Beth Salvi-Hudgins, LCSW 

Executive Director and Founder

I have worked with teens and families on the NH Seacoast since 1995, providing both traditional and DBT therapy. I have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I attended a year-long postgraduate trauma treatment program led by Bessel van der Kolk out of Arbour Hospital in Boston, MA in 1996. I have been intensively trained in DBT by Marcia Linehan’s team, and in 2019, I attended a two-week training in a variant of DBT called Radically Open DBT (RO DBT) with the founder of this treatment, Thomas Lynch. I have incorporated some of the skills and theory from this version of DBT into DBTeens.

I am a lover of sunshine and the ocean, and the beach is my happy place. I look forward to meeting you, and I believe that our program can help you find your happy place too!

Contact: beth@dbtforyou.org — 603.285.9129 ext. 702

Peter Angus, M. Ed,

Skills Coach

I have an M.Ed in school counseling from Plymouth State University, and have been working as a school counselor for the past 21 years. Prior to that I was a middle school social studies teacher for 10 years.  For decades I coached cross country and lacrosse, and was a member of our school’s outing club. 

I love the outdoors! Running, bikepacking, climbing, fishing, hiking, and cross country skiing are all things you can find me doing ( well, not all at once- ha!). It is also important to me to spend time with my family and to read. I am active in my community,  and sit on the board of directors for our local food bank.

Rianna Bazzinotti, LCSW

Clinician

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of NH, and earned my Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University in 2018, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. Since then, I have enjoyed working in a variety of settings, including residential, educational, and community mental health. I received specialized DBT training in 2020, and have loved practicing these skills with families and in my everyday life ever since. I enjoy working with youth and families, and believe in the importance of providing therapy to an individual within the context of family and community support. I aim to deliver my practice within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive framework, and it is important to me to continue to learn and train as I continue my time as a clinician.

In my spare time, you can find me at the beach or traveling to a different city. I also love to read and work in my garden. I have a yellow lab named Nash and a cat named Luna Lovegood who like to make appearances on screen. I like to think of them as my personal assistants!

Tessa Curtin, BS

Social Work Intern

Hello there! I am a current MSW Graduate Student at the University of New Hampshire. I am originally from Oregon, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law.
After some time working in the legal field, I discovered a passion for working with others and helping them through difficult times. This experience led me to seek out my degree in Social Work.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two dogs, going on road trips to visit new places, listening to music, reading, drawing, and photography.
My goals at DBT For You are to form meaningful connections and offer positive support. I am very excited to be involved in the program!

Lia D’Angelo, RN-BSN

Yoga Instructor – RYT-200hr

My journey with yoga began at the age of eleven, when I was given a set of cassette tapes of a classic yoga flow sequence. From that point on, yoga became an integral part of my life that I have woven throughout my career. I began interning with an acupuncturist while studying in college and once I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, I went into my 200-hour yoga teacher training and became a certified yoga instructor. I began teaching yoga to children in an after-school program while teaching restorative yoga for adults.

As life moved forward, I felt a stronger pull towards combining holistic practices with Western medicine and decided to pursue an accelerated nursing degree. Upon completing my nursing degree amid the Covid pandemic, I was thrown onto a Covid unit and general medical-surgical floor and had a great introduction into the intensity of nursing. Fortunately, I have now followed my passion to become a pediatric psychiatric nurse and am thrilled to teach yoga and meditation once again! 

Tina Dennehy, BS

Skills Coach

I have been working in the financial services industry for almost 30 years. I have 3 children, ages 22, 19, & 16. Growing up I was involved as a peer educator and have volunteered for several organizations involving children. I enjoy helping others and want to share my practical experience and knowledge with others.

In my free time, I enjoy rooting for the New England Revolution soccer team in Foxboro. I love going on nature walks, especially with my husband and dog, and exploring new places. I enjoy bike riding in the warmer weather and curling up with a good book or movie in the winter months. I also enjoy gardening and watching my flowers open to see what they will look like each year.

