Counselors & Staff

Greta is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master Social Worker- Conditional Clinical Provider, bringing over 5 years of experience in providing personalized outpatient counseling services. With a strong commitment to promoting mental health and well-being, she employs a client-centered approach to address a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. By fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment, she strives to empower individuals to discover their inner strength and resilience. Greta values the importance of building a collaborative therapeutic relationship, tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. With a deep understanding of various therapeutic modalities and evidence-based practices, including Solution Focused Approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she works diligently to guide clients toward positive growth and lasting emotional transformation. She is currently meeting with client’s utilizing telehealth.

Starting in the field in 2003 as a Direct Care Professional, Shannon worked at a residential treatment facility for dually diagnosed adolescents. Becoming very interested in both mental health and substance dependence, she went on to further her education at the University of Maine, Orono, gaining her Master’s in Social Work in 2007, and later her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). She has worked with a diverse population after graduating, including adolescents, adults, and families, allowing for growth of a diverse skill set.

Michelle has completed her studies in addiction treatment at Beal College and graduated magna cum laude. After obtaining her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, she is continuing her education to expand her career treating substance use. She has a lot of experience with working with people in this field and brings a sense of true passion for the help and healing of anyone needing treatment.

April has worked with those struggling with addiction for nearly 15 years. She has experience in group and individual therapy. She spent eight years in the military and has a passion for working with veterans. April is dedicated to assisting her clients in obtaining life skills to maintain sobriety and recovery.

Amanda has experience working in a community mental health clinic including forensic outpatient and the treatment of drug and alcohol disorders. She also has experience in a prison setting conducting individual and group therapy. Amanda’s approach to therapy is largely strength based which includes solution focused and cognitive behavioral models.

John has been trained to provide both mental health and substance use counseling to clients of all ages. John employs a person-centered approach, making clients the leaders of their own treatment and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives while drawing on additional techniques from CBT and mindfulness approaches to target thoughts and behaviors clients want to change. One of the most satisfying things about counseling for him is educating clients about their brains and bodies, and the relationship between them. The ‘eureka!’ moments, where clients gain understanding and insight into their own patterns, reminds him of his own self-discovery.

Kimberly is a clinical social worker who practices with adults, families, couples, adolescents and children. Kimberly serves individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar, and other mood disorders, executive functioning disorders, personality disorders, trauma recovery, and substance use recovery. Kimberly has several years experience working with adolescents and adults who identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Kimberly uses a customized approach to therapy based on each client’s needs, utilizing evidence based practices of parts work therapy, narrative therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational conversations and psychodynamic approaches. Kimberly is committed to meeting clients where they are at, acknowledging, and supporting needs, and empowering healing.

Jeff is completing his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Husson University. He enjoys serving clients from all backgrounds and creating dynamic and positive therapeutic relationships. Jeff employs a number of evidence-based counseling approaches and is committed to helping clients with their challenges while simultaneously uncovering their personal strengths and resilience.

Katherine comes to us as a therapist for the Department of Corrections with specialties in trauma treatment, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. She uses a theoretical base of solution-focused, existential, and cognitive, behavioral orientations. “I have the basic belief that all people can change if they have skills and develop confidence that they can master their own destiny.”

I will use a client-centered approach as my patients and I develop a positive therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic modalities I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused therapy. These approaches allow my patients to make the association between how our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are connected. Recognizing patterns of maladaptive behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and irrational thoughts are essential for making positive changes. When small changes occur in any one area changes in all facets of a person’s being follow suit. Together, we will develop both long and short-term goals that provide the patient with a direction in how to move from a state of emotional unreset to a clearer understanding of their individual situations.

Dominique has recently completed her Masters in social work from the University of New England and has become licensed as an LMSW-cc. She is excited to join the Dirigo team and has been trained to work with adolescents and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings. She is a certified drug and alcohol counselor and has experience running group and individual therapy. The modalities that she uses are motivational interviewing, CBT, and solution-focused approaches. She enjoys serving clients from all backgrounds and helping them feel empowered to guide their treatment. She focuses on creating a strong therapeutic alliance with clients and strives to provide a safe space, free from judgment

Jenna is a graduate from the University of Maine where she completed her Master’s in social work. Her goal is to create a grounding and safe space to explore complex emotions and experiences. She enjoys spending time in nature in her free time and tries to bring the peaceful aspects of the forest into the therapy setting. Nothing in nature stays the same all year, it has cycles and deaths and rebirths. Humans are a part of nature and therefore are always transforming and transitioning. Jenna honors this state of transformation in the therapy setting. She has experience working with survivors of trauma, children, and people struggling with depression and anxiety, though her office is open to people of all backgrounds. She uses a number of evidence-based interventions in her work, personalizing treatment based on the individual.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have practised in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health clinics, schools, residential facilities, and in-home based services . As a therapist, my goal is to provide an atmosphere during treatment that promotes personal growth, guidance, and support for my clients. My areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and treatment for various mental health disorders. My therapeutic approach is holistic in nature with a focus on the mind body connection during treatment and utilizes therapy models that include Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy. In my spare time I enjoy spending time on self-care activities that include spending time with family, engaging in outdoor activities, playing with my two labs, traveling, reading books, and cheering for our New England Sports teams. I look forward to walking beside you during the next chapter of your life journey. Alissa Mitchell LMFT

From children and adolescents to adults and families, I have had the opportunity to provide support and guidance in outpatient mental health clinics, schools, residential facilities, and telehealth-based services. I have experience in trauma, anxiety, depression, and the treatment of mental health disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in a person-centered therapeutic approach, where I strive to create a safe and supportive space for my clients.

