Dr. Maria D’Souza is a geriatrician who brings special expertise in dementia care and caregiver support to JFS. Dr. D’Souza participated in the development and evaluation of an innovative multidisciplinary dementia care program during a geriatrics fellowship at Duke University, which she published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. One of only 7,500 geriatricians in the US, Dr. D’Souza previously served as Medical Director of a PACE program, enabling older adults with complex medical and social needs to continue living in their own homes. She has 15 years of experience providing holistic medical care for older adults in a variety of settings including primary care, acute hospital care, nursing facilities, assisted living, memory care units, house calls, and hospice and palliative care.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. D’Souza completed her residency training in internal medicine at the University of Washington, a 3-year geriatrics fellowship at Duke University, and a Masters of Public Health degree at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She is a member of the medical staff at ChristianaCare.
Dr. D’Souza is thrilled to be part of the JFS mission of strengthening individuals, families, and the community as Medical Director of the JFS COMPASS program, providing team-based medical care for individuals with dementia and guiding families through their journey.
“My patients and their families often tell me how much they value the way I listen. Each older adult has a unique story that I am passionate about hearing and honoring in order to provide true person-centered care. Discussing individual values and goals allows us to formulate a plan of care together and partner with all members of the care team to achieve those goals. Geriatrics is a team sport!”
Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy for JFS clients. She embraces a holistic approach to therapy, that is collaborative and built on creating a safe and compassionate environment where each unique individual can feel heard, empowered, and not judged. Emily values the belief that everyone comes with their own strengths, which allows them the resilience to walk on a therapeutic path towards healing.
Before coming to JFS, Emily worked as a community hospice social worker, joining patients and families on their journey coping with terminal illnesses and end of life. Through this time, she worked with a range of populations and individual experiences.
Recently married, they are proud dog parents to their energetic pup, Paris.
Emily loves to travel and learn about the world’s rich history and cultures outside of her own. During her undergraduate program, she had the opportunity to study abroad. She studied for four months in Chennai, India at a local college’s social work program. During that time, she also backpacked in Thailand enjoying the amazing food and seeing the breathtaking temples.
Emily enjoys reading, yoga, and crocheting. She loves being creative and appreciates art. She recently inherited her grandmother’s sewing machine, and is looking forward to continuing its use with love.
Licenses and Certifications
Approaches, Theories, and Modalities
Populations and Issues
Start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form or contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306
Amie works passionately with older adults and their families in our community. With the help of her corps of volunteers, she supports clients all across the spectrum, whether it is food delivery, rides for medical appointments, tech support for video calls, helping to return home after hospitalization, or just a friendly call to talk about grandchildren or the weather.
“They inspire and motivate me every day to be present, compassionate, patient, and kind,” she says.
Amie has had several careers in her life including camp counselor, television producer, administrator at a preschool, and, now, working with older adults.
“They all require patience, enthusiasm, quick-thinking, and a sense of humor,” Amie shares. “There is never a boring day when you are of service to the community!”
Amie has been married for 17 years to Bob Hronsky; they have a son named Ethan who is the light of their lives!
As a Master’s Level Therapist, Jordan provides evidence-based mental health therapy services to individuals and families. She believes in providing a safe environment for each person to be seen, heard, and known and in tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs.
Jordan completed her Master’s of Social Work degree at Widener University and her Bachelor’s in Human Services at the University of Delaware. She has worked with people of all ages – from children to adolescents to older adults – and with people from over a dozen countries in her past teaching, social work, and administrative roles. She is passionate about using a holistic approach to meet people where they are and to help them live their best lives mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Jordan has spent over 8 years living in Asia and Europe, but she is proud to call Delaware her home. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, reading, doing yoga, spending time in nature, and enjoying quality time with family.
Start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form or contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306
Karen “Renna” Van Oot is a dynamic and versatile professional with over 30 years of experience in the development, growth and leadership of government, non for profit and business organizations. She has expertise in nonprofit management with emphasis on strategic planning and organizational restructuring and is knowledgeable in a breadth of nonprofit related issues. She brings a talent for building and maintaining strong business and community relationships.
Renna graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Psychology, and went on to Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research for both a Master of Social Service and a Master of Law and Social Policy. Later in her career, she attended Widener Law School (now Delaware Law School) and obtained her Juris Doctor. Renna has served on numerous boards, and currently is on the board of YWCA Delaware.
