The Northern Light Team

For Claudia Bayly, therapy isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling. When the mental health crisis intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, Claudia saw firsthand how urgently rural communities needed more support. Out of that need, she founded Northern Light Counseling in June 2021, creating a space where individuals and families could find comfort, connection, and healing — a reminder that no one should have to walk through life’s struggles alone.

Claudia knows that healing is never one-size-fits-all. Each person carries a unique story, and she tailors her approach to meet every client where they are. As a Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), much of her work has focused on helping children, teens, and families navigate the deep emotions tied to trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), she weaves together emotional awareness, self-compassion, and practical coping strategies to help clients build long-term resilience.

Her background as a certified School Counselor in Pennsylvania has given her a deep understanding of the challenges students and families face within the education system. This sparked one of Claudia’s greatest passions — building and leading school-based therapy teams. She believes every child deserves access to quality mental health support within their school community, and she is proud to see Northern Light Counseling’s school programs grow to reach more students every year.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief: therapy is about human connection. For Claudia, it’s not only about working through difficulties — it’s about finding strength in vulnerability, learning to trust yourself, and discovering hope even in the hardest moments. She is also deeply grateful for the incredible team at Northern Light Counseling, whose dedication and compassion allow this vision to continue growing stronger.

Above all, Claudia feels honored to walk alongside her clients as they reclaim their confidence, their voice, and their sense of self. Northern Light Counseling was built on the belief that healing grows in safe, nurturing relationships — and Claudia remains thankful every day to be part of that journey.

Stephanie Simon-Downling is a dedicated and compassionate clinician with over a decade of experience in the social work field. She provides supportive, client-centered care to children, adolescents, adults, and families, ensuring that each individual feels heard, empowered, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Stephanie’s expertise spans a wide range of mental health concerns, including school-related stress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. She offers a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies for long-term well-being. She believes that true healing goes beyond symptom management, focusing on the underlying experiences and emotions that shape a person’s journey.

In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie is a strong advocate for individuals involved in the foster care system. As a foster parent herself, she understands the complexities of foster care from both a personal and professional perspective, making her especially attuned to the needs of children, caregivers, and families navigating this system. She is deeply committed to ensuring they receive the resources, guidance, and stability necessary to thrive.

Stephanie is also passionate about expanding mental health care access in rural communities, recognizing the barriers that many individuals and families face when seeking support. She collaborates with schools, community organizations, and service providers to bridge gaps in care, ensuring that clients of all ages have access to the support they need.

At Northern Light Counseling, Stephanie’s warmth, dedication, and expertise make her an invaluable part of the team. Whether working with a child in crisis, an adult struggling with anxiety or depression, or a family in transition, she approaches each client with empathy, understanding, and unwavering support. Stephanie believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and find hope, and she is honored to walk alongside her clients on their path to wellness.

Amy Williams, ATR-BC, LPC, is a Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for helping children, adolescents, and families heal, grow, and build resilience. She specializes in Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and EMDR, blending creativity with evidence-based practices to help clients process trauma, manage anxiety, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop healthy coping skills.

Amy’s therapeutic style is warm, client-centered, and collaborative. She believes healing happens through connection, emotional safety, and individualized support, and she strives to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Amy primarily provides school-based mental health services within one of Northern Light Counseling’s partnering school districts, while also offering support within the outpatient clinic setting. Her experience across both school and outpatient environments allows her to support clients navigating emotional, behavioral, academic, and social challenges across multiple areas of life.

In addition to her clinical work, Amy serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Northern Light Counseling, providing mentorship and support to developing clinicians. She has also served as an Art Therapy educator at Marywood University and a clinical supervisor for students at Cedar Crest College and Marywood University, reflecting her strong commitment to education, mentorship, and professional growth within the mental health field.

Amy is accompanied by Groucho, her emotional support dog-in-training, who helps provide additional comfort, grounding, and emotional support during sessions.

David Goddard is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Board-Certified Counselor with a deep passion for integrating mind-body approaches into mental health care. Currently pursuing his doctorate degree, David is committed to expanding his expertise in holistic healing, blending traditional counseling techniques with yoga, breathwork, and meditation to support emotional and mental well-being.

With over two decades of experience as a student of yoga and meditation and more than ten years of teaching yoga for stress reduction, David brings a unique perspective to therapy. His deep understanding of cognitive science, mindfulness, and body-based interventions allows him to tailor his approach to meet the individual needs of his clients. He specializes in mental and emotional resilience, using evidence-based techniques such as breathwork, guided meditation, and movement-based therapy to foster healing from anxiety, trauma, and stress.

David is also trained in Brainspotting, a powerful somatic and brain-based therapy that targets the subcortical brain—the area where trauma and emotional distress are often stored. By facilitating subcortical regulation, Brainspotting supports the resolution of deeply rooted trauma and enhances emotional integration. This method aligns with David’s belief that healing must occur not only through the mind, but also through the body’s innate intelligence and capacity to self-regulate.

