Meet our newest Counselors, Becca Hotchkiss and Samantha Taleff


Becca Hotchkiss, MSW, LICSW

(she/her) All of us are faced with experiences in life that are scary and difficult, with which we could use some help. Using warmth, gentleness, and humor, Becca’s goal as a therapist is to create a safe, healing relationship to join you in exploring the parts of yourself and your journey that might feel scary to do alone. Her approach is grounded in attachment theory and how the family system you grow up in shapes your beliefs about yourself and the world around you. She looks forward to working with you in defining for yourself who you are and reshaping beliefs that no longer serve you.  Becca has experience working with people across their lifespan – from working with toddlers in early childhood therapy and preschool day treatment, to school-age children and teens impacted by foster care, and supporting adults in navigating the anxiety and challenge that comes with life changes. 

Becca is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. When she is not at work you can find her watching too much TV and doing her best to pet all the cats she can (especially her cat, Zeke). 

Samantha Taleff, MSW, LICSW

(she/her) Samantha is a compassionate therapist that supports clients in building on their strengths and recognizing their resiliency. She works to create a warm, open space for folks to show up as they are. During sessions, she enjoys supporting folks in deconstructing unhelpful narratives and creating a life aligned with their values. Along with this, she supports integrating mindfulness and mind-body practices. Many of her clients value the creativity, curiosity, and humor she brings into therapy sessions.

Samantha received her master of social work from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Prior to that, she received her bachelor of music in piano pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.

When not at work, Samantha enjoys being outdoors, trying local coffee shops, and spending time with her partner and their pets.

JFCS’ licensed therapists help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems that cause emotional turmoil, improve communication and coping skills and symptom management, strengthen self-esteem, promote behavior change, feel better and function at their best. Our counseling services include individual psychotherapy for adults, adolescents & children, couples therapy, family therapy, play therapy, parenting coaching, grief support and more. Our services are confidential. We accept most insurance including Medicare. Click here for more information.