Meet Our Team
Madelyn Straub, LCSW, LPC
Madelyn Straub (Briggs) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Master of Social Work degree. Her approach to therapeutic work starts from a strengths-based perspective that focuses on positive qualities while identifying areas of potential and growth. The goal of her clinical intervention is to cultivate balance in all areas of wellness: physical, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, financial and vocational. She aims to provide responsive, thoughtful and authentic care that promotes health and well-being for her clients.
Miguel Caldera, MD, MBA, LADC
Miguel Caldera is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who received his Medical Doctorate from University of San Carlos School of Medicine and Master of Business Administration from University of New Haven. He is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience delivering compassionate care. He is experienced in behavioral health, co-occurring disorders, family systems, early childhood development, early intervention, criminal justice and alternatives to incarceration, family re-unification, and spirituality as integral parts of recovery. He has expertise in working with Latinos from Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central America, Mexico and other South American Countries. He provides fluent Spanish and English services.
Rachel Hence,
LCSW
Rachel Hence is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University. She has 17 years’ experience as a therapist, utilizing an integrative holistic approach in her work with clients, drawing from a foundation of evidence-based practice. The focus of her interventions is to help clients safely navigate their journey toward psychological and emotional healing, by creating a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, unconditional positive regard, trust, and compassionate care.
Johanna Pike, LPC
Johanna Pike is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned a Masters of Arts in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. Johanna focuses on using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression to become more self aware and confident. She meets the client where they are at and helps support them in their journey to where they would like to be. Johanna also studied art therapy and is an artist herself. Although she is currently only offering telehealth, any interest in art can still be utilized by projects done in and out of the sessions to promote creativity and expression of emotions that can be explored. Johanna also does the billing for Change Counseling. Coming from a mental health background, she is aware of the stresses that insurance can cause and will work with clients to make sure the process can be as smooth as possible.
Cindy Dupointe, LMSW
Cindy is a Licensed Master of Social Work with over 15 years of experience in clinical, and agency perspectives. Cindy’s focus is to help adolescents, and adults to learn coping strategies and to embrace their resiliency. She supports individuals and families using a solution-focused, strengths-based approach, and believes that all individuals have the capacity to sustain positive change, Her therapeutic approach is compassionate, empowering and client-centered.
Cindy believes it is important for clinicians to be continually doing their own work. As we can only ask our clients to go as far as we have gone ourselves.
As hard as it can be to sit in the other chair, the benefit is rewarding and life changing.
Candice Syriac, LCSW, LICSW
Candice Syriac is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Westfield State University. She has experience working with clients from adolescents to adults in various settings such as group homes and acute care facilities. She uses a variety of techniques based on the needs of the client including DBT, CBT and a psychodynamic approach. The goal of her therapeutic intervention is to empower the client and instill an overall sense of well-being. She believes that everyone has the capacity for change.
Shannen Howe, Intake Coordinator
I have extensive experience in human services, largely dedicated to individuals whose lives have been impacted by substance use, mental health and the criminal justice system. I believe that a consistent teamwork approach with clear communication is the key to a successful network of professionals. An organized and strong network allows for goals to be met, with the most important; those goals of our clients. When I’m not working, one of my favorite self care activities is beach combing, and searching for sea glass. Every hunt serves the perfect reminder (much like some of the most beautiful souls); tumbled with the fiercest of waves, with a little salt water, even the most broken pieces of glass can be remade beautiful.
Janay Gonzales, LCSW, LPC
Janay is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Professional Counselor who earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from UConn. She believes that relationships play a vital role in life and it begins with the relationship you have with yourself. She uses a strengths-based perspective when working with clients. She strives to create a safe space where clients are able to process their emotions and identify their goals. She believes the therapeutic relationship is strongest when collaborating and determining what works best for the client.
Judy Smith, LMFT
Judy Smith is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Central Connecticut State University. She has ten years experience working with individuals, couples, families, youth, children and seniors.
She has worked in a variety of settings, including agencies, in-home, schools, outpatient, and senior centers, and has many years of experience in collaboration with community agencies, DCF and the Juvenile Review Board in Thompson, CT.
She draws her therapeutic interventions from a wide variety of evidence-based practices, and believes that a person’s past experiences are an important consideration in the treatment process. Judy is alway mindful of creating a safe space for the processing of strong emotions .
Elena Mercier, LMSW
Elena is a Licensed Master of Social Work. She is a graduate of Boston University with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Elena gained experience helping young people develop skills that support their social and emotional well-being working as an elementary school social worker and spending much of her academic career working in various capacities with children and adolescents. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of helping both the client and their support system (caregivers and teachers) work together to tackle mental health obstacles. Elena primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness strategies, and self-esteem building activities that empower her clients to develop positive coping strategies that are unique to them. Elena is dedicated to helping clients and their families find therapeutic solutions that feel authentic and appropriate to their lifestyle and circumstances.
Victoria Sousa, LCSW
Victoria Sousa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Master of Social Work degree. Victoria specializes in treating those who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, as well as those with anxiety, mood and substance use disorders. Victoria utilizes frameworks offered by EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Seeking Safety in her work with clients. She strives to practice a non-judgmental and client-centered approach which allows for a collaborative experience and transformative change.
