Our Therapists

Paul Foxman, Ph.D., Founder and Director

Dr. Paul Foxman, Ph.D., is director of the Vermont Center for Anxiety Care in Burlington, Vermont, where he is recognized as an expert in anxiety disorders, stress and relationships. His books on these subjects include “Dancing with Fear” (2007), “The Worried Child” (2004) and a co-authored casebook, “Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders” (2003). His book, “The Clinician’s Guide to Anxiety Disorders in Kids and Teens”(2017) was written to improve the effectiveness of child therapists. Dr. Foxman's newest book, “Traumas and Triumphs: A Psychologist's Personal Recipe for Happiness” (2022) focuses on how to grow emotionally as a result of trauma and adversity. In addition to his administrative and supervision responsibilities, Dr. Foxman maintains a therapy practice in which he enjoys working with youth and adults.

Dr. Foxman teaches internationally and has led hundreds of top-rated educational programs for mental health professionals, educators and other health care professionals. He has appeared on television and radio as an expert on the topics of anxiety and stress. As a teacher, Dr. Foxman is known for his knowledge and clarity, sense of humor, compassion and engaging speaking style.

Dr. Foxman’s education and training includes Yale University (B.A. in Psychology), George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology) and training at the Department of Psychiatry of Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco, the Kennedy Child Study Center in Nashville and the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute. In 1985, he co-founded the Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Vermont, now flourishing from kindergarten through high school.

In his therapy practice, Dr. Foxman accepts all health insurance, including Aetna, BCBS, Beacon Health, CBA, Cigna, FirstHealth/Coventry, Medicaid, Medicare, MHN, MVP, Tricare, Optum, United Behavioral Health and ValueOptions.

Audrey Winograd, MSW (She/Her)

Audrey Winograd is a clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience with chronic illness and disease, depression, anxiety, identity issues, aging and disability, neurodegenerative memory and movement disorders, grief and loss (including pet loss and liaison with animal-assisted therapy), chronic pain and caregiver support.

As a client, Audrey meets you where you are: a unique individual with personal goals and a built-in capacity to achieve optimal functioning. You will find Audrey to be warm, caring, sensitive, fully present and tuned in. In her individual counseling she uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach and incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative, relational, mindfulness meditation and psychodynamic models of care.

Audrey also offers group therapy and support groups for clients and caregivers, using our large, lake-view group room. Audrey will guide and encourage you on an exploratory journey toward growth and meaningful living. Audrey works under the supervision of Dr. Foxman.

Audrey accepts the following health insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medicaid, MVP.

Cheryl Shive, M.S., MSW, LICSW (She/Her)

Cheryl Shive specializes in working with children, adolescents and their families. She is skilled with behavior problems, anger management, foster care, adoption, anxiety conditions and depression. Cheryl uses a client-centered, strength-based approach to therapy utilizing treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy family and systems therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. As the director of a nonprofit Christian organization, Cheryl incorporates pastoral counseling when appropriate.

Cheryl brings warmth and unconditional positive regard to her sessions, providing a safe and nurturing environment for clients. She looks forward to helping children and teenagers develop skills for managing stress and the challenges of growing up, as well as helping families strengthen their relationships.

Cheryl accepts the following health insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medicaid and MVP.

Mollie Farnham-Stratton, M.S., MSW (She/Her)

Mollie Farnham-Stratton is a clinical social worker with many years of experience working with pre-teens, adolescents, families and adults in a variety of settings, including wilderness adventures, camps and residential programs. She has expertise with symptoms of stress and trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, OCD, substance use issues and more.

Mollie believes that authentic connection and care is vital in creating a healing environment for therapy. She partners with each client to identify inner resources and motivation, and provides support and guidance using evidence-based therapy practices. Her therapy interventions include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness-based therapies. Mollie believes that everyone can find balance and live fully regardless of their challenges. She is currently working toward her Vermont clinical social worker license under the supervision of Dr. Foxman.

Mollie accepts the following health insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medicaid and MVP.

Maja Zovko, M.A., MSW (She/Her)

Maja Zovko is a clinical social worker whose approach to therapy is holistic, client-centered, empathic and rooted in spirituality. Maja believes that we each have the power to heal, transform and overcome adversities to live a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Maja enjoys working with adults from all walks of life and offers a welcoming, culturally-informed space. She incorporates spirituality and eastern wisdom, meditation, mindfulness, family constellations and chair yoga, as well as more traditional approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, psychoeducation and motivational interviewing. Her special interests are trauma and spirituality.

Maja’s education includes an MSW from Columbia School of Social Work. She also has a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, with the area of focus in “Spirituality Mind and Body Graduate Studies.” Maja is also a 500RYT yoga teacher who received her formal training in India. In her free time, Maja enjoys yoga, meditation, spiritual pursuits, gardening, learning how to play tabla, snowboarding and traveling.

Maja is accumulating her hours for licensure under the supervision of Dr. Foxman.

Maja accepts the following health insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medicaid/Green Mountain Care and MVP.

Annie Williams, M.S. (She/Her)

Annie Williams is a rostered clinical mental health counselor who provides individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults. She specializes in issues including self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and relationship issues. Annie approaches all clients with unconditional positive regard, with the goal of being present with them through any challenge they are facing.

