Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create that fact. ~William James
Kathleen Laskowski Myers, Executive Director, PsyD, LCSW (CT), LICSW (MA)
Kate earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, where she also completed a Social Work/Law specialization program. She completed her Doctoral Degree from William James College in Organizational Leadership Psychology. Kate practices in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Kate has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in residential treatment and special education settings. She started her career as a clinician in a girls’ residential program in Connecticut. She spent fifteen years serving as the Chief of Residential and Treatment Services at a program in Massachusetts serving boys with complex trauma. Kate is a consultant for Cornell University’s Residential Child Care Project, specializing in the evidenced-based practice of CARE.
Along with this experience, Kate spent several years as a juvenile court clinician in Massachusetts and provided outpatient individual, couples, and family therapy services in a community mental health agency setting.
Kate strives to continue the legacy of this agency, which was started by her father, Raymond T. Laskowski, in 1979. Raymond built Family Resource Associates into the thriving community practice it is today. We are forever indebted to his kind, funny, giving spirit.
Kate earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, where she also completed a Social Work/Law specialization program. She completed her Doctoral Degree from William James College in Organizational Leadership Psychology. Kate practices in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Kate has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in residential treatment and special education settings. She started her career as a clinician in a girls’ residential program in Connecticut. She spent fifteen years serving as the Chief of Residential and Treatment Services at a program in Massachusetts serving boys with complex trauma. Kate is a consultant for Cornell University’s Residential Child Care Project, specializing in the evidenced-based practice of CARE.
Along with this experience, Kate spent several years as a juvenile court clinician in Massachusetts and provided outpatient individual, couples, and family therapy services in a community mental health agency setting.
Kate strives to continue the legacy of this agency, which was started by her father, Raymond T. Laskowski, in 1979. Raymond built Family Resource Associates into the thriving community practice it is today. We are forever indebted to his kind, funny, giving spirit.
Stratford, Connecticut Team
Adrienne Free-Mulaire, LCSW
Adrienne received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology, from California State University Channel Islands and her Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Southern California. Adrienne discovered her passion of helping others achieve their goals when she worked for a substance abuse recovery facility, in 2009, helping those recently released on parole reintegrate back into society. In 2015, Adrienne landed at Family Resource Associates as a student intern, where she fell in love with direct practice and never left, earning her LMSW and then her LCSW along the way.
Adrienne specializes in individual and couples therapy as well as treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and anger management. Adrienne takes a cognitive-behavioral and strengths-based approach in helping clients achieve their mental health and life goals.
When Adrienne isn’t in session she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, and creating art. Adrienne also has a love for animals, comedy, and football.
Edrige Jean-Pierre, LMSW
Edrige Jean-Pierre earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Medgar Evers College at the City University of New York. After a few years of providing services to unhoused individuals living with HIV in the Bronx, New York, Edrige decided to obtain her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Edrige has over ten years of experience working with various populations in multiple settings, which informs her culturally competent approach. She believes that therapy is a collaborative effort where the clinician and client can work together and explore healthy and sustainable coping mechanisms to combat life's stressors. She supports individuals struggling with anxiety and depression while providing a secure environment fostering resilience and self-awareness.
When Edrige is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing in her church, and traveling.
Edrige Jean-Pierre earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Medgar Evers College at the City University of New York. After a few years of providing services to unhoused individuals living with HIV in the Bronx, New York, Edrige decided to obtain her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Edrige has over ten years of experience working with various populations in multiple settings, which informs her culturally competent approach. She believes that therapy is a collaborative effort where the clinician and client can work together and explore healthy and sustainable coping mechanisms to combat life's stressors. She supports individuals struggling with anxiety and depression while providing a secure environment fostering resilience and self-awareness.
When Edrige is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing in her church, and traveling.
Kizzy Jeter-Wilcox, LMSW
Kizzy received her Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College. Desiring to do more in her community, Kizzy decided to pursue her MSW. Kizzy acquired her Master’s degree in Social Work from Springfield College. The goal was to become a Social Worker in an elementary school. However, Kizzy fell in love with this work during her internship as a Co-Occurring Clinician supporting both substance abuse and mental health challenges. Kizzy believes that there is always an opportunity for individuals to redeem themselves by receiving the tools and skills needed to help in their lives.
In her free time, Kizzy enjoys spending as much time with her family, fellowshipping with her church, and serving those in need.
Kizzy received her Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College. Desiring to do more in her community, Kizzy decided to pursue her MSW. Kizzy acquired her Master’s degree in Social Work from Springfield College. The goal was to become a Social Worker in an elementary school. However, Kizzy fell in love with this work during her internship as a Co-Occurring Clinician supporting both substance abuse and mental health challenges. Kizzy believes that there is always an opportunity for individuals to redeem themselves by receiving the tools and skills needed to help in their lives.
In her free time, Kizzy enjoys spending as much time with her family, fellowshipping with her church, and serving those in need.