David understands that well-being is more than just mental health—it’s about nurturing the connection between the mind and body. Additionally, clients of David (and any therapist at our center) receive a 25% discount on yoga classes, further promoting a holistic path to healing.

If you are looking for a therapist who embraces a whole-person approach to healing, David Goddard offers a compassionate, integrative, and empowering space to explore your journey toward balance and well-being. Whether through talk therapy, breathwork, or movement-based practices, David is here to guide you every step of the way.

Nicole Stevens is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their path to mental wellness. She holds a master’s degree in school counseling from Messiah College and has spent over a decade in the human services and mental health field, gaining extensive experience as a school counselor, school-based outpatient therapist, and mental health liaison for Student Assistance Programs. Her background allows her to conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and screenings, ensuring that individuals receive the right support and interventions.

Nicole’s approach to therapy is collaborative and person-centered, recognizing that healing happens through connection, trust, and individualized care. She tailors her therapeutic interventions to each client’s unique needs, drawing on cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and cultivate positive behaviors.

With genuine empathy and a deep passion for her work, Nicole creates a non-judgmental and supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She is committed to helping individuals set realistic, attainable goals and guiding them toward self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.

Nicole’s unwavering belief in the strength and potential of her clients makes her a trusted and valued therapist at Northern Light Counseling. She is honored to walk alongside those she serves, helping them navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. 

Claire Little is a compassionate master-level art therapist dedicated to helping children and adolescents navigate life’s challenges through the transformative power of creative expression. A proud graduate of Marywood University, Claire holds the title of Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), signifying her commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence under the supervision of a fully licensed counselor.

With extensive experience working in both group and individual settings, Claire specializes in using art psychotherapy and expressive therapies to support young individuals in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, pro-social behaviors, and self-identity. She believes that creativity offers a powerful, nonverbal way for children and teens to process emotions, build resilience, and gain self-awareness in a safe and supportive environment.

Claire’s professional interests include school-based art therapy, trauma and resiliency, and anxiety and stress reduction. She is deeply passionate about making therapy engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every child she works with, tailoring her approach to meet their unique needs.

Whether guiding a group through an art therapy session or working one-on-one with a client, Claire is committed to empowering young individuals to express themselves authentically and discover their inner strengths. If you’re seeking a warm, creative, and client-centered approach to support your child’s emotional well-being, Claire Little is here to help them thrive through the healing journey of art. 

Nancy White is a trauma‑focused clinician with over 30 years of experience supporting adults through complex emotional and mental health challenges. Using a psychodynamic approach, she helps individuals understand the deeper roots of their struggles while healing developmental and relational trauma, attachment wounds, and the long‑term effects of chronic stress.

Nancy integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Polyvagal‑informed therapy to help clients process painful experiences, regulate the nervous system, and build lasting resilience. Her warm, steady, and attuned presence creates a safe space where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace.

Nancy is dedicated to guiding individuals toward meaningful, long‑term change by fostering self‑awareness, emotional balance, and inner strength through a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic process.

Madeline Lucas is a compassionate and client-centered therapist who works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of emotional and mental health challenges. With a calm, grounding presence, she creates a space where clients feel safe, supported, and free to explore their thoughts and experiences without judgment.

Madeline specializes in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relational stress. Rooted in a person-centered and trauma-informed approach, she tailors each session to meet the unique needs of the individual, helping them develop insight, build coping skills, and move toward meaningful change.

As a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) under clinical supervision, Madeline is committed to ongoing growth and professional development. She values the therapeutic relationship and believes that people can heal and thrive when met with genuine care and support.

Madeline finds deep fulfillment in watching her clients begin to believe in themselves, make empowered decisions, and grow in ways they never thought possible. She feels honored to walk alongside each person on their journey toward greater emotional wellness.

Outside of her work, Madeline enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, and relaxing at home with her pets.

Nina Pascolini is a warm, empathetic, and dedicated mental health counselor who believes healing begins with feeling truly understood. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Scranton in 2023 and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Nina has a genuine passion for helping others and brings extensive experience working with high school and college students, as well as adolescents and adults in outpatient settings. She understands the complex emotions, pressures, and transitions individuals face throughout different stages of life and provides a safe, supportive environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges without fear of judgment.

Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based care. 

Nina integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, person-centered approaches, and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients build emotional resilience, increase self-awareness, and develop practical coping skills that support long-term growth and wellness.

In addition to her clinical work, Nina plays an active leadership role within Northern Light Counseling. She helps facilitate new hire trainings, supports staff onboarding and development, and assists with compliance initiatives to help maintain high standards of care and professionalism across the practice.

