Meet the empowered, female founders behind Aligned Clinical
Jodi Kapes, LCSW-R, Consultant | She/Her
For the past 25 years, Jodi has dedicated herself to being a psychotherapist, specializing in systemic trauma and experiential trauma. For her, it’s more than work, it’s her identity. Jodi graduated from Syracuse University in the Clinical Social Work program and went on to work across the spectrum with populations to include, K-12 School Social Worker, those with serious and persistent mental health concerns including the Office of Mental Health in forensic services.
Jodi is formally trained in crisis debriefing, emergency response and crisis intervention and is a shame-informed treatment specialist. She also has certifications in exposure therapy and mindfulness. Prior to developing Aligned Clinical, Jodi was the Director of Behavioral Health at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), where she worked alongside Val to manage clinical work, counsel families and patients, provide staff education and support, and oversaw the LCSWs. Jodi’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field has led her to present at conferences and symposiums across the region, including the Rome Hospital Annual Mental Health Conference.
Helping runs in Jodi’s family. Her parents and siblings all work in the field of health as RN’s therapists, and licensed clinical social workers. As a natural observer, she has been attuned to the human experience from an early age. Especially aware of the unique adversities that women face, Jodi’s research-informed approach helps them overcome their negative self-talk and achieve their goals. Her trauma-informed training has inspired her to work closely with at-risk populations who benefit from her gentle approach.
In addition, she has contributed to many community organizations, including serving as adjunct faculty for undergraduate and graduate programs at Keuka College, has been a member of the National Association of Social Workers and a volunteer for Ulman Foundation for young adults with cancer. She has also participated on the following advisory boards: Homelessness Coalition, County Mental Health Sub Committee, and various other mult-disciplinary treatment teams.
As a fitness professional for over 20 years, Jodi is an advocate for nurturing the mind and body connection: coaching her clients to help them form a clear path to success both physically and mentally. She is fueled by spending time in the great outdoors with her family and friends, trail running, biking, hiking, and skiing. Inspired by recreation, she recognizes new ways for her clients to use their body and find relief from emotional traumas and improve their quality of life.
Valerie Lighthall, LCSW-R, Consultant | She/Her
Valerie is a native to Central New York and grew up surrounded by family whose careers and time were dedicated to helping. She was recognized early on for her spirit of community and volunteerism. Like Jodi, she received her masters degree from Syracuse University in the Clinical Social Work program, a natural fit for her. Since then, she has worked in a diversity of environments, including at Outpatient Community Mental Health Centers, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) in an inpatient forensic setting, and as an Employee Assistance Program Consultant. She held several positions within the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Behavioral Health Department, where she provided psychotherapy services, crisis assessments and trauma work. She also held the role of Clinical Supervisor of Behavioral Health at MVHS, where she supervised and oversaw the outpatient department.
In 2022, Valerie completed the Social Work Practice Fellowship through Syracuse University, which involved independent field work to improve the best practices for clinical supervisory services. Valerie has led informative talks about with how to cope with change during COVID, creating a work-life balance, and how to navigate transitions at home and in the workplace. She has also been trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which informed her work supporting teens and adults struggling with personality disorders and the impacts of trauma.
As a mother, Valerie’s health journey begins at home. From long walks with friends to strength training to teaching her kids in their growing garden, she is an example of what it means to live and work in balance. Her most recent work has been dedicated to treating teens and adults via telehealth at her private practice, where she specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and navigating life transitions. She views the client-therapist relationship as an equal one, reminding them: “You are the expert on you, I am here to help guide you.”