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Claire believes compassion, collaboration, and a strong therapeutic relationship are essential to meaningful change. She takes a trauma-informed approach to therapy, creating a supportive environment where clients can safely explore emotional pain, better understand themselves, and develop new ways of responding to life’s challenges.

Claire integrates evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, she works collaboratively with each client to understand patterns of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors while exploring the experiences that may be contributing to current difficulties. Her goal is to help clients develop greater insight, emotional flexibility, and practical skills they can carry into their daily lives.

Education & Experience

Claire earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Iowa, graduating with honors in social work and completing a minor in sociology. She earned her Master of Social Work in 2017.

Much of Claire’s early clinical experience was in outpatient addiction medicine, where she worked with individuals experiencing substance use concerns alongside mental health challenges and trauma. This experience strengthened her understanding of the complex ways trauma, emotional distress, relationships, and coping strategies can intersect.

Claire began providing psychotherapy in private practice in 2024. In 2025, she completed training in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through Non Ordinary Therapy and began supporting clients incorporating ketamine into their therapeutic work.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Claire approaches Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as an individualized and collaborative process. Treatment begins with preparation sessions focused on getting to know you, understanding what brings you to KAP, and clarifying what you hope to gain from the experience.

Your goals may include working with specific past experiences or trauma, shifting long-standing emotional patterns, gaining a different perspective on your life, or becoming more connected with yourself. Claire works with you to develop an approach that provides support and structure while allowing space for your own experience to unfold.

When clients have an established therapist, Claire welcomes collaboration with that provider when appropriate and with your consent. This can help integrate the KAP experience into your ongoing therapeutic work and provide greater continuity of care. The number and frequency of preparation, medicine, and integration sessions are individualized and discussed with you throughout treatment.

Couples, Partner & Relationship Therapy

Claire also works with couples, partners, family members, and other pairs who want to strengthen communication, deepen connection, repair relational difficulties, or better understand the patterns developing between them.

Relationship therapy begins with an initial session together, followed by an individual meeting with each person. Claire then helps both people establish a stronger foundation for their relationship. Early sessions may focus on communication patterns and skills, values, boundaries, trust, expectations, and understanding the dynamics influencing the relationship.

Once a stronger foundation has been established, therapy can begin addressing past experiences, unresolved conflict, or areas where hurt and resentment remain. Claire’s approach emphasizes helping people understand not only what they disagree about, but also the patterns that can leave each person feeling disconnected or misunderstood.

Relationship therapy often begins with approximately four to six weekly sessions before transitioning to less frequent sessions as appropriate for the needs and goals of the relationship.

Outside the Office

Outside of her clinical work, Claire is an enthusiastic plant lover. She has an extensive houseplant collection, enjoys propagating plants, and regularly visits botanical gardens, including the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. She also enjoys traveling, visiting state parks, and exploring new cities.

Brian N. Maddux, MD, PhD, is an expert neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. He has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions and provides this expertise to Riverhills Neuroscience patients at the Norwood office in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Crestview Hills, Kentucky, location.

Dr. Maddux completed his medical degree and doctor of philosophy at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. He then completed a residency in neurology at the Parkland Memorial Hospital, which is connected to the UT Southwestern Medical Center system. Dr. Maddux followed with a fellowship in movement disorders at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Maddux is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in neurology. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Maddux is actively involved in research related to Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at national and international conferences.

Dr. Maddux is committed to providing personalized, patient-centered care and works closely with his patients to develop treatment plans that address their individual needs. He is highly respected by patients for his compassionate and attentive approach to care.

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Maddux today by calling the Norwood office in Cincinnati, Ohio, or the Crestview Hills, Kentucky, location. You can also book online through the reservation portal.

Jessica MacDonald, PsyD, ABPP-CN, is a highly skilled and experienced neuropsychologist providing exceptional care to Riverhills Neuroscience patients at the Norwood office in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati, in Ohio, she received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Xavier University, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier University recognized Dr. MacDonald’s talents and awarded her with several accolades, including the Friedlander Family Fund Conference and Graduate Student Association Conference awards in 2013.

