Sharon Harrington-Hope, MA, LMHC
Director of Counseling and Clinical Counselor
she, her, hers
sharrington-hope@lasell.edu
617-243-2145

Sharon honors diversity in its variety of forms and is grateful to have the opportunity to know and work with all Lasell students. She strives to create a supportive connection with anyone seeking help as she works to understand the unique strengths and needs of her clients. Her areas of clinical interest include: the experience of first-generation students, integrating multicultural perspectives in counseling, utilizing a trauma-informed lens, and supporting people in recovery from addictive or self-injurious behaviors.  
  
When not in the office (or the telehealth screen) she enjoys spending time with family, biking, walking her dog, and trying new recipes.  

Joanna Garcia, MA
Clinical Counselor
she, her, hers
jgarcia2@lasell.edu
617-243-2286

As a clinician of color, Joanna is interested in recognizing the diverse individual and collective experiences and identities of each person. She aims to create and hold space for each student in a way that is culturally responsive and inclusive. Her areas of clinical interest include: intergenerational trauma, BIPOC identity development, domestic violence, racial trauma and stress, mind-body connection, and psychospirituality. 

Outside of work, Joanna enjoys listening and dancing to music, hiking, cooking, trying different cuisines, and exploring different nature landscapes in the US and abroad. 

Nasya Smith, MA
Clinical Counselor
she, her, hers
nsmith1@lasell.edu
617-243-2054

Nasya’s professional approach is to provide a collaborative therapeutic space, she aims to empower students through a whole-person, trauma-informed approach. She is passionate about helping clients develop skills to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. She holds a broad range of clinical interests, which include: shame reduction, self-esteem/self-compassion, socio-cultural-political context and mental health, destigmatization of mental health in BIPOC communities, spiritual/identity exploration and stress management.  

In her free time, Nasya can be found discovering new music and art, taste testing vegan dishes, taking long walks, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Adela Hruby, PhD, MPH, MS 
Health Educator and Clinical Counselor
she, her, hers
ahruby@lasell.edu
617-243-2334

Adela believes that life is easier when someone else "gets it." She aims to provide that kind of feeling to students in counseling. She feels it is a privilege to accompany students on their journey of self-discovery and reaching their unique potential. Her areas of clinical interest include: anxiety, grief, eating disorders and hoarding, holistic well-being, and psychospirituality.   

When not in the Counseling Center, you'll find her campaigning for and teaching public health, conducting research, hiking in the Whites, or on her yoga mat. 

Cindy Spertner, MA
Administrative Assistant
she, her, hers
cspertner@lasell.edu
617-243-2181

Cindy has a B.A. in English/Education and a master’s degree in Writing and Publishing. She has worked as a writing instructor and was an editor at Teen Ink magazine for over 10 years. Her professional interests include writing, editing, expressive/art therapy, and empowering students and staff in the Lasell community.  
 
Outside of work, Cindy enjoys spending time with family, baking apple pies, creating new soup recipes, walking in the woods, and reading. 

Our clinical and social work interns are graduate students in mental health counseling or social work, completing their clinical training in the Counseling Center. They conduct individual and group counseling, and facilitate various academic and mental health programs across campus.

Alex Beaton
Clinical Mental Health Intern
he, him, his
abeaton@lasell.edu

Alex’s professional interests include depression, anxiety, the mind/body connection, exploration of the self, and shame and acceptance. He believes that the therapeutic process should be a true collaboration between the counselor and client that respects the unique perspectives we all bring to the world. Alex is in the final year of his master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University in Cambridge.  
 
Alex is passionate about music in his personal life, both as a drummer and an avid listener. He also enjoys meditation, spicy foods, and the simple pleasure of spending time with close friends and a great soundtrack.

Jacqueline Cafaro
Social Work Intern
she, her, hers
jcafaro@lasell.edu

Jacqueline’s professional interests include: clinical work with individuals, couples and groups, assisting students in navigating the complexities of college life, and supporting Lasell community members struggling with anxiety, depression, family and relationship difficulties, including divorce or loss of a loved one, and other personal hardships.  
  
In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and exploring the outdoors through skiing, hiking and long walks.  

Bill Dearing
he, him, his
Clinical Mental Health Intern
bdearing@lasell.edu

Bill’s professional interests include clinic work and substance abuse treatment. He is in his final year of obtaining a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University. This is his second internship. Last year, Bill interned at a substance abuse clinic in Framingham.   
  
In his spare time, Bill enjoys drawing and taking long walks.  

Rod McNeil
he, him, his
Clinical Mental Health Intern
rmcneil@lasell.edu

Rod’s professional interests include relational psychology, especially in regard to young adults; facilitating stress reduction; emotional regulation strategies; and incorporating a mind, body and spirit understanding into practice. He also appreciates a narrative approach that offers a window into one’s possibilities and core stance.  
 
 In his free time, Rod enjoys gardening, riding his motorcycle and windsurfing. He also enjoys playing board games and spending time with his charming, but naughty, dog Nova.  
 

Katie Mikkelsen
Social Work Intern
she, her, hers
kmikkelsen@lasell.edu

Katie’s professional interests include clinical work with college aged students experiencing anxiety, depression, and a range of other emotions related to navigating the challenges of young adulthood. Katie is passionate about breaking down negative stigmas related to mental health challenges and encouraging students to reach out for help.   
 
In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, cooking, running, skiing, and spending time with dogs.