About Us
Melissa Coe, LICSW , Owner/Founder Water's Edge Therapy
Hi, my name is Melissa~ I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts with over 20 years in the Social Work field. I am passionate about what I do and the therapeutic relationship that forms during this deeply meaningful process. I enjoy working with young adults and up; with a focus on healing past/current trauma, exploration of Self, understanding/accepting and relieving symptoms of Anxiety/Depression/OCD/ADHD, relationship dynamics, parenting, and women's issues.
In my free time you can find me spending time with my husband, playing with our boys, laughing 'til it hurts with girlfriends, running and biking, and enjoying all the natural beauty the Ocean State has to offer!
Abbey Chrupcala, LICSW
Hi, my name is Abbey- I'm a licensed clinical social worker specializing in anxiety/depression, trauma, and family issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive & I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My objective is to create a safe place to discuss what is important to my clients and work together towards their goals for the therapeutic process. My approach most often combines techniques from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and mindfulness therapy, but love to customize treatment to meet the specific needs of my clients. I have provided individual, group, and family therapy in a variety of settings throughout my career. I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a number of different mental health diagnoses struggling with stressors such as family challenges, trauma, grief/loss, school/work stress, and navigating relationships. When I'm not working, you can find me doing yoga, gardening, or relaxing with my family.
Nancy Scorpio, LICSW
Hi, my name is Nancy~ I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 30 years. My years of work will tell you that I am where I should be, a social worker, and for that I'm very fortunate . Working with people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and struggles provides me with the opportunity to support each person to achieve their own goals and purpose to live their best life. I worked for many years in a public school setting and was able to transition to an individual practice where I feel I have been best suited to work in the past several years. It has offered me the ability to connect with people in a more personal way, either virtually or in-person. The virtual world has become almost common stance for many, and to my surprise it has not impacted the ability to interact and foster those connections. Based on pandemic living, we have all seen a rise in anxiety which has triggered depression, traumas, family issues and couple relationships. Additionally, it has affected the ability to move forward personally, socially and professionally. This is where my focus and purpose lie; working with people to recognize and utilize a strength, a passion and a means to communicate to achieve personal goals. Traditionally, I utilize CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Solution Focused Therapy, and trauma based treatment modalities with some very practical hands-on activities and exercises where appropriate. I try to practice what I preach, and to that end being outdoors and active, to an extent, is what I enjoy. Sit me on a beach, take a walk, a good book, that's my happy place. And of course my dog, my own personal therapist!!
Nina Mackta , LICSW
Hi, my name is Nina. I began working with Water’s Edge in 2020 after years in the public schools, in community agencies, clinics and hospitals as a clinical social worker. I have experience with adolescents, adults and families. I have focused on a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, learning issues , trauma and loss, addictions and women’s issues. As a therapist my goal is to support you and to work together to identify your needs, providing resources and expertise along the way. Experiencing mental health issues can be isolating and talk therapy can lessen the feeling of being alone. My training includes traditional psychodynamic methods as well as solution focused, family centered and cognitive behavioral work to name a few. Each individual has unique needs and our emotional health is a major part of our overall health, these beliefs guide my approach and the work I enjoy most; helping you feel your best. When not working I enjoy spending time with my children and adorable grandson, cooking together, taking walks with my husband and our dog "Ancho", collecting unique spices, traveling to new places and yoga!
Kerry Dzikiewicz, LMHC
Hi, my name is Kerry. I graduated from Providence College with a BA in Social Work and earned my master’s degree at Salve Regina University in Health Services Administration and Mental Health and Rehabilitative Counseling. I am nationally certified as a rehabilitative counselor. I have more than twenty years of experience including medical and geriatric case management, social work as well as individual, couple, and family counseling in a private practice. I specialize in helping children and adult clients in transition, experiencing anxiety, discouragement, loss, pain, disability, and progressive disease processes. I engage clients by teaching anxiety-reducing methods including breathing exercises, guided imagery, and meditation. I enjoy helping clients by working together to identify specific goals, then gradually meeting those goals. I use a combination of evidenced-based modalities including solution-focused, psycho-education, CBT, MI, and narrative therapy to meet client needs. In my free time you can find me hiking, kayaking and spending time with my family.
