Behind every service we offer is a team of people who care deeply about the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
Jamie Ryan, MSW, LICSW
Founder, CEO, Psychotherapist
Education: Master of Social Work – Boston College; Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults – Boston College
Population Served: Adults, Couples, Families
Specialties: Adult individual therapy, couple and family therapy, life transitions and adjustments, interpersonal relationships.
Jamie is the Founder and CEO of Community Empowerment Services (CES), where she leads organizational development, oversees clinical programs, and provides supervision and consultation to staff and interns. Alongside her leadership role, she maintains a small caseload of clients, offering strengths-based, trauma-informed therapy tailored to each individual. Her clinical work integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-informed CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, and solution-focused therapy, to help clients reduce distress, strengthen relationships, and navigate life transitions with resilience.
With a background in both business and clinical work, Jamie brings a unique perspective to her practice and leadership. She is passionate about empowering individuals to discover their inner strength, build self-compassion, healthier relationships, and create fulfilling lives. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and connecting with others. Jamie also serves on the Department of Mental Health Human Rights Committee at Taunton State Hospital.
Jeniffer Carney, MSW, LICSW
Psychotherapist and Assistant Clinical Director
Education: Master of Social Work, Westfield State University; Bachelor of Social Work, Westfield State University
Population Served: Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Couples, Families
Specialties: CBT, DBT, anxiety and depression, life transitions, interpersonal challenges, relationship work
Jeniffer is a compassionate and collaborative psychotherapist who supports teens through older adults in navigating life’s many transitions. She has a strong passion for working with young adults as they move through college, early career stages, and other major adjustments, helping them build confidence and clarity during periods of change. Jeniffer also enjoys working with couples, guiding partners in improving communication, deepening connection, and identifying shared goals within their relationships.
Her therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic and interpersonal therapy with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral techniques. Jeniffer provides a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, understand patterns affecting their well-being, and develop skills that foster growth, resilience, and meaningful change.
Away from the office, Jeniffer finds fulfillment in activities that have shaped her over the years. She played volleyball at the college level and later coached the varsity team at her high school, and now channels that same energy into raising her busy children and maintaining her status as a top-notch baker.
Nicole Shea
Administrative Director
Background: Administrative leadership and practice operations with decades of experience supporting small businesses and private practices
Nicole is the Administrative Director at Community Empowerment Services (CES) and plays a central role in ensuring the practice runs smoothly, efficiently, and with care. She oversees intake coordination, thoughtfully matching clients with providers to support strong clinical fit and serves as a primary point of contact for patients navigating questions, concerns, or changes in care. Nicole works closely with both clinical and administrative teams to support daily operations, onboarding, and communication across CES, allowing providers to focus fully on their clinical work while knowing the administrative foundation is solidly in place.
Known for her warm, personable communication style and ability to connect easily with people from all walks of life, Nicole brings care and compassion to every interaction—whether with patients, staff, or community partners. She is deeply committed to creating a welcoming, supportive environment and truly embodies CES’s mission of empowering the community, one person at a time. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and three adult children, volunteering in the community, hosting friends and family, and soaking up sun rays and salt air. You’ll also often find her enjoying a latte at The Center on Main in Taunton.
David Komiega
Billing and Credentialing Manager
Background: Over 20 years of experience in billing and administrative management
David is the Billing and Credentialing Manager at Community Empowerment Services (CES), where he oversees all aspects of billing operations and provider credentialing for the practice. With two decades of experience in billing and administrative management, David ensures that CES’s financial processes run smoothly and efficiently so providers can stay focused on client care.
Known for his reliability and attention to detail, David plays a vital role in supporting both the clinical and administrative teams. Outside of work, he enjoys yacht rock and fantastic sunsets.
Mikayla Diamond Carreño, MS, CCLS
Operations Manager
Education: Master’s in Child Life and Family Centered Care – Wheelock College; Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Minor in Visual Arts – Roger Williams University
Mikayla serves as the Operations Manager at Community Empowerment Services (CES), where she oversees day-to-day operations and behind-the-scenes systems that support the practice’s efficiency and growth. Her work includes developing workflows, supporting staff onboarding and training, overseeing hiring initiatives, and building community connections that support both provider recruitment and patient referrals. Through these efforts, she helps ensure CES continues to grow thoughtfully while maintaining high-quality care and strong internal systems.
