ALLIANCE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist With a Bachelor
Amber Donati is a Clinical Psychologist with a Bachelor in Arts in psychology from Penn State University, Master in Arts in psychology from Pepperdine University and Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University.
She has valued 11 years in private practice with Alliance Psychological Services working jointly with individuals and couples to deepen insight, increase personal growth and motivate functional change.
Prior to arriving in private practice, Dr. Donati worked in a variety of mental health treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential, community based, and correctional.
Conceptualizing treatment through an object relations perspective, she believes that our earliest relationships create the lens through which we view and relate to ourselves and our world. These relationships lay the groundwork for navigating our presenting relationships, attainment of wants and needs and acceptance of ourselves. As such, she views the strength of the therapeutic relationship as foundational for effective treatment and strives to create a felt sense of acceptance, understanding, safety and trust with her clients.
Her treatment style draws from psychodynamic, mindfulness based, EMDR and cognitive behavioral treatment modalities. Dr. Donati collaborates with clients experiencing a range of mental health concerns including mood, anxiety, and trauma based disorders. She also appreciates the opportunity to assist clients in navigating life's stressors such as grief, relationship struggles, and major life changes.
Dr. Donati is an EMDR trained therapist.
Andrea Pottgen, owner of Alliance Psychological Services, is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Alliance Psychological Services. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French in 2002 from Washington & Jefferson College. In 2006, she graduated from the College of Charleston with a Master of Education in Languages degree. She earned a Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling in 2013 from Duquesne University.
Jenny Hempen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Alliance Psychological Services. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate BA in Urban Planning/Global Studies and Duquesne University for her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Kathryn's interest in counseling was kindled by her experience working as an Ayurvedic postpartum doula. Seeking to dive deeper with her clients into exploring their health and well-being, she sought a graduate degree in counseling psychology. Kathryn believes that authenticity and compassion are important values in the therapeutic setting and strives to offer these to her clients. She draws from several approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy, tailoring her approach to each client's needs.
Kathryn is currently training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). She has experience counseling young children, adolescents, and adults, and believes that each phase of life comes with its unique joys and challenges. She enjoys yoga, dance, hiking, biking, and spending time with family.
Kathryn is a proud graduate of Chatham University's Counseling Psychology program and is currently working toward licensure. She is thrilled to work with the talented and compassionate staff at Alliance Psychological Services.
Mary Brand, Ph.D. is a Psychologist with over 35 years of clinical experience who founded APS in 2000. Her vision was to provide a high standard of Mental Health treatment in a comfortable setting with a team of therapists who provide services for patients of all ages.
Her passion is to create a therapeutic environment where individuals, partners and families can find a sense of renewed hope for a more in-depth and compassionate understanding of self and others. Dr. Brand has been honored to have transitioned the ownership of this outstanding group practice to her valued colleague, Andrea Pottgen, who is the Clinical Director of APS.
Dr. Brand maintains an active caseload with a special (although not exclusive) focus on the mental health challenges of seniors. She assists adults who are experiencing mood disorders (such as anxiety, depression and trauma), as well as those seeking help due to changes in careers, health, loss or family structure. Dr. Brand has advanced training in substance abuse and recovery, coping with chronic illness and improving family communication. She uses integrated approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, emotional regulation, assertiveness skills and attachment theory to improve quality of life. She has a strong commitment to promoting lifestyles which enhance the physical, spiritual and emotional growth. Her interest in the impact of family of origin relationships on personality development and relational patterns provides a lens for assisting others in becoming their best selves.
Mary is grateful for the education she obtained at the University of Nebraska (B.S. in Education), Marquette University (M.S. in Counseling) and the University of Pittsburgh (Ph.D. Psychology in Education). She finds joy in her family, friends and church activities. She loves entertaining international visitors, hiking, biking and reading. She plans to extend her personal growth by becoming more involved in racial equity, social justice and mental health advocacy.