Meet the Sunrise Counseling Center Team

Alanna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. She is particularly interested in supporting individuals experiencing grief and family-related challenges. Her background in musical theater has given her a unique perspective and appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape each individual.

Alexandra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of experience in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She works with adolescents and adults using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches. Alexandra helps clients build insight, develop healthier coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.

Angelo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults experiencing substance use, anxiety, and anger-related concerns. His holistic approach considers both mental and physical well-being, drawing on his background as a Certified Personal Trainer. Angelo provides compassionate support while helping clients explore the underlying issues affecting their lives.

Annette is an empathetic, spiritual therapist with over 14 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. She supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, anger, and other challenges. Her approach incorporates spirituality, CBT, trauma counseling, mindfulness, relaxation, and EFT/tapping.

Bill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with R privileges and over 30 years of experience in social work. He has extensive experience with addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns and primarily works with anxiety and depression. Bill uses ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and occasionally improv as therapeutic tools.

Cyndi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 14 years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She focuses on supporting young adults, adults, and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal development challenges. Cyndi uses compassion and empathy to help clients work toward healing and meaningful transformation.

Danielle is a Licensed Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting adolescents and adults with a wide range of emotional, social, and mental health concerns. She provides a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment using a strengths-based, person-centered approach tailored to each client’s needs. Danielle helps clients develop healthy coping skills, establish boundaries, build self-worth, and navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions.

Danielle is a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of mental health experience. She works with adults and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, emotional trauma, and life transitions. Her supportive and compassionate approach integrates psychodynamic, CBT, inner-child, and mindfulness-based interventions.

Dorothy is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Use Counselor who works with teenagers, young adults, and adults. She has experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. Trained in Seeking Safety, Dorothy uses a supportive and individualized approach to help clients build coping skills, work toward their goals, and navigate life’s challenges.

Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with two Master’s degrees in psychology. She works with children, teenagers, adults, and older adults experiencing concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, phobias, and mood disorders. Elizabeth draws from CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, and solution-focused approaches.

Emma Press is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is passionate about working closely with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults through all of life’s challenges. Emma takes pride in the safe and comfortable space she creates for all of her clients. Emma has substantial background working with anxiety, depression, OCD, specific phobias, life transitions, other emotional issues, and more.

Gail Litman is a practicing clinician for almost 30 years providing individuals with an individualized interactive approach, support, and practical feedback to help clients build on their strengths and attain personal growth. She works with an array of problems including depression, anxiety, codependency, life changes, separation and divorce, loss and grief, abuse, and deep seated issues caused by past trauma.

Gina Haney is a National Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Gina has been with Sunrise Counseling Center since 2021, allowing her to work with a diverse group of individuals and various presenting problems along the way. Most of Gina’s work includes individual therapy and family therapy with children, young adult’s and adults. She has an extensive background working with individuals experiencing traumas, anxiety, depression, life transitions, social and relational related concerns.

Jo-Ann is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Consulting Hypnotist, Professional Coach, and Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) practitioner. She integrates creativity and the arts into her work to help clients heal from trauma, reduce anxiety, and discover new pathways for personal growth. As a singer, songwriter, actor, and author, Jo-Ann brings a unique, creative perspective to therapy and has facilitated workshops focused on healing through creativity for trauma survivors.

Joanne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with R privileges and over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and individuals. She has extensive experience collaborating with schools and community agencies and has facilitated court-mandated programs. Joann currently works with adults 18 and older.

Kate is a Licensed Master Social Worker who works with adults, bringing a unique perspective shaped by two decades in law enforcement. Her experience in crisis management and service has deepened her understanding of trauma, resilience, and human behavior. Kate uses a compassionate, strengths-based approach and evidence-based practices to help clients navigate life’s challenges, build on their strengths, and work toward their goals.

Khrystyna Nykolyn is a Licensed Master in Social Work. She is bilingual and speaks fluent English and Ukrainian. Khrystyna has a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families using Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Laura received her MSW from Stony Brook University and works with teens, adults, couples, and families. She provides compassionate and understanding support to clients experiencing a diverse range of mental health concerns and life challenges.

Lisa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with children, teens, adults, and families. She provides a warm, non-judgmental space to help clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, and other challenges. Lisa uses an individualized approach to help clients recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping and communication skills, and build confidence and overall well-being.

Maria is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over a decade of experience in healthcare and a background in Special Education and Social Sciences. She has experience supporting adolescents facing substance use and mental health challenges. Maria brings warmth, empathy, and resilience to her work and is passionate about empowering clients, fostering positive change, and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges.

MaryEllen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health, counseling, prevention, and community-based services. Her background includes working with adults in acute-care behavioral health, providing individual, group and family counseling, crisis intervention, and supporting children and families through community-based programs. She also has experience in substance abuse and community education, and is currently pursuing a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) credential. MaryEllen brings a compassionate, practical and individualized approach to therapy. Drawing from her diverse experience across clinical, hospital and community settings, she supports clients in developing healthy coping skills, building self-esteem, managing stress and emotional challenges, and creating positive change in their lives.

Meg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults through individual and family counseling. With 20 years of experience at Sunrise Counseling Center and over 10 years in a pediatric hospital setting, she brings extensive experience and compassion to her work. Meg takes a collaborative approach to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and other challenges while working toward greater balance, well-being, and a healthy, fulfilling life.

Paul Testa has been performing psychotherapy to a diverse population of clients ranging from early childhood to seniors. He employs an array of therapeutic interventions, including play-therapy, dream-analysis, bibliotherapy, and behaviorism.