She went on to complete her post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She is board-certified by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr. MacDonald specializes in the assessment and treatment of neurological and neurocognitive disorders, including dementia, traumatic brain injury, and memory disorders.

Dr. MacDonald is actively involved in research and has published numerous articles on topics related to neuropsychology and neurology. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association. 

Dr. MacDonald provides compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients and works collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes. Her expertise in neuropsychology makes her an invaluable member of the team at Riverhills Neuroscience, where she has been providing exceptional care to patients for many years.

Schedule an appointment today by calling the Norwood office in Cincinnati, Ohio, or booking online through the reservation system.

Dr. Hevylla Kelly Terlau is a clinical psychologist with training in neuropsychological assessment, psychotherapy, and the evaluation of complex neurological and psychiatric conditions. Fluent in both English and Portuguese, she brings a culturally informed, patient-centered perspective to her clinical work.

Dr. Terlau earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also holds a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Savannah State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University.

Her advanced neuropsychology training has included work across major healthcare and Veterans Affairs systems. As a Neuropsychology Fellow at Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living, Dr. Terlau conducted comprehensive adult neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, acquired brain injuries, and complex medical conditions. She also provided cognitive assessment in the context of movement disorders and pre- and post-surgical evaluations. Her work included inpatient consultation for conditions such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries.

Prior to her fellowship, Dr. Terlau completed an APA-accredited neuropsychology internship with the VA Maine Health Care System, where she evaluated Veterans with a broad range of neurological, medical, and psychiatric concerns. Her earlier neuropsychology training included clinical experiences with the VA Maryland Health Care System and Neuropsychology Associates of Fairfax, where she worked with adults across the lifespan presenting with conditions including dementia, mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, mood disorders, and other complex presentations.

In addition to her neuropsychology background, Dr. Terlau has extensive experience providing psychotherapy in outpatient and inpatient settings. Her therapeutic training includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused CBT, exposure and response prevention, psychodynamic therapy, family systems approaches, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Terlau’s research interests have included Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive functioning following COVID-19, neuroplasticity, clinical decision-making, and executive dysfunction in neurological illness. She has presented her work through professional organizations including the International Neuropsychological Society and maintains affiliations with organizations such as the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, National Academy of Neuropsychology, American Psychological Association, and Cultural and Diversity Neuropsychology Network.

Across her clinical, research, and supervisory roles, Dr. Terlau is committed to integrating thoughtful assessment, evidence-based care, and interdisciplinary collaboration to help patients and families better understand cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Dr. Megan O’Connor received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago, Illinois in 2005.  She completed a clinical neuropsychology internship at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and a two-year combined clinical and research postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  She is board certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (2013).   

Dr. O’Connor specializes in the neuropsychological assessment of adults with a wide variety of disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders/dementia, mild cognitive impairment, cerebrovascular disease/stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and emotional and/or medical problems that impact cognitive functioning.  She applies a lifespan perspective to her evaluations, resulting in a comprehensive evaluation of developmental, emotional, and medical factors that could influence cognition and functioning.  Each evaluation is tailored to address the specific concerns of the patient and she provides detailed same-day feedback sessions with the patient and their families that include information about diagnosis, future expectations, lifestyle-related interventions, emotional considerations, and concrete recommendations regarding specific cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Dr. O’Connor is a member of several national and local professional organizations, including the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, International Neuropsychological Society, and Ohio Psychological Association.   Special clinical interests include capacity evaluations of older adults and the benefit of physical exercise on cognitive functioning in older adults. She sees patients at the Riverhills Norwood, Ohio office. To schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Connor, call (513) 612-1111.

Riverhills Neuroscience is one of the largest physician-owned, independent neuroscience practices in the region.  With three Cincinnati, Ohio, area offices in Norwood, Westside, and Anderson, another in Centerville, Ohio, and an office in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, the neurology practice is a one-stop shop for multidisciplinary care of neurological conditions and all their effects. 

Riverhills Neuroscience offers neurology, interventional pain management, behavioral medicine, rheumatology, sleep medicine, clinical research, and other comprehensive care in four convenient locations. 

