We are a small mental health practice specializing in working with children, adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, executive functioning deficits and/or other social learning challenges.
Our Team
Dr. cHRIS abildgaard, LPC, NCSP; oWNER & director
Dr. Chris Abildgaard is the owner and director of the Social Learning Center (SLC), LLC. located in Cheshire, CT. Chris earned his Doctor of Education in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist & a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodiverse learners. Dr. Abildgaard holds a Graduate Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Behavioral Interventions in Autism. In addition to his clinical, consultation and supervision duties at the SLC, Dr. Abildgaard will be publishing a book with Routledge Publishing in 2025 entitled “Effective Counseling Techniques When Working with People with ASD & Their Familes”.
Dr. Abildgaard was heavily involved as an Adjunct Professor in the Special Education Department at the University of St. Joseph (USJ) as he helped to update and enhance their Master’s in Autism and Neurodiversty program. He currently holds an Adjunt Professor posistion at the University of Hartford in the Psychology and Education Department. Dr. Abildgaard will be writing curriculum for Special Topics courses in the area of ASD and Neurodiverity and Mental Health Issues in Education starting in the Spring of 2025.
Chris is currently NOT accepting new clients for individual counseling. Click here to read his published articles, learn where he will be speaking in the coming months, subscribe to several online magazines, and receive discounts from affiliate companies Chris is currently endorsing.
Erica Ciarciello, LPC; lICENsED pROFESSIONAL cOUnSELOR
Email: Erica@sociallearningcenter.org
Erica is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has developed a specialty in the areas of counseling neurodiverse individuals who range in age from middle school to young adulthood. Erica graduated in 2011 from Keene State College with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in both elementary education and psychology. She completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in December 2017.
Erica’s professional work in this field started as an instructional assistant at Benhaven Academy in 2011. In 2012, she started working as a Clinical Associate for the Social Learning Center, and has been working here since; fulfilling both her clinical internship hours as well as licensure hours. She is now our Lead Clinician who helps support the clinical staff through supervision and collaboration.
Since her time working with the SLC, Erica has co-authored several articles with Dr. Abildgaard for several online magazines.
Heather Tournas, LMSW; Social Worker
Email: Heather@sociallearningcenter.org
Heather is a Licensed Master of Social Work at the SLC. She graduated from Uconn in 2019 with her Bachelors in Allied Health Sciences and in August of 2022, she earned her Masters in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. Heather has a variety of experiences working with young children, adolescents, and adults through her work as Director of First Aid at a Girl Scouts Camp, a CNA working in memory and hospice care, and a Patient Care Technician at Gaylord Hospital. While in her Master's program, Heather completed her specialized clinical internship at the SLC where she began to specialize in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum as well as other neurodiverse learning profiles. Her techniques often include strength-based perspectives, play and utilization of concepts, and creative methods.
Heather’s roles at the SLC include seeing clients individually, running social play and creativity groups within Growing Social, and involvement in School Anxiety programs.
Pasquale (Pat) Giordano, LPC; Licensed Professional COunselor
Email: Pat@sociallearningcenter.org
Dr. Abildgaard is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with and have Pat on staff with the SLC. Pasquale (Pat) Giordano has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. He is a licensed professional counselor and works full time as a director at a mental health agency in Milford. Pat has been the president of the Connecticut Counseling Association twice and the Connecticut Mental Health Counseling Association in which he received the Counselor of the Year Award. He has held many leadership positions with the American Counseling Association. Pat is an adjunct professor and a member of the Advisory Board at Southern Connecticut State University’s Clinical Mental Health Program. In this role he instructs and supervises future counselors. He specializes in treating anxiety and depression in children and adolescents as well as their families.
Ben Chaback, LCSW; Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Email: Ben@sociallearningcenter.org
Ben is excited and eager to join the team at The Social Learning Center! He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Michigan with a focus on working with children and families. Ben has worked in the public-school setting as a school social worker for 12 years as well as many years in private practice. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who sets meaningful/attainable goals with clients and helps them master them through individual counseling sessions. Ben is a strong believer that consistency is key, and he creates individualized progress monitoring tools to help clients and families view their journey towards achieving their goals. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and dog. He also thoroughly enjoys going out to eat and is always up to talk about food with anyone who wants to!
Sydney DAWSON, M.S, LPC-A; lICENSED pROFESSOINAL COUNSELOR aSSOCIATE
Email: Sydney@sociallearningcenter.org
Sydney (Syd) received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. She graduated in 2020 from Roger Williams University and double majored in Psychology and Music. Sydney developed a passion for working with children and adults with neurodivergence through her professional experiences within the school systems as a behavioral technician throughout Wolcott, CT working closely in special education with paraprofessionals and BCBAs to help in the development of a new Autism centered classroom and DTI centered curriculum. Through her professional and personal experiences Sydney has specialized in various areas such as educational needs and assisting students in social-emotional learning, language, communication, and behavioral intervention. Sydney has a strong love for helping those in the neurodivergent and mental health community which is rooted not only in study but her family of origin and personal health as well.
