Meet Our Team.
Julia Tucker Wood, LMFT
Julia is an accomplished Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over two decades of professional experience. Her expertise lies in supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate life's various transitions. Specializing in fostering healthy relationships, Julia assists both couples and individuals seeking clarity and stability in their lives.
Utilizing a diverse approach, Julia offers traditional therapy sessions alongside personalized one-on-one coaching and group sessions focused on relationship development. Her dedication to empowering her clients to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships sets her apart in her field.
Tony Augustine, MEd, LADC
“Chances are you or a family member is affected by addiction. It is a heartbreaking disease but there is A WAY OUT!”
Tony specializes in addiction treatment and education, offering a person-centered, individualized, and holistic approach. With over twenty years of experience, he employs clinically proven strategies to guide individuals and families towards recovery. Tony welcomes clients aged 17 and older, providing support and education throughout their journey to a new life. Additionally, he addresses co-occurring disorders, helping those who struggle with addiction alongside mental health issues.
Recognizing the impact on families, Tony supports loved ones coping with the effects of addiction, fostering dignity and compassion in his practice. He is available for family meetings and group presentations, aiming to provide comprehensive support to those affected by addiction.
Leah Russack-Baker,Ed.D, LADC, AADC, CCTP, CCFP
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor | Clinical Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Professional
With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, Dr. Leah Russack-Baker brings a compassionate, strength-based approach to her work with adults and families. She specializes in co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, helping individuals break free from harmful patterns and reconnect with purpose, self-agency, and emotional regulation.
Leah integrates mindfulness, self-compassion, and a self-parenting model to support healing from trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of addiction—whether firsthand or within families. She has extensive experience working with first responders, healthcare professionals, military-affiliated individuals, and adult children of dysfunction.
In addition to her clinical work, Leah is a community wellness and resiliency trainer and holds advanced certifications in trauma and addiction counseling. She draws from decades of experience in hospitals, schools, and outpatient settings across Connecticut.
Leah holds degrees from the University of Connecticut, University of New Haven, and Nova Southeastern University. She is deeply committed to helping clients build a healthier life with balance, intention, and hope.
Outside of work, Leah finds renewal through martial arts (she’s a third-degree black belt in Muay Thai and blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), service to her community, and cheering on her college-aged son on the lacrosse field.
Karyn Hester
My therapy practice focuses on creating a warm, welcoming, safe space to foster creativity, openness, and genuine sharing, empowering individuals to make positive changes. My therapeutic approach is individualized to client needs, and incorporates evidence-based techniques to improve self-awareness, cognitive restructuring, distress tolerance, interpersonal relationships, and build skills and protective factors for overall improvement in emotional and behavioral regulation. In addition to talk therapy, I embrace role playing, problem-solving activities, mindfulness, and between session skill practice into my work.
I am a National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). DBT Certified. I specialize in adolescent and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I encourage you to reach out today and begin making positive changes in your life.
Monday evenings in-person, virtual Wednesday evenings
LPC specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, life transitions, grief with ages 16-28; and mid-age adults 45-65 years - individual sessions only
Self-pay only
Contact: 860-322-2082
Stephanie Reilly
Mental health is as vital as physical health, and I encourage my patients to seek the care they deserve. If you're struggling with behavioral health, prioritize self-care by speaking with a board-certified provider.
Treatment is a journey, and my approach focuses on patient communication and symptom management. Medication often takes time to be fully effective, and combining it with therapy is key. My office at Clear Water Counseling Services in Old Saybrook, CT, offers access to licensed therapists who help patients understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Maureen Kapij
My work with you will focus on empowering you to be the strongest version of yourself. I have worked with children, teens, adults and couples struggling with anxiety, low self esteem, depression, school avoidance and marital conflict. Each situation is different and each person brings strengths and needs to the therapeutic experience. I work to help strengthen your relationships, improve your coping skills and practice healthy routines on the path to wellness.
I have been working with children, teens, adults, couples and families for over 25 years. I use evidence based techniques to encourage positive growth. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work in 2000 from the University of CT School of Social Work and I have worked in a variety of settings, including public school and outpatient therapy.
I encourage you to reach out today and take the first step toward wellness. I look forward to meeting you.
Rachel
Rachel
Mike
Mike