Meet the Staff
Haben Abraham is Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center, Jessica Wilde, Nelis Bidó-Jiménez, Diandra Barnes, and Lauren Cooper are licensed clinical social workers. Dr. Elliott Lacki is a licensed psychologist. According to both Trinity College policy and federal and state law, all information and material gathered by the staff of the Center is available only to the Counseling and Wellness Center staff. Except in the case of clear and imminent danger, no information will be transmitted to anyone inside or outside the College without the written consent of the student.
We also have a psychiatric APRN available in the Center, Eliza Hedegaard, APRN, for medication consultation for students who are in therapy with one of the members of the staff. She is available on referral from a member of the Center staff. Appointments may be made by calling the Center (860-297-2415).
We would like to recognize our two graduate student interns, Valene and Frescia, who have joined the Counseling and Wellness Center staff for the 2023-2024 school year.
Counseling and Wellness Center Staff 2023-2024
Haben Maria Abraham, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, Director (she/They)– In Haben’s office, students are treated as experts in their own lives. Her areas of interest are mindfulness, grounding techniques and healing intergenerational trauma. Additionally, she specializes in treating anxiety and depression. Haben earned her bachelor’s from Trinity College and is a graduate of the School of Social Work at Columbia University, where she earned her Master’s in 2012.
In addition to clinical practice, Haben partners with organizations ranging from colleges to corporations to facilitate workshops centered on Wellness, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Haben helps her partners take trauma informed approaches to their work. They enjoy quality time with family and friends, traveling and creating art.
Jessica Wilde, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker (she/her) – Joined the Counseling and Wellness Center in 2022. She received her B.A. from Skidmore College and her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work. Working with emerging adults has been a career long focus with particular interest in interpersonal relationships, stress management, anxiety and development of self. Outside of work she enjoys taking long walks, especially on the beach, attending live theater and sport events and baking.
Nelis Bidó-Jiménez, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker (she, her) – Nelis joined the Counseling and Wellness Center in 2022. Nelis holds a B.A. from Rutgers University and received her Master in Social Work degree from the University of Saint Joseph. She is bilingual, Spanish speaking, with experience in providing mental health services across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings. Nelis takes a humanistic, culturally sensitive, relational approach to treatment. She has interests in assisting student’s growth in many areas including self-confidence, peer relations, emotion regulation, assertiveness/coping skills and managing anxiety and depression. Nelis enjoys going for walks, comedy shows, cinema, dancing, and learning about cultures with her family through traveling and the arts.
Elliott Lacki, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist (he/him) – Dr. Lacki joined the Trinity College Counseling and Wellness Center in February 2023. He received his B.A. in psychology from American University in Washington, D.C. and his Master’s degree and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Lacki completed an APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA and a postdoctoral residency at Community Health Center, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center with locations across Connecticut. Dr. Lacki has experience working with individuals across the lifespan in a multitude of settings, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, a neuropsychology private practice, and primary care/medical clinics. His clinical interests include health psychology, client-centered therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. In his free time, Dr. Lacki enjoys biking, kayaking, weightlifting, following the Boston Red Sox, and spending time with friends and family.
Diandra Barnes, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker (she/her) – Diandra joined the counseling and Wellness Center in Spring 2024.She earned a BSW from University of Saint Jospeh and MSW from UCONN. Diandra has experience working with various age groups including teens and young adults. She has a passion for and experience with supporting clients struggling with anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, disordered eating, and trauma. Diandra takes a strength based and systems approach to supporting clients with developing the adaptive tools they need to navigate difficulties. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, attending concerts, painting, and spending time with family.
Lauren Cooper, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker (she/her)- Lauren joined the Counseling and Wellness Center in Spring 2024. She received her B.A. in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University and her Master’s in Social Work from University of Connecticut. Lauren has experience working with individuals across all ages. She has worked with individuals facing various emotional and behavioral needs in various settings. Utilizing a strengths-based and eclectic approach, Lauren has a passion for working with individuals faced with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, substance use, family stressors, life stressors, and more. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time outside, gardening, reading, refinishing furniture, and spending time with loved ones.
Elif, Office Manager (she/her) – Elif joined the counseling center in 2022. Outside of the office, she enjoys makeup, spending time with loved ones, and playing tennis.
