MONICA WOOD, MA, PPS, LMFT

Founder and Director

I knew at an early age that I wanted to get into the mental wellness field! I love working with people, and enjoy helping them find their own happiness, contentment and purpose in life. To achieve this goal I obtained a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology, as well as a degree and license in school counseling. I also received additional training and certification in EMDR and Neurofeedback. I have worked in the counseling field since 1990, and received my professional license in 1997.

I founded Pinnacle Mental Wellness Group because I wanted to create a counseling center where people of all types – backgrounds, ages, orientations, genders, sizes, beliefs, social status, professions – can come, feel accepted and welcome, and find a place where they can be who they are without judgment. I have been fortunate enough to assemble a group of people who work at Pinnacle and share a similar desire to positively impact client’s lives in a loving and professional way. At Pinnacle, we ALL strive to help our clients find their own unique path toward healing, hope and purpose.

I work with children through adults, and especially enjoy making breakthroughs with people who had difficulty finding healing in other places. Areas I specialize in include:

• School/Academic Performance and Success
• Depression
• ADD/ADHD
• Spectrum Disorders
• Anxiety/Panic
• Depression
• PTSD
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Neurofeedback (my favorite area of specialization!)

The types of therapy that I enjoy using most often include talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EFT, TAT, EMDR, and Neurofeedback. It is particularly fulfilling for me to work on a one-to-one basis with someone to help them deal with women’s issues, peak performance readiness (test taking, sports performance, job interviews, etc.), or a serious illness diagnosis.

The traits that I bring to my therapy sessions include: great listening skills, compassion, honesty, humor, warmth and love. I hope to be able to utilize these skills to help others overcome and manage the challenges life has presented to them.

April Young, PhD

Clinical Associate

When I was an undergraduate psychology major, I conducted humane research with animals. But then I worked with teens with autism, and became hooked on working with people instead of animals. After that I went on to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, in the Child and Family program.

I enjoy working at Pinnacle Mental Wellness because it gives me an opportunity to utilize my natural abilities of caring, kindness and empathy to help clients achieve optimum mental health. I work with both children and adults to provide counseling and psychological testing, and have recently begun to explore the fascinating benefits associated with neurofeedback and biofeedback. I have even invested in neurofeedback for my own children because I felt so strongly about its efficacy, and I am thrilled to be able to bring the healing qualities of these disciplines to the people I help.

In my spare time I love to play taiko drums, which is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. I also have a golden lab that I would like to have certified as a therapy dog. Life goals that I hope to achieve include seeing the Northern lights and traveling to Europe.

Heidi Boatright, MS, LMFT

Clinical Associate

I simply loved my first psychology class back in high school, and have been pursuing my passion to help others ever since. To reach this goal I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, masters in counseling, and a license as a marriage family therapist.

I am kind, compassionate, friendly, nonjudgmental, caring, calm, easy-going, and honest – all terrific personality traits to bring to my work. I put clients first, make them feel safe, and help them the best I can. I am passionate in all I do, and hope this comes through to help my clients feel important and cared for. The populations I enjoy working with most at Pinnacle include women, children and teens on topics as varied as women’s issues, domestic violence, grief and loss, and teen development. I specialize in talk therapy, and am also trained in EMDR and neurofeedback, which are great pluses in my work with clients.

My interests include knitting, going to the gym, hanging out with friends and family, shopping with my mom, and just enjoying life. I hope to be able to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in person, and obtain my private pilot license.

Elaine S. Pritchard, MA, LMFT

Clinical Associate

My heart’s calling is to work with people who are striving for a more joyous and fulfilling life, and to help them deal with the hard issues that stand in the way of happiness. I obtained an MA in Counseling of Psychology and a BA in Psychology, to better understand those I strive to help. I hold ANSA and CANS certificates, as well as an ACT Trainer certificate

At Pinnacle I use my innate qualities of humor, compassion, understanding, caring, and listening spirituality to work with men, women, individuals, teens, and families. My approach to mental healing is that I walk along side my clients, and help them navigate the difficult path towards a healthier and more enjoyable life. People say that I’m easy-going, empathetic, and look at things a little differently outside the box to find new paths to fulfillment. My areas of interest include trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, spectrum disorders (autism), codependency, betrayal, grief, life transitions, teen and women’s issues, and spirituality.

I love going to movies and am a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox. My bucket list includes trips to places as far-flung as Australia and Dollywood.

Jeni Watson

Intake Coordinator

I have a B.S. in Psychology, but just wanted a job that could balance with being an at-home mom. I came to Pinnacle to fill in “temporarily,” but loved it, the people here, and the work we do so much that I’ve been doing it ever since!

When people call or come into Pinnacle, I use my traits of being kind, friendly, caring, helpful, and a good listener to ease their concerns. I want to let them know they’ve taken the first step on a path to recovery. After I have their basic information, I work with Monica to pair clients with the therapist who best meets their specific needs.

People may not know that I play the clarinet, have run two marathons, and speak pig Latin! I would love to travel the U.S., go on a mission trip, learn another instrument, and study another language.

Michelle Zimmerman

Office & Practice Manager/Neurofeedback Technician Trainer

I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Community-Based Public Health because I wanted to be able to make a positive change or difference in people’s lives. At Pinnacle, we help guide clients to living a happier, healthier, more quality-filled life. I enjoy my work at Pinnacle because it aligns with the goals that I have for helping people make positive changes in their lives.

The personality characteristics I bring to my work at Pinnacle are that I am personable, caring, kind, genuine, compassionate and hardworking. I also enjoy interacting with people and helping them. I really enjoy helping our practice run more smoothly because I believe that this helps our clients get that much closer to achieving THEIR goals!

My duties include overseeing the day-to-day workings of our office, our staff, and our schedules. I began as a Neurofeedback technician. I am now Level 2 trained as a Neurofeedback technician, so I’m very skilled at Neurofeedback treatment and how to follow the clinician’s treatment plan exactly so that our clients receive the most benefit from their treatment. I also enjoy explaining each step to our clients and helping them feel more comfortable with the Neurofeedback process.

When not at the office I enjoy hiking and being outdoors. My life goals are to go on a cross-country road trip, travel out of country, and swim with dolphins!