Meet our staff

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

Elizabeth Thompson, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Liz Thompson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She received her Masters in Social Work from Boston College and her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Quinnipiac University. Liz has worked with individuals in various settings including the hospital, partial hospitalization programs, and inpatient psychiatric facilities. She has extensive experience in working with eating disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, crisis, adjustment to life threatening illnesses, and life transitions. While she has worked with all age groups, her specialty is adolescents and young adults. 

Liz believes in bringing transparency, authenticity, and a little humor into the therapeutic space. She believes that therapy should be a space for clients to express their truest self and feels that creating a safe and supportive environment is the best way to ensure this. Liz places a strong emphasis on her therapeutic relationships so that her clients feel respected, appreciated, and understood. 

Liz utilizes various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Grief Counseling, Client Centered Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques to best support clients. Liz is flexible in order to meet the unique needs of each of her clients and utilizes a holistic approach to set clients up for success.

Education

Boston College
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Eating Disorders
• Grief and Loss 
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions

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

Leslie Goodhue, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Leslie Goodhue is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Massachusetts. She has worked in a variety of settings with diverse populations across the lifespan, facing acute medical concerns, substance use disorders, child protection issues, mental illness, end of life, and bereavement. Leslie obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Maine and went on to get her Master's in Social Work at Salem State University. 

Leslie approaches each client from a strengths based perspective and utilizes cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and solution focused therapies. Creativity, humor, flexibility and compassionate care are important to her. She excels at creating a safe and accepting environment to meet the unique needs of each individual/family in a respectful manner. She recognizes that your goals are extremely important! She will work collaboratively with you, and empower you to accomplish the changes you wish to see.

Education

Salem State University
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Adjustment Disorders/Life transitions
• Bereavement 
• Medical Trauma 
• Stress management 
• Crisis Intervention

Tyler Schlicht, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Tyler Schlicht is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts who has experience partnering with adults, young adults, and senior citizens seeking help with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues and life transitions. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at St. Thomas Aquinas College and his Master of Social Work at New York University.

Tyler utilizes an integrative approach that is collaborative, strengths-based, and person-centered. Tyler incorporates psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and motivational interviewing techniques into his treatment which is tailored to the unique needs of his clients in collaboration with them.

Tyler seeks to establish a rapport with his clients that is built on mutual respect and trust. Tyler believes that therapy is most effective when it is directed in accordance with the clients goals and values.

Specialties

• Grief & loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Life transitions
• Stress management 
• LGBTQ+ issues

Amanda Gross, LICSW

Amanda is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts and LCSW in North Carolina. She earned her Masters in Social Work at UNC-Chapel Hill and her B.A. in Psychology from Elon University with minors in Spanish, International Studies and Religious Studies. Coming from a compassionate, strengths-based, person-centered, and positive psychology perspective, Amanda works with clients through the many challenges of life. She uses approaches such as mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, solutions-focused therapy, and brief-treatment psychodynamic therapy.

Though Amanda works with a variety of clients, her specialties include working with undergraduate and graduate students as well as young adults and professionals. Some common concerns include anxiety, stress, depression, academic or career issues, relationship challenges, adjustment and transitions, existential worries, perfectionism, trauma, identity, LGBTQ+ issues, body image, and habit formation along with lifestyle changes.

Regardless of who you are and where you come from, Amanda is looking forward to partnering with you in making changes, overcoming obstacles, and becoming the best version of yourself. Above all, Amanda is here to help you with whatever is troubling you in difficult times.

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)

Gina Gambardella, LICSW

Gina Gambardella is a Clinical Social Worker who is Licensed in the state of Massachusetts.

She brings almost 30 years experience working collaboratively with individuals seeking an improvement in life.   This includes  helping with troublesome worries, grief anxiety, depression, stress management and life transitions. Gina completed her MSW  at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in 1992.

Gina utilizes many therapeutic, evidence based approaches in her practice.  This includes  self-compassion, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, psycho-dyanamic therapy.  She takes strength- based, trauma informed and culturally curious stance when working with clients.

