The Lancaster Freedom Center

Our Staff

The Lancaster Freedom Center is staffed by a team of caring professionals devoted to the emotional well-being of clients. To learn more about any member of our team, please read their bios.

Kathy has been with The Lancaster Freedom Center since it was established in 1989. She completed undergraduate education at The Catholic University of America and received her graduate degree in Social Work at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. Kathy does Drug and Alcohol evaluations and treatment as well as mental health individual and couples counseling.

Kathy was recognized by Central PA Business Journal in 2003 as one of Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business. In 2004 she was selected as one of the recipients of "The Women who Care Awards" in Lancaster County, PA.

Kathy enjoys working at The Lancaster Freedom Center because the respect and caring that the staff members have for one another provides an attractive atmosphere for people looking for help.

Clarease has been with The Lancaster Freedom Center since January, 2007. Her work experience includes working with at-risk youth and their families with The Boys Girls Club of Lancaster, Inc. Her work experience also includes working with chemical dependent women in a residential settings. She is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Millersville University and has received her certification as a Associate Addictions Counselor II. Clarease has a strong passion for helping people on their journey in recovery.

Melanie received her undergraduate degree from Eastern University. Her work experience includes adolescent inpatient, intensive outpatient programs, outpatient medically managed treatment, group therapy, and individual therapy. Prior to working at The Lancaster Freedom Center, Melanie provided counseling for opiate dependent individuals who were involved in medically managed treatment. Melanie provides evaluations, individual sessions for drug and alcohol, and facilitates outpatient and intensive outpatient groups.

Lori joined The Lancaster Freedom Center in August 2008. She previously worked for the Warwick School District for the past 12 years. She sought out the position of administrative assistant after her role as a mother changed from raising young children to young men. She enjoys meeting new people and spending time with family and friends. In her spare time, she likes doing crafts and scrapbooking.

Ann graduated from Mt. Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago where she earned a Diploma in Nursing. As a Registered Nurse she went on to pursue a BA in Psychology at Eastern College in St. David's, PA. In addition to being an RN, she also holds a Certification in Chemical Dependency Nursing. Ann's position as Consultant to The Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency is an innovative and challenging one. She interfaces with the CYA system as well as having face to face contact with clients whose children are involved because of suspected or acknowledged drug and alcohol abuse problems. Her temperament, commitment, experience, and unique credentials make her well qualified to perform the complex functions associated with this position. Ann's investment in her work is evidenced by her statement that "I appreciate the opportunity given to me to bring the skills and experience of twenty-five years in the field of drug and alcohol treatment to a creative position assisting parents to recognize their need for help in dealing with issues related to substance abuse."

Danielle has been with The Lancaster Freedom Center since 2004. She completed undergraduate education at Pennsylvania State University and received her Master's degree in clinical psychology at Millersville University. Danielle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor. Currently, Danielle is working on her certification in grief counseling. She conducts drug and alcohol evaluations and treatment, as well as mental health individual and couples counseling.

David completed undergraduate work at The University of New Hampshire, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. He received a Master of Science in Education Counseling from The University of Southern Maine. He completed his Ph.D. in Counseling and Guidance at The University of Arizona. David has been the consulting psychologist for The Lancaster Freedom Center since its inception in October of 1989. He is also employed full-time at Millersville University as an Associate Professor of Psychology and part-time at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. David provides psychological evaluations at The Lancaster Freedom Center and is available for staff consultations. His level of commitment and his expertise in the areas mental health and substance abuse have played a key role in the positive reputation that The Lancaster Freedom Center has enjoyed over the years.

Anna received her undergraduate degrees from Pennsylvania College of Technology in Human Services and a Bachelor's degree from Millersville University in Psychology. Anna works as a full-time therapist at Lancaster Freedom Center and provides evaluations, individual sessions for drug & alcohol, and facilitates outpatient & intensive outpatient groups.

Hope holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University of PA. She previously completed a master's level practicum with The Lancaster Freedom Center in 2004 and has returned to work as a part-time consultant. Her areas of expertise include psychological testing, child and teen disorders, Asperger's Disorder, marital therapy, women's issues, crisis intervention and addiction treatment. She has also special expertise in developing and directing social skills training programs for children with Asperger's Disorder. Hope divides her time between our agency and teaching as Adjunct Faculty in the Psychology Department at Millersville University. She is a Member of the Eastern Psychological Association, the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, and the Pennsylvania Women's Consortium.

Nelson has been involved at The Lancaster Freedom Center since 1992. He received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Millersville University in 1997 and is pursuing his Masters Degree in Community Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University in Middletown, PA. Nelson has worked in various capacities at The Freedom Center over the years. He currently facilitates the Men's Early Recovery Group. Nelson remains involved at LFC because, "I enjoy working with the staff at The Freedom Center. They provide quality services with a lot of caring."

Dr. Rice works in the capacity of consulting physician to LFC. He sees his relationship with his patients as a "partnership that strives to achieve health, healing, and wholeness for each individual." He was educated at Gettysburg College and Penn State College of Medicine at Hershey. Dr. Rice completed two years of his internal medicine residency at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, followed by two years at a government sponsored health program in coastal South Carolina. He completed his internal residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, and in 1976 joined a medical school classmate, in practice. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and has also achieved Advanced Placement in Internal Medicine.

Joe received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Millersville University. Prior to coming to The Lancaster Freedom Center in November, 2009, Joe worked as an Addiction Counselor at Manos House, an inpatient treatment center for adolescent males in Lancaster. His professional experience includes individual, group and family therapy for adolescent clients as well as working very closely with Juvenile Probation. Joe is a Certified Addictions Counselor and currently provides individual therapy and facilitates Adolecent Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Group sessions.

Julie has been with The Lancaster Freedom Center since 2007. She graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Julie works with clients in individual sessions and facilitates the Relapse Prevention Group and Intensive Outpatient Group Sessions. She plans to attend graduate school and hopes to obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor as well as a Certificate in Addictions Counseling.

Find Us

The Lancaster Freedom Center
436 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
tel: 717.397.9118; fax: 717.397.3514
email: info@lancasterfreedomcenter.com

The Promises

When you make the decision to enter treatment, expect to experience change. LFC works with your unique situation to help restore life, find peace and contentment, and face life with courage...

Help for Adolescents

Face the reality of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse in Lancaster County. LFC is currently working to provide services for the unique needs of teenagers suffering...