Liz Jacobs, LMHC
Hi, my name is Liz. As a licensed mental health counselor, I approach the process of therapy as an art and a science requiring both creativity and skill. Thus, my approach to therapy is as diverse as my clientele. As rapport is built, I use interventions that resonate with the individual. DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing are examples of modalities I use complimentary to my foundation as a psychoanalyst.
I build insight and awareness through identifying maladaptive patterns in thought and behavior, creating an awareness from which one can better regulate thoughts and actions. This is a first step in helping create positive change in life, and also facilitates coping with external stress factors out of one’s control.
I describe techniques in a way that is easily understood, in addition to explaining how specific interventions may foster healing in one’s personal journey of self-discovery.
I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, family and work stress, among other diagnoses. I support those in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community.
I am deeply passionate about my work as a healer and feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to do what I love as a career.
In addition to my clinical experience, I have a personal practice in Vipassana (insight meditation). This discipline continues to strengthen my own awareness in the therapeutic relationship, and when applicable, allows me to share my knowledge on the benefits of mindfulness in every day life.
During my personal time, you can find me in my art studio engaging in labors of love: drawing, painting, creative writing, and making beaded jewelry out of antique buttons!
Kailey Nykai, LMHC
Hi, my name is Kailey and I am a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed substance use counselor. I have had the privilege of
working in the mental health field for many years and have experience in providing individual and group therapy and clinical supervision. Most recently, I served as the clinical director for an eating disorder treatment program. I have a passion for supporting young adults and women in living an embodied and authentic life. My areas of expertise include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, addiction, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and life transitions. I work with individuals who feel stuck and disconnected from who they really want to be. This may look like having difficulty expressing needs in a relationship, struggling with perfectionism, or experiencing feelings of emptiness, disappointment, or shame. I use a compassionate and relational approach to provide a safe place for you to feel heard, validated, and understood. Holistically, we explore your underlying feelings and recurring patterns that are keeping you from achieving your deepest dreams and desires. In addition to using
evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I also draw from my background in the creative and expressive arts, psychodrama, and complementary alternative therapies, such as Reiki, to support positive and sustainable change. Coming from a place of curiosity, wisdom, and compassion, our work together helps you to discover and integrate a new way of being to help you feel empowered, build confidence, and step fully into your life. When I am not working, I love getting lost in a good book, being creative, and finding solitude in nature.
Megan Bergeron, LMHC
Hi, my name is Megan and I am a licensed mental health counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults facing life transitions as well as work, school and relationship stressors. I specialize in working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, self harm and low self esteem. I use a person-centered approach in order to help my clients to feel empowered and draw from their strengths in order to overcome challenges and to be the best version of themselves. I am an empathetic listener and integrate a variety of techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness to best fit each individual’s unique needs.
I earned my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University. Prior to joining Water's Edge, I worked for many years in crisis intervention both within the community and hospital settings. I have also held roles as a clinical supervisor as well as providing individual and group therapy within a day program and outpatient setting. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new recipes and reading.
Andrea Tonski, LMHC
Hi, my name is Andrea~ I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. I have ten years of experience in the mental health field as well as several years working as a special educator here in the state of Rhode Island. I enjoy working with individuals aged twelve through adulthood with a special focus on helping people develop resiliency and a greater sense of self when faced with life stressors and uncertainty. I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use disorders. I primarily utilize CBT, DBT, as well as Motivational Interviewing to inform my practice and especially enjoy collaborating with individuals to find what works best for them. I also proudly support the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring all the beauty Rhode Island has to offer, and nourishing my soul with live music!