Meet the Team
Lightwork Therapy & Recovery is far more than just a mental health facility; it is a sanctuary of healing and growth. We believe in a unique, compassionate approach where we blend empathy with advanced therapeutic strategies. Our commitment is to ensure that every woman who steps through our doors feels acknowledged, listened to, and appreciated. Our mission is straightforward yet profound: assisting our clients in discovering their inner strength, accepting their authentic selves, and illuminating the world with their unique brilliance. As you navigate through this page, you’ll get to know the dedicated team that makes this mission possible every day.
Jackie Lightner, LICSW
CEO
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Jackie Lightner, LICSW, MSW, RYT 200 is the founder and CEO of LightWork Therapy and Recovery. With over a decade of experience as a social worker and clinician in the mental health field, Jackie is passionate about creating programs that help women who are experiencing life changes, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and addiction. Jackie founded LightWork under the foundational model of helping clients learn tangible skills and practices that they can take with them into the more difficult moments of life. Jackie has been featured as a keynote speaker and panelist at events such as NorthShore Chamber’s annual THRIVE summit and the MAHP Annual Conference, has been honored to be a guest on several amazing podcasts like NAPS’ Unswaddled and Point 1, and provides corporate trainings and speaking engagements at global companies such as EF Education First, and more.
Molly Hoopes, LMHC
Clinical Director
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Molly Hoopes, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor and the Clinical Director at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery. She has been part of the Lightwork team from the very beginning and is proud to be a founding member of the organization. Bringing over 10 years of experience working in the field, Molly specializes in working with women with depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, self-esteem, transitions, and general life stress. Her approach integrates various modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques. Molly is passionate about building clinical programs that empower women and encourage supportive, wrap-around services for healing. When she’s not in the office, she loves spending time outdoors, reading, and spoiling her dog!
Makayla Calouro
Operations Manager
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Makayla, our Operations Manager, brings her passion for wellness and helping others to the forefront of her professional endeavors. She focuses on the seamless operation of Lightwork Therapy and Recovery, playing a pivotal part in creating a supportive and empathetic environment. Her passion for mental health advocacy is reflected in her daily efforts to ensure that women receive the care and resources needed to navigate their mental health journeys. Beyond the walls of Lightwork, Makayla enjoys cooking, live music and outdoor activities.
Brooke McElroy
Admissions Director
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Brooke leads the admissions team with a deep commitment to supporting women on their mental health healing journey. With five years of experience working in the behavioral health field, she combines a passion for mental wellness with a profound understanding of the admissions process to guide prospective clients and their families toward the best possible care. Brooke works closely with our clinical staff on a daily basis to ensure that every potential client receives the personalized attention they need to build a foundation for their path to recovery. Outside of her enthusiasm for LightWork, she also enjoys yoga, meditation, adventuring in nature, and spending time with her family.
Kelly Matthews
Clinical Outreach
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As a member of our Clinical Outreach team, Kelly strives to make it possible for women to be informed about and have access to the healing and empowering resources LightWork has to offer. With Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology, as well as an Associate’s degree in Human Services, Kelly strongly believes that everyone should take pride in the time spent nurturing their mental health. Kelly loves to run, be near the ocean, and write.
Brett Barrier, LCSW
Woburn Clinical Lead
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Brett is a licensed clinical social worker and our Clinical Lead at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery. Brett utilizes a trauma-informed approach to ensure every woman feels heard, validated, and accepted. By incorporating a variety of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical therapy, psychoeducation, and solution-focused therapy, Brett works to provide a safe space for women to grow towards emotional well-being. She is passionate about equipping Lightwork Therapy and Recovery clients with valuable skills to increase autonomy, self-determination, and lead fulfilling lives, regardless of challenges they may face. When she’s not in the office, Brett loves live music, sports, spending time in nature, and connecting with friends and family!
