Practice Owners:
Samuel Rubenzahl, Ph.D.
Psychotherapy, psychological testing for children and adolescents, & forensic consultation and assessment
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (1997)
B. S., Hamilton College (1992)
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 adults, 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:
Heidi Abbey, LCSW-R, Senior Associate
Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families
M.S.W., Syracuse University
B.S.W., The College of Saint Rose
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.
Professional Associations:
National Associated of Social Workers
Thomas Knudsen, Psy.D., ABPP
Psychotherapy, psychological Testing, forensic consultation and assessment.
Psy.D. Wheaton College (1999)
M.A., Wheaton College (1996)
B.A. The King’s College (1991)
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.
Professional Associations:
National Associated of Social Workers
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.
Mr. Hohs 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.
Matthew Kirkwood, MS, LMHC
Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families
M.S., State University of New York at Oswego (2006)
B.S., State University of New York at Potsdam (1991)
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.
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, Ms. McManaman 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.
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.
Ms. Naklick 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.
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)
Carianne Vincent, LMHC-D, 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 and has recently earned diagnostic privileges in New York State.
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 specialties include practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma, attachment, anxiety and depression. Mrs. Vincent has earned her Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision through Capella University.
Amanda Sweet, Psy.D.
Psychotherapy and assessments for children and families
Alfred University (2013)
SUNY Potsdam (2005)
Amanda Sweet is a certified school psychologist who has rejoined us in the snowy north after some time down in Florida. She currently does child and family therapy with young children as well as assessments with children and adults.
Dr. Sweet tends to tailor her approach to the client’s needs and is well versed in trauma treatment, play therapy, and attachment therapy.
Corrina Valdez-Bush, LCSW
Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults
Michigan Stated University (MSW)
Northern Michigan University (BS Communication Disorders)
Corrina Valdez-Bush brings over 20 years of experiences and expertise in the human services field to her practice. She provides support to adolescents, adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and significant life transitions.
Ms. Valdez-Bush believes therapy should feel like a conversation and is a collaboration between therapist and client. She strives to create a safe environment where clients feel empowered to explore their inherent strengths and to examine their perspectives to facilitate healing. Her therapeutic approach is strength based, incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused strategies, and mindfulness practices.
Michele White, LMHC
Psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents
SUNY Oswego
Ms. White is an absolutely lovely addition to the RKA family. However, she has been warned that she will have a profile with no information in it unless she remembers to send what she would like included.
Shay Park-Richards, LMSW
Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families
Boston University School of Social Work (MSW)
The Pennsylvania State University, State College (BS)
Cazenovia College (AAS )
Ms. Park-Richards is a wonderful addition to our team, working primarily in one of our contracted school districts. She would love more nice things said about her, once she provides me with a profile.
Administrative Assistance Staff:
If you call our office, it is likely you will talk directly to one of our administrative assistance staff. Whether it is our office/billing manager or our administrative assistants, they are all ready and willing to support you however they can.