Meet the Team
Molly Crossman Ruiz, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
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Molly is passionate about providing effective and accessible DBT services to sensitive individuals and their families. Molly received her PhD in clinical psychology from Yale University in 2019. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship in adolescent psychopathology at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School’s 3East DBT Programs. After completing her fellowship, Molly remained at 3East and Harvard Medical School as a staff psychologist and an instructor in psychology, respectively. Prior to graduate school, Molly received her BA in psychology and child development from Tufts University and an AA from Bard College at Simon’s Rock.
Molly has experience using individual, group, family, and milieu treatments with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, and other forms of emotion dysregulation (e.g., trauma, depression, anxiety) using DBT. Molly is also passionate about teaching and training and has provided training to students at all levels from undergraduate to licensed professionals. Molly is currently licensed in Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.
Molly is also an expert on human-animal interaction and the effects of interactions with animals on human mental health. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters on these topics, and her work has been featured in outlets such as the Washington Post, Psychology Today, Vox, and Vice News.
Amy Battey, MBA
Pronouns: She/her/hers
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Amy is dedicated to ensuring that operations run smoothly, while working with the team to build long-term solutions that suit the unique needs of the business, staff, and our clients. Amy is obtaining her MBA from Providence College in May 2024, and prior to that received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Associate’s in Chemical Dependency from Keene State College.
In addition to behavioral health operations management, Amy has experience in residential and detoxification settings working with mental health and substance use disorders.
Nora Gerardi, PsyD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
DIRECTOR OF DBT TRAINING & ADHERENCE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES
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Nora is committed to providing evidence-based treatments, and in therapy, she strives to form real relationships with clients that are grounded in mutual respect, curiosity, warmth, and compassion. Nora aims to support clients feeling connected to themselves and others in authentic ways, balancing acceptance and change around emotions, thoughts, and behavior patterns that interfere with their goals.
Nora received her PsyD in school psychology from St. John's University in 2018. She completed her externship, predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants (CBC). At CBC, Nora developed expertise in DBT for adolescents, adults, and families, and in 2021 she became a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™. Prior to graduate school, Nora received her BA in psychology from the University of Connecticut.
In addition to being part of the DBT Works team, Nora is a Staff Psychologist at McLean Hospital in the School Consultation Service. As a school consultant, Nora works with schools in MA around implementing evidence-based interventions within the school setting. She also supports school-based mental health teams with navigating and managing burnout associated with the increasing mental health demands of students. Nora previously worked in the 3East Outpatient DBT Program at McLean Hospital as well, providing comprehensive DBT to adolescents and families. Prior to joining the team at McLean Hospital, Nora was the Assistant Training Director and Coordinator of Consultation Services at CBC. Nora has extensive experience with training both graduate students and mental health professionals in DBT, as well as consulting to schools on the implementation of DBT. Clinically, Nora specializes in delivering comprehensive DBT and treating Bordeline Personality Disorder, suicide and self-harm behaviors, and PTSD. In addition to DBT, Nora has expertise in delivering CBT to adolescents and adults with anxiety and mood disorders. Nora also maintains an appointment as an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queens College.
Nora has co-authored several book chapters, focusing on utilizing CBT and DBT strategies. She has presented research at the Association for Behavior and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of DBT (ISITDBT), and the American Psychological Association (APA) conferences, as well as internationally at the Caribbean Well-Being Conference in St. Maarten. Nora has also been featured in outlets such as the Huffington Post, Bustle, and MyFitnessPal.
Sarah Immerman, PsyD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SERVICES
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Sarah is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and evidence-based interventions with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families. Sarah previously served as a staff psychologist in McLean’s 3East DBT Residential Program, providing comprehensive DBT to adolescents and young adults and their families. She attended Barnard College of Columbia University as an undergraduate student and then earned her Master of Science and doctoral degree at Long Island University (LIU) Post in New York. She completed her internship at Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and her postdoctoral fellowship at the 3East Residential Program at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
One of her clinical specialties is providing compassionate care for individuals who have borderline personality disorder symptoms and struggle with social pragmatics. For over 10 years, Sarah has spent her summers at Camp HASC, an overnight camp for children and adults with profound special needs. Additionally, Sarah is also passionate about being an advocate for mental health services and awareness within the Orthodox Jewish community. In addition to delivering dialectical behavior therapy, she is certified in TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy) and PCIT (parent-child interaction therapy).