I am excited to meet some new people and help them to learn these great life skills and have positive life events. It is important to find the joy in life!

Eric Dugas, M.Ed., M.S.

Skills Coach

I have worked with youth and families for the majority of my life. Presently I am serving as a Special Education Program Coordinator within one of New Hampshire’s largest High Schools. I have earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and another in Justice Studies from Southern NH University.

During my journey, I have served in the United States Army with a tour of duty in Bosnia, spent 16 years in law enforcement, and now 10 in special education. My time in law enforcement actually drew me to working with young adults and helping them navigate the struggles of growing up. As a Juvenile Detective/Prosecutor, the majority of my time was spent trying to help struggling teens rehabilitate their lives and find a purpose.

After retiring due to an injury sustained on the job, I started working as a high school paraeducator. Discovering a true passion for working with students struggling with learning disabilities, I went back to school at NHTI to become a certified K-12 Special Education teacher.  There I was honored with the Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Education Award. Throughout all of this, I have coached high school lacrosse and raised a wonderful young lady (future middle school teacher) with my wife. We love the beach and hiking the mountains of our amazing state.

Theresa Georges, M.A., M.Ed., CAGS, LADC, LSSW

Full-Time Clinician

I’ve worked with adolescents and families for approximately 30 years. My experience includes roles in Social Services, Criminal Justice and Education. I am a licensed drug and alcohol counselor with experience in grant writing, program development, and program implementation. As part of the first Trauma Informed Policy and Practice cohort at the University of New Hampshire, I have spent the last year advocating for enhanced trauma-informed practices/policies in school settings. I’ve also maintained my own meditation practice for 30 years. I’m a firm believer in the benefits of mediation and mindfulness, which are both aspects of DBT.

I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including yard work, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and walking my dogs. I’m also an avid do-it-yourselfer. I believe this program will support all who choose to join us to do the work.  

Contact: theresa@dbteensnh.org — 603.285.9129 ext. 706

Jake Hudgins, BA

Skills Coach

I graduated from Boston University in 2019 with an incredibly useful degree in music. After floundering about for a bit, I taught music for two years at the Arts Academy of New Hampshire, a charter high school in Salem, NH with a large population of neurodivergent and LGBTQ students. I then moved to Hampstead Middle School, where I taught chorus, ran the theater program, and helped coach the baseball team. In the fall of 2022, I spent four months driving across the country, visiting forty-four states and twenty-four National Parks.

In my free time, I enjoy watching the Bruins and the Red Sox, writing music, eating good food, and games and puzzles of all kinds. I look forward to meeting you!

Natalie Jacques, MS, LCMHC

Full-Time Parent Coach

I graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in 2019 with a Master’s of Science Degree in Clinician Mental Health Counseling. During my master’s program, I discovered my love for neuroscience during my internship, and have since served individuals and families ages 3 and up. I believe that therapy work is about healing, rebuilding, and laying a new road ahead of you, one that works better for you. We all have the ability to accomplish self-actualization and to accept ourselves for who we are—quirks and all! 

Some activities I enjoy are mindful and grounding activities, kayaking, beach walking, and snowshoeing. I am a certified Zumba instructor, and I love exploring new restaurants while spending time with those closest to me. I look forward to working with you and your family!

Allie Levy, BA Psy

Clinical Assistant

Hello! I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 2015. My passions have always been aligned with supporting others through difficult times and promoting healing in any and all ways. Since graduating from UNH I have worked with survivors of domestic violence, worked with teens and adults in an inpatient psychiatric setting, created and facilitated curriculum for a substance use disorder partial hospitalization program, and was part of a team whose work on motivations for disclosure of violence was published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2017.

