Welcome to our Community!
Diversity Equitability Inclusion Equality
Our Founder believes in this quote:
“The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don't give up! - Robert Tew
Meet Our Founder!
Brighten Community Support Center, Inc’s Founder/CEO is Virginie K. Kasiama. A single mother of four who holds dual Master degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis from Antioch New England University in Keene, NH. Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Motivation behind the creation of BCSC, our organization originated from personal experience as an immigrant family. I came to the U.S. through family reunification motivated to support other migrant and refugee families integrating into this country by sharing my story.
Virginie Kasiama is presently serving as President/CEO and Behavioral Outpatient/ABA Therapist at JECC Behavioral Center, LLC. In this role, she works closely with individuals and families dealing with mental health and autism-related issues. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer Advocacy Ambassador in Massachusetts with Autism Speaks. Virginie is the founder of the Merrimack BIPOC Parents Support Group. She is currently serving as a Board Director at All Ages Behavioral Center Clinic in Lynn, Massachusetts. She is the CEO of 501c3 Non-profit Brighten Community Support ,Inc .
Virginie has extensive experience as a psychotherapist, having worked as an in-home therapist and community/school-based clinician. Her expertise encompasses working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples on issues such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. She also has experience in family reunification and conflict resolution within the family system. Using person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy . Virginie tailors her counseling style to each individual’s specific needs. Promoting a safe and collaborative environment for personal exploration and growth.
Types of Therapy /Approach
Person-Centered Therapy
CBT Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness-based
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Vice President/Treasurer
Jordie Kamuene
Jordie is passionate about supporting and enhancing the quality of care for the Autism community, individuals with disabilities, and migrants and refugees. She completed her BS degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Presently obtaining her PhD in Biomedical Science from Northeastern University. Jordie plays a crucial role in shaping our strategy by assessing risks, aligning resources, and fostering innovative thinking to create compassionate, equitable, and accessible solutions.
Email: Jordiek@jeccbehavioralcenter.com
Board of Members
Chelsea M. Kamuene, MSW
Resident Agent at BCSC
Chelsea’s professional experience is centered on bringing an equitable approach to the behavior health field for vulnerable students across Massachusetts. Her work includes a myriad of positions that focus on uplifting children and women in need; she has served as a social justice instructor, a research fellow for the Mass. Health Policy Commission, and as a public policy and advocacy associate for YWCA Boston. Chelsea holds an M.S.W. from Boston College and graduated from Suffolk University with a B.S. in Government and Public Policy and an ABA Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Chelsea can either be contacted through email or phone:
email:
chelseak@jeccbehavioralcenter.com
cell: 978-397-7539
Kiabwa Blaise Kasiama
Executive Director of North West House of Refuge NGO,
Provincial Chairperson of South Africa Refugees Led Network (SARLN)
Refugees Expert (GRF2023)
Holds Degree in Social communication
Contact details:
Email: bkasiama@gmail.com
Cell: +27781655260
Address: 2nd Ave, Little Italy 63/2
Waterfall East
Rustenburg 0300
South Africa
Bette Jo A. Toppin
Licensed Mental Health Clinician in the State of Massachusetts USA (2019), with over 20 years of experience in caregiving and easing lives. I am a proud graduate of Cambridge College with a Master of Education and Psychology. In 2020, I opened up my own private practice “Soulful Healing Counseling Agency, LLC” and in three years’ time, have hired two additional therapists and a full-time administrator.
email:
btoppin66@comcast.net
cell:
978-621-4310
Meet Our Team!
Kishly Mejia
Secretary
Kishly earned her AA at MCC in Edison, NJ. With over 8 years of customer service she provides behind-the-scenes work at BCSC. Including project management and administrative work.
Email: kishlym@brightencommunitysupportcenterinc.org