Counselors

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. 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.

Angelina, blends heart, culture, and clinical skill in her work as a mental health counselor. A proud speaker of both English and Cape Verdean Creole, she offers a warm, inclusive space where clients of all backgrounds feel seen and supported. Angelina earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and is known for her down-to-earth, client-first approach. She believes therapy should feel like a conversation—rooted in trust, compassion, and curiosity. With a focus on strength-building and self-discovery, Angelina guides clients through life’s challenges while honoring their unique stories. Her goal is not just healing, but helping each person reconnect with their power and create lasting, meaningful change.

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.

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.