About Us

Our Unique Approach

Holistic Health and Healing Center stands out by offering a comprehensive, integrative approach to mental health and wellness. Unlike traditional practices, we combine supportive, solution-focused therapy with innovative techniques like Neurofeedback, ensuring personalized care that addresses the mind-body connection. Our team of diverse clinicians brings a wide array of skills and backgrounds, providing a rich tapestry of therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of every client.

Mission & Vision Statements

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the lives and mental health of individuals and families through prevention, intervention, treatment, support, and education. We utilize a holistic approach to mind-body healing, offering a variety of modalities tailored to each person and/or family’s needs.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment that fosters healing and individual growth, where every person feels valued and understood.

History of the Practice

Since 2011, Holistic Health and Healing Center has been dedicated to serving children, adults, and families across the lifespan. We focus on providing comprehensive care for those facing psychological difficulties, developmental disabilities, substance use challenges, neurological conditions, and familial issues.

The journey began when Tara Paine, LCSW, opened her practice in August 2011. Driven by a vision to treat people suffering from a variety of conditions using supportive, solution-focused therapy and Neurofeedback, Tara started expanding her practice one patient at a time. Her goal was to create a center where people felt safe, supported, and empowered—an environment that fostered healing and individual growth.

By 2015, with the addition of clinicians from diverse backgrounds, Holistic Health & Healing Center was formally established. Over the years, we have expanded our services to include a more comprehensive approach to mind-body wellness, reflecting our commitment to holistic health.

Meet Our Leadership

Tara Paine, LCSW

LCSW – Owner | Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Tara Paine, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in mental health and a focus on integrative, trauma-informed care. Her clinical approach addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—within a safe, inclusive, and supportive therapeutic environment.

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Tara blends traditional psychotherapy with intuitive counseling and evidence-based modalities, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) Her work incorporates spiritual and transpersonal perspectives when appropriate, honoring each client’s individual belief systems and inner wisdom. As a trained KAP provider, she uses this modality when clinically indicated to help clients access deeper insight, process unresolved trauma, and facilitate meaningful psychological and spiritual transformation. When applied within an ethical and structured therapeutic framework, KAP can be a catalyst for profound emotional healing.

Grounded in clinical integrity, compassion, and a deep respect for the healing process, Tara supports clients in reconnecting with themselves, cultivating inner resilience, and moving toward lasting well-being.

Audra Van Tassell

Director of Operations | West Hartford Office

Audra Van Tassell, LPC, serves as the Director of Operations across our three offices and is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth.

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With a rich and diverse background that spans design, marketing, and fine arts, Audra brings a uniquely creative and integrative perspective to her clinical practice, allowing her to tailor therapeutic approaches that resonate deeply with each client’s individual needs.

Audra’s approach to therapy is holistic and client-centered, focusing on healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. She combines traditional talk therapy techniques with innovative modalities such as art therapy and LENS neurofeedback, creating a dynamic and personalized treatment experience. This versatility enables Audra to meet clients where they are, whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, or emotional regulation challenges.

As a clinician, Audra is known for her warmth, empathy, and ability to foster a safe, trusting therapeutic environment. She encourages clients to explore their inner creativity and strengths, empowering them to develop self-awareness and resilience. Her integrative methods not only support symptom relief but also promote lasting personal transformation and well-being.

As Director of Operations, Audra leads the strategic and day-to-day functioning of the practice, overseeing systems, policies, compliance, and overall organizational performance. She collaborates closely with clinical leadership to ensure efficient workflows, sustainable growth, and a strong operational foundation. Audra is committed to creating structures that support both clinician success and exceptional client care, ensuring the practice consistently delivers evidence-based, holistic, and compassionate mental health services.

Audra’s dedication to innovation in therapy, combined with her artistic background, makes her a uniquely skilled clinician and leader. She continues to inspire both clients and colleagues through her thoughtful approach to healing and her unwavering passion for mental health.

Anna Ogden, LMSW

Clinician Support Manager | East Haven Office

Anna Ogden is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) with over eight years of experience working in the behavioral health field. Originally from New Orleans, LA, Anna is a dedicated, warm, and interactive therapist.

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She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2018 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). She works collaboratively with her clients to help them better understand themselves, find solutions to their problems and help them facilitate positive change in their lives.

While she primarily works with children, teens, and young adults, she also enjoys utilizing family centered approaches to therapy and is certified to facilitate the Circle of Security curriculum. Anna is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In her free time, Anna volunteers with the Special Olympics of CT, enjoys spending time outdoors and with her rescued pets.

Andi Serino

The Heart of Holistic Health & Healing Center

As the first face clients see and the first voice they hear, Andi Serino sets the tone for a welcoming, supportive experience at the Holistic Health & Healing Center. As our front desk receptionist, Andi combines warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail to ensure daily operations run smoothly and clients feel cared for from the moment they reach out.

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Whether she’s scheduling appointments, answering questions, or supporting our team behind the scenes, Andi brings a calm, compassionate presence to everything she does. Her dedication to whole-person wellness and exceptional customer service makes her an essential part of our community and the trusted foundation of our front office.

Alyvia Kripps

Office Manager

Alyvia Kripps is the heartbeat of our office operations and the person who ensures everything runs like clockwork. As our dedicated Office Manager, Alyvia wears many hats—each one essential to creating a seamless experience for both our team and our patients.

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From the moment you call or walk through our doors, Alyvia’s warm, welcoming presence sets the tone. She handles a wide range of responsibilities, from managing phone inquiries and scheduling appointments to overseeing billing and insurance coordination with precision and care. Her organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that the day-to-day administrative functions of the office run efficiently and effectively.

Beyond the paperwork and logistics, Alyvia plays a vital role in supporting our patients’ therapeutic journey. She takes the time to understand each individual’s needs and helps them connect with the right therapist, ensuring they feel confident and cared for from the start.

With a strong background in office administration and a genuine passion for helping others, Alyvia is an integral part of our team. Her commitment to excellence and calm, can-do attitude make her a trusted resource and a key reason why our practice runs so smoothly.

Expanding Our Reach

Today, Holistic Health and Healing Center operates three locations in Connecticut— across New Haven County and Hartford County—and extends its services throughout Connecticut and additional states via telehealth. Our growth reflects our commitment to expanding access to holistic, high-quality mental health care for all who need it.