Practice Owners:

Samuel Rubenzahl, Ph.D., is a New York State licensed psychologist. He earned his Doctoral degree in Clinical-Child Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in December 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hamilton College in 1992. Dr. Rubenzahl was the Chief Psychologist and Coordinator of Children’s Services at Lewis County Community Mental Health where he had worked from 1997 until he became a partner at RKA in 2009. At RKA his responsibilities include providing individual, family, and group therapy to children and adolescents, and conducting psychological and forensic assessments. He provides the legal and social services community with well-established sexual abuse validation assessments. Dr. Rubenzahl also supervises several clinical staff. His past experience includes working in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health centers, a specialized sexual abuse treatment program for victims and offenders, the Illinois Impact Incarceration Program, and with Head Start programs in Illinois and New York.

Dr. Rubenzahl is currently involved with research into neurobiological models of the mechanism of action for treatment of behavioral dysregulation. 

Professional Associations:
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA’s Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC).

 Megan McRae, Psy.D.

Psychotherapy, psychological testing for children and adolescents, forensic consultation and assessment

Psy.D.,  American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University (2011)
B. S., Robert’s Wesleyan College (2005)

Dr. McRae is a New York State licensed psychologist. Dr. McRae provides individual, couple, and family therapy for children, adolescent, and adult clients, as well as conducted psychological assessments to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning for cognitive, academic, and emotional concerns. Dr. McRae trained to provide behavioral specialist consultant services in the Behavioral Rehabilitation Services for children and adolescent clients in the school and home environments. She has had extensive training administering assessments at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and The Women’s Center of Fairfax VA.  She has worked with children and adolescents through the D.C. Superior Court Child Therapy program.  Dr. McRae also runs Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy groups offsite  during the spring and summer months.

Professional Associations:
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
Human-Equine Relational Development Institute (The HERD Institute)

Clinical Staff:

Ms. Abbey is a New York State Licensed Clinical social worker with the “R” privilege.  She joined the staff at RKA in 2008. Ms. Abbey’s areas of specialty include providing psychotherapy for ADHD, disruptive behaviors, child abuse/trauma, anger management, depression, anxiety, and attachment disorders (including attachment parenting).  Ms. Abbey currently provides therapy services in a school based program, allowing children to meet their mental health needs in the comfort of their school.  Prior to her work at RKA, Ms. Abbey was the Single Point of Access (SPOA) Coordinator and child therapist at the Lewis County Community Mental Health Center in Lowville, NY. She also worked with children in a therapeutic foster care program and with families to prevent foster care placement. Ms. Abbey is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Dr. Knudsen is a New York State and Florida licensed  psychologist.  He is  board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and a fellow in the American Academy of Clinical Psychology.  He received his Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College Graduate School (1999) in Wheaton, IL.  He is bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The King’s College in 1991. Dr. Knudsen trained at Madison State Hospital (IN) where he did rotations in Adult, Adolescent, and Substance Abuse Treatment. His areas of specialty include forensic psychological assessment (child custody, parenting capacity, risk assessment, civil capacity, and competency to stand trial), law enforcement pre-employment screenings and fitness for duty exams, adult psychological assessments, adult severe and persistent mental illness, object-relations psychotherapy, stress management, and spiritual formation.  Dr. Knudsen is also an adjunct instructor in psychology at the State University of New York (Jefferson). Recently, he has worked an a mental health liaison and consultant to the Iglesia Episcopal de El Salvador working to establish a psychosocial care program in San Salvador, El Salvador that provides a sustainable treatment/support program for healing community and intergenerational trauma.

Dr. Knudsen is currently involved with research into bias mitigation in forensic mental health evaluations.  He has also done research with the MMPI-2 and co-authored a book in 2005 titled, The Clinical Interpretation of the MMPI-2:  A Content Cluster Approach (Erlbaum).  Co-authored with Edward E. Gotts, Ph. D. 

Professional Associations:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Society for Personality Assessment (SPA)
Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA)
Christian Association for Psychology Studies (CAPS)

Amy Adams, LMSW

Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families

M.S.W., University of Pennsylvania (2003)
B.S., Ithaca College (2001)

Ms. Adams is a New York State Licensed master social worker.  Ms. Adams joined the staff at RKA in 2011. Ms. Adams’ areas of specialty include providing psychotherapy for child abuse/trauma, depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors, and also in working with children diagnosed as being on the Autism spectrum. Ms. Adams currently provides psychotherapy to children and families using a variety of therapeutic approaches and techniques. Ms. Adams also works as a School Social Worker for the Carthage Central School District and provides individual and group therapy to elementary school students. Ms. Adams also provides consultation to school staff and parents regarding behavioral management strategies for students with disruptive behaviors and emotional challenges. Through her work in the school setting, Ms. Adams has gained knowledge in providing clinical support to military families who are coping with issues of deployment. She has presented at Fort Drum on several occasions regarding the effects of deployment on children and families. Ms. Adams completed her Masters of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in social work from Ithaca College. She has experience from working at the Emergency Department at Samaritan Mental Center. Ms. Adams is a member of the National Associated of Social Workers.

