Who We Are
We are a unique collection of eccentric and effective professionals who pride ourselves on being real people. We offer the highest quality services to those motivated enough to seek help. People who choose to work with us are seeking real change.
We practice client centered counseling that increases a person’s skills, insight, and ability to manage their emotions. Our goal is always to empower our clients to create a better life for themselves and their loved ones.
Our motto is "We like stuff that works."
We are down to earth people who don’t judge and won’t tell you how to live your life. You tell us what you need; we’ll help you get it.
Counselors
Jim LaPierre, LCSW, CCS
Jim is Higher Ground's Executive and Clinical Director. He holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and has over twenty six years of combined experience as a dual diagnosis clinician, clinical supervisor, and crisis interventionist. Jim also writes a popular blog, Recovery Rocks, for the Bangor Daily News. Jim offers a dual diagnosis/recovery group every Tuesday.
Chelsea Mucciarone, LCSW
Chelsea holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maine. She works with both children and adults. She enjoys utilizing client-centered techniques that take from cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and attachment therapies. She works with clients from an empathic perspective and seeks to build meaningful therapeutic relationships in order to assist in the processes of change and growth.
Melanie Marchman, LMSW-cc
Melanie holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Maine. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Studio Art from Georgetown University, as well as a nursing degree from the University of New Mexico. Melanie worked as a nurse for ten years before entering the field of mental health. Her background in both humanities and biological science informs a framework of healing that involves the whole person, with an integrative approach that uplifts the strengths and resiliency in each individual, as well as acknowledging and strengthening community. Her work with clients focuses on healing from PTSD, as well as a trauma-informed approach to a variety of mental and behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance use. Melanie works to foster a space for whole-person wellness and integration, where safety and respect can create the conditions for healing.
Dan Robbins, LCSW
Dan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a therapist in the Bangor area since 2013. He is an eclectic therapist who combines elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Play Therapy; and Attachment Therapy to work with individuals across the lifespan. He is additionally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Flash Technique. He has particular specialties in working with people with mood disorders; working with people with Autism; and doing trauma work. Dan holds the belief that building and maintaining healthy, supportive relationships is a cornerstone of a healthy life.
Janice Gillen, LMSW-cc
Janice Gillen holds a master’s degree in social work-clinical concentration from the University of Maine at Orono. She has worked and provided outpatient psychotherapy in the Bangor area for 16 years. She uses an eclectic, trauma informed approach, using various modalities tailored to meet the individual. She specializes in working with young adults, couples, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and co-occurring disorders. She is nationally certified in TF-CBT.
Justin Umel, LCSW
Justin is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has worked in the Bangor area as a psychotherapist since graduating with his Master's Degree in Social Work in 2010 from the University of Maine. Specializing in trauma recovery and identity related issues, his primary focus is in helping clients empower themselves in addressing areas including: childhood bullying/abuse/neglect, Intimate Partner
Violence, religion/spirituality, race/culture, as well as historical/generational trauma.
He works from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective to therapy, and uses an eclectic mixture of modalities including: Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR. Justin takes a holistic approach to therapy that is sensitive to the individual’s life experience, their “mind/body/spirit connection” and is informed by his own experiences with travel, cultural identity, and lifelong study of the martial arts. Fluent in Spanish, Justin also offers services for Spanish speakers.
Kelly McLaughlin, LCSW
Kelly is a Clinical Therapist, holding a Master’s in Clinical Social Work since 2006. She is passionate about assisting others in healing, recovery and wellness. Kelly’s approach is interactive, warm and accepting. She practices cultural humility and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.
Kelly offers tools that can be used immediately to increase coping, feelings of safety, calm and belonging. Kelly uses trauma informed, strength- based approaches including: Mindfulness, CBT, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, DBT, and Thera Play. Kelly believes imagination and creativity are key to overcoming life’s challenges. She is patient and willing to collaborate. Kelly works with a variety of conditions, including: Trauma, anxiety, depression, anger issues, addictions, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and autism. In her off time, Kelly enjoys her family and friends, learning, reading, meditation, gardening, visual art, her cats and the natural world.
