New Outlook Counseling Staff

Charlie began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central CT State University, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut. After obtaining his LCSW licensure, Charlie embarked on a fulfilling career, working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health issues.

Throughout his career, Charlie has gained invaluable experience in areas such as crisis intervention, family therapy, and substance abuse counseling. His deep understanding of mental health complexities has allowed him to create innovative and effective treatment approaches tailored to the unique needs of his clients.

As the Director of the Mental Health Counseling Program, Charlie leads a dedicated team of mental health professionals, offering supervision, guidance, and support to ensure the delivery of exceptional care to those in need. Under his leadership, the program has grown and broadened its range of services, positively impacting countless individuals and families in the community.

Charlie is an active member of various professional organizations, contributing his expertise to the development of best practices and advocacy for policies that promote mental health awareness and access to care. As a recognized expert in his field, he regularly speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing his insights and inspiring others to join the cause.

Outside of his professional life, Charlie is an enthusiastic traveler and nature lover, finding inspiration and tranquility in the great outdoors.

Charlie Coretto’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, along with his extensive experience and empathetic approach, make him an invaluable leader in the field of mental health counseling.

Judith earned her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University and did undergraduate work to earn her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Columbia University. She is a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Pi and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence and professional development.

With a person-centered approach, Judith creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, gain self-awareness, and work towards positive change. She has experience treating various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, and everyday stressors.

Before joining Catholic Charities of Fairfield County’s Behavioral Health Program, Judith was a part of Life Bridge Community Services, where she provided support in the Community Closet. She has also been actively engaged with the Fairfield County OCD Support Group since 2015.

Judith understands the importance of establishing a solid therapeutic alliance and employs evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of her clients. She is dedicated to helping clients develop coping skills, resilience, and self-compassion to navigate life’s challenges and improve their well-being.

In her personal life, Judith is a mother of four and enjoys spending quality time with her family and pets. In addition, she is an avid traveler and enjoys crafting and exploring new cultures in her spare time.

Lisa brings a wealth of experience from her MBA in Marketing and her extensive corporate background. As she navigates her practicum, Lisa is excited about the prospect of working with a diverse range of clients and remains open to discovering her specific areas of specialization.

Her approach to therapy is refreshingly straightforward—she’s all about helping clients achieve their goals for change while understanding the importance of each client’s unique journey. Lisa’s heart is wide open to working with clients from various backgrounds, embracing diversity in culture, sexuality, and spirituality.

Inspired by her deep curiosity about people’s relationships and life experiences, Lisa found her calling during the Covid-19 pandemic, realizing the profound impact she could make as a Marriage & Family Therapist. She emphasizes the importance of MFTs in creating positive changes in the lives of individuals, couples, and families, fostering love, mindfulness, and self-awareness.

As an active member of CTAMFT, Lisa looks forward to deepening her engagement, attending conferences, and networking events. She envisions a future for our profession where MFTs play a vital role in schools, communities, and corporations, promoting love and bridging family and relational connections.

Beyond her professional life, Sarah enjoys exploring new places and finds rejuvenation in nature. Whether traveling or meditating outdoors, she embraces the world with a sense of adventure and calm, enriching her work as a counselor with a grounded, empathetic perspective.

Kristine holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University, and throughout her career, she has honed her expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Greif Bereavement. Kristine has attained a certification in Compassionate Bereavement Care from the Center for Loss and Trauma, in collaboration with the MISS Foundation and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Family Trust. This diverse skill set enables her to tailor her approach to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the personalized care and attention they deserve.

In her role at Catholic Charities, Kristine works with clients of all ages, helping them navigate life’s challenges and develop the skills necessary to foster resilience, growth, and well-being. Her genuine empathy, attentive listening, and insightful guidance have made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families across Fairfield County. Sacred Heart University recognized Kristine’s remarkable achievements in the Social Work field, awarding her for her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Kristine is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of mental well-being. Her commitment to her clients and dedication to the Catholic Charities mission is truly inspiring, making her an invaluable member of our team.

At Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, we are proud to have Kristine Paz as part of our Mental Health Counseling Program. Her unwavering compassion and expertise continue to make a lasting impact on our community and the lives of those she serves.

Before joining Catholic Charities, Waleska was part of the executive team at HELP USA, a national leader in homeless prevention services. In this role, she provided permanent, transitional, and homeless prevention services to underserved populations in New York City. After several years of working in homeless prevention, Waleska decided to transition to a role in therapy, where she could focus on directly impacting the lives of individuals and families.

As a Clinician at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County’s Behavioral Health Program, Waleska adopts a holistic approach to providing short and long-term psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment in which clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and work toward personal growth and healing.

In her personal life, Waleska enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and engaging in various community activities. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to social justice shine through in all aspects of her work, making her an invaluable asset to the Catholic Charities team.

As a licensed professional counselor associate (LPCA), Celeste has completed extensive training and education to provide effective counseling services to individuals of all ages. With her in-depth understanding of the intricate relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, Celeste is equipped to help her clients overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. She is known for her compassionate and empathetic approach, which creates a safe and supportive environment for clients as they navigate difficult emotions and experiences.

Celeste offers a range of counseling services, including individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. She works with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures and is committed to creating a welcoming space for all who seek her help.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, Celeste is dedicated to helping you find the support and guidance you need to lead a fulfilling life.

Bartosz’s experience includes working as a Case Manager with people struggling with homelessness and mental illness at the Thomas Merton Family Center. By connecting them to resources, coaching them through the obstacles, and advocating on their behalf, Bartosz served the Bridgeport community with compassion and care.

Bartosz believes that if you can figure out the right questions to ask, the answers will become clear. He utilizes motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT skills focusing on interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance.

In his free time, Bartosz enjoys Historical European Martial Arts, hiking, and miniature war-gaming.