Alison Ratner Mayer, LICSW is a Boston-based Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing therapy for children, adolescents, and families and is owner of Child Therapy Boston. She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from The Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in 2005 and has a BA in Psychology from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Alison began her initial private practice in Atlanta, GA. After a successful and rewarding tenure in Georgia, Alison announced her providential return to Boston in 2014. Alison has a passion for working with children, teens, siblings, families, and groups. She is confident that she can help individuals and families struggling with different mental health diagnoses. Alison also enjoys working with clients who are struggling with self-esteem, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, peer relationships, divorce, grief and loss, bullying, life transitions, well sibling support, and sexual orientation. One of her primary goals is helping others find happiness and success within themselves and within their family and peer relationships.

Alison’s approach to therapy is unique, thoughtful, and individualized for the clients and groups that she works with. She focuses on including parents in the therapeutic process to help bring about positive change, encourage open communication, and to ensure that skills can be generalized and applied outside of the therapy setting.

Meg is our dedicated full-time on-site support at the practice. She has administrative and neuropsychological testing experience. Her background includes valuable work at a mental health practice, where she worked with clients spanning various age groups and neurodiverse backgrounds. Currently pursuing her master’s in counseling through an LMHC program, Meg is deeply committed to understanding the intricate connection between the mind and body, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health. Her goal-oriented approach and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to our team, as she eagerly contributes to the growth of our practice and provides support to our team of professionals.

Emily O’Brien, LCSW, is a clinical social worker. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston College with a certificate in Trauma Studies. Emily earned her B.S. in Applied Psychology with a minor in Counseling from Ithaca College. Emily has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families across a variety of settings including therapeutic residential programs, schools, in-home services and private practice. Emily did her first year internship for Graduate School at Child Therapy Boston.  Emily has worked with clients both individually and in group settings where she has developed group curriculum focused on social skill acquisition and emotional growth. She also has experience working with government and private systems to coordinate care and resources for clients. Emily has worked in settings that assist youth and families struggling with topics such as anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, attachment issues, autism spectrum disorder, attention disorders, adoption, foster care, grief and loss and has also worked with kids and teens who identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Emily has a passion for empowering youth to be the best version of themselves and is a strong advocate for them in the work that they do together.  She takes a strengths-based approach when working with youth and families and integrates evidence-based practices along with creative and engaging interventions. Emily believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important therapeutic tools.  Emily integrates techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy, child centered play therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. She strives to make sessions engaging and fun, and builds them to meet clients where they are at. 

Emily is excited to join the Child Therapy Boston team providing individual therapy and social skills groups!

Sagan joined the Child Therapy Boston team in June 2022 as our Practice Coordinator. She brings a wide variety of experiences and skills to the practice. She has previously worked as an Activities Director for a memory care unit as well as an Infant/Toddler Teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and photography. She has a strong passion for helping others and looks forward to bringing her skills and knowledge to the CTB team.

Melissa Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 24 years of experience working with children, teens, and families. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston University and her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State College. Her career started with a move to Oregon where she worked in a day treatment center for children. 

Upon returning to Massachusetts, Melissa worked as a full time school social worker in the Dennis Yarmouth School District on Cape Cod. Over her 15-year career, she worked with children from Kindergarten through 12th grade within multiple school settings. She created a peer mediation program for elementary students that taught children how to problem solve with peers and find solutions to social issues, which helped to engage children in the active process of relationship building. Melissa also created a mentoring program at the high school level, thus ensuring the continued work of peers helping other peers with their social and educational goals.

Melissa believes in using a cognitive behavioral approach with children and teens all while engaging them in a fun and playful way through group or individual therapy. Melissa uses mindfulness and compassion as a part of her therapy practice which she feels encourages success with social and emotional goals. Melissa encourages parents or guardians to be active members in their child’s treatment as the family is an integral part of growth. Throughout her career, Melissa has helped children and families struggling with topics including ADHD, anxiety, depression, loss, separation/divorce, familial tension, body image, eating disorders, educational stressors, and mood disorders. She has dedicated her career to helping children and families and is excited to join the Child Therapy Boston team providing individual and family therapy. 

