Meet Our Providers

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
Masters of 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
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective

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

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 Hichar, PMHNP

Jennifer Hichar is a board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who is trained across the lifespan. She is dedicated to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care within a holistic approach to treatment. Before working as a PMHNP, Jennifer was a registered nurse at Yale Health Center’s COVID-19 Resource Line. She has extensive experience providing quality care to patients within the telehealth model.

In 2017, Jennifer graduated Cum Laude from Occidental College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During 2018 & 2019, she studied to become a registered nurse at Yale School of Nursing’s GEPN program. Jennifer went on to pursue her Master of Science in Nursing at Yale School of Nursing, and graduated in 2021 as a board-certified PMHNP. In addition to treating patients at Thriveworks, Jennifer provides care at Yale School of Medicine’s outpatient psychiatric clinic.

Jennifer believes in the importance of listening to patients and respecting their unique experiences. It is her mission to provide non-judgmental care delivered with respect and empathy.

Education

Yale School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• 18+ Medication Management

Jennifer Kowalski, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jennifer Kowalski is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut with over 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction services. She 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 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 of 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 believes that we all have a responsibility to make the life we want regardless of our circumstance, and with encouragement and acceptance we can all be empowered to change. 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 Science in Community Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Psychology

Specialties

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

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

Arthur Gary Stewart, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Gary Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in CT, who has several decades of experience partnering with adults, adolescents and couples seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma and related issues. He completed his Master of Social Work degree at Southern Ct. State University in New Haven.

Gary utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, collaborative, strength-based, mindfulness-based approaches to therapy. He believes that the formation of a trusting, caring relationship with you is essential to helping clients meet their life goals.

Education

Southern Ct. State University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief & Loss
• Substance Abuse/Dependence
• Stress & Anger Management
• Child Welfare System Issues

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

Have you been having a hard time lately? You don’t have to struggle alone. The first step toward feeling better can be challenging, so let’s take it together. It’s okay to need a little extra help!

Kate Hanselman specializes in working with healthcare workers, educators, and those in the helping professions, though she serves all ages and demographics. Whether you’re looking for support with an ongoing issue, or this is your first time seeking help, she will meet you where you are, and together you will decide on a plan that fits your needs.

Kate prioritizes a collaborative approach and offers honed clinical expertise, a dynamic set of tools including medication and therapy, and a firm belief that you are the expert on your own life. In addition to medication management, she provides thorough, holistic care by using CBT, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and mindful approaches to better understand and target the root causes of your distress.

Kate is a board-certified PMHNP and received a Master’s in Nursing (PMHNP) 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, Kate 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. That includes you. Come on by and let’s talk.

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+