Meet Our Providers

Naina Rana, Supervisee in Social Work, LMSW

Philosophy of Care

Naina Rana is a Licensed Masters Social Worker who specializes in trauma, substance use disorders, disabilities, multicultural perspectives, domestic violence, and geriatric populations. With her technology background working as a Lead Training Coordinator in a SaaS startup, Naina also brings years of experience from the field of workplace and occupational wellness and counseling.

Naina completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology at Southern Connecticut State University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University while simultaneously completing a certification in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counseling from Gateway Community College.

Naina seeks to establish a safe therapeutic relationship with you in order to make sure you are comfortable and feel open to sharing any and all of your underlying concerns. She will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing trauma-focused, strength-based, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and interpersonal-focused approaches to therapy. By maintaining a collaborative approach and working one on one with clients, Naina uses her experience to best meet the needs of each unique individual and couple.

Education

Master of Social Work
Fordham University

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Anger
• Coping Skills
• Family Conflict
• Life Transitions
• Mental Stress
• Racial Identity
• Relationships
• Self Esteem

Ashley Przekopski, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Ashley Przekopski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience working with adults seeking help for anxiety, depression and life transitions. She has a masters degree from the University of Connecticut in Social Work. Ashley uses cognitive behavioral, strength based and solution focused techniques to help each individual work towards their goals. Ashley believes in developing a caring and warm relationship to help you work towards achieving your goals. She takes a collaborative approach to therapy to create the best treatment for each individual and help build upon your identified strengths.

Education

University of Connecticut
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life transitions
• Stress management

Christina Cano, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Christina Cano is a bilingual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for patient centered, culturally diverse and holistic care. Christina began her journey into the mental health care field working for Fairfield County’s top Behavioral Health Centers; including Stamford Hospital, Hartford Healthcare and Yale New Haven Hospital, in which she was the charge nurse of several inpatient psychiatric units. Over the years, Christina has had the opportunity to provide treatment for individuals who suffer from a wide variety of acute and chronic mental health illnesses in multiple psychiatric settings amongst long-term care, dual-diagnosis, outpatient, home care, and case management. 

With Christina coming from a family of health care professionals specializing in the field of psychiatry, education and mental health care has always been a great passion of hers. In 2013 she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and through her years of experience at the bedside, she became aware of the immense need for mental health clinicians. Christina also discovered the heavy impact of psychiatric providers in healthcare, which lead her to pursue a master’s degree at Fairfield University as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2018. 

Christina believes in affording her patients with dignity, compassion, and respect by offering coordinated and personalized care, support, or treatment. She takes pride in supporting her patients in recognizing and developing their own strengths and abilities to enable them to live an independent and fulfilling life. Christina emphasizes individuality, independence, privacy, partnership, choice, dignity, respect, rights, equality, and diversity in providing treatment for every individual. This bilingual mental health clinician has experience working with Spanish-speaking patients and is proficient and fluent with providing treatment in this population’s native language. Se habla español!

Education 

Fairfield University
Master's Degree

Specialties

• Anxiety Disorder
• Depression Disorder
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Eating Disorder
• Adjustment Disorder
• Addictive Disorder
• Adolescent Psychiatry 
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Dual Diagnosis
• Conduct/Disruptive Disorder
• Acute Stress Disorder/Management
  
• Panic Disorders

Dorothy Washington, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Dorothy Washington is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) and Masters and Doctorate prepared nurse in the state of Connecticut who has 20 years’ experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, and many other Severe and Persistent Mental Illnesses.  Dorothy completed her Masters in Nursing (MSN) at Sacred Heart University, then went on to obtain her Doctorate of Nursing (DNP) at Chamberlain University, and eventually obtained her certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.  Dorothy is a Board Certified PMHNP by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Dorothy’s approach is a collaborative, patient focused evidenced based approach, with an empathetic awareness of the patient needs which includes maintaining patient’s confidentiality, dignity, and respect. Dorothy’s overall approach is to work with the patient to help them live what they consider to be there best life.

Dorothy will seek to maintain a collaborative, caring, trusting and professional rapport with you in order to meet your emotional, and mental health needs so that you can live your life with the feeling of normalcy that you deserve.

