Jeannine Cleaver is the owner of The Peace Connection, PLLC. Jeannine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut and Florida. She obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Springfield College. She developed her clinical skills providing individual, group and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults through her experience working in a residential group home, an inpatient hospital, in-home therapy, outpatient mental health and a residential substance use facility. Through this experience, Jeannine has worked with clients throughout the lifespan who sought help for a broad range of mental health and substance use challenges. 

Jeannine uses a holistic and client centered approach to treatment. Jeannine specializes in treating trauma. She was previously trained in Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Modular Approach to Treating Children- Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Conduct (MATCH-ADTC), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is a certified Risking Connections (Trauma framework) trainer. Jeannine uses psychodynamic and relational techniques to support her clients. She also specializes in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBT+ populations, and substance use and other addictions. 

In Jeannine's free time, she loves to spend time with her family. Jeannine finds peace in nature either at the beach or a walk in the woods. No matter where she is or what she is doing, Jeannine is always listening to music. Jeannine also loves to exercise, either going for a walk or run with the dog, jumping on a spin bike or doing yoga! 

Melissa is a therapist who is dedicated to building trusting relationships with her clients. She obtained her MSW from Simmons University and holds her LMSW in Connecticut. She developed her clinical skills providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents adults through her experience working in an in home therapy program and a mental health outpatient clinic. Through this experience, Melissa has worked with clients throughout their lifespan who sought help for various mental health and substance use challenges.

Melissa uses a client centered and solution focused approach to treatment. She was previous trained in Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) and Motivational Interviewing. Melissa specializes in working with individual and families dealing with substance use, anxiety, trauma, depression and various other issues.

In Melissa’s free time, she loves to be immersed in nature and soaking up the sun. Traveling is one of her greatest passions, exploring new places allows her to experience different perspectives and see the world from unique viewpoints.

**Melissa accepts Husky/Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna and self-pay**

Shaina obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work from Southern Connecticut State University and graduated with her Master of Social Work Degree from Fordham University and has her LMSW in Connecticut. She brings over 25 years of experience caring for people as a health care professional and in social work practice with individuals and families. Shaina has worked as a medical social worker with experience caring for and advocating for the aging and disabled population in a hospital setting, long term care facilities, in the community and in their homes. Shaina worked close with their families to ensure they felt supported and access to support. Shaina most recently has worked as an in-home therapist with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. Shaina is passionate about working with and being an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Shaina has a passion for all individuals to become independent and grow to love themselves through work that involves self-acceptance as a key motivator. Shaina believes that this process looks different for each individual, where some may need a constant supportive shoulder and validating ear; others may need tasks and goal-oriented therapy models to motivate and support them through their transition to self-acceptance and ultimately self-love.  Shaina uses a client centered approach to meet the needs of each of her clients. Shaina also brings experience with her training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) and trauma informed care.

Shaina hopes to support you in finding self-love, self-reliance and greater peace in your everyday life. Shaina finds peace in her life when she is in the mountains or around animals- especially highland cows! She loves to spend time with her family, go for walks in the woods and be at the beach. Shaina loves to make art, listen to music and do yoga and meditation. In a world where things feel constantly shifting and uncertain, it can be reassuring when you have peace within yourself and maybe have enough to share with others around you.

**Shaina accepts Husky/Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna and self-pay** 

**Shaina is available for virtual only sessions**

Yasmin is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut who has extensive experience working with children, adolescent, adults and families struggling with a variety of issues including trauma, attachment, anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction in an intensive home-based program (IICAPS) and outpatient setting. Yasmin is trained and certified in the Circle of Security (COS) and utilizes a trauma-informed, person-in-environment and Risking Connections framework in her treatment. Yasmin’s research in graduate school focused on ways movement and exercise can be utilized as a way of managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety and overall achieving optimal mental health. Yasmin studies and working experience have also been centered around understanding how race and biculturalism can ameliorate or exacerbate an individual’s ability to cope with various life stressors. Yasmin utilizes a holistic and client centered approach to treatment and integrates Humanistic principles, person-in-environment framework, and techniques from several treatment modalities such as Mindfulness, CBT, and DBT to mention a few. 