Suzie Boutilier, LMSW-cc
Suzie has 20+ years of experience working with survivors of domestic abuse and can offer support, validation, and person-centered services to survivors. She is certified in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC) and has received instruction in Recovery Coaching. Suzie has training
in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Strengths-Based Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (SBCBT) and uses a person-in-environment approach, coming from a place of curiosity rather than judgement. She is passionate about normalizing the concept of accessing
mental health services as a significant part of self-care. Suzie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mental Health and Human Services with a concentration on Substance Use from the University of Maine Augusta. She also holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. Personally, Suzie enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and traveling. Suzie uses she/her pronouns.
Garrett Boardway LCSW
Garrett holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maine, and has worked in a clinical setting since receiving his license (LMSW-cc) in December of 2020. He works primarily with teens and adults, and approaches therapy from a client centered perspective using Motivational Interviewing techniques coupled with skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Garrett's use of mindfulness, humor, compassion, and authenticity mixed with the belief that therapy is an organic process helps him to foster strong and lasting therapeutic relationships with clients. Garrett is a lifelong martial artist, enjoys hiking, and has a love of boardgames.
Misty Beylerian, LCPC-c
Misty holds a bachelors degree from UMA Bangor in Mental Health and Human Services. She is MRHT/c certified and CADC licensed. Misty is currently providing substance abuse services and case management at Higher Ground Services. She has hands on experience in the field with an array of life experiences that help her provide the best services she can for her clients. Misty enjoys helping people navigate systems in order to live happy healthy lives. Advocacy is very important to Misty and she enjoys meeting people where they are at and helping her clients find and use their voice.
Lisa Colby, LMSW-cc
Lisa holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University. She is trauma
informed and can help people heal using mindfulness techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy. Lisa works to help clients build resiliency and make progress towards their individual goals. Her approach is person-centered and she strives to build a supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients. She serves kids, teens, and adults and is a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and pets every day. She likes adventure and hiking, being on, in, or near the water, and exploring the world through travel.
Kate Maginn LMSW-cc
Kate received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maine in Orono in 1996 and later returned for her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on serving rural communities. Kate has a background working with victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence as well as individuals working through trauma and substance use issues. Utilizing techniques from CBT, Polyvagal Theory and Narrative Therapy, she aims to provide a comfortable atmosphere for individuals to grow, learn, connect and heal.
Kate also brings a strong background in yoga studies and often uses sensory modalities in her work with clients. Based on her education, professional roles and personal experience, she approaches therapeutic work from a mind-body perspective and believes in the importance of bringing the physical being into the healing process.
Kate enjoys goofing around with her teenage son, caring for her angora rabbits & loud cat, watching stand-up comedy and taking naps whenever it seems appropriate.
Jordan Harper, LCPC
Jordan holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Husson University. Jordan works with children and adults to provide support with mental health, psychsocial, trauma, and relational challenges. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Reality Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy, Attachment Therapies, Family Systems Theory, and Trauma and Solution Focused.
Jordan believes that developing the therapeutic relationship and fostering an environment where the client feels non-judged, supported, and most of all safe, is essential to effective change. She takes an empathic and strengths-based approach and believes in meeting her clients where they're at. She focuses on improving self-esteem, self-love, self-care, and overall view of self and emphasizes client self-reflection and accountability throughout the process of change.
Grace Eye LCPC-c
Grace is a mental health therapist who works under a person-centered approach, always ensuring her clients know authenticity, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. She ensures that clients experience a safe and nonjudgemental environment. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy using mindfulness and has experience using art therapy and play therapy techniques with clients. Grace has worked with clients of all stages of life with diverse backgrounds. She has experience in working with LGBTQ+ community members, and treating anxiety, self-esteem, depression, grief/loss and much more.
Grace holds a BA in Developmental Psychology and Child Development from the University of Maine and a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Husson University. Grace has 10 years of experience in the mental health field, and has been practicing counseling since 2021.
