Psychiatry & Counseling Providers

Mary DiNallo, MS, PMHNP-BC, RN

Mary DiNallo will be providing mental health care for people in the community, including veterans who have substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders.

While working in an Ob/Gyn office, she took a side job in a detox unit at a substance abuse facility. It was then that she realized her passion for counseling and working with military veterans.

“I just really connected with them because I come from a Marine Corps family. PTSD is something I’ve seen in my lifetime among my family members and I just want to be able to offer that kind of help to others.”

Gretchen Hoyum, MS MFT

Gretchen joins the Gifford Health Care Behavioral Health Team in Randolph from Seattle, Washington.

What Gretchen finds most rewarding about the job is when a deep connection is made between her and the client. They feel safe enough to really open up and is vulnerable with their story. Gretchen’s specialty is helping people with the relationship between food and their bodies. Having been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teen, Gretchen became passionate about the psychological process when people are sick.

Hillary Liddick, PMHNP, RN

Hillary Liddick’s clinical interests are centered on psychotherapy, and she describes her approach to care as one that considers the whole person and incorporates not just medicine, but also, for example, diet, sleep, and exercise. Having worked in a variety of settings, she says, “Working with people from all walks of life has made me a better problem-solver and more openminded.”

Christopher Lukonis, MD, PhD

I like to help patients understand that addiction is a medical condition that can be treated. My team helps people recover, not just to stop drug use, but to rebuild their lives and meet their full true potential.

Hillary McAllister, MSW

Hillary first came to Vermont for her undergraduate work at UVM. The Massachusetts native knew she wanted to continue her work in the state of Vermont. Hillary’s appreciation and interest in the unique needs of rural communities grew during her time as a school-based clinician with the Clara Martin Center at East Valley Academy. Hillary has worked with children, youth, and families in alternative schools, residential and outpatient settings. “The beauty of social work is we’re trained to think of people in the context of their environment. It is a unique perspective that informs what I do and helps me to relate to people authentically.”

Nicolas Nyirjesy, LCMHC, LADC

Nicolas Nyirjesy became a therapist in 2014 and previously worked for the Vermont Department of Corrections and the Northwestern Counseling and Support Services in St. Albans. He describes himself as eclectic in his counseling theory, working with a large range of mental health diagnoses including anxiety and mood disorders.

“My personal experiences with mental health struggles inform my counseling perspective. I consider the therapeutic relationship to be at the core of what I do and work to make people feel safe and heard.”

Jennifer Pelletier, LADC, LCMHC

Jen Pelletier is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor whose background is working with patients participating in medication assisted treatment. She enjoys the challenges and rewards of working with individuals with substance use disorders. She strives to show consistent compassion and empathy, while encouraging and empowering her patients on their journey through recovery. Recognizing that the impact of addiction goes beyond the individual who is suffering, she is passionate about increasing resources for families, friends, and communities.

Emily Pizzale, MSW, LICSW

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Emily Pizzale has extensive experience working with palliative and hospice patients, multi-stressed families, and the older adult and geriatric populations. She has a special interest in the sandwich generation and the silver tsunami. She describes her counseling style as strengths-based and solution-focused.

“I want to help my patients move forward with their lives and goals. And I want them to feel heard. I also like to make sure folks really understand what’s happening and what their options are.”

When not working, Emily enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking, traveling, and reading.

Erica Schleif, LCMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) Erica Schleif has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families, and new mothers. Erica provides clinical support for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum depression, and describes her counseling style as compassionate and responsive: “I don’t just sit and listen. I provide feedback—not advice—to express encouragement and support.”

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, biking, skiing, and cooking.