Katherine Forbes-Smith, MS, FNP-BC

Katherine Forbes-Smith is the founder and President of The Well. She is also a family nurse practitioner at Bridgewater Pediatrics in Bridgewater, MA. Katherine has a clinical interest in adolescent medicine and specializes in treating mental health problems and gynecological issues in children and adolescents. She completed her graduate training at Boston College, and her undergraduate degree is from Gordon College.

Katherine has a passion for caring for children, adolescents and families. She founded The Well with the goal of creating a place for people to come for healing through encounters with God while receiving the highest quality emotional and spiritual care.

In addition to her work at The Well and Bridgewater Pediatrics, Katherine also serves on the board of directors of Shore to Shore Mission Network. She and her husband, Karl, have three girls and enjoy living on the South Shore.

Joshua Cabral, MS, LMHC

Josh was appointed as the Executive Director in April 2019.  He has worked in a variety of behavioral health capacities, including therapeutic mentoring, in-home family therapy, crisis intervention, family stabilization, group therapy, private practice, and school counseling.  Josh has served at The Well since its inception in 2009 in a variety of roles including volunteer, consultant, clinician, advisor, clinical supervisor, and board member.

Josh is a licensed mental health counselor and trained family therapist.  He received his undergraduate degree from Bridgewater State University.  He completed his graduate education at Eastern Nazarene College where he earned his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy.  He has additional post graduate training in Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration with the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Prior to joining The Well, Josh worked as a licensed school adjustment counselor in the public schools, served as an adjunct professor teaching various undergraduate and graduate education courses in psychology, and served in the United States Marine Corps.  He currently sits on the board of directors at South Shore Community Church. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, volunteering, being outdoors, traveling, and reading.

Additionally, Josh maintains a limited caseload of direct service at The Well where he specializes in parenting issues, anxiety, and trauma.  He also works as a practice consultant helping agencies and institutions integrate behavioral health care into their practices. Josh is passionate about removing barriers to access quality behavioral health services, promoting holistic integrated care for the community, and driving the vision and mission of The Well to offer mind, body, and spiritual wellness to all who so desperately need it.  

Stephanie Holmgren

Stephanie has recently joined The Well as the Assistant Executive Director. Stephanie’s 15 + years of experience in client relations and organizational development has provided her with the skills and talent that will lend itself to continue the mission and vision of The Well.

Throughout Stephanie’s professional career she has always been drawn to work for small organizations that make an impact. Coming out of leadership consulting, Stephanie continues to hold the passion and drive to help individuals reach their full potential. Stephanie holds a BA from Houghton College where she majored in Communications. When she and her husband Rich aren’t traveling with their son, Stephanie enjoys spending her weekends on Cape Cod with her family and visiting her sister, niece, and nephew in New Hampshire. Walking and working in the yard are some of Stephanie’s favorite pastimes. Stephanie is a strong supporter of Ronald McDonald Charities.

Ana Barend MA, LMHC, NCC

Ana is a warm, inviting, and compassionate therapist who cares deeply for her clients’ wellbeing and healing. She has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master’s in Human Services Counseling, Marriage and Family cognate. Currently, Ana is working on her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision to improve as a clinician and further her career goals. Her vision as the Well’s clinical director is to foster connection and belonging to clinicians and staff and be a support person to whom others can approach to ensure best practices. She deeply believes the best leaders are servants, and that attitude informs her life, personally and professionally.  

Further, Ana is a former professional surfer, and she served as the Women’s Chaplain for the World Surf League (WSL), which gave her experience in offering support in goal setting, self-worth, and holistic care. She implements the theoretical framework deriving from cognitive behavioral and somatic therapies while drawing a strength-based approach to her counseling. Additionally, Ana is trained, and will soon be certified, in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her areas of interest are spirituality integration, anxiety, depression, identity, trauma, and developmental attachment issues. Ana has presented at numerous counseling conferences on embodiment practices, trauma, multiculturalism, and leadership.

