
Meet the Team

Owner & Clinician - Oxford, Seymour, and Southbury
Limited Availability
Meghan Slekis, LCSW, SSW
In 2009, I founded Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. and served as Executive Director and Social Worker until 2018. I worked as a school social worker from 2015-2025 at both the elementary and high school levels. This practice was born out of my passion for supporting children and families, and the desire to offer a more holistic approach to support.​
​
I utilize my experience in the agency and school settings, and my training in Mindfulness practice, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), executive functioning support, anxiety and stress management, and growth mindset, to help children, teens, young adults and mothers set attainable goals, manage stress and anxiety, and work toward becoming their best selves. ​
​
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three young children, drawing, swimming, and traveling.

Practice Manager/Clinical Director
Sarah Sedlak, LCSW
Prior to becoming the Practice Manager/Clinical Director, I was a therapist at Hive Counseling. I began my Social Work career as a home visitor, later became a clinician, and eventually served as a program director for in an agency setting over the course of 9 years. I moved into the private practice setting in 2021 before joining Hive at the end of 2024. I have a range of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through parenting challenges, prenatal and postpartum transitions, school-related concerns, foster care and adoption, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and family dynamics. Being a fire wife and working in a helping profession, I am passionate about supporting first responders and their families.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two children, and our dog, Anthem (yes, like the National Anthem). I love cheering on my kids at the baseball and softball fields or at the dance studio, my favorite place to be is by the ocean, and I enjoy new and exciting adventures —like skydiving, which I did in 2024 and want to continue to do annually!

Administrative Coordinator
Olivia Casper, MSC
Olivia is a middle school counselor who enjoys connecting with students and helping them grow into their best selves. She brings warmth, positivity, and a calm presence to her work every day.
​
Outside of work, Olivia loves to read and spend time outside playing with her dog.

Clinician - Southbury & Seymour
Openings in both locations currently
Pam Shepperd Katra, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience in skilled nursing care. I work with adults of all ages. My passion is helping caregivers and those struggling with grief.
I attended Scared Heart University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. I attended Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services, where I earned a Master of Social Work degree.
In my free time, I am a dance teacher and a volunteer at my son’s school. I feel strongly that everyone’s thoughts and feelings matter and I am committed to helping my clients live their best life.

Clinician - Oxford
Limited daytime availability
Jamie Mascolo, LCSW, SSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Sacred Heart University. With over five years of clinical experience, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, children, and adolescents from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate their personal journeys toward healing and growth. I am certified in Gottman Level 1 and incorporate evidence-based modalities such as the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to address relationship challenges, emotional struggles, and developmental concerns. My approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their unique experiences and work toward meaningful change.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, family, and friends, finding joy in life’s simple moments.

Clinician - Oxford and Seymour
No current openings
Kate Paolella, LCSW, SSW
I strive to create a space where individuals can be seen, heard, and supported as they build upon their strengths and develop resilience.
I’m a licensed clinical therapist with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, and grounded in empathy and trust. I believe growth happens through safe, supportive connection and that the therapeutic relationship is a catalyst for personal transformation.
​
I have worked in a variety of settings and draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based strategies. I tailor each session to your unique needs whether that’s helping a child regulate emotions through play, supporting a teen in identity exploration and stress management, or assisting adults as they navigate daily life challenges.
​
Healing doesn’t have to be perfect or linear. It’s about showing up with intention, building practical tools, and embracing a path of self-discovery and understanding. Whether you're beginning therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, I’m here to support you with compassion, connection, and an inviting sense of playfulness.

Clinician - Southbury, Seymour, and Oxford
Limited availability in all three locations
Heather Mastri, LMSW
I am a licensed social worker dedicated to helping individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. With 4 years of experience as a life coach and therapist in a clinical setting, I have worked closely with adults, couples, and families facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, crises and trauma.
At the heart of my practice is a deep belief in the power of human connection, resilience, and self-determination. I take a person-centered and humanistic approach, recognizing the inherent worth and strengths of each individual. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where people feel understood, valued, and empowered to explore their experiences and emotions, through evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.
Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process, and I honor the uniqueness of each person’s story. Whether someone is seeking support for anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, or navigating life’s transitions, I strive to meet them where they are with compassion, authenticity, and unwavering support.
​
In my down time, I enjoy doing yoga, going to the beach, paddleboarding, kayaking and hiking with my kids, friends, family and dogs.

Clinician - Oxford and Seymour
Limited availability in both locations currently
Darryl Lyons, LMSW
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with years of experience in child protection case management (DCF), mobile crisis, healthcare social work, and psychiatric social work (CVH). I work with children, adolescents, and adults. My passion is helping children,
adolescents, and adults struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief.
​
I attended Albertus Magnus College with a major in Sociology and a concentration in Social Work. I also attended the University of Connecticut: School of Social Work, where I earned a Master of Social Work degree.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy detailing cars and spending time with my family and friends. I believe that meeting people where they are at in life is the key to helping them rebuild for a brighter future. My commitment to helping diverse populations in many different capacities is a very important aspect of my career and life.

Clinician - Oxford & Seymour
Telehealth availability only currently
Christina Daisey, LMSW
During the day, I work at a non-profit supporting at-risk teens, while empowering them to maintain their autonomy. As a survivor-centered clinician with a Master of Social Work degree, I am dedicated to guiding individuals through their healing journey. Whether you are processing the effects of abuse, managing a mental health condition, or navigating life's daily challenges, I seek to provide a safe, empowering space for growth.
​
Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), I collaborate with clients to process trauma, build healthy coping mechanisms, and create lasting positive change. With extensive experience working with children and adults impacted by trauma in agency, school, and private practice settings, I am committed to helping individuals reclaim their strength and unlock their full potential.
​
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, keeping up with the sports and activities that come with motherhood.

Clinician - Southbury
Limited availability
Caroline Sanicola, LMSW, SSW
I am a licensed social worker with a Master of Social work degree from Sacred Heart University. In my work as a clinician, I bring a compassionate, strengths-based approach to every therapeutic relationship I’ve worked in education as both a special education teacher and school social worker. In addition, I have also worked with individuals with eating disorders. In both school‑based and community mental health settings, supporting clients across the lifespan—children, adolescents, and adults—who are navigating challenges such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder anxiety, depression, trauma, and low self‑esteem.
I believe that healing begins with genuine connection: creating a safe, inclusive space where each person feels seen, heard, and respected. My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma‑informed care, and positive behavior interventions. I tailor interventions to each individual’s strengths and goals.
Collaboration is crucial to my work as a clinician. I partner closely with clients (and, when appropriate, families or support systems) to establish clear goals, track progress, and celebrate growth. I am committed to honoring the unique ways people feel, and communicate, and to empower them with practical tools for navigating life’s challenges.
In my free time, I love to listen to audio books, craft and spend time with loved ones.

Clinician - Oxford
No current openings
Lauren Aquino-Proffitt, LMSW, SSW
I am a Middle School Social Worker by day and a mother of three rambunctious boys by night. My career history ranges from adults coping with substance use challenges to the daily challenges of school aged children. An important part of counseling for me is doing so collaboratively between child, family, and school. The ultimate goal is for your child to leave with a better understanding of their feelings, what triggers them, and how to communicate them to the people in their lives.
​
Through our work together, I will utilize my Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) training, to give children and young adults specific strategies to help identify and manage their day to day feelings in a more effective and safe way. My work in schools leads me to focus on each individuals’ strengths and come up with solutions for their weaknesses. My focus on problem solving along with my training in Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) will help both children and parent(s) feel heard, have their perspectives validated, and help increase effective communication. I want to help children grow into better versions of themselves.