The coordinated team of multidisciplinary specialists treats a full spectrum of medical needs, including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, back pain, migraines, autoimmune disorders, movement disorders, and most other medical problems that adults may face as they cope with neurological issues. 

The Riverhills Neuroscience team uses a gentle and compassionate approach to patient care. They respect patient wishes and understand how difficult health challenges are, so they’re always ready to help patients find the solutions they deserve. 

To learn more about comprehensive care for complex neurological needs, click the online contact form or call the Riverhills Neuroscience office today.

Madhuri Vallabhuni, MD, is a board-certified neurologist at Riverhills Neuroscience, providing complete neurology care to people in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Norwood office.

Dr. Vallabhuni was born and raised in India. She completed her undergraduate degree at Andhra Pradesh Residential Junior College and obtained her medical degree from Guntur Medical College (formerly NTR University of Health Sciences).

In 2000, Dr. Vallabhuni moved to the United States to continue her professional pursuits. She was a Visiting Clinician in 2001 at the  Headache Clinic in Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and worked with renowned Headache Specialists and mentored by Dr. Jerry Swanson. Dr.  She was also a visiting clinician at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem in 2003 under the guidance of the Headache Specialist and researcher, Dr. Todd Troost.

After finishing a Neurology Residency in 2010 at the University of Louisville, she joined Baptist Health Louisville for 7 years before joining Riverhills Neuroscience in November 2017.

Dr. Vallabhuni is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, American Headache society and International Headache society.

Since entering private practice, Dr. Vallabhuni has served in various capacities, including visiting clinician and staff neurologist. At Riverhills Neuroscience, she diagnoses and treats various neurological conditions, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Vallabhuni has a special interest in headache disorders. She offers several types of minimally invasive treatment, including Botox® injections and nerve blocks. 

Dr. Vallabhuni welcomes anyone in need of neurology care to Riverhills Neuroscience today.

Amy Richards Lusk is an experienced Certified Nurse Practitioner at Riverhills Neuroscience, specializing in comprehensive outpatient neurological care. With a clinical background spanning two decades, Amy provides expert monitoring and follow-up for patients managing complex conditions, including epilepsy, sleep medicine, headache management, and Alzheimer’s dementia. She maintains a specialized focus on post-hospitalization stroke care, ensuring patients have a supported transition during recovery.

Amy is proficient in advanced therapeutic procedures such as Botox injections for migraine prophylaxis, occipital nerve blocks, and Syn-One skin biopsies. Her diverse clinical history includes serving as an Inpatient Neurology NP at Mercy West and The Christ Hospital, where she managed acute neurological emergencies like meningitis and MS exacerbations.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, where she also holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. Amy’s dedication to excellence has been recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She is board-certified as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) and remains active in the American Academy of Neurology.

Wes S. Houston, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychology. At Riverhills Neuroscience’s Norwood location in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Houston assesses and treats cognitive dysfunction due to dementia, memory disorders, neurological insult or disease, and/or medical problems that impact cognitive functioning.

Dr. Houston completed his PhD in psychology/neuropsychology at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati. He also holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the same institution, and completed his pre-doctoral internship in adult and pediatric clinical psychology/neuropsychology at the University of California, San Diego, in San Diego, California. He went on to complete his postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.

Dr. Houston has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Most Outstanding Psychology Undergraduate award and the Mission Award for Program Service from the Alzheimer's Association. 

He is an associate member of the Sigma Xi National Research Society and Psi Chi at Loyola Marymount University. 

Dr. Houston works with a range of patients experiencing neurological impairments. He is thrilled to welcome patients to Riverhills Neuroscience and dedicated to the community he serves.

Samantha Tulipani, LSW, is a skilled Clinician at Hudson River Care and Counseling. Ms. Tulipani works in the office in Hoboken, New Jersey, while also offering telehealth services.

She graduated from the Advanced Standing Social Work Program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Samantha, who also goes by Sam, offers a warm, safe, and inviting space for individuals to begin their journey of exploration, healing, and growth. 

She specializes in working with older adolescents and adults, providing tailored support to address various challenges. From overcoming anxiety and relationship issues, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, low self-esteem, stress related to education or career, discovering one's inner child, and building emotional intelligence.

