Meet Our Therapists

Dedicated to improving the lives of our clients.

Dr. Joe Kort, PhD

Founding Director, Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker, Coach and Author

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Joe Kort has been in practice since 1985. He successfully has worked with many individuals and couples to improve their lives and relationships utilizing varying therapy modalities. He is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), a safe and effective treatment that can help patients who have suffered for years from anxiety or distressing memories, nightmares, insomnia, abuse and other traumatic events.
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Couples & Individuals Counseling
  • EMDR
  • Imago Relationship Therapy
  • LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapy
  • Male Sexual Health Issues
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Mixed Orientation Marriages & Relationships
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sex Addiction
  • Sexual Dysfunctions & Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors
  • Sexual Health
  • Sex Identity Issues

Education:

  • Wayne State University, Detroit: Master’s degree in Social Work
  • American Academy of Clinical Sexologists: PhD in Clinical Sexology

Certifications:

  • Imago Relationship Therapy
  • Board certification in sexology
  • World Professional Association for Transgender Health: certified transgender therapist
  • Wayne State University: Adjunct Professor, School of Social Work
  • University of Michigan teaching faculty: Sexual Health certificate program
  • American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
  • Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health member
  • Academy of Certified Social Workers

Rita R. Clark

Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker

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Rita Clark has more than 20 years of experience working in several capacities of human service, ranging from early childhood development, juvenile delinquency, prison re-entry, sexual health, substance abuse and HIV. Her treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy (RT), Solution Focused-Brief Therapy, and Behavioral and Humanistic Therapies, with an emphasis on using integrative approaches to maximize positive client outcomes.
  • Communication Problems
  • Conflict Resolution/Anger Management
  • Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders & Co-Dependence
  • Domestic Violence/Emotional Abuse
  • Embedded Sexual Desires/Self-Discovery
  • Grief, Loss & Trauma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Individual, Couples & Family Counseling
  • Infidelity
  • Kink/BDSM/Fetishes
  • Men’s Sexual Health
  • Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
  • Teen Violence & Social Adjustment Issues
  • Women’s Sexual Health

Education:

  • Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti: Master’s degree in Social Work

Certifications:

  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Sexual Health certificate program in sex education, counseling & therapy 
  • HIV Testing Counselor and Partner Services certification

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Beacon Health
• Magellan
• Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
• Humana/Choice Care Network
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employers Program (BCFEP)
• United Healthcare Insurance (UHC)

Laura Feeney

Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, LISW-S

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Laura Feeney has 25 years of experience working with a diverse population of all ages. She specializes in addiction, trauma, behavioral issues, chronic relapse, life transitions, oppositional defiance, peer relationships, personality disorders, and other mental health issues. Interventions and approaches Laura may use in her sessions include cognitive behavioral, person-centered, relaxation and EMDR (eye movement and desensitization reprocessing). She facilitates the process of healing with a strengths-based perspective. Laura has additional training and expertise in working with first responders including police officers, firefighters, and health care workers that deal with traumatic experiences on a daily basis. 
  • Addiction
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Chronic Relapse
  • Life Transitions
  • Loss
  • Mood Disorders
  • Oppositional Defiance
  • Peer Relationships
  • School Issues
  • Stress
  • Trauma

Education:

  • Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio: Master’s degree in Social Science Administration 

Certifications:

  • Rape crisis training 
  • Youth-at-risk training

Elana Gottfried

Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker

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Elana Gottfried has extensive experience working with cultural, spiritual and religious issues and how they may affect sexuality and orientation. She also focuses on women’s sexual health, and has worked with women in Israel and the United States who are survivors of sexual abuse.
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Communication Problems
  • Erectile Function
  • Individual & Couples Counseling
  • Low Sexual Desire
  • Painful Intercourse & Vaginismus
  • Transgender Issues
  • Trauma & Sexual Health
  • Women’s Sexual Health

Education:

  • BA in psychology and MSW from Yeshiva University
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Sexual Health Certificate Program in sex therapy and sexuality education

Certifications:

  • AASECT certified sex therapist (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists)

