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Melysa Friedman, LICSW

Melysa received her MSW from Springfield College in 1997 and currently has a full-time private practice in Northampton, MA. In her work, she draws upon the principles of relational and self-psychology, attachment theory, ego-state work, and has a strong emphasis on the use of mindfulness. She spent over a decade working closely with victims of domestic violence before moving into her work with families experiencing homelessness. Melysa went on to provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups in an outpatient mental health clinic where she was also responsible for clinical supervision and utilization management review. She completed her training in EMDR, Levels I and II, through HAP in 2004, earned her certification, and is an Approved Consultant. Melysa actively participates in various consultation groups and has been a member of the Board since 2015.

Desiree Lowit, LICSW

Desiree received her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work in 2010.  In addition to being an EMDRIA certified clinician, she is trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Levels 1 and 2. She works primarily in private practice in Northampton, MA. Prior to starting a private practice in 2014, Desiree worked in outpatient community mental health settings with a focus on working with children and families. Throughout her career (in both community mental health and private practice), she has specialized in supporting families (through empowerment), who navigate the complexities that come with parenting a child/teen or young adult with special needs, medical fragility, learning differences and developmental delays.

Elizabeth Barron, LMHC

Elizabeth graduated from Springfield College in 2005 and has been working at CHD in community mental health since graduation. She has worked as a clinician, supervisor, and is currently a Clinic Director. After EMDR training in 2016, she began a part-time private practice focusing on EMDR therapy. Currently, she is the Board Treasurer.

Sandra Stephenson Murphy, LICSW/ACSW

Sandy graduated from SUNY Stony Brook’s School of Social Welfare in 1990. She treats adults, adolescents, children, and families/couples in Longmeadow and Northampton. Prior to private practice, Sandy has worked in public education and community mental health. She also continues to teach the MA Parent and Children of Divorce mandated class. In addition to being certified in EMDR, Sandy is trained in CBT, DBT, ABFT (attachment-based family therapy) and MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction).

Past Board / Steering Committee Members

Michelle Marchese, LICSW
Cheryl Case, LICSW
Joanna Vaughn, LICSW
Joel Coburn, LICSW
Jacquelyn Olmeda, LMHC
Jim Helling, LICSW - Past Board President
Stephanie Baird, LMHC
Gary Loomis, LMHC
Anna Kogan, LICSW
Jason Rose-Langston, LICSW
Lee Paddy, LMHC
Jane Laskey, LICSW

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