Clinical Staff
Megan Klein
APRN, MS, CS
Megan Klein, APRN, MS, CS is certified by the ANCC as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She has worked in nursing for 34 years, including as a nurse manager for children and adolescents in an inpatient setting, and as an office-based APRN for 20 years.
Her practice has included clients of all ages, primarily in eastern Connecticut, and before joining CPC, she worked most recently with a geriatric population in the Glastonbury area. She works closely with families, and is sensitive to the need to integrate existing supports to maximize the client’s ability to benefit from treatment.
Sharif Okasha
PsyD
Dr. Sharif Okasha is a graduate from the California School of Professional Psychology where he earned his doctorate in clinical psychology. As an undergraduate, he earned a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College. He has been providing therapeutic and assessment services for the past 14 years, and joined CPC in September of 2014. He is an experienced play therapist, and has worked successfully with many children in this modality. With teens and adults, he works primarily from a psychodynamic model, which focuses on developing self awareness and understanding of one’s emotional life as a means for greater satisfaction in relationships.
Kathleen Hustek
LCSW, JD
Kathleen Hustek, LCSW, JD, received her graduate degrees from Columbia University and The University of CT. Kathleen has practiced clinical social work in medical, residential and outpatient settings for the past 25 years as a therapist and as a clinical supervisor. She has both interest and experience in working with those struggling with symptoms of PTSD and is trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy). She is also trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Kathleen is now studying to complete credentials for an LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor). She especially enjoys working with women’s issues, and assisting those who identify as LGBTQ+ to navigate personal issues and social stressors. Kathleen practices out of our Norwich site.
Lynn McCaffery
LCSW
Lynn holds an MSW from the Graduate School of Social Work at Boston College and has practiced Clinical Social Work in medical and psychiatric settings for over 25 years. New to CPC she works with adults and shares a mature understanding of the impact of illness on one’s life. Lynn uses a psychodynamic and developmental approach to guide patients in coping with life’s transitions and psychiatric illness. She is accepting new patients in Norwich.
Jeanine Dalessio Vaughn
LMFT
Jeanine Vaughn, LMFT, earned her master’s degree from The University of Connecticut’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Jeanine utilizes a client-centered and strength-based approach including cognitive behavioral techniques and various family therapy techniques to empower change in clients. Jeanine believes therapy as a journey to self-love, acceptance, understanding, and connectivity. She fosters growth and change through various coping strategies, interventions, and discussions to work towards success.
“It’s okay to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and at your capacity. You want to feel better, but struggle to find the motivation, words, or energy to begin. You may feel disconnected from those around you, or even yourself. You may be looking to heal, make lifestyle changes, or you’re seeking a safe space to share the stressors of your life. I believe therapy is a journey to self-love, acceptance, understanding, and connectivity. Together, we will create obtainable goals of growth and change through various coping strategies, interventions, and discussions to work toward success. I work with adults through various strength-based approaches. I work with you to gain a better insight to break cycles of negative thinking and behaviors to encourage change. Together, we will reconnect you with your best self.”
Renee Lacadie
MS, APRN
Renee Lacadie, MS, APRN, AGPCNP-BC is certified by the ANCC as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She has completed a Post-Masters Certification program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Renee has worked in healthcare for 15+ years in both inpatient and outpatient care experiences. She works with individuals ages 13 and older. Her primary focus has been working with adults, older adults, and their families. She works closely with clients to plan an effective and individualized treatment plan.
Laura Palmese
Psy.D.
Dr. Laura Palmese obtained her doctorate from the University of Hartford’s Graduate Institute of Clinical Psychology. Her post-doctoral training focused on treating Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and she is VA-trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for military populations. More recently, she has worked with older adults struggling with issues such as grief/loss, chronic pain, terminal illness, cognitive decline, and major life transitions. Dr. Palmese has over 13 years of experience in conducting a full range of clinical services. She works exclusively with ages 18+ and operates from a Cognitive-Behavioral perspective although is flexible depending on individual needs
Michelle Stallworth
LPC
Michelle received her master’s degree and LPC from Southern Connecticut State University. She has been practicing for 28 years and has experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Michelle draws upon cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma related issues, autism spectrum, and general life adjustment issues. Through CBT, clients develop strategies to cope with and overcome life’s challenges. By gaining increased self-awareness, Michelle believes that clients are empowered to not only identify negative patterns, but also to stop them from reoccurring so individuals can achieve their goals.
When combined with a client-centered and solution-focused approach, Michelle works to help individuals recognize and capitalize on their strengths to foster meaningful, lasting change in a safe, judgement-free setting.
Kyle Sutherland
LPC
Kyle is a Licensed Professional Counselor empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. With a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), he helps clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, leading to positive changes in behavior and emotional well-being.
Kyle’s approach is collaborative and tailored to meet your unique needs, whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. Through compassionate listening and evidence-based techniques, he strives to create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Utilizing CBT, person centered and strength based approaches Kyle works with clients to uncover the root causes of client difficulties and develop practical strategies to overcome them. By learning to challenge unhelpful beliefs and develop healthier coping skills, clients can gain the tools necessary to thrive in both personal and professional life.
Kyle believes in the inherent strength and resilience within each individual, and is committed to guiding clients towards a happier, more fulfilling life.