Restorative Health and Wellness is a holistic mental health group practice dedicated to the health and well being of Black and Brown people and people who have historically been marginalized. Restorative Health and Wellness recognizes that the choice to focus on ones health has to do with not any individual faults but the stress society exerts on us all.
If you are experiencing issues or stressors related to work, raising your family, a romantic relationship, intergenerational family conflict, feeling stuck, unhappy or unhealthy we would love to assist you in navigating those circumstances. It is a common misconception that one has to have a significant mental health issue or ‘something wrong’ as an individual to access therapy nothing could be further from the truth one just has to be human as we all experience hardships and difficulties. Therapy offers you an unbiased, safe space to talk out any and all issues you may be experiencing.
Restorative Health and Wellness has clinicians primarily of color that are culturally competent and trained in multiple different therapeutic modalities including Strength based and person centered approaches, Cognitive Based Therapy. Additionally, RHW offers regular and restorative yoga groups/ classes, several groups and, has a reiki practitioner and nutritional counselor.
Shalonda Edwards MSW, LICSW
"I wake up, do yoga, go to the office, light incense, and put on my trap music while I drink my tea."
Shalonda Edwards MSW, LICSW is the Founding Clinician of Restorative Health and Wellness. An avid yoga practitioner who has recognized the importance of the practice in helping to reduce her stress and help learn new skills to process stressors and challenges she seeks to introduce clients to various supports they may find useful in reducing symptoms or increasing their ability to cope. Shalonda obtained her Masters of Social Work from UCONN in 2009 and has a Bachelors Degree from Westfield State College. She is currently pursuing a DSW from Simmons University. She has worked and volunteered in multiple capacities including as a Clinical Supervisor, Crisis Clinician, Field Instructor, Instructor for Critical Thinking at Westfield State University as well as, Community Organizer and Legislative Intern. She has volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and, has been awarded a citation for her work on behalf of the Citizens of The Commonwealth in 2005. She is also a Nancy Terr Berdon and Celebrate Unity Scholarship Award recipient.
"I dream of being a beach bum. I want to have a friend like me when I grow up."
Madeleine Smith MSW, LCSW
Madeleine Smith is very passionate about mental health and wellness. Madeleine loves to travel and explore different cultures. She has been working in the human services field for over 20 years in many different capacities. She is a fierce advocate for social justice and equality. Madeleine is very strength based and believes in meeting clients where they are and building a successful therapeutic relationship with them in order to better meet their needs. Madeleine obtained her Masters of Social Work from Springfield College in 2007 and has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked as a Residential Counselor, Crisis Clinician, United Way Specialist, Field Instructor for Westfield State University and Springfield College. For the past 14 years, Madeleine has worked as a social worker with families.
"Everyday I wake up excited to be alive and chasing my dreams. Life is as beautiful as you make it."
Julio Vergne, LCSW
(¡Hablo español!)
If you are currently on your journey and seeking hope, encouragement and support you have arrived to the correct place. My aspiration is to promote a welcoming culture for all clients, regardless of age, social status or identification. One that builds safety and trust and encourages growth and change. Within the therapeutic process my hope is to explore the self, make the invisible, visible and reveal the resiliency that exists inside. As an asset to your team I will help provide you with reassurance and hope that change is possible and that nothing is impossible.
In therapy I would find it difficult to encourage others to take risk, face their fears and show their authentic self, uninhibited, if I didn’t have the belief, deep down, that real change and growth was possible. Helping others heal comes naturally to me and I am passionate about my work. Through creative visualization, the power of hope can be harnessed.
I have specialty dealing with the homeless, survivors of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, substance abuse, divorce, single parents raising children alone and those suffering from anxiety, anger and depression. Begin your journey, take the first step.
"In a world full of choices, each and every day I choose joy."
Maria D. Mead, MSW, LICSW
(¡Hablo español!)
Let me meet you where you are, and together we will develop goals to get you where you aspire to be.
Breaking down and transcending the stereotypes of seeking mental health treatment for people of diverse backgrounds -- especially in the Latinx community -- is central to my practice. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for all human beings to process whatever they may be grappling with and help them to achieve their best quality of life.
I was born, raised, and continue to reside in Western, Massachusetts, and it is my goal to serve this community where I have grown, learned, and benefited from the help and example of others. It is by the grace, generosity, and commitment to caring of others that I am in the position to serve my community today as an individual and family therapy practitioner.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work from Westfield State University, and 20+ years of experience in the social work and mental health field. I am a fluent English and Spanish speaker with extensive experience working with people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds through Child Welfare, Intensive Foster Care, Substance dependence, Spiritual Counseling, depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, Crisis services, Inpatient Psychiatric Services, Higher Education, Emergency Departments, and Medical Floors in the Hospital.
