Meet Our Founder

Gwendolyn Williams Satchell, LCSW

Gwendolyn leads The Essence Behavioral Health with over 30 years of experience as a social worker. Born and raised in Hartford, CT, she brings empathy and understanding to every session.

Trauma, unfair treatment, and ongoing stress can affect families for generations and often hit BIPOC communities harder. We help identify these patterns, treat their impact, and break cycles of trauma.

Evidence-based ✦ Whole-person ✦ Evidence-based ✦ BIPOC-affirming ✦ Culturally attuned ✦ Evidence-based ✦ Whole-person ✦ Evidence-based ✦ BIPOC-affirming ✦ Culturally attuned ✦

We treat

◆ Your current symptoms
◆ Past trauma affecting you today
◆ Historical and racial trauma
◆ Mind, body, and spirit

A safe place to heal

◆ Share your story without judgment
◆ Be yourself completely
◆ Get support that honors your experiences
◆ Break through barriers holding you back

We're here to help

Struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma? Our care is accessible, high-quality, respectful of your background, and tailored to your needs.

Our Team

Meet our therapists.

Gwendolyn Williams Satchell, LCSW

Founder & CEO

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CEO of The Essence Behavioral Health, LLC. My first and most fond memories of “social work” as a child were derived from my parents’ experiences as school teachers in Hartford, CT and the budding of my Christian faith at Shiloh Baptist Church in Hartford. I quickly learned what it meant to be part of a marginalized community when my parents made the decision to move from Hartford to South Windsor, CT in 1968.

I have a vision to serve black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and those who empathize with our cause. My mission is to empower those who are affected by the trauma of our past and by microaggressions present in our society.

I hold a BA in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and an MSW from UCONN School of Social Work, and studied abroad at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. With 30+ years of experience, I specialize in EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy and DBT.

Rachel Young

Educational Advocate

Rachel Young is an accomplished education professional with over 30 years of experience in school counseling, teaching, and leadership. She holds a B.S. in Physical Education and an M.S. in School Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, along with an Administrator Certification from Sacred Heart University.

She began her career in Bridgeport Public Schools before spending 27 years in the New Britain School District as a school counselor, assistant principal, and principal. As an education advocate, Rachel brings a deep understanding of school systems, family engagement, and student support services.

Ke'Shonda Brannon

Licensed Social Worker / Psychotherapist

Ke’Shonda Brannon is an experienced and compassionate licensed Social Worker / Psychotherapist, with a strong foundation in child and adolescent mental health services, along with expertise supporting individuals involved with elderly protective services.

Her specialized training in trauma-informed care and cognitive-behavioral techniques equips her to assist clients in overcoming obstacles and promoting healing. Her approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a belief in the inherent resilience of each individual.

Jasmine A. Mendez, LMSW

Licensed Social Worker

Jasmine A. Mendez, LMSW specializes in working with children and adolescents. She is currently a School Social Worker and has worked with youth in a number of capacities over the last 18 years, along with families and adults.

Jasmine utilizes Motivational Interviewing, a Solution Focused approach, DBT and CBT to help clients through grief and loss, intimate partner violence, homelessness, stress, depression and anxiety, eating disorders and trauma.

Paulette Caldwell, LMSW

Psychotherapist

Paulette is a highly skilled and compassionate psychotherapist with over 16 years of experience in social work, specializing in protective services for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, with a background in crisis intervention and case management.

Her therapy style is client-centered, integrating evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of trauma-informed care — supporting clients through grief, trauma, life transitions, and mental health crises with dignity and resilience.

Gregory K. Lawrence, MSW

Advocate & Community Liaison

Gregory K. Lawrence has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and advocacy. He completed a Master of Social Work at Springfield College and served the Connecticut Department of Children and Families from 1994, holding roles in case services, probate services, foster and adoptive services, and special investigations.

As an Education Consultant, he worked with schools and communities across Hartford and surrounding regions, and continues to advocate for children and families, mentoring and strengthening communities.

Shrimattie Maniram, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Shrimattie Maniram, LCSW is a dedicated therapist of East Indian descent who specializes in working with adults navigating a wide range of mental health and life challenges, with expertise in DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

She is certified in Level Two Reiki, allowing her to integrate energy-based healing into traditional talk therapy when appropriate. Her work is grounded in cultural humility and compassion.

Ready when you are

A single conversation can change the season you're in.

Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation. No pressure — just a chance to be heard and see if we’re the right fit.

Schedule a Consultation