Meet our members
Lizzi Buel, MS
she/her/hers
Carmen Mears, MSW
she/her/hers
Brooke Bergeron, MSW
she/her/hers
Zeph Turner, MSW Intern
he/him/his
Ally Quirk, MSW Intern
she/they
Jenni-Lynn Fuoco, MSW
she/her
Shajen Aziz, M.Ed., MA
she/her
Jake Furey-Rosan, MSW
he/him
Saba Ahsan, MS
she/her
Diana Keenan, LICSW
she/her/hers
Kate Neufeld, LICSW
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Peter Burmeister, MA
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Casey Vickers, MS
she/her
Saba Ahsan, MS
I'm Saba Ahsan, a Clinical Counselor and Therapist dedicated to illuminating the paths of self-discovery and healing. Born in the vibrant city of Lahore, Pakistan, my journey has been deeply intertwined with the mission to empower individuals and foster positive change within my community.
Armed with a master's degree in counseling psychology, I embarked on a purpose-driven career aimed at nurturing the emotional well-being of those around me. My passion for social work stems from a profound sense of empathy and a fervent desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), I recognized early on the unique challenges (social, emotional, and education) faced by the deaf community in Pakistan. It became my calling to advocate for their rights and provide them with the support they deserve. In pursuit of this vision, I joined hands with Deaf Reach, a non-profit organization, to spearhead initiatives aimed at amplifying the voices of the deaf and facilitating their access to education and resources.Furthermore, I initiate therapy sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of deaf adolescents, conducting them in sign language, which is not only my first language but also a vital medium of communication for the deaf community.
Central to my approach as a counselor is the belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual. I am committed to helping others recognize their strengths, embrace their vulnerabilities, and journey towards self-actualization. Whether guiding clients through personal crises, facilitating healing in therapeutic settings, or championing causes close to my heart, my mission remains unwavering: to help individuals see the best in themselves and unlock their full potential.
As I keep exploring psychology and social activism, I stay dedicated to being a source of hope and healing for everyone I meet. With a caring heart and strong determination, I'm excited to keep making a positive difference in the world, one person at a time.
Brooke Bergeron, MA
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I was born and raised in Central Vermont and feel a sense of honor to have experienced the rich and deep culture that Vermonters have. I was fortunate to get my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. Over the last ten years, I have had the opportunity to work with children and families to overcome the barriers and hardships humans experience. Through these experiences, I have learned to understand how intensely systems are enmeshed in our everyday life and the unique challenges our generation is experiencing today.
My practice is centered around supporting people in overcoming challenges related to poverty and childhood/generational trauma with an overarching theme of self-discovery. I use a strengths-based and trauma informed approach to listen deeply about who you want to be and empower you on your self-discovery journey. I’m excited for the opportunity to meet with you.
Zeph Turner, MSW Intern
Zeph is currently a graduate student in the master's of social work (MSW) program at UVM. He has years of experience leading online, chat- and video-based peer support groups for members of the LGBTQ+ community in-state and worldwide. He has also worked at the Bellcate School in Essex, teaching small-group therapeutic classes for middle- and high-schoolers with IEPs.
Zeph draws on a variety of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches that focus on understanding and working with the connections between our thoughts, actions, and emotions. In the process of therapy, Zeph respects the client as an expert on their own life, and aims to serve as a consultant and advocate to support each client in trying new approaches to life's problems. His approach is LGBTQ+-affirming, supports neurodiversity and disability rights, and aims to help clients live their own idea of the good life.
In his free time, Zeph enjoys getting outdoors to swim and sail in Lake Champlain, and walk around the Island Line bike trail. He also loves reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, playing classical piano, and baking.
Ally Quirk, MSW Intern
Sick people in this country have two jobs; fight to manage their illness, and fight the systems that are actively working against them. My goal is to provide a safe container in which chronically ill people feel heard as they process the trauma they continuously endure, to listen as they describe the detrimental effects of medical gaslighting, and to support them in rewriting their narrative in ways that empower them and restore autonomy to their lives.
