Meet The Team
The Nia team is a dedicated passionate group of clinicians who embodies the Nia values.
We have a combined 20 plus years of experience specializing in treating adolescents, young adults and adults in a safe, judgement-free, nurturing environment that focuses on restoring individuals, the families, couples and communities to traditional greatness.
Psychotherapist/Lead Clinician
Patrice LeGendre, LCSW
For Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter of mine head. Psalm 3:3
Patrice is an enthusiastic, devoted, humble psychotherapist with many years of experience working in mental health. Patrice attended Hunter College in NY where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and obtained her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University School of Social Work also in NY.
Patrice brings many years of valuable experience and is a great asset to our practice. She’s worked with various populations from pediatrics to older adults and has had great success helping people through their recovery. Patrice loves working with individuals who are 21 years old and older and specializes in helping individuals who are experiencing depression anxiety and life transitions. She also draws on her own experience as a Christian to help other Christians navigate their spirituality and mental health. She highlights the importance of helping people understand that prayer and therapy are not mutually exclusive, that prayer and therapy can work hand in hand.
Patrice is thrilled and motivated to help people reach their goals and live fulfilling lives.
Psychotherapist
Shaquetta Dacosta, LMSW
Shaquetta Dacosta has been in the mental health field for over 10 years. she is hard-working and passionate with the work she does. Shaquetta attended Southern CT State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Women’s Study and obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work at Springfield College, MA.
Shaquetta has a history in working with domestic violence, shelters, residential services, and the school system. She has worked with all age groups from young children, adolescents, adults to elderly. She provides treatment to individuals, groups and families. She als has worked with many individuals battling depression, anxiety, trauma, and clients who just want to break generational cycles.
Shaquetta is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Solution focused therapy. Her approach to therapy is to help clients trust and utilize their strengths while teaching new skills and strategies to better cope with life’s challenges. She provides empathic understanding while trying to uncover past and current cycles of behaviors that may be triggering the present situation. She is committed to helping clients and families reduce suffering and build a life worth living.
Psychotherapist
Tori Rosemond, LPC-A
Tori Rosemond is a dedicated, compassionate, and hard-working clinician. Tori received her bachelors in psychology from Lasell University. Tori obtained her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Advanced Trauma Informed Therapy from Bay Path University.
Tori holds a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in community health care, and outpatient services. She is passionate about creating a space where everyone feels validated, safe and respected. She is eager to help her clients begin their journey to healing. Tori has experience conducting both individual and group therapy sessions. Tori enjoys working with clients across the lifespan from children to adults. She enjoys working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, and trauma. Tori has training in using different techniques and modalities to help clients to begin the journey to becoming whole.
Psychotherapist
Tiffani Robinson, LMSW
Tiffani Robinson is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Connecticut and Massachusetts who brings over seven years of experience supporting children and families through moments of challenge, transition, and growth. She earned her Master of Social Work from Westfield State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University, with a minor in Business Administration.
Throughout her career, Tiffani has provided crisis response, family counseling, and emotional support for children, adolescents, and parents navigating complex behavioral and emotional challenges. She has a strong ability to engage families with compassion, structure, and practical guidance, helping them discover new ways to communicate, connect, and heal.
At Nia Counseling and Consulting Services, Tiffani works with children, teens, and adults managing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, parenting stress, and life transitions. She is especially passionate about empowering parents who feel burnt out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to reconnect with their children. Her therapeutic style blends structure, compassion, and authenticity—what some might describe as professional guidance with homegirl energy.
Whether meeting in person or virtually, Tiffani strives to provide a brave and relatable space where clients can show up as their full selves. Her work centers on helping families break cycles, strengthen relationships, and move toward balance, healing, and peace, one session at a time.
Psychotherapist
Michael Heaven, LCSW
Michael Heaven is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their sense of self. He earned his Master of Social Work from Fordham University and his degree in Nursing from Goodwin University. With a strong foundation in both mental and physical health, he is currently preparing to sit for the NCLEX in 2026 to further expand his ability to provide holistic, integrated care. Throughout his work, Michael has supported individuals experiencing emotional distress, life transitions, and complex mental health challenges, bringing a compassionate, direct, and supportive approach that helps clients feel seen, understood, and empowered.
At Nia Counseling and Consulting Services, Michael works with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anger, guilt, shame, and other barriers that may interfere with daily functioning and overall well-being. He utilizes evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness, Crisis Intervention, and Case Management to support clients in reaching their personal goals. His therapeutic style is rooted in respect, authenticity, and non-judgment, with a strong belief that mental and physical health are deeply connected. Whether meeting in person or virtually, Michael creates a safe, supportive space where clients can begin their journey toward growth, balance, and a more fulfilling life.
Psychotherapist
Janae Chin, LPC
Janae Chin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the states of Florida and Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Bridgeport. Janae has experience working with adolescents and adults navigating trauma, domestic violence, mood disorders, family challenges, multicultural concerns, and life transitions. Her approach to therapy is holistic, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.
Janae believes that healing looks different for everyone and works to meet each client where they are with intention, empathy, and respect. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported in exploring their experiences and expressing themselves openly. Janae helps clients build awareness of patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and reconnect with their inner strengths as they navigate life’s challenges.
Janae’s style is warm, patient, and collaborative. She focuses on building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in trust and authenticity, allowing clients to feel seen and heard throughout their journey. With a balance of compassion and practical guidance, she supports clients in managing present stressors while fostering growth, resilience, and long-term healing. Janae’s goal is to empower clients to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Psychotherapist
Monica Francis, LMSW
Monica Francis is a Licensed Master Social Worker who is passionate about creating a warm, compassionate, and judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. She earned her Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2024 and is dedicated to helping young adults and adults navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, balance, and intention.
At Nia Counseling and Consulting Services, Monica works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, women’s mental health concerns, postpartum adjustment, and the emotional challenges associated with chronic health conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS. She has a particular interest in supporting Black and African American clients through culturally responsive care that honors each person’s identity, experiences, and unique story.
Her therapeutic style is person-centered, strengths-based, compassionate, and collaborative. Monica believes that clients are the experts on their own lives and strives to provide a supportive space where they can process challenges, build practical coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and reconnect with themselves.
She currently provides telehealth services with evening and weekend availability and practices under clinical supervision. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or simply looking for a space to be heard, Monica is here to walk alongside you—one step at a time.
Psychotherapist
Dr. Yamilka Torres, PhD, LMSW
Dr. Yamilka Torres has specialized experience working with justice-involved and reentry populations, including individuals navigating incarceration, parole, probation, and the transition back into the community. She is passionate about second chances and believes that individuals should have access to meaningful support and opportunities for growth regardless of their past circumstances.
Dr. Torres also has extensive experience in geriatric care, supporting older adults and their families through aging, chronic health conditions, changes in independence, and other life transitions. Her work is grounded in a trauma-informed, compassionate, and strength-based approach.
Dr. Torres primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and talk therapy to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She helps clients develop insight, strengthen coping skills, improve communication, and work toward meaningful personal goals.
Dr. Torres believes that therapy should meet clients where they are while helping them recognize their strengths and potential. She strives to provide practical tools, genuine support, and a safe space where clients can process their experiences and work toward lasting, meaningful change.