Amanda Meers, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a passion for supporting children and families with emotional and social well-being. She received her Master of Social Work from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Connecticut College. Throughout her professional career, Amanda has worked with children and families in various settings including outpatient therapy, home and community-based counseling, and residential services. She currently works as a clinical social worker in a pediatric medical setting.

Amanda has extensive experience in supporting children and families with trauma, anxiety, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, and attentional and adjustment challenges. She utilizes a strengths-based approach and incorporates play, expressive techniques, mindfulness, and movement into treatment. Amanda believes in the importance of relationships and encourages the inclusion of parents in the therapeutic process. She is excited to be part of the Child Therapy Boston team providing individual therapy!

Hannah Kopel, LICSW is a clinical social worker who is passionate about working with kids, adolescents, and families to live in ways that honor what they care about most. Hannah received her Masters in Social Work from Boston College, during which she was an intern for Child Therapy Boston. Her experience spans a variety of roles and settings, including individual therapy in schools, in home family therapy, and community-based care coordination with adults. 

Hannah has considerable training in Narrative Therapy, which she brings into her work with clients. As a therapist, she individualizes treatment for each client and is comfortable incorporating many theoretical approaches, including Narrative, CBT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and mindfulness.  Hannah values curiosity, empathy, and relational accountability and seeks to center her clients in their work together. She is always open to feedback and hopes to co-create a therapeutic relationship that can be a safe space for transformative growth.  

Hannah is experienced in working with those who are dealing with a variety of challenges including: trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, autism, anger issues, family challenges, grief, body image, chronic illness, disability, friendship difficulties and more. She is LGBTQIA+ affirming and seeks to be culturally responsive in all of her work. 

Hannah is excited to be back at Child Therapy Boston providing individual therapy via telehealth and can’t wait to meet you and your family. 

Esty Schachter is a clinical social worker who has nearly thirty years of experience in providing counseling and play therapy in clinic and school settings. She approaches her work with children, adolescents and families in a strength-based, holistic way. Esty received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College and her undergraduate degree from Tufts University. After a number of years living in Ithaca, New York, Esty returned to Massachusetts six years ago. In addition to being a social worker, she is also a writer and a book reviewer.

Esty’s therapeutic approach is focused on meeting kids where they are, listening with care, and finding creative ways to work on goals and mirror strengths. She seeks out books and activities kids find meaningful that further skill-building and self-awareness. Esty considers ways to support communication skills, self-expression, coping skills and social connections while exploring what will engage each individual. She has learned and developed new techniques suitable for telehealth, and is delighted to be working at Child Therapy Boston.

Adrien Messick, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker focused on meeting clients where they’re at to support their goals and self-improvement. He received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Springfield’s College School of Social Work and received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Franklin Pierce University. Throughout his career, Adrien has worked with children and adults with a wide variety of mental health challenges including Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Autism, and Bipolar Disorder. He has experience supporting kids and teens with behavioral and mental health challenges through the use of individual and group work.  He helps clients build social skills, cultivate their identity and sense of self, and work towards positive self-affirmation. He believes a person’s strengths and unique qualities can be utilized for growth.

Adrien focuses on the unique needs of individuals and families, working to build strong relationships with clients so they may feel supported to reach their goals. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness skills, art/play techniques, strengths-based therapy, and narrative techniques to help clients promote positive change. Adrien’s passion lies in working with the LGBT community to support their unique needs. He most enjoys helping clients build their identity and a strong sense of self. 

In his free time, Adrien enjoys creating art, exploring nature, and getting imaginative with role-playing games. He looks forward to offering remote individual and family therapy with Child Therapy Boston.