Mollie Caterham, MS, LMHC

Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families

M.S., Medialle College (2011)
B.A., State University of New York, Empire State College (2007)

Ms. Mollie Caterham is a New York State licensed mental health counselor.  She provids services to adolescents, adults, couples and families. She graduated for Medialle College in 2011 with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She joined RKA in January 2017. Ms. Caterham is a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).  Prior to her work at RKA, she worked at Credo Community Center for 3 years in their outpatient addiction treatment program providing individual and group therapy. She also worked at Transitional Living Services for 8 years in areas of direct care, treatment coordination, and case management.

Michael Hohs, MA, LMHC

Psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and families

M.A., Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado (2002).
B.A., Ohio University (1994).

Michael Hohs, MA-LMHC is a New York State licensed mental health counselor.  He earned his Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, in June, 2002. He achieved a 3.9 cumulative average in the program. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio University in 1994 where he made Dean’s List.  Mr. Hohs did wilderness therapy in Virginia with adolescents, and then worked in Colorado on the Emergency Psychiatric Services team for 3 years doing psychological evaluations with psychiatrists in 5 hospital emergency rooms and inpatient units. He also worked as lead on the suicide hotline there. Mike ended his 8 years working at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless with the title of Supervisor. He returned as liaison between the Boulder County Mental Health Center and the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, creating cooperation between Rape Crisis, Protective Services, the Police, and the Addiction Recovery Center while maintaining a caseload of mental health clients at his office at the Shelter. He held 4 different mental health volunteer positions including working on the team of Friendship House which is based on the Windhorse Model of mental health. He then moved to Watertown and started his own business and raised his family. He has worked locally at Family Counseling Service, Samaritan Medical Center, and the USDA. Most recently, Mr. Hohs has just finished providing individual and group therapy for over 3 years with active duty military personnel with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, at the River Community Wellness Program at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, NY. At RKA, Mr. Hohs provides adult individual, couple’s and family counseling. He works with those who suffer from depression, anxiety, addictions, and spiritual issues.

Mr. Kirkwood is a New York State licensed mental health counselor providing services to adolescents, adults, couples and families.  He graduated from the College of Oswego Counseling Services Program with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. He joined RKA in January 2012 and provides services in both the Watertown and Lowville offices.  His specialties include depression, anxiety, Christian counseling, anger management, martial issues, and trauma.  Mr. Kirkwood also is an adjunct instructor at Columbia College teaching various courses in Psychology and Human Services.

Tiffany McLallen, MS, LMHC

Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families

M.S., State University of New York, Oswego (2009)
B.S., SUNY Institute of Technology (2003)

Ms. McLallen is a New York State licensed mental health counselor.  She is a 2009 graduate of SUNY Oswego Counseling Services Program with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling.  She is a Certified Child Centered Play Therapist through the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement in Bethesda, Maryland. She has worked at various social service agencies throughout the North Country, including both community mental health and private practice agencies.  She joined the staff of RKA in January 2012. Tiffany enjoys working with all ages, and has experience assisting people who struggle with behavioral challenges, depression, anxiety, divorce, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (including the Autism Spectrum), trauma, domestic violence, abuse (emotional, physical and sexual), gender dysphoria, LGBTQ issues, as well as change of life issues.  She has significant training in Applied Behavior Analysis, Play Therapy, Sand Therapy as well as Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies.   In addition to the fundamentals of her training, she has a strong passion in working with a faith based perspective.  Her core belief in treatment planning is to assist others in gaining insight to their feelings and behaviors to maintain behavioral changes that foster personal growth and emotional stability.

Heather McManaman, LCSW

Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families

M.S.W., Syracuse University (2012)
B.S., State University of New York, Cortland (1999)

Ms. McManaman is a New York State licensed clinical social worker.  She provides individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2013 with a Masters in Social Work. She joined RKA in November 2016. Ms. McManaman has a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with specialties including depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, and trauma. Prior to her work at RKA, she worked for 12 years at Transitional Living Services in areas of direct care, case management, and Intake Coordination.  She has also worked in the areas of treatment of sexual trauma and in the emergency department at Samaritan Medical Center.

Jennifer Metzler, LMSW

In home attachment-based services.