Education

Sacred Heart University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Sleep Disorders
• Stress
• ADHD
• PTSD

Dr. Chidinma Gubor, DNP,APRN,PHMNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Chidinma Gubor is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Connecticut. Broadly-trained with a general neuropsychiatry background, she addresses depressive disorders, anxiety-based disorders, trauma-based disorders, ADHD, women’s issues, life transitions and an array of mental health challenges. Her framework of treatment is centered on a biopsychosocial and holistic perspective. Clinically prepared to serve clients across every age and demographic, she specializes in working with professionals, healthcare providers and students. 

Chidinma’s services include evaluation, diagnosis, education and treatment utilizing evidence-based, contemporary clinical approaches to address an array of mental health challenges. She specifically employs psychopharmacological interventions to alleviate symptoms, behavioral management strategies to support ongoing stabilization, and supportive psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management.

Chidinma prioritizes a collaborative clinical approach, with the firm belief that progress in managing mental health challenges can be achieved through mutual-commitment of both client and provider. Through compassionate engagement and understanding, defined individualized treatment goals, careful selection  of appropriate evidence-based treatment approaches and consistent monitoring and evaluation to measure progress towards positive changes. 

Education

Fairfield University
Doctorate of Nursing Practice

Specialties

• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety-based disorders
• Trauma-based disorders
• ADHD
• Women’s issues
• Life transitions

Furne Carrier-Valentine, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

I have been a Registered Nurse for 15 years and in psychiatry for 13 of those years, serving young people who have experienced trauma, including neglect, physical, and/or sexual abuse, and as a result, may suffer from associated symptoms.

As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and very soon, doctorally prepared, my specialties include the treatment of childhood trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and ADHD in adolescents, young adults, and older adults. I provide mental health exams, treatment of uncomplicated episodic mental health issues, continuing care for persons with stable chronic mental health conditions, minimizing the need for frequent hospitalizations. I also enjoy an alternative, holistic approach to pharmacology.

Through a trauma sensitive and client centered approach, I look at psychiatry through non-judgmental, existential and holistic lens, always connecting the mind and the body. My goal is to work alongside you, helping you to meet your personal goals to wellness in whatever way it looks like to you. I have a warm and informal approach. I listen with compassion, kindness and respect. I hope you will allow me to guide you to a better understanding of your own strengths and abilities, leading to your fulfilling life.

Education

University of Saint Joseph
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationships
• ADHD
• Coping Skills
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Parenting
• Self Esteem
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD

George Ramos, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

George Ramos is a board certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of Connecticut with a great passion for holistic and patient centered care. He completed his bachelor’s in arts at the College of the Holy Cross and transitioned to the nursing field where he completed his degrees in nursing from Gateway Community College and Western Governor’s University. He wrapped up his education at Eastern Kentucky University where he received his psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree. Over the past four years, George has worked as registered nurse both in the hospital setting at Yale New Haven Hospital as well as a rehabilitation center. Through his years of experience at the bedside, George has become more aware of the great need for mental health professionals in the health care system. George loves to learn about people and is genuinely motivated to help people with their mental health needs.

George uses collaborative, solution focused, and evidence-based research to medication management while maintaining flexibility, patience, and professionalism that is necessary to best meet the needs to every unique individual.

George believes that patients are an integral part of the treatment team, and he makes sure that each of his patients are given the education and resources needed to make the best possible decisions in their care.

Education

Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• ADHD
• Obsessive compulsive disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Self-esteem
• Life transitions

Jennifer Kowalski, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jennifer Kowalski is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Connecticut with over 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction services. Jennifer believes that we all have a responsibility to make the life we want regardless of our circumstances, and with encouragement and acceptance, we can all be empowered to change.

Jennifer has received her Master of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. She has certificates in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. Jennifer’s theoretical orientation is existential in that she believes that while we cannot control many of the things in life that cause pain, we are able to control the way we think about them.

Jennifer understands that there are situations that cause unavoidable discomfort, and the goal is not always to be happy. Sometimes the goal is to find a way forward and therapy is a modality that allows one to navigate their way through a life-changing situation. Jennifer seeks to work together to focus on your strengths to find opportunities for growth, and when you are ready you will set goals that positively impact your future.

Education

Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Community Mental Health Counseling
Master of Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Parenting issues
• Relationship issues
• Work/school issues
• Stress management
• Greif/loss
• Life transitions

Julia Girardin, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Julia Girardin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a primary background in medical healthcare. She provides support for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, grief/bereavement, chronic illness, life transition, addiction/substance abuse, and an array of other issues. Her ideal client is looking for a space to explore a deeper understanding of him or herself as well as willing to put in the work.