Katie Holte, LICSW is a licensed social worker who received her Master’s in Social Work from Boston College. Katie has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings through her work as a school-based clinician and home-based family therapist. She also received certificates in School Social Work and Trauma in her graduate program. She has worked with youth ages 5-17, in both individual and group contexts, who have struggled with ADHD, anger outbursts, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, chronic illness, family conflict, and more. Katie takes an eclectic approach in her work, incorporating strategies from different therapeutic modalities. She makes sure to bring creativity and personalization to each session and understands the importance of looking at each child as a unique individual with their own strengths and interests. It is her goal to make sure each child feels empowered, confident, and like their words and experiences matter. Family collaboration is also a key part in the work Katie does with youth and strongly encourages parent involvement to gain a better understanding of who the child and family are as a whole. It is very important to her that the identity of each person she works with is heard and respected.

She is excited to bring her energy, humor, and passion for this work to the Boston Child Therapy team and will be providing individual therapy in person and via telehealth.

Taylor Platon, MS, LMHC is a practicing mental health counselor with experience in community based, intensive in-home therapy, and therapeutic after school services. Taylor has partnered with various agencies such as the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Massachusetts Advocates for Children in order to provide families with the best possible care. Taylor obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Purdue University in Indiana and her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University. Taylor has training in the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework, trauma-focused interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART). Taylor enjoys applying all of this training for individual, sibling, family, couples, and group counseling. She enjoys working with kids and teens who experience Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Dysregulation, Low Self-Esteem, Difficult Family and Life Transitions, and Social/Emotional Struggles. Taylor also enjoys working with youth and families who identify as LGBTQIA+. Taylor’s goal as a therapist is to build strong therapeutic relationships with clients in order to empower them to discover their strengths, learn and apply useful emotion and behavioral regulation skills, and experience life with the tools they need to be safe and happy.

Taylor is excited to join the Child Therapy Boston team in Sudbury where she will be providing individual and family therapy as well as social skills group therapy.

Bethany Durden, LICSW, is a clinical social worker with a background working with children, adolescents, and families across various settings. Bethany received her Master’s of Social Work from the Boston College School of Social Work in 2017, and her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Manhattan College in Bronx, NY. Prior to graduate school, Bethany worked in various roles in a direct care capacity with children and adolescents in residential and group care. Through this experience, she learned the power of relationships and an understanding that children and youth need a safe space to feel empowered in their own voices. Bethany has extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced significant childhood trauma, as well as attachment-based challenges, mental health diagnoses, and difficulties with social learning. She feels confident in her ability to support youth and their families in building healthy communication patterns that focus on understanding and collaboration.

Currently, Bethany works in a therapeutic after school setting to support latency aged youth with social and emotional learning and development. She is well-versed in the value of social and emotional assessment on overall growth, and the impact across life domains. Bethany works extensively through sensory integration and holds the belief that the foundation of emotional regulation lies within the body’s sensory systems. With this, Bethany integrates body-based interventions, such as movement, tactile exploration, calm and soothing environments, etc, to build an individual’s felt sense of safety. This approach allows children and youth to build a therapeutic rapport and build receptiveness to the therapy space. She also believes in the importance of meeting an individual where they are and utilizing individual client strengths and interests as a means of translating the therapeutic work back into the real world.

Bethany is excited to work within the practice! She hopes to build strong relationships with clients and their families to best meet shared goals.

Andrea Long earned her Psy.D. from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, NH. She received a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College and a masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch. Her dissertation, “Understanding Father’s Experiences of Raising an Autistic Son: A Qualitative Study, was published in 2005.

Andrea started her career supporting children and teens on the autism spectrum and has worked as a behavioral consultant for a non-profit agency serving adults living with a range of mental health and developmental challenges. She later became the Clinical Director of the agency where she developed agency wide trainings on group facilitation, creating sensory programs and using positive psychology to improve happiness. Throughout her career, Andrea has provided individual and group therapy to young children and teens as well. She has consulted with schools and organizations to assist in finding child focused solutions to improve the well-being of children.

Andrea currently works as a group clinician at an inpatient behavioral treatment facility for children. She enjoys working with children and teens struggling with regulating emotions, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, coping with anxiety, managing depression, developing social skills, improving self-esteem and building friendships.

