Our Story
JFCS recognized teens were struggling with their mental health and needed support. To make sure those aged 12-22 had a an option for free support, UpStreet was created.
UpStreet is a teen mental wellness program offered by JFCS Youth Services that provides drop-in consultations with therapists, scheduled therapy appointments, text-based peer support, and support groups for teens.
UpStreet aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health support, to avoid escalation of symptoms to a crisis stage, and enhance teens’ quality of life.
Since our inception, over 800 teens reached out to us. At that point, we knew our model worked and we’ve been at it ever since.
Meet our team!
Erin Barr, LCSW
Director of JFCS Youth Services
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Erin has worked at JFCS since 2003, starting as a Foster Care / Adoption Caseworker where she worked with youth of all ages and their families around issues of loss, trauma, identity and permanence. Next, she moved to the Career Development Center where she served as a social worker for a job-readiness program for young people aging out of the foster care system and then as a program specialist for after school programs.
Alliyah Kimbrough, MSW
Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hello, Welcome to your healing journey. My name is Alliyah and as a clinician I believe in the individual inner strength and resiliency of each client and helping each client reclaim their strength and believe it is important to normalize therapy and healing. Having a mental health therapist should be as ordinary as having a primary care physician!
I earned my Masters Degree In Social Work from University of New England. Each client is unique so I work from a wide range of techniques to help find what fits best for each client, I approach each client with a humantics and trauma informed care framework. I draw from CBT, psychosocial, behavioral, attachment and motivational therapy practices. I am dedicated to going at your pace, finding what works best for you and being non-judgement and nurturing along the way!
Shelby Williams, LSW
Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Come as you are: Your worth and value are recognized here! I create an empathetic, open-minded environment where being your real Self is celebrated. Together, we will explore your experiences, challenges and hopes, as well as knowledge and skills, to help you have more confidence in your choice-filled future.
Coming from the University of Pittsburgh, I adjust my approach in therapy to fit the needs of each person. I most often utilize CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness practices that are strengths-based, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
My self-care includes going to concerts, time with my cat, and reading across genres.
Heather McDonough-Caplan, M.A.
Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! From the moment you step into my office, you are no longer alone in your journey. It is my aim to provide a compassionate, empathetic, trauma-informed environment to help my clients establish a deep sense of safety in their minds and bodies.
I earned my Master’s degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. I primarily use a cognitive-behavioral approach to explore the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and actions. Additionally, I draw from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions in my sessions. I work with my clients to determine which techniques best fit your unique strengths and needs.
Thank you to our partners
