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MEET OUR TEAM
COME JOIN OUR AMAZING TEAM!
Tangie R. McDougald, LPC NCC
Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Director
Dr. Tangie R. McDougald, a passionate Licensed Professional Counselor and a beacon in the mental health field, is at the helm of two distinguished mental health facilities in East Hartford, CT. With a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Joseph, her expertise in trauma-focused therapy is a cornerstone of her practice. Tangie's commitment to elevating Black Business Bosses in behavioral health is unwavering. She offers a unique blend of counseling, coaching, and consulting, specifically tailored for clinical executives.
Her philanthropic spirit shines through her role as the Community Service Chair for Sigma Gamma Rho, Incorporated, and her leadership in Rt2 Collaborative, which empowers community mental health practitioners with essential resources. Honored in the Hartford Courant's Best of Hartford Readers Poll as a distinguished Business Leader and Community Leader for three successive years - 2021, 2022, and 2023, Tangie has made an indelible mark in her field. Tangie’s influence and success as a serial entrepreneur, achieving seven-figure milestones, is remarkable.
As a 3x Amazon Best-Selling Author, a devoted wife, mother, and a proud Glam-Ma to two wonderful boys, Tangie embodies the essence of "Greater Service, Greater Progress". Her personal mantra, “IT’S PERSONAL,” is a testament to her dedication as a social change agent, driven by a deep-seated passion for making a difference in the lives of others.
You can join her clinical team at: https://communitymattersopcc.com
Join her Private Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatetherapis/
Follow her Instagram at: iamdr.tangie
LinkedIn: Tangie R. McDougald, NCC, LPC
Schedule your free consult at: https://calendly.com/iamtangie
Dr. Amit Rathi
Medical Director
Dr. Rathi specializes in Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He graduated from medical school in India (Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi), after which he pursued General/Adult psychiatry training at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, followed by Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship in Washington D.C., at the George Washington University/ Children’s National Medical Center. He has a fellowship in Child and Adolescent psychoanalysis from the Baltimore Washington Institute of Psychoanalysis, and has participated in clinical research and trials. His journey through clinical psychiatry has provided him with greater understanding and specific training in treating children and adults struggling with chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, gender dysphoria, autism spectrum and eating/ feeding disorders. His areas of special interests are school based care and cross-cultural psychiatry. He has significant experience in working with first and second generation immigrant families who are struggling with acculturation and mental health issues.
In Connecticut, he worked at Day Kimball Hospital, in Putnam, CT, where he treated patients from diverse backgrounds and age groups. He later joined a group practice in Farmington, where he worked with patients in long-term care facilities.
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Dr. Rathi has formal training in meditation, and he is a great believer in the benefits of meditation and yoga. If appropriate, he tries to incorporate these techniques in management of his patients, in order to provide the patients with internal tools of controlling stress and their emotions, and to live a fulfilling life.
He is fluent in English, Hindi and Urdu.
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Dr. Rathi is a Clinical Instructor at University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where he participates in the Psychiatry Residency training.
Dr. Rathi is ABPN Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Tasha Rose
Child Therapist
I have been working with children and families for over 10 years creating and developing safe spaces for effectively communicating positive and negative emotions through talk therapy. It is not always easy to have uncomfortable conversations and I am here to help navigate those conversations in a respectful and clear manner. My goal is to help build functional toolboxes that will help repair fractured emotions so you are able to live a healthy lifestyle.
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I specialize in Person-centered therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I enjoy both models and use them simultaneously for best outcomes. I have experience in working with problem sexual behaviors (perpetrator and victim), domestic violence, re-unification, depression, anxiety, family disturbances, severe mental health disorders and addiction.
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I am passionate about encouraging others and guiding each person toward their own healthy path. I am a spiritual person and I believe that understanding is necessary for growth and healing. I look forward to working with you while we develop effective communication skills that will last a lifetime! Remember self-care happens when you understand self!
Wesley Langlais
Child Therapist
Therapy can be very effective for those struggling with a wide arrange of issues. Whether it is learning new strategies, finding someone to talk to, or just starting one's mental health journey, therapy is work that can start at any age.
Wesley has a specialization in Adolescent Psychology with a certification in Positive Youth Development that will inform his work at Community Matters. Wesley is very passionate about working with children because they provide a unique opportunity to instill therapeutic practices and cognitive interventions early on, that can foster growth and influence positive development throughout their lives.
Wesley has experience working through a trauma informed lens and emphasizes the benefits or practices such as CBT, Mindfulness and Person-Centered Psychology.
