JESSICA EAD NAMVAR

• Co-owner at Be Well At Black Barn Farm.

• Full-time Math Teacher.

• Masters in Curriculum and Education with a concentration in Mathematics.

• 10 years experience in teaching & private tutoring.

SOBHAN (SOAP) NAMVAR

• Co-owner & head Therapist at Be Well at Black Barn Farm.

• Masters in Social Work from Wheelock College.

• I utilize animal assisted therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, movement-based therapy, a strength based approach, and an outdoor immersion model. 

• Confidentiality, getting uncomfortable, moving, and exploring are the cornerstone of my non-traditional and effective approach.

Caitlin Murphy

Hi! My name is Caitlin Murphy and I am a master's level therapist and completed my Masters of Mental Health Counseling at Suffolk University.

During my internship and post-graduate experience, I have enjoyed working with a wide array of clients of all ages and backgrounds, focusing on problems such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and OCD. I also have experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and am proudly a member of the community myself. My biggest goal is to be a safe space for my clients, no matter their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

My approach to therapy is client-centered, meaning that I aim to acknowledge that you are the expert of yourself, and I am there to support and guide you, to remind you of your strengths and abilities, and to provide you the tools to be able to better utilize them. I am a huge believer that our thoughts and beliefs create our reality and aim to provide you the tools to help take control over those thoughts and beliefs, which in turn can lead to positive change!

Outside of therapy, I am very passionate about yoga and aspire to get my teaching certificate. I also love to run and am training for my first half-marathon. I played softball throughout college, and I love to continue coaching and giving back to the sport. I love doing arts and crafts, making my own products from scratch, teaching myself to play the saxophone, and walking dogs in my free time.

NINA WHITTAKER, ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Nina Whittaker started out as a volunteer at Be Well at Black Barn Farm, but has since expanded to assist in the administration work and social media work, while still volunteering with the animals. She grew up and still resides in Salem, NH with her parents and her three siblings. She grew up her entire life surrounded by animals and competing in the sport of gymnastics.

Nina was an NCAA gymnast for the University of Bridgeport. She was awarded All-American and All-Academic awards but, due to an injury, her career was cut short. Currently, she a college student at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), majoring in Pre-Medical Sciences with a focus on Pre-Veterinary Med. Her future goal is to go to Veterinary School after graduation and pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree.

A fun fact about Nina, she got to assist with the birth of some of the baby sheep on the farm this year! Animals are what make her the happiest and what she truly loves. In her free time, she enjoys taking her dogs on hikes, spending time with family, and spending time at Be Well at Black Barn Farm!

Email: admin@bewellatblackbarnfarm.com

Phone: 617-313-7975

Nike Gregory, LICSW

Nike Gregory is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and a graduate of University of Central Florida’s Advanced-Standing Master of Social Work Program. She also holds a certificate from the University of Denver in Animal-Assisted Therapy, Activities, and Learning.

Nike brings over 20 years of diverse experience in the Social Work field to Be WELL at Black Barn Farm! As a therapist, she has helped others address a wide array of personal challenges, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, addiction, grief/loss, abuse, and trauma. “Philosophically, I fundamentally believe there is zero shame in asking for help. We all struggle from time to time with various difficulties in life. Sometimes we need a fresh perspective and someone to come alongside to help us discover our immeasurable worth, strengths, and abilities. It takes courage to change, and it would be my honor and pleasure to help you on your journey!” 

Nike is especially passionate about helping others reach their goals through exploring the natural world that is all around us. While trained and experienced in a variety of empirically-sound therapeutic approaches, she enthusiastically collaborates with clients to help them achieve goals in creative and unique ways. “As a therapist who loves working with both people AND animals, I especially look forward to helping others achieve treatment goals with the help of various animal “friends” at the farm!” Nike has worked with children and adults of all ages in many different (outdoor and indoor) settings throughout New England and Florida, including: farms, schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, faith-based settings, residential treatment facilities, and home-based settings. She loves helping others consider personal challenges from a fresh perspective; learn ways to practically apply newfound insight into daily life; identify and overcome obstacles that prevent them from reaching their goals; and commit to making positive changes, one step at a time. 

Outside of work, she can likely be found outdoors, enjoying nature and practicing her photography skills, hanging out with her cat (Frannie), or at a local thrift shop searching for a great find!

AMIR

My name is Amir. I am a social work student and currently studying for my Masters degree at Lesley University. I was born and raised in Iran until I moved to the United States at 16 and now live in Andover MA. While studying for my Masters, I will be doing my Internship at Be Well at Black Barn Farm where I will be helping with community outreach and education initiatives. I also hope to hold small therapeutic groups and help with individual counseling as needed. 

Besides being a student, I am also a wrestler and very passionate about the sport of wrestling. I started wrestling at age 14 back in Iran and continued wrestling throughout high school in the United States. While being very new to the country, wrestling helped me tremendously in making friends and gave me a community to join. My goal is to continue on being on the mats and support younger wrestlers in achieving their goals.

Fun fact about me is that I am a motorcycle enthusiast and ride my motorcycle everywhere I go during Spring and Summer. Being on the bike and exposed to the wind brings me a sense of freedom as it allows me to be in the moment and focus on what is ahead. I also enjoy going fishing with my younger brother and spending time outdoors.