We will explore the core components of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) through a relational lens to better understand considerations and adaptations for individuals with PDA profiles and their families.
Bios:
Jenny Hoving, LPC is a licensed professional counselor specializing in anxiety, OCD, and related challenges. She utilizes evidence-based clinical interventions through a relational, value-focused framework.
Jenny is also a co-founder and director of Heartwood Therapeutic Learning Community, a non-profit school dedicated to supporting individual differences in sensory processing, social-emotional regulation, and communication. Jenny is a certified special education and elementary education teacher, and leads Heartwood’s flexible instruction class, which is geared towards learners with PDA profiles.
Melissa received her B.A. in Educational Psychology and Linguistics from Swarthmore College and her Master of Social Service (MSS) from Bryn Mawr College. Before joining the Social Enrichment Center, she worked as a school social worker, collaborating closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to promote student growth.
Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based and developmental frameworks that emphasize flexibility, client empowerment, and meeting individuals where they are. Melissa integrates principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other strength-based modalities, incorporating creativity and play to make therapeutic work meaningful, engaging, and fun for children. She is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals and those with anxiety-based profiles, as well as helping caregivers and teams create environments that foster connection, autonomy, and growth.