Renna is passionate about serving the community through nonprofit mission-based work. She also enjoys traveling, music, and learning about other cultures. Renna grew up and worked predominantly in northern Delaware and the metropolitan Philadelphia region, and now resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Angelica Montalvo Santiago is dedicated to working with children, youth, adults, and families who are going through changes, challenges, loss, doubt, stress, and wondering if consulting a professional in the mental health field may be helpful. Clients who work with her often seek help for their children, in terms of behavior, school difficulties, peer interactions, self-esteem, and emotional problems, among other concerns; adults who are interested in her psychotherapy services may be struggling with anxiety, depression, and difficulties in their relationships with peers, family, and/or partners; others may just feel the need to speak with someone who can help them figure out why they don’t feel like their normal self anymore or why it seems like things are not working out like they used to. Dr. Montalvo’s goal is to accompany everyone in the process of taking baby steps, if needed, or larger steps to get to where they want to be and feel good about who they are.
Her motto is: “Being in therapy is not an easy task, as it takes self-determination, courage, and being open to feeling vulnerable, but the good news is that you don’t have to feel alone in this process because we are in it together.”
Dr. Montalvo earned a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Ponce Health Sciences University, in Puerto Rico. Her training focused on evidence-based practices that emphasized patient-centered care. She has specialized training in pediatrics, integrated care, and family dynamics. As part of her pediatric background, Dr. Montalvo has vast experience working with young clients in identifying developmental, academic, and behavior problems and making recommendations for parents, schools, and IEP/504 Plan Teams. Her passion for integrated care comes from a place of recognizing the connection between mind and body. She has worked with clients adapting to health-related issues (Diabetes, Asthma, Cancer, HIV, chronic pain), as well as working with women who are managing post-partum depression and navigating parenthood. She also recognizes the need for increased attention to men’s mental health. In addition, over her years of experience working with individuals and families, she has discovered a passion for working with families looking to overcome trauma, transitions, and generational patterns.
Dr. Montalvo is fully bilingual (English & Spanish). She has obtained training in cultural competency and cultural humility and is looking forward to continued growth and learning, in working with a diverse community in Delaware.
Her hobbies include Latin dancing, cooking, hiking, and karaoke.
Licenses and Certifications
Approaches, Theories, and Modalities
Populations and Issues
Start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form or contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306
Susan is a Community-Based Counselor at JFS. Her passion is to help the suffering work through their painful experiences and restore normal functioning. Susan proudly provides emotional and behavioral support in community settings, through treatment approaches tailored to meet the client’s needs; she believes in the possibility and ability of each individual to develop resiliency by drawing from their inner strengths.
Susan is a certified Parenting Education Facilitator and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She has worked with children and adolescents for over 15 years in the teaching profession and previously worked for JFS as a Career Counselor for the FutureLink workforce development program.
Susan is a mother and loves spending time with family and friends. As a believer in possibilities, she is driven by the proverb, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Licenses and Certifications
Approaches and Theories
Populations and Issues
Ana is a Master’s Level Therapist in the JFS Mental Health Fellowship Program. She completed her Master’s of Social Work degree at Salisbury University and her Bachelor’s in Human Services with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Domestic Violence Prevention and Service at the University of Delaware. Ana is also a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Delaware as of July 2022 and is a Domestic Violence Specialist (DMS), which was accredited by the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 2020 and is renewed every two years.
Ana is a first-generation college and graduate student, and is the proud older sister and daughter of Mexican immigrants. She bicultural and bilingual (Spanish-speaking fluency – native).
In her free time, Ana enjoys nature walks, learning new skills (currently trying to learn to sew), playing video games on her Nintendo Switch, painting landscapes, watching horror movies, Studio Ghibli, and anime. One fun fact about her is that she watched the sunrise at Rehoboth Beach on New Year’s Day to celebrate the start of 2023.
Licenses and Certifications
Approaches, Theories, and Modalities
Populations and Issues
Start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form or contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306
Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health serving as an Outpatient Therapist and Director of Clinical Services for JFS Delaware. His treatment approach is person-centered and utilizes mindfulness based cognitive techniques. Michael has over twenty years of experience working with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
As Clinical Supervisor, Michael leads JFS’ clinical team in group supervision and manages efforts to streamline clinical processes, trainings, and documentation; he is responsible for ensuring the quality of JFS’ therapeutic service to meet the highest industry standards.
Licenses and Certifications
Approaches and Theories
Populations and Issues
Start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form or contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306