Mikayla’s professional background as a Certified Child Life Specialist informs her child- and family-centered approach to leadership, communication, and organizational support. Her experience helping children and families navigate stressful and medical experiences continues to shape the compassionate, supportive perspective she brings to her work at CES.
Outside of work, Mikayla is a creator and artist who enjoys reading, slow days, and hosting friends. She especially values being an active member of her local church and quality time spent with her husband and foster daughter.
Alesha Gilbert, MA, LMHC
Psychotherapist
Education: Master’s in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling – Salve Regina University; Bachelor’s in Sociology with Minors in Criminal Justice and Psychology
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults
Specialties: Individual therapy for children, teens and adults; trauma; anxiety; depression; socioeconomic challenges; family work
Alesha is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES), where she provides compassionate, trauma-informed care for children, teens, adults, and families. She draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including TF-CBT, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques, with a strong focus on trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth. Alesha uses a strengths-based lens to help clients integrate their experiences, strengthen their sense of identity, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Outside of work, Alesha loves ice cream, the color pink, and all things autumn. A self-proclaimed potato connoisseur, she also enjoys thrifting, spending quality time with loved ones, and embracing her roles as both mom and “fun Tia.”
Amanda Saucier, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master’s in Social Work – Bridgewater State University
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Mind-Body Social Work, Career Counseling Psychology Today Profile
Amanda is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who provides person-centered therapy for children, teens, and adults. She integrates a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to support clients in developing self-awareness, balance, and meaningful change.
With a holistic approach rooted in mind-body connection, Amanda helps individuals manage anxiety and depression while building resilience and clarity in their personal and professional lives. Outside of work, she is an animal lover and proud dog mom to two German Shepherd rescues.
Cyntavia Allen, MSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master of Social Work – Simmons University
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, Families
Specialties: Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Behavioral & Emotional Regulation
Cyntavia is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who works with children, teens, adults, and families. She has a particular interest in supporting children and adolescents with emotional regulation, social skills, and coping strategies as they navigate academic, social, and everyday challenges. Cyntavia uses a supportive, strengths-based approach to help young people build skills and confidence while collaborating with caregivers to better understand their needs and develop individualized strategies for their overall well-being.
Cyntavia also supports adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and life stressors through a compassionate, mind-body approach. She believes in meeting clients where they are and creating a supportive therapeutic environment where they can develop practical skills, recognize their strengths, and work toward meaningful change. Outside of work, Cyntavia is an avid tea drinker and loves spending time in nature.
Deborah Wilfond, MA, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master of Social Work – Merrimack College
Languages: English
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Couples, Families
Specialties: Relationship Issues, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Psychodynamic
Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Family Systems
Deborah is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who works with individuals and families across the lifespan. Her clinical perspective is rooted in a humanistic, psychodynamic, and relational approach, with therapy tailored to each person’s unique needs, experiences, and goals. Drawing from modalities including DBT, CBT, ACT, family systems work, and play therapy when appropriate, Deborah strives to create a compassionate and collaborative space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered in their growth.
Deborah has a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating the lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences and relationship challenges. She values the importance of connection, insight, and self-understanding in the healing process.
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys music, spending time with her family and fur babies, and being an active participant in her local faith community.
Elizabeth (Liz) Harris, MSW, LICSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master’s in Social Work – Springfield College School of Social Work
Population Served: Adults, Older Adults
Specialties: Caregiver Support, Life Transitions and Adjustments, Generalized Anxiety
Elizabeth (Liz) is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who provides compassionate, person-centered care for adults and older adults navigating life’s transitions. She believes therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, empathy, and nonjudgmental support. Elizabeth employs a generalist perspective, drawing from talk therapy and solution-focused approaches influenced by trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Her work centers on helping clients strengthen coping skills, reduce anxiety, and find clarity and confidence in times of change. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, photographing nature and quirky landmarks, and spending time with her two goofy dogs.
Kaleigh Gendreau, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master of Social Work, Bridgewater State University; Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Suffolk University
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Families
Specialties: Trauma-Informed Care, Children & Adolescents, Clinical Mental Health, School & Career
Kaleigh is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who works with children, teens, adults, older adults, and families. She has a particular passion for working with children, informed by her years of experience in special education and communitybased services. She strives to build relationships that promote safety, stability, and positivity by meeting each client where they are and creating a supportive space for growth.
