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 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 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.

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.

“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.

“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 Clinical 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!

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 is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She earned her master's degree from Fordham University after completing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Restorative Justice from University of Saint Joseph where she first developed a passion for therapeutic intervention methods for individuals who are having emotional and behavioral challenges.

She 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.

Elena has a certificate in Expressive Therapies and loves incorporating creative, evidence-based interventions into her work with clients. Additionally, she utilizes solution-focused modalities such as psychoeducation, skill-building exercises, CBT and DBT. As a mother of three herself, she values 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

“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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Clinical Social Worker, 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 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 as 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.

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

Jennifer earned 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 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)!

Krystal’s approach to healing begins with a mind-body-soul connection. When a person feels understood, heard, and safe, that is when their resilience shines through and they can begin to grow.

Krystal finds joy in supporting her clients as they navigate life's challenges and transform them into opportunities for personal growth. She takes great pride in guiding her clients as they discover their path to enhance their overall well-being.

We are all travelers on this journey through life, and she is here to support you as you take control of your own unique path. Drawing from her background as a first-generation Albanian American, a crystal healer, and a former chef, she brings a diverse range of experiences to her clinical work.

As a mother to two wonderful daughters, her children have illuminated herj own path and fueled her passion for helping others.

With a Master's in Social Work from Fairfield University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University, she brings a strong educational foundation to her practice.

Additionally, she is a Certified Crystal Healer from Evolve Healing Institute. She has a specialized focus on working with first-generation individuals and families, assisting them in exploring their cultural identity, values, and expectations throughout their life journey.

Additionally, she has experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and life changes. Krystal takes a spiritually holistic approach through diet, yoga and meditation while incorporating CBT & DBT interventions. In the therapeutic space, we have the opportunity to become our most authentic selves. Moonlight & Love

Most people looking for therapy have survived several losses and traumatic experiences by the time they reach adulthood. Mariska will help you define what healing looks like for you - maybe you want closer relationships, better boundaries, more motivation, a good night’s sleep, pain relief, or feeling more present in your daily life.

Mariska’s life approach is rooted in self-compassion. She began learning its power years ago as a musician, director, and curriculum developer in Southern California, where she worked with K-12 students, women's choirs, and the LA & Long Beach Opera houses. While getting her bachelor’s of music (BM) at HARTT Conservatory and doing grad work in Amherst at UMass, she was music director at a church in Avon, CT.

After teaching for 25 years, Mariska was ready to help people differently. She received her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certification in Trauma Counseling from Antioch University, New England. She is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and is training to become a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP).

Mariska’s professional interests as a therapist revolve around sexuality, helping individuals impacted by trauma and loss, and serving the LGBTQIA+ community at large. While she does sex therapy with clients of all backgrounds, as a lesbian, Mariska is passionate about helping bring congruency with one’s sexual self and trauma healing within her queer community. In addition to working with individuals and couples, she is passionate about group therapy work.

Mariska practices through an existential DBT lens, focusing on self-compassion and creating a life worth living. Her style integrates neuroscience, trauma research, humor, and mindfulness practices. She also incorporates innovative treatments, such as driving anxiety therapy and expressive arts.

Mariska loves woodworking and growing succulents. If meeting with her virtually, you will likely meet Sigmund and Suzie Q, who love stopping by and purring in the camera.

Marissa is a pre-licensed professional currently working on her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University and her license as a Professional Counselor. Marissa received a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology from Sacred Heart University.

Marissa developed a passion for the helping profession through her work with children with autism as well as with a non-profit focused on mental health for incarcerated clients transitioning back into the community.  These experiences strengthened her commitment to mental health awareness and treatment.

Marissa has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in the in-home psychiatric setting. As a former IICAPS Mental Health counselor, Marissa has experience with disorders such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. She also has experience with family treatment and is familiar with various types of family systems. 

Marissa has training and interest in working with LGBTQ+ populations, children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Throughout her life,

Marissa has built the ability to connect with others on both professional and personal levels and is excited to bring this skill to MJA.

Exhibiting core conditions such as empathy, genuineness, and openness is important to Marissa and she wants her sessions to be a safe place for individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Alexandra O’Malley is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over five years of experience in the field of psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fairfield University in 2015 and her master’s degree in nursing from Regis College in 2021.

Alexandra started her psychiatric nursing career at Massachusetts General Hospital, part of the Harvard Medical System, working both in the emergency department and on the inpatient unit. It was here that she developed a passion for the field of psychiatry and returned to school to pursue her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing.

