"Self care is how you take your power back" -L. Delia
Tyra Smith, LPC
Psychotherapist
Tyra Smith was born and raised in Hartford, CT and graduated from Hartford Public High School. She attended Bay Path University in Massachusetts and obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Tyra has worked in education for the past 16 years and currently holds the position of Student and Family Engagement Specialist at CREC Impact Academy. She works in a high school setting building positive connections with students, families and the community. After working with students and families with various mental health challenges and barriers, she recognized the importance of providing access and quality care to the community and pursued a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Tyra is a passionate therapist who has provided therapy to individuals, families and couples and has assisted them with identifying goals and strategies to help them cope with various mental health conditions. She believes with the proper support, guidance and skills, that everyone can live healthy, happy and successful lives.
Kristy Messier, LPC
Psychotherapist
Kristy has 20 years of experience working with adults 18+ who are experiencing behavioral issues, emotional distress, substance use, or issues that may call for a safe space to discuss and work through. She has had the pleasure of working with a diverse population within various settings, i.e. formerly incarcerated, inpatient, group, and those utilizing MOUD and MAT. her approach consists of meeting you where you are at while using a combination of skills based in DBT, CBT, Solution focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Kristy believes that everyone has the ability, desire and right to feel whole and sometimes just need a little help getting there. She is here to offer support and guidance as you work through your thoughts, feelings and emotions while you move towards becoming your best self.
Thank you for taking this step in your healing journey and she is looking forward to working with you!
Subrina Nelson, LMSW
Psychotherapist
“Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes it meaningful”- Joshua Marine
Life has many ups and downs, how we persevere is what really matters. I am committed to assisting clients in what makes life meaningful for them. Therapy can be scary and overwhelming; I strive to provide a safe space to ensure comfort with my clients. Through active listening and my caring nature, I aim to support clients in achieving their therapeutic goals. With over 7 years of experience in mental health, I am committed to using my knowledge to help navigate life obstacles. Whether it’s learning new coping skills, being aware and more mindful of our environment and the impact it has on ourselves, I aim to support my clients in that journey. Currently, I offer both in person and telehealth sessions, so the choice is yours to make this process as seamless as possible.
The first step is recognizing that help is needed, the second is scheduling that first session, the rest is up to you. Don’t be afraid, an exciting journey awaits.
Marian Peynado, LMSW
Psychotherapist
As your therapist, Marian, is here to support you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. She offer's a warm, compassionate space where you can explore life's complexities together. Her practice supports individuals, parents, and adolescents in reclaiming their true selves.
Together, you will gently uncover how your past experiences and societal influences have shaped your worldview and relationships. You will work on cultivating self-love, overcoming traumas,
managing anxiety and depression, and improving family dynamic, all while honoring your unique story and strengths.
In sessions, you'll find a collaborative and interactive environment where your voice is heard and valued. Marian incorporates mindfulness and meditation practices to help you connect with
your inner wisdom and move towards self-actualization.
By providing a safe space with empathy, compassionate
listening and support, you will navigate life's challenges and strive for positive changes. Marian's direct approach combines and utilizes: Circle of Security Parenting techniques, Mindful self compassion, Narrative therapy, Attachment therapy, Cognitive-behavioral strategies, Mindfulness and meditation practices. Therefore, whether you are facing parenting challenges, adolescent or adult struggles, anxiety, depression, or
seeking personal growth, Marian is able to support you and equip you with the skills necessary to work through it. Therapy is a form of self-care that can benefit any one. If you're ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and healing, Marian would be
honored to walk with you as you take this step towards a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Katelyn Jenkins, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Katelyn Jenkins is a compassionate individual dedicated to fostering emotional well-being and growth. A recent grad from Walden University, she hold a Masters degree in Social Work have immersed herself in the field of human services for over a decade. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in charisma and optimism as she firmly believes in the power of a positive outlook and a strength-based methodology to create an environment where individuals feel safe, understood, and empowered. Katelyn hopes are to embark on a transformative journey together, where your strengths become the foundation for growth, and your challenges are met with empathy and resilience.
