Stephen Hurley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in Human Services. He has worked with people of all ages in educational settings, crisis work, residential programs, outpatient therapy and in managerial roles. During this time, he has acted as an advocate for parents and children while providing direct care and consultation to best meet their needs. He takes a proactive, strengths-based approach to help others manage their anxiety, depression, trauma, family and interpersonal relationships. Steve often employs cognitive behavioral and mindfulness strategies with a non-judgemental approach to further develop confidence and self esteem, so that individuals he works with can better self advocate.

Dr. Ack-Mitchell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who will be providing 100% Telehealth support for a variety of mental health conditions for individuals across the spectrum. Guided by genuine respect and compassion, Dr. Ack-Mitchell seeks to develop a positive rapport with clients and safe space where clients can be themselves without fear of being judged. Dr. Ack-Mitchell holds a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. Moreover, while attending graduate school, Dr. Ack-Mitchell completed a degree in Counseling in conjunction with an Ed. S. in Mental Health Counseling. As well, Dr. Ack-Mitchell holds Standard Certifications as a School Counselor and Director of School Counseling Services. Her most recent acquisition has been becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut. Dr. Ack-Mitchell is committed to helping those in need of counseling services.

Melissa Dubich is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who has over 20 years’ experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a diverse population of clients that have struggled with mental health and substance use disorders within various clinical settings including group home, residential settings, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, detox, and intensive in-home models of therapy. She is passionate about working with active-duty military members and their families. She received her LPCA in 2023 following graduating with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In taking a nonjudgmental, strength-based approach, she aims to create a safe environment that helps her clients through their depression, anxiety, trauma, family and related relationship struggles. She utilizes evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy to encourage her clients to build on their strengths and develop necessary skills to help decrease their symptoms while increasing their overall well-being. With being bilingual, Melissa has provided Spanish-speaking services to clients that have struggled with seeking services previously due to their language barrier.

Samantha Chabre, LMSW, earned her Masters in Social Work at Sacred Heart University, and her Bachelors in Psychology. She has experience working with children and adolescents and believes in a comprehensive approach to learning about and treating the whole person. Samantha approaches her client work from a strength-based perspective, and she is trained to support individuals using evidence-based treatments including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Samantha has a warm and sensitive approach that allows young people to feel well-supported in her presence. Samantha can be contacted at samanthac@challengingminds.net

Lisa Heuschkel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including mental health agencies and public schools. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2000 from the University of Connecticut and has been licensed in the state of CT since 2005.

Lisa has spent the last 22 years working with middle and high school students and their families in a public school setting. Additionally, Lisa worked in clinical settings and private practice during that time.

Lisa is also a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, and has certifications in Positive Psychology from the Wholebeing Institute and she holds a certification in Trauma informed Clinical Practice from New York University.

Lauren started interning at Challenging Minds in August 2022 and received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sacred Heart University as a licensed associate counselor in August 2023. She specializes in working with children and teens living with ADHD, ODD, and other behavioral issues, as well as with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, and codependency. Lauren has also completed a training in navigating non-suicidal self injury and is currently being trained in neuro-feedback.

Lauren utilizes a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness based cognitive therapy to aid clients in emotional regulation and help them to better understand how their thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and actions.

Michelle joins Challenging Minds with 12 years of social work experience, informed by her education at Southern Connecticut State University where she received her Bachelors of Social Work. She is a recent graduate of Fordham University, receiving her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. Michelle has experience with working with at-risk adolescents, adults, and families and has had a wide variety of clinical exposure over the last four years, working with individuals and families who are impacted by Substance Use Disorders and adolescents and young adults with Marijuana Abuse Disorder. Since beginning her most recent specialist internship, Michelle has supported teenagers utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) clinical approaches to help her clients improve features of depression, anxiety, and home and school stressors. Michelle is also experienced with LGBTQIA youth and young adults, specifically in advocacy and gender affirming care roles. Lastly, Michelle also has a passion for seniors who are transitioning to end of life needs and supporting them and their families utilizing a holistic approach, including “bottom-up” therapeutic treatments, such as mindfulness and meditation.

Jean received her LPCA in January 2023 following graduation from Antioch New England University with a certificate of advanced graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jean has experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including agencies and school based services. Jean also holds a license in school counseling obtained in 2007.

