Meet Jesse (She/her), a dedicated mental health professional with a background that shines. Holding an MA in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (2011), Jesse is both a licensed professional counselor and a registered drama therapists. Her expertise also includes training and certification in EMDR and Hypnotherapy.
Jesse’s diverse experience spans the VA hospital system, school counseling, addiction treatment and private practice. Specializing in trauma therapy, she uses a dynamic relational approach for healing. Jesse welcomes clients from diverse communities including gender diverse/queer/kink/poly/ENM identities, postpartum women, and couples. Her approach promotes both sex-positive and body-positive (HAES) perspectives.
Off-duty Jesse embraces theatre, advocates for animals and women’s issues, enjoys piano, writing, and home projects. Join Jesse on a journey to empowerment and well-being.
Sara (she/her) is an LCSW with over 15 years experience in the mental health field. Sara attended Southern Connecticut State University for her undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation and University of New England for her Masters in Social Work. Sara has experience with all ages and diverse populations including those who are undocumented and struggling with related issues.
She also has experience treating the LGBTQ population across various settings. Sara enjoys working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders and takes an eclectic approach with special interest in DBT and CBT therapies. Sara prioritizes creating a calm and safe environment for her patients. Sara enjoys working with new parents and patients experiencing life transitions such as marriage, divorce, moving, etc. Sara’s calm demeanor puts clients at ease.
Sylvia Stevens LCSW (she/her) attended Eastern CT University for her bachelors in Sociology and she attended University of CT for her Masters in Social Work. Sylvia has experience working with diverse populations across the lifespan. Sylvia’s approach to treatment includes building safe and trusting relationships with clients as a foundation in their healing journey. She enjoys working with clients with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Sylvia utilizes CBT in sessions as well as DBT in addressing emotional dysregulation. Sylvia believes in helping clients finding their voice and empowering them to drive their treatment and therapy experience.
Rebekah (She/Her) received her Bachelor’s of Fine art from Maryland institute College of Art. She went on to obtain her Master’s of Art Therapy and Counseling program at Albertus Magnus College. Rebekah identifies as a Queer clinician and through lived experience brings empathy and acceptance to her work with clients. Rebekah has experience working with a variety of ages and backgrounds. She is passionate about utilizing the art making process for managing trauma, mood dysregulation, and anxiety with mindful expression.
Rebekah utilizes a somatic, client centered approach to provide a safe, welcoming and empowering space for clients to access their authentic voice through creativity.
Jen Shea (she/her) graduated from Springfield College in 2013 with her MSW and has worked in the mental health field since then. She has extensive experience with youth and families involved in the criminal justice system as well as in DCF custody. She is a DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) certified therapist and approaches clients with warmth and understanding. Jen is direct but supportive in her approach and enjoys working with young adults going through life transitions such as moving out, starting college or a a new job, and will meet clients where they are at now while also working through any past trauma or patterns that impact behaviors and relationships now.
Jen is LGBTQ+ affirming and has experience working with gender diverse youth in her previous job settings. Jen is seeing clients remotely or in person in Middletown.
Briana Graham’s passion for mental health led her to Fordham University where she earned her Masters degree in Social work. Briana specializes in supporting clients dealing with depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD. Her experiences extends to working with and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Through evidenced based approaches like CBT and DBT, Briana creates a safe space for clients to address their unique challenges.
Briana’s approach is supportive and encouraging, fostering trust and growth. Briana’s mission is to guid clients toward achieving their mental health goals and living fulfilling lives. Call today to embark on this journey toward healing and wellness together.
Emily Hotz (She/Her) is a doctoral student at Southern CT State University studying in the Counselor of Education and Supervision program. She graduated in 2022 from the University of New Haven with her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and received her first bachelors degree in 2020 from the University of Connecticut in Psychological Sciences. She currently teaches as adjunct faculty at SCSU for Master level students. Emily enjoys playing with her dog Lucy and walks on the beach in her free time.
Emily has a special interest in counseling adults struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders. Emily provides a safe and warm environment where clients feel they can be open and their authentic self. Emily approaches clients through a humanistic lens; meaning she believes each of her clients has their own unique way of perceiving the world.
Stephanie Swantek, she/her, joins Serenity Wellness after working in broader organizations and with populations such as survivors of human trafficking, migrant workers, and undocumented individuals within school systems. She approaches each client with a micro/macro lens. She received her Masters of Social Work from UCONN and is working toward her LCSW. She is in training to complete her holistic sex therapy certification through the Institute of Sexuality Education and Enlightenment. Stephanie approaches individual therapy work with a trauma informed approach and takes a holistic approach to her clients mental wellness. Stephanie hopes to connect clients back to their bodies; creating agency, healing, and feelings of safety and empowerment.
Stephanie is bilingual in English and Spanish and has many experiences abroad along with certifications from the Institute of Creative Mindfulness and the Graduate Institute. She also is EMDR trained and offers this as a treatment modality.
Stephanie enjoys working with many different populations and specifically specializes in treating survivors of sexual abuse or trauma as well as with gender questioning or transgender clients. Stephanie also works with clients who are involved with intimate partner violence. Stephanie offers a warm and safe environment for clients.
Andrea Ruggiero (she/her) is the Office manager for Serenity Wellness. You will interact with her to schedule appointments, for billing matters, and anything else that comes up during your treatment with our practice. Andrea has a bachelor of science from Bentley Unversity in business communications. She does freelance work for individuals and businesses in graphic design, marketing, and advertising.
Christine Tomzyck (She/her) works in the billing office and is a point of contact for billing matters and insurance eligibility.