Staff
Your Well-Being Is Our Priority!
Meet the mental health professionals behind Fortitude Center in New Milford, CT. We are a group practice consisting of 15 amazing clinicians who have dedicated their lives in pursuit of delivering better, more compassionate mental health counseling services to those in need. With us, you know you are in safe, dependable hands.
Glendy Schweitzer, LADC, LPC, Founding Member
Glendy is originally from New Mexico but was raised in a military family, allowing her to live all over the United States and Germany. She obtained her undergraduate and Master's degrees from Western Connecticut State University. She started her career in the addiction field, working for six years in various treatment settings before establishing her own practice. Due to the significant demand for providing help and hope to those in need, she realized the necessity of expanding and hiring like-minded individuals who shared her passion for helping people change their lives. She has assembled a team at the Fortitude Center made up of educated and compassionate individuals who are equally dedicated to helping those seeking change, growth, and positivity in their lives.
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Richard Dable, LADC, LPC, Clinical Director
Richard Dable is a native of Mukwonago, Wisconsin. He received his undergraduate degree in vocal performance and music therapy from Arizona State University. He later went on to complete his master’s degree in Community Counseling at Western Connecticut State University. Richard has worked in a variety of treatment settings. He has experience working with both adults and adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting, and in outpatient services providing services for individuals with substance abuse and mental health co-occurring conditions. Prior to joining Fortitude Center, Richard worked as a Clinical Director at a local substance abuse and behavioral health agency in Connecticut. In addition to his clinical work, his hobbies include playing the piano, singing, gardening, cooking and walking his two German Shepherds, Allegra and Apollo.
Rachel Gilbert, LPC
Rachel provides counseling to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Rachel especially has a passion for helping young adults and the adult population. She has experience providing LGBTQA+ support, those who identify with co-dependency, anxiety, OCD, and perfectionism. Rachel is trained in (CPT) Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma/PTSD and (I-CBT) Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for OCD/anxiety. Her approach can be described as a strength-based approach and working collaboratively according to specific needs and goals. Rachel values honesty, empathy, humor and believe that finding the right counselor is essential to success in treatment.
Cat Harrington, LPC
Cat provides counseling to adolescents and adults in a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, trauma, disorganized eating habits, and self-esteem issues. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University and her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. Leveraging evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cat offers a holistic approach to healing, helping clients rewrite negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance. With a blend of empathy and expertise, Cat provides a safe and supportive space for clients to explore the roots of their struggles, learn practical skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and embark on a transformative journey towards lasting recovery and resilience.
Shailee Edmonds, LADC, LPC
Shailee started her educational journey at Naugatuck Valley Community College where she received her associate degree in drug and alcohol recovery counseling. Shailee has always had a passion for helping others and wanted to have a better understanding of the brain and human behavior; she decided to further her education at Western Connecticut State University where she completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and her graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling. Shailee has utilized her counseling skills for close to a decade at an intensive inpatient substance abuse mental health facility, working with clients from diverse populations, ages 12 and up. Shailee has extensive experience and a deep understanding of the affects of individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), as well as music and art therapy within sessions when working with clients. Shailee highlights the importance of unbiased support and working together as a team to manage mental health and overall wellbeing.
Kristen Benzinger, LPC
Kristen has a passion for animals and is heavily involved in animal rescue during her free time. She combined her passions and has a therapy dog, Zoie who hopes to join Kristen soon. Kristen enjoys working with diverse populations and ages but is passionate about ADHD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and working with couples. She uses a strength-based approach and enjoys uplifting people to feel better about themselves and their challenges as well as motivating them to make necessary changes. Kristen is highly empathetic and values validating her client’s experiences and perceptions and especially finding the humor in life’s messes.
Deana May, LPC
Deana graduated from the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, CT with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Deana has a passion for helping clients manage life’s ups and downs, helping them to develop agency, build self-confidence, and gain acceptance to move past obstacles toward creating the life they desire. She has experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety and mood disorders, substance use, relationship concerns, and trauma. Deana works with a diverse population and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and focuses on a holistic and eclectic approach drawing on Positive Psychology, Person-Centered, and Acceptance and Commitment therapies to match the therapy to the needs of the client. In her spare time, Deana enjoys spending time in nature and creating art. She loves to incorporate creative approaches into counseling sessions whenever possible.
