Meet the Team

  • Kara Demos, LMSW

    Individual and Couples Therapist

    Kara is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who earned her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. She has experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions, with a background in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and advocacy.

    Her approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in real-life application. She draws from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed skills, and trauma-informed frameworks, while recognizing that healing is not one-size-fits-all. She works to meet clients where they are—whether that means building structure, developing coping tools that actually work, or creating a space where things can be said out loud without judgment. She focuses on helping clients understand patterns and take small, realistic steps toward change.

    She works well with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns, or navigating periods of uncertainty.

    With experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, she brings a strong sense of empathy and respect into her work. She aims to create a space that feels genuine, down-to-earth, and actually helpful—where clients can speak openly and feel understood.

    Outside of her clinical work, Karalyn enjoys walking her dog, spending time with friends and family, and the occasional karaoke night.

  • Hyebang Son, LPCA

    Son is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of New Haven and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. Son helps clients strengthen identity and autonomy through Motivational Interviewing, combined with Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She guides clients to identify meaningful, attainable goals and develop the practical skills needed to take steps toward achieving them.

    Her clinical experience includes working with clients of diverse ages and backgrounds in outpatient settings, with a particular focus on supporting women in restoring agency and rebuilding their personal identity following traumatic experiences. She has also worked in a young adult program, guiding clients through transitional life stages and helping them clarify their aspirations while building the skills to achieve academic and career goals.

    In the therapy room, Son facilitates the therapeutic process one step at a time and moves at a pace that feels comfortable for each individual. She strives to create a positive environment where clients can feel motivated in their personal growth.

    Outside of her clinical work, Son enjoys watching Korean TV shows, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, and going on road trips to relax and recharge.

  • Sarah Hoffman, LPCA

    Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

    Sarah has experience working in outpatient and residential programs, where she has supported individuals navigating a variety of concerns, including body image issues, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, and trauma. She integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and a person-centered framework to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals.

    Sarah is dedicated to creating a nurturing and therapeutic environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered, meeting clients where they are at and empowering them on their journey toward healing. She values collaboration, authenticity, and compassion in her work, helping clients explore their challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

    Outside of the therapy room, Sarah enjoys spending time with loved ones, watching TV, crafting, and spending time on the water during the summer months.

  • Chris Skennion, LPCA

    Chris Skennion is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University and completed his undergraduate studies in Sociology and Psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

    He has worked with adults, adolescents, and families in both intensive outpatient programs and outpatient therapy, including clients with more complex mental health needs. He helps individuals navigate life transitions, regulate emotions, and strengthen relationships. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Chris partners with clients to develop coping strategies, enhance resilience, and cultivate self-awareness through mindfulness. He supports clients with a wide range of concerns, including Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Gender Dysphoria, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, and Family Systems issues.

    Chris takes a client-centered approach rooted in empathy, respect, and genuine connection. He helps clients recognize patterns, reflect on their experiences, and develop strategies for meaningful personal growth, fostering self-confidence, resilience, and lasting positive change. He embraces each client’s unique identity and experiences, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.

    Outside of the office, Chris enjoys time with his son, hiking, reading, and gardening. He believes therapy is a space where growth and healing can flourish and that self-care, connection, and personal development are essential in both life and therapy.

  • Faith Jackson, LPCA

    Faith is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Bridgeport and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University.

    Faith works with children, adolescents, and adults, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress management, emotional regulation, and life transitions. She integrates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR and Motivational Interviewing, to help clients better understand their emotions, identify strengths, and develop practical tools for everyday life.

    With extensive experience across school, outpatient, and community settings, Faith brings a calm and nurturing presence that helps clients of all ages feel safe, accepted, and understood. She values creating a collaborative and compassionate space where individuals can explore their thoughts, process emotions, and grow at their own pace.

    Faith believes therapy should feel like a place where you can exhale—a supportive environment free from judgment, filled with curiosity, and grounded in compassion. She is dedicated to helping each client feel seen, heard, and capable of growth and change.

    Outside of the therapy room, Faith enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places on road trips, and slowing down in nature whenever she can.

  • Jacob Nicholls, LCSW

    Clinical Director, Brookfield

    Jacob is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in the social work field. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Western Connecticut State University in 2016 and his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020.

    Jacob has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from a wide range of socioeconomic and clinical backgrounds. He supports clients managing concerns such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, intellectual and learning disabilities, and trauma-related challenges. He also helps clients navigate relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, maladaptive coping strategies, and the development of stronger social-emotional skills.

    Jacob is known for his compassionate and empathetic approach. He practices from a person-centered, strength-based perspective, believing that every client has inherent value and the potential for growth. He works collaboratively with clients to build confidence, foster resilience, and support them in achieving meaningful personal goals. Jacob understands that therapy is a journey—and he is committed to walking that path alongside each individual who steps into his office.

    Outside of his clinical work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports (especially the Lakers, Dodgers, and Lions), enjoying movies and TV, and listening to music.

  • Victoria Tabacchini, PHMNP-BC

    Victoria is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who holds her master’s degree in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing from the University of Saint Joseph. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and nursing from the University of Connecticut. She brings many years of bedside nursing experience from Yale New Haven Hospital, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care. Victoria is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centered care and believes in treating the whole person — mind and body. She is dedicated to helping patients feel better and supporting them on their journey toward improved mental health. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, spending time with her dog, Charlie, and expressing her creativity through various crafts. 

  • Azariah Bowden, LPCA

    Azariah is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate ( LPCA) with a Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Sport Psychology from Boston University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Eastern Nazarene College. 

    Azariah works with children, adolescents, and adults using a person-centred, integrative approach to therapy. She supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and stress by tailoring care to each individual. Azariah Integrates evidence based modalities,  including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotional- Focused Therapy to support emotional awareness, processing, and healing. 

    Azariah brings a warm, down-to-earth energy into every session. She blends humor, authenticity, and compassion to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. In her sessions, there is room to explore thoughts, process emotions, and make steps toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right for each person.

    Outside of the therapy room, Azariah enjoys listening to podcasts, watching sports, reading, and spending time with loved ones.  

Southbury Counseling opened in 2019 when Brendan Stack moved his offices into the Southbury community from northwestern Connecticut. Southbury Counseling is committed to making therapy accessible to every member of the community that needs it regardless of finances. Southbury Counseling is continuing to grow and hopes to help you along the way on your healing journey.

Ready to take control over your life? Schedule an intake today