SPEAKER BIOS

Henry Laboranti, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, mediator, and consultant with nearly two decades of experience serving children, families, schools, and communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Penn State University and his Master of Social Work from Edinboro University.

Henry serves full-time as the School Social Worker for the Wyalusing Area School District, where he provides comprehensive mental health services and crisis intervention for students and families. He is also the owner and clinical director of Laboranti Mediation and Counseling, LLC in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, where he provides counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, as well as specialized services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

In addition to his clinical practice, Henry serves as the Child Custody Mediator for Bradford County, helping families navigate complex custody matters with professionalism, compassion, and a child-centered approach.

Henry practices from a humanistic, strengths-based perspective, believing that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and resilience. He has extensive experience providing faith-based counseling to Christian individuals and families, integrating clinical expertise with clients’ spiritual values when requested.

Beyond direct practice, Henry provides consulting, training, and professional development to schools, community organizations, and agencies throughout the region on topics including mental health, trauma, crisis response, and professional practice.

Henry is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky, where his scholarship focuses on advancing social work practice and education. Through his clinical work, teaching, mediation, consulting, and research, he remains committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through compassionate, evidence-based care.

What will Henry be sharing? Hear it in how own words:

“Young people in rural communities face unique mental health challenges, often complicated by isolation, limited access to services, stigma, poverty, family stress, and a lack of trusted resources. Yet schools, churches, and faith communities are often among the most consistent and influential supports available to rural families. These two presentations will explore the mental health struggles facing rural youth, the barriers that can prevent them from receiving help, and the important role clergy and faith communities can play in recognizing concerns, responding effectively, and connecting young people and families with support. Attendees will leave with practical insights for becoming a stronger source of hope, connection, and support for the youth in their communities.”

Amber, from Penn State Extension, will be presenting our QPR Training.

"The mission of the QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing evidence-based suicide prevention training. Knowing how to address this sensitive issue can empower individuals to reach out and help someone in need. Just like CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver have saved thousands of lives each year, learning to recognize the warning signs of suicide and the steps of Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) can save a friend's life, coworker, family member, or neighbor's." - Penn State Extension

Gwenn Saxbury is a dedicated Certified Peer Specialist at The Main Link, where she brings a unique blend of professional education and lived experience to her work in supporting others. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Southern New Hampshire University, providing a strong academic foundation for her advocacy and support services.

Gwenn is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, particularly in the realm of suicide prevention. As a loss survivor who has navigated the profound grief of losing her father and her daughter's father—her fiancé at the time—to suicide, she serves as a compassionate advocate for others walking a similar path. Her dedication to this cause is further evidenced by her leadership as the Chairperson for the Bradford-Sullivan County Suicide Task Force, where she works to effect change and offer support at a community level.

In addition to her advocacy work, Gwenn is a person in long-term recovery from substance use, having been on her personal journey of healing since September 11, 2020. Her path from adversity to empowerment drives her passion for helping others find their own strength and stability. Gwenn continues to dedicate her life to service, education, and fostering hope for those facing similar challenges.

Lisa is a graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Independent and Family Studies. She started with Area Agency on Aging in 1990 as a Care Manager and then transitioned into the Care Management Supervisor for several years. She is now the Deputy Director for Long Term Care. Lisa is very passionate about her position and truely wants to see that everyone she talks to gets the help that they need.

Tina Hughson, LSW, is a trauma-focused mental health professional at the Children's House Child Advocacy Center. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Widener University, with a certificate specializing in trauma. Tina holds national certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI).

Tina brings more than eight years of experience working with children and families, providing trauma-informed services focused on healing, resilience, and developing healthy coping skills. Her previous experience includes school-based programs, behavioral health services, drug and alcohol services, and outpatient therapy.

In her current role at the Children's House Child Advocacy Center, Tina provides trauma therapy services to children and families, including services within three of the five local school districts with which the Center has contracts. She meets with students at school during the school day, helping make mental health support more accessible and reducing barriers to receiving care. She also provides telehealth services when appropriate.

Tina is currently working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Her work is centered on creating a safe, supportive environment where children and families can process traumatic experiences, build healthy coping skills, and move toward healing and resilience.

Sara Michaels, LSW, is a Mental Health Therapist, Program Coordinator, and trained Forensic Interviewer specializing in trauma-informed services for children, adolescents, and families. She earned her Master of Social Work from Walden University with a certificate specializing in trauma and is a nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) clinician, with additional training in TF-CBT for youth with problematic sexual behaviors and CFTSI. Sara is also an Adjunct Instructor at Lackawanna College, teaching Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, and Introduction to Human Services. She serves on the Bradford County Children and Youth Services Advisory Board and the Central Pennsylvania Citizens Review Panel. Her professional work reflects a commitment to trauma-informed care, multidisciplinary collaboration, child advocacy, and educating future helping professionals.

Learn about the crisis services offered by CONCERN, including their hotline number. Did you know CRISIS will come to those in need?