
MEET THE TEAM

Owner & Therapist
Mollie Carl, LCSW
Mollie Carl is an LCSW located in Richmond, VA. She’s been practicing social work for the past 13+ years and dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of youth, young adults, and adults. Her clinical focus has been on mood disorders and anxiety. Mollie spent her entire childhood and young adult life at summer camp either as a camper or counselor and is eager to send her own daughter to camp, continuing her family’s tradition of camping. Alongside her siblings, Mollie co-founded Dear Scout to support the emotional well-being of the camp staff. She is Dear Scout’s Chief Clinical Officer and provides individual therapy to camp staff in California and Colorado. Outside of work, Mollie enjoys cooking, baking, and exploring the world with her husband and toddler.

Administrative Director
Jodi Kimmelman
Jodi Kimmelman spent her summers at Camp O-Tahn-Agon in the Wisconsin Northwoods, with her favorite activities being waterskiing, trampoline, canoe overnights, and playing jacks. As a second-generation camper, she is happy to have kindled the love of camp in her two children, and now her grandkids are summer campers as well. Jodi loves to spend time with her family, road-trip to national parks, and hike. A native Chicagoan, she recently moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, where she is excited to explore the region. As Dear Scout’s Administrative Director, Jodi is looking forward to working with clinicians and camps.

Owner & CEO
Liz Kimmelman
Liz Kimmelman has been passionate about youth development since she first started at Tumbleweed Day Camp when she was in high school. Joining the staff an assistant counselor, she later worked her way up to ropes course specialist, assistant site director, and CIT director, ultimately making Tumbleweed her forever home by purchasing the organization in 2014. She spreads her professional expertise beyond the camp canyon as well, as the conference chair of the Annual Conference for the Western Association of Independent Camps, a former member of the Local Council of Leaders, and as a former board member of the California Collaboration for Youth. ACA has honored Liz with the Paul Somers Golden Acorn Award for her avid volunteerism and the Southern California Service Award for her contributions to the camp community. She currently sits on the Western Association of Independent Camp’s Board as the chair of the DEI Advisory Committee. In addition to her involvement in summer camp, Liz has volunteered as the president for her children’s preschool and was previously on the state board for the California Council of Parent Participatory Nursery Schools.
Our Clinicians
Welcome to our team of dedicated clinicians! Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, committed to providing you with the highest quality care. We are passionate about your health and well-being, and we look forward to supporting you on your journey to wellness. Meet our clinicians and discover how they can help you achieve your health goals!

Therapist, CO, TX
Simi Adler, LCSW
Simi Adler is currently a practicing LCSW working as a school-based clinician at an alternative high school in Denver, Colorado. With a background rooted in fostering emotional wellness and growth, Simi spent 12 impactful years working at overnight camps across the nation, including three years as a year-round assistant director. Outside of his professional pursuits, Simi can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with his dog, Eddie.

Therapist, CA, RI, VA
Mollie Carl, LCSW (she/her)
Mollie Carl is an LCSW located in Richmond, VA. She’s been practicing social work for the past 15 years and dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of youth, young adults, and adults. Her clinical focus has been on mood disorders and anxiety. Mollie spent her entire childhood and young adult life at summer camp either as a camper or counselor and is eager to send her own daughter to camp, continuing her family’s tradition of camping. Alongside her siblings, Mollie co-founded Dear Scout to support the emotional well-being of the camp staff. She is Dear Scout’s Chief Clinical Officer and provides individual therapy to camp staff in California, Colorado, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Outside of work, Mollie enjoys cooking, baking, and exploring the world with her husband and two daughters.