She understands that an individual's environment, home, school, community, plays a huge role in their lives. She believes therapy at it’s best is working with clients collaboratively to meet their goals. She approaches her work in the  spirit of curiosity and flexibility. 

Gina is an experienced therapist who will help to  illuminate your strengths, and  listen to your story with compassion and warmth.

Gina’s specialties:

• Women’s issues
• Relationship issues
• Life Transitions
• Work/Career issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss

Josalin Scott, LICSW

Philosophy of Care

Have a particular life obstacle you’re trying to overcome, coping with everyday stressors, couple or family conflicts, coping with the loss of a loved pet, need a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, or if you need assistance with family building stressors. Seeking help from a licensed therapist is the best way to put things into perspective. As a licensed psychotherapist I am committed to the well-being of all humans big and small. I am dedicated to going above and beyond to assist with helping people empower themselves and finding the answers they seek.

I implement effective psychotherapy methods such as Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, Client Centered, and Humanistic which can be effective in assisting clients to instill self-understanding by encouraging them to adopt new attitudes and feelings towards life situations. It is essential to keep in mind therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix: therapy is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from the client and therapist alike. But in the end, making small changes to self-defeating behavior and coping with feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety and pain can bring life-altering results. There is no judgment only compassion and a safe environment to heal.

My main area of specialty is helping individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD diagnosis, self-harming, pet loss, family building concerns and LGBTQ+ matters. Over the years I have gained experience by working with individuals who are coping with emotional abuse, deportation of family members, death of loved ones and other painful experiences.

I also work with individuals who seek treatment for anger management and stress management. I look forward to the prospect of supporting you in conquering the problems you are presently dealing with!

Specialties

• Couples & Relationship Counseling
• Anxiety Therapy
• Stress Management
• ADHD/ADD
• Depression Counseling
• Mood Disorders
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Attachment Based Family Therapy
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Psychodynamic
• Grief & Loss 
• LBGTQIA

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.

Frances “Cricket” Braun, Psy.D.

Cricket is a Clinical Psychologist who earned her doctorate from Antioch University. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including a juvenile rehabilitation center, residential settings for both adults and adolescents, and most recently at the University of Vermont. Although she enjoys working with a range of issues, her areas of clinical interest include anxiety, panic, depression and other mood disorders, relationships and interpersonal effectiveness, trauma, life transitions, disordered eating, and identity development. 

Cricket’s approach to her work is primarily informed by relational psychodynamic therapy. This orientation assumes that in order for a person to experience emotional health, she or he must maintain fulfilling and satisfying relationships with those around them, and that emotional distress often is the result of negative, past relational experiences. Cricket’s collaborative and supportive style addresses both the behavioral patterns of clients’ experiences and also examines clients’ intra- and interpersonal relationships and processes. By establishing a safe and positive relationship in the security of the therapy environment, Cricket helps clients develop a stronger sense of self and confidence. Ultimately, the goal is to promote growth by resolving problematic past and present relational traumas or impressions. Depending on the needs and presentation of each client, Cricket integrates a variety of other orientations and approaches into her clinical work, including EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy), mindfulness-based approaches, motivational interviewing, and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

Sarah Kalny, LMHC

Sarah is an independent Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Boston College and her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Salve Regina University. Sarah has worked with adult clients in various settings including partial hospitalization programs and inpatient units. She has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.

She brings humor, acceptance, transparency, and skill-building into the therapeutic space and believes treatment begins with the therapeutic relationship. She excels at creating an environment of safety and trust where her clients can better grow to understand themselves and build mastery in their lives through better coping and emotional regulation.

Her aim is to help clients effectively manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, substance use, interpersonal issues, and trauma. She utilizes Person-Centered care, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Positive Psychology in her practice.

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.

Jalesa Frye, LMHC

I believe it takes immense courage to seek support when life gets challenging and stress becomes overwhelming. Therapy is a journey that can lead to healing and growth, so I strive to create a therapeutic space for my clients that is safe and collaborative. Within that space, I use a warm, supportive, curious, empathic and reflective approach to guide our work as we look at current and past stressors and/or trauma. Since graduating with my Masters degree in Forensic and Counseling Psychology from William James college in 2015 I have been empowering couples, families and individuals to overcome personal obstacles to improve their relationships. My approach is to support clients by identifying your inner strengths and building skills and resources that will aid you in managing current stressors, work through past events, and move towards being your best and healthiest self. 