Alan E. Fruzzetti, PhD
Pronouns: He/him/his
Senior Consultant
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Alan is a 1965 graduate of Mrs. Wiggins’ Sunshine Kindergarten, where his artwork was not well-received. Prior to becoming a psychologist and professor, Alan had moderately successful careers as a dish and pot washer, short-order cook, and as a fish farmer in the Amazon River basin. He is an Eagle Scout, decent down-hill skier, was for a time a licensed SCUBA diver, once came in 2nd in a racquetball tournament (although it was in a lower division), and enjoys taking saunas, watching movies, riding his bicycle, growing vegetables, traveling, cooking, and fixing or building things out of wood. His pesto, paella, matzoh balls, cioppino, and huevos rancheros are enjoyed by friends and family. Most importantly, Alan is happily married to a very patient woman and has four wonderful adult children.
For more on Alan’s career and experience, see his full bio.
Briana Carbone, LICSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT & TRAUMA SERVICES
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Briana is a licensed independent clinical social worker who values providing accessible and adherent DBT services to children, adolescents and their families. Briana received her MSW from Springfield College and is currently completing her Doctorate in Social Work at Simmons University. She spent several years working as a clinician in the 3East DBT Adolescent Outpatient Clinic at McLean Hospital, where she provided comprehensive outpatient DBT to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. She has experience in treating trauma-related problems and is trained in the DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT-PE) for the treatment of PTSD. Her clinical interests focus on child and adolescent emotion dysregulation (suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, depression, anxiety, and adolescent PTSD), working with parents to develop skills to take care of their own needs while supporting their sensitive children, and working with families.
Additionally, Briana is passionate about providing culturally responsive and anti-oppressive interventions both in her clinical work and on interdisciplinary teams. Briana is currently licensed in the state of Massachusetts.
Addison Kay, BA
Pronouns: He/him/his
Clinical Associate
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Addison Kay is a DBT educator and tutor. He graduated from McLean Hospital’s post-baccalaureate child and adolescent fellowship where he worked as a clinical residence counselor and then as a DBT educator at McLean’s 3East DBT Residential Programs. Addison is passionate about adapting DBT curriculum to suit the needs of clients, and enjoys creating new engaging activities and assignments. Addison received his Bachelor's degree from Pitzer College in southern California. In the fall of 2024, he will begin a Masters in Social Work program at Boston College where he plans on studying trauma and early childhood. In his free time, Addison enjoys hiking and rock climbing.
Christina Colantonio
Office Coordinator
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Christina is enthusiastic and friendly with a passion for helping others and building positive relationships. She is driven to maintaining an efficient and welcoming office environment for clients, families, and staff. Christina has previously worked as a healthcare administrator in general, developmental and behavioral health pediatric practices. When she is not working, Christina enjoys traveling to Disney and going to concerts with her daughter. She is also a lover of all animals and enjoys bird watching in her backyard.
Domenica Hudy, LCSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Therapist
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Domenica Hudy is an outpatient therapist with a focus on DBT therapy, dedicated to empowering adolescents and young adults. She holds a Masters of Social Work from Merrimack College, where she was a graduate fellow in college counseling. Her professional journey includes an internship at McLean Hospital in the Gunderson Outpatient program, where she honed her skills in working with adults with personality disorders and developed her interest in DBT.
Before transitioning to therapy, Domenica was a high school teacher, bringing a unique perspective to her current role that allows her to integrate her educational expertise into her therapeutic practice. Joining the DBT Works team has allowed her to combine her passion for helping adolescents and young adults navigate life's challenges while implementing evidence-based DBT techniques. Domenica is committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can cultivate resilience and achieve personal growth.
Emily George, LCSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Therapist
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Emily is a licensed clinical social worker with a commitment to providing person-centered, holistic mental health care for clients from many walks of life. In 2022, Emily graduated from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research with her Masters in Social Services, with a focus in Clinical Care. Through working in a variety of settings, from specialized schools to transitional housing case management to outpatient therapy, Emily discovered her passion for working with children, adolescents, families, and LGBTQ+ individuals. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, community organizing, line dancing and singing in her community choir. Emily is currently licensed in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
Joy O’Brien, PMHNP-BC
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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Joy is a dually board certified family medicine and psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience working in multicultural settings across the lifespan for medical and psychiatric needs. She specializes in trauma, substance use, and dual diagnosis treatment, and is comfortable working with clients where they are and helping them reach their goals of more integration and adaptive coping skills. Joy believes medication is only one tool in the approach to a healthy life and is happy to work with each person as an individual to help them achieve their best and most effective lives. She has an overview level of comfort with different therapeutic techniques but is eager to delve more into DBT after seeing how effective the approach is in helping people overcome their own barriers.
