Art of Awareness clinicians are psychotherapists who continue to enhance their craft through peer supervision and continuing education opportunities. We are committed to providing effective treatment options that meet the current standards of the field.

CLINICAL STAFF

Bobby Bennett, LMSW-CC
Bobby received a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Maine College of Art and Design and his Masters of Social Work degree from the University of New England with a certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice and Training in Aging, Diversity. Bobby incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems in his work with clients. He has professional experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, complicated grief, youth impacted by incarceration, and folks living with terminal illness.

Jocelyn Dimpel, LCPC-CC
Jocelyn earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling and art therapy from Lesley University. She is a practicing artist who incorporates the use of art and metaphor into her clinical work. Jocelyn believes in the power of creative expression to increase insight and awareness into clients’ thoughts and feelings as well as identifying viable pathways to self-care. She practices a person-centered approach with a focus on relationship-based treatment and enjoys supporting clients in finding meaning in their unique experiences in the world. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings which includes school, residential treatment, and in the community. Jocelyn is trained in the ARC framework for trauma-informed care as well as grief-informed approaches.

Julia Dornbusch, LMSW-CC
Julia received her masters of Social Work from the University of New England with a certificate in trauma informed care and her undergraduate degree from Grinnell College. Julia works with children, adolescents, and adults using a person-centered approach. She incorporates creativity and humor to build a safe space that focuses on each individual’s unique needs and strengths. Julia provides individual therapy and is also a facilitator in our Intensive Outpatient Program. 

Lesley Finneran, LMSW-CC
Lesley received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of New England. Her approach is strengths- based, client-driven and trauma sensitive. She draws from several therapeutic modalities; including ACT, CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. As well as incorporating elements of narrative therapy, Polyvagal work, and Internal Family Systems. Lesley has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.

Michael Johnston, LCSW, Internship Coordinator 
Michael received his Bachelor of Arts degree in developmental psychology with a minor in child and family relations from the University of Maine at Orono, and his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern Maine. He has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults within hospital, school, and private settings. Michael uses a strength-based approach to therapy that utilizes components of Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  Michael is a Level II trained EMDR therapist. He enjoys working with individuals of all ages, and is a facilitator in our Intensive Outpatient Program.

Joan Leaman, LCSW, LADC
Joan received her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from the University of Southern Maine, and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England. Additionally, she studied concepts of spirituality and forgiveness, and self-forgiveness to assist in the healing process at the Chaplaincy Institue of Maine (ChIME).  Her approach is strengths-based, relational, and trauma sensitive. She draws from several therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.  She is also a Level II trained EMDR therapist. Joan specializes in helping people heal from loss, addiction, and trauma as well as navigating life transitions—from selecting educational paths to retirement planning.  Joan has experience working with teenagers through adults, both male and female, in community and residential/institutional settings.

Kaisa Mann, LCSW, LADC, IOP Co-Coordinator
Kaisa received her Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2014. Kaisa specializes in working with adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, self-harm, and self-limiting beliefs. Kaisa practices from the values system that everyone deserves a safe space to process what they are experiencing and be able to be vulnerable without fear of judgement. Kaisa believes change is most effective when it comes from a place of self-love rather than self judgement. Kaisa practices individualized therapy with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and draws from many modalities and is trained in EMDR. Kaisa is also a yoga teacher and believes strongly in the powerful connection between mind and body.

Abigail Maycock, LCSW
Abi received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of New England along with a certificate in applied arts and social justice. She believes that everyone has the capacity to grow and heal when provided with adequate support and connection. Abi’s practice draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities with a focus on Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness and motivational enhancement techniques. Her approach to treatment is relational and client driven with an awareness of the ecosystems that affect each individual’s own path to healing and recovery. Abi practices with a trauma sensitive, culturally humble, and strength based approach. Relational cultural, feminist and humanistic theory inform her approach. She has over 10 years of experience working with youth from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. She also works as a manager at the Maine Youth Court, a restorative justice program for youth in trouble with the law and or school. Abi’s experience as a group facilitator come from her work at Seeds of Peace, the Art Affect, and Young Women Empowered. Abi enjoys working with individuals, families, and groups of all ages and backgrounds. She also facilitates at our Intensive Outpatient Program.

