Our Team

  • Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara, LPC, NCC, CCTP, EMDR, M.S., Owner

    Cassandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned he Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Bridgeport and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University.

    Cassandra has a range of experience in outpatient settings, working with adults, adolescents, the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as couples and families. Cassandra is recently trained in EMDR.

    For Cassandra, the therapeutic relationship is the most essential part of the healing process for clients. She creates an environment that is safe and welcoming by using a humanistic approach.

    Cassandra has experience working with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, perinatal and postpartum care, mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues.

    Her experience encompasses a wide range of therapeutic modalities, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.

    Cassandra is board certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors, and is a member of the American Counseling Association and Connecticut Counseling Association.

    Cassandra is blessed to be the mother of two incredible young ladies. They have taught her humility, meeting them where they are, and embracing change. They represent our brand and our passion for inclusivity and family. Cassandra is also an avid reader and a life long learner.

  • Erin Dessureau-O'Hara, Special Education Teacher, Advocate, Owner

    Erin is a special education teacher and individual education plan (IEP) case manager, pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus in social and emotional learning. She engages in very rewarding work with children with low incidence disabilities. The population she serves needs targeted interventions in social, emotional and behavioral skills. She has found planning and implementing these interventions to be an area of strength and passion. She enjoys working directly with families in order to build their capacities in these areas resulting in their ability to support their children’s success. She has been a part of fostering school wide Social, Emotional, & Academic Learning (SEAL) in varying school districts in Connecticut.

    Prior to being a grade school teacher, she worked as a preschool teacher in various programs, including Naugatuck Head Start. She helped the program successfully maintain their NAEYC accreditation and worked with the special education department to implement the students’ IEPs. As an educator, leader, and mom, she uses her combined strengths to support her students and their families.

    Her experiences and training have developed her skills and enlightened her to the importance of educating the whole child, not just their academic needs. She recognizes that hungry and scared children struggle to learn and believes that working on developing their emotional and social strategies is as critically important as educating them in academic areas. As an educator, she has worked to strengthen her skills, eventually working with a team of educators to develop district wide professional development in the area of SEL. She plans to continue the work of developing the skills of fellow educators, while continuing to support children and their families.

    Erin is the mother of two energetic and strong- minded young girls, both of which challenge and inspire her daily.

  • Mandy Dessureau, Office Manager

    Mandy comes to MJA Behavioral Health and Wellness with 24 years of Early Child Education and her degree in Early Childhood Education. Mandy is a fun, caring, and outgoing educator, with a structured play based teaching style. She works to guide each child individually and does her best to understand each young child and meet their needs.

    Mandy has years of experience in customer service, sales and office administration. Mandy is enthusiastic about furthering her knowledge and career in the mental health field and continuing to bring awareness to our community.

    Mandy looks forward to connecting clients with clinicians and considers this an important part of the effort to increase mental health awareness and provide clients with the tools they need to begin their healing journey.

    Mandy is a mom and is happily married. She loves to spend time with her family, walking her dog, going to the beach and reading.

  • Danielle Capozziello, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist

    “Start where you are. Do what you can. Use what you have.” Arthur Ashe

    One of her favorite mantras, and as with living life, somedays this may come easy, and other days it may mean, taking a shower.

    Our life is fragile, and sacred. If you want to be listened to, and explore how to find your inner voice of self-worth and authenticity, Danielle wants you to reach out and see if you are a good fit. This process is all about you. Keep making yourself a priority, she knows this seems like a lot, developing self-compassion and self-love doesn’t always come naturally. She would love to hold space for you and your story, in hopes that it opens your path to healing. You are enough.

    Danielle is a mother of three. She is a long time resident of New England and loves anything with the color orange. She is a big fan of The Grinch (yes, that Grinch). She can eat tacos anytime and she hopes to see the northern lights one day.

    Dog sitting has become a recent passion and she an avid pen pal.

