About Us
The Athena Center's philosophy is based on the core values of respect, compassion, empathy, listening, and connection. We work within a strengths based paradigm; focusing on our client's passions, intuition, and wisdom. Working within this framework, we have created a therapeutic environment that is nurturing, non-judgmental and healing. Our therapists have the utmost respect for the healing process and feel privileged to work with those that seek our services.
Our Staff
Amy Poppel, MSS LCSW — Founder and Director
Amy is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of PA since 2004. She completed her training at Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Research. Since 2003, Amy has worked with both men and women with eating disorders, and brings with her experience in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Amy's additional areas of expertise include ADHD in women, mood disorders, and women and chronic illness. Amy holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing and worked as a registered nurse prior to becoming a psychotherapist. Amy's dual education offers a unique combination of knowledge that she brings to her therapeutic work. She may be reached at 215-716-3120, extension 10.
Claire Pouncey, MD, PhD
Dr. Claire Pouncey is a board certified adult psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology along with individual and group psychotherapy. She completed a combined MD-PhD program at the University of Pennsylvania where she also held a position as a psychiatric resident. Dr. Pouncey uses her Ph.D. in philosophy to write, speak and teach in the areas of philosophy and psychiatric ethics. Currently, she serves as the program manager for the Scattergood Program for the Applied Ethics of Behavioral Health at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pouncey's areas of expertise give her a rich understanding of choice, interpersonal thriving, and human well being. She may be reached at 215-716-3120, extension 11.
Randi Cardonick MS, RD, LDN
Randi Cardonick is a registered dietitian with over 15 years experience working in the field of nutrition therapy. She specializes in the non-diet approach to weight management, preventative nutrition and medical nutrition therapy that includes nutrition planning for clients with eating disorders, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other medical conditions. Randi has developed and implemented intuitive eating programs at local hospitals including the University of Pennsylvania and Chestnut Hill Hospital. She is passionate about both groups and individuals to help her clients achieve their goals through healthy intuitive eating. She may be reached at 215-716-3120, extension 12.
Sarah Learned Sciarra, MSS, LCSW
Sarah Learned Sciarra completed her graduate training at Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research in 2004 and has been working in the field since 2000. She has practiced in several treatment settings, including foster care and adoption, college counseling, community mental health and behavioral health. Sarah's treatment approach focuses on helping clients to overcome adversity, realize inner strengths and resources, and increase self-awareness and personal reflection. Sarah is both straight-forward and nurturing, gently challenging clients to reach their fullest potential while remaining sensitive to the desired pace of each individual client. Sarah also has a passion for women's issues and holds a post graduate certificate in postpartum depression through The Postpartum Stress Center. She may be reached at 215-716-3120, extension 13.
Jeanine O'Rourke, MSW, LCSW
Jeanine O'Rourke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 1994 and worked at a rape crisis center, advocating for trauma survivors and providing sexual abuse prevention education programs for children in the public schools. Jeanine completed her Master's Degree in Social Work at Smith College in 1999. Since that time, she has provided individual, couples, family, and group therapy in a variety of clinical settings for women and girls. She specializes in eating disorders, trauma, and postpartum depression. While she believes in the transformative power of traditional therapy, she is also an avid practitioner of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which can offer rapid resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Jeanine is very excited to join the Athena Center staff in 2010. Additionally, she maintains a private practice in Center City Philadelphia and Wyndmoor, PA. She can be reached at 215-726-3120, extension 14 or directly at 215-206-2931.
Karen DeHaven, MA, ADTR, LPC
Karen is a licensed professional counselor and a registered dance/movement therapist with over a decade of individual and group therapy experience. Her areas of interest and expertise include helping others to creatively work through feelings of anger, anxiety, stress, depression and grief. Karen's developmental orientation is client-centered and integrates traditional therapy approaches with creative exploration techniques including guided meditation, kinetic awareness, Authentic Movement, family sculpting and mediation circles. Karen provides both individual and group sessions. She may be reached at 215-716-3120, extension 15.
Towns We Serve
In Montgomery County:
Abington, Ambler, Bluebell, Cheltenham, Collegeville, Colmar, Dresher, Flourtown, Fort Washington, Glenside, Harleysville, Hatboro, Hatfield, Horsham, Huntingdon Valley, Jenkintown, Lansdale, Lower Gwynedd, Maple Glen, Montgomeryville, North Wales, Oreland, Plymouth, Skippack, Souderton, Springhouse, Upper Dublin, Upper Gwynedd, Whitemarsh, Whitpain, Willow Grove
In Bucks County:
Buckingham, Chalfont, Churchville, Doylestown, Hilltown, Jamison, New Britain, New Hope, Ivyland, Quakertown, Richboro, Sellersville, Solebury, Southampton, Telford, Warminster, Warrington, Warwick
In Lehigh County:
Center Valley, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, Cooperstown, Hellertown, Nazareth