Helping individuals, couples, children and families build resilience and embrace growth.
Meet Our Team
Research shows that the number one predictor of therapeutic success is the nature of the client/therapist relationship. While it is crucial you choose a therapist who is well trained and has experience in the area in which you’re struggling, that’s only part of the story. Working with a therapist with whom you connect to, can significantly influence the course of treatment.
Coastal Connecticut Counseling offers a diverse team of professionals who consist of Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Professional Counselors. We utilize resources in the community for medication consultations and psychological evaluations.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Alyssa Kolesar, LMFT
Licensed Marital and Family Therapist
Owner/Executive Director, LMFT Supervisor
Alyssa started Coastal Connecticut Counseling with the belief that everyone should have affordable access to behavioral health services by experienced and well trained professionals. Alyssa assists clients in finding new solutions to existing problems, and she has successfully helped parents advocate for their children, to get the services they need for their behavioral health issues, within their school system.
Krista Amato, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director, LCSW Supervisor
Through the lens of one of Krista's clients, she believes they would describe their therapeutic experience as partnering with a clinician who will listen warmly and without judgment. Krista is a professional who brings a level of authenticity to her work, naturally fostering an interactive clinician-patient experience. Krista is a personal confidant who emphatically believes that a strong therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect and trust is essential. Krista is an advocate with a genuine and witty approach while simultaneously educating, encouraging, and empowering her clients with personalized, realistic, and achievable skills and goals.
Cassandra Dessureau-O'hara, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Director of Operations, LPC Supervisor
Cassandra enjoys being a therapist as it allows her the ability to share the human experience with someone who has taken the first steps to work through uncomfortable feelings and life situations. With a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and warmth, Cassandra offers her clients a safe, healthy, and open environment for them to explore, reflect, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Cassandra believes it is a privilege to be allowed on a client's journey towards healing and rediscovery.
Glenda O'Connell
Office Administrator
Glenda received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Iona College. For a decade, she honed her business skills at an international conference organization in the field of direct marketing. Changing gears after motherhood, Glenda pursued her Child Development Associate certification which enabled her to teach preschool for the next ten years. With a passion for mind, body, and spirit connectedness, Glenda combines her organizational and administrative skills as Office Administrator, in a field she finds most fulfilling.
Dawn mastronardi
Billing Manager
Megan Schmitt
Human Resource Manager
Megan is our HR Manager, bringing more than 10 years of diverse Human Resources and Employee Relations experience to the team. Her areas of subject matter expertise include HR compliance, performance management, employee relations, policy development, and overseeing new hiring onboarding as well as providing support for our Clinicians. Megan believes that providing direct support to our Clinicians will allow them to provide the best care to our Clients.
Kass Mayer
Office Manager
Kass has a BA in Mathematics from Emmanuel College, and has a varied background in Events and Marketing and has spent the last few years as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Kass loves working collaboratively supporting the clients, the mission, and the needs of Coastal.
Liz Pomer
Office Assistant
Liz Pomer has joined Coastal Connecticut Counseling as an office assistant. Liz has a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Liz works closely with Glenda and her excellent organizational skills and personable demeanor allow her to best serve our clients.
Jennifer Burke
Office Assistant
Jennifer earned her BA in Philosophy and English from Binghamton University and went on to receive her MA in Philosophy from Brandeis University. She spent a few years teaching and working in academia before leaving to pursue other career options. She is now happily working to support the needs of Coastal, whose mission she truly believes in.