  • Rebekah Rosler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Maternal Mental Health Specialist, Fertility and Motherhood Counselor, Trained Doula, EMDR

    Rebekah (she/her) graduated with her Masters in Social Work from New York University over 20 years ago. She began her career as a School Social Worker in Manhattan, working in a multidisciplinary environment and with a diverse population. Over the years she has worked with adolescents, college aged students, young adults, adults and couples.

    Rebekah is dual licensed in CT/NY. Trained as a Doula/Postpartum Doula, she has been working with birthing people - through the therapeutic process, and both physically and mentally - on their motherhood journey, supporting them through fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum and loss for many years.

    Rebekah uses multiple modalities in her practice (recently trained in EMDR) but believes it is most important to meet folx where they are at, building an incredibly solid rapport. She feels strongly about using a humanistic approach with every single client, as every single person’s story is unique and their own.

    Rebekah is authentic, empathetic and often times quite blunt. Her own personal journey has normalized life experiences, and helped so many clients feel seen, heard and acknowledged.

    “My main goal is to hold space for you. I’m here to offer support, whatever that looks like or means, to you. Life can be challenging, but it’s important for me, to let you know you are not alone. ‘You have but one wild and precious life to live’, let’s work together to make it beautiful.”

    Rebekah is a recent transplant from Manhattan, a mother to a singleton and twins, dog mom, lover of music, the beach and obsessed with reading.

  • Elena Senseman, Pre-Licensed Clinician, MSW Intern

    Elena is a pre-licensed professional currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and her license in clinical social work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Restorative Justice from University of Saint Joseph where she developed a passion for early intervention methods and treatment for children who are having emotional and behavioral challenges.

    Elena is dedicated to providing impactful therapeutic services to children, adults, and families in order to empower them to find their most fulfilled and productive selves. She has a certificate in Expressive Therapies and incorporate a variety of creative, evidence-based interventions into her work with clients. Additionally, she utilize solution-focused modalities such as psychoeducation and skill-building exercises, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

    She has experience working with children at different stages of development, with different developmental abilities and a variety of behavioral needs and diagnoses. She is a trauma-informed professional and employs a humanistic, integrative approach that is always centrally focused on a client’s individual needs and goals.

    As a mother of two herself, she value children as the most important treasure in the world. Their healing and growth is essential to happiness and health for the entire family.

    For all clients, she is here to walk with you through this process of finding and sustaining wellness.

  • Heba Khalil, M.A. School Psychology, National Association of School Psychologists, Sixth Year Certification, Pre-Licensed Clinician

    Heba is a pre-licensed clinician currently continuing her education at the University of Bridgeport. Heba received her masters degree and sixth year certification in School Psychology at Fairfield University. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Central Connecticut State University. Heba’s previous experience includes three years of being a school psychologist in both urban and suburban areas. She has a background in understanding Individualized Educational Plans and 504 plans for children K-12.

    Heba believe that working on your mental health will heal you from the inside out. She enjoys utilizing mindfulness while working with others. She has training in dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She believes therapy is a space anyone can go to unpack the chaos that we can feel internally during certain points in our lives. Therapy gives you the tools in order to help you uplift yourself and reach your highest potential in handling everyday life stressors. Heba looks forward to being a part of your journey and watching you grow.

    Heba speaks Arabic, was born in Egypt, loves cats, and just became an auntie.

  • Virginia Debernardo, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Virginia is an LMSW clinician who received her master’s degree in social work with a concentration in trauma from Chamberlain University. Her experience includes a decade working with children and families in their homes and with individuals with substance abuse and addiction.

    Throughout her career, she has worked with clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, cognitive limitations, special needs including Down syndrome, autism, and other mental health diagnosis.

    Virginia incorporates therapeutic models and interventions to fit her clients’ needs, leaving no client left behind. She believes in the adage, “Nothing changes if nothing changes,” and because of this, she consistently works with clients to transform their lives. She hopes to work with you to identify areas of potential change, personal growth, and healing and to help you become the best version of yourself.

