Find the therapist that best suits your needs.
Our team
Kevin Colwell, Ph.D.
Founder & Director of The Alliance, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director of the Psychological Assessment Office at Southern Connecticut State University, Professor of Psychology
Dr. Colwell excels at conducting accurate evaluations, then consulting and advocating on behalf of his client. Dr. Colwell works with the client and client's family, other treatment professionals, schools, employers, the court system, etc., if necessary. This is what we mean at The Alliance when we say we will help you understand where you are on your path, and then walk along that path with you, or in front of you. Dr. Colwell’s process consists of dedicating himself to learning your situation, then helping you to understand and then change, the situation.
Dr. Colwell is one of the leading international experts in the field of investigative interviews and interrogations. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and has been cited in more than 1000 other peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Colwell co-created a comprehensive system of investigative interviewing and assessment that has been taught to law enforcement, mental health clinicians, the US military, and others internationally. He has provided investigative interview evidence and has been requested as an expert witness for court proceedings throughout the US. He has also consulted with the High Value Interrogation Group, the FBI, the National Center for Counter Terrorism, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and numerous state and local law enforcement agencies.
Samantha Drotar, LPC
Psychotherapist & Clinical Manager
I graduated with my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, specifically Forensic Psychology, from the University of New Haven. Currently, I am the Clinical Manager at The Alliance, where I support and assist the therapists at The Alliance to provide the best care for our clients.
As a psychotherapist, I work with a wide variety of populations and issues. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, posttraumatic stress disorder, crisis intervention, stress, life transitions or adjustments, identity issues, among others. I also specialize in working with the forensic population—those who have involvements or experiences with the legal system, the LGBTQIA+ population, among others. I am an ally and an advocate for these populations as well.
Although I have training and experience in several methods of therapy, my approach is influenced mainly by Person-Centered therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. Basically, this means that as the client leads with what they would like to discuss, I help to find connections between thoughts and behaviors, then together we discuss helpful tools, skills, outcomes, or next steps. I choose to have a collaborative approach to therapy, meaning I work closely with my client to reach their goals. I provide an unbiased, collaborative, open, and relaxed environment for therapy and strive for honest and direct communication between both myself and my client. My personal approach is relational, compassionate, honest, and when appropriate, I often find humor can be a useful tool when learning new ways to cope.
I applaud you for researching mental health services, because sometimes that first step—signing up for therapy—is the hardest one. When you’re ready, reach out to set up an appointment. Whatever you are searching for, whether it be peace or clarity or healing, we will work towards your goal together.
Jessica Levine,
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Mental Health Prescriber
Jessica Levine, APRN, is Yale-trained Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges, with medication as a tool in their treatment. She specializes in medication management and is adept at treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Jessica offers a compassionate, personalized approach to care, and is committed to working collaboratively with her patients. She focuses on empowering her patients to participate in their mental health journey and utilizes a holistic approach to promote lasting progress.
Erin Zurheide, LPC
I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a master’s degree in psychology, as well as the University of Bridgeport with a certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My experience includes providing therapy to individual, group, couple, family, LGBTQIA, adult, and adolescent clients. I specialize in trauma, crisis intervention, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
I believe in a relaxed environment, enabling your mind to open to a world free of judgment, pressure, or fear. That’s the atmosphere I aim to create with all of my clients. I am DBT certified, I also utilize mindfulness CBT and person-centered approach to help you achieve your treatment goals. Choosing to go down the road of therapy is not an easy one, but you made it. I will do everything I can as your psychotherapist to ensure it’s a positive, eye-opening, and fulfilling experience!
Josh Berez, LPCA
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut and attended Fairfield University for my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a more balanced, purposeful and meaningful journey through life. In order to create change, we need insight, awareness and safety. Change rarely happens alone, and through our ability to connect from a place of non-judgement, we can work together to identify issues, examine solutions, create new avenues for growth and gain new skills needed to tackle life's challenges.
My hope is to be able to provide the opportunity for growth through the strength of the therapeutic alliance. While I pull from multiple theoretical orientations and modalities to fit a client's individual needs, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered, Behaviorism and Existential Therapy are usually the lenses I choose to view and interpret from.
When we can manage the 3 realities of life; pain, uncertainty and consistent work, we are unstoppable. If you are ready, please feel free to reach me by phone or email to set up an appointment. I am available on Fridays and Saturdays by tele-health or in person appointments.
Karen Colwell, M.A.
Reading Specialist and Interventionist
Certified Language Arts Teacher
Elementary and Middle School Education
Karen has an MA in Education, and she is a Reading Specialist, with a Certification in Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts, Grades 1-12, and a Certification in Elementary Education grades 1-6. She currently works as a Middle School Reading and Writing Interventionist, and has previously been an Elementary School classroom teacher. She has been a member of Connecticut Public Schools since 1995. Karen can build a relationship with the most challenging kid. She then uses her relationship with the child as the mechanism that drives learning. The subject matter may not be motivating, but Karen is motivating, and she is therefore able to get children to perform up to their level of ability and then grow, to improve their level of ability and empower them. By analogy, Karen will meet your child/student where he/she/they are, and then walk with them as they progress. She will provide support, hold student students responsible, challenge them, encourage, and teach the student to advocate for themselves. She will also work with Dr. Colwell to educate the family regarding the ins and outs of the educational system (IEPs, PPTs, 504s, SRBI, etc.).
Lisa Cormier, LCSW
Lisa Cormier is a Licensed Social Worker and a lifelong resident of Connecticut. She received a bachelor of science in social work from Southern Connecticut State University and went on to receive a master’s in social work from New York University in 2022. Lisa is a highly skilled and compassionate therapist committed to helping individuals and families overcome behavioral, mental health, and substance use challenges. Lisa's approach is grounded in a strengths-based perspective, emphasizing the importance of building on individual strengths and resilience.
