Our Team
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Ann Malcolm, LPCA
Individual and Family Therapist
Hi, I’m Ann! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, caught in anxious thoughts, going through a life transition, or struggling with self-doubt, therapy is a place to slow down and sort through it. I work with teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship stress, life transitions, and identity/self-exploration. Many of my clients are high-achieving but internally anxious, hard on themselves, or unsure of who they are outside of others expectations.
In our work together, we’ll gently explore the patterns keeping you stuck, build emotional regulation skills, and develop practical coping tools. I use a client-centered approach grounded in cognitive-behavioral strategies and motivational interviewing - meaning you’ll feel supported but also empowered and challenged in ways that help you grow.
Therapy with me doesn’t have to feel clinical or intimidating. I bring warmth, humor, and a playful, down-to-earth energy into the room so you can feel safe enough to be real. Growth happens best when you feel understood! -

Alyssa Guarino, LPCA
Individual Therapist
Hi, I’m Alyssa Guarino (she/her), a clinical mental health counselor. I work with adults, adolescents, and children navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, and feelings of being stuck or overwhelmed. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care, integrating CBT, DBT, and IFS with expressive arts. I am especially passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, highly sensitive and creative clients, and young adults seeking clarity, self-understanding, and more authentic ways of living. I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, affirming, and flexible. Prior to pursuing a Master’s degree at Fairfield University, I served as an Expressive Arts Coordinator supporting adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. This experience continues to inform my work today, shaping my commitment to meeting clients with both clinical skill and genuine humanity. Whether you are navigating a difficult season or looking to better understand longstanding patterns, I aim to support you in moving toward greater stability, connection, and meaning."
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Ashley Boone, LPCA
Individual and Family Therapist
Ashley is a dedicated Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) who earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development from Albertus Magnus College and holds a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Mental Health from Post University.
Ashley utilizes a client-centered, integrative therapeutic approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and person-centered therapy. She believes in meeting clients where they are and tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Ashley is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and inclusive therapeutic environment where clients feel supported and understood. Through a collaborative and strengths-based process, she honors each client’s unique story and pace. She works with individuals navigating life transitions, stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and personal growth, helping them reconnect with their values and resilience. Therapy with Ashley is not about “fixing” a person—it’s about supporting clients as they gain clarity, confidence, and emotional balance.
She values authenticity, curiosity, and cultural awareness in the therapeutic process. Her goal is to foster an empowering environment where clients feel comfortable showing up as their full selves and working toward the life they want to live.
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Michael Izdebski, LPC-A
Michael Izdebski, LPC-A is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University. He is also completing advanced training with the Western New England Psychoanalytic Society, deepening his skills as a psychodynamic therapist. Michael uses psychodynamic therapy to help clients better understand how their past experiences and relationships influence the present—supporting growth, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
Michael has experience working with young adults, adults, and individuals of all ages who are navigating challenges such as life transitions, identity development, relationship issues, and substance use concerns. He provides a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered to face difficulties without feeling alone.
Before becoming a therapist, Michael studied Philosophy at Central Connecticut State University, with a focus on existential thinkers, meaning-making, and philosophy of mind. These interests continue to guide his approach, inspiring him to help clients build lives that align with their values, create fulfilling relationships, and discover a deeper sense of meaning and acceptance.
Michael welcomes clients seeking support for anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, self-esteem, and personal growth, and offers a thoughtful, compassionate approach tailored to each individual.
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Jacqueline Elise, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jacqueline earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Wellesley College. She is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Originally from Minneapolis, Jacqueline appreciates the importance of community and strives to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and empowered. She believes that mental health care works best when it is rooted in trust, respect, and shared decision-making. She values a collaborative, developmentally informed approach to care and works closely with patients and their support systems to create thoughtful, individualized treatment plans that may include therapy, lifestyle interventions, and medication management when appropriate. Her approach emphasizes early intervention, resilience-building, and helping people develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
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Rachael Burke, LCSW
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.
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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.
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Emily Johnston, LMSW
Individual Therapist
Emily is a Rutgers University graduate and a Licensed Master of Social Worker. She specializes in eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety & obsessive- compulsive disorder. Emily has worked in various mental health settings, including outpatient clinics, residential programs, and youth shelters.
Her therapeutic approach is tailored to address the unique needs of each individual and utilizes an array of evidence-based treatment modalities. Emily is dedicated to helping others be the best version of themselves.
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Mickayla Diffley, LPCA
Individual Therapist
Hello! I’m Mickayla Diffley, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) based in Southington, Connecticut. I’m dedicated to supporting clients as they navigate life’s challenges and embrace personal growth.
I specialize in helping children, teens, adults, and families work through anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress management, and emotional regulation. My goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health counseling that empowers you to feel more balanced, confident, and fulfilled in your daily life.