There is an ongoing, existential grief associated with chronic illness that can feel overwhelming when you face it alone. I want to support you in expressing, processing, and coping with this very real pain. I can't stop the tides of grief or shield you from the waves crashing over you, but I will sit in the current with you and allow it to flow around us.
I pull from a range of modalities including IFS, DBT, ACT, and Narrative Therapy to create a unique therapy plan for every client, leaning into 'saying the quiet part out loud.' I highly value authenticity and showing up earnestly as an imperfect human; I won't pretend to have all the answers, but I am deeply committed to figuring them out together."
Diana is not currently accepting referrals.
Diana Keenan, LICSW
Diana received her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Vermont. After gaining experience in the field for a few years, she went on to receive her Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Vermont and is now a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
Diana believes that therapy is a helpful tool to reduce emotional suffering, work towards deeper connections with yourself and others, and begin a process of self-discovery. She believes that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy and that it is important to consider a person’s individual worldview, experiences, values and beliefs. Diana also believes that it is critical for a person to feel seen without judgment in order for them to grow and heal.
Her prior work experience has been with children, teens, adults, and families in office-based, community-based, school and inpatient settings. Diana’s clinical interests include, but are not limited to: identity development, anxiety, depression, early childhood experiences, trauma, interpersonal relationships, family systems/ conflict, the mind-body relationship, life changes/ transitions, sexuality, loss, addiction and emotional regulation. She utilizes an array of therapeutic modalities to influence her work. These include: Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Psychodynamic, Trauma Focused, Narrative, Internal Family Systems, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy techniques. Rather than predetermining the treatment approach, Diana feels that it is best to assess an individual’s needs and goals to determine the best techniques to use.
Peter Burmeister, MS
Depression, anxiety, and despair invite us to seek out deeper connections and growth. The intimacy that develops in the therapeutic relationship is different from what passes for communication in most peoples' daily lives. In the I and Thou, of genuine therapy, there is no barrier. The goal is to be able to totally see and to be seen. Pretense, persona, the need to impress, many aspects of false perception all fall away. There are no barriers. It is a way of healing soul sickness that is challenging to both therapist and patient while at the same time being effective and fulfilling. Join me for an initial exploratory meeting.
I have personally explored the human Psyche for decades, in my personal journey and by working with others. This kind of therapy is not for the timid, but for those of us who are willing to brave our journeys into darkness, confronting the unexpected and embracing the inexplicable, the rewards are many and rewarding.
Write down a recent dream, or spontaneously make up a short story. Send what you write to me, and together, we will explore the unconscious elements contained therein. We may then discuss next steps, leading to the exciting process of self-discovery made possible through this exploration of the unconscious. No charge for initial consultation by e-mail/phone.
I have studied Psychology at Columbia University, Fairleigh Dickinson University and The Assisi Institute. In addition, I have been supervised in psychoanalysis with two prominent analytic therapy practitioners: Michael Conforti, PhD., and the late Robert Langs, M.D. My personal analysis spans more than 30 years and over 1500 hours of one-on-one and group therapy experience.
I was previously a full-time faculty member in Psychology at Norwich University and have also taught at Johnson State College, Champlain College and various institutions of higher education in other states and abroad.
Amber Banta, LCMHC
Amber was born and raised in southern California and currently lives in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. A winter enthusiast and nordic skier at heart, she can be found hiking, biking, or reading a good book by the river in warmer months.
Amber received her B.A. in World Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of California - Santa Cruz and went on to earn her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Adventure-based Psychotherapy from Prescott College in Arizona. As a clinical intern, she gained experience working with incarcerated young women influenced by systems of oppression that kept them in a challenging cycle of trauma, homelessness, and substance abuse. Amber relocated to Vermont after grad school and worked as a therapist for adolescents and young adults at a wilderness therapy program, combining her passions for trauma-focused, social justice-informed work, and her love of the outdoors.
