Meet Our Team

Mayrena is an immigrant from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She moved to the USA in 2005 to pursue her master’s degree. Mayrena has a BS in Clinical Psychology from Universidad Católica Santo Domingo and an MS in Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University. Mayrena worked in community mental health for many years before starting her private practice in 2015. Mayrena founded Colorful Resilience LLC in February 2022 to help meet the outpatient mental health needs of the various communities to which she has provided services throughout her career. She is passionate about designing and executing for her team the healthy and genuinely inclusive working environment she wishes she had over the course of her career. Mayrena identifies as Queer. Mayrena speaks openly of all her intersectionalities to normalize conversations about them.

“All of my different identities paint a picture of who I am. I am proud of every single one of them”, she says.

Fun fact: When not at work, Mayrena can be found belting out some Whitney Houston songs at the local karaoke bar.

Kerrie is a Western Massachusetts native, having grown up in Chicopee, Massachusetts. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History that she received from Elms College in 2009. Kerrie identifies as bisexual, and lives with her husband, two children, and her dog. Kerrie is passionate about diversity and inclusion, helping create the first D&I resource group for her branch of the company at her previous employer. In these groups, she worked to help keep conversations open, honest, and aimed towards teaching the understanding of how systemic inequalities affect the overall success of the company.

Fun fact about Kerrie: “I am a singer in a local band, and love to connect with my musical/creative side. The people I perform with are my best friends and it brings me so much joy to share our art with the world and bring joy to the people we’re performing for!”

I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being their authentic selves and working toward meaningful change. I believe every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and understood, and I am deeply committed to advocating for individuals who are often overlooked or dismissed.

I take a person-centered approach, helping clients explore their identity and navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels empowering and authentic. Because I recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, I also integrate techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based modalities to meet each client where they are. My therapeutic style is warm and welcoming, while also incorporating gentle challenges and new perspectives to support growth. In our work together, we may engage in talk therapy, build coping skills, and use creative metaphors to make complex or overwhelming experiences feel more manageable.

I have experience working with individuals facing incarceration, addiction, complex medical conditions, serious mental illness, gender identity exploration, custody-related concerns, and intimate partner violence. My background includes working with children involved with DCF, individuals on parole or probation, those who are currently or formerly incarcerated, survivors of domestic violence, and people navigating substance use challenges.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and our cat, Wasabi.

If you are looking for a caring and encouraging therapist to help you navigate life’s challenges, I would be honored to support you.

Abi is an immigrant from the United Kingdom, she moved to the USA in 2014 to work as an Assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Abi has a BA in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, a Master’s Degree in Communications from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London and a Master’s Degree in Education from Liverpool John Moore’s University. Abi’s early career was in theatre and she worked professionally as an actor before transitioning into work as communication coach.

In 2019, she realized that she wanted to support people in telling their stories to promote healing and wholeness and her career evolved into her current role as a clinician. Abi earned her MSc in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Carson – Newman University. Additionally she holds a post baccalaureate in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University and is a certified grief coach. Her passion in counseling is to create a relationship built on safety, trust, and hope, where people can feel accepted, challenged, and empowered to grow in new and purposeful ways. She considers it a privilege to be able to walk with someone through their fears, challenges, and hurts and help them experience healing and renewal. Abi sees counseling as an opportunity to help people diminish pain and suffering, cope with life’s challenges (both ordinary and extraordinary), and experience increased joy, purpose, and self-acceptance. Abi utilizes a range of evidence based approaches in her work including, but not limited to, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Her approach is trauma-informed, and her areas of expertise include grief, depression, anxiety and religious trauma. Most recently she worked at a practice which specialized in utilizing DBT and has also worked as a clinician in a college counseling center. She is also an experienced crisis counselor. Abi strives to create an inclusive and safe therapeutic space and welcomes people from all backgrounds especially those who may feel excluded or marginalized. Abi brings specialized experience supporting the LGBTQIA+
community.

Fun fact: Abi has two dogs, Bean and Minne Jo and a cat, Mary. Her dream is to adopt an Irish Wolfhound.

Alyssa (she/her) is a queer, cis woman who recently moved back to Western, MA (where she grew up) with her husband and their beloved dog. Alyssa received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor Early Childhood Education from Fitchburg State University in 2015. After she graduated, she worked with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over seven years. While earning her master’s degree at Salem State University, Alyssa helped develop and launch a specialized program for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder without intellectual disabilities. After graduating from Salem State with a master’s in mental health counseling in 2023, she joined a community mental health agency on the North Shore where she worked for two years before joining the Colorful Resilience team.

Alyssa identifies teenagers and young adults, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, as her preferred population to work with but has experience with clients across the lifespan with varying identities, abilities and diagnoses. She has experience providing counseling to individuals as well as families, couples and therapeutic groups. Alyssa primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a Feminist Lens but also has experience with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems. Alyssa is extremely passionate about guiding clients through transition periods in their lives as well assisting them in better understanding of themselves.

Fun fact about Alyssa: She has a dog named Zoey who is a Wheaten Terrier mix. Alyssa’s secret talent is her ability to connect any two movies via their actors.

I am an African-American cis woman, and a resident of Western MA, born and raised. I have an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College. In my spare time, I enjoy sports and the outdoors.