Lisa enjoys helping individuals overcome trauma. Through a trauma-informed lens, she uses several therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT), and talk therapy to help her clients overcome their challenges, build skills, and achieve their goals. She has special training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). This cutting-edge approach is highly effective in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression. She also has extensive experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and is passionate about creating inclusivity in the mental health and substance use treatment space.
With years of experience working in school-based, outpatient, and hospital settings, Lisa is well-equipped to provide the support and guidance needed to navigate life's difficult moments. When she is not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She finds dance, art, and music an essential means of self-care. She is affiliated with several prestigious professional organizations, including the Phi Alpha Honor Society, Beta Pho Chapter, the National Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Social Work in Groups, The Golden Key International Honour Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Lori DiBlasi, Psy.D.
Lori G. DiBlasi obtained her PsyD from William James College of Newton, MA with a concentration in Neuropsychology. She defended her doctoral dissertation titled, "Examining Emotion Regulation and Resilience in Adults with ADHD," in September 2022 and completed her APA internship in Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuropsychology at Staten Island University Hospital in 2023. In pursuit of her doctoral degree, she completed three year-long practicums in clinical neuropsychology at multiple sites across the Boston and Providence areas, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Butler Hospital. Dr. DiBlasi received her bachelor's and master's degrees in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University of New Haven, CT. She specializes in neuropsychological evaluations across the lifespan and utilizes CBT, humanistic, DBT, and cognitive remediation methods to support clients therapeutically.
Lynn Paullela-Beard, LMSW
As you consider mental health wellness, recovery, or personal change as part of your self-care, finding the right therapist is essential. Therapy may be helpful when considering a change or letting go of patterns that no longer support you. I intend to partner with individuals at any stage of readiness and develop a unique plan of treatment personalized to meet those needs.
My approach to our meetings will be empathetic, supportive, and direct. I offer Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Mindfulness training, Narrative Therapy, Strengths-based, Solution-focused, and Cognitive Behavior Therapies.
While I treat a wide array of issues, I maintain a primary focus on the treatment with life transitions, children and families, as well as adult issues, women's issues, anxiety, depression, coaching, creative blocks, stage fright, and supporting students transitioning to and during college.
I have been a teacher in higher education and the performing arts. My experience is in the performing arts as a director, producer, teacher, and writer. I have a Master of Arts from New York University and a Master of Social Work from Westfield State University. My background offers an additional unique understanding of the creative and artistic human being. It is heartening to be a part of empowering, listening, holding space, and journeying with others. I look forward to meeting you where you are to create and becoming your best self.
Rashawn Hughes, LPCA
Rashawn is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. With a commitment to fostering positive change, Rashawn excels in establishing effective and trusting therapeutic relationships with clients. Rashawn brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their lives. He employs evidence-based techniques to help clients identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be hindering their personal growth. What sets Rashawn apart is the ability to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood and empowered. By tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual, Rashawn guides clients on a personalized journey toward self-discovery and self-improvement. With a keen understanding of the importance of collaboration, he works hand-in-hand with clients to set achievable goals and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, Rashawn is dedicated to helping clients unlock their full potential and become the best version of themselves. With Rashawn, you can expect a compassionate ally who is committed to facilitating positive change and supporting individuals on their path to mental and emotional well-being. Embark on your journey towards self-discovery and personal growth with Rashawn as your trusted guide.
Sheena Knight, LPC
My area of focus is sexuality and relationships. I primarily work with LGBTQIA+ folks, and individuals who seek work around family dysfunction and attachment wounds. I love working with clients who are searching to find comfort in their own identity and future. My passion is driven by helping people who have yet to find their voice, and those who are searching for healthier relationships. I love helping individuals to find their sense of self worth, improve their boundaries, and feel fulfilled in their every day lives. I am gender affirming, and an ally to marginalized populations everywhere.
My practice in therapy is integrative- I often use different modalities depending on the client’s needs. This includes emotionally focused, family systems, attachment theory, DBT and CBT, all within a trauma informed framework. Most importantly, this is a judgement free zone! I believe that all humans have a right to love, compassion, pleasure and happiness.
Currently accepting individual clients only. Telehealth platform.
Tori Santamauro, LCSW
"She believed she could, so she did." Women have a long history of putting others before themselves. Now it is time to put yourself first, and get the guidance and support you need and deserve. As a therapist specializing in women who are going through pregnancy, grief, relationship issues, familial conflicts, stress, and more, I will assist you in learning coping skills and techniques, effective communication skills, and working toward your best self.
My specialties include pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, familial conflicts, parenting, and stress. I handle cases of anxiety, depression, chronic illness, emotional disturbance, and women’s issues. I offer a holistic and strength based approach to foster a safe and inclusive environment, to promote wellbeing.
Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and emotionally focused therapy, I will work with you to develop a plan that best works for you. Let's go on this exciting journey together!
Veronica Maciel, LPCA
I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Master’s in Psychology. As a licensed therapist, I seek to create a welcoming environment in therapy by using person-centered therapy to understand each client and then help them with the goals they want to focus on. This approach allows clients to guide the therapeutic process and focus on what they want out of life. It allows the client to discuss thoughts, feelings, and situations they require help navigating. Asking for help is difficult, and I aim to make it easier for you. I’m proud of you for taking that first step in helping your mental health, lets get you to where you want to be.
In addition to my educational experience, I have worked with populations who have Autism, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Intermittent-Explosive Disorder. It is difficult to identify underlying emotions when problematic behaviors arise. I seek to provide an environment where we can discuss the behaviors and develop strategies for both the caregivers and the child to communicate effectively and reduce behaviors.