416 Highland Avenue Building B, Cheshire, CT
Executive Clinical Director/Owner
Dr. Heather LaSelle, PhD, LCSW, MS, MPA
Experienced Therapist
In the last 20 years, I have focused my career on working with children and families navigating overwhelming stress and life challenges. I have worked in group homes, residential settings, therapeutic schools, EMPS mobile crisis, as an IICAPS clinician, in psychiatric inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and with criminal justice systems, DCF (child welfare) and Juvenile Justice systems. I understand the systems and can help you and your child(ren) to navigate them while working towards your individual goals.
During times of crisis, overwhelming emotions can result in feelings of disconnection and isolation. Individuals and families struggle with knowing who to turn to, who they can trust, and how to move forward.
Know you are not alone. Know there is help. You deserve relief and support.
As a qualified Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am trained and skilled in methods to help you navigate your individual and family complexities, repair and restore positive relationships, build connections, and manage daily obstacles.
My therapeutic style is trauma informed, relationship and solution-focused, based on developing and repairing connections. I am both Yale and Harvard trained in treatment models and evidenced based treatment and research with expertise in treating:
ADHD
Complex Trauma / PTSD
Conduct Disorder / Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Disruptive Behaviors
Mood Disorders/ Bipolar
Depression
Anxiety
Postpartum Depression/Anxiety
Pregnancy Loss & Infertility
Reactive Attachment Disorder
Foster Care/Adoption related stress
Self-esteem
Divorce
Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence
Family Conflict and Mediation
Bullying
LGBTQIA+
Grief
Parenting
School related concerns
Behavioral concerns
Truancy, school phobia, school anxiety
Acute hospital level training and experience in treatment of youth and adults with:
Co-occurring disorders
Addiction
Suicidal Ideation/Attempts
Self-injurious / Self-harming behaviors
At-risk and high risk adolescents
Human Trafficking Survivors
You Matter.
You should never feel as though you "have" to attend therapy. Continuing to attend therapy when you don't feel connected, or are not making the progress or getting the results you want can feel like a waste of time.
Don't waste any more time. Work with someone who will help you to support a path to your goals, identifying and addressing the barriers to individual success and outlining a plan to healthy functioning, life satisfaction, and happiness. This can happen in as many or as few sessions as you would like.
Kids Matter.
Children can often become confused by therapy. Sometimes they internalize feeling as though they are "different" or "bad" as a result of engaging in therapy. As a result, some children and adolescents become resistant to engaging in treatment programs. I am happy to meet with you and your child to interview if I am the right fit to support your needs. I am willing to meet at your home or my office to support your child's engagement and involvement towards feeling better - because they deserve it.
Education Matters.
Children deserve Free and Appropriate Public Education. Education is a right of all children in the United States that is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Connecticut can do better in providing all students with safe and supportive educational opportunities in least restrictive environments. I am interested in supporting you and your child to achieve their full potential.
Clinical Directors
Erin Byrne, LPC
Katie Bartkus, LCSW
Katie Bartkus, LCSW
Clinical Director Adult & Adolescent Services
Erin received her Master's Degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive training and experience working with individuals and couples of all cultures and demographics to improve their lives. Erin works from a trauma-informed lens providing strength-based and individualized services for each person. She looks to assess unique needs, skills and strengths and works collaboratively with individuals and families to develop plans to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Erin specializes in working with men, women, couples and parents to improve communication and make changes in their lives that lead to empowerment, happiness, and success!
Katie Bartkus, LCSW
Katie Bartkus, LCSW
Katie Bartkus, LCSW
Clinical Director Children & Family Services
Katie received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Katie has worked with children, adolescents, and families in the home, school, community, and residential placements. She has experience as a Milieu Counselor in an adolescent girl’s group home, an Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) mental health counselor, a Care Coordinator, a Family Social Worker in an adolescent girl’s respite program, an Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS) crisis clinician, an outpatient clinician, a Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) clinician at a juvenile boy’s residential program, and a school social worker. Katie places a strong focus on taking the time to build trust and foster a strong therapeutic relationship in order to work on the goals that the client identifies. She aims to use her knowledge of client and community systems and a strength-based approach to help individuals meet their goals.
