Connections4life
A Pioneer in Healing and Education
Our Team
Amy Hughes, MA, LPC, CCTP-II, CASDCS
Founder & Clinical Director
Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma and neurodivergence, with particular expertise in late-identified and late-diagnosed autism, ADHD, and AuDHD. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level II (CCTP-II), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS), EMDRIA-Certified Therapist, and Virginia Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor. Amy is also currently pursuing her PhD in Health Psychology, with research interests focused on the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), chronic stress and nervous-system dysregulation, and physical health.
Amy’s clinical work focuses on the complex connections between neurodivergence, trauma and CPTSD, addiction and recovery, relationships, and physical health. She is especially passionate about working with individuals who have spent years struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, emotional dysregulation, or other diagnoses before recognizing that underlying neurodivergence may be an important part of their story.
Her approach is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming, integrating EMDR, attachment and parts-informed approaches, somatic awareness, psychoeducation, and self-compassion. Rather than simply asking, “What is wrong?” Amy helps clients explore what happened, how they adapted, and what those adaptations may have been trying to protect.
Amy also works with couples and families and is introducing Couples & Family Intensives, providing concentrated time to address trauma, attachment injuries, communication breakdowns, longstanding relational patterns, and disconnection.
At the heart of Amy’s work is helping people develop a deeper understanding of themselves—moving beyond labels and symptoms to recognize the connections between their experiences, nervous system, relationships, and patterns. Her goal is to create a safe and compassionate space where clients can better understand themselves, reconnect with who they are, and move toward greater healing, authenticity, and intentional change.
Meet our dedicated staff and team of compassionate therapists:
Karolina Ricapito, BS
Practice Manager
Karolina holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University. With a strong background in customer success and marketing, she brings both strategic insight and a people-first approach to her role as Practice Manager. Karolina is passionate about creating smooth, supportive experiences for both clients and staff. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with her dog, Chance, and soaking up quality time together.
Jaime Miller, LPC
Jamie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional or behavioral concerns. Her integrative approach draws from cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, person-centered, and family systems therapies, with an emphasis on creating a safe and collaborative space where clients can gain insight, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change.
Beyond her clinical work, Jamie plays an important role in the continued growth of Connections4life, helping develop the practice’s clinical training and professional development program for emerging clinicians. She is also currently awaiting Virginia Board approval as a clinical supervisor, after which she will expand her role to include supervision and mentorship of developing clinicians.
Erica Dimond, M.Ed.
LMHP-R, CCTP, EMDR Trained
Erica graduated from Virginia Tech with a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. As a resident in counseling, she uses mindfulness-based, EMDR, psychodynamic, and CBT theories alongside expressive and experiential techniques to help clients heal and know their authentic selves. She has experience working with adults and young adults who have experienced trauma and live with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, existential depression, identity issues and high sensitivity.
Casey Comer, MA
LMHP-R
Meet Casey, a creative and empathetic resident in counseling. Casey received her Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Virginia. Since then, she has been working as a School Counselor at the Elementary level. She has worked with a diverse population of children and parents as they navigate neurodiversity, self-regulation, relationships, and life transitions. She specializes in creatively using evidence-based solutions to best meet the needs and goals of the individuals she is working with. Casey values the importance of individuality with her humanistic approach to counseling. Casey's counseling approach emphasizes the value of finding and utilizing strengths to create peace within oneself. When she is not counseling, she practices the mind body connection through coaching gymnastics and teaching indoor cycling classes.
Jenna Stadler, MA
LMHP-R
Meet Jenna, a compassionate graduate-level counseling intern currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jenna is dedicated to your well-being. Jenna connects with clients by using light humor, warmth, and mindfulness to create a safe space for healing and self-discovery. Therapy is most effective when there is a meaningful connection between the client, therapist, and approach. With a nonjudgmental, authentic, and compassionate stance, Jenna strives to foster a safe and collaborative environment in which to explore sensitive issues, experiment with new behaviors, and work toward what matters to you. Whether you want to improve the quality of your relationships, interactions, health, or life as a whole; cultivate more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment; or address mental health challenges, Jenna will wholeheartedly support you in shaping your efforts to achieve these goals. Collaborative and experiential, Jenna’s approach blends ancient Eastern mindfulness practices with modern, evidence-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Whether you feel depressed, anxious, distraught, frustrated, or stuck, together we can find ways to cope with overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
Shaya Naghdi, MA
LMHP-R
Meet Shaya, a compassionate resident in counseling with experience working with patients, physicians, and pharmacists in healthcare. A devoted daughter of divorced parents, Shaya’s passion for facilitating the healing process and mental health advocacy developed at a young age. Fluent in English and Farsi, Shaya is quite familiar with diverse client populations including first-generation clients, single parent households, blended, extended, and multicultural families and the multiple struggles and responsibilities that they face. She specializes in working with individuals, adults, and elders who struggle with depression, anxiety, and chronic illness. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy to help clients both enhance their coping skills toolbox as well as explore the oftentimes hidden root cause of issues. There are times in life where we experience immense pain, feel hopeless, helpless, and very alone in our journeys. You are not alone. Shaya believes in helping clients see the light at the end of the tunnel again by giving them a safe space to share their unique stories and empowering them to unleash their full potential. She knows that seeking therapy takes a lot of courage and is honored to embark on this healing and wellness journey with you.
Lisette Rossman, (She/Her)
Counseling Intern, EMDR Trained
Meet Lisette, a graduate level counselor-in-training with a passion for counseling rooted in cross-cultural competency and evidence-based care. Her research interests include animal-assisted therapy, positive psychology, and the intersection between interior architecture + design and mental health.
Lisette approaches her client work with an emphasis on unconditional positive regard, a strong sense of congruence, and a learner-first mentality. As a counselor who values psychological safety and authentic connection, she is committed to cultivating spaces where all individuals are welcome.
Lisette graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in 2015 and is a current master’s student at Capella University with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling. Lisette will be accepting clients January 2026.
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Why we help
At Connections4life, our primary goal is to provide unwavering support and guidance to individuals facing life’s challenges. We understand that everyone encounters difficult times, and we believe in the power of empathy, understanding, and professional expertise to bring about positive change. Our team of dedicated counselors is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings. We firmly believe that seeking help is a sign of strength, and by offering our assistance, we aim to empower you to navigate your journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Your growth and happiness are our driving forces, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way to help you create connections4life.
Over the years, Connections4life has transformed from a small, single clinician practice into a thriving group practice. Along this journey, Amy has expanded her education to provide clinical supervision to student interns and counseling residents. Amy shares, "witnessing my former students and residents open their own practices and continue the valuable work has been a gratifying gift. Being part of people's healing journeys while also educating and training other clinicians has allowed me to contribute to the much-needed population of mental health professionals." Together, we aim to make a positive impact, enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities alike.