Yasmin specializes in helping individuals manage anxiety and depressive related symptoms as well as processing and healing from traumatic event(s) and life experiences. Yasmin also specializes and takes interest in helping individuals navigate through difficult relationships, stressful life circumstances and deal with issues related to identity, international relocation, cultural integration and understanding the mind-body connection.

In her free time, Yasmin enjoys spending time with her family, friends, dog and cats, listening to audiobooks, journaling, being in nature either walking, hiking or any activity by the beach. Yasmin’s favorite form of exercise is playing softball and dancing. 

**Yasmin accepts Husky, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS and self-pay**

Yasmin es una trabajadora social bilingüe con su maestría y licencia provisional (LMSW) en Connecticut con amplia experiencia trabajando con niños, adolescentes, adultos y familias con dificultades relacionadas a trauma, apego, ansiedad, depresión, uso de sustancias y adicción. Yasmin obtuvo esta experiencia clínica trabajando en un programa intensivo a domicilio (IICAPS). Yasmin tiene entrenamiento y está certificada en el Círculo de Seguridad (COS) y utiliza un esquema de Risking Connections. Yasmin enfoca su tratamiento clínico dando atención no solo a la parte interior sino también al medio ambiente de la persona. La investigación de Yasmin en la escuela de posgrado se centró en las formas en que el movimiento y el ejercicio pueden utilizarse como formas de lidiar y manejar los síntomas de la depresión y la ansiedad y, en general, lograr un estado de salud mental óptimo. Los estudios y la experiencia laboral de Yasmin también se han centrado en comprender cómo la raza y la cultura informan la capacidad que un individuo tiene para dar frente a diversos estresantes en sus vidas. Yasmin utiliza un enfoque holístico y centrado en el cliente para el tratamiento, integrando principios humanistas, el marco de la persona en su entorno y técnicas de varias modalidades de tratamiento, como la atención plena (Mindfulness), la terapia cognitivo-conductual (CBT) y la terapia dialéctico-conductual (DBT), entre otras.

Yasmin se especializa en ayudar a las personas a manejar síntomas relacionados con la ansiedad y la depresión, así como en procesar y sanar eventos traumáticos y experiencias de vida. Yasmin también se especializa y toma interés en ayudar a las personas a navegar relaciones difíciles, enfrentar circunstancias estresantes y tratar cuestiones relacionadas con la identidad, la reubicación internacional, la integración cultural y la comprensión de la conexión entre mente y cuerpo.

En su tiempo libre, Yasmin disfruta pasar tiempo con su familia, amigos, su perro y sus gatos, escuchar audiolibros, escribir en su diario y estar en la naturaleza, ya sea caminando por las  montañas o realizando cualquier actividad en la playa. Su forma favorita de ejercicio es jugar pelota y bailar.

Tara Sousa is a dedicated therapist who brings compassion, insight, and a trauma-informed lens to her work with adolescents, adults, and families. She received her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University. Tara’s approach is grounded in the belief that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported. Her goal as a therapist is to create an open and safe environment where clients can explore their experiences freely and begin the journey toward healing, growth, and a more confident, functional life. Tara has worked extensively with individuals, couples and families to improve communication, navigate life transitions and address challenges that arise from trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties

Tara has a particular passion for helping clients find their voice, identity, and independence while navigating the complex expectations of family systems, schools, communities, and society at large. Her clinical experience includes work in the Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) program, where she provided home-based, family-focused treatment for children and adolescents facing significant psychological and behavioral challenges.  Tara is certified in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an intervention for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers, which helps to repair and strengthen attachment following trauma or emotional difficulties. She is also trained in the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework, which supports resilience and recovery in children and adolescents who have experienced complex trauma. 

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strength-based practices. She tailors her methods to each individual’s needs, always striving to meet clients where they are. Whether working with a young adult navigating identity and independence, a family struggling with communication, or an individual healing from trauma, Tara brings empathy, clarity, and a creative spirit to her work.

Outside the therapy room, Tara enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She finds peace and inspiration in nature—whether she’s gardening, walking, hiking, or enjoying the beach. She has a personal goal of visiting every national park, and her adventurous, creative energy often finds its way into her therapeutic work. At the end of the day, she loves unwinding with a good book and creating a cozy space to recharge and reflect.

