Dr Tanesha Rankine, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Program Director of Therapy Services
What a Day at The Pickin’ Patch in Avon, CT!
From a vision that began in 2014 to a team of 10 therapy clinicians, Northeast Neuropsychology's story is one of growth, collaboration, and the relationships that make a difference.
Sometimes the best things happen when you step away from your usual routine.
Recently, the Northeast Neuropsychology therapy team traded the office for a fall afternoon at The Pickin’ Patch in Avon, Connecticut. There were pumpkins to pick, fresh air to enjoy, plenty of laughs, and, most importantly, time to connect with one another outside the familiar setting of our workday.
It was a chance to slow down, share a few conversations, enjoy the season, and appreciate the people we get to work alongside every day.
But this afternoon was about more than pumpkins.
It was a reminder of something we believe is essential to providing thoughtful, meaningful mental health care: the relationships we build with one another matter, too.
A Vision That Grew Into a Team of Ten
The vision to bring therapy services to Northeast Neuropsychology began around 2014 with Dr. David Lovejoy and Dr. Jim Pier. Dr. Jay Beatman became the practice’s first therapist, laying the foundation for what would grow into a much larger part of NEN’s work.
Over the years, that vision has continued to evolve, shaped in large part by the leadership, dedication, and care of Dr. Tanesha Rankine, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Program Director of Therapy Services. For several years, Dr. Rankine has guided the growth of the therapy department—not simply by expanding the team, but by being intentional about the people who make it up and the environment they create together.
Building a strong therapy team takes more than bringing talented clinicians under one roof. It takes leadership that recognizes individual strengths, encourages professional growth, makes room for different perspectives, and helps people feel connected to a shared purpose. Dr. Rankine has worked to cultivate that kind of environment: one where clinicians are supported, collaboration is encouraged, and each team member has a valued place.
Today, NEN’s therapy department includes 10 clinicians. The team comes together for weekly meetings to share perspectives, learn from one another, discuss clinical questions, and strengthen the connections that support their work. Those meetings reflect something Dr. Rankine has helped foster over time—a team culture built not only around professional expertise, but also around mutual respect, encouragement, and genuine connection.
From one therapist to ten, the growth of NEN’s therapy team is more than a story of numbers. It is a reflection of a vision carried forward by dedicated people and nurtured through thoughtful leadership, teamwork, and a shared commitment to the individuals and families they serve.
And that's where an afternoon like our visit to The Pickin’ Patch comes in.
When colleagues have the opportunity to get to know one another beyond their daily responsibilities, they build familiarity and trust. They learn how one another thinks, communicate more comfortably, and develop relationships that extend beyond the conference room.
A pumpkin patch might not look like a traditional part of professional development, but sometimes the most meaningful connections happen during the simplest moments.
Why Does It Matter to Our Patients?
You might be wondering what a team outing has to do with your therapy experience.
Quite a bit, actually.
When you begin therapy, your relationship with your clinician is an important part of the process. You are sharing personal experiences, working through difficult emotions, exploring challenges, and sometimes discussing things you have never felt comfortable sharing before.
That takes trust.
It also takes a clinician who is supported, engaged, curious, and committed to continued growth.
When therapists know and respect one another, they have a stronger foundation for professional collaboration. They can learn from different perspectives, exchange ideas when appropriate, and continue developing their clinical skills.
For patients, this can contribute to a more thoughtful and connected experience of care.
Here are a few reasons we believe investing in our team matters:
1. Different perspectives can lead to better questions.
No two people experience anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationships, or life transitions in exactly the same way. A team with varied experiences and clinical perspectives creates opportunities for learning that can broaden how clinicians approach challenges.
2. Collaboration encourages continued learning.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Clinicians continually learn, refine their approaches, and consider new ways to support the individuals and families they serve. Regular opportunities to connect with colleagues help keep that learning active.
3. Strong professional relationships support communication.
Knowing your colleagues makes it easier to have meaningful professional conversations, exchange ideas, and recognize when another perspective may be helpful. When appropriate, and with patient consent, collaboration between providers can also support continuity of care.
