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Our Programs

Riverstone Counseling

Here at Riverstone Counseling, our goal is to create an environment that fosters healing and growth. We believe we can empower our clients to make positive and lasting change in their lives.

We specialize in working with teenagers, young adults, and their families to help them identify and work with their strengths to achieve their goals.

Our counselors are trained in EMDR, a proven method for resolving traumatic experiences.

 

We are skilled at working with clients who experience both mental health and substance use issues, such as:

Depression Life Transitions
Anxiety Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD Parenting Concerns
Substance Use Disorders Relationship Issues

 

LOCATION

Riverstone Counseling has moved! You can find our new building downtown at 84 Pine Street, 2nd Floor, Burlington, VT 05401. 

WHO WE ARE

Our counselors are trained clinical mental health/clinical social workers and substance abuse counselors who use a developmentally appropriate, client-centered approach to meet youth and their families where they are at with respect to their readiness to change.

WHO WE WORK WITH

Teenagers and adults ages 12-30 and their families, if desired. Our counseling program is open to the public and takes most insurance, including Medicaid. Interpreters available on request.

If you are in crisis and are not a Spectrum client, please call First Call at the Howard Center at (802) 488-7777. If you are already a client, call us at (802) 864-7423 x310 during business hours, or (802) 350-6748 after 5:00PM.

MAKE A PAYMENT

Now you can make a payment online with our secure portal. Please click below to make a payment.

 

Meet Our Counselors

 

Nerzada Turan, MA, LCMHC, LADC | Director of Riverstone Counseling

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Pronouns: She/her. My practice is founded on the belief that with compassion, openness, empathy, support, and connection, healing is possible. I will work with you to create an environment that is safe and non-judgmental, to help you work through difficult situations. In our work together, we will focus on honesty and trust in order to break through shame and guilt. In my practice, I meet individuals where they are at. Your needs and goals will be at the center of our therapy process. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and families on a variety of issues including trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Our work together will be grounded in practices that are proven by research to help, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, EMDR, and mindfulness. But I also bring creativity and flexibility to my practice: life is complicated, and the more tools you have, the easier it will be to overcome life challenges. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Green Mountain College and my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling from Antioch University of New England.

 

Hannah Katz, MSW, LICSW | Clinical Supervisor

Pronouns: She/her. In my practice, I strive to create an environment where people feel seen, heard, affirmed and empowered. All are welcome in my space. I meet my client where they are at and take a collaborative approach as we build trust, rapport, and safety in the therapeutic relationship. My goal is to consistently work from an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens. I view my work through the six core social work values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. My practice is guided by a variety of theories and approaches, including, but not limited to, Person Centered, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Bowen Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Harm-Reduction, Self-Compassion, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Some of my clinical interests include identity exploration and development, relationship challenges, navigating life transitions, self-empowerment, family dynamics, and working with the LGBTQ+ community. I have also been an active member of Spectrum’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) since 2020. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Vermont and my Master of Social Work from Simmons College. When I am not counseling or supervising, I enjoy being outside, dancing, traveling, seeing live music, snuggling my dog, reading, and hanging with my people.

 

Neera B.K., MA, LCMHC, LADC | Counselor

Pronouns: She/her. I believe that therapeutic relationships foster and succeed when there is strong rapport, empathy, compassion, transparency, and acceptance present. You are the expert of yourself; no one knows you or can know you better than yourself, thus my goal is to help you identify and recognize your strengths – while helping you heal holistically. Based on my professional and personal experiences, there is no single way to navigate through our interconnected mind, body, and spiritual challenges; thus I practice Integrative Therapeutic Approaches. Some of the core therapeutic frameworks I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered Approach. Furthermore, I have in-depth knowledge, understanding, and skills in multicultural, humanistic, and holistic approaches, mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed practices. I have over three years of work experience with emerging young adults; more than five years of experience working with the New American Population as well as work experience with children and families. I specialize in working with youth, emerging young adults, and adults including their family members or care providers in areas such as anxiety, depression, body image, trauma, cross-cultural adjustment, and other daily challenges.  I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology Degree from Saint Michael’s College.

 

Katy Santa Maria, MS, LCMHC | Counselor

Pronouns: She/her.At the core of my work, I believe in being your teammate and collaborator as you navigate life’s ups and downs. I aim to foster an affirming, self-compassionate space where it feels good to check in with yourself and work alongside your brain and body in ways that are helpful to you. As your therapy journey starts, I like to get to know your story with mental health and emphasize the sources of support within your unique context. You are the expert on your experiences, so we can sit with whatever you are experiencing and go from there. My practice also recognizes that the communities we belong to, identities we hold, and histories we and our families carry can have various impacts on our wellbeing. It is important that we acknowledge the contexts that make up who you are, as well as work together to support your sense of community and belonging, self-advocacy, health in relationships, and accessing joy. I draw from anti-racist, client-centered, mindfulness, DBT, feminist/liberatory, strengths-based and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approaches and am trained in EMDR. (And sometimes, a bit of humor in the therapy room doesn’t hurt!) All are welcome, and I specialize in working with young people, emerging adults, college students, relationship issues and communication, neurodivergence, identity exploration, queer folks, and families of queer and trans youth. I hold a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Vermont and a bachelor’s in psychology from Kenyon College. Simply considering counseling is a cause worth celebrating, and I can’t wait to work with you.