With an ability to meet each client right where they she utilizes an integrated and collaborative approach to therapy to assist in bringing out the unique gifts that contribute to knowing one’s authentic self. Her approach is calm and trusting as clients take the journey to challenge themselves and they navigate through their therapeutic needs.

Lisa Marie Beaulieu is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Challenging Minds, LLC. Lisa takes a collaborative approach to help clients develop fresh alternatives to ineffective patterns, assist them with examining intergenerational transmissions of trauma, and maladaptive coping strategies. In addition to evidenced based practices; including EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis, she incorporates Shamanic & Energy Healing techniques in sessions. Lisa assists adults, couples & families, by holding space, providing tools, and supporting them on their journey to accomplishing their goals. Prior to her career as a Marriage & Family Therapist, Lisa worked in nonprofit management and owned her own business, which gives her additional insight when working with clients who struggle with workplace stress and work/life balance. Lisa is also a Certified Assertiveness Coach and a Reiki Master. Her hobbies include exploring local ancient stone structures, connecting with nature, learning alternative healing techniques, meditation, crystal healing, Feng Shui, dream analysis, painting, and gardening. Lisa is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and a member of the Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. 

Jaymie is an LPC-A with over 12 years of experience in schools. She received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Post University in 2021 and has been providing direct support to school-age children, parent coaching and supporting educational providers while operating from a strength-based and positive outcomes approach.
Jaymie’s practice supports her clients in transforming their thinking to create healthy, positive change and manifest a life you feel proud of. Understanding your thoughts, perspective and body will lead to essential changes and give you more control over your emotions and, ultimately, your life.
Jaymie works with young adults, adults, and families with diverse mental health and behavioral health needs, including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma-assisted therapy and patient-centered therapy to support clients with developing goals that are unique for their personal needs and preferences.

Becky Antonaccio is an LPC and received her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Western Connecticut State University. She has experience working with adults with mental health and substance use disorders in residential and outpatient settings. Becky enjoys working with adults and has special interests in grief and loss, substance abuse recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She works through a collaborative person-centered and strength-based approach to help her clients reach their goals and optimal wellness. Becky enjoys incorporating dialectical behavior therapy, journaling, and mindfulness techniques into her clinical work.

After a decade as a Recreational Therapist, Sarah pursued a Master’s in Social Work at Syracuse University, integrating clinical systems into her practice. She uses a strength-based, person-centered approach to tailor therapeutic experiences for each client, making therapy less intimidating and more empowering.

Sarah has worked with diverse populations, including those with traumatic brain injuries, behavioral concerns, ASD, OCD, trauma, and acute risk. She is dedicated to creating safe, welcoming spaces, with expertise in LGBTQ+ therapy and support.

Skylar Sandel is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has spent the past decade serving individuals, children and families in various capacities within the human service field. She specializes in crisis-based intervention, co-dependency, relational communication and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Her responsive client-focused approach to treating trauma exposure allows her to establish strong therapeutic alliances with clients in their most vulnerable moments.

Prior to entering the crisis field, Skylar worked with at-risk youth, survivors of domestic violence and families in transitional periods. Her highly adaptive nature allows her to tailor her therapeutic approach to best meet the needs of the client. With the focus of creating long-term, sustainable change her approach encourages healthy boundary setting while simultaneously identifying individual strengths and positive coping skills.

Sammi Marino is a licensed professional counselor intern (LPC-I) who has been interning at Challenging Minds since September. She holds a degree in psychology from Post University and is currently pursuing her graduate studies at Sacred Heart University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Sammi is expected to obtain her LPC-A license by August 2025.

During her internship, Sammi has developed a keen interest in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MCBT), Dialect Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She aims to utilize these therapeutic approaches to help clients understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations. Sammi specializes in working with clients who have chronic or terminal illnesses, menstrual health concerns, disabilities, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. She values each client’s unique perspective and strives to create a therapeutic process tailored to their individual needs. Sammi is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective counseling services to help her clients navigate life’s challenges.

Rosie is a young Boston Terrier who is refining her social skills in hopes of becoming a certified therapy dog one day. She has been greeting clients with affectionate kisses at the Challenging Minds Wellness Center since she was 16 weeks old.  She loves getting pets and belly rubs however, it can be a bit challenging to calm her down because she finds people incredibly exciting!

