Support Team

Our Support Team

Our counselors at the Wellness Center are committed to helping people change in ways that are consistent with the client’s spiritual beliefs. Current research has documented the positive effects that spiritual and religious beliefs have on the mental, emotional, and physical health of individuals and families. Christ-centered counseling for individuals and families. that is personal in approach, biblical in interpretation, and prayerful in application. When you see this symbol Therapist practices Christian Counselling.

When you see this symbol dog maybe available in session:

Therapy dogs are sometimes called "comfort dogs." They support a person's mental health by providing attention and comfort. Their sweet demeanors and unconditional love may have a therapeutic benefit to those who face difficult health challenges When you see this Dog Paw symbol dog may be available in session with you.

Meet Our Shelton Team

Kelsie Guerrera, LCSW

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Welcome! I am so glad you are here. My goal is to create a safe space for you to be able to be yourself and to help you achieve your mental health and wellness goals. I am dedicated to offering a compassionate, attentive approach to each client and their needs. I have experience working with individuals and families (children, adolescents, and adults) with anticipatory/complicated grief, aging, bereavement, anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive- compulsive disorder, chronic illness, self- harm, developmental/physical limitations, and behavioral related issues.

My professional training began as undergraduate at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT where I majored in Social Work and minored in Human Rights and Social Justice. I continued my education at Fordham University in NY for my Master's Degree in Social Work. I specialized in Gerontology, Medical Social Work, Oncology, Palliative and Hospice Care.

In my practice, I use a combination of cognitive based theories, family systems, client centered approaches, narrative, mindfulness, and Christian Counseling. Therapy is a journey, and I am looking forward to helping you along! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time

Rachel Ameer, LMFT

LMFT

Licensed Marriage family therapist

Every stage of life comes with its own challenges, some more predictable than others. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my role is to support you as you navigate difficult times either as an individual, couple, or whole family system by getting to know your story and working with you to make changes that better your life. I operate from a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and person-centered approach and have provided care for people ranging from 8-65 years old on a variety of presenting problems including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, attachment issues, life changes, family conflict, and couple/relational issues (communication, infidelity, life stress, etc).

It brings me immense joy to help people build confidence, improve their relationships, learn and establish coping skills, and gain insight on how to overcome roadblocks on their path to success. When you leave my office, my hope is for you to feel supported, understood, and empowered to advocate for your happiness and comfort. There is no wrong time to commit to taking care of yourself and working on the way you show up for yourself and in your relationships. I believe we all deserve to live a happy and healthy life, and I’m here to help you figure out what that looks like and how to get there.

Andrew David, LPC

MS, LPC, RYT, CPT

Licensed Professional Counselor

My own wellness journey began 10 years ago when discovering yoga and pursuing an education in psychology. I have been a wellness professional/ coach for 5 years now and have been passionate in guiding others on their paths of health and growth. I am a licensed mental health counselor, registered yoga teacher, certified personal trainer and practitioner of various mystic arts. With my balanced experience and education I help to heal others physically through fitness/nutrition routines, mentally through psychotherapy, spiritually through yoga/meditation practice and other alternative healing modalities. My goal as a practitioner is to develop unique holistic interventions to help those in early recovery from addiction, co-occurring disorders, and transitions in life. By unifying the body, mind and spirit I believe any individual can heal themselves and achieve their greatest potential!

-Always With Love and Light

Specialties: Addiction recovery, Spiritual Counseling, Existentialism, LGBTQ+ Issues, Life Coaching, Fitness/Nutrition, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Mindfulness/Meditation

Robert Wething, LMFT

LMFT

Marriage & family therapist

Robert is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University. Robert has been in practice since 1998 and works with individuals and couples on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, anger, grief, stage of life issues, relationships and addiction.

Chelsea Barabtarlo, LMFT

LMFT

Marriage & family therapist

I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology from York University located in Toronto, Canada. I first studied as a Marriage and Family Therapist at John F. Kennedy University in the San Francisco Bay area. I completed my clinical MA training at North Central University. My professional background consists of both holistic and clinical modalities. As a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, I approach difficulties through a systemic lens, integrating information from all areas of life. My goal is to motivate you to discover the parts of yourself that need healing and guidance. While working together, I will incorporate evidence-based models such as Narrative, Emotionally Focused and Internal Family Systems in our sessions to help you process and deepen the meanings in your own journey. I work with a variety of issues including Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Grief, Anger, and relational challenges.

