MEET OUR TEAM

Denise Santangelo

PhD(c), JD, LPC, ADHD-CCSP

ADHD Certified Specialist

I specialize in mental health care across the lifespan, working with children struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum challenges, and social anxiety. I also provide therapy for adults of all genders, with a focus on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, executive functioning, organization, impulse control, and mood disorders. I am a Certified ADHD Counselor and I have specialized training in women's mental health, supporting those navigating hormonal transitions such as PMDD, perimenopause, postmenopause, and postpartum, as well as anxiety and depression related (or unrelated) to these changes. Additionally, I integrate nutrition and healthy sleep routines to support overall mental and emotional well-being.

Denise's Credentials

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut (LPC). I have earned my Doctorate in Law (JD), I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD), I have earned my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS), and a Bachelor's in Sociology (BS). I am specifically trained in Play Therapy, Complex Trauma in Children, Adolescents and Teens, Anxiety Treatment in Children & Teens, ADHD Treatment in Children and Adults, Grief Counseling, Family Counseling, Flash Technique, and other concentrations.

Heather Noriega

LPCA, specifically trained in ADHD

Heather Noriega is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with extensive experience supporting children, families, and individuals navigating complex emotional and relational challenges. Her work is deeply rooted in a trauma-informed approach, with a strong foundation in family systems, caregiver support, and helping clients build stability, safety, and meaningful change in their daily lives.

Heather has spent years working within child and family service systems across Fairfield County, including her role as Director of IPV-FAIR & Youth Programs at Family Reentry–CRJ, where she led a multidisciplinary team supporting families impacted by trauma and intimate partner violence. Through this work, she developed a high level of clinical judgment, a deep understanding of family dynamics, and a passion for helping both children and caregivers feel more connected, supported, and empowered.

She brings a calm, grounded presence to her work and is especially skilled at meeting clients where they are—whether that’s helping a child regulate big emotions, supporting a teen through challenges, or guiding parents through difficult moments with practical, real-life strategies.

Heather’s approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on building skills that translate into everyday success. She is passionate about helping clients not just cope, but truly move forward with confidence and clarity.

Heather holds a Master’s degree in Human Services and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Counseling from Post University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University.

Rich Rodriguez

 ADHD Certified Coach 

 Rich is a trained ADHD coach and provides a calm and supportive aid in the TA3 room. Rich helps your child practice the skills while they’re actually doing the work. He is the coach who prompts and scaffolds so the skills stick!

Alyssa Mondia

 Clinical Intern

The clinical intern in Thrive After 3 serves as a structured support who functions similarly to an ADHD coach — with clinical awareness layered in.

They are not observers.
They are not assistants.
They are not shadow therapists.

They are active skill facilitators under supervision.

Their job is to support students in applying executive functioning and regulation strategies in real time while maintaining clinical awareness of emotional patterns, behavior triggers, and learning needs.