Come on in and meet our AMAZING
Clinicians & Staff
Your well-being is in good hands
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes?
There comes a time when help is needed from a certified professional to cope with many of our life’s challenges.
We are licensed mental health professionals here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Jennifer Clark
LCSW and Owner of Inner Peace CT
My name is Jennifer Clark. I am the Owner of Inner Peace CT Wellness Center.
All of our staff is caring, warm, friendly and welcoming.
This center offers a variety of services to help individuals improve the quality of their lives. This center offers experienced and talented clinicians to provide counseling services to those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress management, learning disabilities, marital and family issues. The center also offers mindfulness groups, and classes on self compassion and energy psychology. I would like to encourage you to take the steps necessary to improve the quality of your life.
Change is really possible!
Inner Peace CT Wellness Center provides evidence-based treatment. Group participants will be provided tools for slowing down their minds, reducing worry, learning to let go of what they can’t control, learning to live in the moment, becoming more self aware, and to manage their mood.
Carrie B. Vargas, Ph.D.
My name is Dr. Carrie Vargas, and I have almost thirty years of
experience in the behavioral health field. I received my Master’s
Degree in Psychology from Boston University and my Ph.D. in Clinical
Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with a specialization
in anxiety disorders. I completed post-doctoral training in neuropsychology at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA and have extensive experience in psychological and neuropsychological assessment. I have held various clinical and administrative roles in inpatient, residential and outpatient settings in Connecticut and Massachusetts. I provide individual, couples, family and group therapy and work with individuals of all ages presenting with emotional and behavioral concerns. I am dedicated to supporting others in achieving their goals no matter what challenges they are facing.
Brittany Molkenthin, APRN
My name is Brittany Molkenthin, MSN, CPNP-PC and I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a specialty in Pediatrics. I graduated from UCONN School of Nursing and subsequently obtained my Master’s Degree of Nursing at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. The first several years of my nursing career were spent in pediatric intensive care at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Currently, I work as an APRN at Richard Lavoie Pediatrics, in a primary care setting. I see children from their first days in this world until they graduate from college. As an APRN in the primary care setting, I am well versed in many mental health conditions including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autistic disorder. An integral part of my practice is emphasizing the importance of therapy and counselling as a means to treat and assist those with mental health concerns. However, there is a time when pharmacology treatment is needed, and that added piece will be my role at Inner Peace. I value conversation, collaboration, and family-based health care as I work with children and their families.
Elle Crichton, LCSW
Hello, my name is Elle Crichton. I believe in healthy and positive change. I have worked in the field of mental health and substance use for over 13 years. I graduated in 2018 from the University of Connecticut with my Master’s of Social Work. I believe that working from a wholeness wellness perspective, combined with evidenced based practices we can work towards people’s goal to find themselves, and enhance their quality of life. We all have challenges in life, and I am happy and privileged to work with individuals on achieving their goals, and being a part of this journey.
Samantha Lovell-Deochan, LPC-A
My Name is Samantha Lovell-Deochan and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Methodist University in North Carolina while on active duty in the military and my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Hofstra University in New York.
Sociology taught me how to understand human social behavior, which lead me to pursue a Mental Health Counseling Degree with a passion to assist clients in learning skills in order to help themselves. Vocational Rehabilitation has allowed me access to a wealth of knowledge regarding federal and state laws tied with community based services available to assist individuals with disabilities, day to day life skills, career fields and accommodations needed to achieve goals.
My experience in the military has helped me to hone my knowledge and skills both learned and experienced to help guide my clients towards reaching their goals of living a more balanced life. Through an eclectic and holistic approach, I offer a style of therapy focused on an understanding of self, healing transformations and growth to each individual. This approach helps me to meet you where you are by providing supports which promote positive skills to assist in change.
In addition to my academic and military experience, I have received training in trauma informed care and ARC (attachment, regulation and competency) while working at a residential treatment facility with adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities who have experienced trauma. I have experience in motivational interviewing that has served me in my role as a clinician working with adults navigating sobriety.