M.S.W., Roberts Wesleyan College (2007)
B.S.W., Eastern College (2004)

Jennifer Metzler is a New York State licensed master social worker.  She provides In-Home Attachment Parenting services. She graduated from Eastern College with her her Bachelors of Social Work and from Roberts Wesleyan College with a Masters of Social Work. She joined RKA in September of 2015 and works part-time with parents to increase their positive interactions and parenting strategies with children who have attachment or behavioral difficulties. Ms. Metzler is also a foster and adoptive parent.

Kelsey Naklick, LMHC

Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families.

M.S., State University of New York, Oswego (2016)
B.S., State University of New York, Oswego (2014)

Ms. Naklick is a New York State licensed mental health counselor.  She provides services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She is a certified Child Centered Play Therapist through the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement. She joined RKA in December 2018. She has worked in a Head Start Program providing play therapy to children, as well as multiple private practice offices. Her specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Taylor Singer, Ph.D.

Psychotherapy, psychological testing, forensic consultation and assessment.

Ph.D., Virginia State University (2015)
M.S., Virginia State University (2012)
B.S., University of North Carolina, Pembroke (2009)

Dr. Singer is a New York State and Alabama licensed psychologist. Dr. Singer has lived all around the United States and has experience with diverse populations. Dr. Singer was trained in the Department of Corrections during graduate school and has also worked extensively with active duty and retired military personnel. She has a passion for trauma informed care and developing alliances with her clients to assist in achieving the best outcomes. Dr. Singer takes a very down-to-earth, person centered approach to counseling with an ability to be flexible and innovative with various treatment styles. Dr. Singer is versed in the treatment of PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety related disorders, and change of life situations. She also has experience in acute mental health treatment of adolescents and adults, and sex offender rehabilitation work.

Professional Associations:
American Psychological Association (APA)

Courtney Connell, LCSW

Psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, and families

M.S.W., Nazareth College (2017)
B.S.W., Keuka College (2015)

Ms. Kulzer is a New York State licensed clinical social worker, providing psychotherapy for adolescents, families and adults. She graduated from Nazareth College in 2017 with a Masters in Social Work. She joined RKA in the fall of 2021 and currently works in both the Watertown and Lowville offices. Prior to her work at RKA, she worked at North Country Family Health Center as a School Based Therapist providing clinical therapy to individuals and families. Additionally, she has experience working in residential mental health, supporting LGBTQ youth, and spent many years as a home-based visitor for preschool children and their families through Head Start. She is a certified Clinical Trauma Professional and is a certified EMDR therapist. Ms. Kulzer’s area of specialties includes the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, and change of life situations. Additionally, she has a passion for using a variety of treatment styles that are person centered and focused on promoting self-esteem and growth of an individual.

Carianne Vincent, LMHC, PhD

Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families

Ph.D. Capella University (2022)
M.S., Capella University (2018)
B.A., Columbia College (2015)

Carianne Vincent is a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing services to children, youth and adults. Mrs. Vincent earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2018. Prior to joining RKA in 2021, Mrs. Vincent worked for House of the Good Shepherd providing therapy for children with trauma, and behavioral challenges as well  working closely with families on attachment and positive parenting strategies within the foster care system. Her specialities include practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma, anxiety and depression. Mrs. Vincent is currently earning her Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision through Capella University.

Joanna G. Dailey, LCSW-R

Psychotherapy for children and adolescents

M.S.W., University of Albany (2011)
B.A., State University of Potsdam (2004)

Joanna is a licensed clinical social worker  whose work  experience is primarily with children and adolescents. She graduated from the University of Albany in 2011 with a Master’s Degree in social work. Joanna joined RKA in October 2021, after working in various outpatient mental health programs in Jefferson and Lewis Counties for the past 10 years.  Through RKA, she works in the Adirondack Central School District, providing collaborative,  school-based therapy for students.  Joanna’s clinical experiences include disruptive behaviors, ADHD,  mood dysregulation, trauma, anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ+ issues.  

Joanna implements a trauma informed care approach as well  CBT and DBT styles of treatment. She especially enjoys utilizing family system methods. Joanna welcomes all individuals with a warm and accepting therapeutic environment.

Erica Freeman, LCSW-R

Erica is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is a 2009 Graduate of Binghamton University Masters in Social Work program. She is a certified EMDR therapist who appreciates treating every person with a holistic, individualized approach. She understands the importance of using a trauma informed lens while working with the whole person. Prior to her work at RKA starting in 2023 she worked for North Country Family Health Center, Samaritan Nursing Homes, and Chenango County Mental Hygiene Services. She has also enjoyed being an adjunct professor for Nazareth College. Erica is passionate about helping people overcome and heal from past experiences that continue to impact them in their current lives.