    Virginia is a mom of three young children, a wife, a daughter, a friend, and a therapist. In her spare time, she loves dancing, watching her sons play baseball and her daughter dance, and spending time with her family back home in Staten Island, New York where she was raised (Let’s go Mets!). She enjoys taking family vacations and traveling the world with her husband.

  • Daisy Abbott, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    For the past 20+years, Daisy has worked as a clinical Social Worker providing therapy to a wide variety of people from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.

    Personal issues or stressful life events can come up at any point in a person's lifetime. It can become overwhelming managing thoughts, feelings or situations; therefore, having support can bring clarity and provide opportunities for new solutions to emerge.

    Daisy provides her professional knowledge to support her clients to overcome barriers that have impacted their ability to reach and sustain their desired goals. She builds on the therapeutic relationship by learning about your strengths, challenges and aspirations.

    Daisy’s therapeutic approach stems from a strength based and humanistic position based on the ideas that people are doing the best that they can, want to improve, and are capable of change. She believes by offering different perspectives, establishing goals to increase self-awareness and adapting positive behavioral patterns an individual can improve their functioning and quality of life.

    She incorporates a variety of interventions that include: cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed approaches, LGBTQIA+ affirming/competent, parent management training, and solution-focused therapies. She works with individuals, couples and families.

  • Nicole Mercadante, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Nicole is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Connecticut and New York. She received her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University.

    Connecting with the right therapist is so important. Finding someone who can help you find the words to describe your experience, identify solutions to your problems, and develop strategies to reduce your stress. When you connect with the right person you know because you feel less alone.

    Nicole has experience working with teens and adults who faced challenging problems. Together we find strength in the struggle, strategies to manage it all, and ways to feel more connected. What she loves most about being a therapist is the possibility for change. Her goal is to create a safe environment to collaborate and meet all your needs together.

  • Nicole Coppack, Licensed Master Social Worker

    “The only way out is through. The only way through is together” -John Green

    As a dual licensed (NY/CT) therapist, Nicole’s focus is to help you get through your frustration, anxiety, pain, anger, or sadness so that you can get out, heal, and you can start anew.

    Nicole does this by helping her clients develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors with cognitive-behavioral techniques and other modalities suited to their specific needs.

    As a Licensed Master Social Worker who graduated from Fordham University with a dual major in clinical practice and human services management, Nicole has worked in various settings including, private practice, community mental health centers, non profits and schools. Nicole has experience working with all ages.

    Nicole’s areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, life transitions (moving, job change’s, relationship stressors), stress/burnout and general well being.

    When Nicole is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, traveling, doing Pilates and lots of self care!

  • Layla Hansen, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

    Layla (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate LPC-A, who obtained her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut StateUniversity.

    Layla has a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Creative Media and Creative Writing, which informs her core belief that healing becomes accessible and tangible through art.

    She has experience working with people experiencing co-occurring diagnoses in residential and outpatient facilities. She practices through a multiculturally competent, trauma-informed lens while continuing to listen to and learn from her clients, the experts of their own lives.

    She has experience working with substance use, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, PTSD, people experiencing homeless/housing crises, people experiencing poverty, and people with legal and DCF involvement.

    Layla’s fundamental therapeutic goal is to meet clients where they’re at, utilizing therapeutic techniques best compatible with her clients’ needs.

    Layla tends to focus on providing a safe space for clients to explore their experiences and emotions in hopes of guiding them to their natural voice: intuition.

    Layla balances humanistic, holistic, and clinical interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative therapy, Existential Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and the power of sitting quietly to listen.

    Layla sees the world through a passionately poetic lens who also, hikes, bikes, and roller blades. Layla has also dabbled in comedy, finding peace in laughing at herself. When she isn’t sitting beside you or chasing the sun, Layla is brainstorming ideas and singing impromptu ditties in her car for the psychoeducational musical she has always wanted to write but has yet to begin.

  • Juliana Barron, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

    Juliana is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A who has earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Bridgeport. Her Bachelor’s degree in Communications was received at Southern Connecticut State University.

