NORTH ANDOVER COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS
MEET OUR TEAM
KAREN WEINBERG LECLAIRE, LMHC, LCMHC, LCPC
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Karen holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Suffolk University and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. As the owner of the practice and with nearly 25+ years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults, Karen brings a non-judgmental and down to earth approach to therapy. Karen offers a safe environment that provides a supportive place for children and adults to begin to build skills to navigate life challenges after life altering events. As a Guardian ad Litem in the Massachusetts courts, Karen has helped and supported children, adults and families through difficult times. As a fully trained EMDR therapist, she specializes in the treatment of trauma. She believes that healing from trauma is possible and after acknowledging the impact of hardship and completing the proper work, we often emerge with great self-awareness and resiliency.
North Andover Counseling Professionals has a variety of therapists to meet your needs and style.
Our approach is strength based, and we believe in a collaborative problem solving approach that offers children and families the skills and support that you need to navigate life challenges and to overcome them. Our experience and training provides a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges you may face.
If you're interested in solving problems and moving forward, the best time to start is now. Together, we can help you restore balance, gain insight and clear the path to a healthier and happier life.
Please contact us to inquire!
COST:
Each individual therapy session is $125 - $150
INSURANCE:
Many insurance plans offer Flexible Healthcare Spending Accounts that can be used to cover therapy.
Karen Weinberg LeClaire is offering EMDR therapy.
KARLA SHEPARD, MS
Karla's educational background includes a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Merrimack College. She uses a strength-based, trauma-sensitive style of therapy.
Being a mother of five has provided Karla with the understanding that no single approach is the right one for every individual. As such, she is able to draw from her work and life experience, along with her education, to develop a unique and individualized approach to treatment utilizing an array of evidence-based practices, including EMDR.
Life is full of challenges and stressors and as human beings, it is natural for us to seek guidance and support. Karla is passionate about helping people heal and promote the development of their own personal growth. Outside of work, she can be found enjoying outdoor activities and planning for the next adventure with family or friends.
Karla Shepard is now offering EMDR therapy.
BRENDA AMUNDSON, LMHC
Brenda has worked as an LMHC in various roles in the Merrimack Valley area. Brenda holds a BS in Human Services Administration from New Hampshire College and acquired a MSSW from Springfield College with a concentration in adult mental health.
Brenda is a seasoned clinician specializing in the areas of adult emotional well being. Her areas of expertise are working with adults with anxiety, depression, PTSD, domestic abuse issues, substance abuse, narcissistic personalities and all other matters adjusting to life circumstances. She offers individual and couples therapy through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy approach.
Brenda is well versed in empowering her clients to be engaged in conflict resolution and realistic goals for their well being. Brenda has the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome your struggles and help you live a more fulfilling and well balanced life. She believes we can all have these things and more. With a little fostering, one can achieve emotional well-being where the mind and body align and heal.
MAX USKOV, MS
Max moved to America from Belarus when he was six years old, and he is still able to speak Russian. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and his Masters of Education degree from Cambridge College with a major in Psychology and Counseling with a concentration in Trauma and Addiction.
Max has been working in the mental health field for the last seven years.
He has held a multitude of roles, from being a Residential Assistant to working as a Mental Health Technician in an Adolescent Inpatient Unit, a Mental Health Counselor in the Emergency Room, and then as a Masters Level Clinician. He offers individual therapy and family therapy, and he has a multitude of experience with working with children, teens and adults.
Max is well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy so he can assist my clients in identifying and changing negative automatic thoughts and assist clients to learn mindfulness techniques so they could learn the beauty of staying in the moment. Max uses a therapeutic approach called a person-centered approach which allows him to tailor every therapeutic approach uniquely to the individual to enhance their strengths. HIs goal is to offer empathy and insight and help you build new strategies and techniques to help you through your journey!
