Meet Our Team
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Alycia Bedrosian Hatch is the co-founder and CEO of Shine the Light Healing & Wellness. Alycia is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of Rhode Island. Her career spans over thirteen years, and includes advanced clinical training in perinatal mental health and specialization in areas like postpartum depression, parenting through the perinatal period, couples’ therapy/co-parenting education, and custody/divorce issues. Alycia brings a well-rounded, empathetic approach to her work. Her experience working with foster and adoptive families, as well as adult adopted individuals, adds a compassionate dimension to her practice, recognizing the specific challenges that these families may face, as well as those individuals dealing with anxiety, trauma, and other disorders, showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge in mental health care. Her use of animal-assisted therapy with her Boston Terrier, Cyrus Bean, is a special touch, blending a holistic approach with clinical care to help clients feel more at ease during their healing journey. Alycia is also a certified Usui Reiki Master.
Alycia has expanded her work beyond individual therapy and into leadership and mentorship roles. Her work as a clinical consultant to a Fortune 500 company and a Rhode Island non-profit child and family agency shows her ability to bring her expertise into diverse organizational settings, helping shape the mental health landscape on a broader scale. Her leadership since 2020, coupled with her role in providing field placement supervision to master's level students at Rhode Island College and Fordham University, demonstrates her commitment to developing the next generation of mental health professionals. Offering clinical supervision to pre-licensed therapists seeking independent licensure also highlights her dedication to supporting and guiding emerging therapists in their careers, ensuring they are well-prepared for independent practice. Alycia's combination of direct clinical work, leadership, and mentorship gives her a holistic approach to advancing the mental health field.
Cyrus is a 9 year old Boston Terrier, who trained for his animal assisted interaction certification in 2019. Cyrus enjoys walks, sun-bathing, snuggling, prosciutto, boat rids, and peanut butter. He is a special part of the STL team and loves meeting new people in our waiting area, while making them feel comfortable and safe in our space.
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Kimberly Smith, LICSW
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Kim is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (licensed in RI) and is a 1995 graduate of Stonehill College with a BA in Psychology and also a 1998 graduate of Smith College with a Masters Degree in Social Work. Kim has spent much of her career working in medical settings, including emergency rooms, inpatient and outpatient units.
Kim has worked extensively with patients and their families navigating end of life care, specializing in Palliative Care Social Work. While she has worked with individuals of all ages, her focus has been on working with adults. She provides support to her clients dealing with anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, relationship discord, caregiver fatigue, chronic illness (has worked extensively with patients living with HIV), grief, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
Kim recognizes the importance of patient-centered, evidence-based care and uses a variety of treatment modalities including Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and Psychodynamic Therapy to meet the individual needs of her clients. She provides a safe, supportive environment where her clients are able to share their stress, reflect on their goals, while promoting constructive dialogue and challenging themselves to foster healing and growth. By using a strengths-based approach she promotes positive, empowering dialogues while maintaining a collaborative effort with her patients.
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Cara is a licensed clinical social worker in Rhode Island. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Quinnipiac University and holds a bachelors degree in Sociology.
Cara began her professional career as a therapist working in a home-based program providing crisis stabilization and intensive treatment to children and youth with behavioral health disorders. Cara is currently a full-time school social worker.
Cara specializes in helping children, adults, and families to not only address issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral problems, but to find their overall path towards happiness and well-being.
Cara utilizes various therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, emotion coaching, parent coaching, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
Cara believes the most important part of therapy is having a connection and feeling comfortable with your therapist. Cara’s goal is to create a safe, warm, judgement free space for you to grow and to learn to love yourself. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, daily stress or adjusting to new life circumstances, Cara is here to help you find your inner strength and resiliency.
Cara Coogan, LCSW
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Jessica Reis-Driscoll is the co-founder and CFO of Shine the Light Healing & Wellness. Jessica is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of Rhode Island and the State of Massachusetts. Jessica brings over 25 years of clinical experience to her practice, with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and certification as a Usui Reiki Master and Teacher. Her specialization in perinatal mental health, including supporting women with postpartum depression and other mood disorders, shows a deep compassion for individuals navigating a challenging and vulnerable period in their lives. Her emphasis on holistic care—focusing on the connection between mind, body, and spirit—provides a well-rounded approach to her clients' well-being. Her passion for exercise, especially through her pursuit of certifications in Nutrition Coaching and Personal Training, further demonstrates her belief in the importance of physical health as a key component of wellness. Competing in Strongman and triathlons highlights a personal dedication to fitness, which is integrated into her therapeutic work, empowering clients to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle.
Jessica is also in pursuit of an MBA at the University of Rhode Island and demonstrates a passion for helping leaders and business owners achieve their financial goals. By combining her therapeutic skills with business acumen, Jessica brings a unique perspective to leadership and business consulting, which could be invaluable to entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders seeking to balance personal and professional growth. Her expanded focus on business and financial goals complement her work with other mental health professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of running a private practice or working in leadership roles.
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Makayla Pimentel, LMHC
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Makayla Briggs is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHC-A) in Rhode Island. She graduated with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Fisher College and holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Health Science. Makayla is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and has experience as a trainer working with clients to help heal their relationship with their body image and exercise. Makayla began her professional career as a counselor working at an Eating Disorder clinic helping clients in an Intensive Outpatient Program setting and was involved in running various groups and providing meal support. Makayla specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, body image, eating disorders, and navigating various life transitions. Makayla utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy and utilizes various evidence-based practices to best support each client's unique needs. Makayla is passionate about empowering clients to connect with their values and live a life that honors their authentic selves. Makayla believes in the power of incorporating mind/body techniques such as mindfulness, and exercise to support clients' overall wellbeing.