Julia received her Master of Social Work from SUNY Albany. She is an old soul who is also young at heart — as a result, she connects with what seems like all ages and lets her clients direct the conversation. Together, Julia and her clients work to make a plan and see it through. She will connect with you on a basic, human level and create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.

Education

SUNY Albany
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Alcohol Use/Addictions/Substance Use
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Behavioral Issues
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Parenting, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
• Relationships
• School Issues
• Self Esteem
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD

Kate Hanselman, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Kate Hanselman is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with adults and seniors who are dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, transgender issues, grief, sexual orientation issues, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger issues, dysfunctional relationships, ADHD, behavioral issues, women’s issues, and more.

Kate earned a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Science from King’s College London. With over a decade of experience in mental health as a nurse, a first responder in New York, and a health professions educator, she is particularly passionate about working with health care workers, educators, and those in the helping professions. She has a unique familiarity with the challenges particular to these roles. Especially now, with the pandemic increasing stressors and diminishing opportunities for coping, everyone needs and deserves a little extra help.

As a PMHNP, Kate prioritizes a collaborative, creative approach. She offers honed clinical expertise, a dynamic set of tools including medication and therapy, and a firm belief that each person is the expert on their own life. Kate provides thorough, holistic care by using CBT, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and mindful approaches to better understand and target the root causes of distress. You do not have to struggle alone. Whether you’re looking for support with an ongoing issue, or this is your first time seeking help, Kate will meet you where you are, and together you’ll decide on a plan that fits your needs.

Education

King’s College London
Master’s in Science

Specialties

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• PTSD and trauma
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Grief & Loss
• OCD
• Insomnia/sleep issues
• Coping skills
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Stress
• Medication Management
• School Issues
• Transgender
• Parenting
• LGBTQ+

Marcia Hughes, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Marcia Hughes is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Connecticut and holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies. She has twenty-five+ years of experience dedicated to promoting well-being for individuals and families from backgrounds and lifestyles of all kinds. In providing therapeutic care, she seeks to understand how beliefs, motivations, and day-today functioning develop in particular contexts. Marcia has supported individuals seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship or family issues, trauma, and parenting concerns.   

Marcia is passionate about helping people feel empowered to solve problems and create change that is meaningful to them. She uses elements of narrative, intra-psychic, attachment/relational, intersectionality, ecological, solutions-focused, mindfulness/spirituality, cognitive-behavioral, and trauma-informed approaches in her practice, as relevant for individual or couple interests and needs. 

Marcia sees the therapeutic-client relationship as a partnership, helping individuals and couples build on their strengths. She works to establish a warm and supportive collaboration with you by closely listening and taking an interest in your struggles, achievements, and goals, and helping you to explore and pursue new possibilities for yourself. 

Education

University of Connecticut
PhD in Human Development and Family Studies
Master of Social Work

Specialties 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Couples/Family Relationships
• Parenting/Parent-child Relationships
• Life Transitions
• Identity Development/Intersectionality
• Trauma
• Grief/Loss

Mekessia Richards-Carby, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Mekessia is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APRN) who is dedicated to treating mental illnesses  and relieving mental distress through an integrative and holistic approach. She works in partnership to help each client attain their individualized goals.

Recognizing that treating psychiatric illnesses requires a comprehensive approach, Mekessia focuses on the bio-social model of care. Mekessia prescribes medication to treat a variety of mental disorders in a judicious manner and with careful consideration of the patient as a whole. She is experienced in treating Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, psychosis, Eating disorders, ADHD and substance abuse as well as other conditions.

Mekessia is an experienced clinician who carries with her, the insight into the challenges and stressors that many of her patients experience. Mekessia offers compassionate care and is dedicated to helping patient live their healthiest lives. 

Education

Walden University
Master of Science in Nursing 

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Divorce
• Eating Disorders
• Emotional Disturbance
• Grief
• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Relationship Issues
• School Issues
• Self Esteem
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Trauma and PTSD
• Women's Issues

Shaina Jackson, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Shaina Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut. She graduated from Capella University with her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works with a variety of clients from different backgrounds with diverse needs and has a strong desire to understand things from other points of view. Shaina works particularly with clients who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety or are dealing with the everyday stresses of life. She has over a year of experience working with adults seeking help with depression and anxiety accompanied by substance use.

