Meet Our Providers

Doctors

Dr. Jeannine Audet

Dr. Jeannine Audet has been recognized repeatedly for her dedication to ongoing education and commitment to service of the community, with over 20 years of experience of practice and Board Certification in both Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and General Pediatrics. After graduation from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and completion of residency in Pediatrics at Pennsylvania State University,  Dr Audet pursued further education and training in genetics, psychopharmacology,  neurology and developmental assessment through her fellowship in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Tufts/New England Medical Center.

Dr Audet has directed Reach Out and Read programs for 20 years and provided medical services in various community settings such as a camp for children with diabetes. She has provided presentations, consultation and education in hospitals, schools and communities and has enjoyed teaching medical and physician assistant students as well as graduate level students in nursing and psychology.

Dr Audet served as Medical Director for 12 years during 18 years of practice at  an outpatient multidisciplinary center before transitioning to private practice over 4 years ago. She provides evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents and young adults from birth to 22 years of age for conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety Disorders,   Mood Disorders and Trauma.  She also sees patients with complex medical conditions co-existing with developmental and behavioral needs.

 

Bruce Fischer MD

Bruce Fischer MD is a Board Certified psychiatrist with over 30 years experience in the practice of psychiatry and over 50 years of  practice and study of Yoga and Ayurveda, who offers  a comprehensive approach to provide relief from symptoms while  facilitating mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.  Psychiatric evaluations, consultations and treatments are integrated with complementary therapies including individual and group psychotherapies. Nutritional counseling is provided irrespective of any limits which might otherwise be imposed by insurers. Following a comprehensive evaluation covered by insurance, coordinated individual yoga sessions with a certified yoga instructor may also be  available.

Dr Fischer received concurrent Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Biology and Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut in 1980.  After graduation from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1984, he completed a residency in Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut in 1988 where he also served  as Chief Resident at Hartford Hospital and Chief Resident of the Consultation Liaison Service at the University of Connecticut Health Center.  Dr Fischer has published in diverse fields of substance abuse and orthopedics and has provided presentations on a range of topics in hospitals and community settings. He has been recognized as an Alumni Scholar and  University Scholar by the University of Connecticut. He has been engaged in supervision and teaching of undergraduate students, medical students, residents and graduate level students in psychology throughout his career. He has practiced psychiatry and served as Medical Director in both public and private hospital and community settings before transitioning to private practice at Quality Behavioral Health this year.

Dr Fischer provides evaluation, consultation and treatment for conditions including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,  Depression,  Anxiety Disorders,  Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Interpersonal Difficulties

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Gene Jacobs DO

Dr Jacobs holds Board Certifications in both adolescent and adult psychiatry and has a minor in ethics and philosophy from Stony Brook University.

 

Terrie Mailhot MD

Dr Mailhot is a native Rhode Islander who graduated in 1973 from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts in Education,  followed by a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Rhode Island College in 1979.  She completed Residency and Fellowship at Brown University after completing Medical School at the University of Texas in 1985.  Dr Mailhot provides evaluations and treatment for children and adults.

John Ruggiano MD

Dr Ruggiano received an Ed.B degree with a Major in Secondary Education from Rhode Island College in 1962, with Dean’s List Recognition in 1961. He completed Medical School at the University of Bologna, Italy before completing  Psychiatric Residency at St. Vincents Hospital in New York City.

Dr Ruggiano has over 40 years experience in the practice of psychiatry.  He has previously  been appointed Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Brown University and has also served as the  Chief of Psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital, where he developed  the Consultation Liaison Service there.

Dr Ruggiano currently provides evaluations and psychiatric care, including individual and group psychotherapies and psychopharmacologic treatment at Quality Behavioral Health, where he specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry

 

Maria Gonzalez, MD

Dr. Maria T. Gonzalez a native of the Dominican Republic with a mixed ethnicity of Caribbean, European and Middle Eastern.

She is a graduate from medical school at The Technological Institute of Santo Domingo. Spending some time in Connecticut, prior to completing her residency in training in psychiatry at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

During her stay at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island from 1996-2009, she offered her services in different departments in psychiatry, including outpatient, inpatient, consultation liaison and nursing homes.

