Embark at The Poconos

Embark at the Poconos offers premier, short-term residential care and support for girls ages 13-17, helping them build joyful lives and address mental health and addiction issues. Our empathetic, experienced staff use proven, reliable treatments verified by data. We match the best of what technology offers with the highest level of emotional connection and support, creating lasting, sustainable change.

Tour Embark at The Poconos

Embark at the Poconos is a peaceful, restorative place. We match a comfortable, nurturing environment with proven, reliable treatments and therapies that will enable your teen daughter to heal and grow.

Helene Creasy

Position: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - MAIN LINE,POCONOS
Credentials: LCSW, MBA
Helene has extensive experience in the delivery, management, and administration of behavioral health services. Over the span of her 30-year career, she has developed programming in various adult and adolescent treatment settings including inpatient care, partial hospitalization, IOP and outpatient. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker herself, she is passionate about person-centered, quality treatment. Helene seeks to build genuine relationships with the individuals and families she serves. Her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT and Multi-Systemic Family Therapy provides a clinical framework that is solution-focused. Prior to joining Embark, Helene operated a Private Practice, had been an adjunct faculty member at Alvernia University and currently serves on several community advisory boards. Helene is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. She received her BSW from Bloomsburg University, MSW from Temple University and attained her MBA from the University of Scranton. Helene and her husband own and manage a local pizzeria. In her free time, Helene enjoys traveling, walking, hiking, spending time with family and loves to relax near the East Coast beaches.

Helene Creasy

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - MAIN LINE,POCONOS

Helene has extensive experience in the delivery, management, and administration...

Katie Holahan

Position: Clinical Director
Credentials: LCSW CATP

Katie Holahan graduated from Marywood University with an MSW degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Behavioral Health.  She has been working in the field for 15 years and has been acknowledged internationally as a certified trauma therapist. Katie has provided family and individual therapy, substance abuse, and behavior modification to a wide variety of populations such as children starting at the age of 5 to adults 60 and over.  She has treated individuals diagnosed with autism, mental health illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and comorbidity.

Katie Holahan

Clinical Director

Katie Holahan graduated from Marywood University with an MSW degree in...

Kathleen Goughler

Position: Director of Professional Relations

Kathleen Goughler is the Director of Professional Relations for Embark at Main Line.  Kathleen has bachelor’s degree in marketing for West Chester University.  She has extension experience working in the mental health community.  Kathleen started her career working for Johnson and Johnson in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. She continued her career in the mental health field by working with residential treatment programs for adolescents and adults.  Kathleen has spent over 12 years working with families, treatment providers and programs to build awareness for treatment options to those struggling with mental health and addiction.  She is committed to being a pillar in the community to reduce the stigma of mental health treatment.  Kathleen is married with two sons and one cat.  She loves spending time with her family, the sun of the beach and not taking life too seriously.

Kathleen Goughler

Director of Professional Relations

Kathleen Goughler is the Director of Professional Relations for Embark...

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Elmer Cupino

Position: Board Certified Psychiatrist
Credentials: MD

Dr. Elmer Cupino was born in the Philippines and is a graduate of Walla Walla University, Washington. He earned his medical degree from the University of Montemorelos, Mexico, and completed his residency in Psychiatry at Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, and his Child & Adolescent fellowship at University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Cupino has almost thirty years of hospital inpatient and outpatient psychiatric practice in both general psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry in DuBois, PA., Pottsville, PA., and currently at Tower Health in Pottstown, PA. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and good standing member of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He has served as a clinical assistant professor for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, DeSales University in the Nurse Practitioner program and Physician Assistant program, Drexel Nurse Practitioner program and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He and his wife, Dorothy, call southern Berks, PA. their home. Their two sons have flown the nest. The eldest son Andrew, a practicing radiation-oncologist lives in MT with his wife and three sons while their second son, Alan, a Ph D candidate in Epidemiology lives in CA with his wife and is employed by the Los Angeles county as a supervising epidemiologist.

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Elmer Cupino

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Dr. Elmer Cupino was born in the Philippines and is...

Stephanie Bernardryn

Position: Enrollment Director

Stephanie Bernardryn

Enrollment Director

Emily Berry

Position: Nurse Practitioner
Credentials: MSN, CRNP

Emily Berry, MSN, CRNP serves as a Nurse Practitioner for Embark at the Main Line. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Villanova University before pursuing a career in nursing. She then went on to achieve her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. She has many years of experience working with the pediatric and adolescent populations and is passionate about caring for others. Emily grew up in the area and currently lives with her husband, son, and dog, Nimbus. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, and learning new things.

Emily Berry

Nurse Practitioner

Emily Berry, MSN, CRNP serves as a Nurse Practitioner for...

