About Us
Nicholas DeMarco, Psy.D., LPC
Dr. Nicholas DeMarco earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (M.S.) from the University of Scranton in 2009 and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 2014. Dr. DeMarco is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During his time at PCOM he completed advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), psychological assessment, and other evidenced based psychotherapy treatments. Dr. DeMarco gained experience in various clinical settings with patients of different backgrounds and clinical presentations.
Dr. DeMarco has held different administrative positions focused on clinical operations and improving service quality in several agencies across the Philadelphia Region. He had the opportunity to serve as an Adjunct Faculty in Temple University’s Undergraduate Psychology Department, where he taught several classes and began mentoring students, which is something he continues to do today. Dr. DeMarco also began a private practice in 2016, which has expanded and continues to serve adults, children, and families in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In addition to his duties at Higher Ground, Dr. DeMarco is also an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Counseling Psychology Program at Holy Family University. Here he can expand his ability to mentor students and to add to scholarship and service at the University.
Dr. DeMarco’s clinical interests include providing empirically supported treatments and assessments to individuals, teams and families with complex needs. He enjoys mentoring students and early career professionals and always makes himself available for a consultation.
Dr. DeMarco sees patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
Contact Dr. DeMarco via email at ndemarco@highergroundbh.org
Leah Bowden, Psy.D.
Dr. Leah Bowden is the COO & Vice President of Higher Ground Behavioral Health. She has her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) which was completed at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Dr. Bowden has worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient, and has experience with psychotherapy and psychological assessments. She has enjoyed working with individuals, families, and groups. She conducts psychotherapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and behavior modification.
While she has training in depression and trauma disorders, Dr. Bowden has a specialized focus on treating anxiety disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trichotillomania/skin picking, tic disorders, and selective mutism. While Dr. Bowden has experience treating individuals across all stages of life, she specializes in treating adolescents and young adults.
Dr. Bowden sees patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
Contact Dr. Bowden via email at lbowden@highergroundbh.org
New Jersey Clinicians
Sara Shane, Psy.D., LPC
Dr. Sara Shane received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During this time, she completed advanced training in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and conducted psychological assessments within various settings across the Philadelphia area. Dr. Shane is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Dr. Shane has had training in a variety of settings. She completed her Doctoral internship and post doctoral training at The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health (CNNH) of New Jersey, where she provided cognitive behavioral therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in an outpatient setting. She also provided comprehensive neuropsychological assessments to children and families.
Dr. Shane sees a variety of patients ranging from children through late adulthood. Her clinical interests lie in providing CBT to adolescents and young adults, specifically those affected by anxiety and depression.
Contact Dr. Shane via email at sshane@highergroundbh.org
Alexis Hoinkis, M.A., LPC
Alexis Hoinkis received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey.
Alexis is trained in and practices Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has experience working with the drug and alcohol population in group and individual settings. Alexis enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of diagnoses. She has experience working in both Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Alexis encourages and assists her clients in developing practical coping skills for issues with anxiety, depression, and anger using cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and stress reduction skills. She follows the positive psychology movement to guide clients to live meaningful and productive lives.
Contact Alexis via email at ahoinkis@highergroundbh.org
Sebastian Teeple, M.Ed., LPC
Sebastian Teeple received his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Temple University.
He has worked primarily in community based mental health facilities and has clinical experience with adolescent and adult populations. Sebastian has worked with a variety of mental health concerns and often takes a person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. He has training in the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is currently engaged in training with the Beck Community Initiative.
Sebastian’s approach focuses on assisting in psychoeducation, self-reflection, and development and implementation of coping skills.
Contact Sebastian via email at steeple@highergroundbh.org
Breigha Dale, LSW
Breigha Dale received her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She is a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society and the National Associations of Social Workers.
Breigha has experience working in a variety of settings, including completing her internship at a youth group working with adolescents who have experienced community violence. Breigha enjoys working with individuals and groups of various ages and diagnoses, especially children and adolescents. She is passionate about helping clients who have experienced trauma and related stressors.
