Meet Our Counselors

As Director of Counseling & Family Support Services, Erika is responsible for overseeing all Outpatient Counseling Services at The Children’s Home.  Erika also works directly with adult clients providing counseling in the areas of infertility, adoption, family building, reproductive mental health, donor conception and experience of a non-paternity/misattributed parentage event (NPE/MPE).  Erika is trained through American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a mental health professional and has taken coursework towards a perinatal mental health certification.  Erika has been at The Children’s Home since 2006, working within both adoption services & counseling.  Prior to her position at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, Erika worked for over 4 years as a Psychiatric Specialty Counselor for an adolescent drug and alcohol research program at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and remained on staff as a Behavioral Health Counselor, conducting diagnostic interviews and performing program management duties on a casual basis until May of 2018. She earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Social Work through The University of Pittsburgh and obtained her social work license in 2006.

Amanda Cruce, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience supporting individuals and families through significant life transitions, complex medical challenges, trauma, and emotional distress. As a queer foster and adoptive parent, she integrates her lived experience to provide compassionate, inclusive care—particularly for clients navigating life changes, caregiving roles, and systemic barriers. Amanda’s clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. She is dedicated to creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to foster resilience and personal growth.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have experience providing trauma-focused care, particularly for children who have experienced abuse, loss (through death or incarceration), foster care, and adoption. I am also skilled in supporting children and families dealing with a range of other challenges, including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and ADHD. Currently employed at the Children’s Home, I take an attachment-based approach, using play therapy techniques to help children process difficult emotions and strengthen their relationships with caregivers.

I offer both individual therapy for children and family therapy, tailoring each session to the unique needs of the child and family system. I have received specialized training in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), two evidence-based practices that focus on improving the parent-child relationship and supporting emotional regulation. My approach centers on building a safe, trusting relationship to foster healing, resilience, and growth.

If you are seeking support for your child or family, I would be honored to work with you to navigate life’s challenges and help foster emotional well-being.

Brittany began working at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center in May of 2015 as a Permanency Social Worker. Brittany currently works as a Birthparent Specialist, helping birthparents navigate the adoption process and providing counseling and support before, during, and after placement. Brittany also helps to prepare children for permanency by delivering Child Preparation, Child Profile, Child Specific Recruitment, and Family Profile units of service through the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN). Prior to this position, Brittany had previous internships at Three Rivers Adoption Council and A Second Chance, Inc. Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.

Joe Ritacco has been at The Children’s Home since 2001. He enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and children in the areas of adoption, infertility, grief and loss, and marital/couples conflict. He has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. He can see clients virtually or in person.

Joe has training in Gottman method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, and is trained by ASRM to work with infertility clients.  He enjoys taking a person centered approach to meet you where you are at, and to help you identify your goals and strengths.

Kristin began working at The Children’s Home in 1989 as a Birthparent Counselor but has worn many hats over the years. Kristin is skilled in providing adoption competent counseling including counseling to birthparents, adoptive families, and adoptees, including those going through a search and reunion process. Kristin is also trained via ASRM mental health professional training, making her equipped to work with those going through infertility and using third party reproduction. Kristin is a trained mediator who facilitates long term open adoption facilitation and mediation for birth and adoptive families. Kristin earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.