Learn how to not only heal, but thrive.
Giving you the power & tools to live your best life even in times of uncertainty
We are Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors who specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are experiencing life challenges. We collaborate with our clients and their families to help them find the path to living the life they were meant to. Our approach is evidence-based care that is collaborative, warm, and supportive.
We are not talk therapy.
We are also not the old school stuffy therapy practice that’s overly rigid in their own agenda.
Instead, we’re the antidote—we take a straightforward and skills-based approach that provides you with a plan of action from your very first session.
So many of our clients come in the door stating that they have worked with therapists in the past and felt it hasn’t worked—we’re determined to change this. Instead of feeling like all you do is talk about your problems without finding a solution, we want to give you concrete skills and plans to make lasting change.
Life moves fast, and therapy that is modern and progressive will provide you with results faster which is why you’re here.
We are therapists who get it and want to help you. Many of us have been right where you are and we come to the therapy chair with our personal knowledge, plus our professional training and expertise. We each specialize in our specific areas because it’s what we love to treat and we are passionate about seeing our clients soar.
We are a warm space that provides validation, non-judgemental support, and compassion while also being upfront, direct, and to the point to hold you accountable. We will push you to make the big steps forward, use the skills we teach you, and make the necessary changes to show yourself even if you’re scared that you’ve got this.
Our goal is that when you leave, you will feel confident and competent knowing how to effectively manage your emotional life.
Our mission
MPC provides a clear sense of skills that leave you knowing what to do for the rest of your life. We don’t believe that therapy is a lifelong forever thing, we believe therapy is best used when you come in ready to learn the tools, fill up your toolbox, then implement—only to come back for maintenance or if a major life event hits.
We are not about fixing you, we are about enhancing who you already are.
Meet our Therapists
Jacqueline Pollner, MA, LCMHC
Specialties: Children, adolescents and parents, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD. Ages 5 years and up.
Daytime availability only.
Jacqueline "Jackie" Pollner is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She is also a Board approved supervisor in the state of NH and provides clinical consultation to fellow therapists. She received her undergraduate degree in Developmental Psychology from Plymouth State University in 2009. In 2012, she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England and a Certification in Eating Disorders from Plymouth State Universities Eating Disorders Institute.
Jackie is a specialist in treating anxiety disorders in children and adults, as well as eating disorders. She has a passion for working with Children, Teens and their parents.
Jackie began her career in community mental health working in emergency services, inpatient psychiatric services, and outpatient services. During her time in outpatient services Jackie was a part of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) team and had the privilege of co-leading the DBT Group. After her time in community mental health she worked for an outpatient eating disorder center on a multidisciplinary team. During her time at this center she completed all of her comprehensive training for the treatment of eating disorders.
She has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of childhood anxiety, Family Based Treatment for eating disorders, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Jackie’s approach to treatment can be described as collaborative, warm, and supportive while also being directive in coaching clients to practice evidence-based skills. Jackie believes that teaching clients skills to develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance can provide them the opportunities to manage and survive crisis situations, regulate their emotions, improve their communication in relationships, and ultimately take control of their recovery.
When Jackie is not in the office you can find her in her flower and vegetable gardens, working with the pigs, chickens, turkeys and ducks on her and her husband's small farm, skiing in the winter, or spending time with her husband and their two daughters.
* Please note: Jackie is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem Insurance *
Carrie Winn, MA, LCMHC
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, LGBTQ, Couples.
Daytime availability only.
Carrie Winn received a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA in 2004. Her professional experience includes working in group private practice, community mental health, and group homes for adolescents. Licensed in NH, she is also a Board approved clinical supervisor and provides professional consultation to fellow therapists.
Carrie is a specialist when it comes to working with couples.
She has specific interest and training in couples therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including CBT for PTSD, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.
She believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach toward self-improvement. She takes time to learn about her client's unique values, so she can support them with the goals they have chosen for themselves.
Carrie's approach is strength focused, down-to-earth and nonjudgmental. Through a patient, gently directive, and at times humorous approach, she helps her clients develop the confidence that they are incredibly resilient beings, so they can become the best possible version of themselves within the greater system of their lives.
Carrie is also a registered yoga teacher. The principles of mindfulness, acceptance, balance, compassion, and strength are complimentary themes within her counseling approach.
* Please note: Carrie is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem Insurance *
Amy Szczechowicz, MA, LCMHC, MLADC
Specialties: Anxiety, PTSD/Trauma Work, Depression/Mood Disorders, Insomnia, Alcohol & Drug Problems, Borderline Personality Disorder, Adults.
Daytime availability only.
Telehealth ONLY
Amy Szczechowicz is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of New Hampshire. She received her Master’s Degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA in 2000. She has been working in the mental health field for over 25 years in various settings, including residential, emergency services, inpatient psychiatric, and outpatient.
She is extensively trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and was a primary
skills group leader for many years.
