About Our Therapists
Dr. Kristen Malora, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Co-Owner/Founder of Lilac Therapy Center LLC
kristen@lilactherapycenter.org
Dr. Malora has 20 years of experience working in various clinical settings helping individuals, couples, and families strengthen their relationships and find deeper connection. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, relationships and communication, boundaries and burn out, and perfectionism. Dr. Malora practices from an attachment lens and is trained in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) as a modality for couples’ treatment. Learn more.
Emily Freedman, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Co-Owner/Founder of Lilac Therapy Center LLC
Emily has extensive experience providing therapy to teens, adults, and families. She specializes in areas of anxiety, depression, relationships, academic and peer concerns, self-harm behaviors, body image concerns, and bullying. She is skilled at engaging and stabilizing struggling teens and families. She also supports blended families with co-parenting and strengthening family relationships. Learn more.
Allison Powers, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
allison@lilactherapycenter.org
In private practice since 2014, Allison currently works with adults around areas of depression, anxiety, life transitions, adjustment to parenthood, and relationship concerns. She also supports young adults around issues related to college, gaining independence, entering the workforce, and navigating relationships. Learn more.
Adrienne Pollichemi, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Educational Coordinator
adrienne@lilactherapycenter.org
Adrienne has over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of clinical settings. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, social and academic concerns, and challenging behaviors, as well as parent coaching aimed at strengthening relationships and connection in families. Adrienne is a Professor of Social Work at LaSalle University and also leads the clinical training program at Lilac Therapy Center. Learn more.
Sharon Damsker, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sharon has over 20 years experience working with adults in both clinical and community settings. She is a trauma specialist, trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), among other therapeutic modalities. She helps stabilize and support individuals struggling with the aftermath of traumatic experiences and is also skilled in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Learn more.
Yoon Kim, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Yoon began her career in this field in 1999 and has worked in schools, community mental health centers, and private practice both in the US and South Korea since this time. Yoon works with children (ages 10+), teens, adults, and families around issues related to anxiety, self-esteem, social and academic difficulties, and relationship strain. She enjoys working with those navigating cultural complexities and balance and is specifically attuned to the lived experiences of the Asian American community. Learn more.
Laura Wall, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Laura has worked with children and families for over 7 years, and she is a trauma specialist. She is certified in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and is passionate about supporting children and their families through the experience of trauma. Laura also works with anxiety, depression, social challenges, and behavioral needs, and she specializes in restoring relationships and reinforcing safe and healthy roles within the family system. She utilizes art and play therapy techniques and enjoys thinking outside the box to connect and make meaningful progress with her clients. Learn more.
Vanessa Gamboa, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
vanessa@lilactherapycenter.org
Vanessa has over 13 years of clinical experience providing therapy to teens, young adults, and adults. She specializes in anxiety, depression, and ADHD and has significant experience supporting individuals in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Vanessa brings an affirming, non-judgmental, and strengths-based approach to her work with clients, leaving clients feeling respected, supported, and heard. Learn more.
Kimberly Thomas, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Kim is a highly skilled and compassionate counselor specializing in child therapy. With over a decade of experience, Kim has dedicated her career to helping children from preschool age through the teenage years navigate challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, social pressures, family changes, and behavioral difficulties. With a background in school counseling, Kim brings a unique understanding of the intricacies of the educational system, its procedures, and the laws surrounding mental health support in school settings. Learn more.
Nasim Javan, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Nasim is an experienced therapist for teens, young adults, and adults, with over 10 years working in the field. She has worked in private practice, school, and residential settings, and she specializes in supporting individuals and families around anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship and communication issues. Learn more.
Jessica Moon, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
jessica@lilactherapycenter.org
Jessica brings 12 years of experience as an elementary school counselor to her work with children and families at Lilac Therapy. She specializes in supporting children with anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, ADHD, and family transitions, using approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and play therapy. Jessica creates a warm, affirming space for children and works closely with families, schools, and care providers to offer well-rounded support. She also supports adults facing life transitions, caregiver stress, and educator burnout. Learn more.
Dr. Gabriella Terry, Psy.D.
Post-Doctoral Fellow
gabriella@lilactherapycenter.org
Dr. Gabriella Terry is a post-doctoral fellow at Lilac Therapy Center who helps teens, young adults, and adults navigate challenges like body image, anxiety, OCD, and life transitions. With a compassionate, person-centered approach, she empowers clients to build confidence and healthier relationships. Gabriella brings extensive experience from research and clinical work in schools, college counseling, and community mental health, and she enjoys connecting with the community through outreach and presentations. Learn more.
Sameh Shaker, Ph.D. Candidate
Marriage and Family Therapist
Sameh brings over 14 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through grief, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. He is currently training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) and specializes in couples work, including conflict cycles, sexual disconnection, and co-parenting concerns. Sameh is a Ph.D. candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Certified Palliative Care Chaplain, bringing both clinical depth and emotional sensitivity to his practice. He offers therapy in English and Arabic and creates an inclusive, affirming space for clients from all backgrounds. Learn more.
Maria Checchia, B.A.
Master’s-Level Intern
Maria is a Master’s Level Intern and a passionate graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at West Chester University. She brings a strong foundation in mental health and a wide range of hands-on experience in school, residential, and outpatient settings. Driven by a commitment to trauma-informed care, Maria supports children, teens, and families with warmth, empathy, and evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT. She’s excited to continue growing as a clinician while creating safe, supportive spaces where clients can heal and thrive. Learn more.