Meet our Team
Jennifer Simmons (she/hers), MS, LPC, NCC
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Jennifer is the owner of Open Minds Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor holding a master’s degree in counseling from Central Connecticut State University. She has over 14 years of counseling experience in public and private settings working to support a diverse client population including adolescents, young adults, and adults from all walks of life, backgrounds, faiths and orientations.
Jennifer's goal as a counselor is always to provide a safe, supportive, and open-minded environment. She sees her role as a counselor as someone who meets clients where they are and helps guide them to where they want to be through empathy and unconditional positive regard. Every person is unique in their needs and Jennifer's theoretical orientation is an integrated approach that includes a humanistic person-centered foundation as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy models. Jennifer believes that her clients are experts of their own selves and are deserving of trust to make the next best choice for themselves. Jennifer's passion is helping women deconstruct from the oppressive systems that so often accompany mood disorders, low self worth and trauma. |
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Elena Fenner is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate at Open Minds Counseling. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s counseling program and is passionate about supporting adolescents and individuals in transitional adulthood. Elena works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and life transitions, with a strong focus on helping individuals heal from trauma.
She believes that the client is the expert in their own life, and her role as a counselor is to provide a safe, compassionate space where growth, self-discovery, and healing can take place. Elena’s therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems, tailored to each client’s unique story and needs. |
Elena Fenner (she/hers), LPCA
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lara barnes (SHE/HERS), Lmft
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Lara Barnes is Licensed Marriage Family Therapy and holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Oregon with an emphasis on therapy for couples and families. It is Lara's belief that each of us possesses the tools and the competence to solve complex and demanding problems. Lara's goal for therapy is to work with you towards developing strengths in areas which present a challenge to you or your family. Because it is her belief that couples and families are subject to intricate and interconnected relationships, she feel that it is important to see the members of a family together, when appropriate.
Her work is heavily evidence based and includes best practice treatment methods tailored for work with individuals, couples and families struggling with the impacts of depression, anxiety or traumatic experiences. |
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Bianca Carrero is a Licensed Professional Counselor associate who obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Saint Joseph. Bianca uses a caring, relaxed, and empathetic approach in work with clients, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a strengths-based perspective. Bianca works together with her clients to establish positive coping strategies that help each individual to feel more engaged, connected and at their best self.
Bianca has experience with children, adolescents, families, and adults dealing with substance use and mental health challenges. She has provided crisis management, individual, group, and family therapy at residential, in-home, and outpatient settings. Bianca also has experience with adolescents and teens in a school setting by assisting students with mental health by understanding the root of their stressors. |
Bianca Carrero (SHE/HERS), LPCA
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Elizabeth Keyes Charles, (SHE/HERS)
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Elizabeth Keyes Charles is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a master's degree in mental health counseling from Wake Forest University. Elizabeth studied and practiced solution-based counseling as she completed her internship at the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau in Deep River, CT. Professionally and personally, she is passionate about social justice issues, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ communities, and women’s rights. Elizabeth is also a board-certified music therapist with 15 years of experience as the owner and lead therapist of Keyes Music Therapy, LLC. Elizabeth believes that the path to holistic wellness is a unique experience for each individual and can be explored through multi-modal interventions including talk therapy, music therapy, play therapy, and through other creative expressions. For leisure, Elizabeth enjoys playing volleyball, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
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Sarah Golley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate holding a master's degree in counseling for mental health and wellness from New York University. She also holds a BA in Music Education from The Hartt School of Music. She has experience working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, Autism, LGBTQIA+ issues, and struggles with racial identities. She also has experience working with adolescent and young adult performing artists. Sarah has over 10 years of teaching experience privately and within the school systems. She has over 10 years of experience working with autistic children and adults.
Sarah believes the most crucial element of therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship. She strives to create a safe, compassionate environment full of trust, where we work as a team. Sarah understands that every individual needs a different toolbox to grow. She uses an integrative approach, with a core of person-centered therapy. Sarah includes elements of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Expressive Arts Therapies, and Strengths-Based approaches. Sarah is passionate about social justice, and helping people live happily and confidently as their most authentic selves. |
Sarah Golley (SHE/HERS), LPCA
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Rachael Holland (she/hers), LPC, ATR
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Rachael is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). Rachael has experience supporting children, teens, and adults with various mental health concerns, including trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, adjustments, interpersonal conflicts, empowerment, grief, spirituality concerns, and more. She offers various evidence-based practices to meet each client where they are, including CBT, parts work, somatics work, and energy healing. Rachael has an eclectic theoretical lens including mindfulness-based practices, positive psychology, holistic therapy, person-centered therapy, and the expressive arts.