Katie is currently in the process of certification as a Registered Play Therapist.
Rebecca Russo, LPC
Katie Bartkus, LCSW
Rebecca Russo, LPC
Clinical Director of In-Home & Community Services
As a clinical supervisor Becky brings years of clinical expertise derived from years working within Yale Intensive in home child-adolescent psychiatric services, Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, and outpatient clinical practice. Becky is a certified Nurtured Heart Approach® trainer and incorporates this approach into her clinical intervention, Becky's work with children and families is rooted in empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. Becky strives to create a safe, collaborative and supportive environment where our individuals feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings, and where they can develop the skills and tools they need to thrive.
Clinical Supervisors
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Supervising Clinician
Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. Jessica is an experienced clinician with a history of working with children, adolescents, adult
Supervising Clinician
Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. Jessica is an experienced clinician with a history of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families addressing various mental health issues and needs. Jessica previously worked as a crisis clinician providing family-based mental health counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, and case management services to children and families. Jessica aims to help clients improve their quality of life and work through the various challenges they may be facing, by providing a safe and comfortable environment, guidance to self awareness, and strategies to a more positive self care lifestyle.
Abby Brewerton, LPC
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Supervising Clinician
Abby Brewerton is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State University and Master’s Degree in Counseling from American International College. Abby’s experience and training ha
Supervising Clinician
Abby Brewerton is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State University and Master’s Degree in Counseling from American International College. Abby’s experience and training have included intensive in-home treatment programs for individual and family challenges, substance use, victims of crime, intimate partner and family violence, and intensive outpatient treatment with diverse needs and accommodations.
Abby’s therapeutic style provides a non-judgmental and safe atmosphere for clients to openly explore and work through both their past as well as a current emotional state while focusing on unraveling/challenging ingrained beliefs and negative patterns that may be keeping them from positive change. She believes in offering a holistic approach to client-centered therapy using various evidence-based techniques including Trauma informed interventions, CBT, DBT, Family Therapy, Attachment based interventions to assist in self growth and healing. Her training and work experience include treating personal trauma, trauma and child development, attachment issues, anxiety, healing from addictive behaviors, relationship hardships, navigating life transitions, and self-care/wellness improvement.
Dana Barker, LCSW
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Erin Gionfriddo, LCSW
Supervising Clinician
Dana is an experienced social worker who received her Masters in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University in 2016. She completed internships in the school setting and in extended day treatment from children ages 5 to 17.
Dana has experience working with children, adults and families in a variety of settin
Supervising Clinician
Dana is an experienced social worker who received her Masters in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University in 2016. She completed internships in the school setting and in extended day treatment from children ages 5 to 17.
Dana has experience working with children, adults and families in a variety of settings including managing in home programs for adults and children with disabilities. Dana has experience with group therapy including facilitating life skills groups, social groups, Dialectical Behavior Groups for Children, groups for children who have witnessed domestic violence/intimate partner violence as well as experience facilitating Intensive Outpatient Treatment for adults and children.
Dana has experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, resiliency, ADHD/ADD, anger management, stress management, self-esteem, parenting, bullying, divorce, co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and addiction and postpartum depression.
Dana uses a variety of evidenced-based practices that are person-centered and strengths based. She will work together to find the right approach for you.
Erin Gionfriddo, LCSW
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Erin Gionfriddo, LCSW
Supervising Clinician
Erin believes that we could all use support and guidance when life becomes challenging. Seeking help is the first step in working through some of these struggles. Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field. Erin earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Central Co
Supervising Clinician
Erin believes that we could all use support and guidance when life becomes challenging. Seeking help is the first step in working through some of these struggles. Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field. Erin earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, with a specialization in Children and their Families. Erin’s professional experience includes working in the child protection field for over 15 years, and most recently within the public school system, providing counseling services for general education, special education, and students with diverse needs.