Wesley Langlais is a professional therapist that has worked with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, homeless families, and adults suffering from mental health or substance use disorders.
Krystle George
Child Therapist
Krystle George is passionate about inspiring her clients to show up as the best version of themselves by helping to fill in the gaps of where they are vs where they want to be. Krystle holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hampton University along with a master's degree in Psychology from Springfield College. With over 12 years of experience in the field of Human Services, Behavioral Health and Corporate Employee Assistance Programming (EAP), Krystle is excited to finally be following her passion as a licensed professional counselor. In addition to her diverse background, Krystle has been an Adjunct Professor of Psychology for the past 9 years teaching at several colleges in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. In her free time, Krystle loves to volunteer locally, cook her family's favorite dishes and take trips that involve salt water and sand.
Tacaya Bruff
Adult Therapist
Usually when people experience trauma or severe life stressors, it feels like life is unraveling and it can get out of control fast, without the necessary supports and resources that you need. I am committed to helping people get their lives back on track, no matter how big or small the issues can be. I have a strong belief in the power of a supportive and nurturing non-judgmental environment, being the place that fosters healing and growth. It is often believed, especially among Black communities, that a mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness. I am passionate about changing that narrative.
I attended Johnson & Wales University in which I obtained a bachelor's degree in marketing and business administration. Shortly after graduating I worked in a hospital and that was when I knew I needed to be in a “helping profession”, after 15 years of working in the hospital primarily focusing on Case Management and Care Coordination. I decided to attend Springfield College to get a master's degree in social work. Through this I was empowered by the endless possibilities of making a change one person at a time through Therapy, Advocacy, and assisting with Policy changes if applicable. I take pride in being a compassionate Social Worker committed to assisting my clients in developing a healthier, more positive lifestyle. I am most passionate about woman empowerment and children. However, I am genuinely committed to meeting people where they are and assisting them to get to the highest level of fulfillment that they can receive.
Terry Kennedy
Adult Therapist
Therapy can be of great value to you. In a caring supportive relationship, I will teach you coping strategies to help you avoid repeating the same mistakes and instead move to a place where you have the power and control to change how you think, feel and behave.
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I use a Psychodynamic framework of understanding (how the past impacts us today in negative ways) combined with CBT techniques focused on changing negative thinking patterns into more helpful thoughts which can lead to positive feelings and positive changes allowing you to feel empowered. The goal of therapy is for you to feel content with your life.
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Collaboratively we will work together, as I provide a safe, trusting, confidential, and therapeutic environment allowing you to be the expert of your life and myself acting as your guide helping you to reach your full potential. The first step in changing your life is asking for help, and that can be the small victory you need in the start towards change.
Ilhan Braxton
Adult Therapist
I am an artist and performing artist passionate about incorporating the arts as a therapeutic means to empowerment, healthy expression, and connection. For almost a decade, I have worked in community settings with youth and their families of diverse backgrounds in positions including peer mentoring, host of a youth community open mic in Springfield MA., Program Manager and art instructor for a community youth organization, youth development specialist for children with severe trauma, paraprofessional for schools around CT, and Mental Health Counselor for an intensive in-home children and families program. Throughout these positions I have found a love for integrating trauma-informed, strength-based care with mindfulness, art/play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral-based Therapies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to work together with my clients in tailoring sessions to their needs.
I currently hold a Bachelor's of Science In Psychological and Brain Sciences from UMass Amherst and am attending Albertus Magnus College in pursuit of my Master's of Science in Clinical Counseling.
Dian Ferguson
Adult Therapist
Are you struggling with substance use or unhealthy coping habits? Does your child need support to navigate their emotions? I strongly believe in a holistic approach to counseling. Taking into consideration the physical, psychological, social, and the spiritual aspects of the human experience. I retired from Special Education 3 years ago to embark upon this new career of helping others in a clinical setting. My goal in this field is to help individuals struggling with substance use disorders and Mental Health issues. I enjoy working with all ages including teens and adults.
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I received my M.E.D in Psychology & Counseling at Cambridge College. I have experience working in residential settings, homes, schools, inpatient, outpatient as well as faith-based settings. I also worked in Special Education for over 33 years as a Program Assistant, and at an intensive in-home family-focused program (IICAPS) working with children and teens, ages 4-18. In addition, I have knowledge and personal experience around physical health and Type-2 Diabetes.
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My favorite moments are spending quality time with family and friends and doing trail challenges as part of my self-care routine. I also enjoy reading and nature walk.