JULIE THOMPSON, LMHC
Julie has been practicing for many years, and hold a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rivier University. She offers a heart centered, culturally sensitive, eclectic and multi systemic approach, tailored to each person’s individual life circumstance. She welcomes with caring and empathy children 13 and over, teens, couples, families, LBGTQ, folks with trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, depression and anxiety, and a host of mental health concerns. She is endlessly curious, a life contemplator, appreciator of all things nature, shell seeker, and a dog lover.
Julie believes that with clarity, support, learning new skills, and perseverance all of us have the capacity to change, grow, and transform our lives. Sometimes it’s just really hard to believe it’s possible when you are in the thick of hard things. But you CAN.
There are times we all just need someone to talk to, and to walk with us to seeing past what we can’t control, and utilize difficulties on our journey to make us stronger. There is a way to get from struggle and hardship to wellness and success, whatever that looks like to you. Recovery and a return to a sense of joy, centeredness, and purpose in life is possible, and she would like to walk with you to a better place than you are right now.
NICOLE PERO, MA
Nicole graduated from Cambridge college with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus in addiction treatment. Nicole also holds a bachelor’s degree in fine art, as well as a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. She has previous experience in the Mental Health Field as a Master Level Clinician, where she has gained experience working with both individual clients as well as couples.
Her journey began as a childcare worker, which later turned into a position as a Behavioral Therapist for children on the Autism Spectrum. From there, she became an Art teacher for children in grades k-8 in the Public School system. Nicole then secured a position as an Art Therapist at a Substance Use Treatment Center. From there, she became a Mental Health Counselor at Co-occurring Disorders facility, and eventually became employed at an intensive outpatient program, facilitating groups for anger management, mothers in treatment, and of course more art therapy.
In her practice, Nicole practices Animal Assisted Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy. Her passion for art allows her to incorporate this into each intervention as appropriate.
She is motivated, creative, empathetic and genuine. Nicole has been touched personally by many mental health problems within her own family system as well as in her social circle. She enjoys working with all ages and welcomes both individuals and couples counseling. Nicole has an overwhelming appreciation for animals, nature, and spirituality and she believes they can all assist in mental health needs. Self-Care is her mantra, so she incorporates physical, mental and spiritual interventions into her daily practice. Nicole loves to draw, exercise, relax at the beach, and spend as much time as possible with her Boxer, Logan. She has learned that she is responsible for her own happiness and would love to help you find what brings you peace as well.
Nicole is now offering Animal Assisted Therapy
MARY ST. JEAN, LMHC
Mary is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working in the field for 7 years. After obtaining her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, she began working at a private practice with adolescents, adults, and couples. After a while, she decided to branch out and began working within the community, providing in-home therapy to children and their families. Within her experience, Mary's areas of focus include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, family conflict, challenging life transitions, behavioral difficulties, and parenting challenges.
Mary uses an eclectic approach, using tools from a wide range of theories. She believes her greatest strength is my ability to connect to people and provide them with a safe environment for them to address, process, and find solutions to their current struggles. When life can become stressful and feels unmanageable, it can be helpful to speak to someone who is impartial and help you think in ways you may not have considered. This can be a major step toward making changes that are important to you. Change requires understanding, validation, and trust. Mary strives to establish this with every client she meets.
HANNAH MILANO, M.Ed
Hannah graduated from Mills College with a degree in Child Development and Education and then from Cambridge College with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus on trauma treatment. She has previous experience in the mental health field as a Master’s Level Clinician where she gained experience working with individual adult and adolescent clients, couples, families; and facilitating Parenting Education Program classes.
She has also gained vast experience and knowledge while working with children and families in school settings as a teacher and child care worker
In her practice, Hannah focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindful/Holistic approaches, and Person-Centered therapy, ultimately tailoring the treatment to each individual and meeting you where you are at. Hannah is intuitive, empathetic, genuine and down to earth. You will find that she is also extremely motivated to assist clients with any challenge that may arise.
