Hi I'm Jennifer Daffon, the Clinical Director at Emotesy.  I'm a Clinical Psychologist who started working with children over 14 years ago and haven't looked back! Incorporating elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Client Centered and Solution Focused therapy, I enjoy helping kids and their families learn new skills to manage the ups and downs of daily life and school.

I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with significant experience in play therapy. I believe in offering my clients creative, evidence-based approaches to promote healing and resilience. I support my clients in developing the tools they need to navigate their unique challenges by utilizing techniques from play therapy, sand tray, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I am a social worker by background and enjoy supporting individuals and families who may be struggling or coping with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, grief, and relationship issues. It’s my core belief that our mental, emotional, and physical well-being rely on our connection with others.  It’s because of this belief, that I approach each person with sincerity and authenticity. You will find me to be inviting, friendly and engaging. I enjoy guiding children and teens to learn more adaptive coping strategies and ways of processing thoughts and emotions that are healing.

I invite you to show up as you are, regardless of how you may feel. I am Tera Jo Hines, LMHCA and all of my work is Person-Centered and trauma-informed. During our work together, I will advocate for self-compassion as a mechanism by which to improve the relationship you hold with yourself. It can be difficult to trust a new person and I will work to ensure that I am someone you feel safe with. It is a privilege for me to learn another person’s story and I try to never lose sight of that.

I provide my clients with a safe space that is judgement free, allowing and encouraging them to be their authentic selves. I hope to harbor a healthy and consistent relationship that assists clients in their journey of self-discovery and growth. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with experience as an elementary school counselor, I use a person-centered approach in which I utilize play therapy and mindfulness techniques in my work with clients.

As a therapist at Emotesy, I hope to provide a safe, supportive and open environment for children and adolescents by cultivating curiosity, courage, and care for individuals to be their authentic selves. I hope to aid in their growth as they traverse through their unique challenges, and to provide the necessary tools for their own autonomy and self-advocacy.

My aim as a counselor is to foster safe and creative environments for young families to explore their styles of interaction, communication and play to better live and grow together. I have experience and training in the Incredible Years program, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Gottman's Couples Therapy Level 1; and some Play Therapy. I am a current graduate student, working toward a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University.

I bring a grounded, relational approach to working with children. My personal and professional experiences shape my ability to connect with young clients through empathy, play, and developmentally attuned care. I integrate the biopsychosocial model, trauma-informed practice, and cultural humility to create safe, collaborative spaces where children can explore emotions, identity, and resilience. With training in diverse clinical settings, including eating disorders and performance psychology, I strive to meet each child where they are, honoring their unique story while supporting growth and healing. I am a graduate student, working toward a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University.