Therapist, NC, SC
Nicky Dionne, LPC
Nicky Dionne received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a minor in Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. She received her Master’s degree from Adler University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Nicky is a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and North Carolina, as well a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Nicky enjoys working with clients and focuses on the importance of meeting them where they are throughout their therapeutic journey. She has experience working with elderly, adults, teens and enjoys working with clients with varying presenting problems, including: anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, life transitions, health and wellness. She utilizes various methods of counseling including CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based and supportive therapy. Nicky is originally from Illinois and moved to South Carolina in the summer of 2019. When she is not working with clients, Nicky enjoys spending time with family, running, cooking, gardening, and being outdoors. She is a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan and enjoys cheering on the Cubs and Bears as well as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

Therapist, CA, CT, HI, IA, MA, NV
Maria Estante, MFT
The vocation of psychotherapy and the specialization of treating OCD and PTSD chose me. It was not a goal to enter this dynamic, challenging, and rewarding occupation. Rather, it compelled me to follow the steps that included leaving a whole other career and life behind. I was drawn to the profession through the classic psychoanalytic writings of Adler, Bion, Jung, Reich, and more contemporary work from Dr. Nancy McWilliams. However, the most pivotal book that planted the seed in my psyche to pursue this path was a Jungian inspired publication titled "Goddesses in Everywoman" by Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen.
My first career began on the East Coast in my early 20's in financial public relations aka investor relations when a temp agency placed me at a boutique firm specializing in shareholder communications for publicly listed companies. A year later the experience helped my foot get in the door at Hill & Knowlton Public Relations. The next decade was spent developing media lists, writing new releases, pitching news stories, or coordinating media kits. That entire time the book gifted to me in freshman year by Jungian psychoanalyst and psychiatrist Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen never quite left my mind. Prompted by a combination of much reflection and intuition, I decided to relocate to California and become a beginner again by returning to school for my Masters in Psychology at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
The next decade was spent immersing myself in academic and applied learning of all matters related to behavioral health and licensing. After first becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, I decided to focus on practice on providing a client centered, compassion focused, and strengths-based multiculturally sensitive approach. My treatment philosophy is that every individual is unique and deserves a wholistic personalized and supportive experience in therapy.
In addition to California, I am also licensed as an LMFT in Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Virginia with telehealth provider registrations in Florida, South Carolina, and Vermont.

Therapist, CA, NJ, SC
Kathryn Greene, LCSW
Kathryn Greene is honored to join you on your mental health journey. With a decade in anxiety and OCD specialization, she has witnessed the transformative power of resilience. Believing in your uniqueness, Kathryn tailors evidence-based approaches like CBT, ERP, ACT, and Mindfulness. There is no one-size-fits-all here; your journey deserves personalized support. Kathryn is here to assist you in achieving your goals and elevating your quality of life. Let's navigate this journey collaboratively and purposefully.

Therapist, NJ
Heidi Godau, LAC, M.A.C., M.A. Ed
Heidi Godau is a Licensed Associate Counselor who graduated from Seton Hall University with a master in both Counseling and Administration. She served as a high school and middle school English teacher for 8 years. She spearheaded Making Choices Day, which was a day for seventh grade students to engage in outdoor team building and challenges to raise self-esteem and empower them to make healthy choices. She also served as a high school and middle school counselor, and served five years as the Director of Guidance and District Testing Coordinator before retiring. Heidi lives in northern New Jersey in a rural community with her family, two dogs and a cat, and enjoys camping, hiking, cooking and gardening. Throughout her career, Heidi has been dedicated to assisting youths to help reach their full academic, personal, social/emotional, and vocational potential and enjoys working with individuals of all ages - especially youths. Believing that there is a strong connection between mental health, nutrition, exercise, and nature, she integrates these factors into her more traditional therapeutic approaches. She is highly skilled in the areas of emotional regulation, anxiety, OCD, and mood and adjustment disorders.

Therapist, PA
Victoria Iwanowski, LSW
Victoria Iwanowski is a Social Worker from Pennsylvania who has been working in schools and outpatient facilities for the past 3 years. Victoria works predominantly with teens and young adults, but worked for many years assisting children with mental health diagnosis while at numerous summer camps. Victoria earned her masters of social work at West Chester University. MIndfulness techniques along with coping skills, self advocacy skills and CBT techniques are a few strategies that Victoria looks forward to helping you with along your camp journey. Some of Victoria’s favorite hobbies consist of hiking, playing sports and reading a good book while enjoying the nice weather. Any chance to be outside Victoria will take it. She is always up for a new adventure.

