Our Team

 Kristen Marsar-Perez, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Owner 

Kristen has a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University and received her Bachelor’s degree from DeSales University. With over 30 years of experience in Residential Treatment Centers, Group Homes, Schools, home settings, community, and private practice, she brings a high level of expertise to her practice.

She has a Certificate in Children and Adolescent Mental Health from Rutgers University and Trauma Certificate from Drexel University. Kristen also has certificates in Intensive Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Intensive Trauma Treatment Behavioral Therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and attends Study Days and International Conferences on DDP. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT).

Kristen has training on depression, anxiety, intensive trauma treatment, attachment, womens' issues, gender identity, mind/body connections, and suicide prevention, among others. She attends trainings each year to continue to increase her knowledge and better assist her clients, including the National Attach Conference, Suicide Prevention Alliance Conferences  and  attends the Psychotherapy Networker Symposiums yearly in Washington DC. This conference addresses the newest treatment options for all diagnoses.  

Some of Kristen’s experience highlights include: Presenter on various mental health topics; Member of the Board of Suicide Prevention Coalition of Monroe County and Co-Chair of the Education Sub-Committee; Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC) for 13 years; Clinical experience with children of all ages and various mental health concerns including Autism; Provides clinical supervision to LSW and LPC’s in Pennsylvania; Part-time Adjunct/Lecturer at Marywood University for their Master in Social Work (MSW) Program; Faculty Liaison and Field Instructor at Marywood University.

Kristen opened Connections Counseling Services, LLC in 2013. A second location was added in August of 2017. The practice was originally opened to address the need for children with attachment and trauma issues but has developed into a practice that addressed all mental health needs. Many mental health concerns are from previous and current trauma issues. Her goal is to provide a level of consistency and continuity of care to all clients through a therapeutic relationship that will provide a process for change, healing, and adaptation. Kristen does not believe clients should be defined by their diagnosis; instead the focus is on treating the specific symptoms and behaviors that impact their lives.

Cheryl Torres, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(Bilingual – Spanish)

Cheryl Torres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She specializes in individual, family and couples psychotherapy utilizing cognitive behavioral, solution-focused and psychodynamic treatment approaches. Her main focus and specialty is in trauma treatment. Her drive is to help people who have been through a traumatic or stressful experience. She works with patients and families of all ages as she helps them find a healthy perception of themselves while working towards coping with the effects of trauma.

Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She has received specialized training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, and in the areas of trauma treatment. She holds additional training in gender identity, suicide assessment, prevention, depression, anxiety, advanced trauma treatment along with various other diagnoses. In addition, she continues to participate in continuing education to further her knowledge base in working with children, adolescents, couples, adults, and families.

Matthew "Matt" Hooper, MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? I am a board-certified and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania, and I’m here to help you find your path forward. With over 15 years in mental health, my passion is helping individuals, children, adolescents, and older adults break free from pain and navigate life's toughest challenges.

While my journey has taken me through diverse settings—from supporting victims of domestic violence to working with individuals on the Autism spectrum as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS), and even responding to crises—the heart of my work lies in guiding people through the complexities of trauma. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I understand that trauma, whether physical or emotional, can deeply impact how we think, feel, and interact with the world. It can leave us feeling frustrated or just plain stuck, even when we long for a more fulfilling life.

That's where we come in, together. My approach is all about you. I believe everyone holds the innate strength to change, and I'll work collaboratively with you to unlock that power. We'll move beyond problem-saturated stories and focus on building solutions, empowering you to rewrite your narrative and create a more desirable outcome for your life. You are unique, and your journey deserves a holistic, integrative approach that considers your whole self.

I've dedicated countless hours to research and advanced training in areas like Attachment disorders, PTSD, DBT, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and emotionally-focused therapy, always seeking the most effective ways to support emotional regulation, manage anxiety and depression, address ADHD, grief, and many other concerns.

If you're seeking a compassionate, skilled partner to help you heal and grow, I invite you to connect. Theologically-based sessions are also available upon request, ensuring your care aligns with your personal values. Let's work together to help you thrive.

Shahida "Shae" Jones, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Shahida (Shae) Jones is a licensed social worker. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and has advanced training in trauma and attachment therapy modalities. Shae is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults that have experienced traumatic events in their lives. She is creative, compassionate, playful, and empathic in her approach. Moreover, she is caring and kind. When working with adoptive and foster children, Shae likes to find the hope that many have lost. She has certificates in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and TF-CBT and hopes to one day own an animal shelter that allows her to engage clients through animal-related therapy.

Dina Cervasio, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dina Cervasio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and her Masters degree in Social Work from Marywood University. She has been working with various populations within the mental health field for over 8 years. She has worked with both children and adults in the home, community, crisis residential and emergency room settings. She has experience with wrap-around services, case management and crisis intervention.

Dina’s approach is easy-going and empathic with focus on assisting clients with identifying patterns that may be hindering growth and a more positive outlook. Dina’s therapeutic style is to meet the individual through elements of positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and client-centered techniques. She is committed to helping each individual along their journey of being their best possible self.

Deano Graham, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

We are so much more!

My purpose and intent is to inspire the world to emotionally heal and express the goodness within. This is possible because we are so much more than we realize. Hi there, my name is Deano. I've been a mental health professional for close to a decade. My experiences have taught me that healthy relationships are the foundation of any and all things great. Generally speaking, I specialize in helping people: understand and cope with their emotions, explore/experience their potentials and create their personal sense of peace. I know it sounds vague; these
are just the net results. Each individual has their own personalized and tangible path.

You are not alone. We all go through things. We all hurt. We all want to heal and feel better. Your experiences, current situation and perspective is unique. I'd like to listen, understand and respect you on the simple merit of who you are. You decide if, when and how you'd like to create changes in your life. My approach is eclectic, meaning I pull from various techniques to best meet your specific needs. As mentioned earlier, relationships are the most important part of everything. So through the highs and the lows; together we grow.

At this point in time, I come to you with a decade’s worth of experience in the mental health field. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University. I am a licensed social worker, with additional training in mindfulness, DBT, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma-informed care.

I appreciate you for taking the time to read this. No matter what happens next, I wish you the greatest good life has to offer.

Maria De Jesus Perez, LCSW 
(Bilingual - Spanish)
(Pronouns: she, her, hers)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Maria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Behavior Specialist in the state of PA.  She holds a Masters in Education and a Masters in Social Work, and has over 15 years of experience working with children, families, and adults.  Maria has provided therapeutic services in home, school, community and outpatient settings, and has been trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eco Systemic Family Therapy (ESFT). Maria also holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

Maria believes in the dignity and worth of every person regardless of ability, race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, etc.  Her therapeutic approach is a combination of strengths-based, solution-focused and trauma-informed, as well as teaching skills of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and shame-resilience.  Maria believes that cultural factors are critical to the way individuals navigate through life. She works hard to address cultural matters, to understand how these may impact one’s perception of the world. Additionally, Maria strives to create a safe and non-judgemental space, while also teaching individuals to feel "comfortable with the uncomfortable" to gain a better understanding of their authentic self. Maria is passionate about her work and her ultimate goal is to empower others to reach their full potential.