It’s easy to feel stuck when you’re dealing with things like depression, stress, or a major life transition. My goal is to provide a steady, supportive space where you can actually be heard and understood. I work across the entire lifespan: from children finding their footing to adults navigating complex relationships, grief, and loss. I believe that therapy should be a place where you feel respected and empowered to make the changes that matter most to you, without feeling like you’re just another “case.” I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach because every person’s story is unique. Whether we are navigating the specifics of neurodivergence and anxiety or rebuilding your selfconfidence, I tailor our sessions to what you actually need in the moment. While I often draw from CBT and mindfulness, I incorporate a variety of other evidence-based tools and creative
techniques to ensure our work feels relevant and effective for your specific goals.

When working with families, I aim to bridge gaps in understanding and foster healthier communication. If you’re looking for a therapist who is down-to-earth, inclusive, and committed to meeting you exactly where you are, let’s connect. I am here to work alongside you at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable for your life.

I am a mental health counselor committed to creating spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and understood, especially in communities where mental health has historically been stigmatized. I am passionate about addressing barriers to care and helping individuals and couples break generational cycles of silence, shame, and emotional suppression.

My work focuses on supporting teens, adults, and couples who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or disconnected from themselves or each other, guiding them toward greater emotional awareness, self-advocacy, and stronger, more intentional relationships in a world that often pulls us apart.

I have extensive experience working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals. I prioritize honoring sensory needs, communication differences, and executive functioning challenges without viewing identity as something to “fix.”

My approach is strength-based, affirming, and collaborative. I integrate evidence-based practices such as CBT, psychoeducation, and practical skill-building to help clients build insight, regulate their emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop sustainable coping tools. In couples work, I focus on improving communication, rebuilding trust, increasing emotional attunement, and helping partners better understand each other’s needs and patterns.

I integrate creativity and expressive techniques into sessions when appropriate. As an artist myself, I value the role of creative expression in healing and often incorporate art-based interventions to help clients process emotions in ways that feel accessible and authentic.

Therapy with me is about understanding yourself more deeply, strengthening your relationships, and building the structure and support needed to thrive.

With three years of experience in the mental health field, I have had the privilege of working with individuals across a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient units and outpatient programs, facilitating both individual and group therapy. These diverse experiences have strengthened my ability to meet clients where they are; whether they are navigating an acute crisis or seeking ongoing support and personal growth.

I believe that mental health is the foundation of overall well-being. When our emotional and psychological health is supported, every other aspect of life (relationships, work, physical health, and self-esteem) has the opportunity to thrive. I value treating the whole person, recognizing that each person’s story, environment, and lived experiences have an impact on their path toward healing.

My therapeutic style is rooted in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. I prioritize creating a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered and heard. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as ACT, CBT, and DBT, tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs and goals.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance abuse concerns, and serious mental illness (SMI). Outside of work, I enjoy reading, making pottery, and spending time in the outdoors.

Naarah (pronounced Nay-aRe-uh) has been living in the Western Mass area since 2016 and was born and raised in Boston, MA. Naarah has a BFA in Illustration from UMass Dartmouth, and a MS in Mental Health Counseling with a Concentration in Art Therapy from Springfield College. Naarah is also a registered Art Therapist and along with utilizing counseling techniques, she will often work with clients to incorporate art therapy techniques in a session, assisting the individuals to better manage their symptoms of anxiety, depression, and healing trauma they may be experiencing. The art therapy techniques can consist of the use of clay, markers, crayon, mixed media, and paints among many other artistic mediums. Naarah also has experience conducting art therapy groups.

Naarah has much variety in her work experience and has worked as a Montessori preschool teacher, a clinician to latency aged children in a residential setting, a Resident Director for many years on college campuses, has provided outreach clinical services, as well as worked as a Counselor in a university setting. She has a passion for education surrounding diversity and has incorporated diversity work within her practice. Naarah has done this by facilitating diversity conversations and workshops for the BIPOC population as well as has travelled and presented at several art therapy conferences and diversity events regarding the topic of hair and microagressions.

Fun Fact about Naarah: She enjoys art and has travelled to Sicily in her Undergraduate career with a study abroad program and took painting courses. Naarah also has two sibling cats named Sir Lancelot and Queen Victoria.

Natalie was born and raised in Springfield, MA, and proudly identifies as Puerto Rican. She continues to call Western Massachusetts home and is passionate about serving her local community.

She views therapy as a collaborative journey, where both therapist and client work together to explore challenges, build insight, and create meaningful change. Her approach is compassionate and strengths-based. Natalie frequently incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, such as identifying and reframing cognitive distortions and using change talk to help clients shift unhelpful thinking patterns. She also draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), using tools like radical acceptance, mindfulness, and self-care strategies to support emotional regulation and resilience.

As someone actively improving her Spanish, Natalie deeply relates to those who straddle multiple cultures or feel excluded due to language barriers.

Above all, she strives to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for every client.

Fun fact: Natalie always wears something pink—it’s her signature color and a small reminder to bring brightness and warmth into every space she enters.

Noah is a cis man and a longtime resident of Western Massachusetts, earning his undergraduate degree at UMass Amherst and his graduate degree at Lesley University. While at Lesley, Noah worked within the Holyoke public school district, and after graduating, working as a school-based mental health counselor in Central Massachusetts.

He works with young adults and adults to identify goals, recognize patterns of behavior, and understand and reflect on how thoughts/behavior/feelings interact.

He uses cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and dialectical-behavioral therapy.  In sessions, Noah is passionate about using indirect approaches, open-ended questions, and creativity to navigate life challenges and develop solutions together with the client.

Fun fact: Noah has lived in the Bay Area and used to cut cheese at Rainbow Grocery Co-op in San Francisco, California.