• MEET THE COMPASS TEAM

    Our group of professionals invested in helping you navigate your life.

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    Carolyn Wnuk, MSW, LICSW

    Child/Adolescent Therapist and Co-founder of Compass

    Carolyn has been therapeutically working with children, families, and individuals for over 12 years. Carolyn finds meaning and joy in getting to know her clients and collaboratively identifying their unique needs, challenges, and hopes. She prides herself on compassionately guiding and supporting individuals through meaningful and lasting change.

     

    Carolyn is a HeartMath Certified Practitioner using biofeedback technology. HeartMath is based on over 25 years of research and has been clinically proven to increase calmness, sleep, and focus while reducing anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Studies conducted with over 11,500* people have shown improvements in mental and emotional well-being in just 6-9 weeks using HeartMath training and technology. Change is possible! To learn more about HeartMath: www.heartmath.com/experience/

     

    EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

    • Bachelor of Psychology- Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
    • Master of Social Work -Boston College, Boston, MA
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
    • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
    • HeartMath® Certified Practitioner 
    • Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
    • Reiki I & II

     

    *Carolyn currently accepts BCBS, Optum, & Tufts HMO Commercial

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    Hillary Taglienti, M.Ed.

    Special Educator, Educational Consultant, Skills Coach, and Co-founder of Compass

     

    Hillary has had ten years of experience working in the public school system with students of all abilities. She has worked with elementary, middle, high school, and post-graduate age students. Hillary has worked as a classroom teacher with students with moderate as well as severe disabilities. In addition to public school experience, Hillary has enjoyed working with the Institute for Community Inclusion with students in their Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Program.

     

    Hillary is one of the co-founders of Compass! She runs social and skills groups as well as provides individual services focused on Executive Functioning, social thinking, emotional regulation, coping skills, and more!

     

    EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Psychology from The University of Vermont
    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Anthropology from The University of Vermont
    • Masters of Education in Special Education from Fitchburg State University
    • Certified Severe Special Education Teacher (Massachusetts)

     

    * Hillary currently accepts Private Pay

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    Angela Silva, MS, LABA

    Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst and Skills Coach

     

    Angela has experience as a Behavior Therapist at in-home ABA agencies for three years, providing behavioral services to children who are on the Autism Spectrum. Angela also works at a public school as a Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst (LABA) with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children who have social/emotional and behavioral disorders. She has experience working with early intervention aged children as well as school aged children. Angela has experience teaching Social Skills and Emotional Regulation groups as well as providing individual services related to those skills. Angela is an extremely passionate and dedicated therapist.

     

    EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

    • Bachelor of Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Pathology) - Worcester State University, Worcester, MA
    • Master of Applied Behavioral Analysis -Simmons College, Boston, MA
    • Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst (LABA)

     

    * Currently accepts Private Pay and BCBS for ABA services

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    Vicki Parisi, MA, LMHC

    Expressive Art Therapist

    Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist

     

    Vicki has extensive clinical experience helping children/teens, young adults and parents/families. She has worked in various mental health settings, treating a wide range of challenges including trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, adhd, learning challenges, depression and many others.

    As a licensed professional counselor, her goal is to provide a warm and attentive environment that produces personal growth and wholeness.

    Vicki is known for her creative approach and relatability. She has experience with a variety of evidence based therapy treatment models including trauma focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She prides herself on creating a fun and comfortable space in order to collaborate to set goals, explore thoughts, and develop coping strategies tailored to her client's unique journey toward positive change.

    Vicki is passionate about supporting individuals across various stages of life. She has a special interest in parent coaching, working with teens/young adults and blending CBT skills and art/play therapy with children of all ages. Clients of all gender, sexual orientation, cultural and spiritual backgrounds are welcome.

    In her free time, Vicki enjoys hiking with her black lab Pearl and spending time with her husband and three children.

