Leadership

Patti Anne McAndrews MHS, LPC, CAC
Patti Anne McAndrews has over 30 years experience working with families and individuals in the mental health field. She is the founder of Adolescent Advocates (A2), an innovative Outpatient Therapeutic Community, treating adolescents with a variety of social and mental health issues. She and Adolescent Advocates are affiliated with some of the country's leading treatment centers including Caron Family Treatment, Promises, The Ranch, and Newport Academy. Patti Anne has also worked with some of the top independent schools and colleges in the Philadelphia area. She is currently working with The Children's Hospital of University of Pennsylvania on their Fellowship training program. She was awarded "The Addiction Professional Award" by the Caron Treatment Center in 2007.

Amanda Strittmatter MSS, LSW, AAC II
Amanda Strittmatter earned a Master's degree in Social Service from Bryn Mawr College of Social Work and Social Research. Prior to that, she received a Bachelor's degree from Cabrini College in Psychology and Social Work. Amanda is a Licensed Social Worker and an Associate Addictions Counselor Level II. She previously worked at Child Guidance Resource Center providing mental and behavioral health services to clients 3 to 21 years old, and interned at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Ventilator Assisted Children's Home Program. Amanda Strittmatter was awarded the 2008 Unsung Hero Award presented by Caron Treatment Center for her tireless efforts in bettering the lives of others.

Rick Shugart MFT
Rick Shugart works as Adolescent Advocates' family therapist where he helps the family as a whole create clear communication and appropriate boundaries. Rick has a Master's degree in Family Therapy and has specialized in treating families with addiction issues in private practice on the Main Line for over fifteen years. Rick has also worked at highly esteemed treatment centers known for psychiatric issues and substance abuse, such as Belmont Center in Philadelphia and Caron Foundation in Reading.
 

 
Sherica Mays-Bankhead MS, LPC
Sherica Mays-Bankhead is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive background in addictions counseling in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Sherica holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama and a Master's degree in Counseling. Sherica is a professional member of the American Counseling Association. She is a compassionate and devoted professional committed to the development of her clients. Sherica works with adolescents and adults providing individual, group, and family therapy. Sherica has an eclectic therapy approach as each client has individualized treatment needs. In addition to treating addiction, Sherica has experience with treating anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, anger management, trauma, abuse, LGBT issues, eating disorders, multicultural issues, PTSD, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues.

Sean Smith M.ed., AAC I
Sean Smith has been with Adolescent Advocates since January of 2010. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Shippensburg University in Social Studies Secondary Education and his Master’s degree at Walden University in Education: Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. At the present time, Sean is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Chestnut Hill College. Norristown Area School District has been his place of employment since January of 2005. Sean is a certified Associate Addictions Counselor Level 1. He is a tenured teacher in the state of Pennsylvania as well. In 2011, Sean was awarded the Unsung Hero Award, presented by the Caron Treatment Center.

Ahmed Ghuman MA
Ahmed Ghuman graduated from University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, he then went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University. Currently Ahmed is working towards his Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Ahmed was an intern at Northwestern Human Services before joining Adolescent Advocates. Ahmed is also an adjunct professor at Delaware Valley College where he teaches in their psychology program.