Gretchen Marino, LMSW
Gretchen joins Grove School’s clinical team as a therapist, bringing a deep commitment to supporting adolescents as they navigate the emotional, social, academic, and developmental challenges of becoming young adults. Her approach centers on building authentic therapeutic relationships, fostering emotional safety, and helping young people develop the confidence, self-awareness, and coping strategies they need to thrive.
Gretchen has worked with teens and young adults across a variety of settings, including public schools, alternative learning environments, and clinical day programs. She has supported students experiencing anxiety, depression, school avoidance, emotional dysregulation, and identity exploration, always using a collaborative, strengths-based approach that honors each young person’s unique story and potential.
Before joining Grove, Gretchen worked with the Young Adult Services division of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, where she helped coordinate youth advisory boards throughout the state. This work gave young people the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, practice self-advocacy, and have meaningful input in the systems that impact their lives—an experience that continues to inform how she works with adolescents and families today.
Gretchen earned her BSW in Social Work and Gender Studies from Central Connecticut State University and her MSW in Social Work with a concentration in Schools and Educational Settings from Southern Connecticut State University. Her background in disability advocacy and youth-centered programming shapes her thoughtful, person-centered approach to clinical work.
Gretchen lives in New Haven, where she enjoys cycling and film photography.