Danielle Orlando, Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Danielle earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and is completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in April 2024, also at UNH.
Danielle began her professional journey by interning at the Office of Victim Services in NewHaven, where she gained valuable experience and insight into the complexities of victim support. Building on this foundation, she later assumed the role of Lead Residential Counselor at a domestic violence safe house. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in providing essential support and guidance to individuals seeking refuge and assistance in overcoming the challenges associated with domestic violence.
Danielle specializes in individual therapy, treating anxiety, mood disorders, and various other challenges. She also heads the anger management program at FRA. Her approach integrates components of CBT, DBT, and humanistic therapy, ensuring tailored and effective interventions for each client.
With genuine warmth and a touch of humor, Danielle creates a comfortable atmosphere, fostering openness and exploration. Danielle prioritizes inclusivity and provides a safe space for clients of diverse backgrounds.
In her free time, Danielle enjoys reading, stand-up comedy, and musical theater.
Danielle earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and is completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in April 2024, also at UNH.
Danielle began her professional journey by interning at the Office of Victim Services in NewHaven, where she gained valuable experience and insight into the complexities of victim support. Building on this foundation, she later assumed the role of Lead Residential Counselor at a domestic violence safe house. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in providing essential support and guidance to individuals seeking refuge and assistance in overcoming the challenges associated with domestic violence.
Danielle specializes in individual therapy, treating anxiety, mood disorders, and various other challenges. She also heads the anger management program at FRA. Her approach integrates components of CBT, DBT, and humanistic therapy, ensuring tailored and effective interventions for each client.
With genuine warmth and a touch of humor, Danielle creates a comfortable atmosphere, fostering openness and exploration. Danielle prioritizes inclusivity and provides a safe space for clients of diverse backgrounds.
In her free time, Danielle enjoys reading, stand-up comedy, and musical theater.
Acton, Massachusetts Team
Bianca McBride, MHC
Bianca earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University. She has worked in the mental health field for over twenty years serving communities throughout the Southern and Eastern regions of the United States. Her experience includes in-home therapy service teams, outpatient mental health counseling, and at-risk youth and their families in residential treatment and special education settings. She has volunteered for non-profit children's programs that support under-resourced and under-served children and families.
Bianca earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University. She has worked in the mental health field for over twenty years serving communities throughout the Southern and Eastern regions of the United States. Her experience includes in-home therapy service teams, outpatient mental health counseling, and at-risk youth and their families in residential treatment and special education settings. She has volunteered for non-profit children's programs that support under-resourced and under-served children and families.
Melissa Cahl, LICSW
Melissa earned her Bachelor's of Social Work from Cleveland State University and Her Master's of Social Work from Boston College. Melissa also earned a Master's of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
Melissa has worked with individuals and families in various clinical settings for over ten years. She specializes in working with adolescents and parents. Melissa is particularly interested in the developmental shift that follows parenthood. She uses a relational feminist approach in her work, attending to how developmental and cultural factors shape our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
When Melissa is not working, she enjoys long walks with her daughter and puppy and reading and writing.
Melissa earned her Bachelor's of Social Work from Cleveland State University and Her Master's of Social Work from Boston College. Melissa also earned a Master's of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
Melissa has worked with individuals and families in various clinical settings for over ten years. She specializes in working with adolescents and parents. Melissa is particularly interested in the developmental shift that follows parenthood. She uses a relational feminist approach in her work, attending to how developmental and cultural factors shape our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
When Melissa is not working, she enjoys long walks with her daughter and puppy and reading and writing.
Elly Edmunds, MSW
Elly earned her Master's in Social Work from Boston University in 2022. Elly's career has spanned the ages. She worked in an elementary school, developing therapeutic relationships with children to address challenges interfering with academic or social progress. She also co-facilitated a social-emotional support group in a classroom setting.
Elly went on to work in a senior living setting, where she felt honored to engage with the residents, listening to their life stories and reinforcing their values, self-worth, and ongoing purpose.
Elly is currently a domestic violence advocate fostering empowerment, assisting in obtaining restraining orders, and encouraging safety planning.
When Elly isn't working, she enjoys traveling, attending Jazz concerts, spending time with family and friends, and taking walks with her dog.
Elly earned her Master's in Social Work from Boston University in 2022. Elly's career has spanned the ages. She worked in an elementary school, developing therapeutic relationships with children to address challenges interfering with academic or social progress. She also co-facilitated a social-emotional support group in a classroom setting.
Elly went on to work in a senior living setting, where she felt honored to engage with the residents, listening to their life stories and reinforcing their values, self-worth, and ongoing purpose.
Elly is currently a domestic violence advocate fostering empowerment, assisting in obtaining restraining orders, and encouraging safety planning.
When Elly isn't working, she enjoys traveling, attending Jazz concerts, spending time with family and friends, and taking walks with her dog.