Our Staff
Supporting Kidds’ staff consists of highly qualified professionals who are dedicated to helping grieving children and families. In addition, more than 60 volunteers are trained to facilitate our support groups. Our services are developed and directed by our program staff, who are licensed mental health professionals with extensive experience working with children and grief issues. Feel free to contact or email staff with any questions.
Stephanie Traynor, Psy. D, MBA Executive Director straynor@supportingkidds.org
Dr. Traynor joined Supporting Kidds as their Executive Director in April of 2010. Dr. Traynor is a Delaware licensed psychologist. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Widener University in 2000 and her MBA from Widener in 2001. In addition, she earned an MA in Spanish from the University of Delaware in 1994. She is also certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an intervention designed for traumatized youth, as well as Parent Child Interaction Therapy, an intervention for preschoolers with behavior problems. She is also in the process of gaining certification in Trauma and Grief Component Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving. All of these interventions are research and evidence based practices.
After receiving her doctorate, Dr. Traynor worked in non-profits in the Wilmington, Delaware community, as well as the academic world, teaching Spanish and Psychology for Widener University in Chester, PA. Prior to Supporting Kidds she was Director of Mental Health Services at the Latin American Community Center. She has worked diligently and tirelessly to address the mental health needs of the underserved, both in the Wilmington and Hispanic communities.
In addition, Dr. Traynor is on the Executive Council of the Delaware Psychological Association, serving as Chair of their Ethics Committee. She is also provider co-chair of the Advisory Council to the Department of Prevention and Behavioral Health. On a personal note, she was born in Delaware and currently lives in Wilmington.
PROGRAM STAFF
Malina Spirito, Psy.D. , M. Ed Clincial Director mspirito@supportingkidds.org
Dr. Malina Spirito is Kidds’ Clinical Director, overseeing program-related services including support groups, facilitator training and supervision, professional development trainings, and community outreach and education. In addition, Malina serves as Kidds’ primary psychotherapist, providing psychotherapy to individuals and families, both in-house and within the community. She first became involved with Supporting Kidds, the Center for Grieving Children and their Families, during her graduate training at the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University. During her initial practicum placement at Supporting Kidds, Malina instantly developed a strong passion and commitment to helping children and families through the loss process. Furthermore, she found the Supporting Kidds’ loss-focused and family systems therapeutic models and techniques immensely applicable to her later work in a variety of mental health settings.
Malina earned both her doctoral degree in clinical psychology and a master of education in human sexuality education from Widener University. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, where she studied psychology and sociology. Following the completion of her graduate studies, Malina returned to Supporting Kidds, working to strengthen the clinical components of Kidds' programs and services.
Carol Boncelet Development Director cboncelet@supportingkidds.org
Carol coordinates our special events, handles public relations and communications, and is responsible for fundraising (so we can continue to offer our services on a sliding-fee basis, making our services affordable to all). She welcomes all volunteers! Carol has over 25 years of experience in corporate, small business, and non-profit settings. She has an MPA and BS degree and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Jodie Stocksdale Office Manager jstocksdale@supportingkidds.org
Linda Lonergan Clinical Practicum Student, Neumann University support@supportingkidds.org
Ellen Bartolini Clinical Practicum Student, Widener University, Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology support@supportingkidds.org
Elinor Tuhy Graduate Intern support@supportingkidds.org