 

Lydia Bohn, MS | Counselor

Pronouns: She/her. In my counseling practice, I view you as the expert on your experience and work collaboratively to help you gain deeper self-knowledge and strengthen self-compassion. I aim to create an accepting, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed space that honors your various identities and emphasizes your strengths. Using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and narrative therapy techniques, I work with you to identify areas of healing and growth to help you create positive change. My work is grounded in a feminist therapy approach, and I believe that it is important to consider the impact that systems of oppression, bias, and discrimination have on individuals and their lived experiences. My interests include working with youth and young adults around sexual orientation and gender identity development, relationships, family conflict, communication, anxiety, and stress. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College, and a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Vermont. I look forward to meeting you!

 

Joshua Trombly, MS | Counselor

Pronouns He/Him. My practice is grounded in a strength-based, client-centered, and pragmatic approach. Everyone holds the inherent agency for personal growth, and through counseling I support the process of exploring the internalized and external barriers to this. An important part of this process is identifying the sources of these, while healing and reclaiming agency from them. This is done together with mapping and developing internal resources. I approach this process through a trauma informed lens, utilizing methods from Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Polyvagal Informed Therapy. I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Vermont, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northern Vermont University. I joined Riverstone Counseling in 2023, after a one-year post-graduate residency at Middlebury College’s Center for Health and Wellness, and several years in residential counseling within Chittenden County’s designated agency for Community Mental Health.

 

Molly Kaye, MSW | Counselor

Pronouns She/Her. I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels collaborative, nonjudgmental, and safe for people of all identities. It is my joy and privilege to work alongside young people through the process of healing, growth and self-discovery. In my practice I offer witness, compassion, and curiosity to support you in living an empowered life that aligns with your values. I bring a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens that centers you as the expert of your own experiences. My work is informed by attachment-based, somatic, and anti-oppressive frameworks and some of my clinical interests include identity development, navigating life transitions, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies, Master’s degree in Social Work, and Certificate of Graduate Study in Trauma-Informed & Resiliency Based Practices, all from the University of Vermont. I also have several years of experience working with youth and families in public schools, college counseling, and wilderness therapy settings. In addition to my work at Riverstone I love dance, playback theater, and exploring the natural world by foot, boat and bike.

 

Ashley McNeilly, MA | Counselor

Pronouns She/Her. My work in counseling is grounded in the belief that each person inherently possesses the agency for personal growth and healing. My interest in counseling resulted from working for years in high-stress corporate environments and recognizing not only the lack of mental and self-care practices, but the pressure to ignore them to produce. As a counselor, I practice from a trauma-informed, client-centered, strength-based lens which strives to support individuals where they are through collaboration and feedback. In my practice, I am committed to being present, compassionate, non-judgmental, and authentic. I utilize several tools in counseling including practices from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Polyvagal Informed Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques. I believe it’s paramount to acknowledge the impact of societal inequities, racism, oppression, and privilege on each individual and their journey. I earned a B.A. in Psychology from Dean College and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. To recharge, you can likely find me on a trail, a lake, a softball field, or a yoga mat, depending on the season.

 

Sarah Alexander, MSW | Counselor

Pronouns She/Her. My goal is to foster a therapeutic space that is collaborative, compassionate, and most importantly, centered around your unique needs and goals. You are the expert on you and my top priority is for you to feel seen and heard in our work together. My practice integrates tools and knowledge from various theories and modalities including motivational interviewing, family systems, and mindfulness-based cognitive and behavioral therapies. I have provided strengths-based counseling in a middle and high school setting and bring years of experience working alongside families navigating family court and the criminal legal system in NYC. My approach to mental health and substance use is expansive, anti-oppressive and recognizes the multiple meanings and functions that substances often play in managing the stressors, traumas, and transitions in our lives. I hold certificates in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP). I earned my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont and have a Master of Social Work from New York University. I am committed to meeting you where you are and look forward to supporting you on your positive change journey.

 

Melanie Hedal, MA, LCMHC | Counselor

Pronouns She/Her. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. I aim to create a non-judgmental environment where we can explore complex dynamics and build skills to increase resiliency and move through life with more intention and ease. My background is in somatic psychology and I approach counseling from a holistic perspective. I draw upon trauma theories (somatic experiencing, sensorimotor therapy, polyvagal theory) and integrate understanding of the nervous system with relational, client-centered, and psychodynamic approaches. I bring to my work a genuine curiosity for what is unfolding, assisting each individual in connecting with their own inner capacity for healing. I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and Bachelors in Psychology and Dance from Goucher College. In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature, cooking, biking, and dancing.

