Meet the Team
Molly Crossman Ruiz, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
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Molly is passionate about providing effective and accessible DBT services to sensitive individuals and their families. Molly received her PhD in clinical psychology from Yale University in 2019. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship in adolescent psychopathology at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School’s 3East DBT Programs. After completing her fellowship, Molly remained at 3East and Harvard Medical School as a staff psychologist and an instructor in psychology, respectively. Prior to graduate school, Molly received her BA in psychology and child development from Tufts University and an AA from Bard College at Simon’s Rock.
Molly has experience using individual, group, family, and milieu treatments with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, and other forms of emotion dysregulation (e.g., trauma, depression, anxiety) using DBT. Molly is also passionate about teaching and training and has provided training to students at all levels from undergraduate to licensed professionals. Molly is currently licensed in Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.
Molly is also an expert on human-animal interaction and the effects of interactions with animals on human mental health. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters on these topics, and her work has been featured in outlets such as the Washington Post, Psychology Today, Vox, and Vice News.
Nora Gerardi, PsyD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
DIRECTOR OF DBT TRAINING & ADHERENCE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES
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Nora is committed to providing evidence-based treatments, and in therapy, she strives to form real relationships with clients that are grounded in mutual respect, curiosity, warmth, and compassion. Nora aims to support clients feeling connected to themselves and others in authentic ways, balancing acceptance and change around emotions, thoughts, and behavior patterns that interfere with their goals.
Nora received her PsyD in school psychology from St. John's University in 2018. She completed her externship, predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants (CBC). At CBC, Nora developed expertise in DBT for adolescents, adults, and families, and in 2021 she became a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™. Prior to graduate school, Nora received her BA in psychology from the University of Connecticut.
In addition to being part of the DBT Works team, Nora is a Staff Psychologist at McLean Hospital in the School Consultation Service. As a school consultant, Nora works with schools in MA around implementing evidence-based interventions within the school setting. She also supports school-based mental health teams with navigating and managing burnout associated with the increasing mental health demands of students. Nora previously worked in the 3East Outpatient DBT Program at McLean Hospital as well, providing comprehensive DBT to adolescents and families. Prior to joining the team at McLean Hospital, Nora was the Assistant Training Director and Coordinator of Consultation Services at CBC. Nora has extensive experience with training both graduate students and mental health professionals in DBT, as well as consulting to schools on the implementation of DBT. Clinically, Nora specializes in delivering comprehensive DBT and treating Bordeline Personality Disorder, suicide and self-harm behaviors, and PTSD. In addition to DBT, Nora has expertise in delivering CBT to adolescents and adults with anxiety and mood disorders. Nora also maintains an appointment as an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queens College.
Nora has co-authored several book chapters, focusing on utilizing CBT and DBT strategies. She has presented research at the Association for Behavior and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of DBT (ISITDBT), and the American Psychological Association (APA) conferences, as well as internationally at the Caribbean Well-Being Conference in St. Maarten. Nora has also been featured in outlets such as the Huffington Post, Bustle, and MyFitnessPal.
Rebecca Shaw, LMHC
Pronouns: She/her/hers
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Rebecca is a licensed mental health counselor who is passionate about providing person-centered care and evidence-based treatment. Her specialization in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) began at McLean Hospital’s 3East Residential Program where she had the pleasure of teaching and developing a DBT curriculum in the advanced classroom. Over the years, she has provided adherent DBT in residential, day program, and outpatient settings.
In 2022, Rebecca graduated from William James College with a Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her professional background includes working with children and families through in-home therapy, incarcerated males in a correctional facility, and clients with diverse needs in a community mental health clinic. Additionally, Rebecca is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. She strives to help clients make positive changes and build meaningful lives.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing music, crafting, and being in nature.
CLINICIAN
Alan E. Fruzzetti, PhD
Pronouns: He/him/his
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Alan is a 1965 graduate of Mrs. Wiggins’ Sunshine Kindergarten, where his artwork was not well-received. Prior to becoming a psychologist and professor, Alan had moderately successful careers as a dish and pot washer, short-order cook, and as a fish farmer in the Amazon River basin. He is an Eagle Scout, decent down-hill skier, was for a time a licensed SCUBA diver, once came in 2nd in a racquetball tournament (although it was in a lower division), and enjoys taking saunas, watching movies, riding his bicycle, growing vegetables, traveling, cooking, and fixing or building things out of wood. His pesto, paella, matzoh balls, cioppino, and huevos rancheros are enjoyed by friends and family. Most importantly, Alan is happily married to a very patient woman and has four wonderful adult children.