Andrea believes therapy with kids and teens requires family involvement and she does this by providing feedback, support and suggestions for continuing strategies at home. In her approach to therapy, Andrea develops creative interventions influenced by Positive Psychology, Play Therapy, Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Andrea is excited to be joining the Child Therapy Boston team and will be seeing individual clients and facilitating groups.

Ben Broderick LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families in community based and outpatient settings. He received his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William James College, and a Bachelors Degree in Human Services Administration. Ben has extensive experience providing clinical support to youth experiencing mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, oppositional defiance, the impacts of trauma, attachment issues, adoption issues, family conflict, and peer relationship issues. He believes passionately in the healing power of attuned relationships, and is skilled with providing coaching, education and support to parents who are concerned about their children’s emotions and behaviors. Ben’s approach emphasizes finding and developing each clients’ unique strengths on a path to overcoming challenges, reaching goals and thriving in relationships. 

Ben is excited to be joining Child Therapy Boston in Sudbury, where he will provide individual therapy, family therapy and social skills groups.

Rita Peirce, LCSW is a clinical social worker who earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston College School of Social Work with a certificate in Trauma studies. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Studio Art at Connecticut College. Rita has experience working in therapeutic settings with all ages ranging from 5-85, with a special interest for working with kids and adolescents. She has worked in schools, community mental health, residential settings, and an outpatient clinics. She has provided various supports including individual and group therapy, support connecting to resources and crisis intervention.

Rita emphasizes a strengths based approach with clients and puts significant value on developing a strong therapeutic relationship. She enjoys incorporating creativity into therapy and likes to utilize art and other creative approaches whenever possible. Rita uses a trauma focused lens and utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, and other creative interventions based on the needs of each child. She also believes in involving the parents in the therapeutic process as much as possible while still maintaining a safe space for the child to explore their thoughts and emotions. Rita is excited to be joining Child Therapy Boston where she will be seeing individual clients and running groups.

Jennifer Meyerhardt, LICSW, M.Ed., JD, has been treating children, adolescents and families for over 23 years.  Jennifer earned her Masters of Education at Harvard University in the Risk and Resilience Program,  and a Master’s of Social Work at  Boston University.  Jennifer has worked with children, adolescents and families in a wide range of settings including  Community Based Acute Treatment Center,  non-profit agency supporting families at all stages of life, an outpatient community center and a private therapy practice.  Jennifer has done advanced training in trauma work, Child Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security, Mothering from the Inside out, and Fussy Baby.  Jennifer has a great deal of experience working with adoptees, children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, children who were born substance exposed,  and children and adolescent struggling with a wide range of diagnoses and challenges.  She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, relationship building, play and creative therapy and other person centered strength-based interventions and approaches.  Jennifer believes that creating a safe, non-judgmental and affirming environment supports a client’s ability to grow and make progress in therapy. Jennifer also loves working with families and young people and infuses playfulness, humor and fun into her therapy sessions.  She feels strongly about including families in her work with kids and teens.  Jennifer is excited to join the Child Therapy Boston team and will be seeing individuals and families in the Needham location.  

Vicki Reiszner, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a commitment to helping children, young adults, and families reach their goals. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health services, which inspired her to pursue her Master of Social Work at Smith College in Northampton, MA. Vicki has worked with children and adolescents in a variety of settings including residential/group home, community-based, and within therapeutic and public school systems. Vicki specializes in working with LGBTQ individuals and their families in order to promote social and emotional health and well-being. Vicki has also helped young adults who have experienced a range of mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and struggles with appropriate social skills, emotional regulation and attention, sense of positive self, and engagement in safe and healthy behaviors. Vicki is dedicated to providing culturally responsive and inclusive treatment, and believes in the importance and significance of building a trusting relationship and validating a young person’s experience to help inspire and facilitate an effective course of treatment that is specific to the needs of each child, young adult, and family.