Lila Maycock, LCSW, Professional Development Facilitator 
Lila received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England with a certificate in applied arts and social justice. She approaches her work with unconditional positive regard for her clients, an awareness of attachment patterns, trauma, cultural identity and uses a relational, person-in-environment lens. Lila has worked with addictions, eating disorders, trauma, self-harm, grief and loss, and a variety of mental health diagnosis. She has done professional work with adults, homeless teens, the LGBTQIA+ community, couples, families and with elders in long-term care settings. Lila comes from a background specializing in substance use disorders that was rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Her current practice utilizes acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, mindfulness practices, embodied healing, and expressive therapies. Lila provides individual therapy and is a facilitator in our Intensive Outpatient Program.

Sandy Pereira, LMSW-CC
Sandy received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Maine at Orono, and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England. Sandy has worked with trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and a variety of mental health diagnoses. She has experience working with adults, teens, families, those experiencing homelessness, the LGBTQIA+ community and older adults. Her approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness. Her practice is personalized, relational, individualistic and integrates the mind, body, and spirit to increase awareness and promote healing. She hopes to help guide clients in learning to practice acceptance, defusion from their negative private experiences and make committed actions towards what and who they value most in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. She believes that healing is non-linear, and that therapy is a safe space, and is committed to providing that. Sandy is also a co-facilitator in the Intensive Outpatient Program.

Francesca Perlov, LMSW-CC
Francesca Perlov received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England with a certificate in applied arts and social justice. Francesca has an eclectic approach, incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other approaches. She strives to tailor treatment to meet each client’s unique needs and to honor each client’s strengths. Francesca has professional experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, and LGBTQIA+ related issues. She seeks to promote equity and justice, as well as create trauma-informed spaces.

Joelle Powell, LMSW-CC
Joelle completed her masters degree in Social Work at the University of Southern Maine. She has clinical experience working with teens and adults. Joelle practices from the understanding that the therapeutic relationship is the most important foundational element in therapy and focuses on enhancing safety through connection. Joelle recognizes that the client is the expert in their own healing with an inherent wisdom in their body’s nervous system which can be discovered, explored and utilized for wellbeing. Her therapeutic approach is client centered, strengths based, trauma informed and guided by Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness and somatic awareness. As well as providing individual therapy, Joelle is also a facilitator in our Intensive Outpatient Program. 

Emily Roberson, LCSW, Clinical Director
Emily received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. She practices from an attachment and mindfulness based perspective and works with individuals of all ages. She has received training in CBT, DBT, IFS, Theraplay, and is a level II trained EMDR therapist. Her previous work includes home and community based therapy, working in a psychiatric hospital setting, intensive outpatient treatment and working within the school system.

Elizabeth Siviski, LCSW
Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern Maine. Elizabeth has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families, in home-based, community-based, and outpatient settings as well as long-term care facilities. She works with clients to create a safe environment where they feel heard, seen, and supported without judgement. She believes in guiding clients to their own inner strengths and resources to help them build hope and resilience, using humor along the way. Areas of experience include grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQIA+ related issues. In her therapeutic practice, she incorporates elements of Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, Polyvagal theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Molly Tarr, LCSW, IOP Co-Coordinator
Molly received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England. She offers individual, couples, and family counseling. She is also a group facilitator in our Intensive Outpatient Program. Her approach is informed by her training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her practice is driven by a strengths based, person in the environment, and trauma sensitive lens. Molly’s clinical background includes experience supporting children, families, and adults in a community or home setting, the school system, and residential programs.

Lucia Tricomi, LMSW-CC
Lucia received her Master of Social Work Degree with a clinical concentration from the University of New England, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine where she studied psychology. She has a background working with young adults diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum, as well as individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders in residential, detox, sober living, and opioid home health settings. Lucia engages in therapy from a trauma informed, collaborative, strengths-based perspective and draws on modalities such as narrative, CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. She feels honored by the privilege of walking alongside people as they embark on their unique journey of self-discovery and healing. 

