ALLIED PROFESSIONALS

Coach Therapists & Child Specialists

Coach therapists consist of registered clinical counselors, psychologists, and certified professionals who are knowledgeable in family issues relating to divorce and separation.

A divorce coach primarily offers clients emotional support, and teaches effective communication skills to help them convey their interests and concerns in ways that can be heard. The coach endeavors to reframe these needs and concerns in order to ensure that both sides are understood.

A child specialist differs from a divorce coach, in that the primary focus is that of the child. Child specialists have training in child development, including the effects of divorce and separation on children. The child specialist offers the child a "safe" space in which emotional issues, feelings, concerns, and wants of the child may be shared. The child specialist conveys these needs of the child to the parents and other members of the Collaborative Law team. An integral part of any separation is to ensure that the child's needs are considered before making any influential decisions. When parents are discussing major issues, the child specialist represents and advocates the emotional needs and wants of the child.


Stephanie E. Craig, CSWR received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Nazareth College in Rochester in 1982. Became licensed as a Certified Social Worker in 1992. Prior to that Ms. Craig worked for ten years as an Outreach Social Worker in Steuben County for Kinship Family and Youth Services and Family Service Society. Ms. Craig received her graduate degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Buffalo in 1992. In 1998, Ms. Craig became a Register Certified Social Worker and is licensed by the State of New York after completing six years postgraduate clinical supervision. In 1993, Ms. Craig testified on behalf of children in the Family Court of Steuben County. Since that time Ms. Craig has testified in numerous custody cases in Steuben County as a child advocate. She is listed with the Law Guardian Program in Monroe County. Ms. Craig is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at Keuka College. She has maintained a private practice in Bath, NY since 1994. Ms. Craig has extensive experience treating children with mental illness, behavioral issues and family issues. As a Forensic Social Worker Ms. Craig provides assessments of children and families to Family Court. Ms. Craig described as "fair, knowledgeable and a strong advocate for children" by colleagues in the Law Guardian Program.

You may contact her at her office:

133 Williams Terrace
Bath, NY 14810
607-776-3616


Michael A. Morrongiello, PH. D.. DABPS, has been in the private practice of psychology since 1991. He provides therapy and assessment services to children, adolescents and adults. His areas of specialization are Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety disorders, childhood disorders, and marital and family issues. Dr. Morrongiello also provides diagnostic and consultation services to attorneys and the Court. He has consulted to several local organizations on issues of school and workplace violence. He served as Clinical Supervisor at Pathways, Inc., Family Service Society in Steuben County, and the Steuben County Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Morrongiella graduated from Ball State University in 1990. While at Ball State he was a Doctoral Fellow, Student Director of the School Psychology Clinic, and was clinical supervisor to masters level clinical psychology students. He was awarded a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Specialties by the American College of Forensic Examiners in 1998. Dr. Morrongiello currently maintains a full-time pracice in Corning, N.Y.

You may contact his office at:

44-1/2 Market Street
Corning, NY 14830
607-937-5589


M. Karen Tranter, MSW, CSW-R graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Cornell University and received her MSW from SUNY Albany. Karen has worked in a variety of mental health settings over the past 19 years. She was employed by Family Services of Corning, Schuyler County Mental Health Clinic, and Elmira Psychiatric Center - Children & Youth Outpatient Services.

Since 1993, Karen has maintained a private practice in Elmira serving clientele with a variety of presenting problems and diagnoses. Her specialty areas include mood disorders, cognitive-behavioral therapy , grief work, marital and divorce therapy, women's issues, infertility, and co-dependency.

She also provides supervision to clinicians and consultation services to community agencies and businesses.


You may contact her at her office:

414 E. Church Street
Elmira, NY 14901
607-735-0404


www.flcollablaw.com