OUR TEAM

Haley Moskella, LCSW, CPP-AAPT, has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Marywood University. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in December 2016. She has worked in the human services field since 2012, with experience in case management in a hospital setting, and has worked with victims of abuse in a domestic violence agency. Haley has been an outpatient mental health therapist in private practice since 2014 providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Haley is currently working toward a Registered Play Therapist credential to specialize her focus on working with children and families. In 2015, Haley began her journey studying Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (AAPT) through the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (IIAAPT). The training program is a rigorous one, focused not only on the theories, research, and practice of AAPT but has an important component of learning how to read and respond to canine body language and communication. This is important in making sure that the work being done is not only enjoyable for the client and approved animal, but safe for all. Haley became a Certified Professional Practitioner of Animal Assisted Play Therapy® in July 2017, along with her approved canine, Amora.

Amora, Haley’s canine therapy partner is an American Pitbull Terrier mix. Amora has completed a Puppy Kindergarten Class, Advanced Puppy K, earned her Canine Good Citizen recognition, and is an approved canine in Animal Assisted Play Therapy®. Her enthusiasm lights up the office on the days she is present. Amora is very eager to meet and greet new people; she is very curious and very loving. Amora has many traits that make her an appropriate fit for the work she does. While engaging with clients, Amora enjoys playing games of hide-n-seek, working through obstacle courses, practicing learned tricks as well as learning new ones, and playing games created by Haley focused on meeting treatment goals for each client. On those lazy dog days, Amora enjoys resting on her bed while clients gently pet her or read her a book.

Many of the interventions Amora engages in with clients focuses on addressing issues related to ADHD symptoms, building self-esteem, feeling expression, problem-solving, coping skill development, boundary-setting/acceptance, and anxiety. Amora also has helped clients work through issues related to bullying, as this is something that the dogs lumped under the “Pit Bull” umbrella get, even though a “Pit Bull” isn’t a specific breed itself, more so many different breeds that have been crossbred over the years. The activities that are used allow the client to actively work toward treatment goals, through the process of play therapy and processing the interventions.

​

When Amora isn't working, she enjoys catching up on sleep, playing fetch outside, playing monkey-in-the-middle with her favorite ball, going on walks and hikes, solving dog puzzles that are mentally stimulating, and playing with her doggie friends. She also enjoys spending time with her human friends!

​

*For your consideration: Haley uses an assessment process to decide which of her clients would be appropriate to work with Amora given specific criteria. Amora is not part of every client session, as Amora is not at the office every day of the week. Amora solely works with her owner/handler, Haley.