Mickayla Cobb, LCSW
Braintree Clinical Lead
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Mickayla is a licensed certified social worker and clinical mental health therapist serving at our Braintree location. She brings extensive experience working with children and families navigating adversity, offering compassionate support through case management, crisis intervention, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Mickayla specializes in trauma-informed care, implementing therapeutic modalities such as DBT, solution-focus, motivational interviewing and trauma phase therapy. Tailoring treatment to meet each client where they are in their healing journey. She is committed to helping clients build effective coping and stabilization skills that are practical and empowering in everyday life, especially during times of mental health challenges.
Taking a holistic view of care, Mickayla thoughtfully considers the many factors that influence a client’s wellbeing. She is a strong advocate for equitable access to mental health services and is passionate about identifying and addressing barriers to treatment.
Outside of her clinical work, Mickayla enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, crafting, caring for her pets and good music.
Sami Sylvester
Woburn Clinical Coordinator
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Sami is our Clinical Coordinator. She is currently working on obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and looking forward to furthering her education in the psychology field upon graduation. Sami is passionate about mental health; she leads with love and kindness in her work to ensure an encouraging and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to feel heard and prosper. When out of the office, you can find Sami at a concert, out for a run, or on a mountain skiing!
Jen Martins
Braintree Clinical Coordinator
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Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business and brings five years of administrative experience within the psychology field. With a strong background in supporting mental health professionals and streamlining office operations, she is passionate about contributing to meaningful work. Jen is excited to join the team at Lightwork Therapy & Recovery and looks forward to supporting our mission at the Braintree location. Outside of work, you can find Jen crocheting, reading books, and playing with her cat Chloe!
Kyla Gustavson, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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With over a decade of experience in mental health care, Kyla is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to supporting clients on their journey toward emotional wellness. Throughout her career, Kyla has worked with individuals across the lifespan, providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy. She is passionate about creating a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and actively involved in their treatment. Kyla believes that healing is a collaborative process and partners with clients to explore their strengths, values, and goals.
Outside of work, Kyla enjoys spending time with her family and their golden retriever, Norbert, and going to the beach.
Danielle Harrison
Admissions Coordinator
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Danielle is a compassionate and driven individual who holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. With a strong dedication to helping others, she has proven her commitment through her work in detox, where she supported individuals on their path to recovery. As the newest member of our admissions team, Danielle leads with both an encouraging and informative mentality. In her personal life, Danielle enjoys running, walking her pup, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with a comfort show and a nice cup of coffee.
Taylor Katona
Admissions Coordinator
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Taylor works in admissions and has five years of experience supporting women through MH and SUD challenges. She believes in prioritizing well being – spiritually, physically, and mentally – and enjoys yoga and reading. She is passionate about helping other women find joy by self healing and embracing their strength.
Rosmery Del Orbe
Admissions Coordinator
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Rosmery is part of the on call Admissions team at Lightwork Therapy & Recovery. She brings several years of experience in behavioral health and a deep personal passion for supporting women on their mental health journeys. Known for her patient and caring approach, she is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming admissions process where every woman feels heard, valued, and cared for. Outside of her work at Lightwork, she enjoys hiking with her partner and dogs, as well as spending time reading!
Kara MacIntosh
Admissions Coordinator
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Coming Soon
Kate Adamson, LICSW
Mental Health Therapist
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Kate is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery. Kate’s approach to therapy is rooted in a holistic and client-centered perspective, focusing on the uniqueness of each individual and recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. Drawing from an eclectic range of therapeutic modalities, Kate tailors her approach to best meet the specific needs and preferences of clients. Whether it be cognitive-behavioral techniques to address specific challenges, mindfulness practices to cultivate self-awareness, or narrative therapy to explore your personal story, sessions will be customized to support a client’s unique journey. Kate believes in cultivating an empathic and authentic therapeutic alliance to create a safe and non-judgmental space for women to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences while feeling validated, guided, and supported.
Alyssa Corrado, LMHC
Mental Health Therapist
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Alyssa is a masters level mental health therapist at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery. She incorporates mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques into her practice. With a solution-focused approach, Alyssa is committed to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. She provides personalized support, drawing from a holistic toolkit to help clients navigate life’s complexities and foster positive change. Passionate about mental health advocacy and holistic well-being, Alyssa strives to create a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment for each individual’s journey towards healing and growth. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys live concerts, hikes, and spending time with loved ones.