Therapist, NY
Jessica Kane, PhD
Jessica Kane is a psychologist in New York who specializes in working with adults and families. Jessica has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The New School in New York City and studied psychology as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jessica’s approach is derived from a relational, attachment-focused and trauma-informed perspective. She incorporates cognitive-behavioral interventions geared toward helping clients achieve symptom relief as well. Jessica has deep camp roots spending 8 summers as a camper followed by 4 years working as a camp counselor.

Therapist, NY
Andrea Marano, LCSW
Andrea Marano is a therapist in New York working with people across the lifespan. She earned her Masters Degree from Columbia University and has since focused primarily on children and adolescent mental health, as well as developing programming to increase access to mental health services. Her therapeutic style is rooted in somatic healing and concrete tools and skills to implement in daily life to enhance overall wellness. Andrea has experienced camp through the eyes of a camper, counselor, specialist and team leader and strongly believes in the transformative power of a great camp experience to all who are involved.

Therapist, MI
Jessica Matthews, MA, LPC (she/her)
Jessica Matthews is a Licensed Professional Counselor working teens, young adults, and their families in the state of Michigan. Jessica earned her Master's degree from Cornerstone University in Michigan. Jessica is passionate about working with youth experiencing life transitions, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, and depression. Walking alongside others by giving them tools, understanding, and a listening ear can be so healing. Other strategies used by Jessica in therapy include: EMDR, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness and others; taking a more eclectic approach to therapy to find the best form of treatment for the needs of the client. Jessica attended summer camp throughout childhood and worked for two summers as a cabin leader and one summer in guest services.

Therapist, ME, FL, VT
Veronica McKnight, LCSW
Veronica N. McKnight, LCSW holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work (Hunter College) in New York and a clinical social work license in the states of Florida, Maine and Vermont. She is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Ms. McKnight is originally from Long Island, New York and has lived on the Space Coast of Florida for 7 years. During most of her twenty-nine-year career, Ms. McKnight has worked with children and families to help to facilitate learning and healing. She has worked in housing programs to address the needs of homeless individuals and families. She has worked as a mental health therapist for children and adults. Ms. McKnight is an avid volunteer and has volunteered for over 20 years at various camps in New York, Massachusetts, Florida and California. Currently, Veronica proudly gives time as a Healing Circle Leader to Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for children, the Make A Wish Foundation and the Brevard Zoo. Ms. McKnight is excited to be returning as a clinician for Dear Scout this summer.

Therapist, CA
Christine Minakakis, MFT
Christine Minakakis is an LMFT licensed in California and based in the Chicago area. Christine has 7+ years of clinical experience, 2+ years working as a camp counselor, and 5+ years working in residence life in higher education, specifically working with the 17-26 age group. Christine's clinical style is rooted in authenticity and non-judgemental presence. Christine's preferred therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Christine is the founder and owner of a private practice, Elpitha Services, where her clinical focus is on adults with ADHD and adult children of immigrants. Outside of work, Christine has a goal to visit as many National Parks as she can, considers herself a lover of other people's dogs as she doesn't have one herself, and is a pizza enthusiast as most people from Chicago are.

Therapist, CA
Alex Nassaney, LCSW
My name is Alex Nassaney (he/him) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work, which I earned at Western Michigan University. I currently work with middle/high school age youth who primarily struggle with severe anxiety, depression, and trauma. Supporting youth and young adults is my passion. Prior to earning my LCSW I worked in after school programs and summer camps. As a former summer camp staff, outdoor educator, and camp director, I'm excited to stay connected to the camp community. I'm an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping, spending time in the ocean, traveling, and being with my family and dog.

Therapist, CA
Jess Purner Lewin, LCSW
Jess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Los Angeles. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and her B.A. in Nonfiction Writing from The New School in New York City, where her love for people’s stories first began. That early interest in narrative continues to shape her work as a therapist, where she offers a supportive and socially conscious space for clients. Jess brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience, creating space for reflection, healing, and growth. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband and their very loved dog, Barney.

Therapist, MN
Caitlin Ostman, LCSW
Cait Ostman is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her BSW from St. Cloud State University and MSW from Augsburg University. Cait is a school social worker and provides therapy as well. She enjoys working with kids and young adults. Areas of interest include: grief, anxiety, depression and trauma. When not working, Cait can be found outdoors spending time with family.

