Empowering Your authentic growth
Everyone is welcome at Connected Roots to be their authentic selves. Our Community embraces and includes the full spectrum of diverse identities and needs. We invite your unique expressions and perspectives.
Learn more about destigmatizing mental health and all the amazing things therapeutic professionals are doing by subscribing to the Connected Roots YouTube channel!
Connected Roots is a unique and holistic therapy practice built upon the three pillars of:
CONNECTION • GROUNDING • CONFIDENCE
We help our clients to:
Cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others
Identify and strengthen the roots that keep them grounded
Build confidence in their ability to cope with life's stressors
What we offer
Group therapy provides a type of support and validation not often found elsewhere. In group therapy, people are able to express themselves openly and connect with others who are going through similar difficulties.
What clients are saying about their time in group
"My time in group therapy was valuable and transformative! I was nervous and hesitant to try group therapy at first but was welcomed with open arms and I am so grateful I gave it a shot! They structure the time thoughtfully and each week I left with new skills."
Group Therapy
The quintessential quintet
What it's like to work with Lauren
"Lauren has been absolutely instrumental in helping me learn about my boundaries, what works, and what doesn't. She gives me a fresh, outside perspective, and respects my culture."
"Lauren is someone who empathizes rather than judges. She encourages a positive outlook on life by pointing out and acknowledging even the smallest of accomplishments!"
Lauren Andre(She/Her), LCSW
"The Brain"
My passion for helping others led me toward obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Denver in 2011.
In 2013, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
My approach to therapy is integrative and holistic.
I strive to create collaborative therapeutic relationships with my clients with respect for each person's autonomy and strength.
I aim to meet clients where they're at with empathy and compassion.
Utilizing skills mainly from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, I work to empower clients to make choices that align with their personal goals and values.
My experience includes six years as a group facilitator for young adults and adults in a Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient setting as well as seven years as a private practitioner for individuals and groups.
I provide therapeutic support for people facing various mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, as well as those wanting support as they navigate life transitions and/or difficulties in both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships.
Eliot Andre(He/him), NLC, TRS, CLC
"The Brawn"
My excitement for helping others evolved through my experiences studying abroad.
It was there that I realized the power of self-reflection and authentic self-expression.
Several years after I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Environment Science, I participated in a wilderness survival course that re-connected me with nature.
In 2016, after a career in the family shoe business, I decided to pursue my passion by going back to school to become a Recreational Therapist.
My approach to therapy is fun, creative and collaborative.
I find joy in seeing a client smile as they grow and mature as a person.
As a Recreational Therapist and Certified Life Coach, I guide clients toward their goals by utilizing leisure based interventions involving activities, such as, outdoor adventure, sports, art, and music.
My experience includes working with adults individually, leading group therapy for inpatient substance use programs, working with adults with intellectual disabilities, children and young adults with social and communication disorders, people with physical disabilities, and veterans, in residential and outpatient settings.
I provide support for people as they embark on their journey to create the life they want as well as guiding people as they navigate life transitions and their difficulties in both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships.
What it's like to work with eliot
"I feel incredibly lucky to have found Eliot. He is empathic, understanding, open and aware. He is authentic, charismatic, and relatable."
"Eliot is wonderful! He told us that he and our son would walk "side by side" through the challenges he was facing. I feel that Eliot has allowed our son to open up and be his true self. We are so grateful that Eliot was able to help our son achieve his goals and his potential."
Jennie Rindler(she/her), lSw
"The Bohemian"
What it's like to work with Jennie
"Jennie has a compassionate attitude that makes me feel accepted and safe...her connection to intuition and clinical knowledge makes her astute at fostering healing."
My goal is to support you in a safe and nurturing environment, providing guidance as you identify your strengths and tap into inner wisdom, for lasting, organic healing.
My therapeutic style is informed by Internal Family Systems (also known as “parts work”), somatic therapy, attachment theory, and my background in yoga, meditation, and energy healing. I help my clients feel empowered to use the skills they learn in sessions on their own, including meditation, visualization, and relaxing breath practices.
Clients work with me who seek support around depression, anxiety, relationship issues (friends, family, partners), spiritual questioning, life transitions, and personal growth and transformation. As your therapeutic goals shift and evolve, so will our work together.
When I first entered graduate school at the SUNY Stony Brook School of Social Welfare, my dream was to become a therapist who would help people heal and grow in a holistic way. I graduated with my master's degree in social work (MSW) in 2008, and then set about furthering my education.
Along my path, I have earned certificates in teaching vinyasa, chair, and restorative yoga, as well as Thai yoga bodywork. I have also become a Reiki Master/Teacher, and discovered the gift of listening to intuition.
After years of learning, I was able to come full circle to my original dream, supporting clients in psychotherapy with a multi-faceted, holistic approach.
Nick Serro(he/him), LSW
"The Boundless"
My mission is to support you in a safe and nurturing environment, providing guidance as you identify your strengths and tap into your inner wisdom, for lasting, organic healing.
My views regarding mental health hinge on the idea that life is incredibly hard, and therefore I believe that any success— big or small— is a means for celebration!
My goal working with clients is to build a therapeutic relationship which keeps you autonomous in the driver’s seat while offering any outside perspectives that may help spark new connections.
I completed my MSW from Loyola University Chicago in 2021. Since 2015, I have been able to help people of all ages and all walks of life move toward reaching their goals, both individually and in groups. My specialties are working with neurodivergence and personality disorders.
My therapeutic approach is client-focused and centered around empathy, flexibility, creativity, and nonjudgemental problem solving. I ultimately believe that the best strategies derive from what is most effective for each individual, and therefore value the integration of many different psychological approaches to best uncover what works for each person.
With years of expertise in both psychology and social work fields, my aim is to be truly boundless in tailoring my experiences, techniques and strategies to be best utilized every session.
What it's like to work with Nick
"Working with Nick has been such a positive experience. He has taught me so much about mental health, coping with the challenges of life and managing relationships that I am forever grateful for."
"Working with Nick is an absolute pleasure, he fosters a true safe space free of any judgement. Having Nick has made a substantial difference for me. He truly cares about my well being and is so supportive of me and my experience."
What it's like to work with Gabe
"Gabe is a truly amazing human and the best teacher anyone could ask for. I've never met anyone who I think would make a better therapist. I've learned so much from Gabe's compassion, wisdom and patience"
"Gabe's empathy, kindness and care for others without a single bit of judgment is so admirable and always shows."
Gabe Belzer (They/Them), LSW
"The Bold"
My purpose is to empower you while learning about your personal journey to build trust together so that you can feel comfortable and safe opening up about your most inner self.
I’m a nonbinary social worker who’s looking forward to learning and growing with you.
I first started my journey in the social work field at 16 when I had the opportunity to volunteer on a crisis youth hotline in my hometown. My world expanded as I learned about how community support and therapeutic techniques foster genuine human connection and resilience. I continued into the field studying sociology and counseling, eventually gaining a masters degree in social work in 2021.
My approach is holistic in understanding how your biology, psychology and social experiences interact to create the most authentic version of yourself. Therapy starts by building a genuine relationship, it is your time for you, we can work together to create a space that feels most supportive to your healing and growth.
I have experience in sexual assault advocacy, I understand the dynamics and impacts of sexual violence, as well as the legal system and processes surrounding it. If you are impacted by sexual violence, you are not alone.
I specializing in working with people who identify as queer as well as those pursing non-monogamous relationships.