     

    EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

    • Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art/Psychology-Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
    • Masters of Expressive Art Therapy- Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    *Currently accepts BCBS, Optum, HPHC, and Tufts Commercial Plans

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    Megan Boelzner, MSW, LICSW

    Child/Adolescent/ Adult Therapist

     

    Children and adults challenged by anxiety, depression or coping with life changes, who are seeking a solution-focused approach to managing their symptoms, will benefit from Megan’s empathetic approach to therapy. Her methods are individualized to each person's unique needs and priorities, approaching challenging topics with both compassion and a sense of humor. Megan has extensive experience working with families of young children who are looking for support to address social and emotional challenges within the home, focusing on interpersonal relationships and daily routines.

    As you set short- and long-term goals, Megan will use a treatment approach that is personalized to you, often drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-based practices (Child Parent Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Parents Interacting with Infants).

     

    EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

     

    • Bachelor of Social Work, Messiah College, Grantham, PA
    • Master of Social Work, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
    • Concentration on Community and Administrative Practice
    • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
    • Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure
    • Certified Early Intervention Specialist
    • Massachusetts Department of Public Health

     

    *Currently accepts BCBS, Optum, HPHC, and Tufts Commercial Plans

     

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    Grace Morrison, MSW, LICSW

    Child/Adolescent/ Adult Therapist

     

    Grace is a licensed independent clinical social worker with experience providing social skills, emotional regulation techniques, and clinical counseling services to adults, adolescents, and children. Her experience includes work in residential settings, school counseling, and outpatient therapy, specializing in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Grace has provided services in both the public and private sectors, assisting families in navigating services in both realms. In her work, Grace takes a strengths-based approach in partnering with individuals, groups, and families.​

     

     

    Education/Certifications

    •Bachelor in Social Work, Suma Cum Laude- Eastern University, PA

    •Master in Social Work- Simmons College, MA

    •Licensed Certified Social Worker, LCSW

    •Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW

     

    *currently accepting Tufts HMO Commercial, Optum & BCBS

     

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    Gabrielle Sabounjian, LICSW, CEIS

    Child/Adolescent Therapist Accepting New Patients *Daytime telehealth availablity

     

    Gabrielle is a licensed independent clinical social worker and has experience working with individuals throughout the lifespan from infants through grandparents. Gabrielle has experience with teens and young adults working on social skills, group work and CBT. She also has experience working with parents and families. She comes from a strength based person-in-environment approach. She enjoys helping individuals find their own strengths and using them to overcome challenges.

     

     

    Education/Certifications

     

    •Master of Social Work- Springfield College

    •Certified Early Intervention Specialist

    •Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW

     

     

    *Currently accepting new BCBS, Optum, and HPHC

     

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    Kristen White, M.S. SSP.
    Educational Psychologist​

    Educational Psychologist, Social Skills and Coping Skills Coach

     

    Kristen is a Certified School Psychologist with ten years of experience working in the public school system, with students of all abilities, in grades PreK-12. Kristen also has three years of experience delivering direct behavioral services to children with mild to moderate disabilities in the home setting.

     

    At Compass, Kristen facilitates skill-building sessions that focus on skills including social thinking, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and coping skills in a fun, group-based atmosphere.

     

    Kristen is passionate about supporting students to build upon their strengths and develop their coping skills in order to be successful. She believes that incorporating movement and music into a child's education is important. Kristen also enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two young children.

     

    Education/Certifications
    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Psychology from Fairfield University
    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Spanish from Fairfield University
    • Masters of Science with Specialist level degree in School Psychology from the University of Rhode Island
    • Certified School Psychologist (Massachusetts)
    • Licensed Educational Psychologist (Massachusetts)

     

    * Currently accepting private pay

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    Suma Hiremath, MSW, LCSW
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Clinician- Accepting New Patients *Daytime telehealth/in-person availablity

     

    Suma is a licensed clinical social worker with experience serving children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Suma has worked in various settings ranging from emergency services/crisis, partial hospital and medical social work, and community settings.

     

    For the past five years, Suma’s focus has been as a clinical outpatient therapist, serving ages 5 and up. She is comfortable working with patients that vary in age, background, identity, and presenting concerns. Her approach is positive, client centered, strengths based, and trauma focused. She is TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy) certified and DBT trained. Her clinical focuses include multicultural identity/racial trauma, women’s issues, self esteem, sexual/physical abuse and trauma, self harm, coping skills to manage anxiety and mood, and post partum/prenantal issues.