Together, let’s make therapy a part of your “normal” routine that you participate in to maintain your total overall health. It is crucial that we tend to our minds, bodies, and souls. We can do this together. "Nosotros podemos hacer esto juntos."
"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful."
Katherine Demaio, LCSW
I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health treatment because I believe true wellness can only be achieved when we take care of our bodies and our minds. Life can be hard and there should never be shame involved in accessing the care needed to find peace, balance, and joy. As a therapist I provide a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative space to facilitate healing and strengthen your ability to cope with and live a more fulfilling life.
The therapeutic approaches I use are individualized to your needs and goals. These approaches include, but aren’t limited to, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, Trauma Informed Care, Mindfulness, and Yoga. I am a 200CYT and have additional training in yoga for emotional health and wellness.
I invite you to reach out if you feel you would like to work together to reach your personal goals of growth and fulfillment.
" I wake up everyday grateful for another day of life and living.” The first thing I do is meditate. I leave yesterday’s worries and mistakes behind because it’s a new day and I get another chance to start over."
Monique Walker, LCSW
Monique Walker is passionate about helping others and breaking down stereotypes for those seeking treatment for people of diverse background, especially the African American community. No matter what you may be going through, she will provide you with a safe and non-judgmental environment. This will allow you to process whatever life challenges you are facing so that you can achieve the best quality of life.
Monique has been working in the human services and mental health field for over twenty years in many different capacities. She obtained her Master’s of Social Work Degree from Springfield College in 2004. I have specialty dealing with physical, sexual and emotional abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, parents raising children alone, divorce and those suffering from anxiety, depression and anger. Monique’s moto is “you don’t have to do it alone” take the first step and reach out for help. Together let’s make therapy a part of your healing process so that you may live a more fulfilling life.
"Yoga is a journey to the self while unifying the mind, body, and spirit."
Chaitali J. Brahmbhatt - Yoga Instructor
Yoga and Meditation have been a part of Chaitali’s life for the past 16 years. For many years, she practiced at home and learned a lot about mantras and breathwork from her mom. About 6 years ago, she decided to start attending yoga classes at a yoga studio to cope with some personal and medical challenges and it quickly became an important part of their healing. She wanted to learn more about this practice and the mind, body, spirit connection and decided to pursue her yoga teacher training. Chaitali completed her 200 Yoga Teacher Training in December 2019 from Karma Yoga in West Springfield, MA and is registered with Yoga Alliance. She has worked with various students with different skill levels and from different walks of life and embraces modifications during class. In her classes, she leads a style of Hatha Yoga with an emphasis on breathwork or pranayama. She enjoys teaching students about meditation and its benefits, as well as, exploring themed classes with chakras and affirmations. Chaitali is currently working on her 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Applied Yoga certificates with My Vinyasa Practice in Austin, TX. She is a part time Yoga Instructor at Breezeways Wellness in Springfield, MA and teaches gentle yoga classes at the Westfield Creative Arts Center in Westfield, MA. Chaitali loves sharing the true meaning of yoga which in Sanskrit “Yuj” meaning “to join” or “to unite”. Chaitali offers a very authentic practice to her students and looks forward to sharing her story and knowledge with you.
Yoga is not about tightening your ass. It’s about getting your head out of it.” – Eric Paskel
Katherine Josey - Yoga Instructor
For me, yoga started as an occasional physical practice, but it became so much more. My time on my mat has taught me lessons of grace, forgiveness, strength, and trust that have improved my life on and off my mat. As a LCSW I am fascinated by the benefits yoga has on the nervous system and mental health. The mind-body-spirit connection is a powerful thing. I am passionate about sharing yoga and it’s healing abilities to everyone, especially populations where access has been limited, because there is a place for EVERYONE in yoga.
Certifications: 200hr RYT, Children’s Yoga, Yoga for Emotional Health and Wellness
Katherine’s teachers include: Annie Q., Alanna Orland, Kate Graham LMHC, C-IAYT
"Those who say sunshine brings happiness, have never danced in the rain"
Alexis Frenette - Yoga Instructor
My name is Alexis and I’m so excited to share my passion with you all. Buti has been a huge part of my life for the past six years. When I discovered Buti, something changed inside of me. I found a part of me that I never knew existed. It awakened self love and self confidence and it healed my body inside and out. Buti allows me to release, to move freely and to build supportive relationships I never imagined were possible. So come join me and let’s shake some stuff out!
Certifications: 200hr Yoga Teacher