• 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 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)

    *Currently accepts BCBS, Optum, and Tufts Commercial Plans

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    Megan Boelzner, MSW, LICSW

    Child/Adolescent/ Adult Therapist Accepting New Patients *Daytime telehealth availablity

     

    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 new BCBS, Optum, and Tufts Commercial Plans patients

     

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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 patients

     

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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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    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
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    Suma Hiremath, MSW, LCSW
     

    Child/Adolescent/Adult Clinician- Accepting New Patients *Daytime telehealth 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 & Private Pay

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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

     

    * Currently accepting private pay & BCBS

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    Jillian Brooks, M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
     

    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

     

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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

     

    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 BCBS and Private Pay

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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 BCBS and Private Pay

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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 BCBS and Private Pay

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