Ashley started her own private practice in 2019 with the intention of providing holistic health resources to our community,  establishing Optimal Healing, LLC in January 2022 . In addition to being our owner, Ashley is also a therapist and consultant who specializes in trauma and treatment of children and adolescents. Ashley works primarily with children, teens and family systems drawing from multiple treatment modalities including, CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapies. She has been working as a clinician since 2009 and has been in the field of social work since 2002. She completed her Undergraduate degree at BCC and MCLA and her Masters degree for social work at Smith College. As a therapist, it is Ashley’s goal to connect her clients to their environment and the greater community around them, as well as to provide holistic care to her patients in any way possible by working with the natural support systems of each client. Ashley has two post graduate degrees, one in Advanced Clinical Social Work Supervision from Smith College School for Social Work and a second in Advanced Practice with Children & Adolescents from Springfield College.   As the owner of Optimal Healing, it is Ashley’s goal to meet the mental health needs of our community by connecting people where they are, to access to quality mental health care, resources for physical and spiritual wellness, and most of all creating a community of like minded individuals learning to be the best version of themselves.

Sandy is our Administrative Practice Manager and has been working with Ashley Benson since 2019 and became a part of Optimal healing when it began in 2022. She gained her experience in administration from her previous work in the medical field as a medical assistant and medical secretary. Within Optimal Healing, Sandy works part-time from home. She is the backbone of all things Optimal Healing by supporting decision making and problem solving, in addition to handling new client referrals and intakes for all clinicians, clinician credentialing, provider/client insurance issues and all general administrative tasks. In her personal life, Sandy loves spending time with her husband Tom and visiting with her two daughters. In her free time she enjoys reading, crocheting, and gardening.

Danielle's journey with Reiki began in 2006. She developed a life-threatening illness and was unaware that during her months of hospitalization, she was being sent Reiki by a woman I had never met.  She would later become her mentor. Not long after her first in person healing session she felt my purpose was to become a Reiki healer. She became certified for Usui level I Reiki in 2006 and level II in 2007. It wasn’t until 2018 that she felt a calling to become a Reiki Master and then a Karuna Reiki Master. Danielle's dedication toward healing and spiritual awakening is a lifestyle for her. "I am highly empathic. This means I feel the emotions and energies that are stored in other’s bodies. I like to incorporate crystals and pendulums to assist in Chakra balancing and healing. I am devoted to sharing this ancient and sacred healing art through personal sessions and teaching in hopes of promoting mental and physical health and conscious living on our beautiful planet." She is married and has a 26-year-old daughter. In her spare time you can find her meditating, reading, practicing yoga, enjoying nature and spending time with family.

Erica is a clinical social worker who has been with Optimal Healing for the past year.  She works primarily with adults across a wide spectrum of problems, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and trauma. She has a great deal of experience and interest in helping people come to terms with chronic illness, both physical and emotional, and enjoys helping clients understand their feelings and motivations, so that they can make constructive and effective choices. Her approach to therapy is conversational (rather than structured), and she introduces the use of mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques with many of her clients. She firmly believes that people can continue to change, learn and grow throughout the lifespan, and that the more deeply we each understand and accept ourselves the more content and giving we can be. As a therapist it is her job to facilitate that growth and change. Erica graduated from Goddard College in 1966, with a BA in Psychology, and received her MA from Simonds School for Social Work  in 1969. Since that time she worked in a variety of medical, educational and mental health organizations doing psychotherapy, and for the past 11 years as an independent clinician In her personal life Erica enjoys reading, swimming, and good conversation over a meal shared with friends.

Keith Jones is a Clinical Social Worker who began working with Optimal Healing in 2022. He received his Undergraduate Degree from Champlain College and his Master of Social Work from Springfield College School of Social Work. Keith has been in the field of social work since 2009 and began working as a clinician in 2013. Since then, he has been a strong advocate for the well being of children and adolescents, believing in the ability of individuals to thrive if they have the resources to do so in their environment. In his personal life, Keith enjoys spending time with his family and friends, as well as being outside doing activities such as hiking, boating, golfing and gardening.

Donna Rempell is a therapist who has been working with Optimal Healing since October of 2021. She attended Skidmore College for her undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and the University of Connecticut for her Master's Degree in Social Work. She has been working with children, adolescents, families and adults for over 20 years. She specializes in parent-child relationships and has  training in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy to help folks manage their thoughts and feelings, and mediation/conflict resolution. Donna has experience in various settings, including Early Intervention programs for families with children birth to three, Head Start, and Community Mental Health Centers. Outside of her professional life, Donna enjoys taking walks, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Annette...

