Every Family. Every Child. Every Time.
Counseling Services
 

Meet our Counseling Team

The Bridge Family Center has been in our region supporting children, teens, couples, adults, and families for 50 years. As the overall impact of our organization has broadened, so too has our counseling work. We now offer clinics in West Hartford, Avon, and Rockville, and many of our clinicians have specialized expertise in LGBTQ care. We invite you to meet our talented, dedicated team, and we look forward to supporting you and your loved ones.


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Christopher Dutton, LCSW Director of Clinical Operations

Meet Chris 

Chris is the Director, Clinical Operations for our Outpatient Psychiatric Clinics located in West Hartford, Avon and Rockville. In this role, he is responsible for the overall operations of the clinics including staffing, compliance, licensing and regulation, revenue management and efficiencies improvement.

Chris' Credentials 
 
 

Martin Smith, LMFT, Clinical Director of Outpatient Psychiatric Services

Meet Martin 

Martin, the Clinical Director for Outpatient Psychiatric Services, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Since 2000, he has been  working with children, families and adults in a variety of settings, including: outpatient counseling, residential care, therapeutic group home care and therapeutic foster care. Martin has advanced training in the areas of complex trauma and attachment. He currently monitors all aspects of clinical counseling services for our outpatient counseling centers. 

Martin's Credentials 

Martin earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Sabooh S. Mubbashar, M.D.

Meet Dr. Mubbashar 

Dr. Mubbashar is the Medical Director for the Bridge Family Center's licensed Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children. He is a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and conducts medication evaluations and follow-ups for Bridge therapy clients. Dr. Mubbashar brings an incredible depth of clinical experience to his role. He is engaged in practicing child, adolescent and adult psychiatry and holds a special interest and expertise in advanced psychopharmacology.

Dr. Mubbashar's Credentials 

Dr. Mubbashar graduated from the residency-training program in Adult Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine and completed his advanced fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center. Additionally, Dr. Mubbashar completed his fellowship in Psychopharmacology at the Yale School of Medicine and West Haven's Veteran's Affairs Hospital. He also holds a faculty position as clinical instructor at the Yale School of Medicine, where he teaches an advanced psycho-pharmacology course. He has been the recipient of multiple awards and medals during his academic career, including: the Ira R. Levine Award and the President's Gold Medal from the Yale School of Medicine.

Dr. Mubbashar has published his clinical research in multiple indexed journals including clinical trials and also presented his original research work at several international conferences, including the Society for Neuroscience's annual meetings. He is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Carlie Annecchino, LMFTA

Meet Carlie 

Carlie is a Marriage and Family therapist in the West Hartford and Avon clinics. She works with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, family conflict and transitions. She utilizes solution-focused, narrative, and strategic approaches to aid clients with reaching their goals in therapy. Carlie has a compassionate approach and creates a safe and open environment to explore thoughts and feelings without fear or judgement. 

Carlie's Credentials 

Carlie has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.  

Carolyn Burman, LMFTA

Meet Carolyn 

Carolyn is a Marriage and Family Therapist at our Avon office. Carolyn works with couples, families, and individuals of all ages struggling with a variety of challenging life circumstances. Carolyn has experience helping others cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, relational issues, life transitions, behavioral challenges and more. Carolyn practices through a strengths-based and person-centered approach, welcoming others to embrace all parts of themselves. In her free time, Carolyn likes to hike with her dog and travel.

Carolyn's Credentials 

Carolyn has a Bachelor's degree in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies from UCONN and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. 

Rachel Cabaniol, LMFT

Meet Rachel 

Rachel is a Marriage and Family Therapist in our West Hartford and Avon clinics. She works with a wide range of clients including children, teenagers, adults, and families. Rachel strives to support clients through various life stages and transitions by building on their existing strengths. When not at the Bridge, Rachel enjoys her other passions including photography, art and music.

Rachel's Credentials 

Rachel received both her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University.

