Adult Oncology Counseling Services

Kailie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C, has worked in oncology care settings since 2008, including Massachusetts General Hospital and New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weil Cornell Medical Center. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and holds Board certification in Oncology Social Work. She has served as a state representative for the Association of Oncology Social Work since 2019. Kailie utilizes a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, helping clients impacted by cancer to identify and build resiliency. She employs a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She regularly incorporates mindfulness and expressive arts into her practice. Kailie is also trained in play-based therapeutic modalities for work with young clients as part of the Healing Tree program.

Sarah Walter has more than 10 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, and their family members through life transitions, trauma, and loss. She earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees at the University of Utah’s Graduate school of Social Work in 2016. Sarah has worked as a clinician supporting children and their families at Sweetser’s Eslie J. Parquette school, community behavioral health clinics, and as a Field Instructor at a wilderness therapy program in Utah. Sarah was previously licensed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has experience treating adults and adolescents with Substance Use Disorders. She is trained in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the Attachment Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) Framework, and Structural Family therapy. 

Christine Brome, LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of New England Graduate School of Social Work in 2019. Prior to coming to the Dempsey Center, Christine was a part of the Northern Light Mercy Cancer Care team, where she has spent the past few years having the opportunity to provide emotional, practical, and financial support to patients and families impacted by cancer. Christine has experience working with a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy and believes in using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach when working with those impacted by cancer. She has a special interest in offering support during end-of-life care, legacy and life review, and transition to survivorship.

A Board-certified Oncology Social Worker, Michelle earned her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in 2001. She brings experience from a variety of social work settings, including most recently the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network, serving Mid-coast Maine through Oncology Social Work Navigation. Michelle draws on a variety of therapeutic modalities in her practice with both individuals and groups, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She utilizes a person-centered approach highlighting the strengths each individual and family possess. Michelle joined the Dempsey Center in 2021.

A social worker at heart and through education, Erin King, LMSW-cc, worked with Hospice of Southern Maine in the Bereavement Department prior to making her way to the Dempsey Center. As a grief counselor with HSM, Erin helped loved ones navigate life after the death of a central person in their world. Erin recognizes the role loss plays in moving through a cancer-impacted world as well as the power humor can have throughout the healing process. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and a strengths-based approach, Erin strives to collaborate with those who have been affected by cancer. 

Elaina graduated from the University of New England in Social Work.  She worked previously as a registered nurse specializing in rehabilitative care.  Her desire to focus on the whole psychosocial needs of the client led her to the social work field. 

She utilizes a strengths-based perspective believing that you are truly an expert in your own life.  Her primary focus is to offer a non-judgmental, empathetic space, through mindfulness techniques and dialectic behavioral therapy that are both trauma-informed.  Elaina believes that therapy is an experience of collaboration and trust tailoring her approach to each individual’s needs and preferences. 

Kristen Breault, LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of New England in 2014. She has a range of social work experience, including as a bereavement counselor at the Hospice of Southern Maine, as a school-based therapist, and most recently, as a clinical supervisor of a team supporting foster and adoptive parents. The common thread in all of Kristen’s experience is her passion for supporting others in times of stress, transition, and loss. Kristen utilizes a number of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She believes that healing and positive change occur within the context of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and strives to create a non-judgmental, strengths-based, and collaborative environment for all the individuals and families she works with.

Paige Moore, LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England in 2018, with a certificate in trauma-informed care. Paige has worked in various levels of care, including both hospital and outpatient settings, supporting those with a range of acute and serious mental health diagnoses. Paige is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and utilizes these, amongst other therapeutic modalities, to support those impacted by cancer. Paige’s approach is warm, authentic, and person-centered, while believing that dose of humor can be a powerful tool in navigating change, loss, and adjustment.

Patricia Sands earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in 2006. She has a Grief Coaching Practice, Riverbend Grief Coaching, and a private practice providing psychotherapy in Yarmouth, Maine. From 2018 through 2021, she was the Psychosocial Services Coordinator and Counselor for The Dempsey Center and currently rejoined the organization as a per-diem oncology counselor. She was formerly the Pathways to Excellence, Behavioral Health Director at Maine Health Management Coalition in Topsham, Maine. Prior to this, she worked as the Implementation Coordinator and Therapist for The Maine Children’s Trauma Response Initiative with Maine Behavioral Health and was a Human Resources Generalist for 10 years at L.L. Bean.

Eva Goldfinger, LMSW-cc, holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings, such as outdoor education programs, public schools, and outpatient facilities. Eva believes that every human has the innate capacity for growth and healing when shown compassion, unconditional positive regard, and regulation skills to handle difficult feelings. Eva uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Here at the Dempsey Center, Eva works with youth and families to build resiliency during difficult times. She often incorporates play, art, and mindfulness practices into her counseling sessions.

Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW has worked in oncology and hospice-care settings since 1995 and has been a part of the Dempsey Center intermittently since its inception in 2008.  Kerry received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of GA in 1995, and is also an ordained interfaith minister, graduating from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in NYC in 2015. She has advanced certifications in oncology social work and interactive guided imagery and is currently working on an advanced certificate program in Contemplative Psychotherapy.  Kerry is a past recipient of the American Cancer Society’s National Quality of Life award, given to “honor individuals who have innovatively contributed to the quality of life of those living with cancer through their publications, presentations, and direct service; reflecting a commitment to quality of life for all cancer survivors.”  In 2021, Kerry was designated as an AOSW Fellow (FAOSW), a credential designated to “recognize and honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the science and practice of psychosocial oncology.”  Kerry has been an active member of the Association of Oncology Social Work since 2002 and is serving her third term on AOSW’s Board of Directors. Kerry utilizes a humanistic and strengths-based approach in her work with clients, employing a variety of therapeutic modalities including Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, Dignity Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  She regularly incorporates mindfulness and contemplative-based approaches into her work with adult clients.