Annie’s therapeutic style is rooted in warmth, compassion, understanding and authenticity. She recognizes that therapy can often be intimidating and strives to provide an environment that feels safe and comfortable for her clients. Annie believes that every person’s needs and desires are different, and caters her treatment plans to each individual client. She draws from therapeutic orientations, including person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). She also has experience in expressive arts therapy and emotional regulation strategies.

Annie received her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Plymouth State University. She currently works under the supervision of Dr. Foxman in pursuit of her Vermont license.

Annie accepts the following insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medicaid/Green Mountain Care and MVP.

Kaytlyn Elliott, MSW (She/Her)

Kaytlyn Elliott is a rostered psychotherapist who provides services to children and adolescents experiencing behavioral challenges, processing disorders, OCD, ADHD and anxiety. She is trained in narrative therapy and motivational interviewing, and pulls from a multitude of therapeutic approaches such as CBT and mindfulness to meet youth where they are. Kaytlyn is passionate about supporting the LGTBQIA+ youth community. She enjoys cultivating a safe and supportive space for youth and adolescents to process the challenges and triumphs of life.

Kaytlyn is client centered, and practices with unconditional positive regard for the youth and families with whom she works. She brings a social justice lens to her work and enjoys working with a diverse population of clients.

Kaytlyn earned her B.S. Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. In her free time, Kaytlyn enjoys nature, live music and socializing with friends. She is currently working toward her independent clinical social worker license under the supervision of Dr. Paul Foxman.

Kaytlyn accepts the following health insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, MVP and Medicaid.

Holly Dolan, MSW (She/Her)

Holly Dolan is a compassionate clinical social worker who works with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety and depression. Whether you are an adult seeking support in managing anxiety or depression, or a parent concerned about your child's emotional well-being, Holly will tailor treatment to meet your personal goals.

Holly is experienced in using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT ) to help you identify and change negative thought patterns, collaborate on solution-focused action steps leading to a more positive outlook and improved daily functioning. She also employs narrative therapy approaches to help improve your self-identity and discover new perspectives. Holly completed her a 200-hour yoga teacher training program and incorporates evidence-based mindfulness practices to help clients alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Her skills help clients learn to ground themselves, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Holly earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Vermont. She is currently working toward her Vermont clinical social worker license under the supervision of Dr. Paul Foxman. In her free time, Holly can be found outside in nature, listening to live music & spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Bernie.

Holly accepts the following health insurance plans: BCBS, Cigna, MVP, and Green Mountain Care/Medicaid.

Alice Schermerhorn, M.S., Ph.D. (She/Her)

Dr. Alice Schermerhorn is a rostered psychotherapist who provides services to adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other issues. Her approach is warm and supportive, with careful listening, and unconditional positive regard. She believes that each of us has the capacity to grow and build lives that are fuller and more satisfying. She draws from a variety of therapeutic orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic, psychoanalytic, mindfulness, relaxation, communication skills, and strengths-based approaches.

Alice earned her M.S. Degree in Clinical Psychology from Illinois State University and her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, and she completed her post-doctoral training at Indiana University in Bloomington. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family. She currently works under the supervision of Dr. Foxman in pursuit of her Vermont license.

Alice accepts the following health insurance: BCBS, MVP, Medicaid, Cigna/Evernorth, and Aetna.

Brita Down, M.Ed., MA (She/Her)

Brita Down is a rostered clinical mental health counselor who has extensive experience working closely with adolescents and adults through educational institutions, outdoor adventuring, and residential programs. Brita currently specializes in helping to support and manage anxiety, ADHD/neurodiversity, depression, and self-determination.

Brita’s purpose is to help her clients live life to the fullest and discover their most authentic selves. She believes that connection, understanding, and discovery are the foundation of a growth mindset that can activate more skilled navigation of challenging waters. Brita celebrates healing, joy, peace, and expression, offering an individualized and integrated approach that utilizes evidence-based techniques and informed creativity. Brita incorporates elements of CBT, DBT, expressive arts therapies, and strengths-based approaches, along with foundational wellness.

Brita’s education includes an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She also has a master’s degree in Education from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theater from Bennington College. In her free time, Brita enjoys directing and performing in Vermont’s vibrant theater community, all things athletic and outdoorsy, supporting social justice initiatives, and traveling.

Brita works under the supervision of Dr. Paul Foxman, Ph.D., and she accepts the following health insurance: BCBS, Cigna/Evernorth, MVP, Aetna and Medicaid.

Alexis Jelm, LICSW (She/Her)

Alexis Jelm is a licensed independent clinical social worker. She works with adolescents, adults, families and couples. She believes in each person’s capacity to grow and prioritizes both building therapeutic rapport and meeting the unique needs of each person in therapy.

Alexis is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and utilizes this modality with clients to address anxiety, trauma history and distressing experiences. She is also experienced with utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, communication skills, anger management and a strength-based approach to treat depression, anxiety, life adjustments, and engaging families in therapy. Before beginning her career in the outpatient therapy setting, Alexis gained experience working with clients with histories of intimate partner violence, engagement in foster care, and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.

Prior to starting her career in social work, Alexis volunteered in Peace Corps as a health education volunteer in Moldova. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with her two dogs, attending concerts, and spending time with friends and family.

Alexis accepts the following health insurance: BCBS, Cigna/Evernorth, MVP, Medicaid, Aetna