Sam assists individuals in connecting their mind, body, and soul to help them find purpose and balance while embracing mindful practices that connect clients to their inner wisdom. She utilizes a holistically integrated approach to therapy, incorporating Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Humanistic, and Mindfulness techniques to tailor each individual's therapy experience to their unique needs.

Through collaboration, individuals develop self-awareness and gain insight into how their life experiences have shaped their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This understanding allows them to heal from trauma and embrace holistic coping methods, empowering them to navigate life's challenges.

Sam teaches patients how to manage their thoughts, feelings, and emotions while restoring balance. She provides online and in-person sessions to New Jersey residents and is readily available and accessible to reach.

Hen Lerrer, LMSW, is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker at Hudson River Care and Counseling, providing compassionate care to patients through remote and in person sessions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Hakibutzim College and a Master’s in School Counseling from Tel Aviv University (TAU) in Israel. Hen later earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Rutgers University in the United States.

With over 15 years of experience supporting children and families with special needs, Hen brings extensive expertise in providing guidance to caregivers, educators, couples, and families. She is fluent in English and Hebrew.

Hen has significant experience working with sexuality and gender diversity, supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate identity-related questions, interpersonal dynamics, and family-system challenges. Her professional interests also include helping clients through major life changes such as marriage, birth, career shifts, LGBTQIA-related concerns, divorce, loss, and relocation. She believes that while change is an inevitable part of life, no one should have to face it without support.

Hen practices from an integrative approach, combining person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, attachment-based perspectives, and existential psychology. She tailors therapy to each individual’s needs, integrating insight, skill-building, and depth exploration with warmth and evidence-based tools for meaningful change.

In the work together, you will:

• Strengthen emotional awareness and self-compassion
  
  
• Identify and reframe limiting thought patterns
  
  
• Explore relational dynamics and attachment themes
  
  
• Clarify values, purpose, and direction

If you’re going through a transition or seeking guidance, reach out today.

Board-certified neurologist Risa Ravitz, MD, at Modern Migraine MD, specializes in migraines, headaches, general neurology, and pain management. She has offices in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, Toms River, New Jersey, and Aventura, Florida, but her care extends well beyond three locations. She also helps patients in many other states across the country find relief from their pain through telemedicine appointments.

After receiving her Doctor of Medicine from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Ravitz completed her residency in neurology at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center in Torrance, California.

Sonia has been with Hudson River Care and Counseling since 2018, seeking to work closely with clients at a virtual level. With over 18 years of experience in social work, Sonia has been helping individuals navigate complex trauma related to child abuse and neglect, grief related to loss, depressed mood and anxiety. She listens with an open mind and heart, creating a supportive space for clients to feel understood and empowered. Sonia genuinely cares for her clients' well-being and strives to ensure their success in therapy.

Using a variety of evidence-based approaches (including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, motivational, trauma-focused, gestalt, internal family systems (IFS), inner child work, humanistic, nurturing heart and solution-focused approaches), Sonia works collaboratively with each individual client to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. Her goal is to guide clients toward greater self-awareness and personal growth, helping them succeed in overcoming challenges and in building a healthier relationship with self.

Sonia obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a focus on Family Systems and Child Development Studies at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University with an emphasis on clinical mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and
other behavioral disturbances.

En Español

Sonia ha trabajado en Hudson River Care and Counseling desde 2018 y busca trabajar de cerca con los clientes a nivel virtual. Con más de 18 años de experiencia en trabajo
social, Sonia ha ayudado a personas a superar traumas complejos relacionados con el abuso y la negligencia infantil, el duelo relacionado con la pérdida, el estado de ánimo
depresivo y la ansiedad. Escucha con mente y corazón abierto, creando un espacio de apoyo para que los clientes se sientan comprendidos y empoderados. Sonia se
preocupa genuinamente en el bienestar de sus clientes y se esfuerza por garantizar su éxito en la terapia.