My experience as a counselor includes working with adults, children, and families My goal as a counselor is to support individuals emotionally moving through challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, emotion management, life transitions, socio-economic struggles, and cultural challenges. The clinical modalities that I use to inform and guide my work include play and art therapy, family systems model, a strengths-based and person-centered approach, CBT/DBT, narrative therapy, and mindfulness.   

I look forward to the privilege of working with you and being a part of your healing and growth. 

Francesca Bjork, LMHC

I am a warm and empathic therapist who will help you to see and grow into your best self and improve your day-to-day life. I believe that a person is more than just the sum of their parts, that people have many levels of self-awareness, that we have free will and participate, rather than simply observe our lives, and that we all have purpose, value, and meaning. We can choose happiness and contentment.  

Much of our suffering and despair (and our joy and fulfillment) comes from our relationships with others. I want my clients to be treated with respect and care in their relationships and to believe that this is an attainable goal.

I believe in mindfulness, positive psychology, humor, and life coaching as tools to help my clients be their best selves.  

I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Lesley University, and as a former educator I have worked with children of all ages.  I have also worked with those who suffer with depression, stress and anxiety, addictions and compulsions, grief and bereavement, phobias, insomnia, parenting or family problems, chronic pain or illness, eating disorders, intimate partner violence, relationship issues, anger, identity issues, and vocational/educational challenges.  

I am humbled and grateful to all of my clients who invite me to play a meaningful role in their lives and I always learn something from them.

Lisa Ciminelli, LICSW

Lisa Ciminelli is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. She is originally from the Buffalo area and spent most of her career in Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of North Texas in 1985, her Master of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1996 and earned her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in Texas in 2003. She has experience working in the non-profit arena for over 29 years, as a clinician, a supervisor and an administrator. Lisa has experience working with adults and children living with mental illness, addiction, homelessness, histories of multiple incarcerations, trauma, eating disorders, the LGBTQ+ community and End of life issues.

She has experience with individual, couple, family counseling. Her treatment models include Motivational Interviewing, CBT/DBT, and the use of Family Systems model and believes that all family units work as a system. She has also worked in medical settings and as a member of a team of professionals, working towards a common goal for clients in need of supportive services to meet their own individualized goals.

Lyndie Laramore, LMHC

If you find yourself engaging in the daunting task of looking for a therapist, chances are you have found yourself struggling with the mental and emotional pain caused by depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, or are simply finding it hard to manage everyday challenges. I create a safe space in which we work together to create a trusting connection in which you can feel empowered to work through these struggles in a nurturing environment. I look forward to holding space with you to work together to change, learn, challenge, and grow.

I have over 10 years in the field working with people of all ages, supporting them as they manage such struggles as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, and Adjustment Disorders, among many others.  In addition to individual therapy, I have worked with families, couples, and groups to help them achieve their highest potential. My therapeutic approach is rooted in trauma-focused, person-centered, psychodynamic perspectives. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and am passionate about supporting those who have experienced trauma rebuild and thrive.  My number one goal in therapy is to empower people to learn to approach their struggles dynamically to create permanent and positive change.

Lindsey Kimball, LMHC

Lindsey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts, who came to the Greater Boston area after receiving her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Caldwell University in New Jersey.

Lindsey’s goal as a counselor is to assist individuals in navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, emotion management, and life transitions. Her clinical background includes working with individuals and families affected by incarceration, brain injuries and other physical limitations, and substance abuse. Lindsey embraces a strengths-based, person-centered, holistic approach to care, with the utilization of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and art therapy.

The therapeutic alliance is enhanced by recognizing the uniqueness of each individual that comes through the Thriveworks doors; Lindsey is passionate about implementing a creative approach tailored to each client’s needs and experiences that will make ‘self-actualization’ possible. She believes in the process of forming a safe space for healing based on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and positivity - where one can truly thrive!