Therapist & Staff Bios

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.

Shelby Cogan, LMSW-CC
Shelby received a degree in psychology and education from St. Lawrence University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern Maine. She has experience working with neurodiverse clients, and a background in working with children, adolescents, and young adults in residential and inpatient settings. Shelby is committed to creating a safe, non-judgemental space for her clients, where she employs a strengths-based and mindfulness approach. She draws from a versitile tool-kit of therapeutic modalities to address an individual’s needs effectively. Shelby is passionate about helping her clients acieve personal growth, build resilience, understand their mind-body connection, and enhance their overall wellbeing. 

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, IOP Co-Coordinator 
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. 

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.

Sadie Grant, LMSW-CC, IOP Coordinator Assistant 
Sadie received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of New England with a certificate in Training in Aging, Diversity. She uses a person-centered, strength based approach to her psychotherapy practice, drawing from Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and embodied approaches to psychotherapy. Sadie is passionate about nature, movement, and creativity and strives to incorporate these interests into her work. She provides individual therapy and is a facilitator in our Intensive Outpatient Program. 

Michael Johnston, LCSW
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.

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, Co-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.

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.

Marit Wilson, LCSW-CC
Marit earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and her Bachelors from Mount Holyoke College. She holds space for adults and teens to investigate the experiences that have shaped them, reconnect with their body and the earth, and develop trust and agency in their ability to heal. She has training in Gestalt and Emotion-Focussed Therapy modalities and is rooted in humanistic, intersectional feminist, and attachment theories. Marit has taught yoga and meditation for 10 years and specializes in working with trauma through an embodied, non-pathologizing, experiential approach. She has specific experience supporting perinatal mental health, the queer and trans community, examining whiteness and white supremacy, and healing disordered eating and body image. Through narrative, spirit, metaphor, and dream, Marit is honored to collaborate on a way toward integration, fullness, strength, and joy.


ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF


Molly Stanley, Co-Practice Manager
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

Natalie’s tenure at Art of Awareness spans over a decade, during which she has fulfilled a range of roles, including management, finance, administration, wellness services, and group facilitation. Her educational background includes the fields of Psychology, Holistic Health, Counseling, and Eco-Therapy. Before her time at Art of Awareness, she gained valuable experience in behavioral health and residential therapeutic centers.

Natalie’s interests are diverse, and she is dedicated to various causes, including wellness decolonization, research, art, embodiment practices, organizational technology, community building, and collaborative leadership. In addition to her role at Art of Awareness, she also contributes to the International Association for the Study of Women and Mythology as an Outreach Coordinator, co-directs an Art and Research Magazine, and operates a small clothing business.

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. 

BILLING STAFF

Lori Moulton, Medical Billing 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 medical billing services at Art of Awareness.