Ana is a Christian and possesses a Christian worldview, which means she values the dignity and worth of every human being. As such, she aims to practice with the awareness of grace, love, understanding, respect, and compassion. Ana endeavors to display genuine empathy, listening ears, authentic connection, and validation while fostering hope and empowerment toward her clients’ goals. She deeply values every soul in front of her, for she believes everyone bears God’s image. She seeks to promote wellness and a life lived to the fullest with gratitude, meaning, and acceptance. 

Ana is fluent in Portuguese. 

Ana accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum Plans (United Healthcare, Harvard Pilgrim, AllWays), and Tufts (Commercial) insurance.

abarend@visitthewell.org

Amanda Cabral

Amanda is most likely your first contact at the Well as the intake coordinator. Her role is to connect individuals with the provider that best fits their needs. Amanda recognizes that for many, the idea of reaching out for mental health support is a huge step and can be daunting. She loves being an encouragement to others as they find their own space to process their story. Amanda has almost 10 years of experience working in church ministry prior to her role at the Well. Along with being intake coordinator, she has started on her own journey in completing her masters in clinical mental health.

Amanda and her husband have 3 kids and a very old dog named Gibbs. She loves exploring new places with her family, being at the beach, and can frequently be found in her front yard at her turquoise table with friends.

Susan Ramondetta, MSW, LICSW

Susan holds a BA degree in Human Services from Simmons College and a Masters in Social Work degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She worked for over twenty-five years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health (DMH) initially as a case manager providing comprehensive management services to a caseload of children, adolescents and adults. Later on in her career at DMH she became an eligibility specialist, completing clinical needs assessments to applicants of all ages. Presently she splits her time working as a behavioral therapist at a private clinic in Plymouth and as a therapist at The Well.

Clients: Susan’s areas of clinical focus are adults, teenagers, adjustment issues, chronic mental illness, depression, anxiety and addiction. She's available Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Susan accepts a variety of insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Tufts, Tufts Navigator, Beacon, BMC HealthNet, Fallon, GIC Unicare, and Neighborhood Health. Her services also may be covered as an Out of Network Provider and by Flexible Spending Accounts.

Rose Darbyshire, MS, LMHC

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is Certified in Brainspotting.

I have practiced for over 10 years as well as had many additional years of lived experience navigating life challenges and transitions. 

I understand the difficulty of finding a space to be vulnerable and unpack life's challenges. I recognize this process of change can sometimes feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. I have found when challenges are explored with nonjudgmental support, compassion, and curiosity a shift can take place where what was previously viewed as problems can become possibilities for change.

 I work with individuals facing challenging life situations, difficult relationships, and deep emotional pain. 

I am passionate about cultivating a space where people can explore the barriers to wellness in their lives in an environment that encourages change, growth, and healing using a client centered holistic and somatic approach tailored to the individual.

Marci Danielle Bonner, M.Ed., LMHC, CAGS

Marci is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Trauma Informed Care.  Marci graduated with a dual degree from Cambridge College in Mental Health Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy. Marci later returned to Cambridge College to obtain an Advanced Certificate in Trauma Informed Care.  Additionally, Marci has a specialty in Addiction Counseling and has earned several certificates including, MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment), SUD (Substance Use Disorder) and the Brain, Effective SUD Treatments, and many more.  Moreover, Marci has experience working in a variety of mental health settings including, residential care, outpatient therapy, primary care behavioral health, and community health center.  

Over the last 14 years, Marci has worked in many capacities such as a psychotherapist, family therapist, supervisor, and team leader.  In addition, Marci has served the following populations, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, substance use disorders, women issues, and various other life transitions.  Marci is passionate about supporting individuals towards strengthening, moreover, cultivating healthier coping skills, so the life they want can be achieved. Marci seeks to cultivate a safe, supportive, and challenging therapeutic environment that promotes growth, healing plus forward life movement.

Marci is very excited to bring hope, encouragement and creativity to The Well through individual and group therapy.  Marci believes change is definitely possible if individuals are willing to commit to self-exploration, healing and actively engaging in the therapeutic process.  In her free time Marci enjoys reading, journaling, spending time with loved ones, painting, volunteering, and working out. Marci not only promotes self-care in others, it’s a belief she holds true to personal well development.

