Our Team
At Serenity we’re all about making meaningful connections and creating a space where individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered. Our team of dedicated staff are here to support you every step of the way.
Check out the video to get to know us and learn more about the inspiration and passion behind our work.
Francesca Santacroce, LMFT., LPC., CAADC
Owner/Director
Francesca Santacroce is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Prior to launching Serenity Behavioral Health, she was the Director of Operations at Adolescent Advocates. Francesca also led the Family Service Coordination Program at CHANCES and provided therapeutic services for women with mental health and substance abuse issues. Her early work includes providing marriage and family therapy at the Family Therapy Treatment Program and working with at-risk children, young adults, and families. In her practice, Francesca employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and 12-Step Principles. She empowers families to support one another through identification of unhealthy patterns and improved communication in order to create positive long lasting change. Francesca holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy from La Salle University.
Danielle Aponte., B.S.
Clinical Coordinator/Office Manager
Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice from Manor College and plays a key role in supporting both clients and staff to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience. She is passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults and understands the importance of creating a supportive, accessible environment for individuals and their families throughout their treatment journey. She values building genuine connections and takes pride in being a reliable, compassionate point of contact for clients and families. Danielle combines her professional background with personal insight to help foster a positive and supportive experience from the very first interaction. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys exploring Philadelphia, cheering on the Eagles, and spending time with her family.
Lauren Leaf, MA., LAPC
Therapist
Lauren is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and earned her Master of Arts Degree from La Salle University. She utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered Therapy while incorporating a Strengths-Based Approach. Lauren strives to emphasize connectivity and rapport-building in her work with clients. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending weekends at the beach, staying active, and watching reality TV.
Jonathan Bumpas, MFT, MDiv
Individual & Family Therapist
Jonathan Bumpas earned his Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Prior to joining Serenity, he worked as a Family-based Therapist with at-risk adolescents and their families in home and community settings. Jonathan works from a Family Systems model to strengthen relationships, set goals, and create lasting change for families. He also served as a therapist at the Renfrew Center’s day treatment and intensive outpatient program helping girls and women in recovery from eating disorders. Jonathan values the therapist-client relationship to establish trust and confidence that change is possible. He provides a safe space for teens, young adults, and families to create new patterns for connection, change, and personal growth. Jonathan received the unsung hero award from Caron Treatment Centers in 2024.
Teji Wang, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Teji is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides thoughtful, integrative care to adolescents and adults. She has experience across outpatient psychiatry and adolescent behavioral health settings, working with a wide range of conditions including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.
Teji takes a person-centered approach, combining evidence-based medication management with therapeutic support and a focus on overall well-being. She believes in understanding the full picture behind each individual’s symptoms, including biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors, and works collaboratively with clients to create treatment plans that feel both effective and meaningful.
Her background as a registered nurse in adolescent behavioral health allows her to bring a calm, supportive presence to care, with a strong emphasis on safety, trust, and open communication. Teji strives to create a welcoming space where clients feel heard, respected, and comfortable discussing whatever is on their mind.
She is fluent in English and Mandarin and is committed to providing culturally responsive care to diverse
Ashley Greene, M.S., LAPC
Therapist
Ashley is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Joseph's University. She has clinical experience working with PTSD/trauma, chronic illness, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Passionate about the mind-body connection, Ashley utilizes a unique and integrative approach tailored to each client from a person-centered framework. She collaborates with clients to identify and explore past experiences and current thought patterns, understanding how they impact present behavior and overall health. Ashley is pursuing her LPC and is particularly interested in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and somatic practices.
Bess Rizzo, BA
Therapist Intern
Bess earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University and plans to obtain her LPC after graduation. She has experience working in the addiction and recovery field, which gives her a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face in the healing process. Bess takes a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy, empowering individuals to take charge of their healing journey. She believes in the power of connection, compassion, and individualized care in fostering lasting change. In her spare time, Bess enjoys nature, creating through art and music and spending time with her family.
Natalie Cataldo, BS
Therapist Intern
Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Villanova University and plans to obtain her LPC after graduation. Natalie is passionate about building strong therapist-client relationships and creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and working toward meaningful change. She is committed to using evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, while grounding her approach in the core principles of Person-Centered Therapy. In her free time, Natalie enjoys traveling, reading, and baking.