the privilege of working with diverse populations, honing her skills to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Katie's therapeutic toolbox is marked by a blend of positivity, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. She firmly believes in the transformative power of these approaches to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Katie's passion and mission extend to a deeply underserved population, the perinatal community. Recognizing the often-silent struggles of women during this pivotal life phase, Katie is committed to ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. She believes that silence should never shroud the battles women face during this time. As an advocate for empowerment, Katie seeks to create a safe and welcoming space where women can openly share their experiences, find solace, and discover their resilience. It's not only okay to talk about these challenges; it's essential for healing and growth.

Katie's down-to-earth nature shines through in her approach, and she holds a unique belief in the power of animals to support our emotional well-being. She understands the profound connection between humans and their animal companions and leverages this bond in her therapeutic work.