She started her career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner over two years ago at a busy community mental health center in the Boston area. She treated a wide range of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, substance use and more.

She worked closely with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, and administrators to collaborate care for her patients. She focuses on medication management with an emphasis on a collaborative care approach.

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.

Sarah Zoubaa is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over eight years in the field of psychiatry. She earned her bachelor's degree in brain and behavioral sciences from Purdue University, then earned her first master's degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and finally completed her psychiatric nurse practitioner degree at Yale University.

Sarah developed a passion for psychiatry beginning in undergrad where she first worked on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Since then, she continued to seek opportunities to work in the field throughout her schooling across multiple settings, including suicide hotlines, transitional group homes, and criminal justice re-entry programs. She also received training in an outpatient community mental health center, forensic state hospital, and emergency department during her training to become a nurse practitioner.

Since completing her training, she began treating adolescents in juvenile detention using both pharmacological and therapeutic interventions, targeting depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. In addition, she worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital treating adults with a wide range of disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, substance use, personality disorders, etc. to achieve acute stabilization. Sarah is continuing her career at Connecticut Valley Hospital treating those with severe and persistent mental illness.

Sarah is a passionate advocate for collaborative care. She embraces a holistic approach, recognizing the value each discipline brings to treating the whole person. However, she firmly believes that the most important person in one's mental health journey is themselves. Sarah is dedicated to ensuring her clients always feel like equal partners in their care.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, yoga, baking, and spending time with her dog Jax!

Monique is a pre licensed clinician who earned her sixth-year certification from the University of Bridgeport, CT. Monique received her Master’s Degree in School Psychology at Long Island University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Southern Connecticut State University.

For the past 4 years, Monique has experience working with urban and suburban public schools as a School Psychologist. She is skilled in a variety of assessment methodologies, behavior management, counseling techniques and data-based decision making. Monique strives in fostering a collaborative approach to meet developmental, social emotional and educational needs of children in all settings.

As a therapist, Monique’s main focus is to help individuals identify and change challenging emotions, thoughts or behaviors to help improve the quality of life. Monique utilizes a person-centered therapy approach to help clients gain control over their lives, helping them find the courage and self-esteem to be the master of their destinies.

She enjoys utilizing motivational interviewing within her sessions to elicit and help support a person’s motivation for change. Along with that she also has training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and trauma informed approaches.

She has experience with working with individuals with developmental delays, anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD. Monique also has experience working with elementary aged children, adolescents, young adults and couples.

Monique is a family oriented person that loves adventures as well as being a foodie. Monique is also big on traveling during her free time, she looks at traveling as a form of therapy.

Habbiegale Brown obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Fairfield University. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, Habbiegale extends a warm and compassionate hand to guide clients on their journey towards healing and growth. Specializing in addressing substance use and mental health concerns, Habbiegale provides a therapeutic space where individuals can explore their experiences with profound understanding and unwavering support.

Using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy, Habbiegale collaborates with clients to uncover strengths, overcome obstacles, and foster positive change in their lives.

Habbiegale's primary goal is to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust and empathy, enabling clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a secure and nonjudgmental environment. Together, Habbiegale and clients navigate challenges with compassion and resilience, cultivating hope and empowerment every step of the way.

Alison is a licensed Acupuncturist in the state of Connecticut and is a National Board Certified Diplomate of Acupuncture with the National Certification Commision for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

She completed a three year Master’s Degree with over 600 hours of clinic experience in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at the University of Bridgeport after a life-long interest and passion for holistic health and wellness.

Prior to studying Chinese Medicine, she spent a year as an apprentice at the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine. In addition to doing acupuncture, Alison has taught yoga and meditation, and studied Craniosacral therapy with the Upledger Institute and incorporates yoga and craniosacral therapy into her practice. has worked in a number of different medicine clinics and brings a holistic and integrative approach to each of her patients.

Nicole is a pre-licensed professional pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. Nicole has led a fast-paced career in the garment district before having children and moving to Connecticut. Nicole’s teenage daughters have motivated her to pursue counseling and her passion for connecting with individuals.

Nicole’s approach is person-centered, and she possess a deep sense of empathy and unconditional positive regard for others. She has an innate ability to see various perspectives and understand the emotions and motivations behind them. She aims to convey her empathy while individualizing treatment using a clients strengths, CBT techniques, mindfulness, and more.

Together, we can find your path and begin to heal and grow. Nicole offers a safe space for adults, adolescents, and children to explore feelings, build coping skills, and improve daily functioning.