     

     

    Education/Certifications
    • Bachelor of Psychology, Summa cum laude, Northern Illinois University
    • Master of Social Work, Simmons College, Boston, MA
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
    • TF-CBT certified (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy)

     

    * Currently accepting new BCBS, Optum, and HPHC clients

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    Rebecca Verdiyan, LMHC
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Clinician

     

    Rebecca has extensive clinical experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families. She works with clients from diverse backgrounds with an array of life challenges. Rebecca bases her approach on the needs and goals of the client creating a truly individualized supportive experience.

     

    Rebecca loves working with children and adolescents. She has discovered that her young clients make the most progress when they feel relaxed and are having fun. She utilizes games, play therapy, and movement to teach coping, emotional regulation, and communication skills.

     

    Rebecca is also particularly passionate and knowledgeable when it comes to couples therapy. She supports her couples by helping them to build and strengthen their relationship while remaining safe and protected as individuals. Last but certainly not least, Rebecca shows all her clients true dedication and compassion in a nonjudgmental environment.

     

    Education and certifications

    • Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Evangel University
    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
    • National Certified Counselor (NCC) through NBCC
    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) trained

     

    * Rebecca accepts private pay & BCBS

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    Jillian Brooks, M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
     

    Child/Adolescent/ Young Adult Clinician & Group Coordinator- Accepting New Patients *Daytime telehealth/in-person availablity

     

    Jillian is a masters level clinician and has worked as a mental health counselor for 3 ½ years. She has a variety of experience including working as a counselor at outpatient clinics with clients ranging in age from 4 to 25 as well as providing social and emotional support in a high school classroom.

     

    Jillian provides and focuses on techniques such as coping skills, social/emotional skills, anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-regulation, self-esteem building, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills. Jillian enjoys using her creativity to develop an individualized approach that engages her clients.

     

    Jillian also has experience teaching social skills groups working on social skills, emotional regulation, coping skills, self esteem, and friendship!

     

    Jillian prides herself on creating an environment that’s comfortable for her clients!

     

     

    Education/Certifications

    ● Bachelor of Science - Belmont University, TN

    ● Master in Mental Health Counseling - Cambridge College, MA

    ● Eligible for licensure (LMHC)

     

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients

     

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    Meghan Nickerson, LMHC, SAC

    Child/Adolescent Therapist

     

    Meghan is a licensed mental health counselor and school adjustment counselor. She has experience working with individuals through the lifespan from infants to grandparents. Meghan has specialized in working with children and adolescents in various settings; schools, groups homes, in-home therapy, and traditional office therapy. Meghan works with children and teens on social skills, group work, coping techniques, and problem solving. Meghan enjoys supporting children and teens through conflict, helping them to see their strengths along the way.

     

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Master of Education dual program, Bridgewater State University (MEd)
    • Certified School Adjustment Counselor
    • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    * Currently accepting BCBS, Optum, and Private Pay

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    Nicolle Fizpatrick, LMHC
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Therapist

    Accepting New Patients *Daytime telehealth/in-person availablity

     

    Nicolle’s training is in school and community-based counseling. She has five years of experience working in the public school system as a school adjustment counselor/social worker at the high school level. She has worked predominantly with students qualifying for special education under the category of social-emotional disabilities, performing individual counseling and crisis counseling.

     

    Nicolle prides herself on taking a collaborative approach with all her clients. She uses a relational and developmental lens to meet her clients where they are at. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques such as cognitive restructuring in addition to building distress tolerance skills. Nicolle aims to help all her clients recognize maladaptive thought patterns, develop adequate coping skills, and improve their interpersonal relationships. Nicolle is dedicated to helping all her clients reach their therapeutic goals and live fulfilling lives.