She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is a Certified CBT-I (Cognitive Therapy for Insomnia) provider.
Amy works with adult individuals and couples utilizing a non-judgmental CBT approach and mindfulness-based interventions. Amy’s approach is genuine, warm, strength-focused, and supportive. A priority for her is to ensure the client feels heard, at ease, and trusts her in sharing their thoughts and feelings.
She has found using a down-to-earth approach, meeting clients where they are at, and adding a little sense of humor when appropriate helps clients feel more comfortable.
With her understanding of the impact that physical health has on mental health, Amy discovered Zumba Fitness classes, which has been therapeutic for her. Wanting to bring this positivity and joy to others, she became an ACE Group Fitness Instructor and teaches Zumba Group Fitness Classes. She also has her ACE Personal Trainer certification.
Catherine Vasilopoulos, MA, LCMHC
Areas of focus: Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Mood Disorders, Anger, Grief, Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, LGBTQ+, Adolescents ages 16+, and Adults.
Daytime availability only.
Telehealth ONLY
Catherine Vasilopoulos is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Hampshire. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2000. In 2005, she earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Dakota.
Catherine began her career working at inpatient psychiatric units for adults and residential facilities for adolescents in North Dakota and Minnesota.
While residing in Maine, she acquired additional skills providing outreach and case management resources to adolescents undergoing homelessness and transitional living. Upon receiving her graduate degree she attained licensure while working as a therapist at community mental health centers located in New Hampshire. It was during this time that she became equipped with a therapeutic knowledge base that spans several years of solid practice, and she hopes to keep providing therapy for years to come.
Many clients she has worked with have experienced marital / partnership discord, family disruption, domestic violence issues, relationship stress, communication difficulties, financial constraints, just to name a few. She feels fully confident that if you choose to work with her, you will instantly have someone on your team, regardless of what you are facing.
She’s had much experience working with teens and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addictions, eating disorders, poor impulse control, mood disruptions, difficulty adjusting to life phase, and low self-esteem.
Catherine’s treatment style integrates Rogerian (person-centered) therapy with cognitive behavioral interventions that are based on one’s interest in and readiness for change. She provides a positive and collaborative environment based on trust and rapport, and harm reduction is ever-present in each session.
When Catherine is not providing therapy you might find her drinking coffee and listening to banjo music or smooth jazz. She also likes to make art out of discarded items, and tends to her flock of pet birds. She is also proud to be a stepmother.
Lauren Wood, MS, LCMHC
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression/Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma and PTSD, Adult females, adolescent females 16 years and older.
Lauren Wood is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Hampshire. In 2016, she received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certification in Integrated Clinical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services For Children, Youth, and Families from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH. Lauren’s scope of practice includes children, adolescents, and adults who experience symptoms of Anxiety, Depression/Mood Disorders, Grief, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Lauren has over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in residential settings, day programs, clubhouse model, inpatient psychiatric, and outpatient services.
Throughout her career, Lauren’s main focus has been to help individuals develop and strengthen techniques to regulate emotions effectively, become more assertive, and build confidence regardless of their age. She is incredibly passionate about mental health and wellness. She believes that individuals deserve to live their lives with less difficulty no matter how their biosocial makeup has been developed.
Lauren’s approach to treatment can be described as insightfully direct, with a genuinely kind and thoughtful demeanor. She uses her compassion and clinical knowledge to guide individuals to meet the goals they created for treatment. Her main priority is to assist individuals in learning and applying evidence-based coping strategies to their daily life.
When Lauren is not in the office you can find her learning and appreciating the fine arts, enjoying the comfort of live music, out on an adventure with her family and friends, or on top of a mountain soaking up nature’s vibrant beauty.
* Please note: Lauren is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem Insurance *
Lindsey Bates, MA, CMHC
Associate Psychotherapist: candidate for licensure
Lindsey Bates is a clinical mental health counselor who is working toward licensure in the state of NH at Middle Path Counseling. She graduated from Antioch University New England with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December 2024. She recently became a permanent part of the MPC team and practices under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist.
As a holistic, person-centered counselor, Lindsey supports children (starting at age five), adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. She fosters a compassionate, inclusive environment where clients feel seen and valued, drawing on her 14 years of experience as an educator to understand and address the pressures young people face in today’s academic settings. Lindsey’s approach is both supportive and practical, focusing on family dynamics and actively involving parents to promote emotional wellness at all life stages.
Lindsey also offers specialized support to women in various stages of pregnancy, including prenatal, postpartum, and beyond. She is committed to creating a safe space for women navigating issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, infertility, and pregnancy loss, where they can explore, heal, and find strength during times of transformation.
A neurodiverse-affirming counselor, Lindsey values the unique ways each individual engages with the world. She frequently incorporates creative methods—such as art, play, and storytelling—to encourage self-expression and positive change, particularly for children going through significant life transitions. Outside of her work, Lindsey enjoys painting with watercolors and exploring nature trails with her two young children.
