Meet our Professional Clinical Team!
Erin Kiechle, LMHC; Clinical Director
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. In August 2016 she took on the role of Executive Director. In 2020 she took on the role of Clinical Director, as well as carries her own client caseload.
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!!
Christine Nixon, LMHC
Christine is originally from the Syracuse area. After attending 3 elementary schools before she entered 3rd grade, her family moved to Camillus. She graduated from West Genesee in 1971. From there she attended college at Russel Sage as a science major. During her time there, she was exposed to the difficulties that people living in inner-city communities face. Impacted by the struggles of others, she realized that her chosen career path wasn't going to satisfy her, so she decided to leave college.
After a few years, she decided to enroll at Oswego State University. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She then worked at an independent living center, working in programs for individuals of all ages with disabling conditions. This was very rewarding for her. One of her daughters suffered from a disabling condition, so she was proud to help others as well. This experience inspired her to pursue and finish her Master's Degree. She has also worked with Catholic Charities and Credo Community Center.
Christine loves her career. She learns from each of her clients, and enjoys the challenge of helping them with their problems. She specializes in children, teens, young adults, adults, and has worked with the elderly in the past. She has developed a special interest and focus on sexual abuse. Christine is also a trained grief counselor.
When Christine isn't counseling, she loves being outdoors. Her hobbies include hunting and fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and camping. She also enjoys cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and sledding. She enjoys reading and enjoys many genres of music. Above all else, she loves her family. Her grandchildren put a smile on her face every time she thinks of them, and they are a big part of her daily life.
Christine is originally from the Syracuse area. After attending 3 elementary schools before she entered 3rd grade, her family moved to Camillus. She graduated from West Genesee in 1971. From there she attended college at Russel Sage as a science major. During her time there, she was exposed to the difficulties that people living in inner-city communities face. Impacted by the struggles of others, she realized that her chosen career path wasn't going to satisfy her, so she decided to leave college.
After a few years, she decided to enroll at Oswego State University. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She then worked at an independent living center, working in programs for individuals of all ages with disabling conditions. This was very rewarding for her. One of her daughters suffered from a disabling condition, so she was proud to help others as well. This experience inspired her to pursue and finish her Master's Degree. She has also worked with Catholic Charities and Credo Community Center.
Christine loves her career. She learns from each of her clients, and enjoys the challenge of helping them with their problems. She specializes in children, teens, young adults, adults, and has worked with the elderly in the past. She has developed a special interest and focus on sexual abuse. Christine is also a trained grief counselor.
When Christine isn't counseling, she loves being outdoors. Her hobbies include hunting and fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and camping. She also enjoys cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and sledding. She enjoys reading and enjoys many genres of music. Above all else, she loves her family. Her grandchildren put a smile on her face every time she thinks of them, and they are a big part of her daily life.
Tracy Rider, LMHC
Tracy Rider is a U.S. Army veteran and board-certified licensed counselor in Northern New York. She completed her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Regent University in 2015 as well as a post-graduate certification program for Trauma and Dissociation from Regent University. She completed her BA with a psychology focus at Guelph University in 1994, and her BA in Theology and Counseling at Nazarene Bible College in 2011.
Her areas of specialization include trauma, dissociation, and domestic violence prevention and intervention. In an effort to better serve her clients she has completed certification in the Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis Sexual Assault Advocacy Training through the DoH, TF-CBT, level 2 training in clinical hypnosis through ASCH (2018), and has completed all levels of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing) training (2014), and is currently an EMDRIA certified Consultant in Training. Tracy has been certified in Disaster Mental Health through Green Cross (2012) and individual and group clinical incident stress management (CISM) (2012) and has participated in national and international volunteer crisis and disaster deployments. She has presented internationally on domestic violence, PTSD and disaster mental health counseling. She has taught and supervised BA and PhD level psychology students in the Ukraine and presented a workshop on domestic violence at Shevchenko University (2015). Her professional memberships include ASCH, EMDRIA, ISST-D, and NBCC.
Tracy Rider is a U.S. Army veteran and board-certified licensed counselor in Northern New York. She completed her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Regent University in 2015 as well as a post-graduate certification program for Trauma and Dissociation from Regent University. She completed her BA with a psychology focus at Guelph University in 1994, and her BA in Theology and Counseling at Nazarene Bible College in 2011.
Her areas of specialization include trauma, dissociation, and domestic violence prevention and intervention. In an effort to better serve her clients she has completed certification in the Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis Sexual Assault Advocacy Training through the DoH, TF-CBT, level 2 training in clinical hypnosis through ASCH (2018), and has completed all levels of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing) training (2014), and is currently an EMDRIA certified Consultant in Training. Tracy has been certified in Disaster Mental Health through Green Cross (2012) and individual and group clinical incident stress management (CISM) (2012) and has participated in national and international volunteer crisis and disaster deployments. She has presented internationally on domestic violence, PTSD and disaster mental health counseling. She has taught and supervised BA and PhD level psychology students in the Ukraine and presented a workshop on domestic violence at Shevchenko University (2015). Her professional memberships include ASCH, EMDRIA, ISST-D, and NBCC.
Amy Ruff, LMHC, NCC
Amy Ruff is a Watertown native. She has a Masters in Counselor Education and a BA in Psychology. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Ethical practices are paramount. As a nontraditional college student, Amy returned to complete her education in 2002. Her extensive work in diverse populations and in various settings have developed her skill, challenged her ability, and provided invaluable insight. In particular, working with children is her passion. Amy credits life experience as a primary motivator in her counseling methodology. Her approach is strength based and solution-focused. Amy loves to learn and she embraces creativity. Therapeutic considerations include (but are not limited to) pet therapy, music therapy, play therapy, and art therapy.