Ariana Diaz, LMSW
Bilingual Psychotherapist
Ariana obtained both her undergraduate degree in Human Services and graduate degree in Social Work at Springfield College . Ariana currently works as a Social Worker with the Department of Children and Families providing case management services while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Her personal journey has been marked by various challenges and experiences with personal losses. These tribulations have fueled her passion to inspire and empower others. Throughout her career, she has developed a profound understanding of the stigmas surrounding mental health in today's society and understands firsthand how traumatic events can impact a person's overall well-being. Ariana is bilingual and is committed to supporting clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth, providing them with the assistance and guidance they need to navigate life's challenges. She is dedicated to creating a safe, positive, and supportive atmosphere for individuals.
Heather Plourde, LPC-A
Psychotherapist
Heather Plourde is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Parent Support Specialist. She has spent the last fifteen years working with families and couples that need support through emotionally difficult times and ruptures within intimate relationships.
Heather started working in the community twenty years ago running mother postpartum support groups and advocating for women in the Hartford/Manchester area. Heather obtained a masters degree from Albertus Magnus College in Mental Health Counseling, specializing in attachment theory-based therapies. This provides and identifies interventions and skills to handle that “lost feeling” we all struggle with occasionally.
Along with running support groups, Heather has worked within the foster care system, and court-ordered therapy. She understands that sometimes one decision can change the trajectory of your life. The weight and frustration of feeling disconnected from the people you love the most can be fixed.
Yolanda Johnson, Ph.D, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Yolanda Johnson, Ph.D. earned her BA in Psychology from Philander Smith University, a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has defended two theses and wrote scholarly publications that have been delivered in ProQuest. Dr. Johnson serves clients in individual and group settings and has facilitated numerous groups focused on cognitive behavior therapy, dialect behavior therapy, substance abuse, art and music therapy, and BIPOC support groups. She has taught adjunct criminal justice courses at Ouachita Technical College in Malvern, Arkansas. Dr. Johnson is a licensed alcohol dependency counselor in the state of Texas, as well as an agency affiliated counselor in Washington State.
Outside of her professional activities, Dr. Johnson likes to travel with her family and sorority, shop, and read.
Stavritsa Terzis, LMSW
Trilingual Psychotherapist
Stavritsa Terzis has been a public school teacher for the last 10 years and is excited to return to clinical therapy. She is a dual citizen of Greece (born there) and the United States and speaks Greek, Spanish and some French. Stavritsa received an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and International Affairs from the University of New Hampshire, and in 2012, she obtained an LMSW from NYU School of Social Work. She began her career in NYC Public Schools, providing clinical therapy to children and adolescents there. After learning Spanish, Stavritsa worked in an Early Childhood Center where she provided individual and group psychotherapy to parents, and served as a Health and Nutrition Specialist.
Stavritsa received her Masters in Education in 2017 from CUNY Hunter College. As a teacher, she focused on restorative work with new immigrants who are still learning English. During the last decade, she has empowered hundreds of individuals and their parents as they balance out school, work and life in the United States. She is experienced in supporting adolescents and their parents who are struggling with trauma, behavioral issues, relationships, the stress of being a new immigrant, and many other situations. She uses trauma-informed teaching practices, socio-emotional learning, and continues to support individuals to feel proud of their identity and choices.
Stavritsa is excited to return to providing therapeutic services to adolescents and adults, and is available for remote sessions in Spanish, Greek and English.
Lisa Morgan, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Lisa was born and raised in Jamaica, migrating to the US at 14 years old. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Springfield College. Her work experience includes working with children in the juvenile justice system, the YMCA and at the Institute of Living; working with young adults and adults at The Institute of Living (inpatient care) and at Trinity College (outpatient therapy). Additionally, Lisa provided therapeutic mentoring services for children receiving services through the CT Department of Children and Families. Lisa is passionate about serving others and has a special interest in trauma focused therapy and utilizes an Interpersonal person-centered approach.
As a mother of an autistic adult son, Lisa believes her greatest accomplishment is raising him. She is passionate about sharing her successful journey with him and enjoys working with and guiding parents with children on the spectrum.