We are a small mental health practice specializing in working with children, adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, executive functioning deficits and/or other social learning challenges.
Our Team
Dr. cHRIS abildgaard, LPC, NCSP; oWNER & director
Dr. Chris Abildgaard is the owner and director of the Social Learning Center (SLC), LLC. located in Cheshire, CT. Chris earned his Doctor of Education in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist & a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodiverse learners. Dr. Abildgaard holds a Graduate Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Behavioral Interventions in Autism. In addition to his clinical, consultation and supervision duties at the SLC, Dr. Abildgaard will be publishing a book with Routledge Publishing in 2025 entitled “Effective Counseling Techniques When Working with People with ASD & Their Familes”.
Dr. Abildgaard was heavily involved as an Adjunct Professor in the Special Education Department at the University of St. Joseph (USJ) as he helped to update and enhance their Master’s in Autism and Neurodiversty program. He currently holds an Adjunt Professor posistion at the University of Hartford in the Psychology and Education Department. Dr. Abildgaard will be writing curriculum for Special Topics courses in the area of ASD and Neurodiverity and Mental Health Issues in Education starting in the Spring of 2025.
Chris is currently NOT accepting new clients for individual counseling. Click here to read his published articles, learn where he will be speaking in the coming months, subscribe to several online magazines, and receive discounts from affiliate companies Chris is currently endorsing.
Erica Ciarciello, LPC; lICENsED pROFESSIONAL cOUnSELOR
Email: Erica@sociallearningcenter.org
Erica is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has developed a specialty in the areas of counseling neurodiverse individuals who range in age from middle school to young adulthood. Erica graduated in 2011 from Keene State College with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in both elementary education and psychology. She completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in December 2017.
Erica’s professional work in this field started as an instructional assistant at Benhaven Academy in 2011. In 2012, she started working as a Clinical Associate for the Social Learning Center, and has been working here since; fulfilling both her clinical internship hours as well as licensure hours. She is now our Lead Clinician who helps support the clinical staff through supervision and collaboration.
Since her time working with the SLC, Erica has co-authored several articles with Dr. Abildgaard for several online magazines.
Heather Tournas, LMSW; Social Worker
Email: Heather@sociallearningcenter.org
Heather is a Licensed Master of Social Work at the SLC. She graduated from Uconn in 2019 with her Bachelors in Allied Health Sciences and in August of 2022, she earned her Masters in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. Heather has a variety of experiences working with young children, adolescents, and adults through her work as Director of First Aid at a Girl Scouts Camp, a CNA working in memory and hospice care, and a Patient Care Technician at Gaylord Hospital. While in her Master's program, Heather completed her specialized clinical internship at the SLC where she began to specialize in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum as well as other neurodiverse learning profiles. Her techniques often include strength-based perspectives, purposeful play and utilization of concepts, and creative methods.
Heather’s roles at the SLC include seeing clients individually, running social play and creativity groups within Growing Social, and involvement in School Anxiety programs.
Pasquale (Pat) Giordano, LPC; Licensed Professional COunselor
Email: Pat@sociallearningcenter.org
Dr. Abildgaard is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with and have Pat on staff with the SLC. Pasquale (Pat) Giordano has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. He is a licensed professional counselor and works full time as a director at a mental health agency in Milford. Pat has been the president of the Connecticut Counseling Association twice and the Connecticut Mental Health Counseling Association in which he received the Counselor of the Year Award. He has held many leadership positions with the American Counseling Association. Pat is an adjunct professor and a member of the Advisory Board at Southern Connecticut State University’s Clinical Mental Health Program. In this role he instructs and supervises future counselors. He specializes in treating anxiety and depression in children and adolescents as well as their families.
Heather Alix, LPC; Licensed Professional Counselor
Email: Heatheralix@sociallearningcenter.org
Heather Alix is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor. She graduated from the University of Scranton in 2007 with a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services where she found a passion for counseling youth. From there, she attended the University of Connecticut where she earned her M.A. in Educational Psychology.
Heather comes to the Social Learning Center after working as a school counselor for fourteen years. In the school setting, Heather individualized her counseling according to student need. She enjoys supporting youth with realizing their own strengths which in turn, can help them to manage challenges. Heather plans to use the same client-centered and goal-oriented approach with her clients at the SLC. She can’t wait to meet her new clients and families she will have the privilege to work with!
When Heather isn’t at the SLC, she loves to spend time outdoors with her husband, children and pet dog!
Gianna Balsamo, Research Assistant
Email: Gianna@sociallearningcenter.org
Gianna Balsamo graduated from the University of Hartford in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is now pursuing a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University. Throughout her time at the University of Hartford, she has written a non-thesis paper on using virtual reality therapy for autistic clients, remained on Dean's list and President's list and has held many leadership roles including: President of Women for Change on campus, President of ALD National Honor Society, and being a part of an empowerment group: The Women's LEAD Initiative. She has a lot of experience working with people of all ages as she has worked at Lord Chamberlain as a CNA in high school and has worked in child care for the past three years. For the past four months, Gianna has been interning at the Social Learning Center by helping with research and observing individual and group sessions. She will continue as a research assistant and helping with group sessions.