Anita DiGloria, LMFTA

Meet Anita 

Anita is a Marriage and Family Therapist in our West Hartford clinics. She works with individuals and families to seek a deeper understanding of themselves as they respond to life’s challenges, transitions, and emotional barriers. Anita utilizes an integrative approach to help others deepen their relationships through connection, communication, and healthy interactions. Individual’s meet their therapeutic goals and mature on their path to personal success and emotional stability.

Anita embraces artistry in nature, organic living, and people.

Anita's Credentials 

Anita has a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.  

Caroline Dumond, LMFTA 

Meet Caroline 

Caroline is a Marriage and Family Therapy Therapist from Central Connecticut State University. With a background in Secondary Education, she is passionate about working with students and their families in fostering growth and development with a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. Caroline is particularly interested in trauma informed approaches as well as play, art, and nature-based therapy. She practices with the belief that all people have the power within themselves to lead a joyful and fulfilling life and that sometimes we just need help accessing the tools that connect us to that power. 

Caroline's Credentials 

Kelsey Geddes, LMFTA

Meet Kelsey 

Kelsey is a Marriage and Family Therapist in our West Hartford and Avon clinics. She works with a variety of children, adolescents, couples, and families experiencing various challenges such as trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict and transitions, behavioral challenges, and divorce. Kelsey strives to create a safe and comfortable environment for clients to develop positive changes in their lives. She utilizes strategic, solution-focused, and narrative approaches to assist clients in reaching therapeutic goals.

Kelsey's Credentials 

Kelsey has a Bachelor's degree in Allied Health Sciences from the University of Connecticut and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Saint Joseph.

Mary Grattan, LMFTA

Meet Mary 

Mary is a Marriage and Family Therapy Therapist in our West Hartford clinic who works with a wide range of clients including children, teens, adults, families, and couples.  She has experience working with a number of clinical issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral challenges, relational conflict and divorce.  She is particularly interested in working with children and their families, and couples.  She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities in helping clients to explore their concerns and best utilize their strengths in working toward positive change in meeting therapeutic goals.

Mary's Credentials 

Mary has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany, a Master's degree in Science from Central Connecticut State University, and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.

Andrew Halpern, LPC

Meet Andrew 

Andrew Halpern works with adolescents and adults through an eclectic and humanistic lens.  He finds joy in seeing his clients become the best version of themselves. He has training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.

In addition, Andrew has worked in various clinical settings as a therapist and supervisor helping clients navigate their way to wellness through different levels of care. He provides counseling in English and Spanish. 

Andrew's Credentials 

Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University.  

Stephanie Joanis, LPC Intern

Meet Stephanie 

Stephanie is an intern in our West Hartford clinic.  She works with a wide range of clients including children, teens, adults, families, and couples. Stephanie is passionate in creating a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted unconditionally.  Her background includes experience in early education and care coordination in the Greater Hartford area.  In Stephanie’s spare time, she enjoys traveling, thrift shopping, and spending quality time with friends and family.  

Stephanie's Credentials 

Stephanie earned a BA in Human Services with a minor in Early Education from Springfield College and is currently enrolled in the Clinical Psychology Master's Program at Capella University.

Mia Kim, LMFTA

Meet Mia 

Mia is a Marriage and Family Therapist in our West Hartford Clinic. She works with children, teenagers, adults, and families facing issues with anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and trauma. She helps clients recognize their own strengths so that they can identify the therapeutic goals and solutions they want using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Mia believes most of these issues are from relational conflicts and strives to work on reconsolidating relationships in families and couples by helping them understand their need to connect with others. 

Mia's Credentials 

Mia earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.

Lydia Krenicki, LMFT

Meet Lydia 

Lydia is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in our West Hartford and Avon clinics. She works with children, teenagers, adults, families, and couples who are facing issues such as anxiety, depression, family conflict and transitions, behavioral challenges, loss, and trauma. Lydia uses contextual and narrative approaches to help individuals, couples, and families who are feeling stuck in their current situation broaden their story. She is particularly interested in how identity is impacted by social relationship and family dynamics over time.