Regan Sarmento

Position: Director of Professional Relations

Regan Sarmento, M. Ed. has enjoyed an exciting career supporting adolescents struggling with mental illness for over 20 years. She began her career at American Day Treatment Center which later transitioned to Mirmont Behavioral Health. While working within the partial hospital program, she oversaw the educational component of client treatment and was an advocate aiding in successful return back to each client’s academic environment. In 2016, Regan oversaw the creation and management of the first PHP offered by Onward Behavioral Health. She later transitioned to Assistant Director of Adolescent Services at OBH. Currently, she is the Director of Professional Relations with Embark Behavioral Health in the Philadelphia region where she enjoys her role as a community liaison and advocates passionately for families on their journey of mental wellness.

Regan earned both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees from West Chester University and is passionate about equality of treatment for adolescents and meeting their ever changing mental health needs. In addition, Regan is both a wife and mother of two children. Additionally, she co-facilitates Nourish for Caregivers, a support group within her parish. In her off time, she can often be found on the sidelines of a soccer field or walking the fields of Chester County.

Regan Sarmento

Director of Professional Relations

Regan Sarmento, M. Ed. has enjoyed an exciting career supporting...

Alicia Hamilton

Position: Academic Coordinator

Alicia is a highly skilled instructional designer with 25 years of classroom teaching experience across multiple grade levels. She has extensive practice designing successful learning opportunities and supporting educational communities for a diverse set of students, including those with specialized cognitive and behavioral needs. Alicia believes explicit support in executive functioning and emotional regulation is central to academic success, and she is certified by Mindful Schools to instruct students in a variety of techniques to manage stress and build resilience. Her unique set of skills enables Alicia to engage compassionately with students, parents, and colleagues.

Alicia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and her Master of Arts in Instructional Technology from San Jose State. In the summer of 2021, she relocated from San Jose, California to Northeast Pennsylvania. In her free time, Alicia enjoys volunteering at the White Haven Area Community Library, reading, walking, live music, and traveling.

Alicia Hamilton

Academic Coordinator

Alicia is a highly skilled instructional designer with 25 years...

Emily Gokey

Position: Therapist

Throughout the last decade, Emily has used her skills as an LSW to provide services to individuals helping them overcome both mental health and substance abuse issues. Emily utilizes a combination of therapeutic techniques including CBT, DBT, SMART Recovery, and Motivational Interviewing while using a person centered approach to meet each individual where they are at clinically. Emily has experience working in both an inpatient and outpatient setting allowing her to understand the continuum of treatment. Emily uses a caring and empathetic approach with each client to assist them in building rapport and developing a safe trauma informed space for them to begin processing their trauma.

Emily received both her BSW and MSW from Kutztown University. Emily is also a proud fur mom to her 3 dogs and 2 cats, one of which she is training to be a Therapy Dog. In her free time, Emily enjoy spending time outdoors and playing in a local soccer league.

Emily Gokey

Therapist

Throughout the last decade, Emily has used her skills as...

Michele Garren

Position: Registered Nurse

Michele Garren has been working in healthcare since her first job.  As a teenager she began as a Certified Nursing Assistant and continued this as she put herself through college obtaining her RN license.  A Registered Nurse since 1993 she has worked in a variety of specialties but was always found herself being drawn back to behavioral health. Michele enjoys talking with, listening, and supporting her patients. She always keeps her own children in mind when caring for her students “I treat them just as I would treat my own kids or how I would expect someone else to treat my children.”  In her spare time Michele enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband and sons.

Michele Garren

Registered Nurse

Michele Garren has been working in healthcare since her first...

Yurii Harden

Position: Assistant Clinical Director

Yurii has experience in the delivery, management, and administration of behavioral health services. Over the span of a 30-year career, she has provided and developed programming in various adult and adolescent treatment settings including inpatient care, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she strives to recognize the uniqueness and worth of each client and treats clients/families with respect and dignity while recognizing the value every individual brings to the world. Education and training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing provides a clinical framework that is solution-focused. Prior to joining Embark, Yurii was a member of a Private Practice Team and clinical director of a residential treatment facility.

Yurii has largely resided in Northeastern Pennsylvania and received a BS from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA and MSW from Marywood University, Scranton, PA. She is State Certified in DDAP Clinical Supervision, SAMSHA Certified Trainer of Trauma Informed Care Approaches, and ASAM Assessments for Level of Care State Certified. Yurii and her husband enjoy spending time with family, watching movies, and caring for their many pets.

Yurii Harden

Assistant Clinical Director

Yurii has experience in the delivery, management, and administration of...

Michelle Grigas-Nause

Position: Administrative Assistant

Michelle has 30 years of experience working in the mental health field. She has worked in an array of services from residential facilities, to in home counseling, to family services and the last 15 years as an outpatient therapist in a clinic setting. Michelle has experience in trauma informed care, CBT, individual as well as family therapy with adults and children. Michelle prides herself in forming bonds with the people she works with and feeling like she has made an impact on those she works with.