Jenny Whyte, LMHC
Mental Health Therapist
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Jenny is a licensed mental health counselor and the evening dual diagnosis program therapist at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery. Jenny believes in an integrative approach to therapy, in which she utilizes evidence-based techniques and skills from modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and trauma-informed care. Her passion for helping others is rooted in establishing strong therapeutic relationships with her clients, creating safe and non-judgemental space for them to explore their thoughts and emotions. She is committed to providing compassionate care that is both inclusive and collaborative, working together with clients to address their unique needs and goals. As a firm believer in the power of continuous learning, Jenny strives to integrate new knowledge and skills into her practice. But when she’s engaging in self-care of her own, you can find her spending time with friends and family, reading up on (and solving) the newest true-crime case, and snuggling up with her hound dog mix.
Paige Symon
Mental Health Therapist
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Paige is a therapist at Lightwork Therapy & Recovery, where she feels honored to dedicate her career to working with women—a calling that has always spoken to her. Her approach weaves together solution-focused, psychoeducational, and person-centered therapy, allowing clients to develop practical skills while feeling truly heard and supported.
She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Merrimack College and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina.
Outside the therapy room, Paige finds her own sense of balance through running, spending time with her dogs, and enjoying the restorative calm of the beach.
Amanda Parker
Mental Health Therapist
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Amanda is a master’s-level therapist at Lightwork Therapy & Recovery with a Master’s degree in Holistic Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She provides client-centered care that honors the whole person and integrates approaches such as DBT, CBT, parts work, psychoeducation, and somatic therapies. As a Reiki Master, Amanda also weaves in spirituality and mindfulness to support deeper healing. She especially enjoys working with women navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, life transitions, and identity development. Clients can expect a safe, compassionate space where they are empowered to grow, strengthen communication, and set healthy boundaries. Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys nature walks, cozy nights in, crafting, and time with her two cats, Binx and Cleo.
Annie Germain
Mental Health Therapist
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Annie—a person-centered, master’s-level Mental Health Therapist who specializes in CBT, DBT, and ACT, is dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally affirming spaces of healing for all women. As a dedicated therapist, she provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their challenges, build resilience, and move towards meaningful change. Annie believes in the power of connection and strives to help individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges, Annie tailors her approach to meet you where you are—with empathy, insight, and evidence-based psychoeducational strategies. With a background in working with eating disorders, Annie has explored and supported a wide range of mental health diagnoses and is highly passionate about healing and self-actualization. In her free time, Annie enjoys listening to music, singing, dancing, cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with her friends and family. Annie is passionate about uplifting and empowering all communities every step of the way in her journey as a therapist.
Colleen Chagnon
Mental Health Therapist
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Colleen is a masters-level therapist at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery and will be working at our Braintree location! Colleen employs an evidence-based, integrative approach to therapy, honoring that treatment is most effective when tailored to each client’s unique experience, culture, and current circumstances. By rooting herself in a foundation of person-centered and trauma-informed theoretical modalities, Colleen creates a safe, warm, and authentic holding space during sessions that embodies unconditional positive regard and allows for growth through non-judgmental self-exploration. Colleen builds on the strength of the therapeutic relationship by incorporating appropriate interventions informed by dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques, empowering clients to apply the skills they’ve learned in the therapy space throughout daily life. Outside of the therapy room, Colleen finds fulfillment through baking, exploring local hiking trails, and trying out fun new dinner spots.
Caitlyn Mazzocchi
Clinical Intern
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Caitlyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Merrimack College. Her passion for helping others stems from her diverse background in applied behavior analysis, which has deepened her understanding of human behavior and growth. Caitlyn is particularly dedicated to empowering women to embrace and express their authentic selves. She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment where women can explore their identities, heal from past experiences, and build self-confidence. Outside of her professional life, Caitlyn enjoys traveling with friends, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with her two golden retrievers.
