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 certified Synergetic Play therapist. 

My name is Jennifer Salerno and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Rhode Island. I completed my Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island before pursuing my Master of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College. While at the University of Rhode Island, I also completed minors in Nutrition, Grief Work, and Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling. 

In treatment I pride myself on taking a holistic client-centered approach. I work with individuals across the lifecycle and utilize various interventions to fit each person's unique needs. I incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapies into my sessions. Using a strength-based mindset I feel confident that I can help others work through challenges with anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and other social-emotional struggles. I look forward to helping you in your journey! 

My name is Jamie. I have worked in many areas of social work and treatment, including, but not limited to, acute and residential inpatient units; group therapy; children and families; pregnancy and postpartum care; addiction recovery; gang affiliated individuals; HIV/AIDS; human trafficking; commercial sex work.  My passion for social work has carried me to Nairobi, Kenya, where I continued to serve marginalized communities.

As a therapist, I bring exceptional dedication and deep respect for cultural sensitivity and the individuality of each client. You will find that I provides a safe, non-judgmental space for self-exploration, allowing clients the opportunity to empower themselves to create the change(s) they want in their lives.

My approach to treatment is unifying, humanistic, client-centered, and strengths-based, with the realization that every person has the capacity to make positive changes in their lives. My areas of service include children and families; adolescents; parenting; divorce; pregnancy/postpartum; addiction; depression and anxiety; ADHD, and immigrant and refugee adjustment.

I look forward to our work together!

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!

HI! My name is Nick Calci and I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also obtained my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences. Before my masters, I worked in preschool, elementary, middle and high school settings with children on developmental, educational, and emotional challenges that they face. My treatment approach is client-centered, systemic, non-judgmental, inclusive and strength based. 

I value having a safe space for all. I use cultural humility and practice with holistic, family centered and individual approaches. As a therapist, I believe that we all have the power to change. Together, we can create a unique treatment approach tailored to the challenges of life that are knocking at your door. My areas of service include children and family systems, neurodivergence, life transitions, parenting, anxiety, depression, sexual identity, sibling rivalry, interpersonal relationships, trauma and grief. I am looking forward to starting our journey together! 

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 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 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!