Amy Ruff is a Watertown native. She has a Masters in Counselor Education and a BA in Psychology. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Ethical practices are paramount. As a nontraditional college student, Amy returned to complete her education in 2002. Her extensive work in diverse populations and in various settings have developed her skill, challenged her ability, and provided invaluable insight. In particular, working with children is her passion. Amy credits life experience as a primary motivator in her counseling methodology. Her approach is strength based and solution-focused. Amy loves to learn and she embraces creativity. Therapeutic considerations include (but are not limited to) pet therapy, music therapy, play therapy, and art therapy.
Michelle Nitschke, LMHC
Michelle is a native of the North Country. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Community & Human Services from Empire State College, and earned a Master’s 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 opened a private practice in Clayton, NY, from 2011-2013 and thoroughly enjoyed helping those in the community. She offered psychotherapy to individuals, couples, adolescents, and children. She has a wide range of knowledge in all area of mental health counseling. Michelle was a volunteer for many years with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services providing Crisis Intervention and Stress Debriefing counseling as a response to critical incidents. Michelle is also a Qualified Health Professional, a Mandated Reporter, and is Certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Michelle recently retired as an Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in May, 2019, after 30+ years of service. She enjoys offering her services in the community once again.
Michelle is a native of the North Country. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Community & Human Services from Empire State College, and earned a Master’s 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 opened a private practice in Clayton, NY, from 2011-2013 and thoroughly enjoyed helping those in the community. She offered psychotherapy to individuals, couples, adolescents, and children. She has a wide range of knowledge in all area of mental health counseling. Michelle was a volunteer for many years with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services providing Crisis Intervention and Stress Debriefing counseling as a response to critical incidents. Michelle is also a Qualified Health Professional, a Mandated Reporter, and is Certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Michelle recently retired as an Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in May, 2019, after 30+ years of service. She enjoys offering her services in the community once again.
Holly Hanley, LMFT
Holly Hanley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State University in 2014 and went onto complete her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University in 2017. She has been licensed in the state of New York since 2018. Holly is an Air Force veteran who honorably served from 1999-2004. She is the mother of three boys and has been married for 20 years. As a marriage and family therapist she has been specifically trained in the art of systems theory which enables her to work will individuals, families, and couples.
Holly believes in the strength and ability of any person at any time to lead their best possible life and conducts her therapy based on that premise. She has experience working with couples with infidelity, intimacy, and communication problems. She has helped people overcome powerful losses in their lives (grief counseling) and has assisted them in adjusting to the big changes that life can bring, whether those changes are expected or unexpected. As a trauma survivor herself, she has personal experience that may help people heal their own trauma. Holly uses many different techniques and therapy models. She meets your where you are in life and partners with you in a way that makes you feel seen and understood. Her number one goal is that when you sit in a room with Holly you feel as though you are the most important person in the world during your session. Holly is open, brave, and bold when it comes to being a therapist.
Holly is currently working towards her PhD in marriage and family therapy but in her free time she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and spending time with her family. She’s always looking for new recipes to try and is not afraid of a challenge.
Holly Hanley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State University in 2014 and went onto complete her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University in 2017. She has been licensed in the state of New York since 2018. Holly is an Air Force veteran who honorably served from 1999-2004. She is the mother of three boys and has been married for 20 years. As a marriage and family therapist she has been specifically trained in the art of systems theory which enables her to work will individuals, families, and couples.
Holly believes in the strength and ability of any person at any time to lead their best possible life and conducts her therapy based on that premise. She has experience working with couples with infidelity, intimacy, and communication problems. She has helped people overcome powerful losses in their lives (grief counseling) and has assisted them in adjusting to the big changes that life can bring, whether those changes are expected or unexpected. As a trauma survivor herself, she has personal experience that may help people heal their own trauma. Holly uses many different techniques and therapy models. She meets your where you are in life and partners with you in a way that makes you feel seen and understood. Her number one goal is that when you sit in a room with Holly you feel as though you are the most important person in the world during your session. Holly is open, brave, and bold when it comes to being a therapist.
Holly is currently working towards her PhD in marriage and family therapy but in her free time she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and spending time with her family. She’s always looking for new recipes to try and is not afraid of a challenge.
Jamie Chase, MHC
Jamie is a North Country native who attended local schools. She attended school at SUNY Canton from 2004-2006 while she decided what she wanted to do for a career. She graduated in 2006 with an A.A. in Liberal Arts before transferring to SUNY Potsdam. She attended here from 2006-2008 where she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. She took some time to decide what she wanted to major in before applying to graduate school. She attended Walden University from 2012-2015 where she graduated with a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. She is currently pursuing her New York State licensure to become a licensed mental health counselor. She has previously worked in the OPWDD field for approximately 9 years, and with severe and persistent mental illness for approximately 5 years. She is especially fond of the Nurturing Parenting program at FCS.
Jamie is a North Country native who attended local schools. She attended school at SUNY Canton from 2004-2006 while she decided what she wanted to do for a career. She graduated in 2006 with an A.A. in Liberal Arts before transferring to SUNY Potsdam. She attended here from 2006-2008 where she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. She took some time to decide what she wanted to major in before applying to graduate school. She attended Walden University from 2012-2015 where she graduated with a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. She is currently pursuing her New York State licensure to become a licensed mental health counselor. She has previously worked in the OPWDD field for approximately 9 years, and with severe and persistent mental illness for approximately 5 years. She is especially fond of the Nurturing Parenting program at FCS.
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IN MEMORIAM Mary Lawrence, LMSW February 21, 1957 - July 25, 2008