In summary, my background supports my continuing goal of assisting you in gaining positive insight and new coping skills towards your personal growth.h
LeeAnn Page, LCSW
Hello. I’m LeeAnn Page. I have a passion for helping humans. I have over 15 years of experience in human services and a decade of postgraduate clinical experience. I meet those I have the honor of working with where they are, build on their innate strengths and use multi-modal evidence-based clinical intervention with the foundation of relationship and good humor to help my patients achieve their goals. I have worked with various populations in various settings including healthcare, in-home and school based interventions. I am certified in TF CBT and MATCH-ADTC. Additionally I have training in Social Thinking, ARC, TARGET, Motivational Interviewing, DBT and Circle of Security.
Michael Seaver, LADC
As a professional, I have been in the field of substance abuse recovery for more than 12 years with over 35 years of personal experience within the recovery community. I am familiar with many modalities of recovery for substance abuse including, but not limited, to Twelve Step Facilitation, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance/Commitment Therapy. I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in the State of Connecticut and hold a master’s degree in Psychology awarded by Central Connecticut State University. I work with all age groups from 18-80 years old who are seeking out an experience of joy and happiness in recovery.
Sara Ann Jakub, LPC
With help from mentors, I was able to learn about possible opportunities in the world that were previously unknown to me, and I as such became our family’s first college graduate. Since completing my Bachelor degree in Psychology, I’ve subsequently obtained a Master in Psychology as well as a 6th Year Professional Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor,
I provide mental health therapy to children, adolescents and their families.
I have worked for nearly a decade in the non-profit sector, both as a counselor and by providing indirect services in mental health administration in South-Eastern Connecticut. Management experiences were concurrent with my counseling work, providing supervision, as well as clinical director overseeing counselors
and Quality Assurance (QA) in multiple clinical programs.
My counseling experience includes the following evidence-based approaches including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Additional formal trainings and experience are in the following models, Intensive In-home Child and Adolescent Services (IICAPS), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), and Risking Connections as a trauma informed framework.
My counseling style is rooted in existentialism; as such, I take an eclectic approach to accommodate the unique needs of children, adolescents and their families. I believe in working to understand each person’s unique view of the world, respecting humanity and individual truths with a trauma informed lens.
Lisa J. Ballint, LCSW, LADC
I retired from the CT Dept of Corrections where I worked as a Clinical Social Worker, treating women with a history of trauma. Prior to being at Inner Peace CT I worked with adjudicated adolescents at Long Lane School and the Dept of Children and Families. I served in the U.S. Navy as a Mental Health Technician and Substance Abuse Counselor. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Therapy, 12 Step Recovery and evidence based practices for treating trauma. My philosophy is to build upon individuals' strengths and effective coping skills as a means to personal growth.
Stephanie Donovan, LPC
My name is Stephanie Donovan and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have more than 15 years of combined experience working in the fields of special education and counseling. I have worked in outpatient facility, educational and community settings and am passionate about helping and supporting people through various life experiences. I enjoy working with young children under the age of 10 and their families. I am also eager to work with a variety of individuals including adolescents and adults where I can help uncover everyone’s unique strengths. I am endorsed as an Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH-E) counselor through the CT Alliance of Infant Mental Health as well certified in the ARC (Attachment, Regulation & Competency) model. My primary focus has been working with individuals along with their families who struggle with neurodevelopmental concerns such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and learning difficulties. I have also worked with a range of individuals and ages, experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor social/communication skills, life changes, caregiver support/fatigue, stress and trauma. I enjoy using a multi-modal approach for treatment that meets each individual’s needs such as cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior based strategies, social learning principles, play therapy techniques and much more. My hope is to create a supportive and safe space during our time together while developing a custom made treatment plan to help you make progress towards your goals. I look forward to being a part of your journey.
Bethany Ackley, LCSW
Hi. My name is Bethany Ackley and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
I have been working in the helping field for 13 years. I graduated from the UConn School of Social Work in 2013. I have worked in a variety of settings throughout my professional career, including a therapeutic group home for adolescents, Intensive outpatient programs, School Social Work, Emergency Mobile Crisis, and Outpatient. I have experience working with individuals of all ages, families and groups. I've worked with individuals who have dealt with issues such as, Anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, family conflict, low self-esteem, grief and loss, PTSD, and poor social skills, among others.
My clinical approach is client-centered, focusing on a your strengths to help guide you through your therapeutic journey.
I look forward to working with you.