Rachael Fiore, LPC

LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

As a licensed therapist, I am passionate about being there for others. I am able to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to feel supported, heal from the past, or problem solve for the future. With years of experience working in different mental health settings, I have acquired a variety of skills and specialized trainings that can be individualized to meet your needs. These include but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness/relaxation work, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ask about Charlie my emotional support Golden Retriever who can be present during your session! I look forward to meeting with you.

Amanda Troop, LPC

LPC

Licenzed Professioanl Counselor

Welcome! My goal as a counselor is to meet clients where they are. I do not look at therapy as a “one size fits all” approach, and instead enjoy assessing what the client’s needs are and shape my approaches and interventions to fit the individual client. Some approaches that I utilize range from strength and evidence-based asitions, ADHD, and

Sarah Sedlak, LCSW

Welcome. I am so glad you have taken the first steps in seeking help. These first steps are often the hardest and take a lot of courage and vulnerability, but also the start of a beautiful journey of healing. I am Licensed Clinical Social worker who is committed to providing a safe space where a person is comfortable, connected, respected, and empowered to create a trusting therapeutic relationship. It is then where an individual is able to learn and do the work needed for healing, change and growth.

I have experience working with individuals of all ages in need of support with parenting, prenatal and postpartum related issues, attachment, major life changes, school related issues and concerns, foster care and adoption, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, ADHD and family related issues. I am passionate about providing support to first responders and their families and completed my Emergency Medical Response certification in the past to only better understand the work.

My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative using a strength-based approach and always starting where my client is at. I utilize a variety of modalities based off the needs of each individual, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Circle of Security, Attachment, Inner Child Work and mindfulness. Let’s connect and continue this journey together.

Lauren Proffitt, LMSW

Lauren Proffitt

LMSW

Hi! I am Lauren, a Middle School Social Worker by day and a mother of three rambunctious boys by night. My career history ranges from adults coping with substance use challenges to the daily challenges of school aged children. Life can be hard, struggle is normal, and I want to be here to help guide you and your child through it. No matter the challenges you and your child face, I believe we heal through human connection and effective communication. An important part of counseling for me is doing so collaboratively between family, school, and the child themselves. The ultimate goal is for your child to leave with a better understanding of their feelings, what triggers them, and how to communicate them to the people in their lives.

Through our work together, I will utilize my Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) training, to give children specific strategies to help identify and manage their day to day feelings in a more effective and safe way. My work in schools leads me to focus on each individuals’ strengths and come up with solutions for their weaknesses. My focus on problem solving along with my training in Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) will help both children and parent(s) feel heard, have their perspectives validated, and help increase effective communication in the future. I want to help children learn and grow into better versions of themselves. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your child.

Jennifer O'Connor, LCSW

Life is a unique journey filled with a wide range of experiences that can leave us feeling confused, angry, hurt, lost, and so many other emotions that can prevent us from growing and thriving and can even cause us to question our faith. Though you may feel stuck I believe you have the capacity to grow and heal and become the magnificent person you were created to be, filled with light, love and hope. It is my honor and privilege to join your journey and walk beside you as you seek to find healing, clarity, and understanding. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and certified as an Advanced Grief Specialist. I look forward to working with individuals who may be experiencing terminal illness as well as their caregivers; grief; anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, and spiritual trauma.

Stephanie Pavlo, LPC

LPC

I believe that life is a journey. At times, while on this journey, life events can become stressful
and overwhelming. No one should suffer in silence. Sometimes, we need a little help in order to
overcome tough times. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about
helping people and encourage people to grow and heal. I provide a safe space to discuss
issues that are creating emotional pain. I provide emotional support, and teach problem solving,
CBT and DBT skills in order to effectively cope with challenges. I have experience working with
adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and life changes.

Michael Harris, MFT-A

Hello, I am Michael Harris, PhD, MDiv.

I bring therapeutic perspectives from a lifetime of holistic training and experiences. I've studied the synergy of Spirituality and Psychology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and honed skills in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at California State University, Hayward. My doctorate in Counseling Psychology is from Western Michigan University. My experience includes interning in Eugene, Oregon at the University of Oregon, teaching as a Counseling Professor at Northwest Christian College, and over a decade as a Family Therapist in the Pacific Northwest.

