JJ Sorensen

JJ Sorensen

JJ Sorensen

Director of Engagement

After spending 7+ years in the private energy sector working for a start-up consulting firm that grew into a major regional player, I decided to change paths and begin a career in non-profit development. For the next 4 years I served in annual giving roles within the education field, including working as Annual Fund Director for a private secondary school where I oversaw 57% growth during my tenure there.

I am honored to join the team at Maria Droste Counseling Services and bring my vast experience in relationship building and organizational development to help advance MDCS’s important mission. As Director of Engagement, I am responsible for securing essential funding through corporate and individual philanthropy while increasing the organization’s visibility and impact throughout Greater Boston.

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Kiana Angalia

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Kiana Angalia, MDCS Intern

Boston College

As a mental health counselor, I am passionate about supporting people as they move through life’s challenges and discover the strengths and resilience within themselves. I see therapy as a space of care, curiosity, and growth—where your story can be met with openness and compassion.

My approach draws from Internal Family Systems therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches. I believe therapy should be collaborative and shaped to fit the unique needs of each person. Having grown up across different cultures, I carry a deep appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the many ways we find meaning and belonging.

In our work together, my hope is to create a supportive and grounding environment where you feel seen and heard as you are. From that place, we can explore the challenges you are facing, the strengths you already hold, and the possibilities you’d like to grow toward. I am honored to walk alongside clients in their journeys of healing, self-discovery, and growth.

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Kris Liu

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Kris Liu, 劉思廷 MA MHC

Outpatient Therapist

We’ve come a long way—to get here, to be here, and to move forward from here. I believe that within a safe and compassionate space, your personal story can gently unfold, and healing can softly take root. It is my honor to support your journey with grace and courage, wherever you are.

Born and raised in Taiwan, and having come to the U.S. as an international student, I carry a deep appreciation for the challenges immigrants face and the complexities of bridging cultural divides. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, I am dedicated to providing culturally responsive care for children, young adults, and immigrant families. I support clients navigating relationship challenges, intergenerational trauma, as well as grief and loss. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies including DBT, narrative therapy, play therapy, and expressive arts therapy. I am also expanding my training in couple and family therapy to further support relational healing.

As a certified AWARE practitioner (Asian Women’s Action for Resilience and Empowerment), I integrate practices that empower individuals navigating identity, acculturative stress, and cultural transitions. With deep respect for your cultural background and lived experience, I strive to weave meaningful connection into the fabric of holistic healing. Together, we will give language to your unique narrative, honoring both the pain and the power it holds. Your story matters. Not only for what has happened, but for the strength it carries and the future it can shape.

我是一名雙語心理治療師(英語、普通話、臺語),在臺灣出生長大,作為一名國際學生來到美國。雖然我與您的移民歷程不盡相同,但我希望藉由我自身對亞裔文化的深刻理解,及在美國生活的親身體驗,能陪伴每一個你探索在這片土地上獨特的身份認同,並溫柔地面對文化適應與轉變所帶來的壓力與挑戰。抱持著對每位個案背景文化及生命經驗的深切尊重,我致力於幫助兒童、青少年與移民家庭改善親子關係,提供情緒調節技巧及針對跨時代創傷、哀傷與失落的全人療癒。

我們的來時路自非坦途,風雨兼程;只為抵達此地、從容駐足、並繼續前行。
在這裡,你的故事能被細心承載與珍惜。無論你處在人生的哪一段,我都深感榮幸,能在你生命中的某段旅程中陪伴著你。

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Britta Nielsen

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Britta Nielsen, MA, MHC

Outpatient Therapist

I deeply believe that our inherent capacity for lifelong growth and change equips us with the ability to navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My therapeutic work builds on clients’ innate strengths, values, and aspirations; clients are the experts on their lives. I work collaboratively with individuals toward positive, meaningful change, honoring personal values while fostering resilience for future challenges. I believe that healing can take place when clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences.

With a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State University, I had the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds, addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and other adverse life experiences. Central to my practice is creating a nonjudgmental, compassionate, nurturing and supportive environment where clients feel truly heard and accepted.

Currently training to be EMDR-certified, I use a client-centered approach, integrating modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and Mindfulness-Based therapy, along with other approaches tailored to every client’s unique circumstances and needs.

