Awareness to Change Counseling Services
Our Story
Our Story
We’ve loved every minute of our journey...
We’ve loved every minute of our journey...
Christy Yerk-Smith, MA, NCC, LPC
Practice Owner
Christy Yerk-Smith, MA, NCC, LPC
Practice Owner
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Christy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She has over 25 years of professional experience in teaching and counseling children, adolescents, and adults.
Her areas of expertise include the following: adolescent issues, personal growth, infertility issues, addictions issues including gambling, substance use and abuse, as well as codependency issues. Other specialties include child abuse, the effects of substance use and abuse on the family unit, the mind/body/stress connection and sexual abuse and trauma recovery, as well as mood disorders and LGBTQI issues. Additionally, she is skilled at providing supervision for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the National Board of Certified Counselors, and the Lehigh Valley Psychological and Counseling Association. She is a former board member of Project Child, VOA Children’s Center, and The PROGRAM for Women and Families, Inc.
Christy began her career as a junior high school English and Theatre teacher and has extensive theatre and dance experience within the Lehigh Valley. She has worked within the criminal justice system, at inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment and partial hospitalization facilities; managed care insurance offices, and Lehigh University’s Counseling Center as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She has also served as the assistant director of the Counseling Center at DeSales University as well as an adjunct professor at DeSales University and Albright College. She is a part-time consultant for The Center for Humanistic Change and is currently operating a full-time private counseling and consulting practice in Allentown. She lives in Allentown with her husband, and two children (as well as her four-legged children, two dogs!). Her interests include history, reading, psychology topics, and being on the beach.
Jessica Bratt, MA, CTP, LPC (Telehealth Services Only)
Jessica Bratt, MA, CTP, LPC (Telehealth Services Only)
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Jessica completed her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, concentrating in Social Work, from East Stroudburg University and earned her Master's Degree in Counseling, concentrating in Couples, Marriage, and Family therapy from Kutztown University. Her experience includes working in a community mental health agency, private practice, and partial hospitalization program. She enjoys working with adults and couples using integrative therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy.
Jessica believes in the importance in developing a therapeutic relationship built on trust and openness to ensure a non-judgmental and inviting environment. Just as each person is different, Jessica conducts her therapeutic approach around each individual to find the most productive way to greater emotional health. Through warmth, guidance and hope, she believe it takes a team effort to gain insight into one’s challenges in order to make lasting change. Jessica's areas of expertise include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship issues, and couples/family therapy. It is her ultimate goal to empower clients to become self-motivated and self-aware to make the necessary changes and achieve a better quality of life.
Jessica grew up in Northern New Jersey and made Pennsylvania her home when she moved for college. She currently lives in her Allentown home with her husband and their dog, Benny! Her hobbies include photography, kayaking, and crafting.
Heather Updegraff, B.S.
Counselor
Heather Updegraff, B.S.
Counselor
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Heather has clinical experience working with with issues surrounding low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, bullying, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and eating disorders. She enjoys making the counseling process fun while creating a safe environment for her clients to grow and heal. Heather enjoys incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques into her sessions as well as humanistic approaches.
Born and raised in Macungie, Pennsylvania, Heather attended Desales University for her undergraduate degree. Years later, Heather returned to school at Messiah University's Clinical Mental Health graduate program.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family. She has two children that keep her very busy, but she enjoys the opportunity to spend time with them and watch them grow.
Christine Fellin Smith, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Christine Fellin Smith, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Christine (Fellin) Smith attended Mansfield University of Pennsylvania to earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with concentrations in Counseling and Human Development then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Community Counseling at Alvernia University. Christine is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Christine is also credentialed as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and is a supervisor for therapists seeking licensure in PA. She believes in focusing on the strengths an individual has and using them as a platform to improve and address their struggles. She has worked in the mental health field with individuals across the lifespan since 2012. Christine works with clients experiencing a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, mood disorders, change of life, trauma, gender concerns, and adjustment issues. She is an LGBTQAI+ affirming therapist.
Annie Junge, MA
Annie Junge, MA
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Annie Junge attended the University of Pittsburgh, earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Anthropology, and went on to attend Lehigh University earning her Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Services. Annie is currently working towards licensure for counseling in the state of PA. She has experience working in outpatient dual diagnosis (Drug & Alcohol/Mental Health) as well as experience working in community mental health.
Annie pulls from a variety of evidence-based approaches within her counseling sessions including person-centered, interpersonal therapy, CBT, and DBT. She places a lot of emphasis on the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, utilizing unconditional positive regard and warmth to create a safe and comfortable space for her clients. Annie understands that each client has different needs, and personalizes sessions to best benefit client goals. She enjoys working with clients with a variety of backgrounds and has a history of working with anxiety, addiction, self-esteem issues, emotional reactivity, and chronic pain.
Annie was born and raised in PA, and currently resides in the Lehigh Valley with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, and spending time with friends and family!
Benny
Benny
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
This is Benny, a Maltese-Yorkie! He is our practice "mascot" and loves to visit sometimes! He loves people and getting attention from anyone willing to pet him or rub his belly. Benny is a lover, not a fighter, so only kisses from this pup!
Benny will only be in the office with clients' comfort and approval.