Gregory Johnson

Licensed Master Social Worker

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Gregory Johnson has extensive experience working with the LGBTQIA community. He works from a holistic perspective using various therapeutic modalities including Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. He is passionate about developing a targeted treatment plan to assist clients with various challenges toward embracing and taking action on a life worth living. His clients include individuals, couples, families and teens/adolescents as well as older adults. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Educational Studies at Eastern Michigan University with a focus on understanding and unpacking the connection between adolescent LGBTQIA bullying, marginalization, and mental health and educational outcomes.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Life Transitions
  • Mindfulness
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness
  • Distress Tolerance
  • LGBTQIA Issues
  • Coming Out/Being Out
  • Sexual Identity
  • Transgender Issues including Transitioning
  • Spirituality
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Mindfulness
  • Self-Injurious Behaviors and Suicidal Ideations
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Mood Disorders
  • Co-Dependency
  • Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Anger Management
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Adoption
  • Grief & Loss
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Addiction
  • Self-Esteem
Education:

  • Wayne State University, School of Social Work MSW

Certifications:

  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy through Behavioral Tech, a Linehan Institute Training Company at Yale University
  • Motivational Interviewing & Trauma Informed Therapy

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employers Program (BCFEP)

Diane Levy-Rubinstein

Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker

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Diane Levy-Rubinstein specializes in Dialectic Behavior Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and insight-oriented process therapy. With more than 35 years of experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, mood disorders and personality disorders, Diane also has successfully worked with clients suffering from chronic mental illness. Her therapy approach is strength-based and non-judgmental to help clients find their own life worth living.

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality
  • Co-Dependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Dialectic & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Divorce & Uncoupling
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Family Conflict
  • Geriatric & Aging Counseling
  • Grief & Loss
  • Individual & Couples Counseling
  • Life Coaching
  • Oppositional Defiance
  • Peer Relationships
  • Psychotic and Mood Disorders
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Women’s Issues
Education:

  • Wayne State University, Detroit: Master’s degree in Social Work

Certifications:

  • Gerontology

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Magellan
• Humana/Choice Care Network

Donna Litinsky

Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker / Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor

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Donna Litinsky has more than 25 years of experience helping clients with alcohol and chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, co-dependency issues, grief and loss relating to substance abuse, as well as parenting and problematic family dynamics. She has worked with the probation department regarding clients who have received DUIs, and those who are mandated to drug court. Her therapy approach includes mindfulness teachings.

  • Addiction
  • Alcohol & Drug Abuse
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Family Conflict
  • Gambling
  • Grief
  • Infidelity
  • Marital & Premarital Issues
  • Parenting
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Women’s Issues

Education:

  • Wayne State University, Detroit: Master’s degree in Social Work

Certifications:

  • Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
  • Continuing Education in Addiction, Co-Dependency, Grief & Loss, LGBTQ Awareness, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Depression, Couples & Family Dysfunction

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)

Emilia McConnel

Limited Licensed Master Social Worker

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Do you find normally good relationships or activities ruined by reminders of past trauma? Do you find it difficult to trust people you think you should, or too easy to trust people you think you should not? Are you recovering from sexual or intimate partner violence? Are any of these experiences complicated by your queer identity? Trauma and attachment can show up in frustrating and confusing ways, both personally and in relationships.

My therapeutic approach is client-centered – you set the goals and your feedback will shape the course of therapy. Let’s work together to help you create more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.

I have experience working with survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. I am queer and have experience working with queer clients. I am also certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

  • Sexual and Relationship Trauma
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • CPTSD/PTSD
  • LGBTQ Issues
  • Men’s Issues
  • Women’s Issues
  • Human Trafficking
  • Life Transition
  • Codependency
  • Peer Relationships
  • Couples Therapy
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Education

  • Masters of Social Work, Michigan State University

Certification

  • Certificate in Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment, Michigan State University.

Erica McMurtry

Licensed Master Social Worker

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Erica McMurtry specializes in working with those who have experienced trauma.  She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, an evidence-based therapy that can help individuals heal from trauma and other emotional issues.  Erica has been successful with helping people heal from their past and move forward into their future.  She also works with couples experiencing relationship difficulties due to sexual health issues.  Erica takes a holistic and eclectic treatment approach by using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Christian Counseling, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Self-Esteem
  • Grief & Loss
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Women’s Sexual Health
  • Men’s Sexual Health
  • EMDR Therapy
  • Mindfulness
  • Christian Counseling
  • Individual & Couples Counseling
  • LGBTQIA concerns

Education

  • Rutgers University: Master of Social Work

  • Princeton Theological Seminary: Master of Divinity

Certification

  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Sexual Health Certificate Program in Sex Therapy

