Meet our Counselors

Alfonso Perillo, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Alfonso Perillo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose clinical focus is helping individuals cope with depression, anxiety, career/job transitions, and chronic illness. In addition, he specializes in group work for individuals dealing with these issues. He has a  Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College and received his Master of Social  Work from Boston University. Alfonso has completed a Certificate in Executive Coaching from William James College. Lastly, as a Certified Public Accountant, he can help clients cope with issues related to financial health and wellness.  

Alfonso utilizes a collaborative, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based,  solution-focused approach to therapy. He believes that helping clients gain insight into their beliefs and patterns of thinking leads to lasting change. As a result, Alfonso integrates active listening and a non-judgmental approach in his interactions with clients.

Education

Boston University
Masters of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression  
• Anxiety  
• Men’s issues  
• Self-esteem  
• Chronic illness  
• Financial health and wellness  
• Mindfulness
• Work-life balance

 

Cora Spillman, LMHC

Philosophy of Care

Cora Spillman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts who has several years of diverse experience partnering with children, families and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, goal-oriented work, self-esteem challenges, major life transitions, and trauma related issues. She has had the privilege to work in a variety of settings including schools, crisis stabilization, in-home behavioral therapy, and intensive care coordination. Cora completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Assumption College. 

Cora utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches but specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Therapy. Through a relational and collaborative approach Cora will support you in navigating your challenges by seeking to build on your strengths in order to achieve your short and long term goals. Cora is an empathetic, compassionate and thoughtful therapist that believes in a solution focused approach to create lasting change that is individualized to your specific needs. 

Cora seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with her clients in order to empower them and help them grow from the experiences they face. Cora will partner with you in building on your strengths in order to meet your goals and live the meaningful life you value and desire. 

Education

Assumption College
Master's in Clinical Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• ADHD/ADD
• Goal setting and life coaching
• Family challenges and communication issues
• Relationship issues
• Behavioral modification

Edwin Japheth Agbonavbare, CNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Edwin Japheth Agbonavbare is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of  Massachusetts who has about 18 years' experience in the field of mental health as both a  mental health counselor, a registered nurse, and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner  who has worked relentlessly with children, adults, and families seeking help with depression,  anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia spectrum, conduct disorder, oppositional  dysregulation disorder, life transitions, life issues and relationship issues. He completed his  Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salem State University and received his Master of Science  in Nursing from Walden University as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  

Edwin utilizes evidence-based, collaborative, mindfulness based, solution focused and  emotionally focused approaches to therapy always maintaining the creativity, flexibility and  awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and couple. He also  bases his medication prescription technique from experience, and the utilization of evidence based practice to effectively manage the disease process of every individual. 

Edwin seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building  on your strengths and better collaborate with every individual towards meeting their goals and  living their meaningful lives.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Stress management 
• Self esteem 
• Life transitions 
• Anger management 
• Men’s issues 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Mood disorder 
• Schizophrenia spectrum 
• ADHD 
• PTSD

Erin Rauscher, APRN

Philosophy of Care

Being an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with over 30 years of practice as both a Board Certified Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Family Nurse Practitioner, I believe I will be able to help you navigate through complex psychiatric issues.

I perform psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, therapy and counseling.

My philosophy of care is a client-centered approach involving the client’s present set of thoughts, beliefs, relationships, communication skills and behaviors. \

According to Dr. Patricia Allen, one of my mentors:
“The way out of a negative feeling is a positive action”   

Education

Boston University
MSN

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Communication Problems
• Spiritual/End of Life Issues

Jessica Spar, LPC

Life can send you on a whirlwind of emotions and struggles that feel out of your control. Seeking counseling can be nerve wracking and difficult. Jessica helps individuals take back control of their lives. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Certified School Counselor in the State of Connecticut who brings over 20 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, young adults and their families.

Jessica helps individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, as well as trauma and stressor related disorders. Jessica also advocates for children, adolescents, and their family members by accessing appropriate academic supports through the 504 or IEP PPT process. Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Assumption College

Jessica incorporates evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Focused Therapy which creates opportunities for client growth while tailoring counseling to meet each individual’s needs. Jessica strives to assist clients in identifying and enhancing their strengths, setting and achieving their goals, and improving their overall well-being. She offers a safe, warm and welcoming environment that promotes healing and growth.

Jessica's specialties:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depressive Disorders
• Disruptive Behavior Disorders
• Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Certifications:

• Certified School Counselor (068)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Family (CCTS-F)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Sex Trafficking & Exploitation (CCTS-S)
• Certified Depression & Mood Disorder Treatment Professional (CDMDTP)
• Certified Telemental Health Professional

Pinelopi Dovinos, LICSW

Pinelopi Dovinos is a psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Certification in Gender and sexuality (queer studies) & women’s studies from Florida Atlantic University. She is licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. Pinelopi views the therapeutic environment as a place where the utmost care should be taken to create a culturally sensitive and non-judgmental safe space.