Dr. Gonzalez is a mentor of The American Psychiatric Association and a diplomat of The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She belongs to the medical staff at Butler Hospital, since 2004, holding a position as Staff Psychiatrist and at Kent Hospital as medical staff.

She was the Founder and Medical Director of Integrated Psychiatry, Inc. for 20 years and is proud to continue to serve her bilingual clientele at her new outpatient home at Quality Behavioral Health; where she continues to enjoy the friendship of former colleagues, while building new relationships. She provides evaluation and treatment of insomnia, psychosis, depression, anxiety and mood disorder, with solid pharmacological foundation in a bio-psychosocial model.

Nurse Practitioners

Mark Gauthier PMHNP-BC

- Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
- Bachelor or Science degree in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
- Master’s degree in Nursing from Boston College
- Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Over 20 years experience in the field of Mental Health/Psychiatry
- Over 10 years experience in acute, inpatient psychiatry.
Mark works with ages 15-59 years old and specializes in Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorders. Though he is a medication provider, he is a strong believer in a holistic approach to mental health, which includes healthy lifestyle habits such as proper diet and nutrition, sleep hygiene, and exercise.

Deb Horvitz PMHNP-BC

Deborah Horvitz, MSN, MSW, Ph.D., graduated from Northeastern University with a Masters degree in Nursing. She is a Board Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who treats individuals of all ages. As a prescriber of psychiatric medications, she is committed to helping patients find the medication regimen that works best for them.
Prior to becoming a nurse, Deborah graduated from Simmons College School of Social Work and worked as a psychotherapist for several years. Her Ph.D. is from Tufts University.

Felicia Lospaluto, NP

Felicia Lospaluto is a board certified Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s degree in Nursing from Marquette University. She specializes in the primary and mental health care of adults and the elderly, managing a wide range of medical and psychiatric conditions.

Cindy Patrick, PMHNP-BC

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of mental health experience in a variety of settings including hospital (acute, residential, forensic, substance recovery, and in the Emergency Department) and community-based (group homes, foster homes, and special schools).

I completed my nursing education at the University of Alberta (Canada) and my Master’s degree at Regis College. I am Board-Certified and provide care and medication for clients ages 14 - 79.

My clinical approach is to listen carefully to my client’s mental health concerns and priorities, and then partner with them to set goals, manage psychiatric medication regimens, provide education (medication, health, and lifestyle), and assist them to access tools and resources to improve their lives.

Jaron Keoug

Jaron is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with over five years of mental health experience. Working within the Pediatric Program at Quality Behavioral Health, Jaron treats patients between the ages of 6-26 years old. He helps patients and their families experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Mood Disorders.

Therapists

Nahid Abed

Nahid Abed Faghri has a BA in Psychology from Melli University and an MS in Human Development, Counseling, and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island. She has her post graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Rhode Island College, and has a Rhode Island State Board License in Mental Health Counseling.

 

Patricia Day RN LMHC LCDP

Patricia is a Registered Nurse and has a Master’s degree in counseling. She is a mother and a grandmother. Her approach has been spiritually based for the past 25 years.

Kerry Dzikiewicz

Kerry Dzikiewicz graduated from Providence College with a BA in Social Work and earned master’s degrees at Salve Regina University in Health Services Administration and Mental Health and Rehabilitative Counseling. Kerry is nationally certified as a rehabilitative counselor. She has more than twenty years of experience including medical and geriatric case management, social work as well as individual, couple, and family counseling in a private practice. Kerry specializes in helping children and adult clients in transition, experiencing anxiety, discouragement, loss, pain, disability, and progressive disease processes. Kerry engages clients teaching anxiety-reducing methods including breathing exercises, guided imagery, and meditation. Kerry helps clients be successful by working together to identify specific goals, then gradually meet goals. Kerry uses a combination of evidenced-based modalities including solution-focused, psycho-education, CBT, MI, and narrative therapy to meet client needs.

 

Lynn Turchetta Colford, LMHC intern

Lynn has a BA in Sociology from Rhode Island College, Ma in Mental Health and Addictions Counseling from Johnson and Wales University.

 

I have worked in the Mental Health field for many years with addictions and adjustment. I work with children, young adults and adults, both individually and families.

