Licensed Professional Counselor

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.

Email: Erica@sociallearningcenter.org

Clinical Social Worker

Heather is a Licensed Clinicial Social Worker and a certified AutPlay Therapy Provider at the SLC who has developed her specialty with our youngest social learners. 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, 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, purposeful play and utilization of concepts, and creative methods. 

Heather’s roles at the SLC include seeing clients individually, leading our Growing Social Program, working with parents to help with incorporation of tools, and involvement in School Anxiety programs.

Email: Heather@sociallearningcenter.org

Licensed Professional Counselor

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.

Email: Pat@sociallearningcenter.org

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

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. 

Email: Laurie@socaillearningcenter.org

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Autumn is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a passion for empowering individuals to navigate lifes challenges with resilience and confidence. With a Master’s of Science in Psychology and Sixth Year Professional Diploma in School Psychology with 20 years of experience, Autumn specializes in a multifaceted approach to therapy, blending executive functioning strategies, trauma-informed practices, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to facilitate holistic healing and growth. Autumn 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 20 years.

Autumn is a compassionate and dedicated counselor who is committed to supporting individuals in their journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery. With her expertise in executive functioning, trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and transitional services, she empowers clients to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and live fulfilling lives.

During her free time, Autumn spends time with her twin girls and attending their sporting events!

Email: Autumn@sociallearningcenter.org

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Provisional Registered Art Therapist

Kamie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and holds a Registered Art Therapist Provisional license. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2001 from Sam Houston State University and later completed an Undergraduate Certificate in Child Life. She is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy & Counseling program at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT.

Kamie has worked in educational and medical settings, as well as in community and state agencies with a focus on supporting children and their families, as well as adults. She has experience working with individuals with varied levels of intellectual and physical abilities, as well as experience in supporting bereaved individuals and those undergoing hospitalization and hospice care. Kamie takes a person-centered approach, utilizing the creative process to connect with her clients and support their therapeutic journey.

Kamie’s interests and hobbies include creating and adventuring, often with her family. She enjoys exploring new places and cultures and delving into the natural world to gratify her lifelong love of learning.

Email: Kamie@sociallearningcenter.org

Licensed Master of Social Work

Brittany is a LMSW who takes a warm, person-centered approach in her work with those she serves. She earned both her Master of Social Work (2025) and Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2019) from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut.

As part of her graduate training, Brittany completed two years of clinical internships as a school social worker in elementary schools located in Wallingford and Meriden, Connecticut. In these roles, she provided individual counseling, group support, and classroom-based social emotional learning (SEL) interventions focused on emotional regulation and social development. She also collaborated with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop and implement individualized behavior plans that supported students’ emotional and behavioral growth. In addition to her school-based experience, Brittany brings over six years of work from Adelbrook, where she provided trauma-informed care in residential and therapeutic group home settings. Her work emphasized skill-building and behavioral interventions for youth with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

While she is growing her specialized experience in neurodiversity and behavioral health, Brittany is equally committed to supporting clients with diverse needs. Her strengths-based, collaborative approach centers on fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships and working closely with each client’s broader support system.

Email: Brittany@sociallearningcenter.org