Lisa Wanek, LMFT, LADC
Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2010 and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University in 2015. Lisa has had the pleasure of working with many diverse populations including children with special needs, the LGBTQIA+ community, couples, individuals of all ages and backgrounds, youths and their families in community-based settings, and adults struggling with substance use and/or eating disorders. Lisa considers herself to be a strengths-based therapist which means that she views all of her clients as inherently resilient and capable of overcoming the many stressors they find themselves to be faced with. Lisa approaches all of her clients with unconditional positive regard and collaboration, providing them with a space to foster personal growth and improve their familial and romantic relationships. Lisa’s interventions include Narrative, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and art therapies as well as mindfulness and Polyvagal theory.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Molly Stanley, Co-Practice Manager, Administrative Supervisor
Molly has been with Art of Awareness since January of 2018. Throughout the first few years of employement at AOA, she was trained in Intake & Client Services, Bridge Studio Coordinator & Marketing, as well as various administrative support roles. In January of 2021, Molly stepped into the role of Co-Practice manager and Administrative Supervisor. She strives to create a nurturing and supportive professional environment for staff members to grow and build upon their strengths and skills. Molly is passionate about holistic wellness, hiking and nature, exercise, cooking, and building community. She also enjoys exploring different expressions of creativity, such as painting, writing, gardening, music and more.

Natalie O’Donnell, Co-Practice Manager, Reiki Practitioner Level II
Natalie has worked at Art of Awareness for over 10+ years implementing many ranges of administrative, managerial, financial tasks, certified Reiki II energy healing services, and IOP group facilitation as psychiatric technician. Natalie has her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Holistic Health from the University of Southern Maine, with part of her degree completed at the National University of Ireland, Galway. She has also completed one year of a Master’s program in Mental Health Counseling from Southwestern College, New Mexico. Natalie has experience as a Behavioral Health Professional and Residential Therapeutic Advisor. Natalie is passionate about art, poetry, decolonization of wellness, innovative technology, fostering community, and collaborative leadership. 

Sophie VanDerburgh, Executive Assistant
Sophie received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Maine in 2020. In the past she has worked with many different populations in wellness spaces and also outdoor education programs. Her passion for equity and wellness in nature translates to her work at Art of Awareness, allowing her to stay grounded in her values. Sophie works as an Administrative Assistant and contributes to our systems with her ability to organize, implement, and maintain our structures of support for both staff and clients. 

Jessie Kessler, Intake Specialist
Jessie is an artist, writer, and musician with a BA in Interpersonal Communication and Psychology from SUNY Oswego. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings advocating for a range of at-risk populations, and always strives to reach and support those in need. She believes in the power of storytelling through whichever medium serves as a vehicle for self-expression, and hopes to someday facilitate creative approaches to therapy. Jessie is in the process of completing her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Southern Maine.

Emily Rogan, Administrative Assistant
Emily Rogan graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a B.A. in Media Studies in 2022. Since graduating, she has worked for organizations that focus on community building and empowering youth through the arts and mentorship. Emily is also a freelance photographer, with a strong love for film photography. She is continuously drawn to the intersection of art, storytelling, and wellness and the processof self-expression through different creative mediums. In her freetime, Emily enjoys creating of all kinds, such as cooking, knitting, writing, and more. 

Sadie Grant, Administrative Assistant, Clinical Intern
Sadie is a Master of Social Work student at the University of England with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oberlin College. She is passionate about nature, movement, and creativity, and hopes to build a career in social work that integrates these interests. In her work as a clinical intern, Sadie uses a person-centered, strengths based approach to therapy that draws from humanistic and existential theoretical frameworks. 

 

BILLING STAFF

Lori Moulton, Financial Services 
Lori has served in the medical billing field for over 25 years, having been fully immersed in this work from the time she was a child surrounded by her parent’s medical billing business. As an adult, she started her own medical billing company, Frost Hill Medical, and continues to serve with the goal to continue learning and improving on the valuable experience she gained from her family’s business. She continues to receive valuable mentoring from Mid Coast Hospital’s Director of patient accounts, and strives to meet and address the concerns of all clients. In addition, Lori has a background in Occupational Therapy and believes the patient-centered philosophy she was trained in fits well with the Art of Awareness model of serving all with compassion.

On the Billing Team, Alisa Saucier and Erica Denis work alongside Lori Moulton to assist with client financial services at Art of Awareness.