Meet the Team
As the founder of SpireTHERAPY’S Children & Family Institute, I have trained our therapists in the SpireTHERAPY way, so each Therapist here can and will support and guide your child, adolescent or teen who is struggling with anxiety, social anxiety, emotional dysregulation, depression, mood disorders, PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD, on their journey towards their best selves!
- Denise Santangelo
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Denise Santangelo
FOUNDER & LEAD CLINICIAN
I specialize in mental health care across the lifespan, working with children struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum challenges, and social anxiety. I also provide therapy for adults of all genders, with a focus on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, executive functioning, organization, impulse control, and mood disorders. I am a Certified ADHD Counselor and I have specialized training in women’s mental health, supporting those navigating hormonal transitions such as PMDD, perimenopause, postmenopause, and postpartum, as well as anxiety and depression related (or unrelated) to these changes. Additionally, I integrate nutrition and healthy sleep routines to support overall mental and emotional well-being.
Denise's Credentials
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut (LPC). I have earned my Doctorate in Law (JD), I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD), I have earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS), and a Bachelor’s in Sociology (BS). I am specifically trained in Play Therapy, Complex Trauma in Children, Adolescents and Teens, Anxiety Treatment in Children & Teens, ADHD Treatment in Children and Adults, Grief Counseling, Family Counseling, Flash Technique, and other concentrations.
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Casey Lowth
CLINICIAN & CHIEF OF STAFF
I provide mental health care for children (4-17) and adults (18+), specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ASD, ADHD, impulse control, and executive functioning challenges. I also provide a focus on women’s mental health, supporting hormonal transitions like PMDD, perimenopause, postmenopause, and postpartum, along with related or unrelated mood disorders. Additionally, I integrate nutrition and healthy sleep routines to support overall mental and emotional well-being.
Casey’s Credentials
Casey is a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed by the state of CT. She has a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and a bachelor of science degree in Psychology from High Point University. Prior to working at Spire, Casey has clinical experience working as an outreach clinician for a community mental health clinic, working as a school based clinician (grades K-12), supervision and onboarding training for new hires for a nonprofit mental health clinic, working in private practice and working for two years as a Telehealth clinician.
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Christie Boysan Ippolito
CLINICIAN
I provide mental health care for children (4-17) and adults (18+), specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ASD, ADHD, impulse control, and executive functioning challenges. I also provide a focus on women’s mental health, supporting hormonal transitions like PMDD, perimenopause, postmenopause, and postpartum, along with related or unrelated mood disorders. Additionally, I integrate nutrition, healthy sleep routines, and yoga to support overall mental and emotional well-being.
Christie’s Credentials
Christie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, licensed in the State of CT, with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Binghamton University. Prior to her clinical training, Christie worked in consumer marketing and employee development where she initially cultivated her interest in understanding behavioral patterns and helping individuals find their unique voice, fueling her desire to work in support of others.
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Rachel Licamele
CLINICIAN
I provide compassionate, specialized mental health care for children (4-17) and adults (18+), helping them navigate anxiety, depression, mood disorders, Autism Spectrum challenges, ADHD, impulse control, and executive functioning difficulties. Additionally, I integrate nutrition and healthy sleep routines to support overall mental and emotional well-being.
Rachel’s Credentials
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), licensed in the State of CT, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from The University of New Haven and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Southern CT University.
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Claudia Pomponi
CLINICIAN
I provide mental health care for children (4-17) and adults (18+), specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ASD, ADHD, impulse control, and executive functioning challenges. I also provide a focus on women’s mental health, supporting hormonal transitions like PMDD, perimenopause, postmenopause, and postpartum, along with related or unrelated mood disorders. Additionally, I integrate nutrition and healthy sleep routines to support overall mental and emotional well-being.
Claudia’s Credentials
Claudia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of CT and NY. She received her Masters degree in Social Work from New York University. Prior to joining Spire, Claudia spent 5 years in NYC at Mount Sinai Hospital where she worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit providing social work services to critically ill children and their families. She then worked within a school based program providing mental health services to children of all ages with a range of backgrounds and diagnoses.
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Heather Noriega, LPCA
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Heather Noriega is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with extensive experience supporting children, families, and individuals navigating complex emotional and relational challenges. Her work is deeply rooted in a trauma-informed approach, with a strong foundation in family systems, caregiver support, and helping clients build stability, safety, and meaningful change in their daily lives.
Heather has spent years working within child and family service systems across Fairfield County, including her role as Director of IPV-FAIR & Youth Programs at Family Reentry–CRJ, where she led a multidisciplinary team supporting families impacted by trauma and intimate partner violence. Through this work, she developed a high level of clinical judgment, a deep understanding of family dynamics, and a passion for helping both children and caregivers feel more connected, supported, and empowered.
She brings a calm, grounded presence to her work and is especially skilled at meeting clients where they are—whether that’s helping a child regulate big emotions, supporting a teen through challenges, or guiding parents through difficult moments with practical, real-life strategies.
Heather’s approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on building skills that translate into everyday success. She is passionate about helping clients not just cope, but truly move forward with confidence and clarity.
Heather holds a Master’s degree in Human Services and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling from Post University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University.
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Alyssa Mondia
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Alyssa brings her artistic experience to SpireTHERAPY in creating our online presence, outreach, and developing new programs for our clients! She is passionate about creating a comfortable yet fun space for our clients by providing interactive online quizzes for our younger clients to get to know themselves more and by posting helpful skills and uplifting quotes on our social media for clients to refer to at home! She is interested in art therapy, making take-home art workbooks for our clients, and aiding in developing our art therapy workshops!