Meet the Team

  • Professional headshot of a woman with long dark hair, wearing a black blazer and white top, smiling softly with makeup and jewelry, against a gray background.

    Kiana Dorce, LMSW

    Individual and Family Therapist

    Schedule with Kiana

    Healing is relational—and no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

    As a Licensed Master Social Worker in Connecticut, I work with children, families, and adults who are navigating trauma, behavioral challenges, family conflict, and major life transitions. With a background in foster care and community mental health, I understand how systems impact individuals—and how powerful change can be when families feel supported rather than judged.

    Guided by the social work values of service, social justice, and respect for human dignity, I am committed to creating spaces where clients feel empowered, understood, and capable of growth.

    Whether you are a child struggling with big emotions, a caregiver seeking support, or an adult working through stress, trauma, or life transitions, I strive to meet you with authenticity, cultural humility, and compassion.

  • Jeffrey Hunt, LPCA

    Individual and Family Therapist

    Jeffrey is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is a License Professional Counseling Associate. He specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use & existential issues. Jeffrey utilizes an eclectic & multidimensional approach to capitalize on each client’s individuality. With this in mind, Jeffrey incorporates evidenced-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based interventions, Motivational Interviewing (MI), the Gottman method for couples, Person-Centered therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, & Psychoeducation to collaboratively formulate a treatment plan that would best fit each person. It is vital for Jeffrey to cultivate a non-judgmental atmosphere where people feel seen & heard. His objective in counseling is to empower clients to navigate the challenges in their lives in a healthy and sustainable way.

  • Jasmine Christiano, LMSW

    Individual and Family Therapist

    Jasmine Christiano, LMSW, is a dedicated social worker and community advocate with experience in substance use treatment, clinical mental and behavioral health services, and family support. She provides therapeutic services through individual counseling using methods such as motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, ACT, and creative expression. Jasmine is an affirming clinician and provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

    Jasmine earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She also graduated summa cum laude from the University of Saint Joseph with her Bachelor of Social Work and previously earned an Associate degree in Human Services from Tunxis Community College.

    Her professional and internship experiences have included conducting mental health assessments, intakes, clinical individual sessions, co-facilitating independent living skills, creative expression, and family support groups, coordinating outreach initiatives, and supporting vulnerable populations through advocacy and case support. Jasmine is passionate about helping individuals build stability, strengthen coping skills, and access supportive resources within their communities.

  • Jackie Serrano, LCSW

    Clinical Supervisor

    Jackie Serrano, LCSW, is a compassionate therapist who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in trauma-focused care and supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, family conflict, and major life transitions.

    Jackie utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and expressive arts techniques to help clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, strengthen communication, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways.

    Her therapeutic style is warm, genuine, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Jackie believes healing happens through authentic connection and creating a space where clients feel safe enough to be fully themselves without fear of judgment. She understands that many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from who they once were. Her goal is to help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered while working through life’s challenges in a way that feels real, grounded, and sustainable.

    Jackie values honesty, empathy, and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. While she brings compassion and emotional safety into the room, she also believes in showing up as a real person and helping clients navigate difficult experiences with authenticity, self-awareness, and practical support. She is passionate about helping clients move beyond simply surviving and toward building a life that feels more connected, balanced, and fulfilling.

  • Rachael Burke, LCSW

    Clinical Director

    Rachael Burke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations throughout Connecticut. Rachael has multiple years experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families in both the home and clinic settings.

    Rachael specializes in the treatment of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.  Rachael provides individual and couple counseling services. She incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her work.

    Rachael holds a membership with the National Association of Social Workers.

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