Mental Health Providers

Lauren Carpenter, LICSW

Lauren Carpenter, LICSW uses a collaborative and strengths-based approach in her therapeutic work, incorporating aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help people reach their goals. Prior to joining CHCB, she worked in a number of mental health settings, including a women’s mental health clinic supporting pregnant and postpartum women, and an early childhood mental health clinic where she worked with families with young children. She graduated with a BA from Smith College, and an MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Krysten Farrell, LICSW

Krysten Farrell, LICSW received her BA from Saint Michael’s College and MSW from the University of Vermont. She has worked in community-based, residential and medical settings with folks between the ages of 12 and 98, including at Safe Harbor Health Center’s permanent supportive housing program, Beacon Apartments. Krysten returned to the Safe Harbor team in 2020 to provide individual therapy and social work coverage during medical clinics.

Kara Fauth, LICSW, AAP

Kara Fauth, LICSW, AAP received her BA from Colorado State University – Pueblo and MSW from Smith College. Prior to joining CHCB in 2016, Kara worked in various settings including residential, inpatient, and outpatient treatment, as well as a pediatric hospital and an educational setting. Kara most recently worked with Howard Center, providing therapeutic support to high school students and families. Kara provides a strength-based approach to address depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, behavior changes, and stress reduction in order to achieve overall wellness. Kara is also an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained clinician.

Emily Sanders Garcia, LICSW

Emily Sanders Garcia, LICSW received her BA in Political Science at the University of Vermont and worked as a litigation paralegal and high school and college debate coach for a number of years after graduation. Emily switched tracks and went back for her MSW at UVM when she realized she wanted to help people in a way that felt more meaningful to her. She has experience working with adults with persistent mental health challenges, embracing and promoting restorative justice in schools and communities, and youth and their caregivers around trauma and mental health challenges. Emily enjoys working with children and adults and focuses her practice around depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and grief and loss. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and animals, gardening and being outside.

Colin Hunt, LICSW, LADC

Colin Hunt, LICSW, LADC graduated from San Francisco State University with his MSW in 2016 and has worked in a variety of social work settings since then. Colin uses a client-centered approach in his therapeutic work, incorporating aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed practices. As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, he also provides alcohol and drug counseling for individuals evaluating their relationship with substance use. Most recently, Colin has gained experience working with adolescents and their caregivers providing outpatient counseling, family therapy and parenting support.

Leighton Johnson, LICSW, LADC

Leighton Johnson, LICSW, LADC is the Homeless Health Care Program Mental Health Supervisor. He received a BA from Hobart College and MSW from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work. Before coming to CHCB, Leighton worked in North Carolina on an Assertive Community Treatment Team with individuals who had severe and persistent mental illness and who were often homeless and struggling with substance abuse issues. Leighton has been with CHCB since 2010 and works at the Safe Harbor Health Center with individuals who are homeless and in transitional housing. Leighton provides social work coverage for Safe Harbor’s medical clinics and individual therapy with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse issues using cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing techniques.

Shannon Lucy, MPH, LICSW

Shannon Lucy, MPH, LICSW earned her BA in Japanese Language and Literature from Wellesley College and studied abroad at Japan Women’s University before going on to receive a Master of Public Health from the University of Vermont. She spent several years coordinating clinical trials in the University of Vermont Neurological Sciences Department before obtaining her MSW through University of North Dakota. Prior to joining CHC, Shannon provided behavioral health services in rural health centers in Franklin County, VT. Her clinical interests include: working with survivors of domestic violence, suicide-focused assessment and treatment, inner child work, and acceptance and commitment therapy. In her free time Shannon enjoys spending time with family and pets, exercising, advocating for immigrant rights, and reading psychological thrillers.

Meredith Lupini, LICSW

Meredith Lupini, LICSW received her BSW from the University of Vermont. After completing a year of service with Americorps in New Orleans, Meredith earned her MSW from Simmons University and worked in Boston, MA for several years, providing therapeutic services in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient hospitalization, home-based, and most recently in a school-based setting. Meredith’s clinical work has primarily been with children, adolescents, and families with a focus on mental health stabilization, health and behavior change, crisis intervention, complex trauma, self-esteem, and depression and anxiety management. Meredith utilizes her love for the arts throughout her work, often incorporating tenets of art therapy and mindfulness into her sessions! When not at work, Meredith enjoys being in nature, painting or crafting, or spending time with friends and family.

