Staff

Hello!  My name is Tina. I exclusively work with children specializing in Child Centered Play Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy. 

My passion is working with children, teens, and families to help them understand and manage their emotions and behaviors in a supportive therapeutic environment. I assist parents and children with working through barriers that affect their everyday life through a warm and collaborative, strength-based approach. 

I utilize creative interventions to support children/adolescents to enhance their skills including but not limited to SPT play therapy techniques, art therapy techniques, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and collaborative/proactive problem-solving. 

I am a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist 

Hey Everyone! My name is Josh Leavitt and I am the Office Manager at Next Step Counseling. My day to day roles at NSC consist of tasks like marketing, insurance billing, the referral and intake process, basic scheduling, research on practice improvement, and responding to any questions or concerns that arise from our clinicians and/or clients. I will likely be the person you speak with when you call either of our offices! 

In 2022, I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Currently, I am working towards my Master of Social Work through the University of Central Florida with an expected graduation year of 2027. 

Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I would like to work with the veteran population. I am working towards my Military Social Work Certificate through the University of Central Florida. I have also completed Tier One Military Culture training through Star Behavioral Health Providers to get a better understanding of interaction with servicemembers and their families.

You will likely notice that I share the same last name as the Owner and Clinic Director of Next Step Counseling. This is not a coincidence, she is my mother. My passion for mental health stems from her. Growing up, I had the privilege of watching her impact so many lives by offering a helping hand and an ear to listen. Although it took me time to realize where I belong, I am very fortunate to be working in the mental health field now. I cannot put into words how excited I am to run and continue to grow a family private practice with Tina. We share a similar mindset: reach and assist as many individuals as possible! I look forward to speaking with you in the future!

Hi! My name is Lauren Pettit and I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. During my clinical training, I worked with a wide variety of family structures and presenting problems including adolescent/parent conflict, school bullying, and working with neurodivergent children. Prior to my clinical program I worked as a case manager for families experiencing crisis and major life transitions. 

I believe everyone has the power to make changes in their life and my approach to therapy is holistic, client-centered, and strength-based. Together we will collaborate and find the best fit for you and your journey.  My areas of service include children and family systems, parenting, neurodivergence, and trauma and grief.  I am committed to making a safe space so that every person can be their most authentic self. I look forward to working with you!

My name is Michele Grieco, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of Rhode Island. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College and went on to complete my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johnson & Wales University. I have over five years of experience working in a variety of clinical settings, with a strong focus on providing home-based therapeutic services to individuals and families across the lifespan.

In my work, I take a client-centered and strengths-based approach, recognizing that each individual brings their own experiences, challenges, and capabilities into the therapeutic process. I collaborate closely with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that support emotional regulation, behavioral growth, and daily functioning.

 My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, behavioral challenges, life transitions, family dynamics, and other social-emotional concerns. I strive to create a supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental space where clients feel  heard and empowered. I look forward to working together to help you build skills, increase insight, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.

Hi! My name is Ira Jewell. I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from Rhode Island College. I received my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Rhode Island College in 2021. I have been working for the public school system for over 5 years, particularly working with children that have a variety of special needs.

My treatment approach is client-centered, and strengths-based. I believe every person has the capacity to make the changes in their lives that they need/ want. As a therapist, you will find that I provide a brave/safe space for self-reflection and exploration.

My areas of service include children and families; adolescents; parenting; divorce; pregnancy/postpartum; addiction; depression and anxiety; and ADHD.

Hi! My name is Dakota Reyes and I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also obtained my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with minors in Human Resources and Sociology at Bryant University. 

Before working at Next Step Counseling, I worked as a case manager collaborating with children and families to provideresources, advocacy, and trauma-informed care.

I provide a collaborative, compassionate, non-judgmental, and strengths-based approach. I value creating a fun, empowering, and safe space for clients where they are able to feel heard. I believe that knowledge is power, and understanding oneself can help to ensure positive and healthy change.

My areas of service include, but are not limited to, children and family systems, parenting,neurodivergence, anxiety, and behavioral presentations. In my work with clients, I draw from several evidence-based therapeutic modalities to best meet their needs. Some of the models I use include system and relational therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy.

I look forward to working with you!Hi! 

Hi! My name is Victoria and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in RI and a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in CT. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences and human development & family sciences from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rhode Island College. My experience in the mental health field has primarily consisted of work in hospital and outpatient settings with children and adolescents with complex family dynamics, traumas, and a wide range of behavioral presentations.

While I primarily draw from Child-Centered and Synergetic Play Therapies in my work with children, I also incorporate feminist theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and holistic healing into my work. I believe that a relationship between therapist and client consisting of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance is the cornerstone of client growth. My work with clients is highly collaborative, and I appreciate the value of empowering clients by guiding them to their own solutions as opposed to offering directive feedback. I deeply respect the individuality of each person and look forward to supporting you in your unique journey to achieving your most connected and healed self.

Hi! My name is Callie Bennet and I am a licensed clinical social worker here in Connecticut. I graduated from Lesley University with a BS in counseling in 2020, and from the University of Pittsburgh with an MSW in 2023. After having the opportunity to work in many areas of mental health care, including residential, inpatient, and day programs, I have been lucky enough to start working in private practice. 

In my practice I try to provide a calm, safe space where clients can speak freely without fear of judgement. It is important to me that my clients feel heard, and feel that space is held for their stories and experiences. I take pride in treating the whole person, rather than simply identifying and targeting symptoms. I often do this using a trauma informed approach, including use of the Internal Family Systems framework and the use of DBT in situations where it may be helpful. Historically I have worked with folks with PTSD or other traumatic disorders, Autism, BPD, Bipolar, and Substance Use Disorders, as well as those with Depression and Anxiety. My main goal however isn't to focus on a diagnosis, but to help people navigate whatever stressors of life changes they may be going through with gentleness, compassion, and empathy.