Our Team

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    Joy Zelikovsky, Psy.D., LP., MSCP., CEDS-C., M.A., M.Phil., M.S.Ed

    Dr. Joy Zelikovsky Is the CEO & Founder of Nourish The Heart Counseling. She is a clinical psychologist and National Health Service Psychologist based in Connecticut. With extensive experience in college counseling, private practice, and addiction treatment, she specializes in eating disorders and created this site to provide accessible information and resources for individuals and families in recovery.

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    Alyssa Battipaglia, LMFT

    Hello potential future client! I’m a compassionate and collaborative therapist who believes healing begins when people feel safe, understood, and supported in reconnecting with themselves. I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University in 2017 and have experience working with teens and adults in a variety of treatment settings.

    Early in my career, I provided in-home therapy for individuals and their families transitioning from inpatient hospitalization after experiences with suicidal ideation and self-harm. Supporting clients during these vulnerable transitions helped shape my trauma-informed approach and gave me a deep respect for the resilience of humans.

    I later worked in a residential treatment program for women with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, where I gained extensive experience supporting clients with disordered eating, body image concerns, trauma, and complex mental health needs. I also worked in an intensive outpatient program for substance use and co-occurring disorders within a sober living environment, where I helped develop and implement a specialized eating disorder and body image program.

    Some of my main clinical interests include eating disorders, body image, and helping people build a more supportive relationship with food and movement. I practice from a Health at Every Size® and “all foods fit” perspective, incorporating intuitive eating and an anti-diet approach. I also work with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, chronic illness, relational challenges, life transitions, and women’s issues.

    My approach integrates a systems perspective, narrative therapy, and parts work, with a strong emphasis on self-compassion. I’m an LGBTQI+ affirming therapist and welcome people from all walks of life. Outside of therapy, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, spending time in nature, and relaxing at home with my three cats—things that help me slow down, stay grounded, and reconnect with what feels nourishing.

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    Kelsey Perez, LPC

    Kelsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Nutrition & Wellness. She integrates a trauma-informed, holistic approach to support clients—particularly children, adolescents, and those navigating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma—on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

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    Cara Billman, LPC

    Cara is a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through challenges related to addiction, eating disorders, trauma, and more. She combines compassion with evidence-based approaches like CBT, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy to foster trust, healing, and lasting growth.

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    Sarah Iannacone, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

    Sarah Iannacone is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Master’s from Yale School of Nursing, specializing in holistic, lifespan care. With experience across multiple levels of care, she collaborates with patients to create individualized, sustainable medication plans that support deeper therapeutic work and long-term well-being.

  • Gabbie Wade, RD

    Gabrielle is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over a decade of experience specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. She holds a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from NYU and completed her internship at Lenox Hill Hospital. Gabrielle previously led nutrition care at Center for Discovery’s PHP/IOP programs before opening her private practice in 2019. She offers compassionate, evidence-based support rooted in a body-neutral, client-centered philosophy, helping individuals reduce stress around food and rebuild a peaceful relationship with eating.

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    Ken Miki, LMSW

    Ken is a Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker and Certified Kodokan Judo Instructor who integrates clinical expertise with Martial Zen mindfulness to support clients in developing mind-body connection, self-regulation, and sustainable wellness practices. With a background in residential and wilderness settings, he offers a culturally attuned, body-positive approach that blends traditional and non-traditional therapeutic modalities.

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    Taylor-Leigh Klinger, LPCA

    Taylor-Leigh holds a Master’s in Education from Indiana University and brings experience supporting individuals impacted by intimate partner violence and substance use. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, she is excited to join Nourish the Heart Counseling and continue providing compassionate, client-centered care in her new home of Connecticut.

  • Molly Varney, LMSW

    Molly is a licensed social worker with specialties in mental health, substance use, and geriatrics, dedicated to creating a healing space rooted in empathy, advocacy, and empowerment.

  • Jaime Pietrosimone, MFT

    Jaime is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. She specializes in substance use and co-occurring disorders across both adolescent and adult populations. Jaime values the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of reclaiming one’s identity in the recovery process. Through compassion and curiosity, she creates a space where clients feel seen, supported, and capable of change.

  • Sarah Cornell-Maier, M.A.

    Sarah is a therapy extern currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has experience supporting adults with anxiety and mood disorders and takes a dynamic, person-centered approach to treatment. Sarah is passionate about creating an inclusive, affirming environment where clients feel empowered to be their authentic selves both inside and outside the therapy space.tion goes here

  • Julie Caldwell

    Julie is the administrative coordinator at Nourish The Heart Counseling. She has 10 years of experience with healthcare administration, revenue cycle, billing, and coding.