About
Renee Koutras, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is the owner and founder of Wholehearted Counseling. The practice opened its doors in June of 2020 and has since walked beside families and individuals during difficult times, but has also been there to celebrate in times of success.
Renee Koutras, MPH, LMHC-QS
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Prior to entering the field of counseling, I spent over ten years working in the school systems, specializing in various diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and other behavioral and learning differences. I am also a certified Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher and certified School Counselor and am experienced with the IEP and 504 process, and also a provider for the Family Empowerment Scholarship. I have extensive experience in emotional regulation, anxiety, parenting and grief.
I am a client-centered therapist who believes that a strong client-therapist relationship is essential to fostering change and positive outcomes. I utilize a variety of techniques in my sessions, including play therapy, expressive arts, and often bring my therapy dog in training to the office.
I consider it a privilege to help my clients refocus on what's truly important in life...themselves and the relationships with those they love. Trust, communication and collaboration are essential components in the therapeutic process, and I relish the opportunity to use my experience to walk beside you, your child, or your family. I believe that we can only be our best self when learn to put ourselves first. You are worth it!
Sandra Rocafort, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Every child, adult, and relationship is different; and therapy is not a one-size-fits-all matter. You or your child may be feeling misunderstood and isolated, having negative thoughts, or are no longer enjoying things that used to be meaningful. Others may be telling you to “think positive” or “things will get better soon” or “it’s just a phase.” It doesn’t mean a solution isn’t out there. There may be external and internal factors that you need help identifying. Counseling can be that solution.
I’m a Bilingual Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. In addition, I’m a Certified School Counselor and a witness to everything children go through at school. My broad experience in Mental Health built an excellent foundation for me to best service those in need of support.
My toolbox includes combining psychoeducation and a variety of proven psychotherapeutic techniques to specifically apply them to each individual’s needs. I look forward to supporting you or your child figure out the solutions you’re looking for. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
Jennifer Cavallucci, Certifed Elementary School and Reading Intervention Teacher
My name is Jennifer Cavallucci. I have a passion for working with children and helping to support their learning styles to feel successful. I have been teaching for 7 years and currently work as a reading intervention teacher for K-5 students. I spent most of my years as a first-grade teacher at a Title 1 school. During my time there I worked with many struggling readers and English language learners. Over the years I have gone through many different reading trainings, one being Lindmood Bell’s LIPS program. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching. I am currently working on my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Not only do I want to work with children to support their learning, but I want to guide students with their social-emotional well-being. As a first-grade teacher I tied in social-emotional lessons along with teaching the standards. These lessons consisted of growth mindset, self-regulation, kindness and respect, self-awareness, responsibility, and relationship/social skills. Many times, when students struggle academically, they struggle emotionally. While working with your child in tutoring I will not only support their learning needs, but their social-emotional needs as well. My goal for your child is to help them feel confident in themselves not only in school, but in their everyday lives.
Sianna Durakovic, Online Coaching / Homework Help
Hello! My name is Sianna Durakovic-classroom teacher of over a decade, and now a virtual school coach! I love being a teacher, and offering my services to students who are no longer in the classroom allows me to focus on the whole student no matter where they live. As more and more students transition out of the classroom, it can become a difficult task for parents at home. I’m here to help take that burden off of you, so you can focus on home-life. I have taught Kinder-5th grade as a classroom teacher, but also coach students in Middle School. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6, with Reading and ESOL endorsements, and offer coaching in all subjects, including Social-Emotional Learning.
What does “online coaching” look like? My services include navigating through virtual school, extra lesson help, organizing daily schedules, setting up DBA and Welcome Calls, issuing reports after each session, and providing accommodations to students who have 504 and IEPs (i.e., reading questions and answers aloud, setting up breaks, one on one help, etc.). This is done through texting, phone calls, and an hour Zoom call on the days we meet.
If you are interested in using my services, or would like to schedule a phone call to further discuss what I offer, please email me at siannaed23@gmail.com.
Harley, Therapy Dog
Meet Harley! Harley is a Malshi (Maltese/Shih Tzu) young dog, who is full of love to share with all of our clients at Wholehearted Counseling! He has already started his weekly training and is on his way to becoming a certified therapy dog. You can find Harley in the office on most days. He loves some cuddles, and of course, treats! Be sure to give him some love when you visit!