I am a new mom, so outside of work hours you can usually find me doing tummy time, encouraging the word “mama”, and getting plenty of slobbery baby snuggles. I also enjoy skiing, kayaking, playing video games, and sitting in front of a fire (either outside or inside in the wood stove) at the end of the night.  Winter is my favorite season as I find the cold air refreshing and the snow both beautiful and magical. I’m also lucky enough to have two rescue kitties who get into a lot of trouble but are too cute to get mad at!

For me, learning what to give my energy to and how to change my perspective of things has helped me tremendously in creating a better life for myself. I truly believe that DBTeens will be able to help you do the same thing, and I am so grateful and excited to be a part of it!

Andrea Pereira, “Dreia” M.Ed

Skills Coach for Parents and Teens

I received my Masters of Education in school counseling from Rivier University in 2021. I am a certified K-12 School Counselor in the state of New Hampshire and have worked in public education at elementary and middle school levels. In addition to school counseling, I have been a counselor in a psychiatric setting for 14 years. I work with children and adolescents ages 4-18. I have had the privilege of working with children and adolescents with various diagnoses that are in acute mental health crisis. In addition to my DBT training, I am also working to become a certified trauma professional and CBT practitioner.

When I’m not counseling, you can find me enjoying time with my family and pets. I am involved with various rescues and have saved, fostered, and adopted out 208 cats and 2 dogs! I love all animals, especially flamingos!  I look forward to meeting and working with you all.

Shelby Phoenix

Yoga Instructor – RYT-200 

I am a 200-hour registered yoga teacher, certified life coach, and entrepreneur. Since I was a teenager, my grandmother encouraged me to pursue yoga. In my twenties, I finally took her advice and turned to yoga to manage my anxiety and mood disorder. I have been practicing yoga ever since. I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2020 at Exeter Power Yoga in Exeter, NH. Since then, I have also completed a certification in teen yoga and meditation. I am passionate about the healing powers of yoga—for both mental and physical health—and sharing these benefits with others.  In 2021, I left my career as a 6th-12th grade art teacher to pursue my passion. 

In my free time, I love going on adventures with my fiancé, cuddling with my cats, and experimenting with new vegan recipes in the kitchen. 

Kathy Poitras, M.Ed.

Skills Coach 

I have been working with children and families for more than 15 years. In 2012, I received my M.Ed degree from UNH in School Counseling. I work as an elementary school counselor and have also worked with families in early intervention and early childhood special education. I am currently finishing the final year of Plymouth State University’s graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am receiving training in DBT and enjoy learning how to better support adolescents and their families during challenging times.

When I am not working or studying, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. I am married and have two children, ages 20 and 22. We enjoy playing a round of golf together or kayaking on the Lamprey River.

Gaia Posner Gunn, LCSW

Clinician

I have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from the Silberman School of Social work at Hunter College. I started my career providing in-home therapy services to children, teens and families. Since then, I have been working in community mental health and private practice in both MA and NH. I am level II trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and I have also received training in both DBT and drama and play therapy.

I find joy in swims, runs and couch time with my family and dog. I also drink a cup of tea and watch an episode of the Great British Baking show whenever possible!

Darlean Roberts

Administrative Assistant

I have worked in several business environments from banking and investments to education to the health and wellness industry. I’ve found many overlapping areas in each sector, and I find that comforting!

I’ve been married to my boyfriend for 36 years and I have two amazing daughters, my every dream come true and so much more! I’ve also recently become a grandmother (Memere) a role I’ve always wanted . My mystical magical munchkin grandson, Oliver, is much more than I ever hoped for. Soon we’ll be welcoming another mystical magical munchkin into our family. I know the kind of older brother Ollie will be and I’m so happy for all his future siblings, because he’ll be spectacular!! 

Mela Rogers, BFA

Music Facilitator

Hello! I’m Mela (she/they), and I’m a nonbinary femme graphic novelist, musician, and educator, currently based in Southern New Hampshire. I moved to Savannah, Georgia in 2016 to study comics at the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated with a BFA in Sequential Art. I’ve taught at places such as Let’s Play Music and Make Art in Derry, the Southern NH Montessori Academy, and the NH Audubon Society in Auburn. I’m currently working on my debut graphic novel with Holt-Macmillan, coming out in 2025!

