Meet The Team

At The Anchor Within, our team is made up of dedicated, licensed clinicians and professionals who value compassion, integrity, and collaboration. Each provider brings unique training, education, and experience, allowing us to offer thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to the needs of the individuals and families we serve. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful environment where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

Ownership / Management

Lauren M. Littlefield, MSW, LICSW

Co-Founder, Psychotherapist

Lauren Littlefield is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who provides thoughtful, client-centered therapy in a supportive and collaborative environment. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Curry College and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Boston University. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, with a clinical focus on anxiety, depression, life transitions, and emotional regulation. Lauren is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) from the Center for EMDR Excellence. Lauren takes a practical, strengths-based approach to therapy, helping clients build insight, coping skills, and confidence as they work toward meaningful change.

Lori Kovalski, MS, LMHC, LMFT

Co-Founder, Psychotherapist

Lori is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College. She is a MaMHCA Certified Clinical Supervisor, Certified Grief Counselor, and Certified Trauma Professional. Lori has worked with all walks of life across many different settings. She specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, addiction, anger management, domestic violence, and relationship issues. In addition to her clinical work, Lori is also a service dog trainer. Her dog, Millee, serves as the group’s therapy dog, offering added comfort and support to clients.

Steve Littlefield

Business Manager, LMHC Candidate

Steve is a retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran with over 26 years of service. He has also served as a police officer and has been deeply embedded in the firefighting community. Steve graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently studying for his Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Bridgewater State University to pursue licensure as a mental health counselor. Steve specializes in working with military personnel and first responders. He is the founder of the Veterans Next Step Foundation and is also writing an upcoming book titled The Rucksack We Carry: A Field Manual for Veteran and First Responder Mental Health.

Clinicians & Collaborators

Christopher Bean, LMHC

Independent Psychotherapist & Christian Counselor

Chris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Christian counselor who provides services to adults, school-age children, and married couples. Chris holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Eastern Nazarene College, and brings both clinical training and a Christ-centered perspective to his practice. Specializing in biblical counseling, Chris integrates sound psychological principles with the truth and hope of Scripture to support healing, growth, and healthy relationships. In his personal life, Chris is married and the parent of four adult biological children, a grandparent to four grandchildren, and the adoptive parent of five children. These lived experiences, alongside his professional training, shape his compassionate, practical, and faith-informed approach to counseling.

Melissa Shea, MEd, LMHC

Independent Psychotherapist

Kaleidoscope Counseling

"Millee"

Certified Therapy Dog

Millie is a certified therapy dog with a calm, gentle presence and an intuitive ability to provide comfort and emotional support to clients of all ages. She helps create a welcoming, grounding environment that can ease anxiety and promote a sense of safety in the therapeutic space. Millee is owned and handled by Lori Kovalski, LMHC, a certified service dog trainer, and works alongside clinicians to support the therapeutic process by helping clients feel more relaxed, open, and at ease.