Our Team

EDUCATORS & TRAINING CONSULTANTS

Gabrielle Giordano BS, EdM

Gabrielle was a teacher at Fay School in Southborough MA for many years.  She was previously a stay at home mom, who balanced volunteer opportunities with part-time businesses, and also a Financial Aid Director at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She has three adult children who are now all out of the house. She is working with Mental Health Collaborative as an educator consultant and co-taught the mental health curriculum remotely and is now enjoying training other educators.

Denise E. Hildreth, Phd, LICSW

Denise has been a licensed clinical social worker for almost 25 years. During that time, she has provided support to children and families facing a variety life challenges. She has expertise in helping families navigate typical life transitions and to recover from painful life events, significant losses, and mental health challenges. In addition to her clinical work, Denise has been a social work educator for much of her career, educating and training social work students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She currently serves as a member of the faculty at Regis College in Weston.

Carrie Prisco MA, EdM

Carrie was a teacher and team leader in Westborough, MA for years.  She has two girls of her own and loves being active and volunteering in her community.  Carrie co-taught the mental health curriculum to remote 8th graders in MA, and enjoyed using interactive and creative ways to engage the students.  She is passionate about teaching and learning, and believes this curriculum will make a difference in students and schools. 

Karen Renaud, M.Ed., CiWPP, CiHS

Karen has been teaching in the field of wellness education for 23 years.  She proudly served as the K-12 Wellness Subject Matter Leader for the Hopkinton Public School district and has presented at the MAHPERD, SHAPE America Eastern District Association and National conventions.  Several years ago, she was introduced to Positive Psychology while developing a high school stress management course.  She was so fascinated by this field of study that she enrolled in a certification program in Wholebeing Positive Psychology.  In the years since, she has also completed certifications in Positive Psychology Coaching, Happiness Studies with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar and is completing a mindfulness and meditation certification program. Currently, she works as a Positive Psychology coach for teens and young adults, is an online course creator and professional education provider. She is passionate about bringing Mental Health education to all schools in the U.S. because it is an often ignored, stigmatized and misunderstood part of our health and wellbeing. Karen is thrilled to be part of the Mental Health Collaborative team.

Elizabeth Schuster,  M.A. in Counseling Psychology

Elizabeth is a licensed secondary school adjustment counselor with over 18 years of experience working with students in grades 6-12, as well as, college students. Her work has focused on helping students with mental health challenges, social/emotional challenges, and helping students and families navigate the accessibility process involved with physical, learning, and medical disabilities.  Elizabeth is also an adjunct instructor in undergraduate psychology programs and an executive function coach working with college students.

Gail Martinez Waters, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC

Gail has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with Spiritual and Pastoral Integration, as well as a M.Ed. in School Counseling. She has 17 years of experience working with children and adolescents as a K-12 school counselor and licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland. In addition to her school and clinical experience, she is an adjunct professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Wilmington University in Delaware. Gail’s doctoral research study was on the impact of mental health literacy training on mental health knowledge, attitudes, relationships, and spirituality at work of secondary teachers. Mental health literacy advocacy, research, and training in schools and communities is her passion.