Suzanne Allen, Ph.D. received her doctorate from the University of Memphis and completed her internship at the Worcester Youth Guidance Center, in Worcester, MA. She has worked for over 25 years in various community settings with children and families who have experienced trauma, particularly around adoption and attachment issues and the impact on physical, family and social functioning. She takes a multi-faceted approach to intervention. Dr. Allen has received training in many different approaches to treating families affected by trauma including Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Dan Hughes, Ph.D.) and Internal Family Systems (Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.) and incorporates these tools in her work.

Specialized Services provided at MBHC: Treatment of Dissociation, Pathways to Permanency

Jamie Wood Chiarelli, LICSW is the Clinical Director at MBHC. Prior to earning her Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston College, she worked in Child Protective and Adoption Services in Chicago, IL. Ms. Chiarelli has worked in therapeutic middle and high school, residential, and outpatient mental health settings. Her work and training has focused on providing trauma-informed therapy services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She is also experienced in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse struggles.

Specialized Services provided at MBHC: ARC, CBT, SMART, EMDR (Level II), ACRA/ACC, DBT, Trauma/Sexual Abuse Evaluation

Marla Saint Gilles, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Fellow at MBHC. She received her doctoral degree in School Psychology from Michigan State University and completed her predoctoral internship at the Children’s Trauma Assessment Center (CTAC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as well as in several mid-Michigan area schools. Dr. Saint Gilles has clinical experience working in outpatient mental health and school settings with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced complex trauma. Her research interests include implementing school and district-wide interventions for children who have experienced trauma, specifically within the Head Start preschool setting.

Specialized Services Provided at MBHC: Trauma/Sexual Abuse Evaluation, TF-CBT

Susan Lerner, MSW, LICSW is the Assistant Director at MBHC. She works with children, families, adolescents, and adults whose lives have been impacted by trauma. Ms. Lerner is trained in EMDR, AEDP and Sensory Motor Psychotherapy and integrates these approaches in her work with clients. In addition, Ms. Lerner provides parent consultation, training, and coaching. Using several evidenced-based therapies focusing on increasing attachment through increased attunement in her work with parents, Ms. Lerner's focus is on helping families understand each other and strengthen their ability to connect, accept one another and develop a sense of playfulness. She received her Masters in Social Work from Boston University in 1988 and is committed to ongoing training in trauma, attachment, dissociation and parenting issues.

Specialized Services Provided at MBHC: EMDR (Level II), Treatment of Dissociation, ARC, PCIT, P2P, SMART

Tia Savage, MSW, LICSW is a staff clinician and Life Coach at MBHC as well as the Transitions Coordinator at The Victor School at JRI. Ms. Savage earned her MSW from Simmons College in 2006 and her Life Coaching Certificate from UNH in 2016. She has been working with adolescents clinically as well as coaching them through the transition out of high school and into college or the working field. Ms. Savage is passionate about helping her clients see their potential and learn the skills they need to live a happier and more positive lifestyle.

Specialized Services Provided at MBHC: ARC, SMART, Collaborative Problem Solving, CBT/DBT, Social Skills Training

Julie Thayer, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist whose clinical work focuses on the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults impacted by complex trauma. She is currently a staff clinician and Assistant Director of Victim Services at Metrowest Behavioral Health Center and Clinical Intake Coordinator at the Trauma Center, as well as a Certified ARC Trainer and consultant. Dr. Thayer received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, and has provided a range of clinical services in school-based, in-home, college counseling, outpatient, and inpatient settings. She completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Metrowest Behavioral Health Center focused on the treatment of trauma, and has completed training in trauma-specific treatment approaches including ARC, SMART, EMDR, and PCIT-A.

Specialized Services Provided at MBHC: Trauma/Sexual Abuse Evaluation, Psychological/Neuropsychological Assessment, SMART, ARC Training/Consultation, EMDR-Level I, PCIT-A

Program Director at MBHC and the Trauma Center at JRI, Dr. Zucker received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in Atlanta and completed her Clinical Psychology Internship at Duke University Medical Center and Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Trauma Center. Dr. Zucker is a Staff Psychologist and Supervisor at the Trauma Center and MBHC, working clinically with traumatized children, adolescents, and adults, as well as specializing in psychological and neuropsychological assessment. Dr. Zucker has authored numerous publications and scholarly conference presentations in the areas of trauma and trauma treatment and developmental learning and attention disorders.