Vicki is motivated and excited to join the Child Therapy Boston team to provide LGBTQ young people with social skills and life skills training to help increase their ability to use healthy communication and be successful in the world. Vicki is also looking forward to working with children and young adults to build healthy emotional regulation and attentional skills, positive sense of self, and utilization of safe and healthy behaviors to enhance social and emotional wellness.

Natalie is a clinical social worker with over 20 years experience as a therapist for children, young adults, groups, and families.  Natalie graduated from Tufts University in 1991 with a degree in Clinical Psychology.  Her career began as a counselor in a residential school on the South Shore and as a foster care and adoption social worker on the North Shore.  She attended Salem State University Graduate School of Social Work and graduated with her MSW in 2001.  Her career as a therapist began as a counselor in a group home for adolescent girls in Boston, MA.  Most of her experience comes from her years at Children Services of Roxbury and The Home for Little Wanderers where she received training and experience providing in-home family therapy and therapeutic wraparound services to children and families in the Greater Boston area.  Natalie worked with families who struggled with their children’s behavioral and emotional disregulation at home and/or in the community and school settings.  Natalie is experienced providing therapeutic services to children living with anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, disrupted attachments, mood disorders, and depression.

Natalie has an eclectic style of different therapeutic approaches learned over her years of experience, including integrative body psychotherapy, mindfulness, SMART, narrative, trauma informed cognitive behavioral, trauma systems, motivational interviewing, developmental play, and expressive art techniques.   She believes that by creating a safe space and using a variety of ways to express oneself, children can teach her about themselves and learn from her skills and insights to help them feel better and be more successful.

Annabelle Collins, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who graduated with her Master of Social Work from the Boston College School of Social Work, with a clinical concentration in children, youth, and families. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Hampshire and completed a service year upon graduation, providing social-emotional and academic support to elementary school students in New York City. Annabelle gained experience facilitating individual and group therapy through her clinical internships at Boston College and worked extensively with elementary through high school aged children. She has worked in various roles within the social work field since graduating, including supporting the social-emotional wellbeing of youth in an after-school setting and providing both individual and family therapy as an In-Home Therapy clinician.

Annabelle is passionate about providing individualized, child-centered therapy and seeks to work collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and families throughout the therapeutic process. Annabelle believes that therapy can be fun and looks forward to incorporating creative interventions aimed to support children in enhancing their emotional expression and regulation skills. She is intentional about creating an accepting and validating therapeutic space where children can feel safe to be their authentic selves. Annabelle utilizes an eclectic approach, with a particular emphasis on Narrative, Solution-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Child-Centered Play therapy modalities.

Annabelle is excited to be offering individual, group, and family therapy at Child Therapy Boston in Sudbury and Needham!

Sasha Busby, MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology/Mental Health Counseling. Sasha has experience in a variety of mental health settings and serving a wide demographic of people in need. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents through outpatient treatment settings, crisis intervention, family therapy and in home services. Sasha is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and makes LGBTQIA+ affirming space a priority. In therapy, Sasha brings a transparent, honest, fun and creative approach. She works collaboratively with each youth and their family to help them grow, thrive, and enhance their skills.  Sasha hopes to be able to support each youth in helping to build confidence, security, and happiness.  Sasha is excited to join the Child Therapy Boston team and will be seeing individual clients in both Needham and Sudbury. 

Graham Peck, MT-BC is a board certified music therapist and pre-licensed mental health counselor with many years experience working with children in therapeutic and various other roles. He grew up in Concord, MA and received his BFA in composition and performance from the California Institute of the Arts, and his Masters in mental health counseling and music therapy from Lesley University. Throughout his training and professional career as a therapist, Graham has worked at The Perkins School for the Blind, and through the Department of Children and Family Services to bring creative and artistic approaches to therapy with children, teens and young adults using music and other expressive art forms. He has worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, ASD, grief, medical and complex trauma, family conflict and more.