She has extensive experience working with adults struggling with addiction disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, PTSD, gender identity, HIV+, LGBTQ+ , low-self esteem, self image, stress management, anger management, couples, bi-polar disorder, coping with life/age transitions, and more. Pinelopi prides herself in using only evidenced based practices; working collaboratively with clients to set measurable and achievable goals.

David Martino, NP

Philosophy of Care

David Martino, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, has provided direct care to patients age 12 years and older for the past eight years. He has extensive clinical experience in diagnosis and medication management, including complex cases with multiple overlapping psychiatric diagnoses, dual diagnosis, and co-occurring medical problems. David earned a Bachelor of Art in English from Regis College, a Master of Theological Studies from The University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Boston College. David’s broad educational background helps him to recognize how psychosocial factors, including trauma, affect a person’s condition and the importance of ongoing evaluation of the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy.

As a member of the LGBTQ community, David is keenly aware of the influence that social oppression and the questioning of one’s own sexual orientation and/or gender identity can have on a person’s well-being and clinical presentation. In session, he makes a point to explore various treatment options, including referral to professionals in other areas of expertise. 

David is committed to helping you meet your goals, not only the ones established at the beginning of treatment but also other goals that you may add as you progress. It is so rewarding to see you thrive!

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood/Bipolar Disorder
• Trauma and PTSD
• ADHD
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s)
• Schizophrenia/Psychosis (qualified to prescribe Clozaril/clozapine)
• Substance Abuse/Dual Diagnosis (Suboxone/buprenorphine provider)
• Co-occurring medical problems 
• LGBTQ, gender identity (transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer)

Elizabeth Essman, LMHC

People seek out therapy for different reasons. You may be experiencing difficulty coping with a life transition, anxiety, depression, stress, changing moods, bereavement, or addiction, or you may just want to learn more about yourself and the way you perceive and interact with the world. Whatever your goals for therapy are—I will create a positive space for you to experience growth and personal fulfillment and we will work together to identify and navigate any obstacles that may be keeping you stuck. I will assist you in developing the tools and skills needed to better understand and resolve your concerns. 

As your therapist I will bring empathy, humor, compassion, and support to our sessions. I deeply value diversity and am open and inclusive. I will use an integrative, evidenced-based approach to meet your clinical needs. Some methodologies I may incorporate in our sessions include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). 

I specialize in helping individuals experiencing hardships, adjusting to life transitions, and having difficulty regulating overwhelming emotions such as anxiety, depression, stress, or grief. My experience has predominately been in providing therapy to diverse populations in mental health, addiction, and crisis stabilization treatment settings. 

You may not know what to expect from therapy or what you are looking for in a therapist. Please reach out online or via phone so I can answer any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. 

Iriny Boules, LMHC

Have you been finding yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Perhaps you have been feeling sad more days than not recently. Maybe you have started to notice that there are pieces of your past that you need to make peace with, or even that your children are having problems with school, peers or emotions. Whether you are having a specific problem you want to work toward solving or just know you would feel better after talking through struggles, changes and challenges, Iriny is here for you.

Iriny works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, substance abuse facilities, and psychiatric hospitals. She tailors her approach to your specific needs and seeks your feedback to ensure that you are getting what you want and what you need out of therapy.

Let's face it - life can be difficult! You do not have to go through it feeling alone or hopeless. Solutions may not come today, but they can start as soon as you reach out. You and Iriny can work together to make correlations between thoughts, emotions and behaviors and create lasting solutions that address the root causes of your struggles.

Specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance Abuse
• Child & Adolescent
• Self Esteem
• Trauma
• Coping skills
• Grief and Loss
• Relationships
• Life Transitions

Kajal Gehi, LICSW

Kajal Gehi is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts with over fifteen years of experience working in the field of psychiatry, and providing psychotherapy to adults and geriatric clients who struggle with mental illness and overall life challenges and stressors. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology in 2001 from Trinity College. She received her Master of Social Work Degree in 2005 from Hunter College-CUNY.

Kajal has trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength-Based Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She has a solid understanding of the efficacy and potential side-effects of psychiatric medications. She is extremely dedicated to this field and enjoys helping people manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. She is goal-driven and has a firm belief in the healing power of psychotherapy.

Kajal strives to collaborate with her clients towards building on their strengths and achieving their goals, so that they can live the lives that they desire!