Healing begins with a desire to change. Michael Smith is not only a Psychotherapist, Trainer, and a Consultant, he is an Agent of Change. He can help you with your journey to be the best you can be, knowing that holistic health always begins with the mind. As a Masters level clinician with an LICSW, Michael specializes in trauma response and treatment. His twenty-six years in child welfare and protective services has educated him about the impact of trauma on people of all ages. This experience has given him unique and strength-based approaches to his work, be it with trauma, exposure to intimate partner violence, or addiction. Proudly, he also shares his wealth of knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at two separate colleges. Knowing that learning can happen in a multitude of ways, Michael uses creative opportunities to facilitate change for the positive in his clients. With a passion for sports, games, nature, and experiential learning, Michael uses these experiences in his practice to facilitate change for the positive in his clients. As the father of two daughters, he cultivates his parenting experiences as a means to assist others struggling with parenthood. As a former School Adjustment Counselor, Michael has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that our young people face in this world and particularly enjoys helping that population establish their way in this world to give them the optimal chance for success in the future. When Michael is not plying his craft of individual and family psychotherapy, he does a daily crossword puzzle, plays golf as often as he can, enjoys social opportunities with colleagues and friends, serves as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and spends time with his adult daughters.

Kara McCabe Cross is a social worker and yoga teacher who has spent over fifteen years in educational, community health, and private practice settings. She uses a creative, compassionate, and collaborative approach to help adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Drawing from attachment-based, mindfulness, and parts work approaches, she helps clients process past experiences, deepen self-understanding, and clearly communicate their feelings and needs. She believes therapy is a wonderful space to build resilience and uncover our innate capacity to heal and grow.    She became a Registered Yoga Teacher in 2015 and earned her Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2016. She believes that understanding and deepening our mind-body connection is essential to self-awareness and self-compassion. She enjoys being outside as much as possible in her free time with her family and friends.

Rachel Hanson is a social worker with extensive experience working with young adults, their families, and child protective services. She has been working with this population for over 12 years, understanding development, challenges, and nuances and navigating life into the complicated world of adulthood.  She has worked in the Berkshires for seven years and is passionate about helping those in need, and advocating for the underprivileged, overlooked, and socially challenged. Rachel was born and raised across the pond in London, England. She attended Middlesex University in London and completed her Bachelor's degree in Youth Justice. In 2018 she completed her Master of Social Work at Springfield College and obtained her Massachusetts LCSW. Rachel also has a background in Arts and Theater and likes to bring aspects of these skills to a light, vibrant, and trusting therapeutic environment. Rachel strives to support her clients toward positive change with a strength-based approach. Her drive and passion for helping others allow her to enjoy being a Social Worker genuinely. She believes her role as a therapist is to be the translator towards understanding ‘self’ for better balance and quality of life.  Outside her professional life, Rachel enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and cuddling on the sofa with her dog Loki.

Megan Heath is a consultant and social worker who has been working as a therapist with Optimal Healing since April of 2022. She attended UMass Amherst for her undergrad and received her Masters from Westfield State. She enjoys the outdoors and nature and believes that connecting with the Earth and our surroundings is an integral aspect of connecting with ourselves and the therapeutic process. Within her practice, Megan enjoys bringing creativity into the therapeutic space, typically in the form of art and writing. She specializes in treating and working with individuals with disabilities, particularly autism, as well as those struggling with anxiety. She has over ten years experience in human services and social work, working with students and adults who have various forms of differing abilities, covering mental, physical, and learning capacities within organizations like BARC, the Brien Center, and Adlib Independent Living. She is passionate about giving individuals and family access to helpful resources offered at Optimal Healing and within the community. In addition to offering therapeutic services at Optimal Healing, Megan will also be leading group therapy sessions.

Katie Lovett is an MSW Intern who also supports our billing, administrative work, group therapy, and coordination with the ROOTS teen center. She began working with Optimal Healing in 2022 and previously received her BA in Sociology with a Minor in Women's Studies from MCLA. Originally, Katie was a Fine Arts major but switched to Sociology last minute as she wanted to help people. She later returned to MCLA where she received her MBA in 2020 and is currently enrolled in PennWest pursuing her MSW. Katie specializes in working with youth and adolescents, as well as family systems. She is certified as a Licensed Social Work Associate, as well as in Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths.  Katie’s goal in her work is to create peace of mind and a positive space in all environments. She is highly energetic, creative, and able to use these skills to create a supportive environment for clients. Katie is also married, with a seven-year-old son. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, running, races, cooking, movies, and making flower arrangements.

Kaylea Patterson is a social worker who began working as a therapist in 2023. She attended Emmanuel College for her undergrad and received her Masters from Springfield College. She has over ten years experience in human services and social work, working with children and families as they navigate various challenges and learn to find their voice. Her experience includes collaboration with community resources and providers to create a team approach that best suits clients in their process. Kaylea utilizes play and art within sessions to foster positivity and growth while giving clients ways to express themselves. She also enjoys working within family systems. Kaylea spends her free time with family and friends or curled up with a good book.

