At first, deciding to go to counseling can seem scary. Our counselors are here to make sure your experience isn't.
Our counseling staff has worked with a wide variety of people and situations. All of our counselors have a wide array of knowledge and skills developed through years of training, as well as skills that they've developed throughout their careers. All of our counselors receive ongoing training and education to expand on their skills, and are committed to ongoing professional development.
Through their experience, our therapists are skilled at developing solutions specifically for each individual's situation. We understand that the success of the client/therapist relationship is vital to achieving what you want through therapy. Our counselors work with you with the hope that together you will achieve a greater sense of health, happiness, and overall satisfaction with life.
Our counseling staff has worked with a wide variety of people and situations. All of our counselors have a wide array of knowledge and skills developed through years of training, as well as skills that they've developed throughout their careers. All of our counselors receive ongoing training and education to expand on their skills, and are committed to ongoing professional development.
Through their experience, our therapists are skilled at developing solutions specifically for each individual's situation. We understand that the success of the client/therapist relationship is vital to achieving what you want through therapy. Our counselors work with you with the hope that together you will achieve a greater sense of health, happiness, and overall satisfaction with life.
Erin Kiechle, Executive Director, LMHC
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Erin is a North Country native. She moved back to the area after completing graduate school. She 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. She currently serves roles as both the Executive Director and clinician.
Erin’s 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! |
Christine Nixon, LMHC
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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 Genesse 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 works with children, teens, young adults, adults, couples, and has worked with the elderly in the past. She has developed a special interest and focus on sexual abuse. 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
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Tracy Rider is a board-certified licensed counselor in Northern New York. She completed her master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling through Regent University in 2015. She also completed a post graduate certification program for Trauma and Dissociation from Regent University. She completed a BA in English with a psychology focus at Guelph University in 1994, and a 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 cas 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 level 2 EMDR through EMDRIA (2014), and has been certified in Disaster Mental Health through Green Cross (2012) and individual and group clinical incident stress management (CISM) (2012). Tracy 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
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Amy Ruff has a Masters in Counselor Education and a BA in Psychology. She is also a National Certified Counselor. She enjoys counseling- particularly working with children, as well as providing couples and family counseling.
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Emma Rockwood, MA MHC, NCC
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Emma is a National Certified Counselor who completed her Master of Arts in Counseling specializing in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling at Adams State University. Prior to completing her Master's Degree, Emma received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University.
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Michelle Nitschke, LMHC |
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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 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 is looking forward to offering her services in the community once again. |
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IN MEMORIAM Mary Lawrence, LMSW February 21, 1957 - July 25, 2008
