"I believe the reason we are on this earth is mostly for love and connection. When we have that, everything around us feels more fulfilling." — Samantha Gilbert

Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years in the field of mental health. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Psychology and received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Wurzweiler School at Yeshiva University. Samantha began her career by working as a residence counselor for women who struggle with mental illness. It was there she realized that when you treat people with kindness and compassion, connection can occur. She went on to work as a vocational counselor for dually diagnosed individuals to support a positive work environment between employee and employer.

After graduate school, Samantha worked as a clinician in a family homeless shelter where she discovered her love for supporting parents by offering effective tools for challenging moments with their children. Frustration reduction through use of effective language, consistent strategies, and reasonable rules can make great change in the family dynamic.

She went on to work in mental health clinics and saw a wide range of clients of all ages and backgrounds. After staying at home for six years to raise her children, she was offered an opportunity to join a private practice in Westport in 2007. Initially, working with older children and adolescents, Samantha knew she could identify with the community in Fairfield County having grown up in nearby Westchester. Seeing positive change for her clients, and ultimately the families with whom she worked, is reassuring and exciting.

In 2017, Samantha decided to move forward and expand her practice. She understood that practicing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with responsiveness and a deeper collaboration amongst colleagues and other service providers was the missing piece. She sought out smart, warm, seasoned clinicians who believe in this collaborative approach and Westport Perspective was created.

Jennifer is a LCSW with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. After getting her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Wurzweiler School at Yeshiva University in 1994, Jennifer started working with the elderly and their families. She took some time off to raise her children before coming back into the workforce, then worked in Hospice Care, which included bereavement counseling. At the same time, Jennifer began working in private practice with all ages. Through her work experience she has helped people in every stage of life.

Jennifer's goal is to create a safe and accepting space for her clients. She appreciates the value of natural warmth and humor in helping people feel comfortable. Jennifer has significant experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and low self esteem.

Jennifer grew up in Westchester County, NY but now lives in Fairfield County, CT. She has two college-age students and understands the challenges and rewards of raising a family in today's environment. The world is a complicated place right now, and Jennifer feels lucky to be able to help her clients navigate it more smoothly.

Sarah Martin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. She received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from NYU in 1997.  Prior to that, in 1994, she completed a Master of Public Policy and Health from Troy University’s European division in Bitburg, Germany.

Sarah treats adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has a wide range of experience in a number of areas including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Other areas of expertise include relationship issues, trauma, substance/alcohol abuse, life transitions, and crisis intervention.

Sarah believes in a client-centered focus and uses an eclectic approach, drawing on foundations of psychodynamic theory and family systems theory.  Currently at Westport Perspective, she’s utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy as her primary method.  Sarah provides a safe, empathic, and trusting environment for her clients as they progress towards and meet their therapeutic goals.

Jeff has worked in the Information Technology (IT) field for 40+ years.  During his career he has worked at several Fortune 100 companies including Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, MetLife, Exxon and Chase to name a few. Early in his career his roles included Programmer, Process Management, Quality Control/Quality Assurance and Testing of Software Applications. Most recently he has managed testing teams in both Performance Testing and Functional Testing.

Jeff is actively involved in several extracurricular and volunteer activities including working as a Certified VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Tax Preparer for the United Way and as a Certified SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) volunteer helping clients navigate the Medicare system and helping clients enroll in the available Medicare plans.

He loves watching sports, plays tennis in an indoor Fall/Winter league (and manages that group too) and plays softball in a Spring/Summer league.

Jeff has been married for more than 40 years, has one son and daughter-in-law, has a dog named Paxton and lives in Flemington, NJ.