*Rise Up does not accept insurance. We are a self-pay only counseling service provider. In order to provide the best care to our clients, we made the decision to end our contracts with insurance providers.
Our providers will facilitate the strengthening of your own voice as guidance to pursue your unique path.
Your Experience at Rise Up
When you choose to become a client at Rise Up®, you will be heard. You will create your path forward with our team teaching skills, promoting strengths use and encouraging you along the way. The journey of counseling is yours, and providers will facilitate the strengthening of your own voice as guidance to pursue your unique path.
Our clients come to us feeling anxious and overwhelmed with thoughts focused on worst case scenario “what ifs” keeping them up at night. Stress has taken a toll on the body, including intense digestive and cardiac experiences. Self-doubt and judgments dominate. Avoiding in order to accommodate anxiety has impacted lifestyle, often limiting trying new things, decision making, meeting new people and living the best life possible.
Does this sound familiar? If so, contact Rise Up® to begin rising up above the grip anxiety has. You can expect to gain from counseling a sense of self and confidence in your ability to manage symptoms and stressors. Our clients learn skills that allow them to increase self-advocacy, participation in social situations and improved decision making strategies.
Meet Our Team
Jessica Packard, LCPC, Owner Rise Up
I work with clients to calm self-criticism and crush the anxiety that holds them back. I find my work energizing and I’m grateful for clients, team members and supervisees who allow me to participate in their journey of growth. Through all of these connections, I have seen amazing strength, healing, perseverance, creativity and drive.
My career has brought me to counseling and practice management because of a skill and interest that began when I was a child. When I struggled to find my way, my Mom taught me to block noise and judgments from others and myself and listen to my inner voice. She named this inner character ‘Yippee Girl’ (because I was a spunky chatterbox). I would later learn this character my mom had created is at its root a compilation of many things: self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-confidence, individuality, motivation, drive, instinct, conscience and moral compass. I have learned finding your inner voice and amplifying it moves you from misery and defeat to grounded and flourishing. You will Rise Up when your inner voice is the one that guides you. My skill is in seeing and celebrating other people’s ‘Yippee!’ voice, that is why I am a counselor and practice owner. Thanks Mom! YIPPEE!
Prior to starting Rise Up®, I managed Outpatient Therapy, Case Management (TCM, CIS and BHH) and Section 28 Children’s In-home Support programs. I currently provide individual treatment, manage and supervise Rise Up Interns, Employees and Contractors and provide clinical supervision to individuals and groups.
Credentials:
- Triple P Certification (Standard and Teen Triple P)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP) - Nationally recognized certification indicating additional training in the areas of alternative medicine and nutrition as they relate to mental health. Although I do not prescribe medication nor nutrition plans, I provide psychoeducation and frequently collaborate and refer to other integrative providers. Whole body wellness is recognized at Rise Up®.
- Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA) - Nationally recognized certification indicating additional training in diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in children.
- Mental Health Rehab Technician- Community (MHRT-C) - Maine certification required to provide case management.
Licensure and Education:
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), licensed to practice in the state of Maine. I earned my Master’s in Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, concentrating in Play Therapy, at the University of Southern Maine (2011) and I have an undergraduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Psychology, concentrating in Child and Adolescent Development (2009). I have an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design (1999) from White Pines College.
Additional training in modalities/populations:
I have completed additional coursework and am experienced with the following modalities (treatment methods): Telehealth, Expressive Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Positive Psychology/Strengths Based approaches, Psychoeducation in Integrative Medicine, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). I have additional training and experience with the following populations: children and adults with ADHD, as well as parent skill building.
Amanda Torsvik, Outreach Coordinator
As the Outreach Coordinator, I bring a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to building connections across our community. I believe that creating and nurturing strong professional networks is the cornerstone of good care, helping ensure that individuals who would thrive at Rise Up® find us as early as possible. With equal care, I work to connect people to the right level or specialty of support when another resource is a better fit, reflecting our commitment to doing mental health differently and serving both the community we support and the team we have built.