    She is a certified kids yoga instructor and loves to incorporate mindfulness in her techniques. She has years of experience working with the youth, adolescents and families with communication, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma and many more. She uses empathy, humor, active listening and focuses on building relationships and comfort with clients.

    Juliana is a dog mom to an adorable cockapoo named Leo. She loves to travel, is a huge foodie and has a huge sweet tooth. She loves listening to music and hanging out with friends and family. She is also a person who incorporates self care while balancing having fun while also enjoying being home snuggled up in her blanket watching tv shows.

  • Brittany Weintraub, Licensed Master Social Worker

    “Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it”

    Reaching out to a therapist for support might be something you’ve considered for a while. It takes courage to reach out. Counseling is an aspect of healthy living that can help restore balance and peace internally. The process can be exhilarating, challenging, and profoundly rewarding as you gain clarity through increased awareness.

    Brittany is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Connecticut. She received her Master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. Brittany has worked in various setting including non-profits, outpatient programs, private practices, and as a school social worker in the public schools. Brittany has experience working with all ages.

    Brittany offers a person centered approach in a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming and supportive. I actively engage in session focusing on you and your needs. Together we identify stressors, stuck points, fears feeding anxiety, and develop coping skills which are key for mental harmony.

    Brittany’s areas of expertise include fertility/assisted reproduction, postpartum support, anxiety, depression, relational issues, work issues, burnout/stress, post traumatic disorder, and life transitions. I will utilize evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

    Brittany is a new mom to her 9-month old daughter, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a therapist. In her spare time, she loves exploring new restaurants with her husband and watching their daughter try new foods & seeing things for the first time. She enjoys Broadway shows, watching reality shows like 90-day fiancé, and loves reading suspense books. Most importantly I enjoy a hot cup of coffee every morning.

  • Shamaree Brissett, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

    Shamaree is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), who has earned her dual Master’s degrees in Counseling: Mental Health Counseling and Marital, Couple & Family Therapy from Barry University. Her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology & Human Development were earned at Connecticut College. Shamaree also completed a blended learning program at The Buehler Institute where she obtained 150 hours of instruction in sex therapy and care knowledge.

    Shamaree has experience working in a variety of counseling settings, including substance abuse treatment centers, behavioral health clinics, educational institutions, and a prison. She has also worked with a culturally and racially diverse population of adolescents and adults.

    Shamaree believes that everyone, as well as every relationship, is different and therefore requires support that is tailored to the individual. She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship as a foundation. In her work, Shamaree incorporates several evidence-based interventions most of which stem from the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Bowen Family Therapy, Solution Focused Counseling and Motivational Interviewing.

    She has experience working with mental health concerns such as anxiety, co-occurring disorders, mood disorders, and trauma. She also works with relational concerns and life transitions such as family dynamics, infidelity, sex and intimacy issues as well as communication and boundary issues.

    When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, and listening to 90s & 2000s Hip-Hop and R&B.

  • Waltecia Stephenson, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Waltecia Stephenson is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has a Master of Science in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. She enjoys working with adolescence, families, couples, and adults in a wide range of ages.

    Waltecia has a wide variety of experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, personality disorder, self-harm/suicidal ideations, substance/alcohol use, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, developmental disabilities, and more. Waltecia meets her clients where they are, she believes her clients are the expert of their own lives!

    Waltecia utilizes a client – centered, humanistic approach, mindfulness, family-systems, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. Waltecia has experience in group work, mental health services, case management, residential settings, and school-based clinics in addition to extensive inpatient hospital experience.

    Her personal interests include spending time with her family, especially her husband and children, as well as shopping, reading, and going to the gym.

  • Christopher Sagar, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Chris (he, him) is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW). He has a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work. Chris takes an eclectic, strength-based approach with clients, joining them in exploring what is working for them, where they would like to see change, and what that change might look like.

    Whether he is working with an individual, a family, or a group, Chris works collaboratively with clients to find the right approach(es) to address their needs. He believes the most important thing he can do is meet you where you are and create a space that feels safe and holding to you.