MaryAnn Millette, LPC
Hello. My name is MaryAnn and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University New England. I have over sixteen years of experience working with individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues including stress/anxiety/mood disorders/depression/trauma/self-esteem/anger and relationship issues. I have worked with adults in Intensive Outpatient/Dual Diagnosis Programs as well as in outpatient settings. I enjoy collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. My work provides me with a sense of joy and purpose. It’s important to me that I create an environment where my clients feel safe and accepted to do their therapeutic work. My goal is to assist my clients in living their best lives by increasing healthy coping skills and a positive mindset to create change.
Penelope Avalos, LCSW
Hello. My Name is Penny Avalos and I'm so happy to be joining the Inner Peace community. I am a licensed clinical social worker with several years' experience working with adults, adolescents and children. I am a proud graduate of the UCONN School of Social Work. My entire career and passion as a social worker have centered around mental health and education, both as an outpatient clinician and a certified school social worker. I hope to assist my clients through issues with anxiety, depression, trauma, poor self-esteem, school difficulties and family relationships, and I look forward to providing my clients with support and guidance along their journey.
Mary Cay Whewell,LCSW, CCDP-D
Hi, my name is Mary Cay and I have been a social worker for more years than I can count, helping people figure out how to live the lives they really want to live. I have worked in many different settings in the community, in homes, and in the office, using various therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma focused therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, harm reduction, and various other evidence based models of treatment. Therapy is a partnership between you and your therapist where you can learn new ways or skills to handle your situation, thoughts or emotions. For adults in recovery from substance use and mental health struggles, with non-judgment and compassion, I aim to help you rediscover what you want from life and help you develop the skills to get there. There is no one road to recovery and sometimes we need some help finding the one that works for us. In life, pain is inevitable, misery is optional, and change is possible. In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am also a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP-D), certified by the Connecticut Certification Board. I am intensively trained in DBT, was certified as a Risking Connection Training Associate, and have many years of experience providing clinical supervision to licensure candidates and student interns.
Sarah Del Grosso, LPC
My name is Sarah Del Grosso, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. John’s University and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of New Haven. I specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 18 years of age struggling with anxiety, depression, social skills, ADHD, behavioral problems, anger management, family and school related issues.
My work experience includes individual, family and group therapy in a variety of settings including partial hospitalization and residential based treatment.
Kellie Eagle, LMSW
Hello, my name is Kellie Eagle and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. I have been working in the field since 2013 and have experience in various settings such as: community mental health centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, Department of Corrections, Veterans Health Administration, hospitals, and primary care practice settings. Throughout my career, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults. I have experience in individual and group therapy. I utilize various evidence-based models including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), harm reduction approach and mindfulness-based interventions. I work collaboratively with my clients to support them in achieving their goals. I provide support, education, and resources to help my clients utilize their natural strengths and abilities to live a happier and fulfilling life. My approach is from a place of non-judgment, respect, and kindness. I understand the strength it takes to pursue help at any age. I look forward to supporting you through your journey.
Courtney Littlewood, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I obtained my Bachelors of the Arts in Social Work from Eastern Connecticut State University and my Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut. I am also a Certified School Social Worker and have experience working in high school settings with teens who struggle with anxiety, depression, peer conflict, self-harm or who exhibit defiant behavior. I enjoy using an art-based therapeutic approach with clients as well as integrating Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) into my practice to help individuals who struggle with low self-esteem and/or anxiety management.
Valerie Adomaitis, LPC-A
My name is Valerie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University and my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as a Professional Counseling Certificate from Post University. I have experience working in an inpatient treatment facility for adolescents and young adults with a variety of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and trauma. I also have clinical experience in individual therapy for adolescents
and adults with a variety of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, family issues, low self-esteem, and trauma disorders. I aim to create an environment where my clients feel comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment. My therapeutic style is to use an individualized approach with my clients based on their needs and personality. I have an eclectic approach that
incorporates elements of DBT, CBT, and solution-focused therapy to help clients meet their
goals. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community.
No matter where you are in your exploration of gender identity and sexual orientation, I
am happy to help you along your journey.