Ashley Wile, MSW, LCSW

Ashley earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Adrian College in Michigan. She then went on to earn her Master's degree from Boston College where she specialized in Clinical Interventions for Children, Youth and Families. Throughout her time as a social worker, Ashley has experience as a clinician and In Home Therapist in a variety of mental health settings. She has worked with adolescents struggling with substance abuse, anxiety, and depression disorders. Ashley’s experience expands to working alongside families and adolescents in times of grief and trauma, as well as, domestic violence survivors and their families. Ashley has a great passion to serve individuals and find ways to help overcome negative life experiences, thought patterns and ways to live a healthier lifestyle. Ashley enjoys empowering individuals with tools to help bridge the gap between community resources and their needs. 

Ashley is a person of faith, proud wife and a mother to a beautiful daughter and senior pup. She loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, enjoying a latte, and time with friends. 

Clients: Ashley provides individual therapy to adolescents in an office setting or virtually through telehealth. At this time, her services are not covered by insurance.

Meghan Laybourn, LICSW

Meghan Laybourn is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Masters in Social Work in 2009 from Boston College where she specialized in working with individuals and families impacted by addiction in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Since then, Meghan has provided individual and group therapy in community mental health facilities, hospitals, and private practice with people who are seeking help with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems and emotion regulation. It has been a sincere privilege for her to walk alongside many truly inspiring people in their journeys towards growth and healing.

Meghan’s clinical work is informed by her faith and belief that all people have inherent value. She is convinced that humans are neurologically wired for healing through the power of therapy that integrates mind, body and spirit. Her theoretical perspective derives from attachment theory and depth-oriented psychotherapy, internal family systems and parts work, and psychodynamic theories. Meghan works individually with people to personalize their goals and experience in therapy based on their strengths and needs so that they feel empowered to make desired changes.

Meghan enjoys spending time anywhere, especially in the outdoors with her husband and two daughters. She is also a devoted runner.

Jeff White, MDiv

Jeff is originally from the South Shore area, here in Massachusetts and has served as a lead pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance for over 30 years. He is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA.  In addition, he completed training at the Pecos Benedictine School of Spiritual Direction in Pecos NM, and post-graduate classes at Regent College in Vancouver, BC.

If you may be wondering what Spiritual Direction is, the best way to describe it might be to say, “Spiritual direction is the art of ‘Sacred Listening’, a relationship in which a director helps someone to uncover and discover the movement and voice of God in their lives. A spiritual director has been called and trained to companion another person, listening to that person's life story with an ear for the movement of God. God speaks to us in our relationships, our work, our prayer, our challenges and dilemmas--so that is the material for spiritual direction. 

Jeff has a passion to walk with people as they seek to develop a deeper relationship with God or even wrestling with questions of faith in a safe and confidential setting  

Clients: Jeff provides spiritual direction, pastoral counseling and spiritual formation to clients of all ages and faith backgrounds. His services are not covered by insurance.

Deb Bellevue

Deb provides Spiritual Direction, soul care, counseling, guided prayer, and a wide variety of classes and workshops that help individuals and groups experience spiritual and emotional growth and wholeness. Deb enjoys meeting with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. She has experience with couples counseling, pre-marriage counseling, healing of memories, grief, and soul care. In addition to counseling, Deb also offers Spiritual Direction, a safe and confidential space to become more attuned to God’s presence in your life. She also teaches our meditation classes, where she can help you experience stress relief and relaxation.

Deb also serves as a caregiver of caretakers. Much of her time is spent meeting with and supporting therapists, counselors, pastors, and people who give their lives serving others.

Deb comes to The Well with experience as an associate pastor at a local church. In 1997, she left her career as a school teacher to work full-time in ministry. Deb has been licensed and credentialed through the Christian and Missionary Alliance and was consecrated as an Associate Pastor in 2009. She is certified in Spiritual Direction from The Leadership Transformation’s Selah Program and in Clinical Meditation and Imagery through the Huntington Meditation and Imagery Center. She is married and has two adult children and five grandchildren. Her quiet, powerful, and caring ministry of love continues to bring hope and healing to people in need.

