Joanne D Verdiner
CEO/Founder
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I have had the privilege of working with both youth and adults across various sectors of mental health services and community development.
Through my journey, I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of addressing mental, physical, and spiritual health in a holistic manner. Having collaborated with numerous mental health agencies, I recognized the need to create a practice where people feel truly welcomed, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This vision led to the establishment of Healing & Wellness Counseling Services — a space where our counseling team honors every client’s unique journey from the moment they walk through our doors.
At Healing & Wellness, we believe in meeting you where you are. Whether you prefer the traditional one-on-one therapeutic environment, a relaxed dinner-table setting, a peaceful bench outside, or even a gentle stroll in nature, our counseling team is here to support you in a way that feels most comfortable and healing for you.
We strive to ensure that each visit is a calming experience, offering light refreshments and a thoughtfully designed space tailored with our clients in mind. My commitment is to ensure that you feel heard, respected, and supported as you take your steps towards healing and wellness.
.png/:/rs=w:1065,h:1420,cg:true,m/cr=w:1065,h:1420)
Dr. Fredrick Dombrowski
Clinical Supervisor
Fredrick Dombrowski, the past President of the AMHCA, has extensive experience treating individuals living with co-occurring disorders since 1998. He has served as a supervisor and director for various programs, including inpatient, outpatient, and forensic treatment settings.
Currently, he is the Department Chair at the University of Bridgeport, where he emphasizes experiential learning through cultural humility and equitable clinical care within his counseling team.
Fredrick has recently published the book "Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders" and has been featured on television, radio, and the internet advocating for mental health services in the helping professions. His dedication to healing and wellness counseling has earned him several awards for his work with marginalized populations.
.png/:/rs=w:1065,h:1420,cg:true,m/cr=w:1065,h:1420)
Dr. Shayan Seurattan
Clinician, LMSW
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges through my role in a compassionate counseling team. In a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment, I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
Throughout my work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I have developed a thoughtful, client-centered approach that integrates evidence-based practices with a strong therapeutic relationship, emphasizing healing and wellness counseling. My experience has allowed me to support clients by helping them build resilience and strength through a wide range of emotional and life-altering challenges. I have particular insight into the unique developmental, social, and emotional challenges faced by children, teens, and young adults, and I work collaboratively with clients to foster confidence, self-awareness, and effective coping strategies.
I earned my Doctorate in Social Work, which has further enhanced my clinical expertise and commitment to providing high-quality mental health services. My goal is to help clients gain a deeper understanding, develop practical tools for change, and move toward greater healing, balance, and overall well-being.
Bernadette Belizaire
Clinician, LMSW
Bernadette Belizaire is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and hope. Bernadette earned her Master of Social Work from Fairfield University and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. She is licensed to practice in the state of Connecticut as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, and school-based mental health, Bernadette has worked with children, adolescents, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, grief, and life transitions. She believes that every individual has unique strengths and resilience, and she is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Throughout her career, Bernadette has worked closely with schools, families, medical providers, and community organizations to provide comprehensive, coordinated care. She is fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, allowing her to provide culturally sensitive care to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. She is dedicated to helping clients discover their strengths, foster resilience, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
.
Magda Blumberg
Clinician, LMSW
I believe every person carries a unique story, with strengths, experiences, and possibilities that deserve to be recognized and honored. As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I am committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported through trust, authenticity, and collaboration. At Healing & Wellness Counseling Services, we embrace diverse backgrounds and provide an inclusive environment where each person’s experiences are valued.
Grounded in the social work perspective of understanding the person within their environment, I recognize how our experiences, relationships, culture, and surroundings shape who we are. I believe healing is a journey of transformation and self-discovery. Nature reminds us that there is a time and season for everything; with the right support, connection, and purpose, each person has the ability to bloom in their own way.
I provide therapy in English and Spanish to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with mindfulness and a holistic understanding of the connection between the mind, body and spirituality. I support clients navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth while honoring their identity, values, and lived experiences.
Wherever you are in life, I would be honored to walk alongside you as you heal, grow, and become the fullest version of yourself.
.png/:/rs=w:1065,h:1420,cg:true,m/cr=w:1065,h:1420)
Venusiano De Los Ángeles Pirro
Practice Coordinator
Compassionate and highly organized Scheduling Coordinator with 5 years of experience supporting client care through expert scheduling, CRM management, data entry, and administrative coordination. At Healing & Wellness Counseling Services, LLC, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming, professional, and culturally responsive experience for every individual seeking mental health services. I understand that reaching out for support can be a deeply personal and, at times, vulnerable step. I strive to ensure each client feels respected, heard, and supported from the very first interaction.
My approach is grounded in patient-centered service, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for helping others access quality mental health care with confidence and ease. I excel at managing complex schedules, maintaining confidentiality, and streamlining intake processes with efficiency and care. I take pride in building trust with clients from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of need by leading with empathy, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
I firmly believe that meaningful support begins long before the first counseling session, and I am committed to making every step of the journey with our counseling team feel smooth, supportive, and empowering.