Breigha utilizes strength-based approaches and encourages her clients to use positive coping skills to manage difficult situations and meet their therapeutic goals.
Contact Breigha via email at bdale@highergroundbh.org
Alexandra Back, M.A., ATR-BC, LPC
Alexandra Back received her Master’s in Art Therapy from Drexel University in 2013. Alexandra is a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), which is the highest level of certification in Art Therapy, and also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.
Alexandra has dedicated the last decade to supporting children, teens, and young adults with developmental and learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and more.
Alexandra enjoys working with individuals from all walks of life, and utilizes strengths-based, person-centered approaches to help clients and families reach their goals.
Contact Alexandra via email at aback@highergroundbh.org
Asher Kelman, M.S.
Asher Kelman received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Asher has experience providing psychotherapy to adults in outpatient mental health settings suffering from anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences.
Asher draws upon the core principles of modern psychodynamic theory to provide a relationship in which clients can begin to know themselves more fully and discover their innate capacities to create enduring and meaningful change.
Contact Asher via email at akelman@highergroundbh.org
Kimberly Walters, M.S.Ed., M.A., LPC
Kimberly Walters earned two master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) and a Master of Philosophy in Education (M.Phil.Ed.). During this time, she completed her internships at schools in the Philadelphia area, which entailed providing counseling services to students and their families, and providing academic support and guidance to students preparing to transition to new schools. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.
Ms. Walters has extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals. After completing her internship at schools in the Philadelphia area, she provided counseling services to children and adolescents on the autism spectrum in both individual and group settings. She continued to provide counseling services for children and adolescents in Philadelphia area schools, consult with stakeholders in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for the students, and collaborate with students' families. Additionally, she has worked in virtual intensive outpatient therapy, providing counseling to adolescents and adults facing acute mental health challenges.
Ms. Walters takes a person-centered approach to therapy, offering evidence-based care through cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), that emphasizes individual strengths and needs. Her clinical interests include providing accessible evidence-based care, working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults, and she is committed to staying current with innovative treatment modalities to better serve her clients.
Contact Ms. Walters via email at kwalters@highergroundbh.org
John Williams, B.A.
John graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Post University in 2021. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University.
John recently retired from the U.S. Army, where he spent eight years as a career counselor helping people discover and pursue their goals and passions.
John's approach to counseling emphasizes an awareness of the client's cultural diversity and individual perspective. John seamlessly integrates an evidenced-based cognitive behavioral approach and mindfulness-based interventions with his extensive experience in helping young people overcome life's most difficult challenges.
Contact John via email at JWilliams@highergroundbh.org
Pennsylvania Clinicians
Kane Williams, Psy.D.
Dr. Kane Williams received his Doctorate in School Psychology (Psy.D.) from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. During his tenure at Duquesne, he completed advanced training in psychoeducational and psychological testing, psychotherapy and clinical consultation. Dr. Kane is a licensed psychologist and PA certified school psychologist.
Dr. Kane has trained and worked in a variety of settings, including schools, wraparound facilities as a behavior specialist and outpatient clinics. He completed his pre-doctoral internship training with Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, working at a residential treatment facility for adolescents where he completed psychological assessments as well provided individual, group and family therapy services to teens and their families. Dr. Kane completed his post-doctoral training with Springfield Psychological's REACH program, which provides intensive, Tier 3 therapy support to children and their families.
Dr. Kane has worked with children ages 3 to 21. His clinical interests include utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills to address patient needs. He believes in the power of the relationship and validation in working with children.
Contact Dr. Kane via email at kwilliams@highergroundbh.org
Jason Gruzin, M.S., LPC
Jason Gruzin received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. During his time there, Jason focused on gaining experience in rehabilitation-based approaches to mental health recovery, helping those with disabling psychiatric conditions to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Since graduating, Jason has worked in clinical outpatient settings, gaining experience providing individual therapy for a wide range of populations and diagnoses. Jason enjoys working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent and those struggling with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. He is passionate about helping clients improve the quality of their relationships and offers couples and marriage counseling.
