Janessa specializes in working with individuals through all of life's stages, pregnancy, and postpartum phases, children and teens, parents, and older adults. She has worked with individuals and families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, alcohol and substance use, and grief, anxiety, and depression, in addition to supporting those in crisis situations. 

Janessa received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, obtaining her LMSW license shortly after. Prior to this, Janessa received her Master of Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. 

Janessa began her career as an educator and mentor in the Ithaca area, working with preschool and school-aged children and with college students at a local university. She was a coach for several years in Ithaca, working with hundreds of athletes of all ages in strength and conditioning. Janessa completed training as a birth, postpartum, and bereavement doula in 2018 and has supported individuals and families through life and loss in that role. While completing her degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, Janessa completed her first internship with Racker's Day Treatment Program, offering individual and group counseling sessions focusing on psychotherapy, skill building, and trauma-informed care to elementary, middle, and high school students. Janessa began her career in Medical Social Work at Cayuga Medical Center after completing her last internship. Currently, Janessa works as a Psychiatric Evaluator for individuals in crisis at Cayuga Medical Center and as a per diem Social Worker at Hospciare, providing end of life care and mental health support to patients and their families.

As a clinician, Janessa utilizes a whole-person approach, utilizing therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, motivational interviewing, and psychotherapy, through an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens. Janessa focuses on a strength-based approach helping individuals understand and utilize internal strengths with the goal of improving wellness in all facets.

Janessa enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and dogs in her free time, volunteering for a local youth sports program, weight lifting, hiking, and generally rocking the "hockey mom" life.