CLinical team

Central Mass Counseling & Wellness was founded by Lauren Griff. Also known by her nick name, Loni has over 20 years experience helping children, adolescents, adults and families. Our clinical team is growing!
*Please click on the photos below to learn more about our clinicians

Lauren Griff
I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Anna Maria College. First earning my Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2005. I went on to obtain my CAGS in Counseling Psychology and I currently hold a LADC I, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I & am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked in a variety of settings with all ages, including inpatient adult mental health, inpatient children’s mental health, outpatient, long term residential and community based living. My expertise is in trauma, behavioral and anxiety related work. I pride myself on out of the box thinking for every patient I am working with to try and create the best possible avenues for empathic healing.
License(s): LADC I, LMHC (pending)
Specialties: CBT, Mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care
Lauren Griff, LADC, LMHC
Owner/Founder

Patti Ellis
I received my BA in Psychology from Fitchburg State in 2005 before heading to Assumption College, where I received my Master’s in Counseling in 2007. I graduated with concentrations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child & Family Therapy. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, community based, and in-home. My areas of clinical interest include adolescent mental health, anxiety and depressive disorders, and DCF involved youth.
I believe that therapy doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming – especially when you’re young. I try to create a relationship with my clients that is safe, honest, and fun in order to be supportive during tough times. I use my training in different modalities to create an individualized approach that meets you where you’re at so you can make positive changes in your life.
License(s): LMHC
Specialties: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults, CBT, Trauma Informed Care, ARC
Payment: Self-pay
Patti Ellis, LMHC

Jessica Stephens-Burt
I graduated from Anna Maria College with a Bachelors in Music Therapy in 2008. Since that time I have obtained my level 1 training in Guided Music and Imagery (2010) and my masters in Public Administration with a focus in Healthcare Administration (2016) from Anna Maria College as well. I completed the Alcohol and Substance Use Education certificate program from UMASS in 2013. I am a board certified music therapist with extensive experience working in mental health in various settings. In addition, I have been a clinical site supervisor for students and professional supervisor for new professionals. I believe in treating the whole person in a humanistic and holistic way through creative methods. I focus on providing overall wellness to my clients using on solution focused thinking.
License(s): Board Certified Music Therapist
Specialties: Music Therapy, Alcohol & Substance Abuse, Holistic Treatment
Payment: Self-pay
Jessica Stephens-Burt, Board Certified Music Therapist

Kelly Smith
I earned my graduate degree at Southern New Hampshire University in 2017 in counseling psychology with a concentration of child and adolescent development. I currently hold a LADC I, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I. I have worked in a variety of settings with all ages including in home therapy with children and families, substance use in an outpatient setting and with adults with developmental disabilities. My expertise is in; adult substance use, dual diagnosis, and mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD) with both children and adults.
“The kindest thing you can do for someone else is listen without forming an opinion.”
-Pari Deschene
License(s): LADC I
Specialties: CBT, DBT, addiction (substance or behavior), Trauma, LGBTQ+
Kelly Smith, LADC I

Miranda Hill
I received my BS in Human Development and Family Studies in 2013 from Colorado State University and I graduated in 2016 with my Master of Social Work from Wheelock College. I currently hold a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) license as well as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor license. I have worked in a variety of settings with a diverse population including those experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, foster care, adoption, grief/loss, trauma, poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My goal is to provide a therapeutic setting where we can work together to utilize your own individual strengths to reach your goals and to learn how to cope with the stressors in your life.
License(s): LICSW, School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor
Specialties: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families, CBT, Trauma, Foster Care, Adoption, Substance Use, Depression, Anxiety
Payment: Self-Pay
Miranda Hill, LICSW

