Counseling Center – Elkins Park Campus

Dr. Cristina Laracuente-Trzaska is joining Counseling Center – Elkins Park Campus as a postdoctoral psychology resident. She achieved her bachelor’s degree from Temple University (2004). Later, she attained her Masters in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College (2013) followed by her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology also from Chestnut Hill College (2021). Dr. Laracuente completed her pre-doctoral internship at Northeast Treatment Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has also completed practicum experiences at Arcadia University, Westminster Choir College and Beechwood NeuroRehab. Her previous college practicums have provided training in addressing adjustment disorder through a timed therapy approach.

Dr. Laracuente's therapeutic orientation has its foundation on the humanistic approach. Her doctoral academic experience emphasized a holistic approach that drew from psychodynamic psychology, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Her diverse clinical experience has helped to understand the cross-cultural impact present within the therapeutic alliance. Dr. Laracuente's previous treatment experiences include grief counseling, mindfulness for the treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms, trauma work, and psychotic disorders. Prior to pursuing a career as a psychologist, Dr. Laracuente worked in social work, truancy, family court and foster care systems for 15 years in the Philadelphia county area.

Jana earned her BS in Sociology along with a minor in Women’s Studies at California State University, Hayward (1999.) She then earned her MSW at the University of Pennsylvania (2002), with a concentration in clinical practice. She has served a year in Americorps NCCC in Berkeley, California as a health educator and counselor. In addition, she worked in the non-profit, inpatient medical hospital, and clinical sectors since that time. While having served varied populations throughout her career thus far, Jana is passionate about working with people of color, women in life transitions, and the LGBTQAI+ community.

In addition to traditional academic and career training/experiences, Jana is also a yoga instructor (200 RYT), Reiki Master, and Ayurveda Practitioner. Utilizing a holistic approach to therapy, she integrates traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) with meditation, mindfulness practices, yoga, and Reiki when welcomed. She believes, “This life is a journey, and we are all here learning to trust and explore what it means to have our unique human experience. I am here to assist you on your journey.”

Alongside her position at the University, Jana has a private practice, is an adjunct professor at Temple University, and teaches fitness classes at Life Time Athletic.

Jana is so very excited to be a part of the University community!

Read about Jana's new book: 'The Art of Healing'

Dr. Tami April-Davis joined the Counseling Center – Elkins Park Campus in 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Widener University (2002) and her master's (2010) and doctoral (2014) degrees in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. Dr. April-Davis is a licensed clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania. Her interests lie primarily in the areas of psychological assessment, self-care, stress and well-being, mood disorders, and issues related to family systems. Dr. April-Davis's dissertation explored work-life balance for doctoral students in intimate partnerships, which was driven by the desire to understand how graduate students manage relationships during the exceptionally stressful time of graduate school. With regard to theoretical orientation, Dr. April-Davis takes a humanistic and personal approach by first considering DEI factors before conceptualizing through an object-relations/family systems lens.