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    • Home
    • Explore Heal RI
      • Our Team
      • Clinical Services
      • Insurance and Payment
      • Parents and Caregivers
      • Resources
      • Career Opportunities
      • Evaluation Information
  • Home
  • Explore Heal RI
    • Our Team
    • Clinical Services
    • Insurance and Payment
    • Parents and Caregivers
    • Resources
    • Career Opportunities
    • Evaluation Information

Meet the Team

Dana Freeman, LICSW, CGS, Clinical Director, Owner

Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a black and white striped top.

Struggling with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Trauma does not simply live in memory; it lives in the nervous system, within relationships, and in the body. Having access to clinicians who truly understand the complexity of trauma's imprint can optimize the healing process. This is the driving force behind creating a therapy practice devoted to trauma informed care. I have been practicing for over a decade and hold an MSW, LICSW and Certificate in Graduate Studies in Child and Adolescent Trauma. I am a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. I have dedicated my career to understanding the nuanced ways traumatic stress shapes human development, attachment, identity, and functioning across the lifespan. I work primarily with survivors of abuse, complex trauma, childhood neglect, and relational trauma. My approach integrates an understanding of traumatic stress physiology, attachment patterns, and developmental impact. I support clients of all ages in feeling seen and empowered. In addition, I am passionate about advancing trauma informed systems through professional training, consultation, and community education. 


Emily Pickering, LCSW

Emily Pickering, LCSW

Emily Pickering, LCSW

I come to Heal RI with a decade of experience in working with children, youth, adults, and families impacted by trauma. Utilizing trauma-focused principles, combined with my background in victim advocacy, I bring a strengths-based approach that is both motivational and client centered. I incorporate psychoeducation, skills-based techniques, and the mind body connection into my work. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives and my goal is to create a safe and supportive space for you to explore the impact of your environment, your thoughts, feelings, and decisions in order to foster healing and growth. I hold a masters degree in Social Work from Boston University and specialize in working with adolescents and young adults.

Maya Sunderland, LICSW

Emily Pickering, LCSW

Emily Pickering, LCSW

My primary goal as a therapist is to create a safe and warm environment where you can explore your inner world, enhance emotional well-being, improve overall functioning, and navigate the many challenges of life. I have experience working with all ages in a variety of settings. I utilize a strength based and collaborative approach with use of cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, expressive and play based techniques. I have a master’s degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College, and am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Rhode Island.

Susie Burkhard, LMHC-A

Emily Pickering, LCSW

I bring experience working closely with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing intense emotional and behavioral challenges. My background in in-home therapy has shaped my commitment to showing up with warmth, flexibility, and compassion. I focus on building strong, trusting relationships and creating a space where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and evidence- and strength-based. I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am an Associate Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-A) in Rhode Island.

Michele Marcello, LCSW

I was first introduced to social work as an undergraduate at Providence College where I graduated with my Bachelors in social work in 1999. After 12 years of working in the field with children and families, it became clear to me that my path as a clinical social worker had already begun. I received my masters in Social Work from Boston University in 2015, received my license to practice, and transitioned into school social work. I have spent the last 7+ years in Barrington Schools and I am excited to bring my clinical skills and experience to an office setting. My goal is to help you or your child meet the needs that brought you into therapy with me, and work collaboratively to help you find the happiness you deserve.

Jennah Bolton, LMHC-A

Alyssa Dancause, Operations Coordinator

I believe meaningful change happens when we take the time to understand the whole person, not just the challenges that bring them to therapy. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in the understanding that our relationships, family dynamics, environment, and life experiences all shape who we are. I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being themselves while building insight, confidence, and practical tools for lasting growth. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating a variety of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. My work in community and home-based settings has strengthened my commitment to meeting clients where they are and tailoring therapy to each person's unique strengths and needs. I am an Associate Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-A) in Rhode Island and earned my Master's degree in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Salve Regina University.

Alyssa Dancause, Operations Coordinator

Alyssa Dancause, Operations Coordinator

I am so grateful to combine my professional background with my heart for helping others. I bring over 15 years of management experience across hospitality and pediatric operations, alongside a decade of hands-on care as a pediatric medical assistant. Deep down, I am a true advocate for self-care, mental health, and overall wellbeing. This passion inspired me to pursue my bachelor's in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University, as I work toward building a lifelong career in the mental health field. I love connecting with people and ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels seen, supported, and welcomed. When I'm off the clock, my absolute favorite thing to do is fill my cup by spending time with my wonderful husband, our three children, and our dog. Reading is my favorite form of personal self-care, and as a family, we truly thrive whenever we are out in nature. You can usually find us camping or heading to our favorite beach, which we absolutely love to visit all year round!

Inquiries should be sent to danafreeman@healri.org

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