 

Kathleen Wright LMHC

Kathleen (Kathy) Wright is a Rhode Island Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 15 years experience. She received both her B.A. in psychology and M.A. in Agency Counseling at Rhode Island College. She utilizes various therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness skills, mind-body connection, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Approach.

Specialties: Anxiety-based disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, anger issues, bereavement, relational problems, and life transitions.

“I consider it a privilege to work with people wanting to make changes within themselves.”

 

Jill Pfitzenmayer PhD

Jill Pfitzenmayer, PhD, is licensed as a psychologist in Rhode Island. She has been in private practice for over 20 years, working primarily with adults and couples. Dr. Pfitzenmayer has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including hospital outpatient care and university counseling centers. She works in psychodynamic and interpersonal psychotherapy modalities.

 

Joyce La Fazia Heimbecker

Joyce La Fazia Heimbecker has been a licensed mental health therapist since 1995 and a licensed substance abuse professional since 1997. She is a graduate of St. Mary Acadamy Bay View, Boston College, and Rhode Island College. Joyce has been a therapist at Quality Behavioral Health since 1997. She previously worked at Tri-Town Community Action Agency and at the Center for Addiction Studies.

Specialties: Anger Management, Anxiety, Grief, Depression, Domestic Abuse, Drugs and Alcohol, Eating Disorders, Family Therapy, Marriage Issues, OCD, Sexual Abuse

 

Janis Denuccio

Janis is a graduate of St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, attended Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Salve Regina University. She is credentialed as a RNBC in the State of RI and is ANCC Certified.

Specialties: Relationships, Couples, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Anger Management, Bereavement, Domestic Abuse, Eating Disorders, Family Therapy, OCD, Sexual Abuse, Part of the Emergency Team.

Jo-Ann Petrucci Andrews Ed.D, LMHC

Dr. Jo-Ann Petrucci Andrews is a licensed mental health counselor, providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Jo-Ann is committed to family, school, and community engagement. She utilizes positive psychology and its clinical application, by utilizing resilience through attachment, self-regulation, and competency. She has training and background in trauma focused treatment, associated with child neglect and sexual and physical abuse. Jo-Ann treats bereavement, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and various mood and anxiety disorders; she works with parents and provides support for parenting, co-parenting, foster care, and adoption.

Jo-Ann holds a doctorate of Educational Learning from Johnson and Wales University, in educational leadership.

Jo-Ann has an EBD from a PHD program in clinical counseling at Capella University, in Minneapolis. Her focus of study was reactive attachment disorder, both in children and adults, and autism spectrum disorders. Jo-Ann is a graduate of Providence College with a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling and Guidance Counseling. Her focus was bereavement, loss, and grief.

She is a graduate of Rhode Island College, with a BA in psychology, and a graduate of the University of Steubenville with a BA in Theology.

Jo-Ann is an author both for inspirational, and children’s books. She is a member of ARIA.

 

Patricia Donahue LMHC

Patricia Donahue, LMHC, completed Lesley University’s Clinical Mental Health Program in 2001. Her previous experience includes working as a child and family therapist within a foster care program and providing outpatient counseling within a healthcare setting.

 

Eileen Landry LICSW CCM

Eileen Landry, LICSW, CCM, completed her BA degree in Deviant Behavior and Social Control at John Jay College of Criminal Justice followed by a Master’s in Social Work at Hunter College School of Social Work. She is also certified in Case Management. Eileen has broad clinical experience working with children, adults, seniors, families, couples, adoption, foster care, and group homes.

She also has extensive experience working with insurance corporations where she worked as a medical social worker and was instrumental in developing a Prenatal program that addressed the biopsychosocial needs of clients. In this setting, Eileen was instrumental in demonstrating the importance of addressing Behavioral Health concerns in the corporate environment, and in Primary Care settings. She also worked as a Behavioral Health Clinician in insurance settings doing both Behavioral Health Case Management and Utilization Review.

 

Tanya Plamondon

Tanya Plamondon is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been with Quality Behavioral Health since 2010. She began as an intern at QBH in August of 2010. Tanya received a BA in Psychology from Rhode Island College in 2010. She received her MA in Agency Counseling in 2012. Tanya also received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling from Rhode Island College in 2014.

