Our Team

Dr. Laurie Redfield, LCSW

Founder of A Life’s Compass, PLLC, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dr Laurie Redfield/LCSW has been working with children and families for over 35 years now. I met my husband in the field and we have been together since 1986 along with our three fur babies.  World hiker, canoeist, traveler, river and beach comber.

Together with my husband we have worked in residential settings, both in New Jersey and Maine, therapeutic foster home in Maine caring for foster children in such settings as Spurwink and Sweeter residential agencies.

Finished my bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Maine in Social Work.  Earned a Master Degree at Boston University in clinical social work and a Doctorate Degree at the University of Tennessee in nuro-clinical social work.

My work experience includes government positions as casework for the State of Maine as a child protection worker for 5 years, school systems both public and private as an outpatient clinician and director of social services for over ten years at Hebron Academy, and director of programs in residential settings.  The majority of my experience is in community based mental health services;  working  as a outpatient clinician, crisis worker and advancing to supervisor of case management and crisis services for children and adults.

In 2011 I went out on my own as a private outpatient mental health therapist in 2011 servicing the community of Norway and surrounding townships.  I work with all age groups as specializing in a small community is difficult. My specialty if I were to choose is working with adults that have unresolved childhood trauma and working with young children providing play therapy ( ages 4 to 6 years old).  In my therapy practice I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages with a variety of issues from grief and loss, alcoholism/drug usage both active and affected by, divorce, trauma-based issues, affected by others, child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse trauma. (I do not work with sexual offenders).

I work from a relationship basis so if for some reason I am not a good fit I will make effort to find someone who is a good fit. I love the work that I do in helping individuals achieve their personal best while living with mental health and emotional issues.

In 2017 I began the process of operating under agency status as A Life’s Compass PLLC (ALC) a Mental Health outpatient therapy and Case Management Agency.  ALC works with the State of Maine Licensing Broad to be operating as an Outpatient/Case Management Mental Health Agency. 

Torri-Marie Pappas, LMSW-CC

LMSW-CC Therapist

Torri-Marie Pappas has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families since 2000; first as a special education teacher then as a social worker for the last 9 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Maine Farmington with a BA in psychology and a BS in early childhood education with K-3 Certification. She completed her Master’s in Education at Lesley University in 2012.  She recently completed her Master’s in Clinical Social Work at Capella University in March 2022.

Throughout her career, Ms. Pappas has worked in areas of several different public school systems, government agencies, crisis services and assessment, domestic violence and mental health services. Ms. Pappas is looking forward to meeting clients and helping support their individual needs.

Mackenzie David

Case Manager/ MHRT-C

MacKenzie has 3 years of experience in the social service field. Previously, she worked as student mentor, contact tracer, and prevention specialist with experience in school settings, pandemic relief, mental health, and substance use. MacKenzie has a Bachelors of Science in Community and Public Health Education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. In her work, MacKenzie is passionate about making community connections, advocating for what is best for the individual, and having fun while working towards goals. When MacKenzie is not working she enjoys hiking, crafting, and spending time with her friends and family. MacKenzie is a life-long learner, and is consistently looking for educational opportunities, trainings, and life experiences to become a better provider.

Noelle Gagne

Executive Assistant: Billing/Payroll and Human Resources Assistant

Noelle has been with A Life’s Compass since January 2021. Noelle is an integral member of our team.  She wears many “hats” in our small yet growing agency.   From receptionist to accounting with billing and payroll to human resources assistant with newly hired staff members.  Noelle is currently attending Central Maine Community College (CMCC) for her associate degree in accounting. Noelle is also a volunteer member of a local fire department as a fire/police member. Outside of work and school Noelle loves to spend time with her husband, 4 children, and 6 grandchildren. Noelle also enjoys spending time with her friends and going shopping. Noelle has recently gained an interest in traveling to different places she has never been too. 

John Girgas

Clinician  LMSW-CC Adult and children therapist

John has had a variety of life experiences and a robust educational background.  He has degrees in multiple areas of the humanities and social sciences and has sought to parlay this education and experience into his work as a therapist.  He believes that storytelling and play have incredible healing potential for those living with mental health challenges and traumatic histories and seeks to use that potential for the benefit of his clients.  Additionally, John’s background includes an advanced degree in Anthropology.  As an anthropologist, John focused on the study of religion and the lived experiences of refugees and immigrants.  Because of this background, he works hard to ensure that his client’s cultural heritage and religious beliefs are allowed space in their treatment so they can be a benefit to the therapeutic process.
 
John has been working in mental health since 2021.  He began his career in the Portland area working with individuals with substance use disorders and with refugees and asylum seekers.  He received his Masters in Social Work in 2022 and received his Master Social Work License in January of 2023.
 
John’s preferred form of therapy is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  Though he is not formally certified in any of the following, John also enjoys employing aspects of Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Play Therapy.

Ben W.

Adult and Children Case manager

Ben has been working with families and individuals for 10-plus years. He has experience working as a Case Manager, and a Social Worker for a psychiatric hospital. Before relocating to Maine he was a part of a mobile crisis team as a Crisis Worker. Ben has his Master’s in Counseling. He is passionate about advocating for his clients, helping link individuals with adequate services, and building community relationships. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, and spending time outdoors. 

 

Amanada Guay

Adult and Child Case Manager

Bio coming soon

Jill Chatburn

Adult and Children Therapist

I am excited to be a part of the team at A Life’s Compass, PLLC.  My passion has been working with both children and adults over the past 20 years in the State of Maine.  I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Maine at Farmington and my graduate work at the University of New England in Portland for master’s in social work.  I have worked in residential settings, in community mental health agencies, DHHS, DOC and several years as an MST clinician.  I am certified in TF-CBT. I enjoy exploring Maine and NH, looking for waterfalls, minerals, wildlife and being in nature.  My favorite places are by the oceans, lakes rivers and winding streams are always an adventure. 

Jack

Therapy Dog

Jack is our therapy dog. Jack is a shorkie a mix between a Shetland and yorkie.   Jack is a hiker of the State of Maine and New Hampshire.  He is a wonderful addition to our office and greets everyone with a wag.  He will seek attention by wanting a pat and a belly rub from all.