Gabriela Smookler
Clinical Intern
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Gabriela is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on mindfulness-based and transpersonal psychology. She brings a background in nervous system regulation, somatic practices, mindfulness, CBT, ACT, psychodynamic theory, Gestalt therapy, IFS, and nutrition. She is passionate about LightWork’s mission of helping women reconnect with themselves and develop self-acceptance. Gabriela believes that through awareness, practical tools, and psychoeducation, women can build the skills to cope and heal from within. Outside of the therapy room, she enjoys making jewelry and planning her next trip somewhere exotic.
Emma Kross
Clinical Intern
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Emma holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Hampshire and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Merrimack College. Alongside her graduate studies, she works in a psychiatric hospital setting, providing support to adolescents navigating complex mental health challenges. Emma is committed to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and strives to create affirming environments where individuals feel safe, seen, and empowered in their healing journey. Outside of her clinical work, Emma enjoys reading, playing guitar, and spending time by the ocean.
Caitlyn Southworth
Clinical Intern
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Caitlyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stonehill College and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Merrimack College. Caitlyn has had an interest in human behavior and a passion for mental health awareness from a young age, and has a deep appreciation for person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based approaches. Her previous experience as a Mental Health Counselor at a Residential Behavioral Facility allowed her to begin her counseling journey, and inspired her to continue her education and experience in the field. Caitlyn believes creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients is critical, and recognizes the importance of cultural context. In her free time, Caitlyn enjoys cooking, spending time by the water, dancing, and anything music related!
Elizabeth Tait
Clinical Support Specialist
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Elizabeth is a recent graduate of UMass Amherst, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Her background includes years of experience working in acute psychiatric care, leading mental health advocacy work, and a commitment to helping people feel validated while healing from experiences or emotions that can often feel isolating. She is passionate about supporting women at LightWork in finding their strength through vulnerability and showing up authentically. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys reading, traveling, and going to concerts.
Riann Savoia
Clinical Support Specialist
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Riann is a recent graduate with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and is currently pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is passionate about helping others and guiding them toward becoming the best versions of themselves, which is why LightWork’s mission resonates so deeply with her. Riann believes that compassion, connection, and support are powerful tools for creating meaningful change in people’s lives.
Outside of her professional journey, Riann loves spending quality time with the people who mean the most to her. Fall is her favorite season—she can never get enough of the cozy festivities, crisp air, and pumpkin spice candles.
Jill Manos, C-IYAT
Group Facilitator
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Jill is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) at Lightwork Recovery and Therapy. Jill believes we are all here experiencing many layers of discomfort everyday, both physically and emotionally, and the practice is trying to navigate how to be with them.
Jill utilizes a trauma informed approach to hold space for clients to be able to lean into the discomfort, to hear what is beneath its surface and respond rather than react. She offers unconditional positive regard allowing the clients to show up exactly as they are in that moment. She uses somatic engagement and inquiry to support listening in and responding rather than reacting then creates compassion to the experience of this present moment. She reminds us that the practice isn’t about forcing ourselves to stay present but to build our ability to welcome ourselves back again and again.
Jill utilizes a trauma informed approach to hold space for clients to be able to lean into the discomfort, to hear what is beneath its surface and respond rather than react. She offers unconditional positive regard allowing the clients to show up exactly as they are in that moment. She uses somatic engagement and inquiry to support listening in and responding rather than reacting then creates compassion to the experience of this present moment. She reminds us that the practice isn’t about forcing ourselves to stay present but to build our ability to welcome ourselves back again and again.
Darien Santana, LMHC
Group Facilitator
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Darien is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is the owner of Imperfectly Tuned Counseling, a therapy practice where she supports individuals with attaining emotional balance and healthy copings mechanisms. Darien received her master’s in clinical mental health counseling, specializing in music therapy. She has experience with incorporating music into her work. Believing that music can be a tool to help empower women in their recovery and healing. Outside of the “therapy office”, Darien loves to spend time with friends and family, watch movies, read and listen/play music.