Thomas Petrone
Dr. Petrone is the Director of the Gestalt Institute, a Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist and is the President and Clinical Director of the Psychological and Counseling Center, Inc….
MAURA KRUSHINSKI
Maura is a licensed psychologist and co-director of Psychological and Counseling Center, Inc., where she has provided clinical training and consultative services since 1985. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor,
Kristy Carnahan, MS. Ed, LPC, NCC
Kristy Carnahan, MS. Ed, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor who has been working with trauma survivors for over 15 years. She has degrees in linguistics and counselor education, and has worked as a victim advocate, legal advocate, supervisor, director, consultant, and private practice therapist. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, she earned credentialing as a Nationally Certified Counselor and is a graduate of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Pittsburgh. She is currently a therapist in private practice and has office locations in both Lawrence and Allegheny Counties.
Marisa Floro, Ph.D., LCSW, CST
Marisa Floro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Gestalt Therapist, and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology, earned in the Spring of 2025. She is a faculty member at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh and serves as adjunct faculty in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Pittsburgh and at La Roche University.
In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Marisa is a clinical supervisor, group practice owner, and professional training developer. Her work integrates Gestalt therapy, trauma-focused approaches, and sex therapy to support clients in developing self-awareness, navigating intimacy, and supporting empowered choice. She has experience working with clients exploring diverse expressions of sexuality and relationships.
Marisa began her career at the Allegheny County Jail, providing psychoeducational groups and training on culturally humble approaches to forensic mental health services. She later specialized in trauma therapy at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape and is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Beyond her clinical work, Marisa enjoys writing poetry, hiking, and learning gardening techniques. She is always on the lookout for the best donut in Pittsburgh.
Dane Franko, MA, LPC, NCC
Dane Franko is a faculty member at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, he brings a wealth of clinical experience to his work with students, emphasizing the integration of theory, practice, and personal awareness. His work is grounded in a relational and integrative Gestalt approach, with a strong focus on phenomenological inquiry and the direct, here-and-now experience of the individual.
His expertise extends to the integration of Gestalt therapy with trauma-focused, somatic, existential, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) modalities, providing a comprehensive framework for both personal and professional growth.
Dane maintains a private practice in Pittsburgh, where he works with individuals, couples, and families. He is committed to the collaborative process of helping students and clients alike build their capacity for curiosity and authenticity.
CONNIE KRAMER, MA, LPC, NCC
Connie Kramer is a licensed professional counselor and national board-certified counselor. She is a graduate of the two-year Gestalt training program and the Advance Gestalt training program.
Faculty Intern: James Lanigan
James Lanigan is a Faculty Intern at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh, currently seeking his degree in Professional Counseling. He brings a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to his work, shaped by a diverse professional background in finance, real estate, sales, writing, and psychology.
His clinical approach is deeply informed by his training in Gestalt Therapy, which emphasizes the importance of here-and-now awareness, personal responsibility, and the relational field. James is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex challenges by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical, lived experience. His professional interests include the intersection of business acumen and emotional intelligence, and how these skills can be leveraged to foster growth and resilience in therapeutic relationships.
As an intern, he is committed to the collaborative process of learning and growing within the academic community, contributing to the work of the department while developing his clinical skills and professional identity.