Clients: Deb provides spiritual care to clients of all ages and faith backgrounds. She also provides marriage counseling and individual therapy as a pastoral counselor. Her services are not covered by insurance.

Sharon Anderson, CWM

Sharon is both a Pastoral counselor and life coach. Her approach is unique: she believes you can't change what you don't know and you can't rise above the level of your self-awareness. With that said, her counseling approach is a blend that helps individuals to understand "why they do what they do" and then teaches them new ways of thinking and living.

Sharon loves working with individuals who genuinely want to make changes in their lives but she has a passion for working with couples as well! In her work with couples, her approach remains unique. Sharon’s goal is to help couples better understand their own behavior and patterns and how it affects the relationship. Once this insight is gained, the focus shifts to learning a "new dance" with each other. A trend that she would like to see reversed is what is now being called "gray divorces" - men and women divorcing in their 50's and 60's after 20 plus years of marriage. She has developed a protocol that addresses many of the issues that keep these couples "stuck" after decades together.

Before starting her life counseling practice in 2019, she founded a speaking and writing ministry called Bridges of Hope and also served as a Pastor at South Shore Community Church for 15 years. Her roles included executive leadership, counseling, coaching and mentoring both staff, congregants and ministry leaders. She is also the author of "Reminders for the Journey: Reflections for Mothers".

Sharon's wisdom comes from a lifetime of overcoming life's challenges. She combines those life experiences with ever evolving tools to help her connect with, encourage and challenge people on their journey.

Clients: Sharon provides individual and marriage counseling, executive and ministry coaching. She does not accept insurance. Her fee is a sliding scale that is based on income. The base fee is $75 and the cap fee is $110.

Allisha Curtis MA, LADC, LMHC

Allisha Curtis has her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, which she earned from Bridgewater State University. As a counselor, Allisha's goal is to help individuals reach their therapeutic objectives in alignment with what works best for them. Allisha has experience working with young adults in a college setting, as well as court ordered adults in an inpatient detoxification program, and adults of various ages in a private practice setting. Allisha specializes in women’s issues as they relate to adolescents, adults and young adults. Additionally, she has experience working with teens and young adults dealing with parental separations or divorce, as well as working with issues related to relationship concerns. She also has experience working with those who are in recovery from an eating disorder. Using mental health and wellness techniques as they relate to the mind, body and spirit, Allisha provides a judgement free space to help clients develop their treatment plan and meet their goals and objectives.

Allisha is a private pay therapist at this time. She offers a sliding scale based on financial need and availability. Allisha also offers telehealth sessions.

Caitlyn Uzzell, MA

Caitlyn is in the process of completing her master's degree in Clinical Social Work at Boston College with a concentration in Mental Health. She holds a BS from Bridgewater State University in Psychology. For her undergraduate degree, she has had experience in settings such as a hospice agency, an elementary school, and a nonprofit organization focused on helping children with special needs and behavioral concerns. She also has experience facilitating groups for children and adolescents who needed to improve their social-emotional learning skills, provided psychoeducation to children and families on sensory-friendly approaches to help overcome hyperarousal or hypo-arousal states, and created inclusive events aimed at connecting community members to one another.

During each of these previous internships, it instilled in her the beliefs of the person-centered approach in Social Work and how to apply the therapeutic relationship to determine the best plan of care for each client's unique needs. Caitlyn also has experience employing the strengths-based approach to help the client focus on the positive attributes within their lives during their treatment. She is interested in continuing her work with children, adolescents, and families. However, she is also interested in expanding her clientele to focus on young adults to bring full circle her understanding of the spectrum of life stages and how she can apply the ethical principles of social work to provide proficient services. When she is not focused on improving her clinical skills, she enjoys her time making memories with her family and loved ones, creating art, baking, and listening to music.

Luke Smith, MS

Luke has his masters in Family and Marriage Therapy which he earned at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy MA. He received his undergraduate degree from Bryant University. For the past five years, Luke has worked with college students on campuses throughout Southeast Massachusetts.