Jean Bagnati, LCSW
Hello. My name is Jean Bagnati and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I completed the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Connecticut and specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD and substance use disorders. Additionally, I have experience working with entire families on creating a supportive environment for healing, including the implementation of boundaries and healthy communication. I also have experience working in group and individual settings, as well as providing clinical services in a home care environment. I believe in working with my clients to identify their strengths and interests, in order to best connect them with their communities while finding the activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. In my free time I enjoy hiking, yoga, strength training classes, reading and spending time with my dogs. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Lisa Huggard, LCSW
Hello! My name is Lisa Huggard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my Master in Social Work degree from Fordham University and have over a decade of experience in the social work field working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings including as a sexual assault counselor, care coordinator, crisis intervention clinician, school based & outpatient clinician. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm behaviors, and suicidal ideation.
I am passionate about providing individualized client-centered and strength-based treatment plans to all those I work with. I look forward to supporting you in taking an active role in your treatment and achieving your life goals.
Linda Greene, LCSW
My name is Linda Greene, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I graduated from the UCONN School of Social Work with a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2008. I have 13 years of experience working with clients who suffer from multiple mental health and substance abuse disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, sexual trauma, and providing support with various life transitions.
As a therapist, my intentions and goals are to facilitate the integration of emotional growth and therapeutic insight using a blend of Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused therapies. Our treatment together facilitates self – healing and using mind body practices in conjunction with clinical therapy.
Dineen Williams, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received my MSW from the University of New England. My clinical experience includes working in a variety of therapeutic settings including outpatient, in a partial hospitalization program and in a clinical day treatment educational setting. I also have clinical experience working as a clinician to provide intensive in-home psychiatric services to children, adolescents and their families. My expertise consists of working with children, adolescents and adults. I have experience with individual, group, couples and family therapy. I also work with clients who have a range of symptoms including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, anger, family conflict, low self-esteem, relationship issues and poor social skills. I practice from a strengths-based perspective and believe in the importance of self-awareness, acceptance and the Power of Positivity. I believe in the importance of embracing our differences and life experiences to use these as motivators for change for the purpose of achieving overall wellness and quality of life.
Katherine Hughes, LCSW
Katherine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in work with children, adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, peer relationships, social skills, anger management, self-esteem and ADD/ADHD.
She has experience with individual, family and group therapy settings and works from a strengths based perspective.
Jacqueline Beyerle-Kalajainen, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker holding both a bachelors and masters degree from Southern CT State University. During my career I have worked in a variety of settings focusing on younger and older adults providing clinical care management, medical social work and therapeutic counseling. I have found utilizing the skills of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy a wonderful change for clients who want to gain control over their lives and feel happier and healthier. My expertise is working with clients who suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, loss of independence and the aging process.
The opportunity to work at Inner Peace is very exciting in it’s use of both counseling and clinical yoga to treat both the mind and body.
What an awesome experiential process for anyone who opens the door to our practice.
Sandra Hartnett
E-RYT 500
Reiki Master & Teacher
LifeForce Yoga Practitioner
Sandy has been sharing her passion of teaching yoga since 2005 to many diverse groups, including senior citizens, veterans, corporate employees, teens in a shelter, and prison inmates. She completed 500 hours of advanced teacher training at Kripalu in 2010.
She is certified in Mindful Yoga Therapy for Veterans with PTSD. Sandy will continue to be first a student, then a teacher. The joyful spirit that she brings to her teaching encourages others to
transform their lives through the practice of yoga. Sandy is a product of her profession having overcome her own adversities by studying yoga techniques and disciplines. She teaches with a flare and captivation that guides her students to a new level of self awareness.
She believes wholeheartedly in the healing power of yoga which led to her to become a
Level One Certified Practitioner in
(Yoga for Depression) with Amy Weintraub.
Lifeforce Yoga is intentionally designed to work with stress and difficult emotions.
Sandy had a unique opportunity to work with graduate students and faculty at the University of Connecticut and Harvard University in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study of yoga for stress management. Sandy taught and lectured about Kripalu yoga at UCONN’s main campus through June of 2016. Researchers hope that this work will help them develop a tool to measure essential properties and benefits of yoga.
Sandy is also a Reiki Master and teacher who studied with Hillary Gauvreau, Myra Partka, and Lisa Powers.
Private and small group yoga sessions and Reiki are held at Inner Peace CT - 28 Haughton Road, Bozrah, CT 06334.