Jason focuses on using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions to promote growth and resilience in response to trauma and the challenges of everyday life.
Contact Jason via email at jgruzin@highergroundbh.org.
Madden Levin, M.A., NCC
Madden Levin received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rosemont College. Madden is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). She also serves as the marketing coordinator for Higher Ground Behavioral Health.
Madden has gained clinical experience at an outpatient/intensive outpatient for adolescents & young adults with mental health & substance use disorders. Madden has utilized Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a client-centered approach during that experience.
Madden enjoys working with all ages and diagnoses, especially adolescents and young adults. She is passionate about helping clients who have experienced trauma, as well as family discourse and emotional dysregulation. Madden will encourage her clients to practice positive coping skills and focus on strengths to seek their goals whilst providing psychoeducation.
Contact Madden via email at mlevin@highergroundbh.org
Botros Barsoum, M.A., NCC
Botros Barsoum received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rosemont College.
Botros has gained clinical experience working with adolescents & young adults in an outpatient setting. Having worked extensively in outpatient settings, Botros has witnessed the transformative power of counseling in the lives of adolescents and young adults. Whether navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, he is dedicated to providing personalized, effective support and facilitating personal growth.
Botros enjoys working with all ages and seamlessly integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a Client-Centered Approach. He does this by collaboratively exploring and challenging unhelpful thought patterns, while honoring the individual's unique experiences and perspectives. He believes in tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the specific needs and goals of each person, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.
Botros sees patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
Contact Botros via email at bbarsoum@highergroundbh.org
Amy Saunders, M.S., NCC
Amy Saunders received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University. Amy is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Amy has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, but primarily with adolescents and young adults due to her experience working in outpatient care at high school and university levels. She embodies a welcoming, person-centered, holistic, and goal-oriented approach that highlights the importance of serving the whole person.
Amy's lens of counseling highlights aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt techniques, and Narrative Therapy.
She is excited to be part of the team here at Higher Ground Behavioral Health and considers it an honor to encounter and accompany each client along their journey.
Contact Amy via email at asaunders@highergroundbh.org
Thomas Boston, M.A., NCC
Tom received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University.
Tom has a variety of experience in working with adults and adolescents in outpatient, inpatient, and college counseling settings. He has worked with a multitude of mental health concerns ranging from depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use, and trauma.
Tom follows an integrative approach to counseling drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), client-centered, and existential theories. Wherever an individual is on their mental health journey, Tom seeks to work collaboratively with clients to tap into their own strengths and inner resources towards change.
Tom sees patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
Contact Tom via email at tboston@highergroundbh.org
Administrative Staff
Tirzah Sackey - Administrative Assistant
Tirzah has her associate's degree from Camden County College in Business Administration and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
She has experience working with children from all walks of life, primarily preschool and elementary school children. She has also worked in office settings through her college and internship, assisting staff, students, and those within the community.
Tirzah enjoys helping those within the community find what best suits their needs and assisting clinicians with administrative duties to hopefully help both groups find a healthy medium.
Contact Tirzah via email at tsackey@highergroundbh.org
Chevy Ching - Administrative Assistant
Chevy has her bachelor's degree from Temple University in Recreation Therapy and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including physical rehab and long-term care communities. She has worked with individuals of all ages with the main goal of helping others improve their overall health and well-being. She is thrilled to be a part of the Higher Ground Behavioral Health team and explore the world of behavioral health.
Chevy takes pride in her ability to build and maintain positive relationships with the individuals she serves and the team she works with. She takes each interaction with an individual as a way to get to know them better in order to assist them in the best possible way. Her commitment in providing excellent customer service shows as she lends a helping hand with a smile.
Chevy enjoys working with clients in determining appropriate services in accordance to their needs and ensuring that their experience with the practice is up to their satisfactory, all while supporting clinicians in administrative tasks.
Contact Chevy via email at cching@highergroundbh.org