* Please note: Lindsey is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem and United Health Care *
Karen Desmarais, LCMHC
Areas of focus: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Grief, Women’s Issues, Senior Issues. Adolescents 15 years and older, Adults, and seniors.
Daytime and evening availability.
In-person or Telehealth
Karen is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Hampshire. She received her undergraduate degree in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 1995, and her master’s degree in Community Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University in 2009.
She worked in the human services field before returning to school in 2009. She has over 20 years of experience working in outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, and substance misuse treatment settings.
Throughout her education and career, Karen has had an eclectic background. She has worked with people with substance use disorders, emergency services in southern New Hampshire, incarcerated individuals, and most recently as part of a medical practice. One of her main clinical focuses is women’s issues including infertility, PCOS, and peri- menopause symptoms.
Karen approaches everyone with respect and kindness and operates from a strength-based platform. She believes change is possible and wants to assist her clients in finding the right paths for them. Her approach is considerate and compassionately direct. Many of her clients have presented with anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as many other challenges in life.
Her treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Modification, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Everyone is unique, and deserves to be treated as a person, not a diagnosis.
Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and their two cats when at home as well as reading, performing stand-up comedy, and listening to all types of music.
* Please note: Karen is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem.*
Monica Jagentenfl, MSW
Specialties: Parenting, Adolescents, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Modular Approach to Therapy for Children (MATCH), Montessori Education All ages.
Daytime availability only.
In-person or Telehealth
Monica Jagentenfl is a candidate for licensure in the state of NH as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a focus on helping parents and adolescents navigate challenges. She earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and has specialized training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Modular Approach to Therapy for Children (MATCH), and Trauma-Informed Policy and Procedure. Monica is also Montessori trained, providing a holistic, child-centered approach to her therapeutic practice.
Monica has a deep commitment to working with families, especially those dealing with the complexities of parenting and child development. Her background includes supporting children and families in various therapeutic settings, with a focus on trauma-informed care and building strong, resilient family connections. Monica’s work is grounded in evidence-based practices, empowering clients to heal, grow, and strengthen their relationships.
In addition to her clinical work, Monica has extensive training in trauma-informed care, ensuring that all interactions prioritize safety and empowerment for both children and parents. Her approach is collaborative, warm, and designed to create a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood.
Outside of the office, Monica enjoys spending time with her kids, cat, and best friends, exploring quality media and music, and continuing to deepen her knowledge in the field of child and adolescent development.
* Please note: Monica is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem.*
Randyn Markelon
Masters level graduate intern - antioch university new england
In-person or Telehealth
Randyn joins Middle Path Counseling as a counselor-in-training while completing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England. Randyn’s work is guided by supervision from our fully licensed therapists on staff here through 1:1 supervision.
Her journey to counseling began after experiencing a serious health diagnosis that shifted her perspective on life and wellness. Through her own experience as a therapy client, Randyn discovered the profound impact that counseling can have, inspiring her career transition to mental health. Her previous career managing complex situations honed her ability to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully—skills she now brings to her work with clients.
Her calm presence creates space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, while helping them develop practical skills they can integrate into daily life. She believes we already possess the tools needed for growth and change.
Her approach combines genuine curiosity with empathy as she helps clients examine thought patterns, practice mindfulness, and understand the personal narratives that influence their lives and relationships. Outside of counseling, she finds balance through hiking, meditation, journaling, and spending time with her own dog and the shelter dogs she volunteers with.
* Please note: Randyn is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem and United Health Care *
Danielle Grandmaison
Client Care Coordinator and billing specialist
Danielle oversees all aspects of client operations here at Middle Path Counseling. She is our ray of sunshine and is always ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Danielle cares for all of the billing and administrative tasks within MPC. She may be the one that reaches out to you about an account question or concern, or the one who calls and checks your benefits. She really wears many hats here at MPC, and we couldn’t do what we do without her!
When Danielle isn’t in the office she is enjoying life in sunny Florida with her family.
Melissa Goodwin
Front desk receptionist
Mel is the friendly face and warm voice that greets you at Middle Path Counseling. She is often your first point of contact when initiating services with MPC. She works alongside each therapist here to ensure you feel heard and cared for from the very moment you reach out until she connects you with the best therapist for your needs.
She brings to our clients a wealth of experience from a long career in project management, administrative and executive support roles, and outstanding customer service.
Mel is also part of our dedicated support staff, working alongside Danielle to assist our team of therapists. The therapists at Middle Path Counseling count on her for administrative support, allowing them to focus on what they do best—providing outstanding care to our clients.
Whether helping clients navigate scheduling and paperwork or ensuring the practice runs smoothly behind the scenes, Mel is here with kindness, efficiency, and a commitment to creating a warm and supportive environment.