    Chris is invested in listening to understand what a client’s needs and wants are, tenacious in finding and exploring resources and supports, and committed to supporting the empowerment of clients.

    He has experience working with children, adults, and groups, and has a passion for education. Chris believes we all have something valuable to teach each other. He is on a mission to educate people about grief. He believes grief is a natural reaction to loss, whether that loss be death, or any change that has a significant impact on us. Even positive losses can produce grief.

    Chris’s previous experience includes working in a child guidance clinic, teaching and advising college students, and running grief groups for children and adults.

  • Chanel Morton, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Chanel is a licensed master social worker who received her graduate degree from Sacred Heart University School of Social Work, and received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iona University.

    Upon entering the field, Chanel provided direct care to adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. It was then she knew she wanted to pursue a degree in social work. From there, Chanel acquired clinical experience working for a DCF funded program titled Multi Systemic Therapy, Building Stronger Families. This program utilized an evidence based model to provide therapeutic services for families struggling with substance abuse and mental illness.

    Chanel also has experience running intensive outpatient groups for individuals with substance abuse disorders and legal involvement. In addition to serving individuals at MJA Behavioral Health and Wellness, Chanel is a school social worker.

    Chanel utilizes the systems approach - analyzing the various external and internal factors that may impact one’s mental health. She uses empathy and active listening, and meets clients where they are at to foster strong therapeutic relationships. She is also a proponent of self care for clients and herself!

    In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

  • Naomi Turner, Psychiatric APRN

    Naomi Turner is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health. Naomi provides medication management as well as behavioral strategies with a client centered approach while treating psychiatric symptoms.

    Naomi believes in a holistic approach to promote optimal mental health and physical wellness. Naomi believes in the importance of working in collaboration with clients, families, and providers toward not only treating and managing symptoms, but improving overall quality of life.

    Clinical specialties include treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

  • Zoe Carona, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    Zoe Carona is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master’s of Social Work degree at Hunter College in New York. Zoe has worked with a diverse population of individuals from young adults and college aged students through senior citizens. Zoe has experience in hospital, community mental health and private practice settings.

    Since earning her degree, Zoe has worked with clients with chronic mental health concerns, anxiety, depression, grief, life transition challenges, trauma and issues around aging. Zoe strives to provide a collaborative and personalized experience for each client by utilizing various modalities, including psychodynamic, strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), polyvagal and mindfulness strategies. Zoe is also in training for EMDR therapy.

    Zoe aims to support clients in achieving growth and healing by creating a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment that will help increase insight and identify strategies that will support clients in creating meaningful change in their lives.

  • Alona Scott, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Welcome to the journey of transformation and healing! Life, much like an airplane navigating turbulence, can leave us breathless. As your guide, Alona is here to help you locate your oxygen mask and prioritize your wellbeing so you can navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

    As a therapist, Alona provides client-centered therapy and believes that successful treatment begins with building a strong client-therapist relationship. From this secure base, Alona believes in empowering her clients to overcome difficulties using a variety of interventions that include: psychoeducation, strength based, Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution Focused therapy.

    Alona has a considerable background working with adolescents (13+) and young adults in residential facilities, community mental health settings, and in-home services. She is well adept in helping clients with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm/suicidal ideations, school difficulties, and relationship challenges-- towards growth and change.

    In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going hiking, exploring new restaurants, and doing pilates!

    Let’s embark on this collaborative journey, where we’ll work together to help you achieve a more fulfilling life. As a team, we can navigate through the turbulence and find the clarity and strength you need to thrive.

  • Karina Vasquez, Licensed Master Social Worker

    Life can be difficult with many trials and tribulations that can cause feelings of overwhelm or hopelessness. Sometimes we all need a bit of encouragement, validation, and a safe space to process these feelings. It may feel like you have no one to turn to or no one who will understand what you are going through. It takes a great deal of courage to acknowledge and seek someone to assist you in addressing these feelings and I would be grateful to have the opportunity to be that person for you!

