Sherri Brown LICSW, LICSW, has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years in a variety of settings with children, adolescents and families. She holds a BA from Hampshire College and MSW from the Smith School for Social Work. Sherri believes in meeting someone where they are at and uses a wide range of modalities, working collaboratively to find the best approach for each person's individual needs. Her clinical framework has a foundation in relational theory and social justice and she uses an eclectic approach pulling from psychodynamic theory, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative practice and cognitive behavioral tools. Sherri is interested in supporting students to find holistic wellness and allowing space to explore different parts of themselves and the stories they have learned and are unlearning about themselves and the world.  

What I love about my job:  I really value working in and cultivating community, and NMH is a special place to do that. It is both humbling and a privilege to share space with young adults as they are on their journey and discovering new paths. 

Michael Carter, LICSW, has been in the mental health field for the last twelve years. He holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MFA from the Vermont School of Fine Arts and an MSW from the Smith School for Social Work. His clinical approach is tailored to the individual needs of the client. His work is influenced by psychodynamic theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Theory, Internal Family Systems as well as wellness, the creative arts, and mindfulness. He has an interest in multicultural dynamics, the body-mind connection, spirituality, and sexual and gender identity. 

What I love about my job: I love working with adolescents. To see them functioning with grace and humanity under intense pressure, to witness their presence and their becoming, is a gift and replenishes my well of hope for the future. 
 

Johanna Callard, LICSW, has worked in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, and families for 20 years. She received her master’s in clinical social work from the Smith College School for Social Work in 2005 and her BA from Prescott College in 2000. Her work with students has a strong relational style informed by tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and expressive arts therapies, among other methodologies. Johanna’s areas of interest include group work, mindfulness and contemplative practices, resilience, and youth empowerment.

Why I love my job: “I love working with teenagers! They inspire me to be open to what is new and possible in the world. I am most at home when I am working in a community, especially one like NMH, where I am surrounded by people who truly care as much as I do about helping kids thrive.”

Jamecia Estes, LICSW, is a licensed independent social worker with more than 10 years of experience in a variety of mental health support settings. Jamecia earned a Masters of Social Work degree from Smith School for Social Work and has since practiced in a variety of settings both in the greater community and schools. Most of Jamecia's  work has been with people struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma- based disorders, including psychosis. Jamecia has worked with and continues to be interested in identity development issues spanning from gender and sexuality to managing life transitions. Jamecia's work is informed by the use of various cognitive behavioral therapies (e.g., DBT, ACT and Motivational Interviewing) that are supported by an attachment theory framework and operationalized through a social justice lens. 

What I love about my job:  "What gives me the most joy is walking alongside adolescents through significant life transitions and being in a position to witness, hold, and offer hope to them on their growth journey."

Kyle Pruett, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine.

Students, faculty, parents, and staff can email counseling@nmhschool.org to connect a student to a counselor. Students can also go to the Health Center and ask to speak with a counselor.

Students are free to talk about any matter that is bothering them, large or small. A counselor’s attention and guidance during the early phase of a problem may help prevent it from becoming more serious.

Discussion topics may include: roommate difficulties, cultural/ethnic concerns, adjusting to being away from home, loneliness, family problems, sexuality, procrastination, identity and self-esteem, relationships, eating problems, interpersonal conflicts, and depression, among others.

Tonya Talbot at the Health and Wellness Center can provide you with information on Dr. Pruett and can help you make an appointment.

Counseling is most effective when a student can be honest in a confidential environment. Counseling sessions are kept confidential unless there is concern about a student’s safety and wellbeing.

NMH counselors provide training for and consult with dorm faculty and student leaders throughout the school year.