DAWNMARIE CAMMARATA, LMHC
DawnMarie holds a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Multi-Cultural Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) since 2013. Her theoretical approach and advocacy in working with all age groups who experience or have experienced traumatic events is to meet you where you are at in your present life and allow you to pace yourself in your treatment. Many people experience traumatic events in their lifetime, but it doesn’t have to hold you hostage or dictate your future.
DawnMarie uses an eclectic approach, using tools from a wide range of theories.
She believes her greatest strength is my ability to connect to people and provide them with a safe environment for them to address, process, and find solutions to their current struggles. When life can become stressful and feels unmanageable, it can be helpful to speak to someone who is impartial and help you think in ways you may not have considered. This can be a major step toward making changes that are important to you. Change requires understanding, validation, and trust. DawnMarie strives to establish this with every person she meets. Transform your pain into power!
SAMANTHA
Samantha graduated from Stetson University with a dual major in molecular biology and psychology, and from there graduated from Cambridge College with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. She has experience in the mental health field working with teenagers in DCF custody, as well as adults with substance use disorders involved in the criminal justice system.
Samantha specializes in addressing trauma, substance abuse, and working with individuals to overcome challenges in their lives, whether they be big or small. Samantha believes in the potential of all people and likes to build upon the strengths and abilities of her clients to help them overcome whatever they are facing.
Samantha likes an eclectic approach to counseling, pulling from modalities including person-centered, CBT, DBT, and humanistic approaches to meet people where they’re at and build upon what they already have. Samantha strives to create an environment that is warm, safe, and unconditionally positive for everyone to explore where they’re at and where they’d like to be.
CASEY KIRKLAND, MS
Case Kirkland holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College and has experience as an adjunct faculty member teaching wilderness field courses. Case believes everyone can reach an optimum state of health. He employs a person-centered and trauma-informed approach with a strong reliance on Brainspotting. He has completed Brainspotting 1 training and uses this modality to treat mental health struggles through healing the brain. For the past 13 years, he has worked for 4 different therapeutic outdoor and residential programs with positions ranging from wilderness guide to field director to clinician.
For almost 20 years, Case has effectively worked with people to produce continuous growth in their lives. In his free time, he can be found gardening, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, mountain running, playing music, cooking and traveling.
Casey Kirkland is now offering Brainspotting Therapy
AMANDA HARTING-MCLAUGHLIN, LCSW
Amanda is a Licenced Clinical Social worker who has worked in the field for 8 years in various agency settings including primary care, in home family therapy, adventure therapy, pet therapy, Substance Use Treatment in IOP and OTC facilities, hospice, end of life care, and adult community based treatment. Previous experience included servicing severe and persistent mental and mood disorders in family homes. Amanda's masters degree focused on person centered care in integrative behavioral health with a focus on achieving mental wellness through mindfulness, positive psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavoral Therapy, and trauma informed care approaches. Amanda's 6 year old dog Hamilton has worked along side each position providing comfort to the office culture, clients and families.
Amanda has worked with many different populations from children and families, adolescents, parents, older adults, and geriatrics. Focuses of treatment include managing co-occurring dual diagnoses, collaborating with collateral contacts to manage co-morbidities, including anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, bipolar, PTSD, Trauma, Eating Disorders, self esteem, bullying, OCD, family systems, major life events / transitions, internal family conflicts, parent training, and anger management.
Amanda believes we all deserve a non judgmental safe space to process difficult and unmanageable times in our lives. Amanda's goal and mission is to help others achieve mental wellness through strengths based person centered care approach. As someone who has lived experiences and mental health struggles personally, Amanda believes empathy, kindness, and going at your own comfortable pace to reach your goals is essential to the therapeutic relationship. Amanda incorporates holistic approaches, looking at the whole person in the environment, mind, body, spirit, incorporating physical fitness, mindfulness, spiritual processing, meditation, and focus on self care.
Amanda is now offering ART Accelerated Resolution Therapy
KATIE VAN BUSKIRK, Office Administrative Manager