**Tara accepts Husky/Medicaid, Optum/United Healthcare, Anthem, Medicare, Cigna, Aetna and self-pay**

Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in CT. She received her BS in psychology and criminal justice and her MS in psychology at Sacred Heart University. Erin started in the field working with women in sober living and beginning their journey in a life of recovery. She then contracted with DCF as a Parent Educator and supervising visits between children and biological parent(s). Erin has experience in a number of different evidence based models. Erin has been certified in ARC - Attachment, Regulation, and Competency Model working with young children in a pre-school setting, MI - Motivational Interviewing to encourage deep thought while developing the trusting therapeutic relationship, Circle of Security (COS) working with young children and understanding the impact family members’ functioning has in the family environment,  and Risking Connections - a trauma informed framework to treatment. Erin is a certified MDFT Supervisor with 3+ years as an MDFT clinician. Erin spent her career working in various systems and with various populations throughout the life span. 

Erin works with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, symptoms of trauma or just struggling to navigate the challenges or transitions of life. She takes interest in working with individuals who are looking to manage difficult relationships, stressful life circumstances, and understanding the mind-body connection. Erin provides therapeutic interventions in individual therapy (children to adults) and family therapy, utilizing a holistic and person centered approach to treatment and techniques from several treatment modalities such as Mindfulness, CBT, and DBT to mention a few.  Erin believes you are the expert in your life and in what you want from your life. She would be honored to be a part of your journey to healing and self-discovery!

Erin is a clinical supervisor and values working with individuals entering the field, supporting professional and personal development. So, if you are looking for clinical supervision, she would love to work with you. 

When Erin is not working with clients and families or with colleagues in the field, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, snuggling her fur babies, and getting involved in DIY projects. She is a passionate NBA fan! Erin also loves to be out in nature soaking up the sun, while listening to her favorite podcasts!

**Erin accepts Husky/Medicaid, Optum/United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, Aetna and self-pay**

***Erin works virtually only with her clients***

Nate Cleaver is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Connecticut who has extensive experience working with individuals, parents, and families. He obtained his Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut. Before working at The Peace Connection, Nate has worked in non-profit agencies in a variety of roles. He worked in an intensive in-home program called Child First where he supported young children and their parents navigate trauma and other developmental needs. He also worked in Intensive Family Preservation, an in-home support for families working with the child welfare system. Nate has also had experience providing therapy in an outpatient mental health center. In addition to Nate’s clinical roles, he has also spent years managing an addiction recovery community center as well as obtaining his Master of Arts Degree in English from Florida Atlantic University where he taught writing and provided tutoring services. Through all of this experience, Nate has spent time working with people of all different ages, stages, and backgrounds with a diverse range of challenges. 

Nate’s approach to therapy is holistic, collaborative, and human-centered. Nate often incorporates his sense of humor in sessions and deeply values a trusting relationship with his clients. He combines his extensive experience in the mental health field with his knowledge and passion for social issues, philosophy, and issues of inequality.  Nate utilizes his experience with Circle of Security (COS-P), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to best help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and substance use. Nate is passionate about supporting adolescents and adults in times of transition in life in reaching their goals. Nate finds particular interest in working with clients who have an interest in using writing as a part of their healing (but also understands this is not for everyone!). In addition, Nate specializes in working with parents seeking help navigating the challenges of raising children and seeking ways to build stronger, healthier relationships with their kids and partners. Nate enjoys incorporating his experiences as an athlete into his sessions in supporting others navigating the stress of sports injuries and performance. 

Nate tends to spend as much of his free time as possible with his family (and watching Sports Center). He loves to cook, listen to music, read, golf and watch movies. Nate is also an avid runner and has run multiple marathons. 

**Nate accepts Husky/Medicaid, Cigna, Anthem, Aetna virtually or in person**

The Peace Connection is now working along side Nancy Brescia, APRN who provides psychiatric and medical appointments/evaluations/medication. Nancy works with clients of all ages and backgrounds with a specialty in serving first responders. 

 Please reach out to Jeannine to schedule with her at 860-245-9840 or to Nancy directly at 860-785-8780.  Nancy works out of the Peace Connection's Mystic office one Saturday per month.