Erin has experience working with both children and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges, as well as children and adults involved with DCF, the court system, families experiencing domestic violence, divorce, adoption/foster care, behavioral concerns, and families in crisis. Erin understands the challenges and hardships that many children, families and individuals face in our world today and utilizes a strengths-based approach. Erin believes in the value of establishing a trusting, caring therapeutic relationship in order to help facilitate the learning, growing, and healing process.
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Supervising Clinician
Alysha has experience working with children, adults and families for 15 years. Alysha received a Bachelors Degree in social work from Western New England University, a Masters Degree in Human Services with a clinical focus from Post University, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University.
Alysha has
Supervising Clinician
Alysha has experience working with children, adults and families for 15 years. Alysha received a Bachelors Degree in social work from Western New England University, a Masters Degree in Human Services with a clinical focus from Post University, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University.
Alysha has experience working in the child protection field for over 10 years, as well as within school systems, specifically with special education students, for 3 years. Throughout her career, Alysha has gained extensive experience working with children and families in crisis and assisting with navigating systems including but not limited to child protection, juvenile and adult court systems, schools, public assistance and community services.
Alysha utilizes a trauma informed and strengths-based approach in working with her clients. She values the importance of understanding a person's culture, values and perspective in order to work together effectively to resolve issues and empower the children and adults she works with.
Dr. Ronald Brone, PhD
Dr. Brone obtained his PhD in clinical psychology from Fordham University in 1993, and has been a practicing, licensed psychologist for the past 23 years. He has experience with clients of all ages and with all types of psychiatric symptoms. Over the past 20 years, however, he has specialized in working with adolescents and their families. In particular, he has extensive experience working with adolescents presenting with aggressive or challenging behaviors and in helping individuals and families navigate safely through acute emotional crises. While Dr. Brone primarily utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach, he adjusts his style based on the individual needs of the client. Above all, Dr. Brone believes that the basis of any effective therapy experience rests on building a trusting, supportive relationship with the therapist.
Ellise Vasquez, LMSW
Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish/English)
Ellise received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Ellise has experience as an Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) mental health counselor working with both children and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health disorders including: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and Trauma. Ellise also has experience working with children and adults who are sysetm involved including the court system - through probation and parole as well as extensive work with DCF involved families. Her expertise includes specializing in treatment of individuals who have been victims or a witness to physical, emotional, sexual and domestic violence. Ellise supports her clients through trauma informed treatment interventions and developing a healing therapeutic alliance centered on client goals and strengths.
Carrie Miranda, LCSW
Carrie Miranda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of behavioral health experience working with all ages in a multitude of settings including individual outpatient counseling, hospital and community crisis centers, residential facilities, and intensive in-home services for children and families. Carrie specializes in working with older adolescents and adults with depression and mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-injurious behaviors, and crisis situations. She has extensive knowledge working with children and families involved with DCF and Foster care and/or adoption and also specializes in Reunification work.
Carrie utilizes a strengths-based approach, helping to enhance self-esteem and empower individuals to reach their full potential. She strives to provide a calming and supportive environment so individuals can feels comfortable and safe. She makes use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Based Interventions.
Carrie is also trained in Positive Parenting
Techniques.
Kori Kermashek, LMSW
Kori graduated with a Master in Social Work degree from Fordham University. Her professional experience includes supporting children and adults through complex trauma, adoption, adverse experiences, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and foster care/adoption. She has advanced expertise in treating court and system involved youth and families (DCF, DMHAS, Juvenile Justice, Parole/Probation).