Stephen M. Pilarcik, Psy.D

Clinical Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP)

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Dr. Pilarcik has more than 12 years of professional experience in individual, couples and family counseling. He has worked with young children as well as older adults, helping with mood dysregulation, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities. He has led LGBTQIA+ support groups as well as drug and alcohol recovery support groups.
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Depressive disorders
  • Family therapy intervention
  • Individual, couples and family counseling
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • LGBTQIA+ concerns
  • Medical issues
  • Mood disorders
  • Phase of life issues
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Sexual orientation/identity

Education:

  • Illinois Professional School of Psychology: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
  • Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA: Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employers Program (BCFEP)

Grace Rowe, MSW, LLMSW

Limited License Master Social Worker

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Do you feel misunderstood? Carrying feelings of depression, anxiety, or feeling out of control? Questioning your gender or sexual identity, or struggling with change? As a practitioner I am here to help you navigate life in a way that creates a sense of ease and peace through a variety of modalities. You deserve a therapist with the knowledge and understanding of your lived experiences and theoretical backing to enhance your process.
I work to help remove barriers separating the client from whatever goals they wish to achieve. My clients include adolescents/teens, adults, and monogamous, ethical nonmonogamy and polyamorous couples. As a clinician I am proudly body positive, kink allied, neurodivergence allied, and trauma informed.
I am trained in neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ populations, and have experience working with anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, BPD, PTSD, C-PTSD. Using a variety of approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • DHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Adjustment/Life Transitions
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Codependency
  • Co-occurring Disorders
  • Couples Therapy
  • Depression
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Affirming Care
  • Grief and Loss
  • Identity Development
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness
  • Kink
  • LGBTQIA+ Issues
  • Mindfulness
  • Self-Esteem
  • Spirituality
  • Trauma and Trauma Disorders

Education:

  • MSW from Wayne State University

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employers Program (BCFEP)

Susan E. Ruma

Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker

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Susan Ruma utilizes a strengths-based approach to help individuals and family achieve their personal goals in therapy. She uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when working with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. She has facilitated DBT groups and support groups to help clients learn specific skills to help them improve their ability to regulate emotions. She has years of experience working with adolescents and families as well as assisting adults and youth who identify as LGBTQ. She has assisted many transgender clients with the process of transitioning. Finally, her experience also includes helping clients recover from trauma.
  • Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders
  • Grief & Loss
  • Health & Disability Issues
  • Individual, Couples, Family & Adolescents Counseling
  • LGBTQ individuals and those who are considering or in the process of transitioning +
  • Adolescents (12+)
  • PTSD & Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
  • Borderline Personality Disorder or Pervasive Emotional Dysregulation
  • Self-Esteem, Self-Value, Appreciation & Adjustment Issues
  • Self-Injurious Behaviors & Suicidal Ideation
Education:

  • Education:  University of Michigan – School of Social Work – 2003

Certifications:

  • Certifications: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing & Trauma Exposure

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Medicare
• Beacon Health
• Medicare Plus Blue

Sarah Scales

Licensed Master Social Worker

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Sarah Scales has a special interest in helping families and adolescents navigate the challenges the younger generation face as they grow up and become more independent. Her approach involves a combination of family and individual analysis, to help build bridges and give children the tools to be successful. She also works with individuals who identify or are diagnosed with neuro-atypical conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and intellectual disabilities who need help with anxiety and depression. Some of her therapies include Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT).

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism
  • Couples
  • Depression
  • Developmental Disability
  • Family Conflict
  • Kink Positivity / Kink Concerns
  • LGBTQ/Kink concerns
  • Mood Disorders
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Transgender Issues
  • Trauma and PTSD
Education:

  • University of Michigan, Master’s in Social Work
  • Alma College, Bachelor’s in Psychology

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• United Healthcare Insurance (/UBH/UHC/Optum/UMR)
• CIGNA
• Medicare
• Medicare Plus Blue

Steven Taylor, LMSW

Licensed Masters Social Worker

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Steven has 10 years of experience working in the area of sexual health. His therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, holistic, person-centered, and strength-based. He incorporates mind-body connection and mindfulness; alongside other evidence-based methods. Steven’s clinical interests include sex and sexuality, LGBTQIA2S+ identity, intimacy, family conflict, and relationships.
  • Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders
  • Communication Problems
  • Couples Therapy
  • Grief & Loss
  • Kink/BDSM/Fetish
  • Life Transitions
  • LGBTQIA+ Issues
  • Mindfulness
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Health
  • Sexual Identity
  • Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Education:

  • Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant: Family Studies
  • University of Michigan: Mental Health
  • Oakland Community College: Sign Language Interpreters program

Steven is a Licensed Social Worker with the State of Michigan.  Fluent in American Sign Language, Steven also holds certifications in HIV/AIDS Education and Family Life Education.

