
Meet the Team

Owner & Clinician - Oxford and Southbury
Meghan Slekis, LCSW, SSW
In 2009, I founded Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. and served as Executive Director and Social Worker until 2018. I have worked as an elementary school social worker for the past ten years. This practice was born out of my passion for supporting children and their families, and the desire to offer a more holistic approach to support.​
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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 set attainable goals and work toward becoming their best self. ​
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In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, drawing, swimming, and traveling.

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.
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Outside of work, Olivia loves to read and spend time outside playing with her dog.

Clinician - Oxford
Sarah Sedlak, LCSW
I have experience working with individuals of all ages in need of support with parenting, prenatal and postpartum related issues, attachment, major life changes, school related issues, foster care and adoption, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, ADHD and family related issues. I am passionate about providing support to first responders and their families.
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My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative using a strength-based approach and always starting where my client is at.
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In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, coloring, baking, shopping, and doing puzzles.

Clinician - Oxford
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.
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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.

Clinician - Oxford
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.
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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.
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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 - Oxford
Jamie Mascolo, LCSW
I am a Licensed Master 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
Elizabeth Burns, LCSW
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a special interest in working with anxiety, including OCD. I obtained my MSW from the University of Chicago in 2012. I have extensive training and experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is an evidence-based treatment focused on clarifying what matters to you and moving in the direction of your goals and values, even when difficult thoughts and feelings show up. I am well trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (the gold standard treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder).
My clinical style balances a collaborative and active approach; you should always know what we are working on and you will often have homework to practice between our sessions. I may be a good fit for you if you've tried therapy before but often felt like you were reviewing your week or having a chat, and are looking for something more structured and goals-focused.
Outside of my work at Hive, I am a foster parent and active in local community organizations. I also work part-time as a therapist at Yale Divinity School.

Clinician - Southbury
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.
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In my down time, I enjoy doing yoga, going to the beach, paddleboarding, kayaking and hiking with my kids, friends, family and dogs.

Clinician - Southbury
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 and Southbury
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.
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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.
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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.