The focus of my career, both in volunteering roles and through paid employment, has been to improve, and increase access to, community for all people. A culture rooted in support and connectedness can play an important role in addressing many of today’s societal challenges.
Experience:
My professional career began providing children’s in-home support through Section 28 services, which sparked a broader understanding of community-based care and the systems that support vulnerable populations across ages and cultures. I later spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Namibia, an experience that deepened my perspective on community, access, and cross-cultural support. Following this work, I pursued a Master’s in Education with a focus on community connectedness within schools, educational access and policy, and the factors influencing students’ executive functioning skills. I went on to assist in coordinating a day program for adults with disabilities, ensuring meaningful access to services and community connections. Most recently, I worked in school-based settings and served as an Assistant Principal at a school for children with disabilities.
The past four years I’ve been a stay at home mom and community builder, having taken on the role of Library Trustee, farm volunteer, assisted with farmers markets, as well as participated in various other community building activities. Now, I’m excited to bring my varied experience to help Rise Up® support their community as their Outreach Coordinator.
Education:
I hold a Masters in Education from Harvard School of Education, where I graduated in May of 2019. In 2014 I graduated from Colby-Sawyer College with my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, as well as a Minor in Child Development.
Becca Ellis, LCPC, Clinical Assistant
I am grateful to have been witness to the incredible healing power of therapy and its impacts on anxiety. I am passionate about meeting with others to help them find their personal solutions. I truly believe in every person’s ability to find health, healing, and happiness. There is so much value in your unique path to meeting your goals.
Treatment for anxiety can have many forms. While this phase of your journey is often challenging, I will meet you with a lighthearted and humorous demeanor. With me, treatment looks like a space in which you’ll be listened to and understood. You’ll be perceived as a whole person with struggles and strengths. You’ll be given opportunity to observe your skills, and try new ways of dealing with the problem(s). At times, we’ll get creative and use other methods of communication, such as expressive arts or play, in order to meet you where you are.
Experience:
I have been working in the social work/mental health field with children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric community since 2015. I have experience in residential settings, as well as home and community based mental health interventions. I have served and volunteered in educational settings (elementary and high school) and non-profit agencies. I work individually with those with anxiety during all ages and any phase of life. I have experience working with people, even in their darkest of moments of panic, self-hatred, self-harm, suicidality, substance use, and devastating grief and loss.
Modalities and Approaches:
I use an eclectic approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), positive psychology, strength-based approaches, client-centered therapy, mindfulness, expressive arts, play, role-play, and consultation. I’m also trained in the Lynn Lyon’s model of anxiety management, as well as exposure response prevention (ERP) methods.
I have spent much of my professional career working with couples and families and am specialized in family systems. I use this training in supporting parents with the incredibly difficult task of leading their family. I’m greatly passionate about the impact working with parents directly can have on a child’s overall well-being. I utilize a mixture of assessments, psychoeducation, values assessments, conflict management skills and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). Triple P is an internationally recognized program that gives parents the skills to build and rebuild family relationships and manage conflict and misbehavior. When working with couples, I utilized the Gottman Method of assessment and interventions, as well as emotion-focused therapy (EFT).
License, education, and certifications:
- I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maine under the license number CC7415.
- I have a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Southern Maine (USM), and a specialty in Family Systems (graduated in August of 2021). My Bachelor of Arts Degree is in Psychology, with a minor in Anthropology, from the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) (graduated in 2015).
- Certificates:
- I earned a certificate as a Certified Anxiety Informed Professional (CAIP) in 2022, and a certificate as a Certified Clinical Child & Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA) in 2024.
- I am also certified as a parent support professional in the Standard, Teen, Pathways, Group, and Fear-Less Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) approaches since 2023.
Catherine Henning, LCSW
Through time spent supporting children, adolescents and adults seeking crisis stabilization, I have a specific passion for working with people struggling with anxiety. Anxiety manifests in countless ways and is managed in just as many.