Carly is a Masters of Social Work graduate of Westfield State University. She received her undergraduate degree, also at Westfield State University, in May of 2023. Carly is extremely passionate about helping children and adolescents in the community. She has worked with children since 2019 as a summer camp counselor, intern school adjustment counselor, and an interim preschool teacher. She has experience with students who have dealt with severe trauma in their lives, as well as different learning abilities. In her free time, Carly loves to go on long walks, read a good book by the pool, and play with her new kitten, Ivy. Carly is ambitious and excited to join the team at Optimal Healing.

She discovered the joy and healing support of a yoga practice and has been teaching yoga for 18 years. She is passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone and welcomes both beginners and seasoned practitioners  of all ages and abilities to her classes. She actively learns about new and innovative methods to bring yoga into the lives of students with physical limitations or challenges. Through a caring and nurturing approach, she guides students to explore yoga as an opportunity to create balance, self awareness, and a deeper sense of well-being in all areas of daily life. Ellen received a 200-Hour Yoga certification in the Kripalu Tradition through Journey into Yoga in 2007, Levels 1 and 2 Thai Yoga Massage Certification from The Triple Gem School of Thai Massage in 2016/2017 and a Yin Yoga Certification from Kripalu in 2023. In addition to teaching yoga, Ellen has a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Northwestern University, and has been teaching piano for 40 years.

Iyengar yoga instructor Anne is a teacher and long-time practitioner of Iyengar yoga who is eager to share with others the spiritual, emotional, and physical gifts of this rich and ancient tradition. Anne grew up in northern Berkshire County and spent many years working as a translator and editor in Europe and New York City before returning to the area to train as a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Anne has found yoga practice to be a source of equilibrium and resilience in the face of life’s ups and downs. In her teaching, she aspires to nurture this same profound and transformative experience of yoga for every student she meets.

Currently employed as an athletic trainer with Southern Vermont Healthcare, Lisa arrives at Optimal Healing with a unique background involving decades of experience in both an athletic and clinical setting. Currently on the Board of Directors at Berkshire Dance Theatre, it was her involvement as a student here that invoked a passion on how to train bodies- while preventing injuries thru the improvement of proper function and movement. Most notably, she was able to apply this knowledge as an athletic trainer at Williams College for 20 years. Her past instruction experience includes the teaching of weight conditioning, step aerobics, slide aerobics, pilates and aerial yoga. In addition to being a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Lisa earned her Bachelors Degree from Northeastern in both athletic training and cardiovascular health and exercise. She then traveled out to the Midwest, earning her Masters Degree in Athletic Training from Indiana State University. Lastly, she holds certifications as a functional movement specialist and as an APPI Pilates method instructor. When not engaged in fitness or dance activities, Lisa also enjoys oil painting and working in her gardens.

Meet Kat, short for Katherine. A Berkshire native, Kat grew up on a farm for 18 years and it helped her become who she is today; learning how to care for animals and also learning what hard work is made of. Kat attended McCann technical high school and studied business technology.  She then moved onto Mildred Elley for medical assisting, but realized she was looking for more so switched to studies in massage therapy. Kat knew massage therapy was a good choice when she discovered that she could help out so many people and make them feel great! Kat believes in the core philosophy of Optimal Healing and we are so excited to have her join us. Kat looks forward to incorporating her background in working with animals in the near future, furthering her education to be able to give massage therapy to our furry friends as well.

Shannon’s curiosity with the healing potential of the human body began at the age of 10 when she was given a terminal diagnosis for a rare blood disorder. In the midst of going into cardiac arrest, she had an out-of-body near death experience, followed by a complete spontaneous remission. It was through the lived experience of something that could not be explained by science, that she began to explore the phenomena of miraculous healing. She started studying Shamanic Healing, Earth Magic and Plant Medicine in 2000 while living in Hawaii. After returning to Massachusetts and giving birth her daughter, she opted for a more traditional path, completing degrees in Fine and Performing Arts and Elementary Education, and became the Manager of Education Programs at MASS MoCA, running the children’s programs at Kidspace for a decade with the specific intention helping children explore their creative potential and the joy that is present when we allow ourselves to be in a state of awe and wonder. After completing an herbalism apprenticeship in 2012, she left the education field to work with food as medicine and explore the idea of community building through food and plant medicine. In January of 2020, her son was hit by a car and almost lost his foot. It was through helping him recover and experiencing job loss during Covid Lock-down that she dedicated her life exploring the full potential of human healing. Since completing her Shamanic Apprenticeship in 2021 as well as several advanced Plant Medicine and Sound Healing certifications, she has been helping guide people on the healing path with the intention of empowering her clients to explore the fullness of their innate healing potential.  She is an avid wild-forager and hiker, who spends most of her free time in the forest.