Downey Leonard, LICSW
LaMone
A lil sassy . Sophisticated . Empathetic. Caring.
A Bit About Me
I have always loved helping and talking with people. My style is very down to earth, kind, non judgmental, and very personable. I have an empathetic ear and an open mind. I like to have authentic, strength-based conversations. My treatment approach is very eclectic and integrative. It is very person-centered, mindfully-based and culturally-sensitive. I am able to strike a harmonious balance of genuineness, humor, and warm support as the client and I walk together to help them discover or rediscover themselves along the journey. I will challenge clients' thinking but I also know when to back off. I feel that every person deserves to find their form of healing and happiness.
On a personal note I love sewing, cooking, dancing, traveling and being creative with my hands. I’m totally into quilts and love recapturing this beautiful art form that has been a staple in my African American history. I love spending time with friends and family. I love to learn new things and I love anything on The History, Discovery, HGTV or DIY Networks. I love to center myself with yoga, tai chi, hip-hop step aerobics and any dance video I can find. I am in love with life and all it has to offer. My mama gave me life and I’m definitely going to live it!
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, I have had well over a decade of experience working and collaborating with people of all life stages, in all walks of life and in various settings, including Boston Public Schools. I earned my BS in Sociology from Cornell University and my MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. I have also supervised Master’s-level counselors in training for over a decade to help train and prepare them as professional counselors in the areas of Social Work, Expressive therapies, Counseling, and more. I am a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Advocate (P.A.I.L) and a Fertility Advocate. I am also a registered yoga instructor (RYT-200).
I am looking forward to taking this journey with you. You have experienced a lot and you are still here!! That is proof of your resilience, strength and your importance. You are worth listening to and I am confident that you can reach your personal goals. I hope we can work together soon.
You deserve your healing and happiness!
I know what it is like for your life to be changed in an instant. After having new medical diagnoses, the weight of the role reversal of caring for my parents, and losing loved ones (including my own children), I found myself in a place where I was not ok. I was forced to take a deep look inward. As a helping professional, I always took care of others but for the first time I just really needed to take care of myself. I was the “invincible” strong Black woman and friend. I was not used to needing the support. I had gotten hit by life so many times previously that I was still willing to keep moving and walk around like I am not deeply wounded and shattered. Hopeless, depressed, sad, anxious, and confused were just a few of the feelings I experienced on a constant basis. As a Social Worker, I was able to find various supports but they were not tailored for the BIPOC Community. We need to be loved-on and supported differently! Thus, my practice was birthed out of a place of pain because I didn't want anyone to feel broken and beat up like I did. I want you to experience support and vulnerability and embrace it as a strength. You are not less than because you need and/or want support. You may not have always received support but you definitely deserve it! I understand both personally and professionally that support looks different at every stage in your life and you get to choose what that looks like for you.
I essentially became my first client as I had to learn and continue to learn how to take care of myself holistically with all of what life throws at me. Losing my children along with other life experiences helped me not waste my pain. My pain and trauma became my super power. Supporting other BIPOC people through grief, loss and the transitions of life became one of my love languages.
Why LaMone?
Meet OurTeam
The Rising Hope Counseling and Wellness Team is dedicated to providing exceptional support and service to all our clients.
Herdine Cheridor, LCSW
Master's Level Clinician
Hi! I’m Herdine Cheridor, LCSW, and I’m excited to be part of the Rising Hope Counseling and Wellness team. I am passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, self-worth concerns, and life transitions. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered. As a Black clinician, I understand the importance of culturally affirming care and the impact that identity, family, community, and lived experiences can have on emotional well-being, especially for Black, Brown, and historically marginalized communities.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and empowerment-focused approaches to help clients build healthier coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and reconnect with themselves. I especially enjoy supporting individuals who may be new to therapy or are learning how to prioritize themselves, express their needs, and move through life with greater confidence and self-compassion. I’m honored to support clients on their healing journey and look forward to walking alongside them as they work toward their goals.
Specialties
ADHD * Anxiety * Autism
Bipolar Disorder *Depression
Domestic Violence * Dual Diagnosis
Family Conflict * Grief
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Racial Identity * Relationship Issues
School Issues * Self Esteem
Substance Use * Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Insurances Accepted
Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield MA, Cigna, Health Plans, Fallon, Unicare, Wellsense, and Tufts Commercial!
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Shantanette Patrice-Johnson, MSW
Master's Level Clinician
Hello, I'm Shantanette Patrice-Johnson, and I am thrilled to join the team at Rising Hope Counseling and Wellness as a new clinician. With over 30 years of experience in the field, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals and families through various challenges, from academic and social issues to crisis intervention and restorative justice practices.
My approach to therapy is rooted in creating a safe, compassionate, and inclusive space for all clients, including those from BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ communities. I believe in the power of collaboration, empowerment, and personalized care, and I am passionate about helping clients navigate their journeys toward healing and growth.
I look forward to working with you and supporting you in achieving your goals!
Specialties
BIPOC
Depression
Anxiety
LGBTQIA+ communities
Codependency
Family and Relationships
Life Transitions
Martial/Premarital
Anger management
Insurances Accepted
Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield MA, Cigna, Health Plans, Fallon, Unicare, Wellsense, and Tufts Commercial!
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Angie Anderson
Practice Manager
Hello!! My name is Angie Anderson and I'm proud to be a part of Rising Hope's Administration team. I am the Practice Manager and I'm here to help you from your initial contact for services, through your intake paperwork, and billing questions throughout your time here. Please feel free to reach out via email and I'm happy to assist you. Welcome to your new journey.