Emotional Health & Wellness Program for House Staff
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 (call or text) - 24/7
Physician Support Line
1-888-409-0141
Monday-Friday (except federal holidays) 8 am-12 am (EST)
For Appointments
33 S. Ninth Street
Suite 230
Philadelphia, PA 19107
- 215-503-2817
- 215-503-2867 (fax)
Staff & Hours
Hours
Monday-Friday - Morning, afternoon, and evening
Hours vary depending on the day and provider.
Telehealth appointments are always available.
In person appointments available some days and times in Center City, depending on the provider
Meet the Staff
Emily Lisco, MD
Director
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior
Emily (she/her/hers) has been working at the EHWP since January 2020 and became the Director in March 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Art History at Muhlenberg College and spent a year working as a teaching aide for children with autism. She then went on to graduate with her Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed her Adult Psychiatry Residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Emily has experience working in the fields of eating disorders, correctional psychiatry, inpatient and consultation liaison psychiatry, and student counseling. She has a particular interest in working with medical trainees and professional athletes. She enjoys using an eclectic therapy approach with her patients and has a particular interest in psychodynamic psychotherapy. She understands wellness as being multifaceted and seeks to develop programs and research to enhance wellness across large systems. She leads her team through honesty and vulnerability, creating space for creativity and collaboration.
In her free time, Emily enjoys HIIT classes, Pilates, and is a certified yoga instructor. She likes listening to podcasts, thrifting, and traveling to new places. She has 2 cats who are always eating her plants and interrupting her therapy sessions to say hello. Her current walkout song is, “This is What You Came For,” by Rihanna.
Alexandra (Pierlott) Hughes, LCSW
Lead Social Worker
Therapist
Alex (she/her/hers) has been a therapist on the EHWP team since January 2022. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work and Spanish from Seton Hall University. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Alex has supported adults experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, adults who are incarcerated, schoolchildren, graduate students, and house staff. She has worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders, relationship struggles, and burnout. She is interested in preventative care, helping a person enhance their own resilience, and examining the relationships between people and systems. She enjoys using an eclectic therapy approach and is particularly interested in self-compassion and exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She likes to meet people where they are and is an active and reflective listener.
When she’s not working, you will likely find Alex reading a book, listening to a podcast, or crushing a workout. She enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and reflecting on her life experiences. Her current walkout song is, “La Copa de La Vida,” by Ricky Martin.
Jeanette Roman-King
Administrative Assistant
Jeanette (she/her/hers) is the Administrative Assistant for the EHWP and Student Counseling Center - Center City. She has been with the Jefferson Department of Psychiatry for over a decade. She previously worked on the Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Unit as a Unit Coordinator and got to meet many residents during their clinical rotations. She is the friendly face and voice who will greet you and answer any questions you might have about the program’s services. She can also assist with scheduling, billing, and documentation requests.
Jeanette loves spending time with family, going on bike rides, and taking long walks with her dog, Zelda. Jeanette has an identical twin sister, Annette, with whom she is very close and considers her best friend. Her current walkout song is, “Girl On Fire,” by Alicia Keys.
Christopher Ferry, MS, MD
PGY4 Psychiatry Resident
Chris (he/him/his) is a 4th year Psychiatry Resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering at Penn State University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University, after which he worked in medical device R&D for several years before attending Cooper Medical School of Rowan University for his Medical Degree.
In his residency training, Chris has had diverse experiences in inpatient and outpatient care settings, helping treat various behavioral health conditions through medication and therapy approaches. Chris was drawn to working with house staff as they are a very high-functioning and motivated population, yet a uniquely vulnerable population.
In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors and taking weekend road trips with his wife and their Jack Russel Terrier, Eli (whose only goal in life is to hunt groundhogs), as well as renovating their old house (mostly enjoys), and watching Penn State sports.
His current walkout song is, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” by Jake Owen.
Vihasa Govada, MD
PGY4 Psychiatry Resident
Vihasa (she/her/hers) is a 4th year Psychiatry Resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Duke University and her Medical Degree from Florida Atlantic University.
Vihasa has extensive experience working with patients across inpatient, outpatient, and consultation settings, utilizing both medication management and therapeutic interventions. She is passionate about empowering residents and fellows, and she deeply values equity, empathy, and agency. This commitment has inspired her latest project: a podcast for residents and fellows that delves into the “how-to” aspects of life while in residency. The podcast, set to launch in early 2025, will address essential topics such as finances, health, relationships, and personal and professional development, aiming to provide answers to the pressing questions many have but lack the time to explore.
In her free time, Vihasa enjoys rock climbing, running by the Schuylkill River, playing tennis (but pickleball, not so much), and occasionally ensuring her houseplants are alive despite frequent droughts. Her all-time favorite board game is Avalon (yes, it’s a social-deduction game), and she is always up for a picnic with friends. Her current walkout song is, “Whatever It Takes,” by Imagine Dragons.