Renewed Hope Counseling Center
The Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our team of licensed clinicians is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy through a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing. Clinicians and are consistently expanding their education to support clients. We are dedicated to providing practical, evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meeting the needs of those we serve, including those seeking Christian counseling. Our expertise extends to couples and relationship work, healthy communication and connection. Together, we create a safe and inclusive environment for healing and growth.

Melissa Alder LCSW
Owner/Clinical Director
Melissa is the founder of Renewed Hope Counseling Center where she manages most aspects of the business while also offering Clinical Services. Melissa graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maine at Farmington. From there, she attended Quinnipiac School of Law before ultimately deciding that wasn’t the path for her and then transferred to UConn School of Social Work where she earned her Masters Degree of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Before opening her private practice in 2014, she supported clients in both Residential and Outpatient settings, non-profit organizations, home based programs, court diversion programs and schools. Her passion for helping others comes from a long history of both personal and professional experience with individuals with addictions, various learning styles as well as people on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse thinkers. Additionally, Melissa provides support to those seeking Christian Cousenling. In 2024, she launched Renewed Hope Counseling Center to put together a team of clinicians who share similar passions and a desire to make counseling feel comfortable and effective. In addition to her clinical work, she is an adjunct Advisor at UCONN School of Social Work and enjoys being involved in events through the Alzheimers Association and working with other local non-profit entitites. Melissa is a fierce advocate for her people including her four children. Her passion and empathy coupled with a genuine, direct approach that involves humor helps her develop strong rapport with even some of the most resistant clients.

Tamie Hamilton LMSW
Clinician
Tamie has spent years nurturing her passion for helping others and is excited to walk alongside clients on their journey. Her career in social work began at the associate level, where she had the privilege of interning at Connecticut Valley Hospital. There, she worked with individuals struggling with substance abuse, co-leading large group therapy sessions. It was during this time that Tamie learned the power of collaboration, both with clients and within a team, as they created tailored plans to help individuals find their path to success. From there, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, where she worked as a case manager advocating for people in various situations—whether that was court representation, securing housing, or assisting with job searches. She truly began to understand the profound impact advocacy can have on someone’s life, which fueled her desire to go further. Tamie went on to earn her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2020, and with that, her passion for supporting those affected by substance abuse deepened. She started working at Lebanon Pines, an inpatient facility in Lebanon, CT, where she had the opportunity to teach psychoeducation groups and work with clients to set sober goals and life plans. One-on-one therapy sessions became a space where Tamie helped individuals identify their diagnoses and work towards meaningful long-term goals—whether that was in recovery or simply finding balance in their lives. Now, as an LMSW, Tamie continues to see clients in individual therapy, with the goal of partnering with them. She aims to be someone they can rely on, who listens without judgment and works with them to achieve their personal definition of success. What can clients expect when they work with Tamie? Passion, creativity, and a commitment to thinking outside the box! She doesn’t believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy—she seeks to find the techniques and tools that resonate best for each individual. Whether someone is dealing with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or simply needs an unbiased ear, Tamie is there for them. She is committed to ensuring all individuals feel heard and accepted, which is why she’s worked hard to diversify her practice. She earned her Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion badge from the University of Rhode Island, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive care. Clients are always welcome as they are.

Meg Jeffey LPC-A
Clinician
Meg joins the practice with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Known for her empathetic, client-centered approach, she fosters a safe environment built on dignity and respect. Her warmth and natural sense of humor allow her to build authentic connections, particularly with young people, making therapy accessible and supportive. Meg’s extensive background includes serving as Director of a Behavioral Health Unit and supporting individuals and families affected by Dementia. She is skilled in working with individuals experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and personality disorders. She works closely with individuals with substance abuse disorders and their families as well as individuals going through major life transitions such as divorce, graduation and job changes. Utilizing individual therapy and group facilitation, Meg is dedicated to providing holistic care that enhances the well-being and quality of life for her clients.

Sarah Watson
Billing Specialist
Sarah began her career in healthcare administration working in a large Central Billing Office (CBO) that supported over 500 OBGYN practices. Over six years, Sarah gained expertise in data entry, medical billing, and insurance verification, working both within the CBO and directly in various medical offices. She then transitioned into dentistry, where she spent time as an Office Manager overseeing all operational aspects, including billing, payment posting, treatment planning, financial management, and staff scheduling. Sarah also provided private practice consultation, helping other dental offices implement best practices and improve efficiency. In 2019, Sarah shifted her focus to mental health. Sarah started by assisting a friend with the credentialing and launch of her therapy practice and has remained in the field ever since. To date, Sarah has credentialed approximately 10 additional providers and played a key role in forming and opening two more mental health practices. She has over 24 years of experience and is an asset to the team at Renewed Hope, helping clients understand the intricacies of their insurance policies as well as completing all billing related tasks.
