Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Helen Macharia, a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her private practice. With a background in inpatient, homecare, substance abuse, and outpatient settings, Helen has honed her skills in providing holistic, patient-centered care.
Motivated by a desire for early intervention and collaboration with therapists and other prescribers, Helen transitioned to private practice. Her goal is to prevent the need for inpatient care through proactive and comprehensive mental health services.
Helen specializes in treating a diverse range of individuals, including children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorders, substance abuse, and other mental illnesses. Her expertise extends to adjustment disorders, especially aiding those in the transition from college to adulthood.
Helen believes in a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the importance of an integrative treatment approach, including medication management, therapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching, sleep hygiene, and more. She acknowledges that dysregulation often stems from imbalances in the brain and aims to restore equilibrium, promoting the rebuilding of relationships, starting with your relationship with yourself.
Helen’s focus is on creating positive change in various aspects of life, including personal development, relationships, career, and rediscovery of passions. She takes the time to understand your emotional and psychological concerns, involving you in decision-making for the best treatment plan. This collaborative process ensures that your unique needs are addressed, and any questions or concerns are thoroughly discussed.
At Cagway Health and Wellness, you can expect a warm, supportive environment where your mental wellness is prioritized. Contact us today to embark on your journey toward stabilization, healing, and an improved quality of life.
During your visit, we go beyond surface-level symptoms. A complete lab panel is ordered to evaluate key hormonal markers and overall wellness. At your follow-up appointment, we discuss these values in the context of your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. Our treatment plan isn't dictated by lab results alone but shaped by how you feel and what you want to achieve.
Optimal health often requires more than prescriptions. I seamlessly integrate high-quality supplements to support hormonal balance, energy levels, and mental clarity. These evidence-based options enhance your care plan without becoming an isolated or secondary service.
I am committed to delivering expert, integrative care that aligns with your wellness goals. My approach blends advanced psychiatric knowledge with hormone health expertise, recognizing that mental and physical well-being are inextricably linked. Together, we will unlock the root causes of your symptoms and develop a personalized plan to help you feel your best. Whether you're struggling with persistent fatigue, mood changes, or sleep issues, our holistic, integrative approach ensures no piece of the puzzle is overlooked.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Shannon Hoey is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with extensive experience in mental health and holistic care. She is currently pursuing her certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), expanding her ability to provide compassionate and integrative mental health services to individuals of all ages. With over eight years of experience, Shannon has worked in a variety of healthcare settings within the North Shore.
Shannon has extensive training in addiction psychiatry and provides medication-assisted treatment for clients achieving sobriety. She also has a keen interest in helping clients within the LGBTQPIA+ community and fosters an open and non-judgmental space to assist clients in their mental health journey. She is committed to offering personalized, patient-centered care with a focus on early intervention, prevention, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Simmons University, where she graduated Cum Laude. She is currently completing a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Maryville University, with an expected graduation in 2025.
Outside of her clinical practice, Shannon enjoys recharging by spending time in nature, engaging in watercolor painting, and going on peaceful walks. She believes in fostering strong, trusting relationships with her patients, and her goal is to help them achieve holistic well-being by addressing both physical and mental health needs.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I)
Joel LeBlanc, MS, LADC I holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University and a bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Worcester State University. He is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I) with a specialization in substance use disorders.
Throughout his career, Joel has worked with diverse populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system, those struggling with substance use, and adults with co-occurring disorders. He has led groups focused on addiction, anger management, and behavioral health, gaining valuable experience in both direct care and program administration. Joel has also served as a clinical supervisor, providing guidance and mentorship to other counselors.
Joel’s therapeutic work is centered around meeting clients where they are and building a treatment plan that fits their unique needs. He enjoys working with clients who are navigating life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use recovery. His person-centered approach is designed to help clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to make positive, lasting changes.
At Cagway Health, Joel provides individual counseling and clinical supervision, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness practices. He believes in the power of authenticity, connection, and humor as tools for healing, and his clients appreciate his genuine, down-to-earth style.
Joel is available for virtual therapy sessions with flexible scheduling, including daytime appointments, evenings, and weekend sessions. In addition to his work, Joel enjoys engaging in community theater, singing, and exploring his passion for cooking and baking. He’s also a yoga enthusiast, having taught in the past, and enjoys practicing mindfulness and yoga as part of his own self-care.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II)
Gia Gimilaro, LADC II is a compassionate Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) with nearly a decade of experience in the mental health and substance use fields. Currently completing her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University, Gia has dedicated her career to helping individuals recover from substance use disorders and manage mental health challenges. Gia brings a personal and empathetic perspective to her work as someone in recovery herself, making her especially relatable to clients facing similar struggles.
Throughout her career, Gia has worked in a range of settings, from inpatient men’s transitional facilities to detox programs. She has extensive experience with both substance use and mental health treatment. She has transitioned from case management to therapy, focusing on conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. At her current position, she provides therapy to clients who meet outpatient criteria, helping them navigate their mental health and recovery journeys.
Gia’s therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care. She frequently works on building coping skills, managing triggers, and using talk therapy to help clients overcome obstacles and lead healthier lives.
Gia offers flexible therapy sessions, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate her clients’ needs. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her nine-year-old daughter, making family life a priority. Gia also values moments of relaxation and balance between work and family, dedicating herself to both her career and personal well-being.
Experience the power of comprehensive care where mental wellness and hormonal balance converge.