Utilizando una variedad de enfoques basados en evidencia (incluidos los enfoques cognitivo-conductuales, conductuales dialécticos, motivacionales, centrados en el trauma, gestalt, sistemas familiares internos (internal family systems ~ IFS), trabajo con el niño interior, humanísticos, de corazón enriquecedor (nurturing heart) y se centra en enfoques con soluciones), Sonia trabaja en colaboración con cada cliente individualmente para desarrollar un plan de tratamiento personalizado que aborde sus necesidades únicas. Su objetivo es guiar a los clientes hacia una mayor autoconciencia y crecimiento personal, ayudándolos a tener éxito en la superación de desafíos y en la construcción de una relación más saludable con ellos mismos.

Sonia obtuvo una licenciatura en Sociología con especialización en Sistemas Familiares y Estudios de Desarrollo Infantil en la Universidad Brigham Young-Idaho, y una Maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Rutgers con énfasis en evaluación clínica de salud mental, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de enfermedades
mentales, emocionales y otros trastornos del comportamiento.

Marielle Smith, LSW, is a licensed social worker serving patients virtually at Hudson River Care and Counseling. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. Marielle then completed her master’s in Social Work at New York University. 

Marielle is deeply interested in providing care to children, adolescents, and families. She has 10 years of experience working with youth and their families in various professional settings. Marielle interned at Magical Experiences Arts Company, an organization supporting children and adolescents with autism. She also has classroom experience, teaching nursery school-aged children. 

Most recently, Marielle provided care as an Intervention Specialist and Case Manager at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. She worked on their Hudson Mobile Response and Stabilization Service Team.

Marielle has a passion for being a caring counseling resource for young patients and their families. She works with everyone to ensure their understanding and comfort with the therapy process. 

Hope Helverson is a Licensed Social Worker with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Haverford College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

Hope emphasizes a personalized approach to mental health treatment, recognizing that each individual brings their unique experience, questions, challenges, and strengths to the therapeutic process. Drawing primarily from psychodynamic and relational psychotherapies, Hope tailors the therapeutic work to reflect the particular needs and priorities of each person. She has received specialized training in trauma-responsive care.

No matter what leads you to seek therapy, Hope strives to create an open, accepting, collaborative environment where you can explore, heal, and create lasting change.

Hope has experience working with people to overcome challenges related to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, job loss, relationship troubles, complex trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics, identity development, sexual misconduct, sexual abuse in childhood, chronic stress, chronic pain, grief, and discrimination. She enjoys helping people build self-compassion, self-esteem, and confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. She looks forward to meeting you, wherever you are in your journey, too.

Education: MSW- University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Psychology- Haverford College

Languages: English

Kewei Yu, MD, PhD, is a highly respected, board-certified neurologist and interventional pain specialist at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute in Bethlehem, Lilburn, and Braselton, Georgia. Dr. Yu has over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions and neurological disorders. As the founder of one of Johns Creek's leading interventional pain and neurology clinics, Dr. Yu is committed to helping patients achieve relief through personalized, evidence-based care. 

Dr. Yu's medical journey began in Shanghai, China, where he earned his medical degree from the Second Medical University and completed a PhD in medical science in 1999. After moving to the U.S. in 2002, he pursued neuropathic pain research at Yale School of Medicine, followed by internship training at Prince George's Hospital Center and dual residency programs in Anesthesiology and Neurology at UF Health Shands Hospital. He completed his fellowship in pain management at Alabama Orthopedic Spine & Sports Medicine Associates, training under some of the field's top experts.

Dr. Yu is triple board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), the American Board of Pain Management (ABPM), and the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP). He uses a multidisciplinary approach that may include medication management, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, acupuncture, and advanced diagnostics like EMG/NCS, EEG, and autonomic studies to treat conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, neuropathy, and more.

Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Dr. Yu is known for his clear communication, compassionate bedside manner, and dedication to patient education. His goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Yu enjoys traveling with his family, reading, and performing Shaoxing opera.

Dr. Tepper received his undergraduate degree from Yale College in New Haven, and his MD from Cornell University Medical College in New York City. He completed his Neurology residency at Harvard in Boston and is board certified in Neurology and in Headache Medicine.

Dr. Tepper has published more than 480 articles and books on Headache Medicine. He is passionately committed to taking care of people with migraine and other headache problems and to research aimed at creating better treatments.