Graham believes in bringing a holistic view to all of his sessions, and loves meeting the client where they are at, allowing them opportunities to co-create the safe space and build a stronger connection. He aligns with the humanistic therapeutic approach, but incorporates elements of multiple therapies including behavioral and cognitive styles. Promoting mutual respect, empowering clients, learning and achieving goals together, and having a good time while doing it are all important parts of sessions for Graham. He wants all children and families he works with to feel heard and cared for during their time together, and believes therapy is a team effort.

Graham is excited to bring his music, goofball attitude, and passion for helping children to the Needham and Sudbury offices where he will be leading group and individual therapy sessions.

Sara De Pons is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston University with a specialization in trauma and she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a minor in Health Promotion from Bridgewater State University. Sara currently works at a K-12 Public School in Brookline, MA.  In this position, Sara has developed evidence-based IEPs, provided individual counseling and social skills groups for students, created and facilitated SEL-focused workshops for educators, and led mental-health based community events for parents.

Sara has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families across a variety of settings including, therapeutic residential programs, public schools, psychiatric hospital units, crisis intervention, state agencies, and private practice. Sara also has experience working with multidisciplinary teams, coordinating care and resources for clients, determining levels of care and need for clients and their families, and providing psychoeducation on mental health disorders and how to navigate the mental health system.

Sara has worked in settings that support children and families with anxiety and depression, trauma and attachment disorders, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, attentional difficulties, and mood disorders.  Sara has a passion for working with children and families and utilizes an empathetic,
evidence-based and trauma-informed approach, that looks beyond a child’s mental health diagnosis. Sara uses a combination of CBT, mindfulness, play, art and solution-focused therapy to meet clients where they are to make sustainable and empowering changes.

Marisa Cheung, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for providing clinical care to children, teens and families. Marisa received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Simmons College and completed an additional certificate of study in school social work. She received a dual bachelors degree in psychology and dance from Connecticut College. Marisa is licensed through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a school social worker/adjustment counselor and is a full time school social worker in a Boston elementary school. Marisa experience as a clinical provider in schools, community based and acute crisis treatment centers. Her clinical work emphasizes the importance of establishing strong alliances with youth and their families in order to effectively collaborate toward the child’s success. A pillar of her work is providing clinical services that are culturally responsive and affirming of LGBTQIA individuals. Marisa is experienced supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, complex trauma, family challenges, school difficulties, and more. She believes that each person has unique needs and perspectives, thus Marisa utilizes a wide variety of therapeutic approaches customized to enhance her client’s strengths. As a therapist, Marisa works to empower youth to deepen their understanding of their emotional experiences, effectively communicate their needs, and achieve their goals. Marisa is looking forward to joining Child Therapy Boston to provide individual therapy and facilitate groups in both Needham and Sudbury.

Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with young children. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College. Jennifer has worked in a wide range of settings including various state agencies. She is currently working in the public schools where she works as a preschool social worker in a local school district. Jennifer’s experience includes working children with anxiety, challenging behavior, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, and who are also neurodiverse. Jennifer enjoys using art, books, and play in her therapy as well as other traditional modalities. Fun is always incorporated. Jennifer includes the families in the therapeutic process and provides strategies and support to help reinforce skills and tools at home.

One of her favorite things to do is to help kids learn and love playing and being a kind friend.

Jennifer is excited to join Child Therapy Boston and will be seeing individual clients and running social skills groups in the Needham location.

Laura is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and holds a school adjustment counselor/school social worker license in MA with the Department of Education and Secondary Education. Laura received a bachelor’s degree combining illustration, design and communication from Lesley University, and went on to receive a Master of Social Work from Bridgewater State University.She has clinical experience with children, adolescents, families and young adults, within the school setting, university counseling center, and with outpatient behavioral health.

Laura is passionate about utilizing a holistic, strengths based approach to therapy, and supporting clients with therapeutic modalities and strategies that are right and impactful for the individual. Her professional interests include merging yoga / physical movement, art and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques with a range of evidence based psychotherapy practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing with a strong emphasis on coping skill building.