Kori is an expert witness through State of CT Juvenile Court with experience with highly complex family and juvenile court cases. She is committed to providing a healing space for treatment to diverse children, indiidual and families and specifically focuses on first responders, child welfare workers, and law enforcement.
Sarah Schmidt, LMSW
Sarah has been a Mental Health Therapist for over five years.
She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from North Carolina State University. She has practiced in various settings inclusive of foster care, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatien therapy practices. Sarah has confidence in her ability to provide excellent support in delicate situations. Sarah believes the most successful treatment begins with a foundation of trust, respect, and
collaboration between patient and clinician. When working together - the wellness journey will be guided by client/family decisions; including style of therapy, treatment goals and most appropriate intervention/methodologies used. Sarah seeks to offer support, guidance, a safe place for self- discovery, reassurance of your abilities, and celebration of your triumphs, failures and resiliency. Sarah works with children, adults and families.
Karen Mayo, LCSW
Karen received her Bachelor's degree in social work from Southern Connecticut State University where she also minored in psychology and graduated with her Master's in Clinical Social work from Fordham University. Karen has over six years clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and families, treating a myriad of psychiatric disorders. She uses a trauma informed, brain-based approach to assessing and treating clients, and educates families on the importance of attachment on relationships across the lifespan. She prefers using multi-modal therapeutic approaches and draws from Humanistic theory, attachment theory, neo-Freudian psychodynamic theory, and solution-focused therapy. Karen incorporates some interventions in sessions based on internal family systems and dialectical behavioral therapy. She recently earned her certification in Integrative Medicine through Evergreen Certifications and is in the process of becoming a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II). Karen also explores the benefits of neuro-feedback with clients who may be interested in this treatment option to address the effects of trauma.
Lauren Scharn, LCSW
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a natural passion to help and support others. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Eastern Connecticut State University and her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, and has over 5 years of experience providing a wide range of counseling services to children, adolescents, families and the aging.
Lauren has worked in various settings as an Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) Clinician, a Counselor at a Cancer Treatment Center, a School Social Worker, and an Outpatient Therapist at two Youth Service Bureaus in Connecticut. She has experience both with individual and family therapy as well as facilitating therapeutic groups and creating summer programming for youth.
When working with individuals, Lauren believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to providing effective and comfortable support for her clients. She utilizes a strengths based, person-centered approach to “walk with” individuals through their journey to support them in achieving their goals.
Heidi Taggert, LPCA
Heidi graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelors of Science in Community Health. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Counseling & Human Services. Her experience working with children and families covers the entire lifespan. She has worked in community mental health, elder care, a therapeutic shelter, and case management for individuals experiencing complex dual diagnosis and medical condition comorbities. Additionally, Heidi was Yale trained as an IICAPS providing intensive in home interventions for children and families with children presenting with acute mental health concerns. Heidi draws from broad experiences to support individuals and families in reaching their goals through individually focused and evidence based interventions to support treating trauma, attachment challenges, grief, depression, anxiety, attention/focus challenges, communication breakdowns, sel-esteem, parenting support, and life transitions. Heidi is also skilled in supporting individuals motivated to maintain sobriety and move forward towards healing, working through unresolved emotions to support acceptance and dissolve pain, shame, and hurt.
Sherine Robinson, LMSW
Sherine Robinson is a professional with a passion for helping others maximize their full potential in accomplishing life goals. She believes that everyone deserves a fair chance at life and to succeed. Sherine received her Bachelors of Arts in Education and has over five years of experience working with children, focusing on the importance of healthy attachments, bonding, and how the family system function through working with prenatal mothers and children. Sherine enjoys supporting and educating families in child developmental stages, delays, milestones, and family unit support. Sherine enjoys supporting families to set realistic goals and connecting them with the needed resources.