Therapist, CA
Krystyna Ridenour, M.S.
Krystyna Soch is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Krystyna’s passion for mental health bloomed during her undergraduate studies where she volunteered for her university's Counseling and Psychological Services' Suicide Prevention Program. From there, she pursued a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Counseling. Krystyna has now been providing services as a therapist since 2018 with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders. Krystyna’s approach to therapy is this: She believes individuals are doing the BEST with what they know. She believes individuals have the ability to find the answers to triumph over the challenges they face. As a therapist, Krystyna’s aim is to assist her clients in discovering these answers by creating felt safety, building insight, growing self awareness, developing adaptive coping skills, exploring relational dynamics, and developing healthy and empowering narratives of themselves and the world.

Therapist, NY, WI
John Randall, LMHC, CASAC, EMDR Trained
Counseling can be a key component in your journey to overall wellness. The heart of counseling is to improve an individual’s life by focusing on strengths to create a healthy difference that is long-lasting. John Randall offers professional strength-based therapy and supportive services to clients and encourages personal growth and healing. John’s services are designed to enhance the client’s ability to make positive choices for themselves and help empower them to meet their goals. Soon after John began his career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, he quickly realized the need for professionals that specialize in substance abuse treatment and trauma. John has a certificate in trauma and has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. John maintains his CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) qualifications and continues to work hard to provide counseling to those in need. In addition, he works with all people with various life challenges. John’s approach is to help people heal from life’s traumas and to help them find their own path to move forward and live a happy, fulfilling life. John has a warm, welcoming practice that feels more like home than an office. John’s counseling services include extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, domestic violence, substance abuse, school-related issues, family problems, and more.

Emotional & Mental Health Therapist & Outdoor Guide Therapist, CO
Madi Shaheen, MS.Ed., LPC
“Nature is our Healer - Nature and Adventure Therapy”. Madi Shaheen relates to clients on a fundamental level using outdoor, nature and movement therapy, and specializes in Therapeutic Climbing. Madi has a special interest in working with Neurodivergent youth, and those suffering with anxiety, depression, and who present a lack of intrinsic motivation and other manifestations of grief and trauma. Madi’s approach is eclectic, organic, person-centered and solution-focused. Madi is flexible and has many different times available for meetings. Madi hopes to connect with you soon!

Psychologist
Dani Rosenkrantz, PhD (she/they)
Dr. Dani is a licensed psychologist providing therapy services in all Psypact states and areas (listed above). She is the founder of Brave Space Psychology, LLC, a virtual private practice based in Florida that provides therapy and coaching, gender affirming care assessments, consultations and training. Dr. Dani is passionate about helping folx heal and connect to joy, identity affirmation, and empowerment through life transitions and stressors, especially for those navigating minority stress as Jewish, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. Her approach to therapy comes from a Feminist, Multicultural, Interpersonal and Trauma-Informed lens that emphasizes collaboration, understanding of how life experiences and context impact how we relate to ourselves and others, and channeling of strengths and creativity. In addition to working with therapy clients, Dr. Dani offers parent and grandparent affirmation coaching and support groups focused on empowering families to best support their LGBTQ+ children and grandchildren. She also worked as assistant director of Camp Shalom in Lexington, KY for 5 years, and is a member of the URJ’s Yedid Nefesh Advisory 2024 Group. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in the Florida sunshine, squeezing her cat Maci, hosting friends and family for Pride Shabbat, and taste testing her spouse’s baking.

Therapist, KY, MI, MN
Lynn Squicciarini, MSW, LCSW
Lynn Squicciarini is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Lexington, KY. Lynn enjoys working with teens, adults, children, families, and couples. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Lynn attended summer camp at Camp Minniwanca in northern Michigan located on Lake Michigan. Lynn’s approach to therapy is rooted in mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is client centered and solution focused. In addition to Kentucky Lynn has also lived in Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina. She enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, and traveling.