At the Vermont Wellness Collaborative, Amber works with late-adolescent and young adult clients seeking to engage in a change process and identify patterns that are keeping them stuck, whether in relationship to self, their support system or their environment. Amber works with clients to determine their therapeutic goals and draws upon techniques from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, IFS, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative and experiential modalities. She engages her clients through trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centered approaches while integrating mindfulness and somatic practices. She believes in the benefits of connecting with the natural world and will make use of outdoor spaces for sessions if clients prefer. She also provides services for wilderness therapy guides in search of their own therapeutic support or those looking to intentionally process their field work.
Lizzi Buel, MS
Lizzi received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University and is certified in Early Intervention as well as Advanced Trauma Treatment. Though she has practiced many different forms of therapy, she mainly utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during her sessions and is a huge believer in "thought re-framing." She also implements a variety of interactive and art techniques within her practice when it is appropriate. Professionally, Lizzi views each client as a whole and believes that they are molded by all their experiences throughout life. She extends this concept of "wholeness" beyond the mind, and guides her clients toward a healthy lifestyle in all areas, in order to promote overall well being.
During her undergraduate studies, Lizzi worked in early intervention services with children ages 0-3 and their families. She found this work very rewarding as she walked alongside families and guided them toward healthier interactions with their child. As a result of improvement in the family functioning, Lizzi enjoyed watching her young clients grow and develop. During her graduate studies, Lizzi worked with high risk clients between the ages of 9-18. Lizzi has experience working with clients who have a variety of mental health diagnoses, who are dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence, bullying, familial problems, and more.
The running theme that Lizzi carries throughout all her work is the importance of autonomy and the value of self-respect. No matter their background or age, Lizzi believes it is important for her clients to know that they are in control of their therapeutic process. She is willing to work with each of her clients to find an approach that works best for them and fits into their life, because the ultimate goal is helping them achieve healing.
Shajen Joy Aziz, MS
Jake Furey-Rosan, MSW
Jake is a rostered psychotherapist, having earned his Master’s of Social Work from Boston College. Jake knows that life is a long story, and we can decide how we retell it to ourselves. In therapy, he mixes elements of CBT, Narrative Therapy, and WHO approaches such as Problem Management Plus and Self Help Plus.
Jake has moved and resettled and readjusted to new places countless times in his life, living in twelve towns and cities in five countries on four continents. He focused on global practice and social work with refugees in his MSW studies, and interned in Kampala, Uganda with the Jesuit Refugee Service. While there, he worked with clients carrying trauma from war, flight, poverty, discrimination, and gender-based violence.
Jake has years of experience with intercultural communication and adaptation through his studies, his therapy work, his time as an English as a Second Language Teacher, and his own personal experiences as a stranger in strange lands. Jake seeks to continue serving refugees and immigrants as they build a new life in green Vermont, and he wants to put his skills and experience to use for anyone who is grappling with transition, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, no matter how near or far they are from home.
Casey Vickers, MS
Casey uses a strength based approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She enjoys helping her clients identify patterns, make connections, and find coping skills to achieve therapeutic goals. She likes to integrate mindfulness practices into sessions, demonstrating and practicing the skills with the client. Casey also uses psycho-education to help clients understand what they are going through and how interventions can help.
Casey enjoys working with adults with a focus on anxiety disorders, interpersonal issues, and adjustment problems. She has experience working with clients who are trying therapy for the first time and appreciates taking that journey with newcomers. Casey believes that counseling is something everyone should experience at some point, no matter what the reason, to explore who are they are and what they want, to become the most healed version of themself.
Jenni-Lynn Fuoco, MSW
Jenni-Lynn has grown up in Central Vermont, receiving her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Castleton University. During her undergraduate education, she developed skills including advocacy and trauma informed care while working with children and those experiencing homelessness through internship opportunities.
Jenni-Lynn received her Master of Social Work through Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield Connecticut. During this time, her internship was within the school setting, working with children and families to learn emotional regulation.
