Samantha Abrecea is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a strong focus on clinical practice and trauma-informed care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from Central Connecticut State University. She later obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University and is currently pursuing a second Master of Science degree in Integrative Health Sciences from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Samantha has built a strong academic foundation complemented by diverse, hands-on experience working with children, adolescents, military personnel, and adults across a range of settings.

Samantha is also a veteran of the Army National Guard, having completed a combat deployment to Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia. Her military experience enhances her ability to connect with and support active-duty service members and veterans, bringing a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population.

She has extensive experience supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and youth between the ages of 11 and 23 who present with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Samantha has worked in structured clinical and educational environments, where she has facilitated therapeutic interventions, supported skill development, and created safe, supportive spaces for growth and healing. Drawing on her experience with both civilian and military populations, she is highly attentive to the stressors associated with trauma, transition, and reintegration. Her work reflects a deep commitment to meeting clients where they are while empowering them to build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Samantha utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach, incorporating evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and strength-based interventions. She has a particular interest in advanced trauma treatments, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and is committed to ongoing professional development in this area.

Passionate about advocacy, equity, and social justice, Samantha strives to create inclusive and empowering therapeutic environments. She values building strong, trusting relationships with her clients and believes that, with the right support and tools, individuals have the capacity to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Supervisors: Joseph Culoso, LCSW, CVMHP
and Kiran Miner, LCSW R