Madelene is a licensed mental health counselor, Board Certified art therapist, and artist with a Master's degree in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since 2007, Madelene has been working with children and families with a history of abuse and neglect. In addition to children and families, Madelene 

also works with adolescents and adults with a diverse range of issues. Her

 areas of clinical expertise include: anxiety, depression, PTSD, racing thoughts, anger management, hyperactivity, bipolar disorder, parenting support, and navigating difficult life transitions.

Madelene is trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), cognitive behavioral trauma-focused therapy for children (TF-CBT), and is a Level One Certified Trauma-Informed Art Therapist. She uses an eclectic approach, incorporating her skills in Art Therapy with Positive Psychology, Focusing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to treat a diverse range of issues. As an art therapist, Madelene is trained in using the arts (drawing, painting, collage, journaling, poetry, sculpture, etc) to help her clients access and express their thoughts and feelings. Often, using the creative arts can help unblock or express an issue that cannot be accessed through words, and can help a client progress in treatment. Art therapy has been proven to be especially helpful for those who have difficulty with verbal expression, and for those with a history of trauma or PTSD. Madelene believes in using a client-centered, strengths-based and collaborative approach, working with each client or family to create a personal treatment plan that fully addresses her clients' needs.

Madelene enjoys working with people of all ages, and uses art therapy to help her clients gain perspective, awareness and comfort. From 2007-2011 she traveled to Uganda multiple times to facilitate development projects through the arts. She has presented her work at Lesley University, Endicott College, the American Art Therapy Association and the New England Art Therapy Association. Madelene is passionate about using the arts to strengthen communities, break-down stereotypes and create positive social change.