Sandra Rodriguez, LMHC

Dawn Schulze, LPC, has extensive experience practicing in both outpatient and residential treatment settings. She completed her Doctorate in Psychology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has specialized training in grief and trauma counseling. Her clinical background allows her to support individuals facing complex emotional challenges with depth, insight, and professionalism.

Dawn offers a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors each person’s unique journey. She is passionate about supporting individuals through significant life changes, addressing interpersonal challenges, and helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and resilience. Patients can expect a respectful, collaborative environment where they feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Dawn begins by learning each patient’s best hopes for therapy while gaining an understanding of their personal history and current concerns. She works collaboratively with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their goals, values, and vision for growth, adjusting the approach as needed over time.

Valerie Stern, LCSW, has extensive experience in hospital outpatient settings, nonprofit agencies, and private practice. She is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, MI, and IP, and is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy, having led groups for veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in recovery. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in clinical social work. She began her career working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and co-founded the Hearing Loss Association of Los Angeles, serving as its first president. Fluent in English, French, and American Sign Language, she brings a deep cross-cultural understanding from her time living in Europe and Asia.

Valerie approaches therapy with curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to creating a supportive, open environment. She helps clients challenge misconceptions and develop healthier thought patterns while fostering honesty, respect, and open communication. When appropriate, she uses humor to build connection and lighten moments in the therapeutic process.

In the first session, Valerie takes time to fully understand each client’s history and experiences to determine the best level of care. She collaborates with clients to create realistic, achievable treatment plans focused on positive behavioral and emotional change. She may incorporate homework, videos, and handouts for later reference, and uses appropriate self-disclosure to strengthen rapport and trust.

Kathleen Francois, LCSW, brings a rich background in outpatient, community mental health, crisis intervention, and behavioral health settings. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work and addiction, allowing her to support individuals through a wide range of challenges with expertise and compassion.

Kathleen values authenticity, deep connection, and creating a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported. She approaches care with warmth, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.

Kathleen’s approach is rooted in trauma-focused care and holistic wellness, honoring the mind-body connection and the influence of social wellbeing. She integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic lens to promote lasting healing, balance, and personal growth.

Deb Lund is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Deb brings to bear nearly 25years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families cope with ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. Deb attended Assumption College, where she earned a CAGS and a MA in Rehabilitation Counseling.  She also attended Worcester State University, where she earned a BA in Elementary Education, including a minor in Psychology with a Concentration in Developmental Disabilities.  Other course work includes Substance Abuse Counseling and Psychology.

Deb uses evidence-based modalities, including individualized motivational interviewing, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. She likes to refer to herself as a GPS  during the therapeutic journey; she explains that we can't always see our destination when we start together, but between us, we will get you and your family where you want to be.

Deb uses her natural compassion and sense of humor to assist in developing collaborative relationships with patients and families. Her goal is to help those she works with to reach their full potential and realize their goals through a combination of teamwork and advocacy.

Kia Morgan, LCSW, earned social work degrees from the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field across inpatient and outpatient settings. Kia utilizes evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing to support patients in achieving meaningful and lasting change.

Kia values an in-depth exploration of each patient’s background and personal history to identify root concerns and establish specific, person-centered treatment goals. She fosters a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and safe. Kia provides thoughtful feedback to help patients discover their own solutions and offers education about diagnoses to empower patients to better understand and manage daily symptoms.

Kia begins care with a comprehensive assessment that explores a patient’s history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. In collaboration with the patient, she develops an individualized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s needs and priorities, adapting the approach as progress is made.

Amber Durham, LCSW, has six years of experience practicing in outpatient settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2018 and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Union University in 2020. In 2023, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Amber’s background allows her to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports patients through a variety of mental health challenges.

Amber values open communication and believes in working collaboratively with patients to establish clear, achievable treatment goals. She creates a warm and supportive environment where patients feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Her approach centers on building trust and fostering personal growth throughout the therapeutic process.

Amber begins each therapeutic relationship by taking time to understand the patient’s unique history, concerns, and goals during the initial session. She develops individualized treatment plans tailored to align with those goals, ensuring that care remains patient-centered. Recognizing that trust takes time to build, Amber prioritizes creating a strong therapeutic alliance that supports meaningful progress over time.