Angela Hutchins, LMSW, RYT
Angela is a Licensed Master of Social Work and Registered Yoga Teacher. She graduated from Rutgers University with Master of Social Work degree and Certificate in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma. She specializes in working with those navigating experiences and impacts of trauma, grief and loss, chronic illness, and caregiving. Angela is a somatic therapist with a strengths-based, collaborative, wholistic approach that prioritizes the mind-body-spirit connection and integrates somatic interventions with a variety of other trauma-informed psychotherapeutic approaches. Her goals within the therapeutic relationship include establishing a safe, supportive environment in which each individual’s innate wisdom and capacity for healing can be honored and explored.
McKenzie Gauthier, LMSW
McKenzie has a Master’s in Social work from Sacred Heart University. McKenzie’s has been with children, adolescents, and families. McKenzie's goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship with clients that is collaborative, promotes resiliency, is trauma-focused, and is strength based. McKenzie has a certificate in TF-CBT and looks forward to applying it in practice.
Tara Hughes, LCSW
Tara Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Connecticut. In addition to her position with Change Counseling, she has over four years’ experience working as a Crisis Clinician and now as a Facility Liaison working with youth and families in crisis. Her roles have given her knowledge in assessing for levels of risk, stabilizing crises, and providing support to clients and families through challenging moments. She has experience working with youth and families, attachment based interventions, and mood and anxiety disorders. She is passionate about children’s mental health, and the importance of access to mental health treatment. She uses a strength based, empathetic and compassionate approach when working with clients and their families.
Gabriela Gil
Gabriela Gil is a bilingual medical assistant passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and culture; she’s eager to contribute to the promotion of mental health awareness, diversity, and inclusion. Gaby plans to continue her career in healthcare by pursuing her nursing degree with the hope of providing comprehensive care to those affected by language barriers.
Cheryl Jacques, APRN
Cheryl Jacques is a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience providing medication management to individuals across the life span struggling with stress, anxiety and depression that may be preventing them from taking the next step forward in their own lives. Cheryl has experience working with individuals struggling with ADHD, promoting their success through low energy and poor motivation to succeed. She strives to provide a comfortable, safe place to help you achieve your goals.
Erin McKinzie, LMSW
Erin McKinzie is a Licensed Master Social Worker and is a graduate of the University of St. Joseph where she received a Master of Social Work degree. Erin specializes in working with those who have experienced trauma, those with a history of substance use, as well as those with anxiety and mood disorders. Erin utilizes frameworks offered by Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in her work. Erin's mission is to help clients find their inner strength, self-worth, and hold the lantern to light their way while they process through challenges and changes.
Olivia Davenport, LPCA
Olivia is a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate who received a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in a variety of settings, including agencies and schools. She relies on a variety of evidenced based interventions in her work, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. Her goals in treatment include building a strong therapeutic rapport with clients and providing an environment to further foster personal growth.
Kristina Ciotto, LMSW
Kristina is a Licensed Master of Social Work who has dedicated almost 10yrs serving as school social worker in CT. She specializes in supporting children and adolescents reach their full potential no matter the challenges they may face. Drawing from her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mood & Anxiety Disorders, as well as clients who have experienced trauma, Kristina is committed to empowering her clients to thrive. She firmly believes in a strengths-based approach and is driven by her passion to help individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth to achieve their chosen goals. With a foundation of unconditional positive regard, Kristina strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel secure to be who they are and empowered to refine themselves into their chosen vision.
Lauren Shirshac, LPCA
Lauren Shirshac is a Professional Counselor associate and is a graduate of Post University. where she received a Master of science and clinical human services degree. Lauren specializes in working with those who have experienced trauma, those with a history of substance use, as well as those with anxiety and mood disorders. Lauren utilizes frameworks offered by Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) in her work. Lauren enjoys working with individuals of all ages. Laurens's mission is to help clients discover their inner most challenges in a safe place in order for them to be able to successfully accomplish goals and life challenges.
Jessica Baine, LCSW
Jessica received a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. She enjoys working with a wide variety of clients at various stages in life. Her primary modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivation interviewing with a person centered approach. Her goal is to help clients break down barriers to meeting their goals and increase overall wellbeing.
Jean-Luc Poulard, LMSW
Jean-Luc is a Licensed Masters Social Worker who earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. His therapeutic approach is client-centered, focusing on meeting clients where they are and tailoring treatment to their unique needs. With a background in working with individuals struggling with both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, Jean-Luc brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients make meaningful progress towards their goals, fostering growth and change in a supportive and understanding environment.
Melanie Grieco, LCSW
Melanie Grieco is a LCSW who received her MSW from Salem State University. After interning at Framingham State University’s Counseling Center, Melanie developed a passion for working with students, helping with the transition to adulthood, academic stress and motivation, homesickness, assertiveness skills, and social anxiety. She also specializes in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, ADHD, self-esteem issues, and BPD. Melanie enjoys Schema Therapy, CBT, and DBT as modalities. Drawn to attachment theory, Melanie believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship for healing. In her work as a therapist, she has seen the following quote from Carl Rogers to be true: “what is most personal is most universal.” Melanie has a warm, non-judgmental, and empathic approach, meeting each client with unconditional positive regard and acceptance. She strives to help each client develop self-compassion, feel heard, and meet their goals.
Summer Collins, LPC
Summer Collins is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University in California before relocating to Connecticut. She has experience working with a wide variety of clients at different stages of their lives and recognizes that every person is unique. With this knowledge, she utilizes tools from many different therapeutic styles to provide individualized care to each person she meets. Summer most enjoys working with clients who are adjusting to change, wanting to heal from relational traumas, exploring their neurodivergence, and seeking recovery from substance use. Summer’s goal as a therapist is to give her clients the opportunity and tools they need to become their chosen selves.