For more on Alan’s career and experience, see his full bio.
Senior Consultant
Briana Carbone, DSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
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Briana is a licensed independent clinical social worker who values providing accessible and adherent DBT services to children, adolescents and their families. Briana received her MSW from Springfield College and is currently completing her Doctorate in Social Work at Simmons University. She spent several years working as a clinician in the 3East DBT Adolescent Outpatient Clinic at McLean Hospital, where she provided comprehensive outpatient DBT to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. She has experience in treating trauma-related problems and is trained in the DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT-PE) for the treatment of PTSD. Her clinical interests focus on child and adolescent emotion dysregulation (suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, depression, anxiety, and adolescent PTSD), working with parents to develop skills to take care of their own needs while supporting their sensitive children, and working with families.
Additionally, Briana is passionate about providing culturally responsive and anti-oppressive interventions both in her clinical work and on interdisciplinary teams. Briana is currently licensed in the state of Massachusetts.
DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT & TRAUMA SERVICES
Ella Sharp, B.S.
Pronouns: She/her/hers
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Ella Sharp is currently a Clinical Associate at DBT Works. She recently graduated from Davidson College, where she earned her degree in Psychology and English. During her time at Davidson, she worked in several psychological research labs and completed an honors thesis evaluating positive psychology interventions for first-year college student well-being.
She also worked as an administrative assistant at a neuropsychology practice and volunteered with the Crisis Text Line. Ella's interest in clinical psychology began after shadowing on a psychiatric unit before her freshman year of college. Her clinical interests include implementing therapeutic interventions for adolescents and young adults experiencing psychological distress.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and being with family and friends.
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE
Christina Colantonio
Pronouns: She/her/hers
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Christina is enthusiastic and friendly with a passion for helping others and building positive relationships. She is driven to maintaining an efficient and welcoming office environment for clients, families, and staff. Christina has previously worked as a healthcare administrator in general, developmental and behavioral health pediatric practices. When she is not working, Christina enjoys traveling to Disney and going to concerts with her daughter. She is also a lover of all animals and enjoys bird watching in her backyard.
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Domenica Hudy, LCSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
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Domenica Hudy is an outpatient therapist with a focus on DBT therapy, dedicated to empowering adolescents and young adults. She holds a Masters of Social Work from Merrimack College, where she was a graduate fellow in college counseling. Her professional journey includes an internship at McLean Hospital in the Gunderson Outpatient program, where she honed her skills in working with adults with personality disorders and developed her interest in DBT.
Before transitioning to therapy, Domenica was a high school teacher, bringing a unique perspective to her current role that allows her to integrate her educational expertise into her therapeutic practice. Joining the DBT Works team has allowed her to combine her passion for helping adolescents and young adults navigate life's challenges while implementing evidence-based DBT techniques. Domenica is committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can cultivate resilience and achieve personal growth.
CLINICIAN
Karen Monroe, MD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
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Dr. Karen Monroe is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and has served as Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic at McLean Hospital since 2004. She is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and provides psychiatric care in McLean's 3East DBT Outpatient Clinic.
Dr. Monroe has a longstanding commitment to teaching and training the next generation of psychiatrists and has a special interest in fostering resilience in children and adolescents.
Justine Uhlenbrock, DNP, PMNHP-BC, MPH
Pronouns: She/her/hers
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
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Justine is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner across the lifespan for medical and psychiatric needs. She specializes in treating adolescents and young adults, including neurodivergence, post-traumatic stress, sexual health, and coping behaviors such as disordered eating, self-injury, and substance use. She is a graduate of Emory University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program and is a postdoctoral fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine.
In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, running, knitting, and she maintains a passion project “side hustle” teaching providers, parents, and teens on topics related to youth mental health.
Trystan Melas, BA
Pronouns: He/him/his
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE
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Trystan Melas is a clinical associate. He previously worked as a lab manager researching emotion regulation and substance use at State University of New York at Geneseo where he received his Bachelor's degree. Trystan is excited to integrate his interests in providing DBT education with social justice. Further, he is a ardent about expanding mental health literacy especially among disadvantaged populations. Additionally, he enjoys running, reading, and watching the TV show Survivor.