Candace DeSiena, LCSW
Candace DeSiena is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Master’s Degree at Hunter College Silberman School of Social work. She has been working and treating clients of all ages from children to older adults, with a range of mental health concerns in her clientele including anxiety, depression, trauma, and disordered thought patterns. One of her main goals in therapy is to create a comfortable, non-judgemental, and safe space for people to express their experiences, thoughts and emotions. She specializes in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy where understanding and managing thoughts and emotions is a main focus. In treatment, Candace aims to provide validation to clients while also challenging thoughts and providing skills for clients to work on outside of therapy.
Jourdan Duncan, LPC
Jourdan earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University in 2020. She has worked in outpatient settings including intensive outpatient program (IOP) treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Jourdan has a passion for working with all ages and emphasizes the importance of client-centered care by using a strengths based approach. She is trained in MATCH-ADTC, used to work with children who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma or conduct as well as Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, used to work with individuals and families. Jourdan has a knack for making others feel heard, validated, and supported through any life challenges or transitions. She believes the most essential part to successful treatment is the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. Jourdan values honesty, empathy, and laugher. This shows through in her ability to be direct, nonjudgmental, and appropriately charming with a good sense of humor.
Karissa McLaughlin, LPCA
Karissa graduated from Fairfield University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, after first receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Connecticut. She has experience in outpatient treatment of Substance Use Disorders as well as addressing concerns such as depression, trauma, and anxiety in adults. She has facilitated many IOP (intensive outpatient) and relapse prevention groups. Karissa uses a strengths-based approach to her client care, and believes in collaborating with her clients towards success. Karissa has a passion for supporting recovery through employment, and has experience guiding individuals with severe and chronic mental health diagnoses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder towards gainful employment as part of their recovery journey, by
utilizing career counseling principles. Karissa believes that the most important facet of treatment is the relationship between therapist and client with the goal of creating a non-judgemental, safe space for clients to feel heard and validated.
Melissa Brown, LMSW
Melissa (Missy) graduated from Springfield College with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2016 after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Connecticut. She gained experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD and ASD as well as treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and trauma through practice at a residential treatment school for individuals ranging in age 11-21. Missy continued practicing social work through municipal agencies as an advocate for those facing homelessness, food insecurity, and need for healthcare access. Missy provided short-term individual and family case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, education, and assistance with the application process for local, state, and federal programs. Melissa’s broad range of practice has allowed her to develop a passion for working with people of all ages. She utilizes CBT and mindfulness to challenge clients’ cognitive distortions and help individuals improve emotional regulation, develop personal coping strategies, and empower the client to recognize their own innate abilities and attributes. She believes in the importance of client-centered care by using an empathic strengths-based approach as she helps guide individuals on the journey to their best self.
Carrie McLaughlin, LCSW
Carrie McLaughlin is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Master's Degree at Sacred Heart University. Carrie has worked in several settings specializing in clinical work with children, families, and adolescents. Carrie assists children and adolescents in managing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD. Carrie utilizes CBT; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and TFCBT; Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Carrie uses a supportive approach to meet a client where they are to increase stability in various aspects of their lives. In treatment, Carrie aims to create a comfortable and safe space to facilitate and promote self love and personal growth in clients. Carrie enjoys teaching client's skills and strategies to utilize across settings to manage difficult thought patterns and mental health symptoms. Her approach is collaborative and strengths focused to help others reach their goals. Carrie is non-judgemental and prides herself in creating strong therapeutic relationships. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys taking day trips or spending time with pets.
Colin O'Connor, LPCA
Colin recently earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. He has experience working in residential, and community outpatient centers with children, adults, and elderly. Colin has a passion for helping individuals struggling with a variety of psychological challenges, such as: trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD and grief. Using a client-centered humanistic approach, and techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, he strives to help clients reach their unique goals. Colin’s hope as a therapist is to help create a non-judgmental space, for clients to feel comfortable in exploring themselves.
Kayanna Schweitzer, Chief Financial Officer
Kayanna is a certified medical billing specialist at Fortitude Center and has been working for the company since the doors opened. She works hard to make the process as seamless as possible so that it does not interfere with the therapeutic process between the client and the clinician. You might recognize Kayanna as the voice or name behind any billing or insurance communication!
Carley Murphy, Office Manager
The Fortitude Center is proud to be an accredited site through the National Health Service Corps