Mental Health Group Interns 2024-2025
Annie Bedell, University of Vermont Counseling Program: Annie is a second-year graduate student at the University of Vermont, where she is pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the goal of becoming a licensed counselor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in History, also from UVM. Prior to her graduate studies, Annie gained valuable experience as a middle school educator. She is now eager to apply her skills and passion for working with children and families in a new and meaningful way. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Annie enjoys practicing yoga, taking walks, spending time at the beach, and playing guitar. She cherishes time spent with her family and friends.
Emma Caskey, University of Vermont Masters of Social Work Program: Emma (she/her) holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. She spent six years working as an elementary school teacher, including two years in Spain, where she also contributed to her community by coaching youth soccer teams. In addition to her teaching experience, Emma has developed expertise in transformative conflict mediation, birthing support, ADHD counseling, and grief work. She is deeply committed to supporting children and families in mental health care, with a particular focus on helping them navigate transitions, challenging periods, and perinatal and postpartum care. In her free time, Emma enjoys mountain biking, trail running with her dog, exploring good food with friends, and reading.
Marina Dimperio, University of Vermont Masters of Counseling Program: Marina (she/her) is excited to be completing her clinical internship at Essex Pediatrics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019. Marina has worked with children aged 0-12 in various non-clinical settings since her undergraduate years, during which she discovered her passion for supporting children’s growth and development. She is dedicated to fostering an accepting environment where children feel comfortable and confident in expressing their authentic selves. In her free time, Marina enjoys watching her favorite shows and movies, spending time with friends, and exploring new restaurants.
Jen Ellis, University of Vermont Masters of Counseling Program: Jen is transitioning to a second career as a therapist after spending seventeen years teaching in the public schools of Vermont and North Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys beekeeping, reading, writing, and making music with her family. Jen resides in Essex Junction with her wife and daughter.
Meredith Mashtare, University of Vermont Masters of Social Work Program: Meredith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 2022. She has since returned to her home state of Vermont to pursue a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Vermont (UVM). Meredith possesses experience as an Autism Interventionist and has previously worked and interned with the clinical team at the Jean Garvin School in Williston, VT. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys gardening, running, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.
Satinder Pabla, St Michael’s Masters in Clinical Psychology: Satinder has lived in New England her entire life, spending 13 years in New Hampshire before relocating to Vermont for high school, where she has remained ever since. She earned her undergraduate degree from Champlain College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Saint Michael’s College. In her free time, Satinder enjoys reading, working, socializing with friends, and occasionally indulging in a refreshing nap.
Dani Pollard, University of Vermont Masters of Counseling Program: Dani graduated from UVM with a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Dani has played on the Women’s soccer team both as an undergraduate and a graduate student. When she’s not in class, in session, or on the pitch, you can find her coaching soccer for the Burlington Football Club, playing guitar by the lake, biking, or hiking. Dani fosters an empowering, self-explorative, and safe environment and is energized by working with youth and their families.
Zynnia Seidita, Southern New Hampshire University Counseling Program: Zynnia (she/her) holds a BA in Communication from University at Buffalo. She has 10 years of experience as a Behavior Specialist, providing children and adolescents with a supportive environment that encourages open expression of emotions in a non-judgmental manner. Zynnia utilizes a holistic framework to support clients by addressing individual, relational, and systemic factors. She works through a person-centered lens and is committed to working with clients of all identities. Her counseling approach is rooted in empathy, acceptance, and leveraging the client’s strengths, with a focus on helping them change their intrusive thoughts. In her free time, Zynnia enjoys spending time with her family, including her dog Harley, and engaging in activities such as watercolor painting, strength training, walks with friends, yoga, boxing, and watching reality TV shows.