Meet the Team
Our Founder
Kristen Acciari, LICSW, CYT, CHt
Founder & Clinical Director
Kristen started The Holistic Heart in 2014 with a mission of bringing more holistic and comprehensive care to the outpatient therapy space. Kristen has always had a deep passion for understanding, normalizing, and validating the broad spectrum of human experience, and the holistic, multi-modal approach at HH is designed to do just that. Her immense curiosity and care about the human condition have led Kristen on a journey of life-long learning. She received her Masters in Social Work from Rhode Island College in 2009, her 200hr Yoga Teacher Certification in 2013, and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Holistic Studies from Salve Regina University in 2014. She is also certified in iRest Yoga Nidra, and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy. She is currently completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Depth Psychology at Meridian University. Kristen is not currently accepting new clients, but you can read more about her clinical approach here.
Leadership Team
Sammy Knight, MA
Administrative Director, Pre-licensed therapist
Ages seen: 18+
Individuals & Groups
In-person & Telehealth
Self-expression, Mind-body connection, Relationships
Melissa Wakely, LMHC
Asst. Clinical Director, Licensed therapist
Ages seen: 18+
Individuals & Couples
Telehealth only
Embodiment, Chakras & the energy body, Trauma-informed
Lauren Boulanger, LMHC
Head of Education & Training, Licensed therapist
Ages seen: 18+
Individuals & Groups
In-person & Telehealth
Insight-development, Empowerment, Spirituality
Claire Robinson, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor, Licensed therapist
Ages seen: 18+
Individual counseling
In-person & Telehealth
Insight-development, Trauma-informed, Pregnancy and postpartum
Licensed Providers
David Collins, LMHC
Licensed therapist
Ages seen: 16+
Individuals, Family, Groups
Telehealth only
LGBTQIA+ and Transgender community support, Spirituality, Mind-body connection
Sam Rose, LICSW
Licensed therapist, Certified yoga teacher
Ages seen: 18+
Individuals and groups
In-person & Telehealth
Mindfulness, Self-connection, Insight-development
Erica O'Connell, LMHC
Licensed Therapist, Registered art therapist
Ages seen: 12+
Individual counseling
In-person & Telehealth
Art therapy/Creative expression, Mindfulness, Life transitions
Pre-Licensed Providers
Erika Lucas, MHC-A
Pre-licensed therapist, Certified yoga teacher
Ages seen: 18+
Individuals & Groups
In-person & Telehealth
ADHD support, Chakras & the energy body, Self-connection
Jaegil Lee, MHC-A
Pre-licensed therapist, PhD in Spirituality
Ages seen: 10+
Individual counseling
Telehealth only
Brainspotting, Mindfulness & Spirituality, Trauma
Jen Newton, LCSW
Pre-licensed therapist
Ages seen: 15+
Individual counseling
Telehealth only
Empaths & Highly Sensitive People, Spirituality, Women's sexuality
Madison Andrade, LCSW
Pre-licensed therapist
Ages seen: 10+
Individuals & Couples
In-person & Telehealth
Mind-body connection, Emotion regulation, Self-connection
Kate Licciardello, MHC-A
Pre-licensed therapist
Ages seen: 18+
Individuals & Groups
In-person & Telehealth
Women's issues, Self-discovery, Mindfulness
Kayleah Pensalfini, MHC-A
Pre-licensed therapist
Ages seen: 13+
Individuals & Groups
In-person & Telehealth
Trauma-informed, Mind-body connection, Embodiment
Masters-level Interns
Becca Talbot
Holistic Counseling Intern
Ages seen: 10+
Individuals, couples, family, and groups
In-person & Telehealth
Mind-body connection, Self-expression, Mindfulness
Emily Ciano
Holistic Counseling Intern
Ages seen: 8+
Individuals, couples, family, and groups
In-person & Telehealth
Mindfulness, Self-connection, Emotion regulation
Additional Supports
Yoga
Kara Clark, RYT
Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified in Reiki & Yoga Nidra
Kara is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), who began practicing yoga at home. Her practice led to a path of personal growth and healing. From this place, she decided to become a yoga teacher. Her training provided a depth of knowledge on the history of yoga, pranayama(breathing) practice and techniques, meditation and yogic philosophy and psychology. Kara works diligently to deepen her knowledge through continual self study as well as workshops and other trainings. She hopes to share this knowledge and help others realize yoga is not limited to physical poses or flexibility; yoga is a practice for the mind and accessible to every body at any time.
Emotional Support
Benson
Benson is our resident bunny and mood booster here at HH :)
If you're here in person definitely stop by and say hello - he's very friendly and curious and would love to meet you!