Samuel Lurie, LICSW, MEd

Samuel Lurie, LICSW, MEd joined the Mental Health Services team after many years of health care advocacy for marginalized groups including LGBTQ folks and people with disabilities. He earned a Masters of Education at the University of Vermont and later an MSW at Smith College School for Social Work. He has worked in inpatient, private practice, and community mental health settings providing client-centered, trauma-informed care. Samuel specializes in somatic approaches to healing, and is a clinical hypnotherapist (2008 graduate of Hypnotherapy Academy of America) who incorporates mindfulness, guided imagery, EMDR and other body-mind techniques to reduce anxiety, boost confidence and build skills for change and growth.

Hannah McDonald, MSW, LICSW

Hannah, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, grew up in North Carolina and earned both her BSW and MSW from East Carolina University. She has worked in a variety of settings, including residential care, private practice, and community mental health, where she provides client-centered, trauma-informed care. Hannah has experience supporting individuals from adolescence (13+) through adulthood and specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as those navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, and self-discovery.

In her therapy space, Hannah strives to create an environment where each person feels truly seen and supported in connecting their authentic self with the version the world sees. Her approach is rooted in a humanistic perspective, integrating tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based practices to help clients build confidence, resilience, and personal growth.

When she’s not in the therapy room, you can find Hannah out in the wild—coffee in hand—exploring new live music and food spots, experimenting in the kitchen, or spending time with loved ones.

Meaghan McFadden, LICSW

Meaghan McFadden, LICSW is a native Vermonter who received her BA in Religion from Davidson College and her MSW from Portland State University. She worked most recently on the Integrated Health Team at Northwestern Counseling providing counseling and care coordination to patients at Northwestern Primary Care in St. Albans. Meaghan has expertise in depression and anxiety management, self-care and wellness, health and behavior change, insomnia treatment, and stress reduction.

Tamara O’Rear, LICSW, AAP

Tamara O’Rear, LICSW, AAP received a B.S. from the University of Oregon and an M.S.W. from Springfield College. Since graduation she has provided counseling to patients diagnosed with a life threatening and/or chronic illness. She works with individuals to increase their health by learning new coping skills, and to develop and maintain daily routines that include health care, and self-care activities. Tamara is competent in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), stress reduction, and Eye Motions Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR) to treat depression, anxiety, substance use and low self-esteem. She has 16 years of experience facilitating psychoeducational and support groups that have focused on learning DBT skills, stress management, and on distress related to body image. Tamara believes in the basic goodness and potential of each person to change, and ability to create a life that has meaning, joy, and purpose. In her free time she enjoys water exercise and an exploration of all things Spiritual.

Christy Pilsucki, LICSW, LADC

Christy Pilsucki, LICSW, LADC is a licensed clinical social worker and addictions counselor. She received her BA from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and her MSW from Boston University. Christy has been at CHCB since 2013. Her area of focus includes depression and anxiety management, addiction, domestic violence and sexual assault, life stress concerns and development of self-care for wellness. Christy is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained clinician.

Courtney Shelton, LICSW

As a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California, Courtney’s background in child and adolescent mental health, family preservation services, and mental health services for incarcerated individuals has given her a unique understanding of the complexities of the human experience.

She strives to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism or rejection. She aims to approach each client with a humanistic perspective, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every individual.

When she’s not in the therapy room, you can find her hiking, camping, or growing her green thumb. She’s a traveler, always on the lookout for new adventures and experiences and, a self-proclaimed foodie, always eager to try new foods and flavors.

Stephanie Szkaradnik, LICSW

Stephanie Szkaradnik, LICSW received her BA in Psychology from Salisbury University. Originally from Pennsylvania, she spent a number of years post-college as an English teacher overseas in Taiwan, Vietnam and Turkey. After returning to the states, Stephanie received her MSW from the University of Vermont. Her experience includes time as a residential counselor at NFI Group Home, internships at both Steps to End Domestic Violence and Lund Family Center, and as an Integrated Health Team social worker at Northwestern Pediatrics in St. Albans. Stephanie specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with issues of depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, relationships, and transitions. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys playing sports, traveling, reading science fiction/fantasy novels, and spending time with friends and family.

Caitlyn Tengwall, LICSW

Caitlyn Tengwall, LICSW earned her MSW from Smith School for Social Work. Caitlyn has faith in people’s ability to grow and heal and appreciates being asked to be a part of that process. She uses a collaborative approach with clients that draws on her training in psychodynamic therapy, attachment focused treatment, Liberation Health Model, Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Caitlyn’s clinical work has been with LGBTQ+ folx, people with complex trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before getting her MSW, Caitlyn worked in Boston Public Schools with families. In her free time Caitlyn likes to cook and eat tasty food, be outside, and travel including making frequent trips to Montreal.