 

Iskandar Khan, MS | Counselor

Pronouns He/They. I am a first generation American, born and raised in the Burlington area, with parents from Honduras and Guyana. I received both my bachelor’s from UVM in Neuroscience and my maters from UVM in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling with a certificate in trauma informed work. Prior to Spectrum, I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings in the Burlington area providing individual and group therapy to adults, children and families. My clinical background is based in Emotion Focused and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies and pulls from trauma informed and multicultural frameworks.
I hope to foster a diverse inclusive community and create positive change as I engage with students and clients to provide mental health and substance use services via a variety of groups and family care, as well as individually helping those with acute needs through supportive counseling. I endeavor to cultivate a therapeutic environment that is person centered, trauma informed, and evidence based, valuing empathy, curiosity, client autonomy and self-empowerment. In my role at Riverstone, I will be splitting my time between the clinic and the Winooski School District as the Winooski School SAP Counselor and part-time Spectrum Outpatient Therapist. I value learning, connection and community engagement in my life and work. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing and cooking. When feeling adventurous I am an avid skier and scuba diver. I am also an active member of the local Muslim community and look forward to engaging with students of different cultures and backgrounds.

 

Claire Ewing, MSW, LICSW | Counselor

Pronouns She/Her. The foundation of my practice is establishing a therapeutic alliance of safety, compassion, respect, and curiosity. I firmly believe that we all possess inherent skills for personal growth and it’s my privilege to witness and guide you in accessing your inner capacity to heal. I strive to meet you exactly where you are and collaborate with you to create a nonjudgmental space of self-awareness and understanding. I also find that laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and connection, so I like to bring in a little humor when it feels right. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, holistic, and strengths based. I draw from anti-racist, anti-oppressive, feminist theories and incorporate knowledge from modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Polyvagal Informed Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness techniques. I specialize in working with youth, young adults, and families in a variety of areas such as trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, co-occurring disorders, and navigating the stressors of daily life. I hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and have been a licensed clinical social worker in Vermont since 2021. In my free time, I can be found hiking with my dogs, singing in my car, skiing down a mountain, or curled up somewhere with a good book.

 

Megan D’Agostino, MSW, LICSW | Intake Clinician

Pronouns: She/her. In my practice I prioritize creating a nonjudgmental and safe place grounded in openness, trust and compassion. I believe that the power of a collaborative therapeutic relationship can provide a place for people to be heard, seen and empowered. Every situation should be viewed through a trauma-informed, person-centered lens that also considers the ways in which power, racism, oppression and privilege impact each person, ensuring that every client is met where they are. I have a history of working with families and adolescents who have experienced behavioral and emotional challenges as a result of their own complicated experiences with trauma. I have certificates in Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University and my Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Connecticut College, where I also minored in Sociology. I am an Intake Clinician with Riverstone Counseling. I look forward to meeting with you to help you start your journey here!

 

Maddie Steele, BA | Counseling Intern

Pronouns They/them. In my practice, I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and I strive to create an environment that fosters trust and collaboration, centering the therapeutic relationship as a means for change. I hope to help you recognize your inner strengths and resources that support you through life’s challenges while also prompting deeper insight and understanding of your experiences. My practice pulls from feminist therapy principles, systems thinking, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. I aim to foster a sense of agency and empowerment in my clients while also critically attending to the broader social environment and systems of power and oppression that operate around us. I accept that there are many ways to share and express emotions and experiences, and I welcome creativity and expressive arts in my therapeutic practice. I hold a B.A. in psychology from the University of Virginia and am currently working towards an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Vermont. I look forward to working with you!

 

Ash Sperry, BA | Counseling Intern

Pronouns She/her. Attentiveness and holding space for others are inherent aspects of who I am, and some of my whys for choosing counseling. Counseling is a collaborative experience where power is shared, and my intention is to remove any barriers that may make the process more difficult. I have an approach that is trauma-informed and person-centered, where you are the agent of change and your own expert when it comes to what is needed for transformation and healing. I strive to practice with cultural humility and curiosity with a commitment to being present, respectful, and non-judgmental. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Western Washington University and am currently working towards a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults focusing on impacts of trauma, death and non-death related grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ identities, and anxiety, behavioral, and mood disorders. My clinical interests are grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, feminist, and somatic-based orientations. I give it my all to show up as my authentic self with the hope that you will feel safe enough to do the same. It takes great effort to start exploring how you exist in the world, and I am eager to see how it will transpire.
To Make an Appointment:
Call (802) 864-7423 x310


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