4. A connected team creates a stronger professional community.
Therapy can involve emotionally demanding work. Having colleagues who understand the challenges and rewards of the profession provides an opportunity for encouragement, shared learning, and mutual support.
Ultimately, patients deserve clinicians who are not only dedicated to their individual work but also committed to growing as professionals.
A Little Local History Makes the Afternoon Even More Special
There was something fitting about choosing The Pickin’ Patch for our team outing.
Located on Nod Road in Avon, The Pickin’ Patch has roots that stretch back centuries. The Woodford family farm dates to 1666 and has evolved through generations. What was once a dairy and agricultural operation became part of the Farmington Valley's important tobacco-growing history before transitioning into the pick-your-own produce farm and country destination people enjoy today.
The property still reflects that agricultural heritage, including historic tobacco sheds that remind visitors how much the Connecticut landscape and its communities have changed over time.
Avon has its own interesting story. Originally known as Nod and later Northington, the area was settled as part of Farmington in the 1600s. Avon became an independent town in 1830. Today, it is part of the Farmington Valley, a community known for its beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and distinctive New England character.
It's easy to appreciate the charm of the area when you're surrounded by autumn colors, open fields, and the familiar sights of a Connecticut fall.
And speaking of beautiful views...
A View Worth Remembering: Talcott Mountain and Heublein Tower
Our appreciation for the Farmington Valley doesn't stop at the pumpkin patch.
The nearby Talcott Mountain landscape is one of the area's most recognizable natural features. Rising above the valley is the unmistakable Heublein Tower, a landmark that has become part of the region's identity.
Built in 1914 by Gilbert Heublein as a summer retreat for his family, the 165-foot tower was inspired by the architecture of European castles. According to the story behind its construction, Heublein had promised his future wife that he would one day build her a castle on the mountain.
Today, the tower stands within Talcott Mountain State Park and offers sweeping views of the surrounding Connecticut landscape, including the Farmington River Valley.
It's a wonderful reminder that some things are worth building with patience, vision, and care.
Whether we're talking about a historic landmark, a family farm, or a professional team, the strongest foundations are rarely created overnight.
And we think that's a pretty good lesson for therapy, too.
Just Like a Team, Meaningful Progress Takes Time
One of the most important things we remind patients is that therapy is a process.
There isn't always one defining moment when everything suddenly makes sense. Often, progress happens through smaller steps: recognizing a pattern, learning to respond differently, developing healthier coping strategies, improving communication, or gaining a better understanding of yourself.
Consistency matters.
Having a regular space to talk, reflect, practice new skills, and work through challenges can help create momentum over time. The therapeutic relationship develops, trust grows, and the work can build from one session to the next.
The same principle applies to our team.
We make time to meet, communicate, learn, and build relationships because we believe the people behind the care matter. Our weekly meetings and opportunities to connect outside the office are part of creating a team that continues to grow together.
From a Vision in 2014 to a Team of Ten
From One Clinician to Ten: A Team Still Growing
What started with Dr. Jay Beatman has evolved into a team of 10 therapy clinicians, united by a shared commitment to thoughtful, compassionate mental health care.
We're proud of the foundation that was established, the leadership that continues to guide our growth, and the clinicians who bring their knowledge, experience, and dedication to our patients every day.
Ten clinicians. Different perspectives. One shared purpose.
Our afternoon at The Pickin’ Patch was a chance to celebrate that journey—and the people who make it possible.
At Northeast Neuropsychology, we provide therapy and counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Our clinicians support individuals and families navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, family concerns, grief, and life transitions.
With offices in Cheshire and Farmington, Connecticut, as well as telehealth options, we strive to make thoughtful mental health care accessible to the communities we serve.
If you are looking for a therapist in Connecticut, we invite you to learn more about our team and explore whether therapy at Northeast Neuropsychology may be a good fit.
Because while every person's journey is different, no one should feel they have to navigate life's challenges without support.
Ten clinicians. More than a decade of growth. One shared commitment to helping people move forward.
And sometimes, it all starts with getting to know the people beside you.
Northeast Neuropsychology – Brain & Behavioral Health Partners
Cheshire & Farmington, Connecticut
203-272-6007
No referral is needed to begin therapy.