Meet our Professional Clinical Team!
Britnee Berrett, LCSW; Director of Clinical Operations (315-782-4483 x124)
Britnee is an Idaho native but has been in the North Country for 13 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University, and a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. Britnee joined Family Counseling Service as Clinical Director in September of 2023.
Professionally, Britnee’s interests are diverse. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. She has also had specialized training in diagnosing and treating personality disorders. Britnee enjoys helping people recover from trauma and is basic trained in EMDR and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Britnee is in the final stages of earning her AASECT certification as a Certified Sex Therapist and enjoys working with relationship diversity.
In her personal life, Britnee enjoys live music, live comedy and live theater. Theater is a love that she has carried with her since her high school days in drama club. Britnee tries to go to as many concerts, comedy events and Broadway shows as possible. Her favorites so far have been Harry Styles (Love on Tour), Taylor Swift (the Eras Tour), Waitress and Be More Chill on Broadway, and John Mulaney's "From Scratch".
Britnee is a trivia buff and loves to play trivia in any setting but admits that she can get extremely competitive. She enjoys spending time with her 3 kids and two cats.
Britnee is an Idaho native but has been in the North Country for 13 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University, and a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. Britnee joined Family Counseling Service as Clinical Director in September of 2023.
Professionally, Britnee’s interests are diverse. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. She has also had specialized training in diagnosing and treating personality disorders. Britnee enjoys helping people recover from trauma and is basic trained in EMDR and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Britnee is in the final stages of earning her AASECT certification as a Certified Sex Therapist and enjoys working with relationship diversity.
In her personal life, Britnee enjoys live music, live comedy and live theater. Theater is a love that she has carried with her since her high school days in drama club. Britnee tries to go to as many concerts, comedy events and Broadway shows as possible. Her favorites so far have been Harry Styles (Love on Tour), Taylor Swift (the Eras Tour), Waitress and Be More Chill on Broadway, and John Mulaney's "From Scratch".
Britnee is a trivia buff and loves to play trivia in any setting but admits that she can get extremely competitive. She enjoys spending time with her 3 kids and two cats.
Erica Adrian, LCSW (315-782-4483 x134)
Erica grew up in the North Country and graduated from St. John Fisher College with her Bachelors in Psychology before going to the Nazareth and Brockport College Collaborative Program for her Masters in Social Work. She worked in the mental health field while getting her degree, providing respite services for a family whose son has Autism in Rochester. Erica then worked in the Children’s Home’s Therapeutic Crisis Respite Program when she moved home for her last year of graduate school. Before becoming a therapist, she provided Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment to children and families in both Jefferson and Lewis Counties. As a therapist, she has provided services in three school settings, in Lewis County Jail, and a clinic-based setting for children, adolescents, and adults.
Erica is certified in Managing and Adapting Practices through the Evidence Based Treatment Dissemination Center and have taught Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings. She enjoys working with all populations, but especially enjoys working with teens and young adults, the LGBTQ+ population, and couples and families. Erica uses predominantly Cognitive Behavior and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills in practice, as well as Solution Focused and Strengths Based practices.
In Erica’s time away from work, she enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, being outside in the sun near the water and reading a good book. She also loves to watch way too many crime shows, loves good movies, and good food
Erica grew up in the North Country and graduated from St. John Fisher College with her Bachelors in Psychology before going to the Nazareth and Brockport College Collaborative Program for her Masters in Social Work. She worked in the mental health field while getting her degree, providing respite services for a family whose son has Autism in Rochester. Erica then worked in the Children’s Home’s Therapeutic Crisis Respite Program when she moved home for her last year of graduate school. Before becoming a therapist, she provided Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment to children and families in both Jefferson and Lewis Counties. As a therapist, she has provided services in three school settings, in Lewis County Jail, and a clinic-based setting for children, adolescents, and adults.
Erica is certified in Managing and Adapting Practices through the Evidence Based Treatment Dissemination Center and have taught Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings. She enjoys working with all populations, but especially enjoys working with teens and young adults, the LGBTQ+ population, and couples and families. Erica uses predominantly Cognitive Behavior and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills in practice, as well as Solution Focused and Strengths Based practices.
