NORTH ANDOVER COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS
Meet Our Team
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Karen Weinberg LeClaire, LMHC, LCMHC, LCPC
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.
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, LMHC
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 Blais, LMHC
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.
Samantha Rheaume, MS
Samantha holds a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College. She also graduated from Stetson University with a dual major in molecular biology and psychology. Samantha 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 uses an eclectic approach to counseling, pulling from modalities including person-centered, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (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 would 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
Megan Mayo, MS
Megan "Meg" Mayo holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Child Psychology from Saint Joseph College, as well as a Masters in Educational Studies from Springfield College. She recently returned to the classroom after a hiatus, and is currently employed as a Middle School Math & Science Special Education teacher in a substantially separate program for students with emotional & behavioral diagnosis as well as learning disabilities. Prior to last year, Megan worked for a non-profit organization as a clinician trained in the ARC trauma model for a latency-age group home, working with children in DCF custody in need of mental health services. In this role, she also acted as an on-call emergency clinician, as well as a CPI and crisis-intervention trainer for staff & foster families. Megan specializes in working with children and teens who struggle with recovering from traumatic events as well as diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, anger management, and mood disorders. Additionally, Megan has previously worked with both biological and "found" families to provide family therapy and assist in improving communication & gaining a better understanding of both themselves and each other. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Megan is also comfortable working with those struggling with their own identities and aiding them in discovering their authentic selves.
The world can be an overwhelming place for both children and adults. Megan firmly believes that everyone deserves someone to act as their non-biased "sounding board" and advisor; someone to support them through their struggles & assist them with reaching their full potential. Megan believes in a whole body therapeutic approach to counseling, as mental health struggles and physical ailments often go hand in hand. Megan not only works with individual clients but families and collaterals as well, as she believes in an overall, wrap-around approach to therapeutic services.
When she is not teaching or counseling, Megan enjoys spending time with her wife, dog, and family. Her "downtime" is spent participating in any activity where she can run around or spend time in nature, reading, crafting, or gaming.
Hariklea Qirjazi- LCSW
Hariklea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the field of Social Work for several years. Hariklea graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and then a Masters Degree in Social Work from Westfield State University. Hariklea’s Journey began as such.
Hariklea’s interest in caring for people started at a young age. Hariklea started as a Personal Care Assistant and learned about the physical aspects of helping people and then shortly after the emotional and mental aspects of supporting adults and children with physical and neurological impairments.
Hariklea’s curiosity took her on the path of working with Children on the Autism Spectrum as a Behavioral Therapist. As Hariklea’s interests continued to broaden, she was able to transition into the role of a Family Support Specialist, which allowed her to support families as a whole. Hariklea continued her journey which led to working with families at the Department of Children and Families and then made a switch into the geriatric population as a Medical Social Worker in Nursing Home and Rehabilitation settings. Eventually all of her experiences with different populations, led her to working with Children and Families in the Public School Setting as a Special Education Social Worker.
In Hariklea’s practice and in her personal life, she follows the Code Of Ethics of Social Work near and dear to her. Hariklea Trusts that creating a calm and safe space, consistency, elevating a person’s strengths, and meeting clients where they are at, are the foundation of healthy life changes. Hariklea believes that understanding a person’s “need beneath the need '' will allow the therapist to better support the client and in turn help the client reach their full potential.
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!
Mikayla Schlehofer
I have a passion for helping others and care deeply about the health and wellness of the people I serve. I studied at William James College and hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a dual concentration in Health and Behavioral Medicine and Military and Veterans Psychology. I have been in the field several years, where I have primarily worked with adults dealing with severe co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders providing integrative behavioral health treatment. I built a passion for working with individuals who suffer from medical health issues, substance use disorders and mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, complex trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When providing therapy to my clients, I take an integrative treatment approach to healing. I am trained in various approaches and believe that therapy is not a one size fits all. I believe it to be important to meet clients where they are at in their healing journey and shape treatment around their identified goals and objectives. With this ideology I am able to incorporate different modalities of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SF-BT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindful-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), neurofeedback and trauma-informed practices. I look forward to helping you on your healing journey. When I am not guiding my clients through the treatment process, you can find me traveling, camping or outside exploring the great outdoors with my significant other and our dogs.