     

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Psychology from University of Massachusetts Amherst
    • Masters of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University
    • LMHC, School Counseling DESE license, School Adjustment/Social Work DESE license

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients

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    Emily Kinney, M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Counselor

     

    Emily is a Masters level clinician and has worked with children and families for nearly 7 years. She has experience working with a range of ages including young children, adolescents, teens, and young adults, as well as parents and family members. She has worked at youth and family agencies where she facilitated groups as well as met clinically one on one with children of all ages. Emily recently finished her master’s program in Mental Health Counseling and is working towards licensure as an LMHC.

     

    Emily works closely with individuals who have experienced trauma, as well as a wide variety of other diagnoses. With children, uses play-centered therapy and has been able to successfully use this form of therapy in person as well as virtually.

     

    Emily enjoys using goal-centered CBT while also working on social skills, psycho-education, and incorporating holistic elements such as mindfulness.

     

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Master of Mental Health Counseling (Cambridge College, Summa cum laude)
    • TF-CBT certified (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
    • Bachelor in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies (University of Connecticut, Summa cum laude)

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients

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    Vanessa Orrell, M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
     

    Child/Adolescent/Young Adult Counselor

     

    Vanessa has worked with children and families for the past six years. Vanessa is a clinician who is committed to supporting mental health, and has experience working in early education, special education, case management, peer support, crisis management, as well as substance use counseling.

    Vanessa is a Master’s level clinician in Mental Health Counseling and is working towards independent licensure. Vanessa uses evidence-based practices including CBT and DBT, as well as a strengths-based approach. Vanessa has experience working with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. When working with children, Vanessa brings into action the therapeutic benefits of creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

    Vanessa's goal is to help clients recognize and utilize their own unique strengths, gain comfort, believe in their ability to achieve their goals, and live their highest quality of life.

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marist College, Poughkeepsie NY
    • Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Behavioural Science, McGill University, Montreal QC

     

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients

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    Steven Falk, M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Therapist

     

    Steven is trained in mental health and behavioral medicine where he earned his master’s degree from Boston University School of Medicine. He completed an internship at the Veteran’s Affairs Substance Abuse Treatment Program and worked as a rehabilitation advocate for the Department of Mental Health’s CBFS program for several years. Steven has been an outpatient therapist for 13 years and specializes in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse/use, psychosis, and trauma. Steven has experience utilizing several therapeutic techniques some of which include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety, Client Centered, and Exposure Therapy. He focuses on developing a collaborative approach to treatment that focuses on meeting the client’s immediate needs in order to improve functioning, overall quality of life, and achieving long-term goals.

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Psychology from University of New Hampshire
    • Masters of Arts, Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine

     

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients

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    Liz Fuller, LICSW
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Therapist

     

    Liz Fuller is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work, and has a wide experience of working with individuals and groups. Liz's high energy and attention to detail are helpful for patients to open up and feel safe in a therapeutic environment. She believes with time and patience, patients are able to learn techniques and coping skills to develop a stronger sense of self and be able to adapt and overcome upcoming challenges. When leaving a session, don't be surprised if there are tasks or worksheets that leave with you. Liz is a strong believer that learning skills within the four walls of her office is important work, yet implementing these skills outside of the office is where the real change will occur.

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Social Work, Minor in Understanding Autism, from Wheelock College
    • Master of Art, Social Work from Salem State University

     

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients

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    Cameron Lyons,  M.A. in Counseling Psychology

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Therapist

     

    Cam's primary motive as a mental health counselor is to help the people served to live more meaningful and productive lives in harmony with themselves, their families, and their broader communities. Cam has completed his master's in counseling psychology program focusing on trauma from Fisher College; Cam is currently pursuing LMHC and LADC licensure. He has over ten years of human services experience. Cam is certified in Brain Spotting and trained in several modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral, Schema therapy, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Cam's practice is significantly inclusive and adaptive, strongly focusing on serving LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients. His approach is centered on understanding these communities' unique experiences and challenges, offering tailored support that fosters resilience, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

     

    Education/Certifications

    • Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Psi Chi Psychology, Fisher College
    • Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology, Fisher College
    • Certificate in Addictions Counseling, Fisher College

     

    * Currently accepting new BCBS and Private Pay clients