Michelle has lived in Pennsylvania most of her life. She received her BA in Psychology from Mansfield University. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She loves to go camping in their RV and going to the beach, along with kayaking, fishing and crafting.

Michelle Grigas-Nause

Administrative Assistant

Michelle has 30 years of experience working in the mental...

Tammy Allegretta

Position: Chef

Tammy Allegretta

Chef

About Our Location

Located in White Haven, Pennsylvania along the Lehigh River within 77 tranquil acres in the Pocono Mountains

Nestled within rolling woodlands and meadows, providing an ideal setting for reflection and growth

Comforting home environment with individual and shared bedrooms, kitchen, living spaces, and more

Engaging Therapeutic and Experiential Activities

Life at Embark at the Poconos is vibrant and full. Beyond top-tier schooling and premier therapeutic treatments, we offer many activities to reinforce the skills we teach and give our residents a chance to practice in real-world settings. Some of the options we provide include:

Emotional

Animal interactions

Painting

Making dreamcatchers

Poetry

Social

Laser tag

Karaoke

Service projects

Baking

Bowling

Trampoline Park

Intellectual

Museums

Aquarium/zoo

Attending plays

Improv workshops

Physical

Rock climbing

Hiking

Roller skating

Swimming

Trampoline park

Spiritual

Crystal shops

Yoga

Salt cave

Sound bath

Engaging Therapeutic and Experiential Activities

Life at Embark at the Poconos is vibrant and full. Beyond top-tier schooling and premier therapeutic treatments, we offer many activities to reinforce the skills we teach and give our residents a chance to practice in real-world settings. Some of the options we provide include:

Emotional

Animal interactions

Painting

Making dreamcatchers

Poetry

Social

Laser tag

Karaoke

Service projects

Baking

Bowling

Trampoline Park

Intellectual

Museums

Aquarium/zoo

Attending plays

Improv workshops

Physical

Rock climbing

Hiking

Roller skating

Swimming

Trampoline park

Spiritual

Crystal shops

Yoga

Salt cave

Sound bath

Trampoline park

Interventions & Therapies

As a pioneer and leader in quality outcomes, we have gathered more data than any other provider over the past 10 years and only offer treatment that we know drive long-lasting, sustainable results. We offer customized, individual therapeutic programs to enable your daughter to thrive. Specialized services and areas of focus include:

Daily Schedule Highlights

Embark at the Poconos offers a structured, supportive learning environment designed to promote healing, self-care, and emotional wellness. Our schedule includes daily living, group therapy, exercise, and meals, alongside robust, individual treatment options. This approach, along with family therapy, is designed to build confidence, strengthen relationships and improve social-emotional functioning. Here’s an example of what a day might look like:

8am Breakfast

9am - 2pm School

4pm Group Activity

5pm Dinner

6pm Adventure Therapy

9pm Meditation

See the difference for yourself

"You have been a God-send in our lives and we are very, very grateful for the love and concern and support you've shown each of us, but especially our daughter. We miss you folks. I even miss Utah!"
"Your unending patience, tireless commitment, and absolute brilliance gave us our daughter, and gave our daughter her life."
"I only wish there was more I could do to express to you my love, affection, and gratitude for all you've been in my life and in hers. I am delight that our relationship will continue."
"You have helped me so much this year. I used to not understand English, but you have helped me to become involved in class and to get into books. It's been a lot easier to learn in a caring environment. Thank you for helping me get interested in school again."
"When we brought our daughter to New Haven, we thought she might never want a relationship with us again. She's changed so much, we wonder if you switched her with someone else! New Haven has given us our daughter back."
"Both staff and peers at New Haven befriended me and helped me to open up and share. Once I realized that people liked me for who I am, I started to like myself. This was exactly what I needed. I needed gentle, caring people to help me."
"I, too, will miss everyone there but each and every one of you has left an imprint on my daughter. We will be reminded of that imprint each and every day as we watch her grow and mature into the truly amazing person she is. Thank you doesn't even being to try to tell you how grateful I am."
"You've helped to bring serenity to our lives and to our daughter."
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Start Your Healing Journey Today!

Short-term treatment typically lasts one to three months. Teens best suited for short-term treatment often have engaged in other therapeutic programs like outpatient or intensive outpatient therapy and need a 24-hour continuum of care. Our unique, relationship-based treatments use extensive data collection to improve treatment plans and interventions in real-time, creating long-lasting, sustainable, verified results.

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    IMPORTANT: We take your confidentiality seriously, and we strictly abide by HIPAA regulations and use the information you provide on this web form to find the right program for your loved one. We do not use your information for anything other than placement. Thank you for your interest in Embark. For more information, please see our privacy policy.