Above all, Nina believes in the strength and potential within every individual she works with. With kindness, patience, and authenticity, she strives to help clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence, foster meaningful change, and move toward healing and personal growth.

Marcella Busi is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a deep, compassionate commitment to helping others heal. She holds advanced certifications in addiction counseling in both Pennsylvania (CAADC) and New York (CASAC), and brings years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most complex emotional challenges.

Marcella’s work is rooted in the understanding that addiction is often not the problem itself, but a symptom of something deeper—usually trauma or disconnection from self. She believes every behavior serves a purpose and often develops as a necessary, adaptive response to unmet needs or unresolved experiences, particularly in early life. Healing begins when those deeper truths are safely uncovered and brought into awareness.

In addition to her work in addiction and trauma, Marcella also supports individuals in domestic abuse situations, and those struggling with depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Her priority is always to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, validated, and respected.

Marcella draws from a variety of evidence-based modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Care. Her approach is always individualized, collaborative, and centered on each client’s unique strengths and lived experience.

She believes that true healing happens when people are supported in reconnecting with themselves, their relationships, and the life they want to live.

Marcella is honored to walk alongside her clients on their journey—and she looks forward to working together to create meaningful, lasting change.

Eileen Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for walking alongside children, adolescents, young adults, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. With specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Complicated Grief Counseling (CGCS), she blends evidence-based approaches with deep compassion and respect for each client’s unique story.

Eileen’s therapeutic style is collaborative, supportive, and empowering. She believes therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and understood, creating space for meaningful growth and lasting change. Whether helping a child manage overwhelming emotions, guiding an adolescent through grief, or supporting a young adult in developing healthy coping strategies, she meets clients where they are and helps them move forward with practical tools, confidence, and hope.

Eileen has extensive experience working in homes, schools, and community-based settings, bringing a well-rounded and systems-focused perspective to her clinical work. Her commitment is to provide care that is both effective and compassionate, empowering clients and families to face challenges with resilience and strength.

In addition to her clinical work, Eileen serves in a significant leadership role at Northern Light Counseling as both a Clinical Supervisor and School-Based Coordinator. She oversees and supports the practice’s school-based therapy teams across partnering districts, helping ensure consistency, collaboration, and high-quality care within school settings. 

Eileen works closely with clinicians, administrators, families, and school personnel to support the ongoing success and growth of Northern Light Counseling’s school-based programs while also providing mentorship, guidance, and clinical support to fellow therapists across the practice.

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Jennifer Mancia, LPC, has dedicated her career to supporting adolescents and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. She holds a Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling from Capella University and has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, gaining a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders.

Jennifer’s extensive background includes roles as an inpatient counselor, partial hospitalization counselor, outpatient counselor, and Clinical Director of a women’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Waymart. These diverse experiences have shaped her comprehensive and compassionate approach to therapy, allowing her to tailor her work to each client’s unique needs.

Jennifer believes that healing begins with feeling truly understood. Her warm, non-judgmental approach creates a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and move toward recovery and personal growth. She meets each individual where they are in their journey, providing the guidance, encouragement, and practical tools needed to foster healing and resilience.

With a deep passion for helping others find hope and strength, Jennifer is honored to walk alongside her clients as they work toward meaningful change. Whether supporting adolescents through life transitions or helping adults overcome mental health and addiction struggles, she is committed to empowering her clients every step of the way. 

Tracy Bajadek is a gentle guide and joyful presence in the lives of the children and families she serves. With more than 20 years of experience in human services, Tracy has dedicated her career to supporting children and creating spaces where they feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves.

Tracy’s journey with yoga as a healing practice began in 2022, when she earned her 95-hour Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher certification. Inspired by a desire to help children develop confidence, emotional awareness, and lifelong self-care skills, she blends movement, music, breathwork, and mindfulness to create playful, engaging, and heart-centered experiences.

Her love for teaching grew into Buds in Bloom Kids Yoga, where she shares the benefits of yoga with children and families. Tracy’s compassionate and inclusive approach meets each child where they are, helping them cultivate self-love, resilience, and a greater sense of calm and connection.

Tracy also offers restorative yoga, a gentle and calming practice that uses supported poses, stillness, and mindful breathing to promote deep relaxation and renewal. These sessions provide an opportunity to slow down, release tension, and reconnect with the body in a peaceful and nurturing environment.

Tracy holds a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification from Boundless Yoga Studio in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, as well as her 95-hour Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher certification from Deven Sisler Yoga in Bend, Oregon.

Through every session, Tracy creates a welcoming environment where participants can move, breathe, explore, rest, and grow. She is honored to support each person’s journey—one breath, one pose, and one mindful moment at a time.

