Meet the Team
Kathleen Webb, PsyD
Clinician
she/her/hers
Education and Experience:
I received my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from the University of Hartford in Hartford, CT. This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). I earned my BA in psychology from Providence College in Providence, RI.
My pre-doctoral training was mostly child and adolescent-focused, although some time was spent working with adults with substance abuse and trauma histories. Work setting experiences include long-term inpatient psychiatric hospital, therapeutic day school, outpatient mental health clinic, in-home, children’s medical hospital, and urban public schools. My post-doctoral experience involved working with children, families, and adults in a community mental health clinic. I have provided individual, group, and family psychotherapy conducted psychological assessments and participated in multidisciplinary clinics. I have been in private practice since 2010 in the Farmington Valley serving children, families, and adults.
In more recent years, my professional interest has been studying the research of Brené Brown, Ph.D., and completing training as a Certified Daring Way™ facilitator of her work. My therapeutic approach explores how shame, vulnerability, and courage live in all of us. I enjoy using this knowledge base in individual therapy and group workshops.
Licensure and Professional Affiliations:
I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF) for the research and work of Brené Brown. I am licensed as a psychologist in Connecticut (CT License # 3003) and New York State.
Personally:
My personal priorities are relationships and health. This means spending time with family, nurturing relationships, and maintaining my health is paramount. Have I mastered this? Not even close. It is a lifelong journey and a work in progress at all times! I live with my husband and two sons. I enjoy running, cooking, solving jigsaw puzzles, spending time with friends and family, and having outdoor adventures.
Michelle Sessions, MS
Clinician
she/her/hers
Education and Experience:
I received my post-master’s degree as a Specialist in Education with a major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA. My graduate degree was also earned at Bay Path University with a focus on Developmental Psychology.
While earning my graduate degree I spent time working with teenagers and young adults coping with eating disorders and other co-morbid diagnoses. During that time, I provided group, family, and individual psychotherapy and support to help the clients and their support networks work towards a better understanding of the eating disorder. I also assisted in helping the clients and their families develop effective tools and coping skills to assist in the client’s recovery.
During my post-graduate degree, I worked in the counseling center of a college campus. While there I worked with clients adjusting to college life and the new challenges of emerging adulthood. Using a multidisciplinary approach, I provided both individual and group therapy to help clients develop strategies and coping skills for the new chapters of their lives.
Personally:
I really enjoy mindfulness meditation, reading, movies, music and theater. I spend my spare time catching up with family, friends, and loved ones. I also love spending time with my dog, Theo.
Jen Roke, LCSW
Clinician
she/her/hers
Education and Experience:
I received my Master's in Social Work from The University of Connecticut School of Social Work. I received my Bachelors in Human Development and Family Resources from the University of Connecticut.
Prior to getting my degree in social work, I worked with teenagers in group homes and independent living programs who were working to increase their daily living skills in order to live independently. During my postgraduate degree, I worked with young children in a sub-acute residential program and later in a children’s outpatient program with children from ages 5-18 providing outpatient counseling including individual, family, and group counseling. I continued this work after obtaining my social work degree and then eventually moved on to a therapeutic school, providing counseling and crisis support for young children who struggled with emotional and behavioral difficulties and benefited from a different school setting.
Currently, in addition to working at Greater Hartford Wellness, I am a school social worker in a 6-12th grade school where I work with students on improving their social skills, emotional regulation, and their use of coping strategies.
Personally:
I live with my spouse and two young children. I love spending time with my family and especially love our summer vacations together. I am a runner and enjoy reading and spending time with friends.
Kelly Wolf, PhD
Clinician
she/her/hers
Education and Experience:
I received my Doctor of Psychology (PhD) from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. The clinical psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. I received my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY.
My predoctoral training was centered around working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. I have extensive experience with providing psychological assessment and therapy to individuals in American Sign Language (ASL) and providing linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate care for Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.
I have a focus on working with individuals who are differently-abled and those who experience serious mental illness. The early part of my career was spent working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing support, utilizing behavioral intervention techniques, and rehearsing coping skills to manage emotions. I also worked at an outpatient and inpatient facility, providing trauma-informed care for Deaf and hearing patients, as well as supporting individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders.
Currently, in addition to working at GHW, I am a supervising psychologist with the CT Department of Corrections. I work with individuals who have serious mental illnesses, provide diagnostic clarification, conduct psychological assessments, and participate in multidisciplinary treatment to serve the patient. I am licensed in Connecticut (3525).
Personally:
I love spending time with my family and getting outside. I am a runner and have three half-marathons under my belt and am looking to do more! I live with my three young children. We love to take walks, bake cookies, and have dance parties.
Diane Lasher-Penti, LMFT
Senior Clinician
she/her/hers
Education and Experience:
I received my master's in marriage and family therapy from Central CT State University. I have been licensed with the state of CT for over 15 years. I received my BS in psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Early in my career, I worked for crisis hotlines, shelters, counseling, and court advocacy to support survivors of domestic violence. During my fieldwork for my master’s degree, I worked at Stafford Family Services, working with a wide range of issues involving families and couples. After receiving my master’s, I started at Ellington Youth Services, where I worked for 21 years. As the Director and therapist, I developed many programs, resources, and services to assist the families of Ellington.
I specialize in anxiety disorders, depression, substance use, stress management, and trauma. My focus in treatment is CBT, mindfulness, creativity, and goal setting. I have experience in working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system, truancy (school avoidance), advocating with the schools, suicide assessments and intervention, and the LGBTQIA community.
When I work with families and youth I focus on the whole person, finding creativity, and healthy appropriate outlets. I believe in giving people the knowledge to take steps to find and define their mental wellness journey.
Personally:
I am a mother of two sons and two dogs. I love gardening and cooking to unwind and reenergize from the day. I am a big movie fan, from independent to superhero movies. Nothing beats walking my dogs except when they chase after a rabbit (a bit frustrating!). I really like humor and putting laughter and hope into my day.
Sophie Kuchel
Office Manager
she/her/hers
Education and Experience:
I am a graduate of the University of Delaware where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In addition to working at GHW, I work for UConn's FARR Program and Lab as a Research Technician for early childhood development.
Personally:
I love to cook, play music, and spend time with friends & family. In my free time, I like to spend time outdoors and cuddle with my cat, Finn!