Olivia Longpre
Olivia earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Sport & Performance Psychology from Boston University. She brings extensive experience in the mental health field, having worked with children, adolescents, and families in a partial hospitalization program. She specializes in working with anxiety, depression, body image concerns, behavioral difficulties, and relationship issues.
Olivia adopts a versatile approach to therapy, utilizing Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Strengths-Based Therapy. She believes that creating an unconditionally positive, non-judgmental environment is fundamental to guiding her clients through life’s challenges. Integrating her practice with values of humor, authenticity, and creativity, Olivia strives to foster a unique and personalized therapeutic experience for all her clients.
Drawing from her firsthand experience as an athlete, Olivia also recognizes the importance of supporting high-performing individuals in navigating mental health and performance-related challenges. She is passionate about empowering athletes and performers to realize their full potential, understanding that achieving success requires a holistic approach that encompasses both mental well-being and performance enhancement. Olivia has worked with Division I, Division III, and high school athletes to provide sports psychology services ranging from performance anxiety, increasing confidence, enhancing motivation, facilitating emotional regulation, and aiding in injury recovery. In her free time, Olivia remains actively engaged in athletics by playing soccer and working out at the gym, and she also enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Nicole Palermo
Nicole is a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for promoting holistic wellness and resilience. Holding a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and School Adjustment Counseling, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her practice. Her experience spans across a wide range of age groups, from children as young as 2 to adults of 65 and beyond.
Specializing in substance use disorder, Nicole is committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of addiction. Through evidence-based interventions and a client-centered approach, she empowers her clients to embark on a journey of recovery and self-discovery. One of Nicole's key therapeutic modalities involves the integration of mindfulness and meditation into her practice.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole is an avid traveler who finds inspiration in exploring different cultures and cuisines. She cherishes moments spent with her family and recognizing the importance of connection and shared experiences. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact in the world, Nicole continues to strive for excellence in her field, embodying empathy, resilience, and a profound dedication to the holistic wellness of her clients.
Macy Tarrant
Macy holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Sport & Performance Psychology from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in Personality Psychology with a specialization in Neuroscience and Mental Health from Carleton University. Her experience in neuropsychological assessment brings a diverse practice of counseling with a wide variety of people from children, teens, college students, athletes, and geriatric clients. Macy’s specializations include grief, trauma, transitions, identity, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. As well, Macy has considerable experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals, providing a non-judgmental and open therapeutic space for all identities.
Macy utilizes techniques from theories such as Psychodynamic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) while considering a Strengths-Based approach to therapy. Macy looks to aid in your self-exploration journey to further understand what are the experiences that brought you here, heal from how the past shows up today and move to a future you can thrive in. She does this by providing a space to learn and grow while bringing curiosity, authenticity, humor, and honesty to the therapeutic relationship.
As well, Macy specializes in athletics and mental performance for all elite performers. As a former collegiate athlete herself Macy understands the gap that exists between physical resources and the mental resources available to athletes. The high-performer experience is a unique one which requires individual support whether it is related to mental performance during sport or the mental health considerations that come with being an athlete. Macy’s goal is to optimize one’s performance through increasing sport enjoyment, growth, and development to reach performance consistency. In addition, to support athletes and their unique experiences she provides an environment to explore their mental well-being as sport does not just come with performance needs. Providing this all-encompassing approach Macy has worked with youth and high school athletes as well as NCAA Division I and III collegiate athletes to target pre-performance anxiety, confidence, motivation, and perfectionism among others.
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.
Katie Van Buskirk
Office Administrative
Manager
Lindsay leClaire
Billing specialist and
co-facilitator of our groups