When I’m not teaching or making art, I like to jam on my bass guitar and piano, play Nintendo video games, and DM a Dungeons and Dragons game with my friends. I’m so excited to meet everyone and help integrate art and music into the DBTeens program!

Eden Richardson, BA

Skills Coach

I graduated from UNH with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2019. I began working in the field at Dover Children’s Home, which is a residential treatment facility for teenagers. In February of 2020, I started my job at Hampstead Hospital as a Direct Care Counselor, helping children and teens experiencing acute mental health crises. I am also involved in nonprofit work as a board member of the Jason R Flood Memorial foundation, which was formed in memory of my friend who sadly died by suicide in 2016. 

I love music and singing, enjoying the outdoors, various creative activities (like knitting), being with my pets (2 cats, a dog, and a snake!), and spending time with my family and friends. I am so excited to work with the DBTeens team and help teach life-improving skills! 

Loni Rowe, LCSW

Clinician

I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with my Masters in Social Work in 2003. I have worked with children and families in the Seacoast of New Hampshire ever since. I have worked with the Division of Children, Youth, and Families, as well as in New Hampshire Hospital on the children’s unit. I also taught English in an alternative school before working at a local high school as a social worker supporting students and their families. I have been providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults since 2019. I approach my practice from a strengths perspective. I enjoy working with individuals to identify goals and support them through the process of problem solving, validation, and compassionate self discovery.

When I am not in the kitchen baking or cooking with friends, I try to spend as much time outside as I can. As a California kid I have always loved the warm summer months, but fall in New Hampshire is my favorite time of year. I am always up for watching football, picking apples and getting lost in a corn maze.

Zoë Schwalje, BA, M. Ed.

Skills Coach

Hi! I have been an educator in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire for the past 22 years. I have taught both elementary school and middle school, and my true passion is being a Middle School English teacher. I received my BA from UMASS Amherst in 1997, with a double major in Psychology and Women’s Studies. I received my Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Boston College in 2000. I hold three teaching certifications-Elementary, English Speakers of Other Languages, and English Education.
In my spare time, I love to read, bake, and stay active. I have two teenage sons who are lacrosse players, so I can often be found on the lacrosse field in spring and summer. I have two beloved labrador retrievers, and I love walking them in the sunshine. I also love lakes and boating! I can’t wait to work with you!

Tanner Slosberg, BS

Skills Coach

Hello! I’m Tanner Slosberg and I recently graduated with my degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Vermont! I am a skills coach here at DBTeensNH and am looking forward to building skills with you. 

Outside of DBTeensNH and working towards graduate school, I enjoy beach days with friends and paddle boarding on the lake. I love to travel with my friends and family and my favorite color is yellow! 

Jada Tessier, MSW

Parent Coach

I am a Certified School Social Worker, yoga teacher, and Integrative Health Coach, and have been a parent coach for 6 years. I received my undergraduate degree from Granite State College in Education and Training in 2016, and my Master’s in Social Work from UNH in 2021.

I hold the honorable titles of mom (son 20), stepmom (daughter 29), wife, and Gigi. My husband and I are empty nesters with our 2 fur babies to keep.

Jody Vourgarakis, LCSW

Clinician

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of NH with over 18 years of experience. I have worked with children, teenagers and their families in a variety of settings including residential, outpatient, emergency services and inpatient psychiatric treatment. 

I am level I trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy; and trained in DBT and CBT therapy. I enjoy working with youth and families to find their inner strength and discover skills to help them work toward meaningful goals and build strong and healthy relationships.

I enjoy spending time outside during all seasons; skiing, hiking, spending time at the beach and kayaking. I love to travel with friends and family and spend time in new places. I am the mother of an amazing 15 years old daughter and 2 cats; Soxs and Missy.