"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.
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.
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.
Latasha Beckford, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Latasha Beckford holds a Master’s in Social Work from Springfield College in Massachusetts. With extensive experience in mental health and human services, she has worked with diverse populations across various settings, including child welfare agencies, non-profits, mental health facilities, family services, and substance use counseling in community settings.
Throughout her career, Latasha has developed a strong passion for client advocacy and community engagement. She has collaborated with multiple non-profit organizations and the State of Connecticut to establish self-advocacy and support groups, empowering individuals to navigate challenges effectively. Utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, she helps clients foster positive behavioral change and personal growth.
Known for her compassion and dedication, Latasha creates a collaborative and supportive environment where clients feel empowered in their journey. She believes in meeting individuals where they are, building meaningful therapeutic relationships, and working together to achieve their goals.
Dr. Yolanda Johnson, 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.
Stephen Wilson, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Stephen attended Southern Connecticut State University where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Social Work providing him with the foundational tools to begin this work. Stephen is a certified Youth Life Coach and also obtained his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Saint Joseph. He began his career working in the school system for students with special needs. His work includes, juvenile justice center, juvenile detention center, foster care agency, job training facility for students 16-25 and most currently serving at a Middle School as School Social Worker. He provides over 20 years of experience with at-risk youth, families, community partners and faith based agencies. His skill set includes supporting youth and young adults with conflict resolution, anger management, anxiety, depression, self harming behaviors, low self esteem, low motivation, poor decision making, trauma and more. He seeks to work with adolescents and emerging adults, offering a combination of evidence based psychotherapy, helping them get back to normalcy and begin moving onto thriving.
His overarching mission is to promote self-determination, values-based goal pursuit, evidence-based decision-making, and psychologically safe work environments that foster well-being. Stephen approaches his work as a social responsibility initiative to ensure those he supports walk away with more knowledge of the biopsychosocial contributors to thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that affords them the opportunity to discover the answers within. Ultimately positively influencing the outcomes for self, others, and the communities around them.
Levar Mitchell, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Levar, born and raised in Hartford, CT, is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Sports and Leisure Management with a minor in sociology in 2012. After discovering the need for male Clinicians and the gap this created with men seeking therapy, Levar switched gears to pursue his passion and serve in this capacity. In 2016, he obtained his Masters degree in Social Work from UCONN.
Levar held positions within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford as Bloomfield School Director and Director of Youth Services where he oversaw all school partnerships, DCF and special initiatives. Currently, Levar is a high school social worker at Achievement First Hartford High School. Outside of his occupation Levar is a trustee at Seedtime and Harvest Ministries, Certified personal trainer at Diligence training, motivational speaker, and certified coach who values dedication, service, and excellence.
Levar brings unique perspectives gained from the social work field, empowering and encouraging individuals to tap into their inner strengths and unique abilities to heal and actualize goals and endeavors.
Levar is a compassionate Psychotherapist that focuses on providing effective talk and process oriented therapy, and assertive advocacy for the health and wellness of individuals and families. Given his experience with working in various settings and with different demographics, Levar is passionate about ensuring individuals receive the care they both need and deserve.
Briant Brown, LPC-A
Psychotherapist
Briant L. Brown's goal is to encourage people to be the best counselor to themselves. It is great to encounter therapists and counselors on the journey, but it is so empowering when the person has the tools to heal themselves when those other outlets aren’t available.
Briant started his counseling early through programs like gear up and upward bound while in college at Claflin University. These programs were the foundation for his counseling journey. After obtaining his B.A., he took a break to work with students with autism and other nonprofit organizations from all age groups. Eventually, he spent over 11 years in education in the following roles – counselor, dean of students, and teacher. During those 11 years, Briant obtained his master’s in counseling at Manhattan College.
Outside of Briant’s career, he spends time crafting poetry and has written two books. He has found that words are healing and so powerful when used appropriately. One of his favorite quotes written by him is “I will always have a flat line to write on as long as I have a heartbeat.”
Briant is very passionate and motivated when it comes to healing from within. He is constantly looking for best practices and tools to help others. He understands it takes a lot of time and energy, but it is worth the mental hygiene. Most importantly, Briant understands the peace it provides when the mind is quiet. When you are ready for the healing journey and do the work, he will be here to assist.