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 and 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 – Owner, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Tara Paine, LCSW, is the visionary founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Holistic Health & Healing Center. As both a licensed clinical social worker and a seasoned leader in mental health care, Tara has built the Center from the ground up with a clear mission: to offer compassionate, integrative, and client-centered therapy that supports the healing of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

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Driven by her passion for holistic wellness, Tara has created a thriving, multi-disciplinary practice that combines traditional psychotherapy with innovative, evidence-based approaches. Under her leadership, the Center has grown into a collaborative and inclusive environment where clinicians, staff, and clients alike are encouraged to thrive. She continues to expand the practice with integrity, always prioritizing clinical excellence, ethical standards, and deeply personalized care.

Tara’s therapeutic philosophy is rooted in empowerment, connection, and authenticity. She is committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where clients feel seen, supported, and respected. Her approach integrates the latest advancements in mental health with an understanding of how physical, emotional, and spiritual health intersect—offering a more complete and sustainable path to healing.

As CEO, Tara not only oversees the Center’s clinical direction and operations but also mentors a growing team of therapists and support staff. She plays an active role in clinician development, quality assurance, and ensuring that the practice remains aligned with its mission as it evolves. Her leadership is marked by clarity, compassion, and a deep respect for the therapeutic process.

Tara is widely respected for her ability to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and organizational leadership. With years of experience in social work, program development, and direct practice, she brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. Her vision has shaped the Center into a place where healing feels possible, where collaboration is valued, and where care is truly comprehensive.

Through her ongoing dedication and innovative leadership, Tara Paine continues to be the driving force behind Holistic Health & Healing Center’s growth, reputation, and impact in the community.

Audra Van Tassell, LPC – Clinical Manager, West Hartford Office

Audra Van Tassell, LPC, serves as the Clinical Manager at our West Hartford office and is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth. 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.

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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.

In her role as Clinical Manager, Audra oversees the clinical operations of the West Hartford office, providing leadership and mentorship to the team of therapists. She is deeply committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive environment where clinicians can grow professionally while delivering the highest quality care to clients. Her guidance ensures that the practice maintains its commitment to 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.

John Chernesky, LPC – Clinical Manager, Milford Office

John Chernesky, LPC, is the Clinical Manager at our Milford office, bringing a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to supporting individuals and families facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and crisis intervention. Over the years, John has developed a strong expertise in working primarily with adolescents, focusing on community stabilization and helping clients foster personal growth through a client-centered, strengths-based approach.

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John is a specialist in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, working with clients aged four and up to safely process and heal from trauma. His calm, empathetic style creates a supportive and trusting environment where clients feel secure, empowered, and actively engaged in their therapeutic journey.

In addition to his clinical skills, John’s background in Expressive Therapies, earned through his studies at Lesley University, allows him to incorporate creative modalities such as art, music, and movement into his sessions. This integrative approach enables John to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs and preferences, making the healing process more accessible and impactful.

As Clinical Manager, John not only provides direct care but also offers leadership and mentorship to the Milford clinical team. He is committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive atmosphere where clinicians can grow professionally and deliver the highest quality of care. Known for his warmth, insight, and professionalism, John is a trusted guide for both clients and staff, helping to cultivate an environment centered on healing, growth, and resilience.

Meet 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.

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.

Meet Alyvia Kripps, Our 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.

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.