My time in this community has afforded me the opportunity to offer support to people when they are most vulnerable, in whatever capacity they may need in that moment. I have learned that compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard are invaluable and often not afforded to those who need it the most.
I have devoted much of my professional life to working with people pursuing recovery. Recovery from chronic stress and the damage it wreaks. Recovery from crippling anxiety. By focusing on process towards outcome rather than illness and symptoms, recovery is possible.
Experience:
Having worked in a variety of roles with differing ages and populations (e.g., Clinical Care Coordinator, Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Police Liaison (INTERN), Homeless Outreach Case Manager (INTERN), BHH Program Manager, Daily Living Support Specialist, Transitional Living Specialist, Recreation Therapy Intern, Intern at Riverview Psychiatric Center). I have a diverse range of experience to draw from. Using a combination of modalities ranging from CBT to mindfulness, I take care getting to know my clients, providing treatment and support that best suit them and their unique needs.
Modalities and Approaches:
Using a combination of modalities ranging from CBT to mindfulness, I take care getting to know my clients, providing treatment and support that best suit them and their unique needs.
Licensure and credentials:
- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Maine under the license number LC23302.
- I have a Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine, where I graduated in May 2021. My Bachelor's of Science degree is in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Southern Maine where I graduated in May 2012
- I am a certified Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Crisis Services Provider (MHRTCSP), issued on October 7, 2020.
- Completed training as a Registered Yoga Teacher in 2012 through the Yoga Alliance.
Katie Valicenti, LMSWcc
I strive to create a collaborative and affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and develop the tools needed to move toward their goals.
I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling understood, supported, and empowered. Throughout my work as a therapist, I have had the privilege of walking alongside adolescents and adults as they navigate challenges related to mental health, neurodiversity, life transitions, and personal growth. I strive to create a collaborative and affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and develop the tools needed to move toward their goals.
My work is grounded in the understanding that each person exists within a broader system of relationships, environments, and experiences that shape their well-being. By fostering relational safety, curiosity, and self-understanding, I help clients identify patterns, strengthen coping strategies, and create meaningful, sustainable change.
Experience:
I am a therapist with over five years of experience working with adolescents and adults across mental health, social services, and community-based nonprofit settings. Much of my work has focused on supporting individuals navigating neurodiversity, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
Drawing from my experience across clinical and community-based environments, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand their unique experiences, identify barriers to growth, and develop practical strategies for achieving their goals.
Modalities and Approaches:
My clinical approach is systems-oriented and relational, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques with a strengths-based perspective. I have training in motivational interviewing (MI), executive functioning, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and fostering relational safety. I tailor treatment to individuals’ needs, recognizing that meaningful progress comes from understanding both personal experiences and the broader systems that influence them.
Licensure and Credentials:
I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families. I have also received specialized training in motivational interviewing, executive functioning, neurodiversity, and relational safety.
Education:
Master of Social Work (MSW), Boston University
Specialization: Children, Youth, and Families
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
A teaching site for interns.
Rise Up® offers a unique opportunity for counselors in training to be immersed in a small, treatment focused, wellness and strengths based private practice. Interns choosing Rise Up® to complete the final phase of their clinical training to earn their master’s degree and licensure experience a quality teaching site with engaged, supportive supervision. Interns provide individual and/or group treatment and are encouraged to explore their own passion to develop community connections and create a clinical niche.
Rise Up® has options for continuity of supervision from internship through conditional hours. We work with USM’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program as well as other CACREP accredited schools.
If you are approaching internship in your counseling program, contact Rise Up® now for an amazing placement!
Avery Levesque-Schott, Clinical Graduate Student
I believe every person has a story worth hearing and a life that extends far beyond the challenges they face. That belief is what drew me to counseling. It is a privilege to walk alongside others as they heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves.