My therapeutic approach combines empirically validated methods with a deep respect for each individual's unique life journey. I specialize in treating Depression, Anxiety and Panic, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Child Developmental Issues, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, and facilitating Spiritual Growth.

I provide therapy to adult individuals, couples, families, teens, and children.

Let's embark on a journey to unlock your potential.

Jeffrey Nettle, LPC

LPC

Licensed Professioanl Counselar

Counseling helps to develop the insight needed to make positive changes to our emotional, spiritual, and social functioning. The client/counselor relationship starts by building trust and respect which sets the foundation to reach identified, long-term treatment goals. Humanistic Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are the main therapeutic approaches which highlight empowerment, challenging maladaptive thoughts, and utilizing personal strengths. Areas of focus include mood, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and adjustment disorders for Individual, Couples, Children, Adolescents, and Adults.

LINDSEY MILLER, Nutritionist

Nutritionist

MS, CNS, LDN

Meet Your Nutritionist.

I am the proud mother of three school-age children. I have varied passions - travel, the great outdoors, cooking, hiking, skiing, reading, and overall adventure. I love food (obviously), the beach, and educating people about the miracle of our bodies and how to best treat them!

I look forward to exploring the individual connections between your body and brain, and to working with you to alleviate the biochemical causes of mental health afflictions.

Anna Thompson, LMFT

LMFT

Marriage & family therapist

Long-term relationships take work and aren't always easy. If your relationship is struggling, or if you're thinking, "we need a tune-up," I'd love to help. I follow Gottman's research-based approach when working with couples. Do you feel like you and your significant other speak two different languages? A couple's biggest "goal" is often to improve communication and understanding. Other goals may include wanting to feel heard, decrease conflict, feel respected, gain the ability to accept influence from one another, be each other's best friend and teammate versus allies, and more.

I incorporate the Gottman Method in couples counseling and the SYMBIS assessment in premarital work. I have completed level 3 in the Gottman Method training.

Some say couples are often 7 years too late when they come to couples counseling. Do you want a better relationship and are willing to put in the effort to improve it

Paulette Atse, APRN

Tara Shingola, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

I am a licensed professional counselor associate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Southern CT State University, a Master's degree in School Counseling from Western CT State University, and an Advanced Official Certificate in Professional Counseling from Central CT State University. My experience includes assisting clients who struggle with trauma, anxiety, addiction, depression, and young adult transition issues (i.e., post-secondary education planning, choosing a career). I employ cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, and Christian counseling combined with a person-centered approach to bring about results. I look forward to collaborating with you!

Circle of Security Parenting

Yohana Ramirez, Facilitator

As a Care Coordinator I have facilitated Circle of Security Parenting with many of the families I have served since 2019, and have always received great feedback.

My experience consists of one-on-one facilitation for biological, single and foster parents. I am looking forward to working with small groups because I see the need for parents to interact in settings that help them to know they are not alone in their parenting journey (challenges and all).

Please feel free to contact me and discuss your individual and/or group needs.

Maria Mieres Pereyra, Facilitator

I am deeply committed to supporting families in fostering secure and healthy relationships. I utilize the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) model, a highly effective framework that helps parents and caregivers understand and meet the emotional needs of their children. Through COSP, I guide parents in recognizing and responding to their child's cues, promoting a strong attachment that is foundational to their child's emotional and psychological well-being. My approach is grounded in empathy and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that each family faces. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where parents can explore their parenting styles, gain insights into their child's behavior, and develop strategies to enhance their relationship. I specialize in working with both parents conjointly, providing a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of the entire family unit. By working together, parents can align their approaches and reinforce each other’s efforts, creating a consistent and supportive environment for their children. I also recognize the importance of accommodating the diverse needs of the families I serve, and as such, I offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend groups. Whether you prefer one-on-one sessions or group settings, I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals. In addition to COSP, I am also in the process of becoming Mental Health First Aid certified, and an LMFT further enhancing my ability to support families in navigating the challenges of parenting and mental health. My ultimate goal is to help you build a strong, resilient family where everyone feels valued, understood, and connected.