Trained in expressive arts therapies, Rachael may incorporate art, music, movement, and other forms of creative self-expression into the session when clinically valuable and desired. These creative therapies are an expressive tool that may be used alongside traditional talk therapy techniques. It is not limited to artists only, as creativity is an innate ability that we can ALL tap into! She believes that by incorporating non-verbal forms of communication, it may help folks who are challenged by attention or dialogue-centered approaches. Rachael offers culturally sensitive, individualized care tailored to the lived experiences of each unique person. She works towards fostering a safe space to explore and move towards self-awareness, allowing individuals to find their own inner power and healing abilities. Rachael is passionate about creating deeper mind, body, and spirit connections that develop into overall healing. |
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Vanessa is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a masters degree in school counseling from the University of Saint Joseph and a Bachelors from Western New England University in Psychology and a concentration in Education. Prior to working private practice, Vanessa worked in schools counseling students of all ages to help them achieve social, emotional and academic success. Vanessa also ran an outreach program for school-aged youth at a community center focusing on helping adolescent teens navigate life stressors in a supportive and engaging environment.
As a child counselor in private practice, she specializes in working with children to help them navigate emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. Her practice focuses on creating a supportive, nurturing environment where children can feel safe to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies through play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness and other creative approaches. With years of experience working with children, she understands the unique needs and developmental stages they go through. Vanessa’s therapeutic approach is designed to meet them where they are, allowing them to express themselves in ways that feel comfortable and natural. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral issues, grief, or family transitions, she uses evidence-based techniques to guide them toward emotional growth and resilience. Vanessa believes that play is a child’s most powerful tool, which is why play therapy is at the core of her work. Through imaginative play, storytelling, and creative arts, she helps children process complex emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build healthy relationships. Vanessa works collaboratively with parents, caregivers and schools to ensure that each child receives the support they need both in therapy, at home and at school. If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced counselor to support your child’s emotional well-being, Vanessa is here to help your child thrive. |
Vanessa Amaral (SHE/HERS), LPC
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Caityn keib (SHE/HERS), LPCA
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Caitlyn Keib is a Licensed Professional Counselor associate who obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Southern Connecticut State University and a bachelor's degree in psychology and minor in biology from Salve Regina University. If you’re looking for a therapist who is fun, fresh then Caitlyn is your match.
Her laid back style expertly weaves evidence-based practices into conversational talk therapy to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Caitlyn believes in utilizing the clients lived experience, innate wisdoms and strengths to provide a collaborative experience where you can feel like you are retaking charge of your life. Caitlyn specializes in helping clients overcome a wide variety of challenges related to anxiety, personality disorders, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ issues, chronic illness, and trauma. With a background as a yoga teacher and Healthcare worker, Caitlyn has a unique perspective that helps her provide support to people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you're navigating personal growth, overcoming past traumas, or seeking support for daily life stressors, Caitlyn is here to help you thrive. |
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Melanie Vitelli is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) with a master’s degree in Social Work from Springfield College. With over 15 years of experience working with children and families, she brings active listening, compassion, and empathy to her practice, fostering strong therapeutic relationships with her clients.
Throughout her career, Melanie has specialized in trauma-informed care, offering support to children and families facing challenging circumstances. She provides parent coaching and utilizes a strength-based approach to empower clients in their healing journey. Her dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment allows individuals to feel heard, understood, and capable of growth. Melanie believes in meeting clients where they are and working collaboratively to develop effective coping strategies that align with their unique goals. She draws from a range of therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), attachment-based work, and mindfulness practices. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, Melanie is committed to supporting individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward greater resilience and well-being. |
Melanie Vitelli (SHE/HERS), Lmsw
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Janet Prince (SHE/HERS), LCsw
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Janet Prince is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a master's degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is licensed in both Connecticut and New York. Before transitioning into private practice, Janet gained extensive experience working with nonprofit agencies, specializing in areas such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, addiction, and mental health. Her expertise includes supporting individuals facing challenges related to trauma, addiction, relationship difficulties, Borderline Personality Disorder, grief, depression, and anxiety. Janet is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She uses a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, tailoring her support to meet each person’s unique needs. Janet’s goal is to meet individuals wherever they are on their life journey, offering a safe, warm, and supportive environment for healing and growth. She understands that life’s difficulties can feel overwhelming, and facing them alone can be challenging. She believes that seeking help is an act of courage. With her compassionate guidance, Janet is committed to helping you navigate your pain, uncover resilience, and work toward a brighter future. Together, you can develop personalized strategies and goals to achieve your highest level of well-being. |
Complete the form below or call 860-255-9899 to request an appointment with one of our team members.