 In this role, Luke has gained experience working with students as they walk through life transitions and future decisions. He uses a strengths-based approach toward therapy. Luke believes that starting with leaning into our strengths allows us to grow holistically, in mind, body, and spirit.

 Luke is interested in working with individuals of all ages, creating space to explore, heal, and grow in areas of spirituality, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Luke is also a certified running coach and loves to use exercise as a pathway to healing.

 In his free time Luke loves traveling (especially to Disney World), running, relaxing on the beach, and hiking mountains.

Marissa Savard, MS

Marissa holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Lasell University.

In this role Marissa works with couples for premarital counseling and marital counseling. Marissa’s experience working as a therapeutic mentor with children and young adults has helped support and coach the youth in age-appropriate behaviors including interpersonal communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relating appropriately to other youth and adults. 

 Marissa’s work ethic and desire to help as many individuals on all different levels of intellect is what drives her to continue on this journey in the field that she loves. She is interested in working with all different backgrounds and diagnoses. Making a difference in people's lives in our community is very important to her. Marissa wants to make a difference in the lives of everyone around her, one person at a time. 

In Marissa’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family and her friends. She loves serving at her church, the beach, hiking, long walks and a good adventure.

Aislyn Plath, MS

Aislyn comes to The Well with a B.A. in American Studies from Trinity College and an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College. After many years working in the hospitality field in Chicago, she returned East to pursue a degree and a career change. With previous experience in crisis work, she has worked to provide resources and care for those in need.

 Aislyn has a passion for mental health advocacy and is committed to providing a space for people to quiet the outside world and focus on caring for themselves and their relationships. Wanting to tailor her practice to her clients’ specific needs, Aislyn is a practitioner of CBT, DBT, EMDR and IFS. While she operates from a strengths-based perspective to normalize and affirm her client’s experience, understanding and examining the systems at play in her clients’ lives is imperative.  

When Aislyn is not working, she can be found swimming laps, exploring new restaurants, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and listening to podcasts. 

Connor Graham

Connor has a strong passion for serving others, working with them holistically, and facilitating a therapeutic process that helps them reach their full potential in life. He upholds The Well’s vision by integrating mind, body, and spirit into his counseling practice. Connor is currently developing a therapeutic approach that uses various forms of exercise to uniquely access mental health benefits and foster successful treatment outcomes. He works with all types of individuals but has gained a large portion of his experience with adolescents and young adults.

Connor earned his undergraduate degree in Business Management from American Military University. He completed his CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Capella University. Clinically, Connor uses a range of different cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches, including traditional CBT, REBT, and Reality Therapy, and possesses an existential view of human nature.

 Prior to joining The Well, Connor served in the United States Coast Guard and was an NCAA swimmer. Additionally, his background includes co-facilitating collegiate-level strength and conditioning training, individual and group coaching with all ages, national-level bodybuilding, and personal training. Over the years, he has gained knowledge from building effective working relationships with others in a variety of different environments.

 Other unique experiences that have shaped his approach toward establishing healthy connections with others include attending high school in Manila, Philippines, and traveling to various parts of the world. In his free time, Connor enjoys going on walks with his wife and pups, going to the beach, traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports, and going to the gym.

Emily McKenzie

Emily McKenzie is a current Graduate Student at Eastern University, where she is completing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a double alum of Eastern University, Emily’s undergraduate career focused on Youth and Adolescent Development, which lead to her serving as the Director of children and families at a faith-based non-profit for many years. With additional experience in education and church restoration, all of her previous work experiences have inspired her interest to pursue a career in the mental health space.

Emily’s areas of clinical interest include working with children, families, and couples, as well as postpartum mental health. She hopes to be a resource for many clients in transitional phases of life and operates from a person-centered counseling perspective that promotes an integrative approach to mental health. Her therapeutic style involves cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy and she enjoys integrating art and play in her work with children.

In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, leading Girl Scouts, and volunteering on the board of her homeschooling community. She loves the outdoors, painting, gardening, thrifting, and trips to the coffee shop.