Sherine is in her final year completing a Masters in Social Work at the University of Saint Joseph. She has gained knowledge and experiences of being a Clinical Social Worker and employing different therapeutic approaches for the success of therapy. Her philosophy is that there is no “one size fits all”. With that in mind, everyone is unique and every individual, family, and group situation requires their own strategy, techniques, and interventions for favorable/desirable outcomes. Sherine enjoys learning and supporting diverse individuals, groups and families across Connecticut.
Nicole Kavalan, LCSW
Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for helping others. Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and her Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University. Nicole has worked with clients across the lifespan and has a wealth of experience in both clinical and supervisory roles. Nicole has worked with community mental health systems, statewide services and home based services. Nicole has extensive experience working with individuals with psychiatric illness, co-occurring disorders, and behavioral issues. She also has experience working with families who have overcome or been faced with addiction issues as well as Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA).
Nicole uses a combination of a trauma based and strength-based approach to work with individuals to help them achieve their best quality of life. She likes to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients and collaborate together on the client's recovery. Nicole likes to think outside the box and develop individualized treatment interventions using a holistic approach. She has a strong focus on empowering the client and incorporating self-care techniques. Nicole strives to provide a safe space for her clients and values the importances of understanding a person's culture and beliefs.
Jennifer Easter, LMSW
Jennifer is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker who has 14 years of experience working with children, adults, and families. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Social Work at Central Connecticut State University with a focus on children and families, and went on to receive her Masters in Social Work at
University of Saint Joseph with a focus on clinical social work.
Jennifer’s work experience includes providing mental health services in settings such as in home (Care Coordination for adolescent focused work), Foster/Adoptive Family work, systems based (DCF, collaboration with juvenile justice systems), community based (Shelter Advocate, Substance Abuse
Treatment, etc.) and in school setting. Jennifer’s expertise thus far has been working with children, adults, and families in the areas of crisis/self-harm, trauma, anxiety, grief, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (neurodiversity), substance abuse, domestic violence/intimate partner violence, foster/adoptive permanency, adolescent focused educational social work, and career/re-employment counseling. In practice, Jennifer has provided psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem Solving Therapy, Harm Reduction Techniques, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Based Stress
Reduction. Jennifer uses a strengths-based approach with each client collaboratively, to help define their personal goals while celebrating each person’s resiliency. Jennifer believes that seeking support to improve oneself can be challenging, overwhelming and at times terrifying, however until one takes the first step out of bravery, they can begin to see their potential for growth.
Joseph Baranowski, LMSW
Bio coming soon!
Amanda Clavette, LCSW
Bio coming soon!
Monique Cancel, LMSW
Bio coming soon!
Raenette Riddick, LMSW
Raenette Gatling Riddick, LMSW is an experienced Social Worker with over 23 years experience working with children, families and couples involved with Child Protective Services. Raenette received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Springfield College. Raenette has an extensive background in child welfare working with children and families who are in crisis due to substance use, mental health, and Intimate Partner Violence issues. Raenette additionally has been a leader in training and educating the child welfare community around issue impacting families with
a focus on Racial Justice. Raenette specializes in Christian Counseling, focusing on the connection between one’s emotional /psychological well-being and their faith. Raenette is a passionate person who uses a Client-Centered approach in working with children and adults alike.
Randi Wright, Clinical MSW Intern
Randi received her Bachelors of Social Work degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is currently attending the University of Kentucky as an advance standing clinical student and will obtain her Master of Social Work degree with a certificate in clinical social work in May 2024. She is committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults build healthier relationships with themselves and others. She utilizes a person-centered and genuine approach to counseling to collaborate with individuals in reaching goals identified by the individual and/or family. Randi strongly values the ability to grow and continues to improve and train for new certifications in order to better benefit her clients and her overall therapeutic practice.
Christina Gibson, MSW Clinical Intern
Christina is in her final year at the University of Saint Joseph pursuing a Masters of Social Work with a clinical focus. She has extensive experience working with children and families within the child welfare system, in foster care, and in need of intensive therapeutic interventions. Full Bio coming soon!