Meet the Team

Struggling with mental health or the aftermath of trauma can feel dark and scary. It’s an honor to serve the community, alongside my cofounder Stephanie Des Chenes, by creating a therapy practice that supports and guides individuals on their healing journeys. I have been a practicing clinician for 9 years and hold an MSW, LICSW and CGS in Child and Adolescent Trauma. I am a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. I value providing a safe therapeutic environment for people ages 3-75. I work primarily with survivors of abuse and people who have experienced childhood trauma, however I am experienced in other areas of care as well. I offer an array of treatment approaches and enjoy educating the community by providing trainings and professional development. I am glad you are here. Welcome to Heal RI.

I began my social work career in 2007 offering outreach and counseling services to traumatized and homeless youth in Vermont. I have been a practicing clinician since 2022 and earned my MSW at Boston College. I recognized early on the impact of trauma in people's lives, as well as how uninformed our society is in the area of trauma. I’m committed to a trauma-informed approach to treatment and this is not only what sets me apart, but it also led to the inception of Heal RI with my co-founder, Dana Freeman.

I come to Heal RI after years of being a Victims Advocate for SVU at the Attorney General’s office. I received my MSW in 2023 from Boston College. I utilize a multitude of different trauma informed approaches to provide quality care to my clients. I specialize in working with children and adolescents.

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.

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.

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.