NURSE PRACTITIONER
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Dual Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) & Adult/Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Katherine is an accomplished healthcare professional with dual certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and an adult and geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. With over a decade of experience in internal medicine and a strong focus on mental health, she combines extensive medical knowledge with compassionate care.
Katherine began her educational journey at Smith College, earning a BA in psychology with a focus on trauma responses, therapeutic modalities, and comparative religion. Seeking to deepen her medical expertise, she went on to complete her MSN at Yale University, specializing in adult and geriatric primary care. Throughout her career as a nurse practitioner, Katherine has dedicated much of her time to working with medically complex patients facing multiple comorbidities. This experience has instilled in her a profound appreciation for the interplay of physical and mental health in promoting overall wellness. To enhance her ability to serve her patients, she pursued additional training and became board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Katherine has developed a specific passion for supporting patients through transitional phases, such as graduating college, navigating retirement, coping with major medical illnesses, and discussing end-of-life issues. She strives to take a truly holistic and systemic approach to health, collaborating with her patients to optimize their function at each stage of life. With a focus on the interplay of physical and mental health, Katherine is committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses the needs of her patients
Katherine is committed to providing care to adolescents and adults, with a welcoming approach to the LGBTQ+ community. Her additional areas of interest include depression, anxiety, stress responses, medical comorbidities, and wellness coaching.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Katherine is an outdoor enthusiast. She shares her life with three dogs and enjoys horseback riding, hiking, gardening, and traveling. Notably, she has completed the Vermont Long Trail, hiked all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot mountains, and participated in the Chicago Marathon.
Katherine Obara, MSN, PMHNP-BC, AGNP-C
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Talia DiGiulio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Rhode Island. She graduated from Fordham University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development/Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island.
Talia has experience as a child and family clinician, working primarily with families involved in the child welfare system and non-profit organizations in home-based settings. Talia specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adult mental health, but will also work with individuals across the lifespan. Talia tailors each therapeutic experience to the unique needs of her clients by working collaboratively to set personalized goals and interventions to support each client’s journey to wellness. Talia cares deeply about her clients and will create a safe place for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions in a compassionate and collaborative approach. Talia uses a combination of frameworks that include, but not limited to, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques in practice to help support her clients’ healing, self-discovery, and wellbeing.
Talia DiGiulio, LCSW
Master’s Level Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
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Lindsay Iadeluca is currently an Intern at Shine the Light Healing and Wellness. She is an MS graduate student at Rhode Island College and aspires to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Lindsay’s goal is to work with children and adolescents, and has interest in working in the perinatal mental health field. Lindsay is also interested in working with clients who are processing grief and loss.
Lindsay has a very person-centered approach when it comes to each individual client and believes each client has it within themselves to build the life they choose.
Lindsay unable to take insurance at this time. Her services are available for $30 per 60 minute session.
Lindsay Iadeluca
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Angelica Spirito is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) through the State of Rhode Island. She
graduated with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in 2002 from Rhode Island College. Angelica has 25 years of experience as a clinician working in both the non-profit and private sectors. Angelica has previously worked in both outpatient and home-based settings. Angelica specializes in providing specific sexual abuse and trauma informed treatment for youth, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, Angelica has extensive experience working with clients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress, and life adjustment issues. Angelica also specializes in adoption work with both youth and adults. Angelica provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space and utilizes a strength-based and collaborative approach to support her clients in addressing their personal goals. Angelica utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including motivational interviewing, play therapy, expressive arts, and mindfulness techniques tosupport her clients’ healing and overall well being. Angelica’s greatest hope is to help each client
find the gifts inside of them that make them unique and begin the journey towards healing. Angelica
is trained in DBT and is certified through EAGALA to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through Shine the Light's Partnership with Faith Hill Farm, also located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
Angelica Spirito, LMHC
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Abigail Vigneau, LCSW
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Abby Vigneau is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in social work with children, adolescents and families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Westfield State University in 2014 and completed her Master’s in Social Work in 2018 from Boston University. Currently, Abby works full time as an elementary school social worker, where she applies a strength-based approach to support students’ emotional and social well-being.
Abby has a special interest in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and believes that the key to successful therapy is building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. Her dedication to fostering positive, supportive environments enables her to help individuals of all ages navigate challenges and achieve meaningful progress.
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As a dual-certified Family (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Dante’ is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals struggling with mental health symptoms. With nearly 15 years of experience in the field, she is committed to promoting mental wellness and empowering her patients to achieve their highest level of functioning.
Dante’s approach to psychiatric care emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and respect for each individual's unique journey. Through thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, judicious use of psychopharmacological interventions and ongoing therapeutic
support, she strives to help her patients navigate through difficult times and foster resilience.
In addition to her clinical practice, she is passionate about mental health advocacy, access, and education. Dante’ has dedicated a large portion of her career to providing quality healthcare to underserved communities and vulnerable populations. She believes in the importance of reducing stigma surrounding mental illness and improving access to quality mental healthcare for all. She has been passionate in her work as a Certified Correctional Healthcare Provider (CCHP) and geropsychiatric consultant, aiming to raise awareness, promote understanding, and reduce stigmas surrounding the bio-psycho-social conditions that evolve into neuropsychiatric symptoms, behaviors and consequences.
Dante’ is honored to be a part of her patients' healing journeys and remains committed to providing her patients with the highest standard of care. Together, she endeavors to support patients in their unique journey towards achieving improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.
In her free time, Dante’ enjoys traveling with her family.
"Mental health...is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going." - Noam Shpancer
Dante’-Aliesh Peterson, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CCHP
NURSE PRACTITIONER