Executive Clinical Director/Owner
Dr. Heather LaSelle, PhD, LCSW, MS, MPA
Experienced Therapist
In the past 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, RPT
Katie Bartkus, LCSW, RPT
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, RPT
Katie Bartkus, LCSW, RPT
Katie Bartkus, LCSW, RPT
Clinical Director Children & Family Services
Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She is a Registered Play Therapist accredited through the Association for Play Therapy. Katie is a graduate of the accredited Training for Adoption Competency through the Center for Adoption Support and Education, which focuses on providing support for foster and adoptive children and families across the lifespan. Katie brings years of clinical expertise with children, adolescents, adults, and families from working with evidence based models, emergency mobile crisis intervention, residential placements, school and community based programming. Katie believes in the healing properties of play, and allowing play to provide children the language needed to express emotions and heal. 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 client centered, strength-based approach to help individuals meet their goals
Rebecca Russo, LPC
Katie Bartkus, LCSW, RPT
Rebecca Russo, LPC
Clinical Director of Operations
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.
Dana Barker, LCSW
Katie Bartkus, LCSW, RPT
Rebecca Russo, LPC
Clinical Director of Community Services
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.
Clinical Supervisors
Jessica Gaafar, LPC
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Amanda Clavette, LCSW
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.
Amanda Clavette, LCSW
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Amanda Clavette, LCSW
Supervising Clinician
Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Amanda has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families within their homes and community. She has experience as a milieu counselor in an adolescent girls and adult women's group home,
Supervising Clinician
Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Amanda has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families within their homes and community. She has experience as a milieu counselor in an adolescent girls and adult women's group home, worked with community mental health systems, statewide services and home based services. Amanda has experience in both clinical and supervisory roles. Amanda believes in the empowerment of her clients using a combination of trauma based and strengths based approach but recognizes the importance of the individual journey. Amanda has a deep appreciation for work with parents, especially women through perinatal mental health support and parenting transitions.
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.
Casey Nowakowski, LCSW
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Alysha Armstrong, LCSW
Supervising Clinician
Casey received a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Fordham University and continued her education at Fordham to become a Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration.
Throughout her social work career she has worked across the lifespan. She found a passion in working with children, adolescents and families. C
Supervising Clinician
Casey received a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Fordham University and continued her education at Fordham to become a Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration.
Throughout her social work career she has worked across the lifespan. She found a passion in working with children, adolescents and families. Casey views the promise of an improve future through providing skills and tools to support children and families thrive beyond obstacles and challenges. As a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor, Casey has a non-judgemental approach and utilize trauma informed and strengths based perspectives in my treatment. She aims to support and collaborate with clinicians, clients and family members to empower them as they navigate through challenges.
Casey has worked in various settings and programs including a hospital, school, transitional housing, and nonprofit agency. She has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has been trained by Yale in home treatment interventions. Casey is further certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Casey has ongoing experience working with and treating those diagnosed with various mental health disorders, complex family dynamics including abuse and attachment disruptions, and those navigating major life adjustments.
Nicole Kavalan, LCSW
Lauren Gorgone, LCSW, PMH-C
Lauren Gorgone, LCSW, PMH-C
Supervising Clinician
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 experie
Supervising Clinician
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.
Lauren Gorgone, LCSW, PMH-C
Lauren Gorgone, LCSW, PMH-C
Lauren Gorgone, LCSW, PMH-C
Supervising Clinician
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong background in supporting individuals and families through the perinatal period. She holds a BSW from Eastern Connecticut State University and an MSW from Columbia University. Her clinical experience spans work with children, adolescents, adults, and families a
Supervising Clinician
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong background in supporting individuals and families through the perinatal period. She holds a BSW from Eastern Connecticut State University and an MSW from Columbia University. Her clinical experience spans work with children, adolescents, adults, and families across home, school, hospital, and outpatient settings.
Lauren provides supervision to BSW and MSW students, has led a home visiting program for perinatal families, and teaches as an adjunct professor at two Connecticut universities. She earned her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International in 2024 and is trained in Circle of Security. She also facilitates parenting groups and professional workshops focused on perinatal mental health and early parenthood.
Her practice is trauma-informed, holistic, and person-centered. Lauren integrates approaches such as CBT, DBT, Somatic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to create personalized, meaningful care rooted in a strong therapeutic connection.
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) Se habla español
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.
Kristin Rouse, LCSW
Kristin Rouse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep passion for working with children, teens, and families. Her commitment to supporting young people stems from her own lived experiences, which shaped her compassion, empathy, and strong sense of advocacy.
Kristin earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She began her career as a Guardian ad Litem, representing children in foster care and advocating for their best interests in the court system. Her journey continued as a therapeutic case manager, working closely with children in foster care to help them feel seen, heard, and supported.
Driven by a desire to offer more individualized and healing support, Kristin transitioned into therapy, where she now works with children, teens, and their families to process trauma, build healthy relationships, and develop coping skills. She recognizes the importance of family in a child’s healing process and works collaboratively with parents to strengthen connections and promote understanding.
Kristin’s clinical approach is rooted in trauma-informed care and includes modalities such as Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy techniques. She creates a warm, laid-back, and humorous environment where clients feel safe and empowered to explore their experiences and goals.
Kristin believes that every day is a new opportunity to heal and grow. She is dedicated to helping each person she works with feel seen, heard, and accepted for who they truly are.
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, LCSW
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.
Kathleen Turner, LMSW
Bio coming soon!
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.
Abigail Jacques, LCSW
Abby received her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut (GO HUSKIES!) and her Master of Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. Through her time working in Extended Day Treatment (EDT) and a therapeutic day school, she has experience working with children, adolescents, and families for the past 7+ years. Abby has begun to incorporate skilled play therapy techniques into her work with children, as she is pursuing a certification in advanced study in play therapy through Sacred Heart University. She intends to become a Registered Play Therapist after completing this certificate.
