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meet our team

Dr. Michelle Grimes

Psychologist, Psy.D.

Dr. Michelle Grimes (Gerber-Grimes) is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25+ years of experience. She brings warmth, depth, and a steady presence to her work, shaped by early career experiences with children and adolescents in residential treatment, adults in community mental health settings, and five years as the Staff Psychologist at the Albany County Correctional Facility.

Dr. Grimes works with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship challenges, using Schema Therapy—an integrative approach that blends cognitive and experiential techniques to help people understand patterns and heal more deeply. Her style is collaborative and compassionate, meeting each person where they are while honoring the complexity of their lived experience.

Michelle also supports families of children with social-emotional or behavioral challenges, including adoption and attachment-related issues. She helps parents navigate difficult behaviors, understand the underlying needs driving them, and build stronger, more trusting relationships. Through coaching, guidance, and a collaborative team approach, she partners with families to build an environment where children and parents feel seen, supported and able to move forward with greater confidence and connection.

Dr. Lisa Jackson

Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Jackson is a dedicated therapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals heal from trauma and navigate complex emotional experiences. Her work is grounded in compassion, insight, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity for growth. Dr. Jackson integrates evidence-based, trauma-focused approaches—including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—to support patients in moving toward lasting change.

Dr. Jackson also has training and experience in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and provides integration support for individuals seeking to process insights or emotions that emerge during ketamine treatments or other non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Edmund Orlowski

MA, LLP

Eddie holds a master’s degree and is a doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology program at the University at Albany. He also serves as a visiting assistant professor at Union College. He has worked with patients across diverse settings—including community mental health, private practice, and hospital environments—allowing him to meet a wide range of clinical needs with depth and flexibility.

In addition to his clinical work, Eddie has spent years studying the factors that make psychotherapy effective and how patients can benefit most from the therapeutic process. Through extensive academic research, he has developed a nuanced understanding of how to support individuals as they work toward meaningful change.

Eddie is well-versed in third-wave cognitive therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). He provides responsive, flexible, and relationally focused treatment to children, families, and adults. He is especially passionate about working with individuals navigating identity development, LGBTQ+ experiences, neurodivergence, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality.

Samantha Montello

MHC-LP

(Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit)
Samantha views therapy as a safe and supportive environment where individuals can authentically express themselves and feel genuinely heard and validated. She recognizes that opening up to someone new can be both challenging and intimidating, and she is committed to fostering a non-judgmental atmosphere in which patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences in their own way.

Her primary therapeutic approach is patient-centered talk therapy, complemented by techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Samantha also has experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She is dedicated to meeting patients where they are and collaborating with them to navigate the challenges they encounter.

Tara Haswell

Administrator / Office Manager
After owning her own businesses for 16 years, Tara decided it was time for a career change that offered a healthier work–life balance. She recently earned her certification in medical billing and is excited to bring her experience and dedication to Attuned Psychotherapy Collective. In this role, Tara will be your go-to contact for questions about our services, insurance coverage, and billing. She is committed to making the process as smooth and supportive as possible for our patients and their families. When she is not working,Tara loves traveling with her family, getting lost in a good book, and spending time baking.

Mazie

Chief Happiness Officer

Mazie is our expert morale booster, specializing in tail-wagging greetings, unsolicited smooches, and high stakes treat negotiation. She holds an advanced degree in expert level snuggling, but can also be found snoozing peacefully at your feet.

Mazie believes that everyone she meets is her new best friend, whether they know it or not. Off the clock, she enjoys power naps, spirited toy mutilation and excessive early morning barkfests.

Our team utilizes a diverse range of psychotherapy modalities, and the approaches listed reflect the collective expertise of our clinicians. For each therapy type, at least one team member is formally trained and actively practicing that modality. If you have a preferred treatment approach, please feel free to let us know—this information will help us match you with the provider best suited to your needs.