    As a licensed Master of Social Work, I am dedicated to assisting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families reach their wellness goals. As a partner, daughter, and sister myself, I believe that positive relationships with yourself and with your loved ones can flourish even in the face of adversity.

    I utilize many treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused approaches to treatment. It is my belief that there is no “one size fits all” treatment model that works best for everyone. Instead, everyone deserves a personalized treatment plan that works best for them. I work with diverse populations to ensure that I provide a culture sensitivity to each individual and family that I seek to help. I hope you take the next steps to becoming the best version of yourself when you are ready to do so.

  • Jill Nicolia, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    Jill is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and later earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University.

    Throughout her career, Jill has worked with adolescents, individuals, couples and families. She was employed a s a behavioral health clinician at an agency for over eight years. Jill also has experience working with people with disabilities.

    Jill’s a therapist who listens with an empathetic ear to better understand the client's experiences. She believes in focusing on their strengths and helping them build on those. Jill enjoys getting to know people and is curious about their lives. She shows a compassionate and relatable approach that builds on the therapeutic relationship.

    As an MFT, she focuses on exploring all aspects of a person's life. Part of getting to know a person is to get an understanding of their relationships. She focuses therapy with an emphasis on relationships and family dynamics and looking at patterns of behaviors, and finding solutions to enhance interactions.

    Jill is a mother of two teens. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to concerts (and being a groupie at her husband's gigs), and hiking with her dog.

  • Alyssa Kostopoulos, APRN Intern

    Alyssa has been a Registered Nurse for 10 years and is now working towards her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Alyssa obtained her Diploma in Nursing from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing in 2014 and Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Sacred Heart University in 2018. She recently began the PMHNP program at Purdue University Global.

    Alyssa often cared for patients while working in the hospital and saw how the lack of appropriate outpatient mental health care can impact the person as a whole.

    Alyssa is a mother of a preteen and fur babies. She also recently got engaged! For fun, Alyssa enjoys gardening and going for walks with her family.

  • Jennifer DiSilvio, LMT, RMT, Pre-Licensed Clinician

    “Owning our story and loving ourselves through the process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”- Brene Brown.

    Jennifer is set to earn her master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University in August 2024, specializing in trauma, grief, and bereavement. Jennifer has had 15 years of experience working on multiple hospice teams and as a part of the integrative medicine team at Smilow Cancer Hospital. In addition, she is experienced in working with individuals and groups grappling with grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and serious health concerns.

    She is dedicated to creating a safe space where clients can freely express themselves without judgment, discover their inner strengths, and access the tools needed for their journey. Jennifer employs an eclectic and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring interventions such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and person-centered therapy with a focus on mindfulness techniques and self-care to suit each client's unique needs. Jennifer believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is forged through collaborative efforts, empathy, and active listening.

    Jennifer is also a licensed massage therapist and Reiki master teacher, with extensive training in oncology, medical, and trauma-informed massage therapy. As a nationally certified massage and Reiki educator, she shares her expertise, teaching students how to work safely and effectively with individuals facing various physical and mental health challenges.

    In her free time, Jennifer is passionate about attending live music events, writing, traveling, and spending time with her cats, friends, husband, and two adult children, along with their significant others.

  • Nicole Gregory, Pre-Licensed Clinician

    Nicole is a pre-licensed professional currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sacred Heart University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University where she was on the D1 Equestrian team. Nicole developed a passion for Equine Assisted Therapy and worked with children and teens to learn how to stay in the present and explore their emotions through a strength based approach.

    Nicole uses the strength based approach to help her clients build their self confidence and grow while guiding them through their life’s journey. Nicole has experience working with young kids, teens and adults. She provides a warm welcoming environment where her clients can feel safe and supported throughout their sessions.

    “No matter what someone is going through I will always be here to listen and support them. Every client is on their own journey and I will make sure to find the right approach tailored to them, to ensure they are successful in reaching their goals!”

    When Nicole is not working you can find her riding horses, being out in nature, spending time with her loved ones and going to the gym! She also loves country music and all animals (especially dogs and of course horses)!