Ana Chinchilla

In Person, Virtual/Telehealth, and Hybrid Appointments 

Hello, my name is Ana! I am a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker who provides therapy in English and Spanish. I was born and raised in Guatemala, and I value creating a culturally responsive environment that respects each client’s identity, background, and lived experience. I earned my Master of Social Work from Fairfield University and my bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut.

My experience includes inpatient psychiatric care, intensive outpatient treatment, school-based services, and community programs, where I have supported clients from early childhood through older adulthood. I feel especially connected to working with children and helping them understand and express big emotions, recognize their strengths, and become more confident using their voices.

My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, direct, and nonjudgmental. I believe honesty and kindness can go hand in hand. I use a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy to meet each client’s individual needs.

I understand how difficult asking for help can feel, particularly when we are used to hiding our pain or trying to manage everything alone. I want therapy to be a place where clients do not have to put on a brave face—a space where there is room for difficult moments, personal growth, hope, and even humor.

Outside of work, I enjoy arts and crafts, crocheting, building LEGO sets, and spending time with my two puppies, Nugget and Taco. Whether I am working with a child, adolescent, or adult, I hope each client feels heard, respected, and a little more hopeful about what lies ahead.

Nugget: 

Meet Nugget Chinchilla—the smallest member of office security, with enough energy and personality to fill the entire building.
 

Nugget is a tiny, seven-pound apricot Bichonpoo who loves people, cuddles, and climbing into any available lap. She approaches life with enthusiasm and rarely misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Her tongue is often hanging out, and her ears regularly flip inside out—her preferred method of improving reception while on security duty.

Her hobbies include:

• Turning every lap into her personal seat

• Chewing on her favorite toys

• Enjoying peanut butter treats and puppy-friendly ice cream

• Chasing her tail with impressive determination

• Racing around and playing with her older brother, Taco

When playtime is over, Nugget is quick to curl up beside someone and share plenty of affection. Her cheerful energy and loving nature make her especially happy around people of all ages. Fully trained and vaccinated, Nugget brings enthusiasm, cuddles, and a little joyful chaos to the office security team.

Taquito (Taco):

Meet Taco Chinchilla—the calm, collected, and highly experienced senior member of office security.

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Taco is a 23-pound, light-golden Miniature Goldendoodle with a gentle nature and an almost human personality. He enthusiastically greets new people before settling into his usual professional duties: supervising the room, offering cuddles, and taking a well-earned nap.

His hobbies include:

• Collecting as many balls as possible

• Playing fetch with himself when humans are unavailable

• Testing the squeakers in every toy

• Choosing toys nearly as large as he is

• Scheduling naps throughout the day

• Playing with his energetic little sister, Nugget

Although Taco is the calmer of the two siblings, he happily joins Nugget for playtime before allowing her to resume the high-speed portion of their security patrol. Fully trained and vaccinated, Taco brings affection, peaceful companionship, and a reassuring presence wherever he goes.