Jill is the president and founder of Alkira Marriage and Family Therapy, P.C., is licensed to practice in New York State, and is a Certified Child Play Therapist (CCPT). Jill is the president and founder of Alkira Marriage and Family Therapy, P.C., is licensed to practice in New York State, and is a Certified Child Play Therapist (CCPT). Jill is a clinical member and approved supervisor of AAMFT, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Having lived in Syracuse for most of her life, Jill has dedicated her professional life to helping clients in Central New York, and supporting the development of new therapists, for 30 years. She values the excitement and updated educational knowledge and life experiences new marriage and family therapists bring to Alkira in combination with the experience she and the licensed Alkira therapists have. She is excited to extend this dedication to New York State residents through virtual therapy and with the establishment of Alkira clinicians in Rome, New York City, and Buffalo (beginning in 2024).

Jill earned her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University. Her work experience includes coordinating the SU Peer Sexuality Program, clinical positions at HelpPeople’s Employee Assistance Program and Upstate Medical University’s Pediatrics Department, and teaching positions at Syracuse University and SUNY Cortland. She naturally brings non-judgement, compassion, and devotion to her clients. Her clinical focus at this time is working with couples on the brink- using Discernment Counseling- and with couples motivated to heal and change their relationships using Gottman practices. Jill believes that many couples can complete the jump start their relationship needs for growth through an intensive experience and primarily uses this approach. She volunteers with Empower Parkinsons to support members in their efforts to “fight PD” and to provide opportunities for emotional and social support.

She is published in two books on family violence and families with disabilities. Jill has presented at national and local conferences, and firmly believes in therapists continuing to educate themselves throughout their careers.Her most recent educational focus has been to complete Gottman Training for couple relationships through Level 3 and Certification in Discernment Counseling. In addition to providing educational opportunities to therapists locally on play therapy, couple relationships, and business development, Jill believes in the power of sharing educational information in her community. Over the years she has offered workshops to the public on couple relationships, parenting, grief and loss. After 10 years of serving on the NYS Education Department Ethics Committee for Licensed Mental Health Professionals, Jill continues to assist with ethical cases for NYS.

Jill is offering limited in-person and virtual sessions. Couples and Discernment therapy are provided out of pocket only.

Jill’s pronouns are she and her.