Tara Pavone, LMHC

Marcela Medina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Florida International University. She is a dedicated and passionate clinician who understands the challenges individuals and families face across different stages of life. Marcela has worked with diverse populations experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental health disorders, and behavioral concerns. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults, and provides therapy in both English and Spanish.

Marcela is authentic, realistic, and reliable, and believes therapy should be a supportive and empowering experience. She is deeply committed to helping clients reach their maximum potential by fostering insight, resilience, and personal growth. Marcela focuses on empowering clients to take control of their lives while creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

After the initial introduction, Marcela collaborates with clients to discuss what to expect from therapy and to establish clear goals and objectives. She uses open-ended questions to help clients identify triggers, strengths, and coping strategies. Together, they build a strong, individualized treatment plan that supports meaningful and sustainable progress.

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.

Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Jodie Gardner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Texas and California. She works with individuals, couples, and families ages 12 and older and has clinical experience addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and life transitions. Jodie is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and has extensive experience supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and identities, including providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals, those in non-traditional or complex relationships, and individuals navigating mood disorders, caregiver stress, and intimacy concerns.

Jodie believes every person has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care. She views therapy as a collaborative partnership grounded in open communication and mutual respect. Jodie creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore thoughts and emotions at their own pace, using thoughtful questions to help clients uncover insight, strengths, and meaningful solutions.

In the first session, Jodie invites clients to share their story and what brings them to therapy. Together, they identify goals and begin developing a personalized roadmap for treatment. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT with trauma-informed care and mindfulness to support lasting growth and change.

Meredith LaFave, LCSW, has extensive clinical experience working with adults, couples, and families in private practice and clinic settings. She has specialized training in EMDR, contemplative psychotherapy, Integrative Wellness, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Meredith values creating a safe, collaborative space where patients feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to explore personal growth.

Meredith blends deep exploration and insight with practical, goal-oriented strategies. She fosters a warm, engaging environment that encourages patients to feel respected, challenged, and equipped to build self-efficacy and overall life satisfaction.

Meredith begins by building rapport and understanding what brings a patient to therapy. She explores historical and contextual information, collaborates on personalized treatment plans, and uses evidence-based approaches to guide patients toward meaningful change, resilience, and personal growth.

Donna Duggan, LMHC, earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Walden University. Her professional journey began in law enforcement, later leading to education and mental health advocacy. Donna’s work as a crisis advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse inspired her to pursue counseling full time. Since earning her graduate degree in 2015, she has worked extensively with children, families, and adults, specializing in trauma recovery and empowerment.

Donna values open communication and believes in creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel respected and understood. With over fifteen years of experience helping individuals heal from trauma, she views the therapeutic process as an opportunity for patients to reclaim their voices and move from “victim to survivor” on their own terms. Patients can expect empathy, collaboration, and a strong sense of safety in her care.

Donna begins each therapeutic relationship by establishing trust and safety, encouraging honest dialogue around personal and family challenges. She integrates education, reflection, and resource sharing on topics like communication and conflict resolution. Together with patients, she develops personalized short- and long-term goals rooted in their individual and cultural values, ensuring therapy supports meaningful and lasting growth.