Tanya works with adolescents and adults. She treats clients with various mental health illnesses such as anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, life changes/transitions/planning, career and academic goals, stress reduction, time management, loss of a loved one (bereavement), anger management, domestic abuse, self-harm, and eating disorders.

 

Margaret Gomes MSW, LMHC, LCDP

Meg earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College and her Master of Social work degree at Boston University. She is a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional (LCDP).

She provides counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults focusing on a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and mental health concerns. Her experiences are varied and include Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling, Children’s Intensive Service (CIS), Community Outreach, School Counseling and Classroom Interventions.

Meg is a certified Professional Life Coach and Executive Coach (PCC). She also has experience working with employees who are struggling with work demands and/or finding it difficult to manage their work-life balance as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

She is trained in Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support (PBIS) and she is a Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) specialist. Both national programs are designed to assist children and their families identify behavior concerns and improve organizational and executive functioning for those diagnosed with ADHD and other disorders.

Meg was part of seven Special Education Mutlidisciplinary Teams at Rhode Island schools. AS part of these teams, she helped develop and implement IEPs and 504 plans with students, parents, and teachers. She has experience and passion to assist students to be successful. She uses evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals to manage their own behaviors that interfere with employment and functioning of daily living. CBT is an active intervention that is more focused on the present and helps to change and improve the way we think, feel, and act.

Meg Gomes values to integration of techniques to increase relaxation and reduce stress. She will remind you of your inner strengths, use positive reinforcements and include meditation and mindfulness in therapeutic progress.

 

Michele Lavigne, LICSW

Michele Lavigne has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Buffalo State College in 1990 and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College in 1992, acquiring her License in Independent Clinical Social Work in 1994. She is also currently a member of  NASW, and has a broad range of clinical experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples.

Michele’s expertise includes working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma, and both child/adult ADHD. She incorporates evidence based CBT, DBT, and Family-Systems Therapy treatment modalities, with a focus on solution-based therapy. She attempts to incorporate an empathetic yet encouraging approach to help with both motivation and self-advocacy.

 

Rebecca Swagger LMHC

Native Rhode Islander

BA – Psychology, University of Connecticut (UCONN), 2001

MA – Psychology: Human Neuropsychology, University of Northern Colorado (UNC), 2005

MS, LMHC – Mental Health Counseling, Rhode Island College (RIC), 2016 [approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs, CACREP]

Rebecca became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the summer of 2017. She actually began as an intern at QBH in September 2015. Upon completing her internship and licensing hours she has chosen to stay at QBH!

Rebecca supports her clients through various common mental illness: anxiety and panic attacks, depression and bipolar disorder, life changes/planning/transition/satisfaction, career and academic goals, stress reduction (wellness/meditation/mindfulness), time management (executive functions), loss of a loved one (bereavement), self-identity, spirituality, communication, anger management, substance use and recovery (12-Step AA/NA/ACA), but not to forget, accepting life on life terms – living in the “now” and getting out of your “comfort zone”.

She works at the patient’s pace but also tries to challenge them in seeking self-control and coping skills. Rebecca will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, along with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) applications, combined with Mindfulness, breathing and self-talk to prepare the individual with the skills to handle future problems on their own. Learn about what you have control over, and what you no longer need to try to control! Rebecca enjoys learning and teaching about the connection between our brain and bodies, especially the idea of “neuroplasticity”. We may have learned maladaptive behaviors and thoughts, but we also re-learn new more helpful and positive ones.

As added expertise, for over ten years Rebecca has been working in the research field helping to target treatments for smoking cessation and substance use disorders. She is also currently involved in research with military veterans assessing the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). During her three years at RIC as a Graduate Assistant, she assisted military Veterans in pursuing their educational goals.

Be prepared to work hard in therapy with Rebecca!

Member of American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Rhode Island Mental Health Counseling Association (RIMHCA). Attending workshops, trainings and advocacy efforts to improve her skills and debunk the stigma of mental illness.

