Please excuse our mismatched website while it is being remodeled.
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
Inner Peace CT
My name is Jennifer Clark. I am the Owner of Inner Peace CT Wellness Center.
All of our staff are 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, and 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 managing their mood.
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 counseling 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.
Alyssa Hancock, LMSW
My name is Alyssa Hancock and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2016 from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2020 from Springfield College, School of Social Work. I have been actively working in the field since 2016 across multiple settings. I have experience working in residential programs, substance use programs, hospitals, in-home therapy, and telehealth therapy.
Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Mood Disorders, Trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, loss of identity, sexual orientation, and parenting concerns. I have experience in individual, family, couple, and group therapy. I use various evidence-based models including Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) while using solution-focused, and mindfulness interventions.
I am a creative therapist who loves utilizing different approaches based on a person’s needs and interests. My experience with coaching has allowed me to carry a unique set of skill-building, mental health, and team-building exercises into my sessions, especially when working in a group setting. My overall goal is to create a safe place that allows an individual to explore their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, cutting out negative patterns, and leading them to personal growth. Everyone is capable of enhancing their life!
I look forward to joining you on your journey!
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.
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's degree in Psychology, I’ve subsequently obtained a Master's 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: 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 facilities, 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 as 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 toward 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 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.
Mariah Stoddard, LMSW
Hello, my name is Mariah Stoddard, I am a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW). I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Saint Joseph and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, social skills, behavioral issues, anger, and grief and loss. Throughout my career, I have worked with populations from birth through older adults and greatly enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults. I look forward to helping my clients on their journey of identifying and achieving their goals.
Carol-Ann Donahue, LMSW
Hello. My name is Carol-Ann Donahue. I'm a compassionate social worker with a heart for helping others. I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Bay Path University and my Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate degree from the University of Saint Joseph. I have more than a decade of experience in the criminal justice and social work field, in several different settings including long-term residential, outpatient, controlled environments, middle school, and in-home. Additionally, I have familiarity working with various populations including criminal justice involved, DCF involved, adolescents, young adults, parents, and couples. I specialize in working with individuals with substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, and life transitions. I pride myself on creating a non-judgemental environment that focuses on healing and recovery. Along with CBT, I use elements from a person-centered approach to increase patient participation, and self-esteem and reduce negative feelings. Despite life's challenges, I believe you can overcome this by reconnecting with your strengths and it is my goal to support you in the process.
Kalee Latham, LPC
Hello. My name is Kalee Latham. I am incredibly passionate about working in the mental health field and doing my best to positively improve and change the lives of those I work with! I hold a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Connecticut State University and have spent the better part of the last decade working with clients of various ages, genders and socio-economic backgrounds, utilizing multiple modalities such as CBT, DBT, exposure therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and psychotherapy. More specifically, I have worked with adolescent females involved in the juvenile judicial system at the residential level of care, children and adolescents with mental health and behavioral concerns at the IOP and PHP level of care, children and adolescents through the intensive in-home child and adolescent psychiatric services (IICAPS) model, adults with co-occurring disorders at the PHP and IOP level of care, adults at the outpatient level of care and peripartum specific individuals. Most recently, working at an adult outpatient psychiatric clinic, with a focus on the young adult population. Most recently, I have been awarded the Connecticut Mental Healthcare Provider of the Year for 2023 from the Hartford Business Journal. I believe that mental health is just as important as any other specialty of healthcare. By taking care of our minds and hearts we create the opportunity to be our best selves.
I look forward to supporting you along your 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.
Courtney (Littlewood) King, 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.
Kelsey Hust, LMSW
Hi, I'm Kelsey Hust and I'm a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) with a concentration in Community Organizing and I am a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS). I am also certified as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist and have worked with adults and youth on their journey to cutting down or quit vaping and tobacco use. My past work has focused on mental health and substance use work in Adult Outpatient and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as well as managing a youth substance prevention program. I am committed to Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work and view issues through an intersectionality lens and with a harm-reduction focus. I utilize CBT, M.I, and solution-focused approaches frequently in my work and enjoy sprinkling in applications from yoga therapy where possible. I am passionate about supporting others in reaching their goals.
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.
Jessica Simoneau, LPC-A
Hello, my name is Jessica Simoneau and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I graduated from UConn with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. After years in the school counseling field, I went on to pursue clinical work. I have more than a decade of experience working in elementary education and am very passionate about working with children and their families. Most of my work has been focused on children with ADHD, anxiety, Autism, conduct disorders, depression, anger, and social skill communication disorders and how to navigate life and cope in a healthy way. I am eager to work with adolescents and adults who also need support in their wellness journey. My treatment approach is eclectic, with a strong foundation centered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. I look forward to working with you on your mental health and wellness journey.
Dana Wallace, LCSW
My name is Dana Wallace and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and Master’s degree from Boston University. I have over 15 years of experience as a social worker in a variety of settings including child protective services, hospitals, in-home services, and residential treatment. During my time in the field, I have worked with groups, families, and individuals from infants to elder adults. I have experience using multiple therapeutic models to provide compassionate, person-centered care. I enjoy helping my clients identify their strengths and supporting them in achieving their goals.
Devon Pereira, LPC-A
Hello! My name is Devon Popolizio and I have a passion for helping people reach their own
goals! After completing my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I became a
Licensed Professional Counselor, Associate! I have previously worked with non-profits, which
gave me excellent experience providing counseling in different school districts. My primary
modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and MATCH-ADTC. I also have training in DBT
and CBITS. I have extensive experience working with adolescents/young adults with complex
trauma, anxiety, and managing anger. I hope to help you reach the goals you are looking to
achieve!