Before entering the counseling profession, I built my career in higher education and nonprofit development, educational support roles, and as a choral director. In these roles I built strong relationships with students, alumni, musicians, and community partners. I also have extensive musical training and studied music in college. Music taught me that some of the most meaningful moments come not from having the right words, but from listening with intention, presence, and empathy. It also gave me firsthand experience with performance anxiety, deepening my understanding of the courage it takes to show up when fear and self-doubt feel overwhelming.
My approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and curiosity. I value mindfulness, grounding practices, and humor as ways to help clients feel safe, connected, and comfortable enough to engage in meaningful therapeutic work. I strive to create a space where people feel truly seen and heard.
At the heart of my work is the belief that every person deserves to be seen as more than the challenges they face. Rather than telling clients who they should become, I hope to walk alongside them as they rediscover their strengths, values, and resilience. My goal is to help people find hope, healing, and confidence in the person they already are.
Experience:
Prior to beginning my clinical training, I worked in higher education and nonprofit development, educational support roles, and as a choral director. In these roles I built strong relationships with students, alumni, musicians, and community partners. As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student, I provide counseling under supervision and have a particular interest in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, self-esteem concerns, and performance anxiety.
Modalities and Approaches:
My counseling approach is grounded in Person-Centered and Narrative Therapy. I believe healing begins through authentic human connection and that every person deserves to be heard without judgment. I strive to create a collaborative, compassionate environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and discover hope in their own story. I also incorporate mindfulness and grounding practices when they support each client's goals.
Education and Credentials:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student at the University of Southern Maine, expected graduation date of August 2027.
- Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music, Butler University (2020)
- Bachelor of Science in Peace and Conflict Studies, Butler University (2020)
Denim Evans, Clinical Graduate Student
I aim to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I believe meaningful change begins with authentic relationships, and I enjoy helping clients recognize their strengths while working toward their personal goals. I look forward to supporting individuals as they improve emotional well-being and develop practical skills to navigate life's challenges.
I believe every person can grow when they are met with empathy, respect, and genuine understanding. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences without fear of judgment. I value collaboration and strive to help clients identify their strengths while developing the confidence and skills needed to overcome challenges. As a clinical graduate student, I am also committed to learning and providing ethical, evidence-based care under the supervision of licensed clinicians.
Experience:
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Merrimack College completing my clinical internship at Rise Up Center for Growth and Wellness. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bates College, where I developed a strong interest in the connection between physical activity, resilience, and mental health. My undergraduate research focused on the effects of structured exercise on adolescents with high Adverse Childhood Experiences, reinforcing my passion for trauma-informed and strengths-based counseling.
I’ve volunteered with youth through community and athletic programs. I conducted undergraduate research on trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health.
Education:
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (expected graduation date of August 2027)
- Merrimack College
- B.A. in Psychology (2025) – Bates College (Concentration in Knowledge, Action, and the Public Good)
Liam Fraser, Clinical Graduate Student
I believe collaborative work in therapy can provide clarity, direction, and affirmation as we continue writing our own unique life stories.
As the son of a therapist, I learned the importance of being intentional with our words and of being patient during life’s growing points. With my roots in Midwestern kindness, I have found joy in connecting with people from all backgrounds, learning more about our common humanity, and asking intentional questions to deepen relationships.
Experience:
Meeting folks where they are at has always been of great importance in my work. From welcoming kids and their families to their first sleep-away-camp experience to connecting with business owners throughout Maine, I approach each interaction with openness, curiosity, and acceptance.
Modalities and Approaches:
My developing theoretical orientation is anchored in a person-centered approach that honors each client with unconditional positive regard. I look forward to integrating relevant theories and techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality/Choice Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, strengths-based approaches, and play therapy.
Education:
I am currently pre-licensed and completing my practicum as a counselor-in-training to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I will complete my education at the University of Southern Maine with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in August of 2027. My Bachelor of Arts degree (2018) is in Environmental Studies, with a minor in Psychology, from Luther College in Decorah, IA. I am a member of the American Counseling Association and the Maine Mental Health Counseling Association.