Therapist, NH, ME, VT
Ryan Shirilla, LICSW/LCSW
I grew up as a summer camp kid, attending a YMCA camp on the shores of Lake Erie. I loved every minute of those formative days and I look forward to being a small part of camp staffers’ experiences this summer. I have been a social worker for the past 15 years. I’ve worn many hats during my social work career including roles as a founding staff member of the Chicago Jesuit Academy and a social worker for a Level 1 burn and trauma unit in Chicago. Since moving to New Hampshire, I’ve worked primarily as a therapist for adolescents and young adults. I’ve served as the Associate Clinical Director of a residential treatment center that provides specialized care for young people dealing with severe anxiety. Currently, I serve as a mental health counselor in a traditional New England boarding school. I think my clients would say that I approach counseling with a warm, friendly and forward leaning style. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches to fit the needs at hand. I have specialized training and experience in treating anxiety and related disorders, including OCD. When I’m not working I enjoy time with my family, outdoor pursuits in every season with my energetic Brittany Spaniel pup, woodworking and cheering for my Cleveland sports teams.

Therapist, MN, SD, AZ
Paige Thompson, LCSW
Paige Thompson is a Private Practice Therapist who resides in rural South Dakota. She is licensed in Minnesota and South Dakota and works with youth, adults, couples, and families. She earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of South Dakota and her Bachelors degree from Augustana University. She and her husband both regularly attended summer camps in South Dakota growing up and are enjoying watching their own kids fall in love with the summer camp experience. With over 10 years experience in the mental health field, Paige is passionate about helping others through difficult life situations. Using a variety of evidence-based techniques, she helps clients reconnect to existing strengths, process emotional challenges, and cultivate additional resources to support them in future endeavors. This is Paige's second year with Dear Scout.

Therapist, CO, WY
Emily Wheeler, MFT
Emily Wheeler is a therapist in Southwest Colorado working with teens, adults, couples and families. Emily earned her Master’s degree in Education from Goddard College in Vermont and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. Emily’s approach is rooted in experiential therapy, mindfulness, multicultural theory and somatic practices. In addition to teaching new coping skills, Emily is particularly interested in supporting you to find inner guidance, clarity and motivation. Emily spent 7 summers as a camper in New Hampshire, and has worked at camps in Vermont, Massachusetts, California and North Carolina.

Therapist, CA, NM, OR, VT, WA
Jeni Yarbrough, LCSW
Jeni enjoyed both day and overnight camps as a kid and teen in 4-H. Bridging the love of camp and psychotherapy, they professionally support folx who need and want the space to focus and organize thoughts and feelings so that you can feel empowered to live fearlessly this summer. Jeni uses an eclectic mix of relational, feminist, multicultural and trauma informed support with the clinical modalities of ACT/DBT/Polyvagal in helping folx manage the challenges of life, and in this case camp life. Jeni’s goal is to provide creative and flexible support to those who feel they are different. Jeni works with folx who identify with the following identities or topics: LGBTQIA, neurodiversity, OCD, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma. Based out of Los Angeles, Jeni is licensed in several states to provide access to more people.
JOIN TODAY
Are you a clinician looking to expand your practice and make a huge impact this summer? We have the perfect opportunity for you - join Dear Scout! We are activiely recruiting clinicians across the country and would love to connect.
Dear Scout is the first and only camp-focused employee assistance program, supporting the mental health needs of frontline camp staff. We're looking for clinicians to join our network this summer to provide remote, on-demand counseling services to the camps we serve. Clinicians must be licensed (LCSW, LMFT, LPC, psychologist) and able to practice and accept clients independently. You must have experience working with transition-age youth and diverse populations with various diagnoses and presenting issues, along with strong cultural competence, sensitivity and compassion. Dear Scout clinicians provide camp-informed therapy, providing solution-focused therapy within the summer camp context, so camp experience is a must! Clinicians set their own schedule around our camps' availability, committing to at least 6-10 hours per week throughout the summer (with continuing opportunities during the rest of the year), during afternoons, evenings and/or weekends. This is a part-time, remote position. For more information or to join us in our work supporting the mental health of camp staff, send us an email. We can't wait to talk to you!