Lydia's Credentials 

She earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Connecticut. Her research focused on engagement in treatment and successful completion of therapy.

Megan Latte, MFT - Intern

Meet Megan 

Megan is a Marriage and Family Therapist intern at The Bridge Family Center’s Rockville location. 

Megan's Credentials 

Megan has experience working with clients in Southern Connecticut State University’s MFT clinic. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, also from SCSU.

Kristin B. Marchesani, LMFT

Meet Kristin 

Kristin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in our Rockville clinic. They work with children, teenagers, adults, and families who are facing issues such as anxiety, depression, divorce, family conflict, and behavioral challenges. Kristin is particularly interested in serving the LGBTQAI+ community of all ages and specializes in supporting individuals and families who are navigating transgender legal, social, and physical transitions. Kristin is a Transgender Affirmative Care Clinician now affiliated with WPATH (Worldwide Professional Association for Transgender Heath). They have multiple years experience in working in the clinical day school setting and is trained in Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB), Risking Connections, Calm Every Storm (CES), as well as several therapeutic modalities.

Kristin's Credentials 

They earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut.

Jasmine May, MSW Intern

Alexis Niemann, LMFT

Meet Alexis 

Alexis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in the mental healthcare field for over a decade. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of outpatient settings, including: in-home services, outpatient counseling, jail diversionary programs, as well as both public and clinical day schools. Alexis utilizes strategic, solution focused, and narrative approaches to assist clients in achieving their therapeutic goals. It is her goal to support clients through life’s changes and transitions in a safe and supportive environment, by building upon their existing strengths.

Alexis' Credentials 

Alexis earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature, with a concentration in Honors Studies and Psychology from Central Connecticut State University.

Emily O'Connor, LPC Intern

Alexis Schillinger, LMFTA

Meet Alexis 

Alexis is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate at the Bridge's Rockville location.  He uses humanistic and existential theories to understand people’s experience through life.  He has been practicing meditation and mindfulness for over 15 years.  He uses this to increase awareness and tranquility with all clients that are willing to learn. He utilizes attachment theory, dialectical behavioral theory, and sex therapy to develop an understanding of who we are in the present. Living by the philosophy; Learn from the past, Live in the present, and Look out for the future. He believes everyone can come to an understanding of who they are and love themselves for it.

Alexis' Credentials 

Alexis has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Research, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Human Development Family Studies, from UConn. Alexis also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, from The Chicago School of Professional Psycology. 

Jenna Sheppard, APRN

Heather Steadward, Administrative Assistant

Susan Toomey, LMFTA

Meet Susan 

Susan is a Marriage and Family Therapist in our Avon and Rockville offices. She works with children, teenagers and adults who are experiencing a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, trauma, and difficulty with life stage transitions.  Susan is particularly interested in working with women who are experiencing challenges due to new relationships, divorce/separation, child conflict or children leaving home (empty nest). Using solution-focused and strength based approaches, Susan strives to create a safe environment for exploration, growth and healing.

Susan's Credentials 

Susan received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.

Zoey Walker, APRN

Meet Zoey 

Zoey K. Walker MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN currently works as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in an outpatient clinic in East Hartford CT. In addition she holds two Adjunct Professor positions at Goodwin University and the University of Saint Joseph, where she teaches in the Associate degree program.

Throughout the academic community she is known for her innovative teaching strategies, and delivering content using real life examples. Her passion is Psychiatry and her research interest include key reasons for shortage of mental health nurses and finding ways to motivate nursing students to care for mental health patients. She previously served in the United States Airforce reserve and earned the rank of Captain. Was awarded the Florence Nightingale nursing award from the University of Saint Joseph school of nursing. 

Zoey's Credentials 

Zoey earned her Master of Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph and Bachelor of Nursing degree from Goodwin University. She has over twelve years of nursing practice and two years in nursing education. She has served as a preceptor for many undergraduate nursing students.  

 

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