Antonio Rodriguez is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Reiki Master Teacher who brings a compassionate, intuitive, and personalized approach to wellness. He combines therapeutic massage, energy work, and advanced bodywork techniques to help clients release tension, reconnect with their bodies, and experience a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Antonio offers Advanced Muscle Reconditioning (AMR), a targeted massage technique that focuses on areas of muscle tension, spasm, and soft-tissue discomfort. This approach may be especially helpful for clients seeking focused bodywork for persistent muscle tightness, limited mobility, or everyday aches and discomfort.

At Northern Light Counseling, Antonio provides private massage therapy sessions inside our Himalayan Salt Cave. The peaceful setting creates a unique sensory experience where clients can step away from daily stress and enjoy therapeutic bodywork in a calming, restorative environment. Reiki may also be incorporated to support relaxation, emotional grounding, and an overall sense of balance.

Every session is tailored to the client’s individual needs. Whether someone is seeking relief from muscle tension, support with stress management, targeted AMR bodywork, or simply a peaceful opportunity to recharge, Antonio creates a welcoming space where clients can slow down and focus on their well-being.

Antonio’s services include:

• Therapeutic and relaxation massage
• Advanced Muscle Reconditioning (AMR)
• Reiki and energy-balancing techniques
• Personalized massage sessions in the Himalayan Salt Cave

Through skilled touch, mindful presence, and individualized care, Antonio helps clients feel supported, restored, and renewed.

Christina Butrim is both the welcoming face at the front desk and the dedicated support behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for our clients and therapists alike.

With her compassionate nature and attention to detail, Christina is committed to making every client’s experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Whether helping with scheduling, insurance questions, or billing inquiries, she guides clients with patience, clarity, and understanding, helping to remove barriers so they can focus on their healing journey.

Beyond her administrative expertise, Christina brings a genuine passion for helping others. She understands the courage it takes to seek mental health support and strives to create an environment where every person feels welcomed, valued, and respected from the very first point of contact.

At Northern Light Counseling, Christina plays an essential role in maintaining the heart and flow of the practice, ensuring that every client’s experience is not only professional but also filled with kindness, care, and support.

Caressa Gregg is both a Receptionist and Skilled Somatic Healer, Caressa ensures that every client feels truly seen, supported, and cared for.

Beyond her role in administrative support, Caressa offers Somatic Healing sessions in our Himalayan Salt Cave, where her gentle, intuitive approach helps clients release tension, restore balance, and reconnect with their bodies' natural wisdom. She believes that true healing happens when we honor both the mind and body, and her work invites clients into deeper relaxation, grounding, and presence.

Whether she’s scheduling an appointment, facilitating a healing session, or assisting with events, Caressa brings a sense of calm, care, and positivity to every interaction. She takes pride in creating a peaceful, nurturing environment where clients can feel completely at ease.

At Northern Light Counseling, Caressa is more than a friendly face—she is a source of light, healing, and heartfelt connection for everyone who walks through our doors.

Rachel Siegfried is one of the friendly faces you'll be greeted by when you contact or visit Northern Light Counseling. As a Client Care Coordinator, she is dedicated to helping every client feel welcomed, supported, and cared for from their very first interaction with our practice.

Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University and will be continuing her education at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, where she will pursue her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

Her goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and provide compassionate, holistic care that empowers individuals on their journeys toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.

In addition to her passion for mental health, Rachel has a special interest in holistic wellness and is currently receiving mentorship in Reiki and yogic practices. She enjoys learning about the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and believes healing can take many different forms.

Although Rachel currently serves in a client care role, she is excited to continue growing professionally while gaining valuable experience within the mental health field. 

At Northern Light Counseling, we believe in investing in people, and we're excited to watch Rachel grow alongside our team as she continues her journey toward becoming a clinician.

Behind the scenes at Northern Light Counseling, Shane Bayly is the steady hand that helps keep everything running smoothly. 

As our General Manager, he wears more hats than anyone can count. From overseeing day-to-day operations, managing projects, maintaining our buildings, troubleshooting problems, and supporting our growing team, Shane is always working behind the scenes to make Northern Light the best it can be.

If something is broken, needs to be built, moved, fixed, painted, installed, or simply figured out, chances are Shane is already on it. He's our handyman, project manager, problem solver, and go-to person whenever something unexpected comes up.

Shane has also played a huge role in creating the warm, welcoming environment that makes Northern Light feel like home. His custom woodworking, renovations, and attention to detail can be seen throughout our practice, and he's been instrumental in bringing many of Claudia's ideas and visions to life, including our exciting new space.

What truly sets Shane apart is his willingness to do whatever needs to be done. He's dependable, humble, hardworking, and always willing to jump in wherever he's needed. Much of what he does happens quietly behind the scenes, but his impact is felt every single day by our team and our clients.

We truly couldn't do this without him, and we're incredibly grateful for everything he brings to Northern Light Counseling.