Kenneth Bryant

Ken has a B.A. from Barrington College in 1975 in Social Sciences. Three years course work in Master’s Program for Special Education at Rhode Island College 1987-1990. Graduated CAGS in Agency Counseling at Rhode Island College in 2014.

“I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, individuals, and families. I use cognitive, metacognitive, and mindfulness approaches in addition to mind stimulation therapy where a multi-sensory approach facilitates communication and restores anxiety and depression to a place of usefulness”

Amanda Grandchamp

Amanda is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a MA in Agency Counseling and a CAGS in Mental Health Counseling from Rhode Island College. She has worked in the field for over 10 years and has experience in counseling, child welfare, supervised visitation, and worked as a home –based therapist using behavioral modification. Amanda is experienced in treating anxiety and depression as well as teaching parenting skills and stress management.

Susan Levin LICSW ACSW

Susan is and independent clinical social worker licensed by the State of Rhode Island. She received her Masters of Social Work degree from Boston University and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers. Susan offers a range of skills that have been developed and refined through experience working with a broad spectrum of clients.

Meg O’Rourke

Meg has been working as a Registered Dietitian for 15 + years.  She has a diverse nutrition background in a variety of areas including: Eating Disorders, Weight Loss, Cardiac Disease, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Food Intolerances/Allergies and Diabetes.  Meg earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Saint Joseph University in West Hartford, CT.  Thereafter, she completed a post-graduate dietetic internship at the University of Connecticut’s School of Allied Health.

In the beginning of Meg’s career she served as the Oncology Dietitian at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT. Thereafter, she was employed at another major hospital in Connecticut where she worked in a variety of specialty areas including: Cardiovascular Disease and Gastrointestinal Disorders.  The majority of her time was spent on the Medical Surgical and Intensive Care Units. Simultaneously, Meg was established in her own private practice providing nutrition consultations for clients with: eating disorders, diabetes, food allergies and weight management concerns. Meg is a proud member of:

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Rhode Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Nutrition Entrepreneurial Dietetic Practice Group

The Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group.

Meg had worked as a District Dietitian overseeing 13 facilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania; where she was responsible for ensuring quality nutrition care for thousands of patients. Meg also served as a member on the Governor’s Committee for Physical Fitness in Connecticut, as the resident “Nutrition Expert.”

Sherry Clary

Sherry Clary is a Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher with over 20 years experience in extensive study and practice of Yoga.

Sherry completed Integral Yoga Teacher training with Swami Satchidananda and subsequently completed the Therapeutic Yoga Program as well as further education in Adaptive Yoga at Satchidanada Ashram.  She has also continued to pursue further learning and expertise in various and diverse settings.

Sherry has been providing education, instruction and therapeutic yoga sessions to children and adults in schools and the community for over 20 years. Reflecting her commitment to service to the community, she has also been engaged for years in outreach to children with disabilities and difficult medical conditions in various settings.

In addition to her other interests and expertise, Sherry has also pursued a deeper understanding of the effects and treatment of Trauma,   teaching in-services in Trauma Informed Care before joining Dr Fischer in an integrative approach to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  at Quality Behavioral Health.

Craig Conover

Craig Conover, MS, LMHC, CAGS earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from American International College, Master of Science degree in Counselor Education from Marywood University, and a post Master's Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling from Salve Regina University. Craig is currently enrolled in a Psy.D Program at California Southern University. He is a certified cognitive-behavioral therapist through the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.

Craig specializes in working with children, adolescents, parent-child relationships, and family therapy. Craig's professional experience include working for 21 years as a professional school counselor in both a public school and special education setting, outpatient setting, and in private practice in southern Rhode Island. Craig's areas of interest are in emotional intelligence, parent-child relations, anxiety, trauma, depression, anger management, self- esteem, parent education, and attentional/impulsivity disorders.

Craig supports treating and working with the entire family system, and family relationships to improve and enhance a child/adolescent's well- being and quality of life. He places a strong emphasis in one's strengths and incorporates meeting the client at their emotional level of development and readiness. Humor, mindfulness training, and in challenging a client's existing thoughts, behaviors, and patterns is essential. He recognizes the importance of mind-body connection, spirituality, one's faith as a means of growth and healing. ( RI License # 00283)