Therapists
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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! I’m a compassionate and collaborative therapist who believes healing begins when people feel safe, understood, and supported. 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 across a variety of treatment settings, including in-home therapy, residential eating disorder treatment, and intensive outpatient programs for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
I specialize in eating disorders, body image concerns, and helping clients build a more supportive relationship with food and movement through a Health at Every Size® (HAES), intuitive eating, and anti-diet lens. I also work with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, trauma, chronic illness, life transitions, and relationship concerns. My approach integrates systems theory, narrative therapy, parts work, and self-compassion, and I am committed to providing LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed care that honors each client’s unique story and strengths.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Medication Providers
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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.
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Nnenna Nwokeka, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Starting therapy or psychiatric care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I provide compassionate, evidence-based care through convenient telehealth appointments. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and tailored to your individual goals, with a focus on treating the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. I offer comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan, including diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy, with specialties in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and life stressors. I strive to create a therapeutic environment built on trust, respect, education, and shared decision-making so you feel supported every step of the way.
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Chassidie Liu, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Chassidie (she/her) is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a MSN from Yale University. Her background in mental health care began long before she became a provider, with experience across all levels of psychiatric care as both a nurse and a direct care counselor.
Chassidie is passionate about providing mental health care that is equitable, accessible, holistic, and empathetic. She strives to create a safe, collaborative space where clients remain at the center of their mental health journey. Together, she works with patients to develop individualized, sustainable medication plans that support people through all stages of healing, recovery, and long-term well-being.
Dietitians
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Gabbie Wade, MSN, RDN
Hi! My name is Gabrielle Wade, and I am so excited to be joining Nourish the Heart Counseling. I have been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for 10+ years and have primarily focused on eating disorders and disordered eating in that time.
I received my MS in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University, where I focused on
eating disorders and sports nutrition. I completed my internship at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC. I worked at Center For Discovery PHP/IOP for 3 years as the lead dietitian and then began my own practice in 2019, where I have worked ever since.I believe food should not be a source of stress. Society has given us so much conflicting information about food and health that most of us don’t understand how to listen to our bodies. My main goal is to help people heal their bodies and minds with regard to food. I believe in body neutrality and aim to help people develop more positive relationships with their bodies.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.
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Simone Rinaldi, MSN, RDN
Administrative Assistants
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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.