Kaleigh uses a strengths-based approach with all clients, helping them build positive skills, recognize their capabilities, and develop resilience. She believes that therapy should be collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. Outside of work, Kaleigh has enjoyed practicing and incorporating yoga into her life for over 10 years, and she loves cooking and learning new recipes.
Kevin Berney, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Medication Prescriber)
Education: Master of Science in Nursing – MGH Institute of Health Professions; Master of Social Work – Boston University
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, and Older Adults
Specialties: Trauma and PTSD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Military Service Members and Veterans, First Responders
Kevin is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Community Empowerment Services (CES), providing medication management and psychiatric care for children, teens, adults, and older adults. With clinical backgrounds in both psychiatric nursing and social work, Kevin offers a uniquely integrated, patient-centered approach that considers the whole person—not just symptoms. His work is especially informed by his dedication to trauma-informed care and his extensive experience serving military service members, veterans, and first responders.
As a fellow veteran, Kevin is deeply passionate about supporting those who have served, recognizing the resilience, sacrifice, and distinct mental health challenges that often accompany these roles. He strives to create a compassionate, empowering space where individuals feel understood, respected, and supported in their healing. Outside of work, Kevin is an avid New England sports fan and has been known to break into karaoke around the CES office.
Kristen Skobe-Ribeiro, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Medication Prescriber)
Education: Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing) — Rivier University; Bachelor of Science in Nursing with double minors in Psychology and Biology — Salem State University
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, and Older Adults
Specialties: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD
Kristen is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who provides thoughtful, patient-centered medication management across the lifespan. She has a particular passion for working with children and adolescents, recognizing both the complexity and importance of supporting young people and their families in accessing the care they need. Kristen takes a holistic, evidence-based approach that integrates pharmacological treatment with psychotherapy and collaborative care to address both the biological and psychosocial aspects of mental health.
Kristen values staying curious and informed in her work and enjoys continuing to learn about psychiatric medications and emerging research. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading and deepening her understanding of how medications work to support mental health and overall well-being.
Lauren Tagliamonte, MS, LMHC
Psychotherapist
Education: Master’s in Mental Health Counseling – Salem State University; Bachelor’s in Psychology – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Population Served: Adults
Specialties: Mindfulness, Energy Therapy (EFT), CBT, DBT, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Trauma
Lauren is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who provides holistic, strengths-based care for adults seeking deeper healing and self-understanding. Her integrative approach blends traditional therapeutic modalities such as CBT with mindfulness, energy therapy (EFT), and mind-body-spirit work. Lauren is passionate about supporting clients who are exploring spirituality (outside of religion), self-actualization, and self-mastery as part of their growth and healing journey.
Grounded in a client-centered philosophy, Lauren works collaboratively to help individuals build resilience, find balance, and reconnect with their inner strengths. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and being near the water. She also loves reading, meditation, and practicing yoga.
Sandra Spoor, MSW, LICSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master of Social Work, Bridgewater State University
Population Served: Teens, Adults, Older Adults
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Family Systems, PTSD
Sandra is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who provides client-centered, collaborative care for teens, adults, and older adults. Her approach is strengths-based and solution-focused, emphasizing active engagement and practical interventions that help clients move toward meaningful and lasting change. Sandra works collaboratively with each individual to understand their unique experiences, identify their strengths, and develop strategies that support their goals.
Sandra believes therapy is most effective when clients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in the process. She strives to create a supportive environment where individuals can build confidence, develop effective coping strategies, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience. Outside of work, Sandra enjoys live music, riding her bike, flying kites, and living in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Vanessa Miranda, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Education: Master’s in Social Work – Bridgewater State University
Population Served: Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults
Specialties: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based Therapy
Vanessa is a psychotherapist at Community Empowerment Services (CES) who provides supportive, goal-oriented therapy for children, teens, adults, and older adults. She takes a strengths-based approach, helping individuals recognize and build upon their unique abilities while integrating CBT strategies to promote personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
Vanessa is passionate about creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic space where clients feel heard, supported, and encouraged to reach their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys doing yoga, thrifting, and exploring local coffee shops.