As a licensed clinical therapist and alcohol and drug counselor with over 16 years of experience, I employ an eclectic approach to therapy, allowing the client to be in control of their treatment. I specialize in Trauma, Substance Use Disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, Depression/Anxiety counseling, and more. I work with individuals aged 8+. I believe the most important facet of the counseling process is a positive therapeutic relationship and utilize empathy and compassion, along with a non-judgmental stance, to facilitate healthy therapeutic relationships with my clients.

Katarina graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She has experience working in adult case management with Dirigo Counseling as well as working in a crisis stabilization unit for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Katarina is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England where she intends to graduate and obtain her LCPC licensure. Katarina loves empowering people to be assertive, educating on communication skills and supporting people through their toughest moments and greatest successes.

Erin recently graduated from Washington County Community College with
an Associates Degree in Mental Health and Human Services. She is enthusiastic about starting her new career to be of service and help to those that she longs to serve.

Taylor studied mental health at KVCC with plans to continue her education
in the field in the future. She brings years of experience helping to care for others in the medical field with great enthusiasm to continue to serve the wellbeing of others in the community.

Roseann brings to Dirigo with a variety of skills as having been in the medical field for almost 30 years. She is now a Certified Peer Support Specialist. She is excited to be a part of our team, giving her best for the people who need us. She has a passion for finding joy in small things in life, as she has beaten many obstacles toward success. She believes, “Success is not just based on monetary value.

Felicia majors in Mental Health and Human Services with concentrations in addictions and adult mental health. She is on track to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) and is ambitious to work toward her LADC. She has previous experience in inpatient settings. She is highly motivated and passionate about this field of mental health. Felicia is excited to start her career at Dirigo Counseling, empowering and supporting one individual at a time.

After working for over 20 years in various aspects of the manufacturing industry, Michael desired to work in a field that placed people above profit. After returning to school 10 years ago, Michael started working part-time for a social service agency and has been in the field since that time, working extensively in crisis work and adults with developmental disabilities.

Julia graduated from the University of Maine, Augusta with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a minor in English. She is currently enrolled at Husson University pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that upon graduation she can continue to do what she loves: helping her community and advocating for Maine’s mental health.

Hello, my name is Christopher Foss. I grew up in New Hampshire, moved to Maine back around 2003, and over the years I have come to call this great state home. I have been a stay at home dad for almost as long as my children have been alive, so during Covid I decided to pursue a college degree and after two and half years I earned my Associates degree in Applied Sciences in Mental Health in May of 2023 along with my Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification from KVCC (Kennebec Vally Community College) in Fairfield Maine. My wife and I have three children together and are very proud of them and all their achievements. Some things I enjoy are outdoors activities like fishing, biking, and hiking, I also consider myself a bit of an amateur mechanic. In my down time I enjoy playing video games with the kids, working on my 1917 Ford Model T and hanging out with friends when I get the chance.

Gianna has recently graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology accompanied by a minor in Mental Health and Rehabilitation. She will be pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to further her knowledge in the mental health field. She is excited to use her education and experience to provide support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals in the community.

Zach graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s in Psychology and a bachelor’s in Biology. He moved to the east coast six years ago after a career in pre-K education and theater, and is currently enrolled at Husson University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program. He is excited to join this amazing team, and to continue to be of service to the community in whatever way he can be.

Grace has been a resident of Maine since 2017, originally hailing from mid-Michigan. She studied at the University of Maine, earning a B.S. in history education and an M.S. in human development, with a concentration in trauma studies. Grace has a passion for helping others, especially with navigating resources and processing their lived experiences. When Grace is not in the office, you can find her at home in Orono with her fluffy orange cat, Miss Hawkings.

Chandler is on course to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health. For 10 years, he has served as an advocate for persons who are on the autism spectrum and he has a wide variety of certificates in the mental health field. With a background in construction, he enjoys building many different things, especially items that can be of assistance to others. When he is not working, he is usually spending time with his family and working on craft projects at home.

Dr. Patten passionately shares the vision that is carried in the Mission Statement. He is an esteemed professional in the medical community and cares deeply about issues such as quality of patient care, the model of “recovery oriented” treatment, and patient empowerment. He provides Dirigo Counseling Clinic with consultation, policy formation, and strategic planning.

Dr. Jude has a long and diverse career as a Primary Care Provider and providing medical treatment. Mary seeks to follow her dual passions in public health and social justice in a mission-driven organization that puts people first, considers healthcare a basic human right and tirelessly pursues solutions to health disparities that are the result of social determinants of health. We feel very fortunate to have this highly trained and experienced professional to be a part of our team.

Ben is a Clinical Professional Counselor and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing in the Bangor area since 2017 and is passionate about client-centered care with evidenced-based practices. Ben has been working in the mental health field since 2003 and has attended Hartwick College, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Malcolm X College, and University of Southern Maine. Ben has experience in hospitals, schools, and community mental health clinics in both urban and rural settings.