Abby takes a strengths-based approach and believes that play at any age is important for learning about yourself, including emotions, self-esteem, and coping skills. She believes that family connections - working to understand each others' strengths and needs and strengthening bonds are important, and she enjoys working with children and families to achieve common goals.
Eva Rosado, LMFTA
Eva is a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with a career spanning over fifteen years of experience working across the lifespan. Eva’s extensive experience and commitment to a systemic approach makes her a valued resource in facilitating positive change for individuals, couples, and families.
Eva earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Central Connecticut State University. Eva’s professional experience includes child protective services and community mental health, providing therapeutic services to adults, children, couples, and families.
Eva’s qualifications and expertise include: depression/mood disorders, self-esteem and confidence building, crisis intervention, trauma, grief, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, anxiety/stress/anger management, communication skills, conflict resolution, gender identity exploration, and relationship/family issues.
Eva has provided psychotherapies utilizing the following modalities; Structural Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Stress Reduction.
Eva’s therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in systems theory, recognizing that individuals are profoundly influenced by their environments and relationships. Eva is passionate about working collaboratively with families, children, and adolescents to address complex challenges and promote resiliency and healing. Eva’s empathetic and non-judgmental demeanor creates a safe space for clients to explore their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Chelsea Powell, LMSW
Chelsea has experience working with children, adults, and families for over 10 years. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University.
Chelsea has experience working collaboratively with children and families through her career experience working in the child protection and juvenile justice systems. Chelsea has additionally worked to support children and their families in navigating, advocating and supporting accomodations in her work within the school system. She has extensive experience working with students with diverse and special education needs within schools and detention facilities.
Chelsea's therapeutic style includes providing a non-judgmental and safe space where individuals can openly explore their feelings and emotions while feeling supported and heard. She believes in utilizing a trauma informed and strengths based approach as well as empowering each client to reach their own goals.
Joseph Baranowski, LMSW
Joe is a Licensed Master's Social Worker with more than 20 years of dedicated experience aiding children and families navigating complex systems, including court and child welfare. With a solid foundation in strength-based, trauma-focused, and relational therapeutic approaches, Joe has consistently served to support and empower individuals experiencing complex challenges, fostering resilience and aiding growth.
Randi Wright, LMSW
Randi received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and her Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. Randi focuses her clinical work on working with children and adults across the lifespan. 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.
Jessica Tresselt, LPCA
Jess has over 17 years of experience working with children in all different capacities including adolescent residential settings, an alternative special education school, and in public schools. Throughout her career, Jess has extensive experience working with children and families in crisis and assisting with navigating systems such as child protective services, juvenile court, and special education service sand accommodations in schools. Jess is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel heard, understood and valued. Jess is deeply passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and sees the importance of incorporating family dynamics into the therapeutic process. With empathy and understanding, Jess works with her client to cultivate self-awareness, foster resilience and promote personal growth. Jess incorporates mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and solution-focused methods into her therapeutic approach.
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.
Paige Pratt, LCSW
Bio coming soon!
Christina Gibson, LMSW
Christina has dedicated her career to working with children and families. She has expertise in working with children who have experienced complex trauma, early adverse experiences, and foster care/adoption. Christina graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph. She completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Saint Joseph. She has over 20 years of experience working in sub-acute and group home settings for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. She has experience working with children with Reactive Attachment, Bipolar and
Depression. Christina is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and has experience facilitating DBT skills groups. She has also worked as a child protective services social worker for children and adults in the DCF and Juvenile Justice Court System. Christina believes in the therapeutic approach using the R.I.C.H. acronym to promote healing. Respect, Information, Connection, and Hope are central to her belief that relationships matter and that relationships heal people. She utilizes a trauma-centered approach in working with children and families.
Ashley Piccirillo, LMSW
Ashley is a licensed master’s social worker and has over 8 years experience working with children and adolescents of all ages. Ashley worked as an intensive in-home child and adolescent clinician for several years. As a therapist, Ashley believes in allowing clients and their families to take the lead on their treatment with gentle guidance from her when it is needed. Ashley can provide support for youth/families going through challenging times and needing a neutral and safe space to work through their thoughts and feelings. At the same time, she also utilizes her more intensive interventions for youth and families presenting with longer-term crisis and difficulties. Due to specializing working with youth, she tends to be creative in utilizing other therapy modalities such as techniques in art-based, drama, and play-based therapeutic techniques. Youth can frequently struggle expressing themselves effectively with their words, so allowing them to utilize other outlets results in gaining some insight about their thought processes and emotions while also giving them some relief of expressing their thoughts and feelings in healthy ways. Ashley looks forward to supporting children and families to achieving their goals.
Jennifer Cotto, MSW Intern
Jennifer is a graduate student at Sacred Heart University and has been working towards her Master's in Social Work since January of 2022. During her time at Sacred Heart, Jennifer has attained membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Naugatuck Valley Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University. She comes to CT Kids Matter with over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations in a various capacities. Jennifer is currently a coordinator for the SNAP Employment and Training Program with CT State Community College NVCC (formerly Naugatuck Valley Community College) and helps to connect adult learners to vocational training programs while also providing case management support. Jennifer has always been passionate about her work helping others and is looking forward to the opportunity to continue to learn and grow with CT Kids Matter. As a clinical intern, Jennifer is working with children and adults, offering probono clinical therapy services, including for individuals without insurance and/or high deductibles. Jennifer anticipates graduating from Sacred Heart University in the Spring of 2027.