In Erica’s time away from work, she enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, being outside in the sun near the water and reading a good book. She also loves to watch way too many crime shows, loves good movies, and good food
Jamie Chase, LMHC (315-782-4483 x116)
Jamie is a licensed mental health counselor that is a North Country native who attended local schools. She attended SUNY Canton from 2004-2006 while deciding what she wanted to do for a career. She graduated in 2006 with an A.A. in Liberal Arts before transferring to SUNY Potsdam from 2006-2008 and graduating with a B.A. in Psychology. Jamie took some time to decide what she wanted to major in before applying to graduate school. She then attended Walden University from 2012-2015 and completed a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. Jamie has previously worked in the OPWDD field for approximately 9 years, and with folks with severe and persistent mental illness for approximately 5 years. She is especially fond of the Nurturing Parenting program at Family Counseling Service.
Jamie is a licensed mental health counselor that is a North Country native who attended local schools. She attended SUNY Canton from 2004-2006 while deciding what she wanted to do for a career. She graduated in 2006 with an A.A. in Liberal Arts before transferring to SUNY Potsdam from 2006-2008 and graduating with a B.A. in Psychology. Jamie took some time to decide what she wanted to major in before applying to graduate school. She then attended Walden University from 2012-2015 and completed a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. Jamie has previously worked in the OPWDD field for approximately 9 years, and with folks with severe and persistent mental illness for approximately 5 years. She is especially fond of the Nurturing Parenting program at Family Counseling Service.
Leon Dickinson, LMHC (315-782-4483 x135)
Leon’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather were farmers in Jefferson County, and he grew up on a dairy farm. He graduated from General Brown High School, and then from Jefferson Community College with an AA degree in Liberal Arts. He has a BA in Secondary Education concentration in Social Studies from SUNY Oswego and in 1993 attained a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from SUNY Oswego. In 2006 Leon received his license as an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor).
Leon has worked at Samaritan Medical Center doing mental health evaluations, taking crisis phone calls, and social work in the Emergency Department. He has worked at Catholic Charites doing Individual and Family Counseling. Most of the counseling was non-religious, and he counseled couples with their relationship (including doing a communication workshop), and counseled veterans, mostly Viet Nam and the Gulf War, in a program that was offered. Leon has years of experience doing Case Management for children and families (which included Intensive In-Home Treatment), and direct care CPST (Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment) and OLP (Other Licensed Practitioner).
From 1999 until 2020 (when the program shut down for COVID), Leon taught Intro to Sociology and Marriage & Family classes as an Adjunct on Ft. Drum for Jefferson Community College. He especially liked teaching Marriage and Family class. Also, for the past 20 years, Leon has been a part-time consultant with Cornell University in the NY Farmnet program helping farmers and other families in agriculture with personal and family issues.
Leon and his wife have been married for 40 years. They have 2 children, a son who is an LCSW and a daughter who has her doctorate in Physical Therapy. They have 1 grandson and 2 cats. Leon likes Science Fiction (Star Wars, Star Trek, etc.), reading when there is time, and watching sports (favorite baseball team is the Pittsburgh Pirates).
Leon’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather were farmers in Jefferson County, and he grew up on a dairy farm. He graduated from General Brown High School, and then from Jefferson Community College with an AA degree in Liberal Arts. He has a BA in Secondary Education concentration in Social Studies from SUNY Oswego and in 1993 attained a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from SUNY Oswego. In 2006 Leon received his license as an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor).
Leon has worked at Samaritan Medical Center doing mental health evaluations, taking crisis phone calls, and social work in the Emergency Department. He has worked at Catholic Charites doing Individual and Family Counseling. Most of the counseling was non-religious, and he counseled couples with their relationship (including doing a communication workshop), and counseled veterans, mostly Viet Nam and the Gulf War, in a program that was offered. Leon has years of experience doing Case Management for children and families (which included Intensive In-Home Treatment), and direct care CPST (Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment) and OLP (Other Licensed Practitioner).