Sydney has joined the SLC family as an internship student for the Fall of 2022 after transitioning from working with adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health diagnoses and fully transitioned to a full-time clinician in the start of 2023.
Heather Alix, LPC; Licensed Professional Counselor
Email: Heatheralix@sociallearningcenter.org
Heather Alix is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor. She graduated from the University of Scranton in 2007 with a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services where she found a passion for counseling youth. From there, she attended the University of Connecticut where she earned her M.A. in Educational Psychology.
Heather comes to the Social Learning Center after working as a school counselor for fourteen years. In the school setting, Heather individualized her counseling according to student need. She enjoys supporting youth with realizing their own strengths which in turn, can help them to manage challenges. Heather plans to use the same client-centered and goal-oriented approach with her clients at the SLC. She can’t wait to meet her new clients and families she will have the privilege to work with!
When Heather isn’t at the SLC, she loves to spend time outdoors with her husband, children and pet dog!
Kristin Caceres,LPC-A lICENSED pROFESSOINAL COUNSELOR aSSOCIATE
Email: Kristin@sociallearningcenter.org
Kristin has been a key member to the SLC team since the summer of 2021. Kristin completed her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Post University in Waterbury, CT in 2022 and recently recieved her LPC-A. She graduated in 2013 from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Kristin gained experience working with children with special needs, helping children develop in areas of academic need, and teaching students social-emotional learning through her school’s implementation of the RULER program. Kristin feels a very strong connection to helping the ASD community, which is deeply tied to her personal background.
Kristin plays several key roles at the SLC including seeing individual clients, supports our School Anxiety programs and assisting Dr. Abildgaard with administrative duties.
Jordan Bryant, LMFT; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Email: Jordan@sociallearningcenter.org
Jordan Bryant holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and has a developed specialty in working with adolescents, couples, and families under systems theories looking at patterns, anxiety, trauma, depression, and stress. In 2018 she graduated with a bachelor's degree from Christopher Newport University in Virginia as a triple major in psychology, communications, and dance. In 2021 obtaining her graduate degree from Southern Connecticut State University, Marriage and Family therapy program while also founding the H.O.M.E (Honoring our Minority Experiences) group that led to empowering discussions and support to people of color and underprivileged groups.
Jordan is a strong believer in embracing vulnerability and shifting through powerful thoughts that affect emotions and behavior that allow us to feel heard and aid in reaching goals. She looks forward to assisting you on your journey of self-discovery, health, and happiness.
Kimberly Mange, MS; Educational Consultant
Email:
Kim is a long time friend of Dr. Abildgaard who has taken leave from the Center for a short time. Once back, we will be sure to announce her return and her role with us.
Laurie Capobianco-Garibaldi, LPC-A, MA, SYC; lICIENCED pROFESSIONAL cOUNSELOR- aSSOCIATE
Email: Laurie@socaillearningcenter.org
Laurie Capobianco- Garibaldi holds a MA in School Psychology, Sixth Year Professional Diploma and her LPC-A. After graduating from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in 2001 with a B.A. in Psychology with a Specialization in Mental Health, Laurie decided to continue her studies. She completed her Master of Arts in School Psychology, followed by her Sixth Year Professional Diploma in School Psychology at SCSU in 2004. She is a certified School Psychologist in the State of Connecticut and has been employed by the State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Unified School District #1 for the past 18 years. She has experience working with urban youth in a variety of settings, both educational and recreational. She specializes in working with high-risk youth and young adults to promote advocacy and knowledge. She has experience working with multiple school districts in and outside of Connecticut and is trained on the new CT SEDS- Connecticut IEP system. As a mother of three she is learning how to navigate the stages and challenges of development every day. She hopes to offer her clients support and instill lifelong strategies to youth to help them find their own unique path to success and fulfillment.
Lois Silver, SLC Office Manager
Email: Lois@sociallearningcenter.org
Lois is the Office Manager at the SLC and oversees the day-to-day activities of the office. Lois is also in charge of managing the intake process, completing all billing and insurance related matters, and supporting all of the clinicians and clients in any way possible. Any questions pertaining to the SLC should be directed to Lois at 203-250-0305 or you can email her and she will get back to you within 48 hours.
Kyle Scheyd: Office Assistant
You will see Kyle back in the office on Tues and Thurs afternoons. We are excited about having Kyle back with our Administrative Staff!
Rio, the SLC Axolotl
When you come and visit the SLC, come say hi (but be very quiet and move slowly) to our newest team member Rio. Rio is an Axolotl from Mexico. Please take a moment to learn more about Rio and please share this amazing information with your kids.