When she's not working, Joy enjoys sailing, hiking, biking, and improv comedy, and she thinks life is always better with a dog.
Trystan Melas, BA
Pronouns: He/him/his
Clinical Associate
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Trystan Melas is a clinical associate. He previously worked as a lab manager researching emotion regulation and substance use at State University of New York at Geneseo where he received his Bachelor's degree. Trystan is excited to integrate his interests in providing DBT education with social justice. Further, he is a ardent about expanding mental health literacy especially among disadvantaged populations. Additionally, he enjoys running, reading, and watching the TV show Survivor.
Olivia Buckley, BA
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Clinical Associate
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Olivia Buckley is currently a Clinical Associate at DBT Works. She recently graduated from Wake Forest University, where she worked in 3 different research labs with both psychology and communications professors. She has been passionate about mental health and interested in working in clinical psychology since her freshman year of college. Her specific interest lies in examining DBT therapy and its optimal application for enhancing interpersonal relationships. Outside of work, she finds enjoyment in running, visiting the beach, and spending time with her dog.
Matt Eisner, PsyD
Pronouns: He/they
Postdoctoral Fellow
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Matt (He/They) is a dedicated postdoctoral fellow with a specialization in supporting the LGBTQ community through culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions. They hold a PsyD from William James College, as well as a master’s and bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose. Matt has completed their advanced clinical training at Clark and Bentley Universities and fulfilled an APA-accredited internship at the University of New Hampshire's Counseling Center.
Beyond their professional work, Matt is deeply passionate about social and environmental justice. In their personal time, they enjoy exploring nature with their partner, often hiking when not engaged in work. Additionally, Matt will very likely either be on a hike, playing with their small house panther (a black cat), and learning and practicing photography.
Alexander Smoolca, MA
Pronouns: He/him/his
Practicum Student Clinician
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Alexander Smoolca is an advanced practicum student at William James College pursuing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD). He has prior clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults at the school-based, inpatient, and outpatient level of care. Upon completing his program and receiving his license he hopes to specialize in the field of trauma and addiction. He is passionate about delivering evidenced-based and culturally sensitive care to populations in need. Outside of school and his training he enjoys working out, fishing, watching sports, and spending time with his friends.
Kara Crisafulli, MA
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Practicum Student Clinician
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Kara is a doctoral practicum student at DBT Works and is dedicated to supporting her patients through evidence-based interventions and helping them achieve their goals.
Kara received her en route Master’s Degree in 2024 and is completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at William James College, with a specific focus in child/adolescent psychology. Kara previously worked at McLean Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Institution (OCDI Jr) where she provided Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment to adolescents struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. Through her past clinical experience, she has gained competency in various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Kara’s clinical interests include adolescent anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder/trauma, and emotion dysregulation and she is passionate about pursuing research on exposure based interventions for adolescent comorbid trauma and OCD.
In her free time Kara enjoys playing with her dog, reading, going to the beach, and being a “Swiftie”.
Erika C. Esposito, PhD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Director of Research & Program Development
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Erika is dedicated to bridging psychological science with clinical care to ensure every client is
getting tailored and empirically supported treatment. Erika received her PhD in clinical
psychology with a developmental emphasis from the University of Rochester in 2023 under the
joint mentorship of Dr. Catherine R. Glenn and Elizabeth D. Handley and completed a 50%
clinical, 50% research postdoctoral fellowship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School’s
3East Adolescent DBT Residential Program. Prior to her graduate training, Erika received her
BA in psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University.
At DBT Works, Erika works closely with the clinical team to assess individual client change
over time and to support clinicians in using that information to inform treatment. She also
examines how effective DBT Works is as a practice and how adherent DBT impacts treatment
outcomes, broadly, among adolescents and young adults. Erika shares (de-identified) findings
from DBT Works at conferences, guest lectures, and in peer-review journals. Erika is also in the
process of pursuing MA licensure and continues to work clinically in private practice in
commitment to her clinical scientist values.
In addition to treatment-outcome research, Erika explores individualized risk and protective
factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth, with a particular focus on the impact of
interpersonal factors among LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults. She received grant funding
from American Psychological Foundation (2019), published in several peer reviewed journals,
and presented at a range of conferences.
Amanda Jackson, BS
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Operations & Finance Coordinator
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Amanda is committed to maintaining transparency and accuracy in all business and financial matters. She strives to contribute to the overall efficiency and success of DBT Works to ensure successful client experiences in all areas of the clinic.
She has worked in pediatric settings, startup environments, and hospital settings. Amanda has diverse experience in healthcare operations and administration, as well as expertise in insurance billing. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from DePaul University.