Luana is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has received her master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in psychology at Southern Connecticut State University. Luana is a firm believer in meeting people where they are to fully comprehend one’s trials and tribulations, all while providing a safe and judgment free space. 

Since receiving her bachelor’s degree she has been providing teens the guidance, understanding, tools to improve in overall family dynamic, and managing mental health. Luana started her journey in the mental health field as a technician working her way up to becoming an experienced therapist helping those with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use  Personality and Mood disorders in a neighboring residential facility for the past five years. 

Luana’s approach to therapy includes building a therapeutic alliance, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy to ultimately develop new skills in hopes to ease day to day struggles.

Luana has a love for animals, nature, traveling and spending quality time with friends and family. 

Laura is a passionate and deeply empathetic Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, dedicated to guiding clients on their personal journeys toward healing and growth. With a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology from Pace University and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University, Laura combines her knowledge and experience with a heartfelt commitment to helping individuals and families overcome life's struggles.

Laura’s holistic approach is grounded in creating a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. She understands the unique challenges that individuals face and works closely with them to foster self-awareness, resilience, and lasting change. Laura has a passion for helping clients navigate anxiety, self-doubt, low self-esteem, trauma, and major life transitions. Laura is here to walk beside you as you uncover your strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and rebuild confidence.

Using a blend of Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Laura helps clients identify and address the emotional triggers and thought patterns that affect their well-being. Her holistic approach recognizes that true transformation impacts all aspects of life, and she strives to help clients not only overcome difficulties but also thrive with a renewed sense of purpose and self-empowerment.

Laura is deeply committed to helping individuals regain control of their lives by offering personalized tools, mindfulness techniques, and strategies for stress management. She believes that every person has the capacity for growth and healing, and she works collaboratively with clients to help them set meaningful goals and take actionable steps toward their desired transformation.

Outside of counseling, Laura cherishes her role as a devoted Godmother and deeply values her close relationships with family and friends. She enjoys working out, running, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors. She likes 80s/90s music and loves to laugh. During her down time, Laura also cooks, and spends days at the beach reading.

Trystan is an LCSW from Connecticut. She attended UConn for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and completed her Master's in Social Work at Sacred Heart University. Most of Trystan's experience has been working with children, adolescents and young adults. Trystan also has experience running bereavement groups and has a certification in Grief Counseling.

For Trystan, a strengths-based approach is often used with her clients and she believes in the importance of empowering them to meet their own goals.

Trystan has experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, ASD and eating-disorders. Some of her treatment modalities include: CBT, DBT, play-therapy, psycho-education, solution-focused therapy and ACT.

Trystan has worked in various settings including: non-profits, schools, outpatient centers, hospitals and community agencies. Trystan has experience working with individuals, parents, families and groups from diverse backgrounds.

For Trystan, one of the most important factors in seeking mental health treatment is finding the provider that is right for YOU. Please don't let that discourage you! Sometimes it takes a few tries until you find a therapist who you 'click' with, someone who 'gets you' and can help you help yourself. It is so important to her to have honesty, an open-mind and healthy communication in the therapeutic relationship.

She strives to make her clients feel comfortable and safe while in therapy and will support you at each step of your healing journey. She strongly believe in meeting clients where they are at and assisting with finding the right tools to improve your well-being.

Outside of work, she enjoys taking aerial fitness classes, reading, spending time with family/friends, doing arts & crafts and shopping! She has a pet cat and a bunch of plants that she tries to take care of. This year, she is planning a trip to Italy where she will be taking a course in Authenticity Therapy and gets to spend a week with other therapists! (Italian food is her favorite). 

Vanessa (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has received her Bachelors in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and Masters in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. 

Vanessa began her career at a non-profit organization for early childhood education, where she fell in love with helping young children, families and the community. Vanessa has over 10 (+) years of experience working with children, ranging from ages 4-18, in both private and public school districts. Since earning her degree, Vanessa has worked in private schools as a School Social Worker, where she obtained her Yale RULER Certification, which is an approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) that teaches emotional intelligence to people of all ages, with the goal of creating a healthier society. She has experience working with developmental delays, depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, trauma, family conflict and other mental health diagnoses. 

Vanessa blends a combination of modalities including; Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Vanessa firmly believes, “therapy is unique and designed differently for everyone” therefore individual treatment plans are specially crafted for YOU the client! Vanessa believes it’s important for clients to feel safe, supported, and empowered. Vanessa’s goal is to help clients navigate through life challenges and transition into a happier and healthier state. 

When Vanessa is not working she enjoys going to the beach, painting, being with friends and listening to Taylor Swift, (yes, she is a “Swiftie”)