Grace Walker, Graduate Intern
Email: grace@sociallearningcenter.org
Grace Walker, a committed graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of Saint Joseph, earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sacred Heart University in 2022. Her dedication to supporting neurodiverse individuals is evident from her work at the Gengras Center in West Hartford, CT, where she provided one-on-one support to adolescents with special needs, primarily those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As a graduate intern at the Social Learning Center, Grace eagerly anticipates honing her clinical skills to support the organization’s mission of addressing the social, educational, and mental health needs of neurodiverse individuals.
Kristin Caceres,LPC-A lICENSED pROFESSOINAL COUNSELOR aSSOCIATE
Email: Kristin@sociallearningcenter.org
Kristin has been a key member to the SLC team since the summer of 2021. Kristin completed her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Post University in Waterbury, CT in 2022 and recently recieved her LPC-A. She graduated in 2013 from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Kristin gained experience working with children with special needs, helping children develop in areas of academic need, and teaching students social-emotional learning through her school’s implementation of the RULER program. Kristin feels a very strong connection to helping the ASD community, which is deeply tied to her personal background.
Kristin plays several key roles at the SLC including seeing individual clients, supports our School Anxiety programs and assisting Dr. Abildgaard with administrative duties.
Jordan Bryant, LMFT; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Letter to Jordan clients: We are sad to announce Jordan will be taking leave from the SLC to prusue other amazing opportunities. Please read the letter Dr. Chris Abildgaard will be sending out to all of her current clients. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Autumn Knox, LPC-A, MS, SYD; lICIENCED pROFESSIONAL cOUNSELOR aSSOCIATE
Email: Autumn@sociallearningcenter.org
Autumn is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a passion for empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence. With a Master’s of Science in Psychology and Sixth Year Professional Diploma in School Psychology with 20 years of experience, Autumn specializes in a multifaceted approach to therapy, blending executive functioning strategies, trauma-informed practices, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to facilitate holistic healing and growth. Autumn is a certified School Psychologist in the State of Connecticut and has been employed by the State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Unified School District #1 for the past 20 years.
Autumn is a compassionate and dedicated counselor who is committed to supporting individuals in their journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery. With her expertise in executive functioning, trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and transitional services, she empowers clients to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and live fulfilling lives.
During her free time, Autumn spends time with her twin girls and attending their sporting events!
Laurie Capobianco-Garibaldi, LPC-A, MA, SYC; lICIENCED pROFESSIONAL cOUNSELOR aSSOCIATE
Email: Laurie@socaillearningcenter.org
Laurie Capobianco- Garibaldi holds a MA in School Psychology, Sixth Year Professional Diploma and her LPC-A. After graduating from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in 2001 with a B.A. in Psychology with a Specialization in Mental Health, Laurie decided to continue her studies. She completed her Master of Arts in School Psychology, followed by her Sixth Year Professional Diploma in School Psychology at SCSU in 2004. She is a certified School Psychologist in the State of Connecticut and has been employed by the State of Connecticut, Department of Correction, Unified School District #1 for the past 18 years. She has experience working with urban youth in a variety of settings, both educational and recreational. She specializes in working with high-risk youth and young adults to promote advocacy and knowledge. She has experience working with multiple school districts in and outside of Connecticut and is trained on the new CT SEDS- Connecticut IEP system. As a mother of three she is learning how to navigate the stages and challenges of development every day. She hopes to offer her clients support and instill lifelong strategies to youth to help them find their own unique path to success and fulfillment.
Zachary Lane, LMSW; Social Worker
Zachary brings a blend of empathy, expertise, and passion to his role at SLC as a Licensed Master of Social Work and a Certified School Social Worker. He graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Sacred Heart University in 2018, before delving deeper into the realm of social work with a Masters in Social Work from Sacred Heart University in 2022.
Zachary first embarked on his career path by working with children within the juvenile justice system, where he honed his skills in understanding and addressing complex social issues. Transitioning to specialize in supporting individuals on the Autism spectrum, high-risk youth, and those with emotional disabilities, Zachary found his true calling at a private SPED school catering to neurodiverse K-12 students.
Zachary believes in the transformative power of authentic connections. He views every client relationship as a collaborative journey, where trust and understanding form the bedrock of progress. Through a personalized and holistic framework, he guides his clients toward cultivating courage, embracing discipline, nurturing creativity, and aligning with their core values. Together, they embark on a journey toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Lois Silver, SLC Business MANAGER
Email: Lois@sociallearningcenter.org
Lois is the Business Manager at the SLC and oversees completing all billing and insurance related matters. Any questions pertaining to insurance or billing issues should be directed to Lois and she will be happy to assist you the best way she can.
Kyle Scheyd: Office Assistant
You will see Kyle back in the office on Tues and Thurs afternoons. We are excited about having Kyle back with our Administrative Staff!
Rio, the SLC Axolotl
When you come and visit the SLC, come say hi (but be very quiet and move slowly) to our newest team member Rio. Rio is an Axolotl from Mexico. Please take a moment to learn more about Rio and please share this amazing information with your kids.