Kajal’s specialties:

• Bipolar Disorder
• Adjustment Disorder
• Grief and Loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Noelle Kiley, PMHNP-BC

Noelle Kiley is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her education includes a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a psychiatric/mental health specialty from the University of Rochester. Noelle has 12 years experience in the field of mental health, working in a variety of settings. 

Noelle's clinical practice includes psychiatric assessments & diagnoses, patient education, and treatment plans that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual patient. She offers a compassionate patient-centered and holistic approach to medication management and psychotherapy, while also collaborating with the patient's healthcare providers in order to provide comprehensive and safe treatment. Noelle has a particular interest in the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga for a variety of mental health concerns.

Eileen Kardos, LCSW

Eileen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who takes an individualized, culturally sensitive, holistic approach to therapy.  With a warm and compassionate demeanor, she is committed to helping clients achieve desired outcomes without judgement. Eileen has experience working in healthcare and communities, serving a wide array of clinical profiles in the hospital and in the home.  

By integrating a strengths-based perspective with other evidenced-based theoretical models, Eileen can treat individuals or couples struggling with:

• Anxiety
• Autism 
• ADHD
• Substance Use Disorders
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Depression 
• Trauma 
• Mood Disorders 
• Personality Disorders
• Chronic Disease
• Healthy Relationships 
• Motivation 
• Self-Esteem 
• Life Transitions 
• Healthy Lifestyle

Nicole Breen, LMHC

Philosophy of Care

Nicole Breen is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts and has her Master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Springfield College. Nicole has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, adjustment, trauma, and substance abuse. She also has experience with a wide range of social and emotional challenges including but not limited to; relationship conflicts, academic and/or occupational stressors, grief and loss, and life transitions and changes.

Her eclectic therapeutic approach combines aspects of person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and both cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy (CBT and DBT), to offer a personalized, flexible, and collaborative approach to each client. She works diligently to provide a comfortable and safe space for diverse client experiences and needs.

Nicole has previously worked in correctional and higher education settings, working with a diverse range of clients in both individual and group therapy. She also has related experience in school settings and working with children with special needs. Nicole brings compassion and empathy to sessions, and is here to listen, empower, and support her clients.

Education

Springfield College
Master's in Clinical Mental Health

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Academic/Work Issues
• Grief/Loss
• CBT/DBT
• Trauma/PTSD
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Chronic Pain/Illness
• Mood/Bipolar Disorder
• Self-Harm

Theresa Damien, PMHNP-BC

Theresa M. Damien CNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Damien has over 13 years experience as a registered nurse with over 9 years of diverse clinical experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned her degree at Regis College where she was inducted into the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau. Ms. Damien is dually certified as a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse-Advanced Practice and active member of International Nursing Society on Addictions (IntNSA) and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). 

Ms. Damien is a dedicated provider and nurse educator. She continues educate undergraduate and graduate nursing students in the clinical and academic setting. She continues to contribute as a peer content reviewer for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, APNA, and, IntNSA. 

She has worked as a nurse , providing care in medical and mental health settings. Her approach to patient care is patient centered and holistic. Compassion and collaboration are essential to ensure the patient's mental health goals are prioritized. She looks forward to working with you to obtain your best health.

Annette Nazziwa, LICSW

I love working with adults on how to improve family functioning with their children and other family members. I am experienced and certified in family centered treatment. I have worked in the field, gone into people's homes to address the challenges first hand and have been their during times of difficult conversations. During these times, we have addressed enmeshment, boundaries, support, scape-goating among many things. I believe that therapy is a relationship and one has to "join" with the client so as for one to reflect within themselves and make the much needed changes.

I have worked with children, families and the legal system. Through this, I have been exposed to a wide variety to different stressors that clients experience. While working with the clients, I use a humanistic, person-centered, and collaborative approach to therapy that guided clients to discover the power within themselves leading to desired changes.

I have lived experience of what a dysfunctional family looks like and how to conquer growing up in one or living in it every day. I also specialize in acculturation issues with first/second generation immigrants as well as other cross-cultural issues.

Kristen Gonzalez, LMHC

Kristen Gonzalez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. She received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. Kristen understands that everyone’s life experiences are unique therefore, she utilizes a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive approach to meet her clients where they are and to deeply understand her clients’ life experiences and backgrounds.

Kristen’s therapeutic approach is integrative which incorporates psychodynamic therapy to explore clients’ past experiences and its influence on present behaviors, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to change maladaptive patterns of thinking that may impact every day functioning.

Kristen has experience working with individuals from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment, life issues and more. She collaboratively works together with her clients to explore the root of their presenting concerns; to enhance their self-awareness and personal growth; and to develop skills and techniques to alleviate their symptoms.