Meet Our Staff

Richard Blackford, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Richard Blackford, PhD
Richard Blackford, PhD, received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology (1989), an American Psychological Association (APA)-approved program. He also completed two APA-approved internships, including one as chief intern at the West Los Angeles VA/UCLA Medical Center—the largest psychiatric facility in the world. He also received training and research experience at USC Medical Center. He is licensed in California and Pennsylvania, and began his practice in 1989.
Clients of Dr. Blackford appreciate his approach to therapy, where his unique insights on depression, anxiety, panic, and relational issues have often been described as “life changing.” Clients often return to share how their therapy experiences have affected them. Others return periodically to refresh what they learned to prepare for the next level of mental and emotional growth.
Dr. Blackford also has expertise in medication management, helping clients resolve issues arising from medications. He will work with you and your physician to address undesirable medication side effects and interactions, or may recommend an alternative medication.
Dr. Blackford also holds a seminary degree and enjoys helping his clients on their path to spiritual development and discovery. He has published and presented in numerous professional settings.

Mary Blackford, PhD, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Mary Blackford, LSW
Mary Blackford, PhD LCSW, spent many years working in publishing helping individuals to write, edit, and rewrite their stories. Today, she brings that same passion to her work as a licensed social worker. Mary firmly believes that most people are doing the best they can with the resources they have, but that everyone needs a little help now and then.
Her approach to therapy is designed to help you discover and establish personal goals, and to equip you with the strength and skills needed to attain those goals and improve your life. Mary especially enjoys helping women who struggle with Adult ADHD, by providing the creative solutions necessary to manage daily life and its challenges.
Mary received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies from Edinboro University and her master’s in Social Work from Simmons College in Boston. Trained in EMDR, Mary also seeks to assist those struggling with traumatic or distressing memories. (Learn more about EMDR by clicking here.)
Mary’s specialties include:
- Adult ADHD
- Grief and loss
- Caregiver fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Sexual dysfunction

Mikaela McKee, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Mikaela McKee, LCSW
Mikaela McKee is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who works with children, young adults, and other individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Mikaela utilizes techniques that focus on strengths and a solution based approach. Mikaela specializes in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and Talk Therapy.
In 2014, Mikaela earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Medaille College in Buffalo, New York. Following graduation, Mikaela moved to El Paso, TX and pursued graduate studies.
Mikaela began her master’s program in social work with a focus on clinical mental health at the University of Texas at El Paso, in 2014. During her graduate work, she was a graduate assistance at the Veterans office at the university. Mikaela was able to intern for two years at El Paso behavioral Health Systems. During this time, she was able to receive extensive experience with children and adolescents. Upon completing her degree in 2016, Mikaela began working at El Paso behavioral Health Systems as a program therapist for the Adolescent Unit.
Later in 2016, Mikaela moved to Pennsylvania and was an outpatient therapist at a service center for Children in Wilkes Barre. During this time, Mikaela worked with children, adolescents and adults in both individual and family therapy.
She is currently an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Her areas of expertise include:
Play Therapy
Family therapy
Mood disorders
Anxiety
Grief and loss
Children and adolescents
Trauma
Depression

Meagan Brown, LPC
Licenced Professional Counselor
Meagan Brown, LPC
Meagan Brown is a native of Canada, and has resided and raised her family in Erie PA for the past 20 years. She is a licensed professional counselor with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gannon University. Meagan specializes in working with individuals and children who may be experiencing anxiety, depression and/or the emotional and physical impact of trauma, as well as addiction issues, marital/couples issues, healthy boundary setting, self-esteem and healthy communication patterns.
Meagan aspires to practice what she preaches. She values honesty, respect and boundaries. Meagan believes in the importance of self-care and often applies a holistic approach to wellness in her work. As a clinician, Meagan highly values the importance of growth, cultural awareness, and incorporating one’s unique individual background into treatment.
Meagan is passionate about helping people become their best selves. If you are struggling with life adjustments, managing stress, depression, anxiety or anything that is impeding your well-being and growth, consider making an appointment with her. She will work with you to identify and build upon your individual strengths, help you to develop cognitive and emotion management skills, and replace unhealthy behaviors so you can live a full and meaningful life.

Mallory Dougan
Office Manager
Mallory Dougan
Mallory joined Affiliated Counseling Services in 2018. Prior to becoming the office manager, Mallory worked at a regional financial institution. Clients will appreciate Mallory’s kind personality and how she makes them feel welcomed and at-ease. “I’m usually the first staff person a client will meet,” Mallory said, “so it’s very important to me that each person feels our team’s commitment to them from the time they arrive.”

Nicole Banister
Reception and Administration
Nicole Banister
Nicole joined our team in 2020. She has previous experience as an EMT and office administration. Her diverse experience combined with a pleasant demeanor and bright smile liven up our office and make clients feel at ease. She works hard to get each client the information they need to be successful with our therapists.

Bentley
Office Dog
Bentley
Bentley is a “Double Doodle,” part miniature Goldendoodle and part Poodle. Bentley has been coming to work with the Blackfords since he was a puppy, and he has assumed the responsibility of official office greeter. He is very kind and patient with all clients, and if you’re fortunate enough to have him sit in on one of your sessions, he may just put his paws on your knee to show compassion. When he’s not at the office, Bentley’s favorite pastime is chasing and retrieving a ball. He has quite a collection of tennis balls which he likes to store in his food dish.

Cooper
Office Dog
Junior
Cooper is the largest member of the Blackford family “pack” and the most likely to be afraid of a plastic bag. He is a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix. He was adopted early in his life by the Blackfords when he grew to be too large for his elderly owner to manage. He is a large fellow and weighs about 80 pounds! On a business day, Cooper can usually be found lounging on an couch in Mary’s office, though he does like to follow Marco out to greet people.

Junior
Office Dog
Junior
Junior is the most senior member of the Blackford family “pack” and the most dedicated to his job. He is a Cairn Terrier and Bichon Frise mix. He was adopted early in his life by the Blackfords and has been a loyal companion ever since. On a business day, Junior can usually be found lounging on an office couch. He loves his independence, but will make exceptions for the occasional ear scratch or a treat of any kind.

Luna
Office Dog
Luna
Luna is the youngest member of the Blackford family and the only female dog. She is a mix of Poodle and Newfoundland which are known for their athleticism and intelligence. Luna’s energy is seemingly limitless and she is always excited to see people coming and going.
On a working day, she is most likely to be found roaming the office as she does not like to be still for long periods of time. When she does run out of energy, her favorite place to sleep is under a desk.

Marco
Office Dog
Marco
Marco is a young member of the Blackford family and workplace companion. He is a chocolate Havanese, a small breed named for Havana, Cuba, the city where they originated. The Havanese were bred especially to be companion dogs, so what he lacks in size, he makes up for in heart. Marco is a one-pup welcoming committee, who seems to believe every client is here just to see him. His favorite pastimes are making new friends, snuggling, and having his belly rubbed. We’re happy to have him as part of the ACS family.

Tucker
Office Dog
Tucker
Tucker is a beloved member of the Blackford family, however, you will rarely see him in office. He is happiest when he is home chewing bones, chasing tennis balls and playing with the other dogs. Tucker is a “Double Doodle” meaning one parent is a Goldendoodle and the other is a Labrodoodle. If you are lucky enough to have a session with Tucker, the best way to win his affection is by scratching his back.
INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES, AND FAMILY THERAPY, AND TREATMENT FOR:
DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • PTSD • BIPOLAR AND PERSONALITY DISORDERS
EATING DISORDERS • FOOD ALLERGIES • SELF-IMAGE