Laura Gosselin
I completed a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Fitchburg State University in 2009. I graduated with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2012 from Framingham State University. Since that time, I have worked in outpatient settings, methadone treatment, residential programs and incarcerated individuals. I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with trauma, legal issues, suicidal ideations/self-injurious behaviors, anxiety and depression. I believe whole heartedly in viewing each individual as a whole person and strive to cater my treatment approach to each unique individual. Similarly, I believe that creating a strong working relationship with each individual lends to the most meaningful opportunities for change. I thrive to create a warm and supportive space for each individual that I have the opportunity to work with and implement strategies based in positive psychology, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
License: LMHC
Certification: CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional)
Specialties: Adults, Forensic, Trauma, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, CBT, Self-Injury, ACT
Laura Gosselin, LMHC

Sara Underwood
I earned my Masters degree from Northcentral University specializing in forensics psychology. I have worked in a variety of settings for mental health and substance abuse, including detox and css, dual treatment facilities, incarcerated populations, families, couples and adolescence. I also hold a certification in Art therapy. I am well versed in mindful practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy. With practices in meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and singing bowls. I love diving deep and thinking outside the box with all ages, to help assist and support in the clients therapeutic journey.
Specialties: Substance Abuse, Art Therapy, Couples, Families
Sara Underwood, LADC-1

Cara Colavito
I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Suffolk University in 2011 and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2015. I currently hold my LICSW and have worked as a Clinician, Supervisor, and Director over my years in the field. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in a variety of settings including in home therapy, inpatient hospitals, group living environments, and outpatient settings. My hope is to partner with clients to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, transparency, and always being trauma informed. My style is integrative, meaning I pull from many different treatment modalities, but some examples of what I use include Narrative Therapy, CBT, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
“Our wounds are often openings into the best and most beautiful part of us” -David Richo. I share my favorite quote to remind us that some starting therapy feel defeated, scared, angry, or confused. Some may feel excited, hopeful, or motivated. Whatever combination of emotions you may be feeling, my intent is to meet you where you are and walk beside you through this process.
Specialties: Narrative Therapy, CBT, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing
Cara Colavito, LICSW

Kathleen Walsh
I completed my Bachelor’s degree at Umass Boston in psychology and criminal justice. After I obtained my Bachelor’s degree, I pursued a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene college of which I completed in 2012. I am licensed in Massachusetts as an LMHC with 12 years of professional work experience. The populations I have worked with includes a range from children and families, couples and individuals of all ages. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationships, substance abuse & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I look forward to working with you!
License: LMHC
Kathleen Walsh, LMHC

Kim Hager
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and English from Assumption University in 2006 and a Master’s in social work with a concentration in children, youth, and families from Boston College in 2010. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts, and I have 17 years of professional work experience and 10 years of supervisory experience. I am trained in Attachment Regulation Competency (ARC) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am passionate about working with individuals and families struggling with trauma, grief/loss, medical complexity, foster care/adoption, and anxiety. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment and to build strong therapeutic rapport with everyone with whom I am privileged to work. I offer a strength-based approach, along with evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and narrative therapy, to promote client growth, healing, and empowerment.
License: LICSW
Specialties: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Families, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Foster Care, Adoption, Medical Complexity, Anxiety, Depression
Kim Hager, LICSW

Nicole Gagne
I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1992. I completed my master’s degree in counseling psychology at Assumption College in 1995 and a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in 2018. My concentration is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child & Family Therapy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have extensive experience working in mental health for the last 30 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including in-home therapy, inpatient hospitals, residential settings, and outpatient settings. My areas of clinical interest include adolescent mental health, ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, and bi-polar disorder.
I believe that therapy is a partnership between the individual and clinician working together towards a stated goal. My job is to teach you tools to move towards your goal and support you on the journey.
Nicole Gagne, LMHC

Our mission is to support children, adults and their families who suffer with a variety of behavioral health concerns through compassionate therapy & wellness programs.
GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
We work one on one with you to meet your goals & help on your journey.
GROUP
THERAPY
Develop self-awareness by listening to others with similar issues.
COUPLES
THERAPY
Work to create better understanding with your partner.
FAMILY
THERAPY
Develop healthy boundaries & improve family communication.