Kirstin Petela

LCPC, ATR, Therapist

Kirstin grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut.  She cherished her summers at her family’s cottage near the Long Island Sound, boating, tubing, and building sand castles with her cousins.  The beach is still her favorite place to go to feel a sense of serenity and comfort.

Kirstin received her bachelor’s in Art Therapy with a minor in criminal justice at Springfield College in Massachusetts.  Quickly realizing she wanted to continue pursuing Art Therapy, she transitioned to the dual Master of Science in  Art Therapy/Mental Health Counseling program at Springfield College.  Between 2016 and 2020, Kirstin cultivated a broad range of clinical skills through her work in diverse settings, including hospitals and intensive in-home services, ultimately landing at a residential treatment center in Utah, where she was a therapist from 2020 to 2024.  In her time out west, she was exposed to nature-based therapy and the benefits it has on mental health.  Aligning perfectly with her art therapy and the idea that experiential-based techniques are essential for growth, adventure therapy quickly became another passion.  Her varied experience has provided her with a deep understanding of complex mental health issues and the importance of tailored interventions.  In addition to being a Registered Art Therapist, she has training in Brainspotting and DBT.  This training further enhances her ability to provide effective and holistic care to her clients.  Her desire to move back to New England and be near family landed her at Summit Achievement, where she could continue working with youth and their families through experiential techniques and learning.

When she is not at Summit, Kirstin loves to explore nature. She has a goal to visit every national park and is well on her way. In the summer, she can be found relaxing on the beach with a good book. Every night after work, she enjoys cuddling with her dog, Bandit.