Who We Are
Our Practice
At CathARTic Breakthroughs cognitive behavioral skills, art, and creative problem solving are blended to help you develop individualized social, emotional, and behavioral interventions. The approach is described as an effective balance of creative compassion and firm support to foster empowerment. When words are not enough, art is the bridge. You will receive a perfect combination of therapy and art to experience a CathARTic Breakthrough!
Our passion is about helping people find peace and inner strength to achieve their desired outcome. Let’s overcome the challenges of life transitions through building a trusting, supportive relationship. We will journey to understand the ways our thoughts and feelings influence behaviors and relationships as well as our views of the world. Together, we will create a customized plan to improve self-esteem, cultivate resilience, promote insight, and guide emotional growth. Make today the day you choose to start on your path to wellness and be an active participant in your care and growth. (Art experience is not required.)
Our Treatment Focus
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.
Our Promise
We promise to be there for you every step of your journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Owner & Psychotherapist
Shanika Rucker, LCSW, eCID
Shanika began her professional journey working at a local newspaper before realizing her calling extended to actively addressing community issues. That shift led her into the field of mental health and community care, where she has spent more than 15 years supporting individuals and families across diverse settings.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport in 2010 and her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2014. She later completed a post-graduate certificate in Global Mental Health Trauma at Harvard University, became certified in Therapeutic Art in 2019, and in 2024 expanded her work into perinatal care as a Certified Interdisciplinary Doula.
Throughout her career, Shanika has served survivors of domestic and sexual violence, individuals experiencing homelessness, adults living with mental health disabilities, and youth navigating foster care and other high-risk circumstances. Her experience spans residential treatment, community-based programs, and traditional outpatient settings, always centering dignity, safety, and cultural awareness.
Shanika’s work is grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered practice. She integrates evidence-based clinical approaches with expressive arts and culturally responsive care to support healing that is both practical and deeply personal.
She is the founder of CathARTic Breakthroughs, her private practice where she offers art-integrated psychotherapy and facilitates therapeutic art experiences within the community.
Her guiding principle is drawn from the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This belief continues to shape how she shows up — in therapy rooms, community spaces, and alongside families during pivotal life transitions.
Daisy Aida Stakemann, LMSW
With nearly four decades in a manufacturing environment and over 15 years in human services, this bilingual LMSW brings seasoned perspective and steady presence to the practice.
Daisy earned her MBA in 2012, her MSW in 2018, and obtained her LMSW in 2024. Her related professional journey includes service at Bullard-Havens Technical High School, ongoing work as a Case Manager at Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program.
A proud mother for 49 years, she leads with lived wisdom, humility, and heart. She believes social work is not simply employment—it is love in action. Her approach centers on self-love, personal accountability, and the conviction that present circumstances do not define a person’s worth or future. Clients can expect compassion, clear guidance, and steady encouragement to challenge what no longer serves them and move toward a healthier, more grounded version of themselves.
Her guiding principles are simple and practiced daily: be humble, walk carefully, respect so you are respected, study deeply, and become who you were created to be.
Office Space