From 1999 until 2020 (when the program shut down for COVID), Leon taught Intro to Sociology and Marriage & Family classes as an Adjunct on Ft. Drum for Jefferson Community College. He especially liked teaching Marriage and Family class. Also, for the past 20 years, Leon has been a part-time consultant with Cornell University in the NY Farmnet program helping farmers and other families in agriculture with personal and family issues.
Leon and his wife have been married for 40 years. They have 2 children, a son who is an LCSW and a daughter who has her doctorate in Physical Therapy. They have 1 grandson and 2 cats. Leon likes Science Fiction (Star Wars, Star Trek, etc.), reading when there is time, and watching sports (favorite baseball team is the Pittsburgh Pirates).
Erin Kiechle, LMHC
Erin has a Bachelor’s in Sociology from The College of Saint Rose. In 2009 she completed her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Erin has been with Family Counseling Service since 2010. She began here as a Master’s level counselor and obtained her NYS License in Mental Health Counseling in February 2013. ***As of 1/1/24 Erin is ONLY providing clinical supervision as a contractor and is not seeing clients.***
Erin’s professional interests include working with couples to improve their relationships. She has worked with many clients during her time at FCS, but has narrowed marriage and couples counseling down to her favorite. She also really enjoys working with families in the Nurturing Parenting Program. Erin loves challenges that help her to learn new things!
Erin is a North Country native and, although warmth and sunshine are her favorite, the North Country will always be home. Erin married her high school sweetheart 20 years after they first met. They have 2 children and 2 Golden Retrievers. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing crafts, camping, boating, and all around having fun!!
Erin has a Bachelor’s in Sociology from The College of Saint Rose. In 2009 she completed her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Erin has been with Family Counseling Service since 2010. She began here as a Master’s level counselor and obtained her NYS License in Mental Health Counseling in February 2013. ***As of 1/1/24 Erin is ONLY providing clinical supervision as a contractor and is not seeing clients.***
Erin’s professional interests include working with couples to improve their relationships. She has worked with many clients during her time at FCS, but has narrowed marriage and couples counseling down to her favorite. She also really enjoys working with families in the Nurturing Parenting Program. Erin loves challenges that help her to learn new things!
Erin is a North Country native and, although warmth and sunshine are her favorite, the North Country will always be home. Erin married her high school sweetheart 20 years after they first met. They have 2 children and 2 Golden Retrievers. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing crafts, camping, boating, and all around having fun!!
Michelle Nitschke, LMHC (315-782-4483 x122)
Michelle is a native of the North Country and Jefferson County. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community & Human Services from Empire State College and earned a Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Oswego State University. She has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2006 and is registered by the NYS Education Department. Michelle is also a Qualified Health Professional, a Mandated Reporter, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Michelle enjoys working with the community and helping others. She also has a love of dogs, gardening, summer and swimming! Michelle continues to provide psychotherapy to children 12 and over, adolescents, adults, couples, and families and has available both in-person and remote appointments. She has a wide range of knowledge in all areas of mental health counseling.
Michelle opened a private practice in Clayton, NY, from 2011-2013 and thoroughly enjoyed helping those in the community. Michelle was also a volunteer for many years with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services providing Crisis Intervention and Stress Debriefing as a response to critical incidents to the community, volunteers, and staff.
Michelle retired as an Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in May, 2019, after 30+ years of service.
Michelle is a native of the North Country and Jefferson County. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community & Human Services from Empire State College and earned a Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Oswego State University. She has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2006 and is registered by the NYS Education Department. Michelle is also a Qualified Health Professional, a Mandated Reporter, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Michelle enjoys working with the community and helping others. She also has a love of dogs, gardening, summer and swimming! Michelle continues to provide psychotherapy to children 12 and over, adolescents, adults, couples, and families and has available both in-person and remote appointments. She has a wide range of knowledge in all areas of mental health counseling.
Michelle opened a private practice in Clayton, NY, from 2011-2013 and thoroughly enjoyed helping those in the community. Michelle was also a volunteer for many years with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services providing Crisis Intervention and Stress Debriefing as a response to critical incidents to the community, volunteers, and staff.
Michelle retired as an Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in May, 2019, after 30+ years of service.
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IN MEMORIAM Mary Lawrence, LMSW February 21, 1957 - July 25, 2008