Laurie Mouradian, LCPC-c
Laurie holds a dual MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Human Relations from Husson University, an MS from Emory University in Anatomy and Cell Biology, and an ScD from Boston University in Therapeutic Studies. She is also an Art Therapist and an Occupational Therapist.
Laurie has experience working with clients who are experiencing stress, life transitions, loss, trauma, grief, and anxiety. She believes having a sense of purpose and meaning in life is critical and that counseling can help us regain our authentic selves.
She has worked with clients across the lifespan from older adults coping with transitions to children with sensory processing issues. She has a special interest in helping clients with perinatal mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, infertility, infant & pregnancy loss, and adoption. Laurie describes her therapeutic approach as pragmatic realism with a deep respect for how our past, especially traumatic experiences, can influence us. When she is not working, Laurie enjoys reading, gardening, art journaling, antiquing, going to camp; and spending time with her family members who have fur and paws.
Elizabeth Curtis, CADC
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She holds multiple certifications in Substance Use Prevention along with her CADC. She is passionate about working with all populations, but those who are in recovery hold a special place in her heart. Elizabeth is dedicated to her role and providing support to those who need it. Elizabeth believes that every person has potential to overcome their challenges. She enjoys meeting people where they are at and connecting them to resources whenever possible. When she's not at the office, you can find Elizabeth in her garden or enjoying an iced coffee at the nearest Dunkin Donuts.
Taylor Kelley, LCPC
Taylor started working as a therapist in 2020 after graduating with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University, and is currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He has also previously worked as an intern at the Penobscot Nation Tribal Court assisting with regular court matters as well as working in the Healing to Wellness program. He works with teens and adults and has a special interest in serving individuals who have experienced trauma, addiction, and domestic violence. Taylor considers himself eclectic in that he is a fan of whatever modality or approach helps clients reach their goals, and takes a client-centered approach. He believes that the relationship between client and clinician is what makes therapy work. He feels that therapy should never be boring and he encourages clients to have a sense of ownership in the work they do together.
Jenn Brown, LCPC-c
Jenn received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Husson University. She brings passion for helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. With over 20 years of supporting survivors of domestic violence, Jenn is committed to empowering her clients on their journey toward healing and resilience.
Jenn works with clients of all ages. Her approach is eclectic, drawing from a variety of techniques to meet each individual’s unique needs. She integrates principles from Strength-Based Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness practices, and Motivational Interviewing to create a holistic, trauma-informed environment.
Jenn believes in the power of resiliency, self-care, and safety. Her work is grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their challenges, build on their strengths, and make meaningful progress toward their goals. She is dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their power, overcome obstacles, and foster lasting change.
David Okulski, LCPC-c
David received his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Husson University. He works with clients of all ages and has a special interest in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety and loss. His approach to counseling is through an existential lens; allowing each client’s unique individual goals/strengths/beliefs to shape their own healing process. David aims to provide a trauma-informed, safe therapeutic space for all clients. He integrates principles from Existentialism therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing to help form the counseling process. He firmly believes every client he sees is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be explored.
Administrative Team
Brigitte, Melody, Stephanie, Peggy, Amy & Jordan
The Administrative Team at Higher Ground Services consists of Brigitte, Melody, Stephanie, Peggy, Amy and Jordan. They take pride in providing a peaceful, safe atmosphere for every client. Brigitte is the owner and the queen of accounting. Melody is the Practice Manager. She is responsible for keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Stephanie is the Billing Manager. She ensures compliance in billing and Maine Care authorizations. Amy is our scheduling department. She manages all of our providers schedules. Peggy and Jordan will greet you warmly upon entering our office and confirm your appointments. Their duties behind the scenes are too numerous to list. We are proud of all of our people, but our admin staff are the first point of contact for those we serve and everything we do is made possible by them!
Bruiser
Bruiser holds an Associates Degree in stress management. He works with all clients, ensuring that their time at Higher Ground Services is comfortable and that they get the attention they deserve. He'll sniff out any issue beneath the client's surface, ensuring that nothing is missed.
Bruiser accepts all forms of insurance, including Anthem Blue Collar Blue Hankercheif, ear rubs, and treats.