About Us

Nicolas is a compassionate LCPC-C with a strong educational foundation, having earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of
Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Southern Maine. He brings valuable experience working with children in school settings as a Behavioral Health Professional, and with young adults during his counseling internship at the University of Southern Maine Counseling Center.

In his practice, Nicolas draws principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while using humor and warmth to build rapport. He views therapy as a collaborative effort, focusing on setting and achieving goals with clients to help them live the life they envision. Nicolas is committed to establishing a safe and non-judgmental space, offering unconditional positive regard to everyone, regardless of their identity, orientation, or background. Outside of his practice, Nicolas enjoys hiking on trails around Southern Maine, exploring new culinary experiences and settling in for a quiet night of video games.

Kiley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Adams State University. Kiley has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice and community settings. She practices with clients to create a collaborative and safe environment where the client is the expert in their healing. She practices with a mindfulness-based approach and incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal Theory, and EMDR. Areas of interest and experience include: life transitions, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, disordered eating, perinatal wellness, and body image concerns.

Julie attended the University of New England for her undergraduate degree with a concentration in wellness, public health, and community service. She received her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in Colorado with a dedication to understanding addictions and generational trauma in today’s challenging world. Julie was instantly drawn to the holistic vision of self-care, safety, balance, and creative healing found at the Art of Awareness Wellness Center. As a Master Naturalist with an extensive love and background in art, yoga, and horticultural therapy, she is committed to helping clients of all ages find their unique path to stress-reduction, health, and healing. Julie is a Nationally Certified Counselor with experience in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Utilizing Person-Centered, evidence-based treatment modalities, Julie integrates elements of Dialectic-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy through Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness approaches for children, adolescents, and adults.

Lexi attended the University of Southern Maine for her undergraduate degree where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Holistic Health. Lexi received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also credentialed as a National Certified Counselor from the NBCC. Lexi has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent clients, specifically children and adolescents and their families, both in residential and outpatient settings. Lexi’s background also includes trauma-informed care and supporting families around challenging behaviors. As a therapist, Lexi believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship along with an environment that honors safety, understanding, and acceptance. Utilizing client-centered and strength-based foundations, she supports client’s in gaining greater insight and confidence to build resilience and skills to improve quality of life. Elements of Psychotherapy, Experiential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness are often utilized depending on the client’s goals and needs.

Abi received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of New England along with a certificate in Applied Arts and Social Justice. She believes that everyone has the capacity to grow and heal when provided with adequate support and connection. Abi’s practice draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities with a focus on Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness and motivational enhancement techniques. Her approach to treatment is relational and client driven with an awareness of the ecosystems that affect each individual’s own path to healing and recovery. Abi practices with a trauma sensitive, culturally humble, and strength based approach. Relational cultural, feminist and humanistic theory inform her approach. She has over 10 years of experience working with youth from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. She also works as a manager at the Maine Youth Court, a restorative justice program for youth in trouble with the law and or school. Abi’s experience as a group facilitator comes from her work at Seeds of Peace, the Art Affect, and Young Women Empowered. Abi enjoys working with individuals, families, and groups of all ages and backgrounds.

Joelle’s therapeutic approach is profoundly client-centered and strengths-based, rooted in trauma-informed care and guided by Polyvagal Theory, IFS, mindfulness, and somatic awareness. Her practice is enriched by her training in EMDR, which enhances her ability to support clients through trauma with sensitivity and expertise.  Her approach to therapy is informed by relational, feminist, and humanistic theories, reflecting her commitment to cultural humility and strength-based practices.

In addition to her clinical work, Joelle is an integral member of our client services team, overseeing the intake process for all incoming clients. 

As the Business Operations and Practice Manager, Natalie oversees financial operations, ensures regulatory compliance, collaborates with HR, guides strategic initiatives, and manages policies and procedures. Natalie has been with Art of Awareness for over a decade, working in management, finance, administration, wellness services, and group facilitation. She has a background in Psychology, Holistic Health, Counseling, and Eco-Therapy, with experience in behavioral health and residential therapeutic centers. She is passionate about wellness decolonization, research, art, embodiment practices, organizational technology, community building, and collaborative leadership. In her free time outside of Art of Awareness, Natalie also serves as the Outreach Coordinator and Stage Manager for the International Association for the Study of Women and Mythology.

Emily Gage graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a B.A. in Media Studies in 2022. Since graduating, she has worked for organizations that focus on community building and empowering youth through the arts and mentorship. Emily is also a freelance photographer, with a strong love for film photography. She is continuously drawn to the intersection of art, storytelling, and wellness and the process of self-expression through different creative mediums. In her freetime, Emily enjoys creating of all kinds, such as cooking, knitting, writing, and more. Emily is a member of the client services team and facilitates the intake process for all incoming clients.