Counselors

Mr. Silvia uses his nonjudgmental manner to  enable awareness and build on strengths. With over a decade of experience that is enhanced by an inquisitive and helpful demeanor, he tailors treatment toward individual goals, enables the development of personal knowledge, and builds on skills that assist others in reaching their potential.  With specialized training in dual diagnosis treatment, his well rounded skillset aids in navigating challenging concerns. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of New England.  

Ms. Ballas has the foremost respect for the lived experience and innate wisdom within every person. She is committed to holding all who seek counseling services in positive regard and believes that each individual is the expert of their own life. Clients can expect sessions to be non-directive, safe spaces that promote self-acceptance and support positive life changes. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor (RYT200), she offers mindful movements alongside traditional CBT and Solution-Focused techniques. Ms. Ballas received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College with certificates in Neuroscience, Social Work & Theology & Ministry.

Ms. Knabe believes that we all face challenges in our lives and can benefit from support by being introduced to new ways of growing. She encourages holistic growth through an integrative approach based on your needs. With significant experience in working with immigrant/refugee populations and the provision of trauma informed care, she is adept at assisting with symptoms of trauma. Ms. Knabe holds a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Massachusetts, and a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of London. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, School of Global Inclusion and Social Development and is expected to graduate in 2024. 

Ms. Gordon offers an inclusive and culturally aware space for individuals seeking racially or ethnically diverse counselors as well as gender and sexuality spectrum inclusive care. Compassion, empathy, and empowerment are the driving factors in the collaborative therapeutic approach she brings to each session. Ms. Gordon holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is a Doctoral Candidate at the School Psychology Program College of Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ms. Sotomayor is fluent in English and Spanish. Her compassionate approach and cultural expertise provides a warm and empathic environment. Along with her ability to tailor treatment to individual goals while actively listening and supporting, she employs evidenced based treatments in an effective and comfortable way. Ms. Sotomayor holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.

Desiree received a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazerene College. Over the past 16 years, she has worked in various settings, serving individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction diagnosis’. Desiree prides herself on treating the whole individual and meeting each person where they are ready to begin by utilizing trauma informed and responsive approaches. Desiree utilizes cultural competence to guide which interventions are appropriate for each individual or family. She draws interventions from CBT, DBT narrative, solution-focused, strength based, person-centered and spirituality where appropriate. Desiree

specializes in Women’s Issues-Post Partum, Premenstrual Disorders,

Parenting, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Grief and Loss. Desiree is

passionate about minimizing and combating the stigma of mental health &

wellness in all communities, especially in Black, Brown and other underserved populations.

 Pamela is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards healing and self-discovery using a person-centered approach along with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. With a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology and years of experience in diverse settings, she provides a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to her clients. She believes in the inherent worth and autonomy of each person, tailoring her interventions to honor their unique experiences and perspectives. Specializing in depression, anxiety, addiction, and LGBTQ+ issues, she fosters a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and navigate life's transitions at their own pace.  

Bio coming soon :-)

 Gabriana specializes in working with individuals navigating the complexities of trauma and personality disorders. Her approach is grounded in compassion, empathy, and evidence-based practices, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for your healing journey. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical and psychological services, which allows her to integrate the latest research and advanced techniques into her practice. Through personalized treatment plans, she aims to empower her clients, helping them build resilience, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and achieve personal growth. Whether you're seeking to understand past experiences or striving to improve your current mental health, she is committed to guiding you every step of the way toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. Gabriana holds Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University.

Nashley is a licensed addictions therapist with a background in social work, and works with individuals to maintain their recovery journey as well as process their trauma. She has a diverse background due to her experiences across the gambit of settings from inpatient detox and residential centers, community based programming, state prisons, and outpatient clinics. Nashley takes a person centered approach to therapy as she is a firm believer in meeting people where they're at. Utilizing facets of Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness-based DBT, CBT, solutions-focused and narrative therapy, she works with clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify patterns and foster resilience to challenge their current narrative. Nashley strives to provide culturally sensitive & affirming therapy across social identities to assist with substance misuse/dual diagnosis, LGBTQIA2S+ care, probation, and addressing the impact of systemic challenges in their narrative.

Bio coming soon :-)

Dawna utilizes collaborative and solution-focused therapies, specializing in Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS), a revolutionary, evidence-based philosophy that presupposes “people do well if they can”. This unconventional approach was developed at Think:Kids of Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry where she earned status as “Certified Trainer” of CPS. The first ingredient in your therapeutic experience will be an empathetic ear combined with a strong theoretical and trauma- informed understanding. Keeping in mind that you are the expert in your own life. Your conceptualization of problems, your choices of how to respond to them, and your expectations for yourself, your family, and others, will act as the guideposts of your journey. Together with your therapist you will start to know what is behind troubling behaviors or thinking, how best to respond to or change them, what steps to take to make durable long lasting progress and how to move forward with compassion for yourself and for others, with improved relationships, a better skill set and a greater sense of calm. Dawna holds a Master’s degree in counseling from Boston University and has many years of experience in both mental health and education.