Shaina can help to establish different coping strategies and help her clients to see their strengths to overcome challenges they face at home or work or anywhere. She also wants to help couples to rediscover their happiness and overcome the challenges they may be facing. Shaina's goal is to empower her clients to be their best selves and advocate for themselves in their daily lives.

Shaina seeks to provide clients with an environment where they are able to express themselves without judgment. She strives to create a space where it is more like a conversation allowing her clients to take control of the session. Shaina focuses on clients' strengths and helps them to look at the victories rather than the defeats no matter how small. She encourages and empowers her clients to discover their motivation and take control of their lives. Creating a warm and open relationship is important for this to work and Shaina prioritizes the relationship with every client.

Shaina has a passion for helping others and providing counseling sessions to clients who need to express themselves. She has had her fair share of struggles and was able to develop ways to cope with those struggles. She values the therapeutic relationship and understands that this could take time but she is willing to provide a caring and open environment to allow for that to happen.

Education

Capella University
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Speciatlties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationships
• Coping Skills
• Life Transitions
• Self Esteem
• Stress

Wesley Jones, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Wesley Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-confidence, and life transitions in adolescents and families. Wesley has extensive experience working with adolescents and families who are involved with Child Protective Services and the Judicial System and who struggle with academic/career planning and access to resources.

Wesley completed his Master of Science (MS) in Human Services and his Graduate Certificate Program in Professional Counseling at Post University. He has a considerable amount of experience working in various capacities in the field of human services, which has equipped him with valuable skills to help individuals and families meet their needs. His real-world experiences as a Black, multicultural man from the inner-city, combined with his education and work experience, creates an opportunity to build meaningful therapeutic relationships to inspire others to achieve their goals.

Wesley seeks to provide people with a safe space to be open and honest about their life experiences and provide therapeutic supports that are tailored to their unique circumstances. His counseling approach centers around respect, active listening, empathy, and building a healthy and productive therapeutic relationship. Wesley believes that emotions are a part of the human experience and people are unique in the ways they're expressed. Therapy could provide you with a safe space to be open and honest about your feelings and gain insight, understanding, and awareness to manage them and improve your overall wellness. Wesley’s counseling style will make you feel respected, heard, and empowered to address your concerns and have positive outcomes.

Education

Master of Science in Human Services
Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling
Post University

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Behavioral Issues
• Relationships
• Self Esteem

Susan Cutillo, LCSW, LADC

Susan Cutillo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Susan earned her MSW in 1992 and has over 28 years of providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Susan believes in “meeting the client where he/she is” and working closely with the client to obtain symptom management, happiness, and life goals. Before joining Thriveworks, Susan worked with children and adolescents in the outpatient setting and worked with adults in both the outpatient and hospital settings. Susan has extensive experience assisting clients with life transitions, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, low self-esteem, personal growth, trauma, bipolar disorder, women’s issues, and chronic mental illness. Susan has worked with clients of all ages and in all stages of life and has provided counseling in all modalities; individual, group, couple’s and family. 

Susan's specialties include:

• Life transitions
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Anger management
• Low self-esteem
• Trauma
• Bipolar disorder
• Women’s issues
• Chronic mental illness

Kate Hanselman, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Kate Hanselman is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with adults and seniors who are dealing with a wide variety of issues, including family conflict, transgender issues, grief, sexual orientation issues, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger issues, dysfunctional relationships, ADHD, behavioral issues, women’s issues, and more.

Kate earned a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Science from King’s College London. With over a decade of experience in mental health as a nurse, a first responder in New York, and a health professions educator, she is particularly passionate about working with health care workers, educators, and those in the helping professions. She has a unique familiarity with the challenges particular to these roles. Especially now, with the pandemic increasing stressors and diminishing opportunities for coping, everyone needs and deserves a little extra help.

As a PMHNP, Kate prioritizes a collaborative, creative approach. She offers honed clinical expertise, a dynamic set of tools including medication and therapy, and a firm belief that each person is the expert on their own life. Kate provides thorough, holistic care by using CBT, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and mindful approaches to better understand and target the root causes of distress. You do not have to struggle alone. Whether you’re looking for support with an ongoing issue, or this is your first time seeking help, Kate will meet you where you are, and together you’ll decide on a plan that fits your needs.

Education

King’s College London
Master’s in Science

Specialties

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• PTSD and trauma
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Grief & Loss
• OCD
• Insomnia/sleep issues
• Coping skills
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Stress
• Medication Management
• School Issues
• Transgender
• Parenting
• LGBTQ+