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Higher Ground Co-Founders
Nicholas DeMarco, Psy.D., LPC
Dr. Nicholas DeMarco is the CEO and President of Higher Ground Behavioral Health. He 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. As a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Dr. DeMarco has committed himself to mental health counseling and has completed advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), psychological assessment, and other evidence-based psychotherapy treatments during his time at PCOM. He gained valuable experience in various clinical settings with patients from diverse backgrounds and clinical presentations.
Throughout his career, Dr. DeMarco has held different administrative roles focused on clinical operations and enhancing service quality in several agencies across the Philadelphia Region. He served as an Adjunct Faculty member in Temple University’s Undergraduate Psychology Department, teaching multiple classes and mentoring students—a passion he continues to nurture today. In 2016, Dr. DeMarco established his private practice, which has grown significantly, now serving adults, children, and families in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In addition to his responsibilities at Higher Ground, Dr. DeMarco is also an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Counseling Psychology Program at Holy Family University. This role allows him to further mentor students and contribute to scholarship and service in the academic community.
Dr. DeMarco’s clinical interests are centered around providing empirically supported treatments and assessments to individuals, teams, and families with complex needs. He enjoys mentoring students and early career professionals while always making himself available for a consultation.
Dr. DeMarco sees patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
For inquiries, you can reach Dr. DeMarco via email at ndemarco@highergroundbh.org
Leah Bowden, Psy.D.
Dr. Leah Bowden is the COO and Vice President of Higher Ground Behavioral Health. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, and is a Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As a seasoned professional in mental health counseling, Dr. Bowden has worked in various settings, both outpatient and inpatient, gaining rich experience in psychotherapy and psychological assessments. She enjoys collaborating with individuals, families, and groups while utilizing effective techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and behavior modification.
Although she is trained to address a range of issues, her specialized focus lies in treating anxiety disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trichotillomania/skin picking, tic disorders, and selective mutism. Dr. Bowden has extensive experience as a clinical psychologist working with individuals across all life stages, but she particularly specializes in providing support for adolescents and young adults.
Dr. Bowden meets with patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
For inquiries, you can reach Dr. Bowden via email at lbowden@highergroundbh.org
New Jersey Clinicians
Sara Shane, Psy.D., LPC
For inquiries, you can reach Dr. Shane via email at sshane@highergroundbh.org
Casondra Hill-Cole, MHS, MDiv, Ph.D.
Dr. Casondra Hill-Cole is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in mental health and counseling. She holds Masters degrees in Divinity and Human Services, along with a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling.
Throughout her career, she has worked with children, adults, couples, and families, utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches to support their mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Hill-Cole has treated clients facing challenges such as gambling addiction, drug addiction, and domestic violence, providing compassionate guidance and intervention. Her expertise extends to group therapy sessions and individual counseling, where she fosters healing and growth. With a strong foundation in faith-based counseling and a deep commitment to service, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.
For inquiries, you can reach Dr. Hill-Cole via email at chillcole@highergroundbh.org
Alexis Hoinkis, M.A., LPC
Alexis Hoinkis, a Licensed Professional Counselor, received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey.
As a skilled mental health counselor, Alexis specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and has extensive experience working with the drug and alcohol population in both group and individual settings. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of diagnoses in our New Jersey location.
Alexis supports her clients in developing effective coping strategies for dealing with anxiety, depression, and anger by employing cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and stress reduction skills. Following the principles of positive psychology, she guides clients toward leading meaningful and productive lives.
For inquiries, you can reach Alexis via email at ahoinkis@highergroundbh.org
Sebastian Teeple, M.Ed., LPC
Sebastian Teeple received his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, he has primarily worked in community-based mental health facilities and has clinical experience with both adolescent and adult populations. Sebastian strives to address a variety of mental health concerns with a person-centered approach and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, he has training in the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is currently furthering his expertise with the Beck Community Initiative.
Sebastian focuses on mental health counseling that emphasizes psychoeducation, self-reflection, and the development and implementation of effective coping skills.
For inquiries, you can reach Sebastian via email 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.
As a Licensed Social Worker, Breigha has experience working in a variety of settings, including completing her internship with a youth group that supported adolescents who have experienced community violence. She enjoys providing mental health counseling to individuals and groups of various ages and diagnoses, especially children and adolescents. Breigha is passionate about helping clients who have experienced trauma and related stressors.
Utilizing strength-based approaches, she encourages her clients to adopt positive coping skills to manage difficult situations and achieve their therapeutic goals.
For inquiries, you can reach 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. She is a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), the highest level of certification in Art Therapy, and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.
As part of her work in mental health counseling, Alexandra has dedicated the last decade to supporting children, teens, and young adults facing developmental and learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and more.
Passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds, Alexandra utilizes strengths-based and person-centered approaches to empower clients and families in achieving their goals.
For inquiries, you can reach Alex via email at aback@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 programs, 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.
For inquiries, you can reach Kimberly via email at kwalters@highergroundbh.org
Pennsylvania Clinicians
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.
For inquiries, you can reach Jason via email at jgruzin@highergroundbh.org
Madden Levin, M.A., LPC
Madden Levin received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rosemont College. Madden is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Madden has gained clinical experience working with adolescents and young adults in an intensive outpatient facility treating mental health and substance use disorders. Madden has experience working across the lifespan and treating a variety of presenting concerns, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, life transitions, and trauma. Madden has utilized Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic approaches, and a client-centered approach during that experience.
Madden enjoys working with all ages and diagnoses, especially adolescents and 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 healthy coping skills and focus on strengths to seek their goals whilst providing psychoeducation.
For inquiries, you can reach Madden via email at mlevin@highergroundbh.org
Botros Barsoum, M.A., LPC
Botros Barsoum, received his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rosemont College. Botros is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Botros has gained clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults facing a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges. Botros' clinical work has included supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and emotional and behavioral regulation. Botros takes an individualized approach to treatment, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based interventions while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. By emphasizing each client's strengths and unique experiences, he helps individuals build effective coping strategies, increase self-awareness, and work toward lasting personal growth.
Botros enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan. Botros strives to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. He believes that every individual possesses unique strengths and resilience, and he works alongside clients to build insight, enhance emotional well-being, and develop the tools needed to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.
Botros sees patients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
For inquiries, you can reach 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), a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), and a Certified Wellness Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Although she has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, most of her experience is with adolescents and young adults from her time working at high school and university levels, and in outpatient care. She embodies a welcoming and person centered holistic approach that highlights the importance of serving the whole person. Her lens of counseling highlights aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance 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 a great honor to encounter each client along their journey.
For inquiries, you can reach Amy via email at asaunders@highergroundbh.org
Thomas Boston, M.A., NCC
Tom Boston 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 theory.
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.
For inquiries, you can reach Tom via email at tboston@highergroundbh.org
Nina Foy, M.A., NCC
Nina Foy holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rosemont College.
She gained valuable experience as a counselor and case worker in a community mental health setting, working with adults facing severe mental illness. Utilizing person-centered counseling, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation, Nina helped clients work toward greater independence. Her clinical experience provided deep insight into the challenges clients face and the profound impact that quality mental health care can have.
Nina enjoys working with individuals of all ages and diagnoses, with a particular passion for supporting adolescents and young adults. She is dedicated to providing trauma-informed care, fostering strong therapeutic relationships, and creating a safe, welcoming counseling environment. Using a person-centered, strengths-based approach, along with psychoeducation, she helps clients build effective coping skills and achieve their mental health goals.
Nina sees clients in both our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices.
For inquiries, you can reach Nina via email at nfoy@highergroundbh.org
Erin Donovan, M.S., LAPC
Erin Donovan earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University and has experience providing care in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. Throughout her training and clinical experience, she has worked with adults navigating a variety of mental health concerns, providing individualized care that supports healing, growth, and emotional well-being.
During her clinical internship, Erin provided trauma-informed counseling to survivors of domestic violence, helping clients process the effects of trauma while fostering resilience, safety, and empowerment. She utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique experiences, strengths, and goals.
Erin believes that meaningful change begins with a genuine therapeutic relationship built on trust, compassion, and authenticity. She strives to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe enough to be vulnerable, explore their experiences, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Erin is passionate about helping individuals gain insight, strengthen resilience, and build lives that feel more aligned with who they are and the values that matter most to them.
For inquiries, you can reach Erin via email edonovan@highergroundbh.org
Administrative Staff
Tirzah Sackey - Administrative Assistant
Tirzah Sackey has her associates 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 help both groups find a healthy medium.
Tirzah is located in our New Jersey office.
For inquiries, you can reach Tirzah via email at tsackey@highergroundbh.org
Chevy Ching - Administrative Assistant
Chevy Ching has her bachelor's from Temple University in Recreation Therapy and has worked in various healthcare settings, primarily in physical rehab and long-term care communities. She has worked with people of all ages, particularly with older adults, with the main goal of helping individuals improve their overall health and well-being. She is thrilled to be a part of the Higher Ground Behavioral Health team and be able to explore the world of behavioral health.
She takes pride in her ability to build and maintain positive relationships with the people she serves and the team she works with. She takes each interaction with the people she works with as a way to get to know them 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.
Chevy is located in our Pennsylvania office.
For inquiries, you can reach Chevy via email at cching@highergroundbh.org