• MEET THE COMPASS TEAM

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

  • Carolyn Wnuk, MSW, LICSW

    Child/Adolescent Therapist and Co-founder of Compass

     

    Carolyn worked as a School Adjustment Counselor for several years. She loves working with students (K-12). Since the opening of Compass, Carolyn has been a strengths-based therapist and specializes in the treatment of anxiety. She is also the proud co-founder of Compass!

     

    EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

    • Lead Preschool Teacher- Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
    • Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher- Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
    • Bachelor of Psychology- Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
    • Master of Social Work -Boston College, Boston, MA
    • Previously Licensed School Adjustment Counselor (SAC)
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
    • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

     

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

    Hillary Taglienti, M.Ed.

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

     

    Hillary has has 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

    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)

     

    * accepts Private Pay and BCBS for ABA services

    Vicki Parisi, MA, LMHC

    Expressive Art Therapist

    Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist

     

    Vicki has worked with children and families for over 10 years through in home, residential, intensive outpatient, and school-based services. She is known for her creative approach and relatability, as well as her ability to help children and parents who are worried and feel stuck. Vicki's focus is on building social skills, coping skills, self-worth, and self-esteem through the creative process in therapy. She is a strength-based therapist who likes to incorporate mindfulness, psycho education, expressive art therapy, and play therapy when working with children and teens. Vicki is passionate about helping individuals and families to thrive, and feels privileged to share in the lives of her clients. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, making art and staying active with her 3 children and husband.

     

    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)

    *Vicki currently accepts BCBS, Optum, and Tufts Commercial Plans

    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 accepting BCBS, Optum, and Tufts Commercial Plans

     

    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 & BCBS

     

    Lorraine Dundon, MSW, LICSW

    Adolescent/ Adult Therapist

     

    Lorraine has worked in the behavioral field for many years, focusing in areas of crisis and trauma in many at risk communities; she has also worked in many academic settings; including kindergarten through college, offering counseling through a collaborative approach to include teachers, family, professionals and providing therapeutic resources for the client.

     

    Lorraine brings a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to her practice. Specifically, she is trained to use resiliency building, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. She is an active member in her community and church and holds positions that promote helping residents within her hometown.

     

    Lorraine spends her free time with her husband, and four adult children, and believes in modeling good communication and team building within the family!

     
     
    Education/Certifications
     
    •Master in Social Work- Simmons University, MA
    •Licensed Certified Social Worker, LCSW
    •Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW

     

    *currently accepting BCBS

     

    Gabrielle Keegan, LICSW, CEIS

    Child/Adolescent Therapist

     

    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 use them to overcome challenges.

     

     

    Education/Certifications

     

    •Master of Social Work- Springfield College

    •Certified Early Intervention Specialist

    •Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW

     

     

     

    *currently accepting BCBS

     

    Halley Choiniere, MSW, LICSW

    Adolescent/Young Adult Therapist

     

    Halley has experience working with children and families in home, school, and clinical settings. She worked for years at a school for children with Autism where she provided support to parents, ran groups, and provided individual counseling. She also has experience working as both an in-home and outpatient therapist for children, adolescents and young adults. Her practice beliefs are based on the idea that there is no "standard" therapy process, and instead, treatment should be person-centered, and come from a strengths based approach.


    Halley also has a therapy dog names Timmy who is available to attend sessions and provide his own form of support and comfort!

     
     
    Education/Certifications

     

    • Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

    • Master of Social Work, Bridgewater State University (MSW)

    • Bachelor's Degree of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, University of Rhode Island
     

     

    *currently accepting private pay

     

    Timmy, Certified Therapy Dog

     

    Timmy is a certified therapy dog who loves providing comfort and getting snuggles! He was adopted from Arkansas and is with his forever home now where he spends his days going to work with his mom, Halley, sunning himself in any place available, and sneaking treats whenever possible!

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    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

    Lisa Collins, MSW, LCSW
     

    Child/Adolescent/Young Adult Clinician

     

    Lisa is a compassionate clinician with years of experience supporting the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. She has enjoyed working with clients and families in clinical, home, community, and (K-12) school settings.

     

    Lisa incorporates strengths-based strategies, person-centered treatment, and growth-mindset techniques in her therapeutic work with clients. Lisa currently works as a School Adjustment Counselor servicing students individually and in groups. Lisa’s areas of clinical expertise encompass anxiety reduction, flexible-thinking, self-regulation, coping strategies, perspective-taking, and social skills development. Lisa has a heartfelt passion for helping clients build resilience and improve self-esteem while navigating life’s challenges.

     

    Lisa loves spending quality time with her husband and four children. She also appreciates fun times with friends, great restaurants, the beach, baking, reading, and traveling.

     

     

    Education/Certifications
    • Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical Social Work, Boston College Graduate School of Social Work
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology, Wheaton College
    • Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
    • School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker (SAC)
    • Behavior Technician Training Certification, Framingham State University
     
    * currently accepting private pay

    Suma Hiremath, MSW, LCSW
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Clinician

     

    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 private pay

    Lily Whalen
     

    Group Facilitator

     

    Lily is a licensed elementary school teacher and has experience with children ranging from ages 4-13 years old in the home and school environment. She has worked in preschool classrooms and several different elementary schools in Massachusetts. Lily has experience working with students of all abilities both in the large and small group settings. She also studied psychology in her undergraduate program, allowing her to get an even better understanding of the social-emotional aspect of her work with children. Lily hopes to create strong and lasting relationships with the children that she works with so that they all feel like they have a safe and encouraging place to grow! In her free time, Lily enjoys drawing, painting, reading, and spending time with her pets.

     

     

     

    Education/Certifications
    • Bachelor of Science-Elementary Education, Bridgewater State University
    • Bachelor of Science-Psychology, Bridgewater State University
    • Massachusetts Licensed Elementary Educator
    • SEI Endorsement
       

    * currently accepting private pay

    Rebecca Tipsword, 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

     

    * currently accepting private pay & BCBS

    Jillian Brooks, Mental Health Counselor
     

    Child/Adolescent/ Young Adult Clinician & Group Coordinator

     

    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 Private Pay

     

    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 Optum and Private Pay