Our Counselors

Barbara Stoudmire, PMHNP-BC; APRN

Philosophy of Care

Barbara Stoudmire has always had a love for psychology and nursing. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2008; it was only fitting to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010. In 2019 she combined the love of both disciplines to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Over the past 10 years, Barbara has worked in a variety of settings treating patients at home as well as those in long-term care facilities, performing wound care, IV therapy, and more. As a psychiatric nurse, she has worked on acute stabilization units, dual diagnosis units, and residential treatment facilities. Barbara has worked with patients of all ages and has a unique perception of how medicine and psychology intertwine to affect patients both in a positive and negative way. Additionally, Barbara has been an intricate part of educating Yale Medical Students on recognizing signs of Intimate Partner Violence in patients.

Barbara’s empathy, compassion, and knowledge of the effects of mental illness fuel her drive to work in this field. She has first-hand knowledge of how trauma and abuse can negatively affect one’s mental well-being. As a Domestic Violence Survivor, Barbara understands what it feels like to be unmotivated and saddened to the point of giving up; however, she also knows what it is like to be given hope and renewed strength and guidance through therapy.

Education

Masters of Science in Nursing
University of St Josephs

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Adolescents
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Trauma & PTSD

Carolnette Graham, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Carolnette Graham is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who specializes in helping clients with anxiety, depression, racial and gender identity, women’s issues, sexual abuse, family conflict, divorce, grief, infidelity, life transitions, issues in parenting, relationship issues, and more.

Carolnette received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Services at the University of Bridgeport, then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University. She is a woman of color who has the ability to connect universally with all clients — coming from a Caribbean culture and understanding having to transition and merge two cultures to find a home within herself and her surroundings. Carolnette's passion for helping her clients become their true selves is deeply inspired by the first therapist who helped her to do the same when she was younger.

Carolnette’s primary goal is to help her clients learn and become their best selves through their struggles and experiences. She understands that everyone is different and therefore requires a unique therapeutic approach. Whether it is trauma, depression, anxiety, or simply life’s struggles, Carolnette will work with you to get you through it. Eleanor Roosevelt said you gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.

Education

Southern Connecticut State University
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Coping Skills
• Divorce
• Family Conflict
• Gender Identity/Transgender
• Grief
• Infidelity
• Life Transitions
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD

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

Cristina Perera, LMFT

Philosophy of Care 

Cristina Perera is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has been working in private practice for over 15 years. She has practiced in both Connecticut and New Jersey. Cristina has presented and worked with trauma survivors from 911 and the Sandy Hook shootings.  Her belief is that everyone has individual needs and preferences in therapy, and she works to accommodate everyone.

Cristina has also been a Keynote Speaker on behalf of The National Collation for Domestic Violence working towards empowering Domestic Violence victims assisting them to survivors. Her many years of work with individuals with disabilities has given her a strong knowledge helping people on the Spectrum. She connects and works with her clients assisting them with confidence and support to help them reach their goals is their mission and has provided ongoing Zoom Support for individuals with disabilities during Covid 19.

Education

Southern Connecticut State University
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy

Specialties

• Couples therapy
• ADHD
•  Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar 
• Mood Disorders
• domestic violence victims 
• Learning disabilities
• LGBTQ

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

Elina Flit, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Elina Flit is a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who is experienced in providing diagnostic assessments and counseling to clients with diverse concerns including substance use, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional regulation, career, interpersonal challenges, and LGBTQ+ issues. She attained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University.

Elina utilizes strength-based, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, and dialectical behavioral approaches to therapy, which she tailors to the unique needs of each client. She is fluent in English and Russian.

Elina focuses on building an accepting and caring relationship with you. She will collaborate with you on ways to enhance your strengths and apply them toward creating positive and meaningful changes in your life.

Education

Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Alcohol Use/Addictions/Substance Use
• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Anger
• Behavioral Issues,
•  Stress
• Trauma and PTSD
• Women’s Issues/Men's Issues

Eshe Hamilton, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Eshe Hamilton is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) who specializes in working with school-aged children, adolescents, and adults experiencing difficulties such as stress, anxiety, trauma, behavior issues, and inter-relational conflicts. Eshe completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Human Service at Post University. \

Eshe offers an unbiased and integrative counseling approach that is supportive in helping you feel secure and empowered to create changes in your current circumstances and generate feelings of happiness. Understanding that challenges and difficulties present for us all, Eshe’s goal is to help you become inspired to create positive change and confidence in the ability to make those changes.

Education

Post University
Master of Science in Counseling and Human Service

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Anger
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Family Conflict
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Parenting, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
• Racial Identity
• School Issues
• Self Esteem
• Stress
•  Trauma and PTSD

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 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

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+

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

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

Rita Charles, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Rita Charles is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Art Therapist Permit in Connecticut. Rita has years of experience working with at risk youth, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and substance use. Rita completed her Bachelors of Arts at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT and received her Masters degree at College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York.

Rita utilizes a collaborative approach to therapy from play therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavioral, and emotional based approaches. Rita believes in being transparent and challenging you with support to explore deeper into finding the root of what is causing the challenge into your life.

Rita seeks to build trust, understanding, communication, advocacy, and coping skills to help you with reaching your goals.

Education

College of Mount Saint Vincent
Masters Degree

Specialties

Ismaila Musah, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Ismaila Musah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has extensive experience working with children. He has a broad base of counseling experience with; children, adolescents, adults, and families in different settings such as outpatient, community setting, and residential. He believes in creating an open, safe, and judgement free environment with clients clients; and is multiculturally competent as well. 

My therapeutic approach include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Solution Focused, and also an Eclectic Approach based on the needs of her clients.

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Mood Disorders 
• ADHD 
• Behavioral issues 
• Family issues 
• Anger Management
• Trauma

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

Jeffrey Harris, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jeffrey Harris is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut with a wealth of knowledge connecting with adolescents, adults and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship issues. Jeffrey completed his Bachelor of Science from SUNY Oneonta in New York and received his Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Bridgeport.

Jeffrey takes a client centered strength-based approach to meet the needs of each client. Utilizing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy approaches to Jeffrey’s therapeutic style has supported him in connecting with every unique individual. He is creative, caring, flexible and works to collaborate with each of his clients towards client meeting their treatment goals.

Education

University of Bridgeport
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self esteem
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Men’s issues
• LGBTQIA+ 
• Substance Abuse

Joseph Seele, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Joseph Seele is a Licensed Professional Counselor with thirty years experience. Joe has a comprehensive understanding of mental health and substance abuse systems of care. HE received his BA from ECSU and received his MS in community mental health, specializing in clinical psychology with adults, from Trinity College of Vermont. Joseph is a Cognitive Behavioral based therapist. It is Joe's firm belief that through the use of best practice models and solution focused approaches, positive outcomes will be achieved. Strengths based perspectives allow for all talents and skills of the individual to be part of the solution. Joe's a firm believer that the key to success is a strong therapeutic relationship. He utilizes a holistic approach in developing strategies that best address client needs.

Education

Trinity College of Vermont
Master's in Community Mental Health

Specialties

• Substance abuse issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Couples issues/relationships

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+