Staff

Patti Anne McAndrews, MHS, LPC, CAADC
Founder/Program Director
Patti Anne McAndrews has more than 30 years experience working with families and individuals in the mental health and drug and alcohol field. She is the founder of Adolescent Advocates (A2), an innovative private practice with qualified professionals who treat teens and young adults with a variety of social and mental health issues in an “Outpatient Therapeutic Community.” She and A2 are affiliated with some of the country’s leading drug and alcohol treatment centers, including Caron Family Treatment, Promises, The Ranch and Newport Academy. Patti Anne has also worked with some of the top independent schools and colleges in the Philadelphia area. She works with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on their Fellowship Training Program. She was awarded “The Addiction Professional Award” by the Caron Treatment Center in 2007.

Troy Jackson, MSS, LSW
Primary Therapist
Troy Jackson, who supervises the College Team, brings to Adolescent Advocates a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with adolescents, supporting them in overcoming life’s challenges to follow their life plan and dreams. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Shippensburg University and a Master’s degree from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Troy has worked with adolescents at Glen Mills Schools, Children Crisis Treatment Center, Northeast Treatment Center and Northwestern Human Services. He served as a student representative on the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Board of Advisors. Troy was awarded the 2014 Unsung Hero Award, presented by Caron Treatment Center. An avid yoga practitioner and an accomplished yoga instructor in addition to being a therapist at Adolescent Advocates, Troy believes a healthy body is one of the many doorways to a sound mind and spirit, helping individuals “build bridges rather than walls.”

George Beatty, BA, Pol Sci, MSS, Intern
Therapist
Hailing from North Carolina, Richard “George” Beatty graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Working for Congressman David Price and Mike McIntyre from North Carolina, George focused on Education Policy and advocacy for progressive mental health legislation. While in undergrad George was a member of Active Minds which spread awareness on campus regarding mental health and safety. He was also a Division I athlete on the Bucknell Swim Team and a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. George is currently a second year student at Bryn Mawr’s GSSWSR pursuing his Master’s degree in Social Services. George spent the last year working on Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s psychiatric unit as a social worker, providing mental health care in an intensive inpatient setting. George enjoys swimming, scuba diving, kayaking and singing with his a cappella group. He highly recommends Troy’s yoga sessions.

Francesca Santacroce, MA, MFT
Facility Director
Francesca Santacroce earned her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lasalle University and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from West Chester University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Francesca led the Family Service Coordination Program at Chances while also providing therapeutic services for women with mental health and substance abuse issues. Francesca also worked as a Marriage and Family therapist at the Family Therapy Treatment Program and has experience working with at risk children, young adults and families. Francesca was recognized by the National Honors Society for academic achievement and is a member of the international honor society in psychology (Psi Chi).

Sherica Mays-Bankhead, MS, LPC
Primary Therapist
Sherica Mays-Bankhead is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with an extensive background in addictions counseling in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Sherica holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Alabama and an MS in Counseling. Sherica is a professional member of the American Counseling Association. She is a compassionate and devoted professional committed to the development of her clients. Sherica works with adolescents and adults providing individual, group, and family therapy, and has an eclectic therapy approach as each client has individualized treatment needs. In addition to treating addiction, Sherica has experience with treating anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, anger management, trauma, abuse, LGBT issues, eating disorders, multicultural issues, PTSD, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues. In 2009, Sherica was awarded the Unsung Hero Award, presented by the Caron Treatment Center.

Liz Ferris, BA, MSS, Intern
Therapist

John Keough
Administrator/Business Development

Kaitlyn Harkins, MA. ED
Primary Therapist
Kaitlyn Harkins, earned her Masters of Education Counseling from Pennsylvania State University. Kaitlyin is a Chi Sigma lota member and was part of the Rehabilitation and Human Services Student Organization while at Penn State. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor and has experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Kaitlyn is the lead therapist in our High school group and also works with our college students and adults.

David Uosikkinen, CADC
Therapist
Most people know David Uosikkinen as a rock star from the internationally known Philadelphia band The Hooters. In 2010, he created his own band with a rotating line of Philadelphia’s most respected musicians, David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket. A portion of the proceeds of his band benefits the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. To a very fortunate group of young people at Adolescent Advocates, Dave is their therapist. Dave started devoting time several years ago to help young people with addiction. He is a Certified Addictions Counselor working at Adolescent Advocates with individual clients and groups. His gift for music is second to his compassion for people suffering from alcoholism and addiction. A2 is blessed to be sharing with others our gift of David Uosikkinen.

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