I offer both in-person therapy in Southington, CT and online counseling sessions across Connecticut, making support accessible no matter where you are.
I draw from proven therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness practices. These tools help clients build practical skills to manage obstacles, achieve goals, and create lasting change.
My counseling style is client-centered and multicultural, honoring each person’s unique background, identity, and lived experiences. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. Healing happens when you can show up as your authentic self.
I have experience working with clients across diverse ages and backgrounds, supporting individuals and families as they navigate a wide range of challenges and diagnoses.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy rock climbing, baking, painting, going to the gym, walking my French Bulldog, and spending time with family and friends.
If you’re looking for therapy in Southington, CT—or online therapy anywhere in Connecticut—I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and achieving your personal and emotional wellness goals.
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Sarah Hoffman, LPCA
Individual Therapist
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.
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Alexis Brown, LPCA
Individual Therapist
Alexis Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) with years of experience servicing the adult and young adult populations with diagnoses that include PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and more. She specializes in creating an easy-going, holistic, safe and supportive environment that fosters growth and enhances the overall quality of life. Through a person-centered approach, Alexis meets the client where they are and collaborates with the client to navigate life’s challenges and transitions while strengthening one’s innate abilities using strength-based techniques that include CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and person-centered strategies.
In working with clients that include the forensic population and first responders, Alexis provides support and encourages clients to give themselves grace throughout their journey of self-exploration and healing.
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Skylar Arnold, LMSW
Skylar Arnold, MSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Connecticut and a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Massachusetts. Skylar earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College and brings experience working across a range of clinical settings with diverse populations.
Skylar has extensive experience in inpatient treatment settings, specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Their work has included conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, providing individual therapy and psychoeducation, and collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams to support clients through detoxification, stabilization, and aftercare planning. In addition, Skylar has experience working with adolescents and teenagers in the school setting as a school social worker, supporting students with emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social-emotional development.
Skylar has worked with individuals across the lifespan and with a wide variety of presenting concerns, including trauma, personality disorders, and identity-related challenges. They are committed to providing affirming, inclusive care and have experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Skylar approaches therapy through a multidimensional lens, recognizing the importance of addressing the whole person within the context of their lived experiences and current life circumstances.
Clinically, Skylar integrates evidence-based and holistic approaches to treatment, drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). At the core of their work is a strong emphasis on creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, seen, and valued. Skylar is passionate about ongoing professional growth and is particularly interested in expanding their clinical work with individuals navigating OCD and ADHD.
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Marie Wade, LPCA
Individual and Family Therapist
Marie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who brings together academic excellence and genuine compassion in her clinical work. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master of Science in Human Services with a Clinical Counseling specialization from Post University, graduating Cum Laude. With more than 15 years of experience spanning outpatient practices and federally qualified community mental health centers, Marie has built a career defined by thoughtful, skilled care for children, adolescents, families, and adults navigating mental health challenges.
Throughout her clinical practice, Marie has demonstrated versatility and depth in her therapeutic approach. She conducts comprehensive mental health assessments, delivers crisis intervention, and provides ongoing support using evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and strengths-based methodology. Her work has encompassed individual and family counseling, trauma-informed care, safety planning, and intensive in-home services for at-risk youth. Known for her empathy, active listening, and ability to build strong therapeutic relationships, Marie adapts her approach to meet the unique needs of diverse populations while maintaining clear, professional communication that fosters trust and engagement.
Beyond her clinical role, Marie extends her commitment to service through community advocacy and faith-based outreach. As a women’s advocate, she provides Spiritual counseling and support to those facing challenges related to marriage, family, substance abuse, and mental health, while organizing community initiatives focused on women’s empowerment.
After 20 years of finding deep meaning in therapeutic relationships, Marie continues to delight in facilitating connection, collaboration, and quality care—bringing her energetic confidence and personable demeanor to make a lasting difference in client’s mental health journeys.
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Kara Demos, LMSW
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.
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Olivia Zygart, FNP-BC
Olivia Zygart is a compassionate board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who holds a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Connecticut. Her experience in healthcare encompasses over 20 years of practice in various health care settings, including in-patient and outpatient practices, home care, long-term care and community health clinics. She has served as a volunteer on medical mission trips in Haiti and South Africa. She holds a special interest in mental health and has extensive experience working with adult and geriatric clients treating a variety of mental health issues including dementia and dementia-related psychosis.
Olivia believes treating mental health requires an integrated holistic team approach in optimizing overall health and wellbeing. She strives to make each patient feel seen and understood by creating a safe, non-judgemental, inclusive space. She enjoys working with both individuals and families, treating patients of all ages. She would love to meet you and learn about your journey. She is bilingual and accepts Polish speaking clients. In her free time, Olivia can be found outside hiking, gardening or cheering on her four active kids at various sports events and activities.