In her free time Rose is quite the adventurous pup. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and bike rides with her human family almost as much as she enjoys cuddling on the couch.

Rosie is based out of our Bantam location and can’t wait to shower you with her love and affection soon! (Though puppy kisses ARE optional!)

Tara Cornish is the owner and founder of Holistic Hands.  She is a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master/Teacher.  After applying her education and working in the healthcare field since 1990 she has seen the amazing benefits of using holistic approaches to help heal, relax, renew and rejuvenate.

As a young child Tara had been exposed to the powerful healings of Reflexology and Reiki; however, she was not aware of this at the time.

Since 1990 Tara has worked in the healthcare field.  She never felt completely satisfied because she found that this only involved the physical part of the body.  Tara wanted to work not only with the physical, but with the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of her clients.

Only after receiving her first life changing healing session did Tara realize that this was her life’s calling.  This could only be done by studying and learning alternative healing modalities such as Reflexology and Reiki.  She has always been in tune with life energy so these choices were a perfect fit.  Tara has witnessed, and continues to see, the powerful innate ability the body has to heal itself.  She feels blessed to be able to assist people in their unique journey!  Tara is passionate about her work and the health and well being of her clients.

Certifications include:

Certified through The International Institute of Reflexology in the Original Ingham Method® of Reflexology. | Reflexology and Meridian Therapy 1 & 2 with Lillian Tibshraeny-Morten. | Reflexology and Cancer; Symptom Management and Contraindications with Memorial Sloan Kettering Oncology Nurse and Reflexologist Susan Berenson. | Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master/Teacher, mentored under Anne Malley RN,RM and Barbara Gaski RM,QHP. | Ancient Hawaiian Huna Healing,  Oahu, Hawaii | Quantum-Touch, Richard Gordon. | Doula/ Birth & Post Partum, ALACE. | CT Nursing Assistant * Hospice  & all aspects of Elder Care |EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique

Professional Memberships include: Reflexology Lymph Drainage, Reflexology Association of CT (Past President), International Institute of Reflexology, Reflexology Association of America, Association of Labor and Childbirth Educators , The Distant Healing Network

Insured through: Insurance Plus

www.holistichandsct.com

Shari  has been a holistic massage therapist for over 30 years.  Practicing client-centered wellness she combines an array of modalities and techniques to  assist the body in releasing tension and pain as stress melts away.  Ongoing benefits to health and wellbeing are realized as the mind and body come into balance supporting the client’s personal goals for wellness and vitality.

Much of her career has been spent working in physical therapy clinics.  The last 10 years she has worked in a naturopathic office relieving pain and supporting healing through the use of massage, various bodywork modalities, reiki, guided imagery, breathwork, and coaching.

She has studied and trained in various forms of bodywork and mindfulness techniques including myofascial release, reflexology, guasha, hypnotherapy, meditation and various energy modalities.

Shari holds a Masters degree in Integrated Health and Healing and has more recently studied Nature Connected Life Coaching.  She is in the process of earning her Certification through the International Coaching Federation.  And has recently begun a course to become a Nature-led practitioner.

She is an avid hiker, meditator and lifelong learner, particularly interested in understanding nature’s wisdom and assisting and empowering others in finding healing and balance in their lives.

Andrew is an orthopedic massage therapist who focuses on maintaining the soothing/relaxing part of massage. He doesn’t believe fixing your body should be painful and leave you sore. Often incorporating heat and stretching in all of his massages to return mobility and range of motion to his clients.

Born to help you unburden, Portia Brantley is a Licensed Massage Therapist #11341, specializing in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Chinese Acupressure known as Tui Na BodyWork. She has coined “SweTui”, a rare hybrid of Swedish Massage and Tui Na BodyWork in Connecticut. Many call her product “Sweet Tea” as it is a wonderful mixture of quaffable modalities aimed to relax yet heal the body by creating happy cells and unblocking the flow of Qi within the body. The modality is great for anxieties, depression, reducing and handling fear, helps dispel aches and pain promoting confidence in the body. When the body believes in itself, it heals. Using meditation, conversation, and touch, Portia has some of the most powerful resource toolkits in the world of holistic healers.

‌Portia is also an Internationally Certified Parts Work Coach, and uses UnBurdening Meditations as well as an Internal Family Systems model of Parts Work Coaching to help many provide themselves with resolutions to challenging life events.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Chinese Acupressure