Jean Ruggiero, LMSW
A Quinnipiac University graduate, Jean brings over a decade of nonprofit experience and clinical expertise to our mission. Her specialties include grief, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, sexual trauma, depression, and mood disorders with a focus on children under the age of 18 but serving all populations and ages. True to the Soul Friends philosophy, Jean tailors her approach to each individual. She draws on diverse modalities, including animal-assisted therapy, nature therapy, play therapy, somatic-based therapies, video gaming, and equine-assisted services, to help clients build connection, confidence, and lasting emotional healing in a personal, empowering, and uniquely tailored way.
Alongside her Pet Partners registered therapy dog, Boo Boo, Jean brings warmth, creativity, and compassion to every client she serves. She is a seasoned public speaker for PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment), an advocate for trauma survivors, and the author of the children’s book, Healing Your Boo Boo, which celebrates the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Jean shares her expertise at numerous Connecticut-based nonprofits, reflecting our organization’s commitment to advancing this vital field.