Dr. Jessica Topor, PhD

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

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Jessica Topor has more than 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. She has a special interest in family dynamics and works with families to help with sibling relationship issues, couples experiencing distress, and families with children with disabilities. She specializes in work with adolescents and early adults, as well as individuals struggling with developmental crises. She also has worked with the deaf community.
  • Adolescents & Early Adult Focused Therapy
  • Families with Children with Disabilities
  • Individual, Couples & Family Counseling
  • Individuals Struggling with Developmental Crises
  • Parenting
  • Sibling Relationship Issues

Education:

  • Michigan State University, East Lansing: Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy 
  • Michigan State University: PhD in Human Development and Families Studies, specializing in couples and family therapy 
  • Oakland Community College: Sign Language Interpreters program

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• United Healthcare Insurance (UBH/UHC/Optum)
• CIGNA

Jeanette von Grabe

Licensed Professional Counselor, Child-centered mediator

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Jeanette von Grabe has a special interest in counseling, education and mediation, to help individuals and couples improve their communication, and work together cooperatively and effectively. Her approach is aimed at developing insight and techniques to create an emotionally healthy environment for her clients and restore purpose and meaning back into their lives. Jeanette also serves as a child-centered mediator and divorce coach. She works with adolescents, individuals, and couples to help reduce high conflict in divorcing families and emotionally protect the children.

  • Anxiety
  • Co-dependency
  • Coping skills
  • Depression
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (trained for kids)
  • Divorce mediation
  • Family dynamics
  • LGBTQIA
  • Life coaching
  • Life transitions
  • Marital and premarital counseling
  • Parenting planning and mediation
  • Relationship issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Women’s issues
Education:

  • Oakland University, Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Michigan State University, Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)

Zemirah Weber

Licensed Professional Counselor

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Do you struggle with ADHD? Is depression and anxiety weighing you down? Do you struggle with gender and sexuality issues? I have a special interest in helping teenagers and adults explore gender and sexuality. I have worked extensively with ADHD, helping clients learn to identify their individual barriers to executive function and implement individualized creative solutions to work through them. You will received structured problem solving techniques for managing work/ homework, time management and organization, and how to have a sense of humor.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, insecurity, bullying, sexuality, self-esteem and ADHD. I offer hypnosis as well as Walk and Talk therapy in the Royal Oak area. Hypnosis, CBT, and more. I am currently studying Somatic Experiencing and will have her Somatic Experiencing credentials in 2026.
I respect clients’ beliefs and doubts, period. I am well read on multiple theologies (Jehovah’s Witness, LDS, Judaism) and am experienced in helping clients live authentically.
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Self Esteem
  • Bisexual
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Lesbian

Education:

  • Ashland University, Master of Arts in Counseling, MA
Certification:
  • Zemirah is a candidate for her Somatic Experiencing credentials in 2026.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Blue Care Networks (BCN)
  • Aetna

Kel Weller, MA, LPC

Psychotherapist

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Kel Weller counsels individuals struggling with adjustments, anxiety, grief and sexual issues including out-of-control sexual behaviors, fetishes and partialism. She also works with couples experiencing relationship and marital issues such as communication difficulties, sexual issues, and struggles involving individual sexual identification.

  • Anxiety
  • Communication Problems
  • Erectile Disorders
  • Individual & Couples Counseling
  • Lesbian & Gay Affirmative Therapy
  • LGBTQ Parenting
  • Low Sexual Desire
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Premature & Delayed Ejaculation
  • Men’s Sexual Health
  • Sexually Compulsive Behaviors
  • Women’s Sexual Health

Education:

  • Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti: Master of Arts in Counseling

Certifications:

  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Sexual Health certificate program
  • Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Blue Care Networks (BCN)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employers Program (BCFEP)

Our Support Staff

Dedicated to improving the lives of our clients.

Courtney Butler
Office Manager/Director of Claims

Karen Thomas-Haddon
Biller

Dave Abler
Office Administrator

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