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Eilis Quinn, MDCS Intern

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Eilis Quinn, MDCS Intern

Antioch University

I believe that therapy should encompass compassion and care for the whole person. I study dance/movement therapy as well as couples and family therapy, to understand how the body and mind are connected. Humans communicate both with our words and body language and by bringing awareness to what is going on in our minds and bodies we can communicate better with ourselves and others. I work to create an open and accepting environment where we can work collaboratively to establish your goals, enhance your strengths, and explore what brings you here. My approach is client centered and strengths-based. I want to meet you where you are and work together to discover where you would like to go.

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Marie F. Downey 

Marie Downey

Marie F. Downey, LICSW

outpatient therapist

As a licensed social worker and mental health counselor I have been working with individuals for over 30 years seeking solutions to their problems as well as relief from mental and emotional suffering. I am experienced in accompanying those with deep wounding, trauma and loss as they heal.

I see my role as being a guide during the healing journey believing that pain and wounding often manifests through mental, emotional and substance use disorders. Self-compassion becomes a key to healing.

I am a founding Vice President of Modern Assistance Programs Inc., an employee assistance program that specializes in mental health and substance use disorder. More recently I was the Founder and Executive Director of Boston Education, Skills & Training (BEST) where I brought a holistic view to the field of education and workforce development. The staff of BEST, from bookkeeper to educators, were trained with a trauma-informed lens and in mindfulness practices.
I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Boston College in 1994 and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
I have trained in various modalities including, Healing Trauma, Safe and Sound Protocol, Polyvagal theory, Deep Brain Reorienting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Heart -Centered Hypnotherapy, Self-havening techniques, AEDP, breathwork, mindfulness and meditation. Together we will determine the best approach for you.

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Brianna Price, MDCS Intern

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Brianna Price, MA MHC

outpatient therapist

As a mental health counselor, I work with children, teens, adults, and couples to support their emotional well-being and personal growth. With a warm, client-centered approach, strive to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, relationship struggles, anger-management, grief and life transitions.

Utilizing my training from Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling program, I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Family Systems Therapy, and Mindfulness to create a safe, supportive space where healing and change can happen.  I believe that modalities can be altered and combined to create an individualized approach specific to each unique client. I view mental health through a holistic lens that integrates the client’s mind, body, and environment.

My goal is to help clients build on their strengths and develop practical tools for lasting well-being by providing a space that respectfully reveals their potential tools and resources.  Everyone is deserving of support and I am always honored to witness my clients’ journey towards their best selves.

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Christina McDonald, MDCS Intern

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Christina McDonald, MA MHC

outpatient therapist

I believe that every person is inherently good and has the ability to better themselves. As a therapist my goal is to create a safe and accepting space to face the challenges blocking you from mental wellbeing. Developing a strong sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance is essential in releasing yourself from judgmental thoughts that do not serve you. I use a person-centered approach which focuses on understanding the world through your personal experiences and emphasizing your strengths. I will work alongside you to guide you in exploring your experiences which will reveal the path to self-discovery and personal growth.

 

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Meghan Earle, LMHC

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Meghan Earle, LMHC

Clinical Intake Coordinator, Outpatient Therapist

As a Mental Health Counselor, I work collaboratively with individuals and couples to achieve their desired goals. I believe that one of the most important components of therapy is a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship and I strive to provide a therapeutic space that is safe, supportive, and free from judgement. As a graduate of Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling program, I place specific emphasis on understanding the identity and context of each client and cater my therapeutic approaches to meet their identified goals. In order to meet the distinct needs of each client, I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations including person-centered, cognitive behavioral, family systems, psychodynamic, and mindfulness. I treat a range of mental health needs including depression, anxiety, anger management, life transitions, relationships issues, trauma, and others. In addition to reducing client symptoms, my goal as a therapist is to help clients better know and understand themselves and feel capable of navigating through the many stressors that occur throughout the lifespan.

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Maria Mantilla

Maria Mantilla

Maria Mantilla, M.A. MHC

outpatient therapist

I believe we are in constant growth and change. We have known the actual version of ourselves, however there is always room for more. As a therapist, my passion and role is supporting people as they explore and get to know themselves better. In our sessions together, we will use holistic approaches that will adapt to the therapy process with the purpose of creating an enjoyable and deeper journey. Together we will build a safe space free from any judgement, and find the adequate tools to go through different life experiences.

I think of therapy as the time we can dedicate ourselves for wondering, discovering, reframing, and healing. I hope I can serve as a tool to reach your goals, by creating awareness and unconditional positive regard.

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