Michelle O’Brien, Clinical Graduate Student
My journey into counseling grew from years of working in helping professions. I found myself drawn to counseling because I wanted to help people on a deeper level, by creating a space where they feel accepted, understood, and empowered in their life.
Building on more than a decade of experience fostering meaningful relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, I strive to creating a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore challenges, building confidence, and move toward a life that reflects what matters most to them.
Experience:
My experience as a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University has strengthened my belief that people grow when they feel genuinely heard, accepted, and supported. My counseling approach is shaped by experience providing individual counseling, co-facilitating sessions, participating in treatment planning, and supporting students through anxiety, behavioral concerns, and major life transitions.
Modalities and Approaches:
I value a person-centered therapy that emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I also integrate principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping clients develop awareness of difficult thoughts and emotions while identifying values that guide meaningful change.
Education:
I am a pre-licensed professional currently completing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University. My Bachelor of Arts degree is Natural Resource Recreation & Tourism from Colorado State University (2013).
Natalie Kent, Clinical Graduate Student
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they deepen self-understanding, strengthen relationships, and discover not only how to heal, but also, how to flourish.
I believe healing begins when we feel genuinely seen, accepted, and understood. My goal is to create a space where clients can explore their experiences with curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. I approach counseling from the belief that we are all more than our symptoms. While trauma, anxiety, and life's challenges can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, they do not define us. Together, we work to understand the patterns that have shaped your life, reconnect with your innate strengths, and move toward a life that feels more grounded, meaningful, and authentic.
Experience:
Natalie Kent is a pre-licensed Clinical Graduate Student. She has additional training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), yoga, and Reiki. Natalie's work is grounded in person-centered, trauma-informed care and draws from person-centered therapy, experiential therapy, mindfulness, and somatic approaches. She believes that symptoms are often adaptive responses rather than reflections of who we are. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that every person possesses an innate capacity for growth, healing, and wisdom. Natalie enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and children navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, identity exploration, and questions of meaning and purpose.
Education:
- B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Colorado
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Southern Maine
Credential:
- 2025 MEMHCA Conference and courses on Discernment Counseling and How Poverty Changes the Brain offered via ADEPT and MEMCHA.
Theresa Gervais, Clinical Graduate Student
I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to help them live their most fulfilling lives. I’ve seen how being tough on ourselves can fuel anxiety. I help clients better understand themselves so they can move through it with more confidence.
Throughout my career, I have found that the quality of my relationships with others is the most important and fulfilling part of my work. This core value has informed my approach to treatment, leading me to use a collaborative, holistic, and individualized approach with my clients. Depending on your particular needs, strengths, and interests, we may use expressive arts or play therapy during sessions. However, no matter what activities we are doing, you can always expect an authentic and genuine version of me, as well as consistent understanding and compassion for you.
Experience:
In my present capacity as a clinical graduate student in training, I have enjoyed working with people from a variety of age groups and backgrounds. I have experience providing services in both residential and clinical settings, helping people through severe anxiety, grief, career-related transitions, and a variety of other challenges.
Modalities and Approaches:
I utilize an eclectic approach tailored to each client’s needs. This approach often incorporates techniques derived from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based modalities, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy, as well as expressive-arts based interventions and play therapy.
Education:
I graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in May 2020 with an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language and a minor in Philosophy. I am currently a full-time graduate student in the Counselor Education Program at the University of Southern Maine, and have begun seeing clients as part of the clinical hours required for future graduation and licensure.
Our Offices
Suite 103
Suite 102
Suite 202
Suite 204
We work with all ages (from kids to adults) on identity formation, autonomy, independence and confidence building. Working with them to find their own voice, direction and self-advocacy is often our mutual goal. This happens simultaneously with the reduction of anxiety.
Contact Us
153 Park Row, Suite 103
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 504-3587
