Our Clinicians
Dr. Cynthia Palmisano
MA, PSy.D. Licensed Psychologist, CA & CT (Owner & Director)
Dr. Palmisano is a licensed forensic and clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Her expertise involves psychological testing and evaluation. She has worked extensively with at risk and underserved populations including homeless mentally ill, incarcerated, dually diagnosed and transgender individuals. Her expertise includes motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive processing therapy. Dr. Palmisano has expertise in working with neurodiverse populations and in evaluating for attention disorders. Her research has included a variety of work with incarcerated populations, recidivism, juvenile justice and sexual offenders. She believes in making treatment and evaluation evidence based and person centered.
Omally Martinez
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Omally is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who uses a strengths-based, client-centered approach in both English and Spanish. She has experience utilizing behavioral modification treatment techniques with youth and adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also treats youth and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders. She is passionate about working with LGBTQ+ populations to foster self-acceptance, gender identity euphoria, and increased self-esteem. Her approach includes a systems lens to provide family members and support with a deeper understanding of the client’s diagnosis, as well as to nurture full-family healing and compassion. ​
OMALLY WILL BE ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS FOR VIDEO VISITS ONLY.
Dr. Jessica Plouffe
Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Jessie completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Western Connecticut State University and her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at the University of Hartford. Jessie worked at Apex during her clinical training and returned as a postdoc in 2024 following the completion of her degree. During her training, she also worked in community health and post-secondary educational settings and completed her pre-doctoral internship at Brattleboro Retreat. Jessie specializes in evaluations of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, and differential diagnosis of mental health conditions, striving for a strengths-based and validating experience. She also maintains a caseload of therapy clients. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time outside.
Samuel Koenig
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Samuel Koenig is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who provides a warm, client centered approach to therapy. He is committed to creating a calm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences. He has experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma related concerns, social anxiety, and relationship challenges. Samuel integrates an eclectic, person centered approach informed by mindfulness, compassion focused, experiential, existential, and humanistic perspectives. He values a collaborative therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and openness, helping clients feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work toward meaningful growth and lasting change.
Elona Peraj
Licensed Master Social Worker
Hello. My name is Elona Peraj, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the State of Connecticut. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University and my Master's degree from Fordham University.​ My primary focus has been on young adults and older adults. I integrate evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT and strength-based practices. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and life transitions. I demonstrate strong cultural competence in my work with clients ensuring sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds.​ I believe that through a humanistic approach, I can collaborate with you to facilitate meaningful change in your life. Additionally, I am bilingual in English and Albanian, allowing me to offer support in both languages.