Jenni-Lynn is currently a rostered psychotherapist and has experience working with a wide range of individuals. She has worked through community agencies working with children, families, young adults, and those in acute crisis situations, including individuals experiencing active psychosis.
Jenni-Lynn focuses on a strengths based perspective where individuals feel empowered for positive change and growth. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing and trauma focused therapies. She respects the autonomy of those she works with and provides a safe space to process how past and current experiences impact and shape our journey throughout life.
Jenni-Lynn understands that every person is unique and she uses a person centered approach through the therapeutic process to support individuals in achieving their therapeutic goals.
Carmen Mears, MSW
Carmen grew up in Barre, Vermont, and received her B.S. in Psychology and Human Services from Lyndon State College. While completing her academic programming and fieldwork in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Carmen quickly developed a strong passion and interest in working to support the needs of children and families. She has served her home community, as well as various communities throughout Vermont, by providing trauma-informed mental health support and advocacy in settings ranging from public schools, foster homes, and emergency shelters. Her self-care involves lots of time outdoors, spending quality time with friends and family, cooking, and practicing yoga.
Carmen is a rostered psychotherapist and received her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Denver. She recently relocated back to her home state from Montana, where she spent three years completing her Master’s degree and serving as an adult and youth advocate clinical intern with the YWCA of Missoula. Carmen’s role as an advocate offered her an in-depth perspective into the lives of youth and adult survivors of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, family violence, and chronic poverty and homelessness. As a clinical intern, she approached advocacy and mental health support with a trauma-informed lens rooted in safety, compassion, unconditional positive regard, and the belief that people are the experts in their own lives. She believes that being alongside clients as they navigate their lives and helping to amplify their voices is an utmost privilege.
Carmen brings a person-centered, strengths-based approach to her work with individuals. By incorporating techniques from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, the Empowerment Model, and experiential modalities, she works to facilitate a relationship with her clients that honors autonomy, empowered decision-making, and compassionate curiosity about their experiences and their hopes for the future. She is committed to providing a space in which clients feel safe, empowered, and open to change that unfolds at their desired pace.
Laura Dillon, MSW
Laura's therapeutic work is founded on the belief that it is possible to find love, belonging, and moments of joy in our daily lives. She approaches therapy with deep curiosity, flexibility, humor, and compassion.
Laura is a rostered psychotherapist and received her Master's of Social Work from the University of Vermont. She has experience in mental health treatment in both community-based and institutional settings, working with clients experiencing a variety of challenges including life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationships, and loss.
Laura draws from an array of therapeutic frameworks and collaboratively works with clients to identify which methods fit best for them, as therapy should be designed to meet the unique needs of the individual. She draws from Narrative, Solutions-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, and Psychodynamic therapies.
At the foundation of her practice are strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and person-centered perspectives. Laura grounds her work in client identified goals and supports clients in developing tangible skills they can implement in their day to day lives.
Laura is committed to providing an LGBTQIA+ affirming space that celebrates individuals of all identities. She enjoys working with both teens and adults.
Kate Neufeld, LICSW
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for supporting adults in creating the lives they want. Whether you want to build more satisfying relationships, understand yourself better, or deal with anxiety, depression, or trauma, I believe you have capacity for growth, healing, and change.
Having a strong relationship with your therapist is key to your success in therapy, and I aim to create an open, welcoming space where your whole self feels seen and accepted just as you are. Together we will identify your goals and look at past experiences, patterns, or beliefs that are getting in the way. That awareness will give you freedom to explore new approaches to showing up in life and navigating the world to help you to make the change you are seeking.
I have 8+ years of experience in the mental health field and my style is based in psychodynamic psychotherapy, behavioral approaches, as well as an appreciation for looking at the impact of systems of oppression. I am also a massage therapist, yoga teacher, and lifelong yoga student, and use my knowledge of the body to help clients deepen their own internal awareness and connection as a path towards healing and growth.
If you are ready to make a change in your life, please contact me at kate@vermontwellness.org to schedule a free phone consultation and see if my approach is a good fit for your needs.