Olivia Buckley, BA
Pronouns: She/her/hers
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE
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Olivia Buckley is currently a Clinical Associate at DBT Works. She recently graduated from Wake Forest University, where she worked in 3 different research labs with both psychology and communications professors. She has been passionate about mental health and interested in working in clinical psychology since her freshman year of college. Her specific interest lies in examining DBT therapy and its optimal application for enhancing interpersonal relationships. Outside of work, she finds enjoyment in running, visiting the beach, and spending time with her dog.
Victoria Sheppard, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
CLINICIAN
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Dr. Victoria Sheppard is a licensed psychologist with specialized training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other evidence-based approaches for adolescents, young adults, and their families. She earned her master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Victoria completed her pre-doctoral internship at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in Massachusetts and went on to provide comprehensive DBT at McLean Hospital’s 3East Outpatient Program. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Boston College.
Over the past decade, Victoria has worked across outpatient clinics, public and private schools, and residential programs. In addition to her role on the DBT Works team, she is a therapist at The Be Center, where she offers parent coaching for caregivers of emotionally sensitive teens and young adults. Warm and collaborative, Victoria believes in the transformative power of quality, accessible services and is passionate about helping adolescents and young adults (and the people who support them) build skills, strengthen relationships, and create lives worth living.
Outside of work, Victoria enjoys gardening, vegan food, local coffee shops, and attending live music shows
Erika C. Esposito, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
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Erika is dedicated to bridging psychological science with clinical care to ensure every client is getting tailored and empirically supported treatment. Erika received her PhD in clinical psychology with a developmental emphasis from the University of Rochester in 2023 under the joint mentorship of Dr. Catherine R. Glenn and Elizabeth D. Handley and completed a 50% clinical, 50% research postdoctoral fellowship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School’s 3East Adolescent DBT Residential Program. Prior to her graduate training, Erika received her BA in psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University. At DBT Works, Erika works closely with the clinical team to assess individual client change over time and to support clinicians in using that information to inform treatment. She also examines how effective DBT Works is as a practice and how adherent DBT impacts treatment outcomes, broadly, among adolescents and young adults. Erika shares (de-identified) findings from DBT Works at conferences, guest lectures, and in peer-review journals. Erika is also in the process of pursuing MA licensure and continues to work clinically in private practice in commitment to her clinical scientist values. In addition to treatment-outcome research, Erika explores individualized risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth, with a particular focus on the impact of interpersonal factors among LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults. She received grant funding from American Psychological Foundation (2019), published in several peer reviewed journals, and presented at a range of conferences.
Amanda Jackson, BS
Pronouns: She/her/hers
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
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Amanda is committed to maintaining transparency and accuracy in all business and financial matters. She strives to contribute to the overall efficiency and success of DBT Works to ensure successful client experiences in all areas of the clinic.
She has worked in pediatric settings, startup environments, and hospital settings. Amanda has diverse experience in healthcare operations and administration, as well as expertise in insurance billing. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from DePaul University.
Jessica Fedorowicz, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
CLINICIAN
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Jessica is a licensed psychologist motivated to increase the capacity of adolescents and young adults, as well as their families, to accept and change in line with their goals. She aims to enhance treatment outcomes by being radically genuine, cultivating shared language, and working with clients to navigate barriers and help them build a life worth living.
Jessica received her doctorate in school psychology from the University of Massachusetts in 2020. Prior to graduate school, she completed her BA in psychology at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in New York. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral hours at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in MA, a residential treatment center and therapeutic school. She has provided direct clinical services for multiple years and transitioned into the role of clinical supervisor, specializing in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Jessica is passionate about evidence-based intervention on an individual, group, and systems-level.
Previously, Jessica has provided clinical oversight and risk management to support treatment fidelity for four adolescent high acuity DBT residential and group home programs, facilitated weekly clinical supervision to clinicians and doctoral interns, as well as organized implementation of Social Emotional Learning and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support in therapeutic school settings. She has been intensively trained in DBT through the Treatment Implementation Collaborative, receiving over 150 hours of targeted training, and is also a nationally certified school psychologist. She has authored and co-authored various articles and a book chapter. Jessica has also provided in-home therapy and numerous trainings to families and teachers to help increase mutual validation, encourage skill use, and reconstruct healthy relationships.