Pete is a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 27 years of experience in education and mental health services. He has worked with children, adolescents, and families and is certified in the Grief Recovery Method and Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM). As a U.S. Army Veteran, Pete is passionate about supporting veterans and others navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Renae is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with nearly 12 years of experience and has been with Sunrise Counseling Center since 2017. She works with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and has a background in disability services and higher education. Fluent in American Sign Language, Renae has extensive experience supporting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing to help clients navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful change.

Rich is a highly experienced mental health professional with 35 years in the field and over 60,000 therapeutic sessions. He works with adults 18 and older experiencing a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including adjustment challenges and more persistent emotional difficulties. Rich draws on extensive clinical experience and current research to provide compassionate, individualized support.

Richard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor with experience working with individuals of all ages. He provides a warm, caring, and compassionate environment for clients navigating anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, and other emotional challenges. Richard uses an individualized approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients develop practical skills, build confidence, and create meaningful change.

Richard Scheinberg is the founder and director of Sunrise Counseling Center. He integrates conventional therapeutic approaches with spiritual and alternative practices and is trained and certified in hypnosis for past life regression through the Dr. Brian Weiss Institute. Richard is also a member of several professional and research organizations related to social work and regression therapy.

Sally is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through a wide range of mental health challenges. Her background includes substance use counseling, trauma support, individual and group therapy, and community mental health services. Sally provides teletherapy for adolescents ages 14 and older, adults, couples, and families, offering compassionate support tailored to each client’s needs.

Stephanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with young adults on an individual basis. Stephanie has been with Sunrise Counseling Center for 10 years, allowing her to work with a diverse group of people and presenting problems along the way and she is now a clinical supervisor. She has an extensive background working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, social and relational related problems, and other emotional issues. Stephanie is also a Telehealth Registered Professional Counselor with the state of South Carolina. She can see patients who reside in NY or SC via telehealth.

Sunita is a therapist with over 20 years of experience helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, and challenges related to self-worth and self-esteem. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to meaningful progress and works collaboratively with clients to ensure they feel supported throughout their journey.

Tiffany is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with diagnostic privileges who provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings and navigate life’s challenges. She uses an individualized approach incorporating Interpersonal Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), holistic, strengths-based, trauma-focused, and Gestalt approaches to help clients build resilience and move toward meaningful growth.

Vinnie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in counseling, psychology, education, disability services and career development. Licensed since 2006, he brings more than 20 years of experience in mental health and counseling-related services, as well as 17 years of experience in secondary education. His diverse background allows him to bring a practical, individualized perspective to therapy. Vinnie works collaboratively with clients to navigate emotional challenges, life transitions, career concerns and personal growth while developing greater insight, confidence and effective coping skills.

Alyssa Cagliano is a counseling intern pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With over four years of experience in behavioral health, Alyssa brings extensive hands-on experience supporting individuals with serious mental illness in residential and community-based settings. Her professional background includes rehabilitative goal planning, crisis intervention and de-escalation, safety planning, trauma-informed care, and collaboration with psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals to support continuity of care. Through her experience, Alyssa has developed skills in providing compassionate support, building rapport, and helping individuals navigate emotional challenges while working toward recovery, resilience and personal growth. She is deeply passionate about the power of therapy and values creating a warm, supportive environment where clients feel truly heard and empowered. Alyssa enjoys helping clients make meaningful, positive changes and exploring the experiences that shape who we are. Alyssa is especially passionate about helping clients navigate life’s stressors and building resiliency.

Alyssa is a therapist intern pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. With over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families across behavioral health, educational, healthcare and community-based settings, Alyssa brings a well-rounded perspective to her work as an MFT Intern. Her professional background includes supporting children and individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, ABA-based services, inpatient substance-use treatment, and working closely with individuals and families navigating healthcare needs. Alyssa provides trauma-informed, individualized care by integrating family systems, CBT, attachment-based, person-centered, and emotion-focused techniques. Alyssa creates a safe and inclusive environment where clients can build insight, strengthen their relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Briana is pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has over six years of experience in behavioral health, recovery support, and community-based services. Briana brings a strong background supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use concerns. Her six years of experience includes recovery support, harm reduction, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, case management, and connecting individuals with appropriate treatment and community resources. She has also facilitated educational groups and provided individual support to individuals throughout different stages of recovery. Briana creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. Her compassionate approach incorporates awareness, accountability, and holistic practices, including Reiki, to help clients recognize patterns, explore new perspectives, and create meaningful growth.

Karen is a therapist intern pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before transitioning into counseling, she spent 30 years as a paralegal, developing a deep sense of empathy while helping families secure stable housing. This extensive professional background, combined with her direct experience supporting individuals facing substance abuse and bereavement, informs her compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to therapy. Her background working with individuals, families, professionals, and multidisciplinary teams has strengthened her ability to navigate complex situations, resolve conflict, actively listen, and understand the interpersonal and systemic factors affecting individuals and families. Karen is a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and is deeply attuned to the unique challenges they face. Grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and a family systems perspective, Karen helps individuals and couples navigate anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and life transitions. She is dedicated to meeting clients exactly where they are, providing a supportive, authentic, and safe space for them to explore underlying emotional patterns, build self-confidence, and achieve meaningful growth.

Naseeba is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at LIU Post and brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. This includes several years as a school counselor, providing individual and group counseling to children and adolescents. Her professional background also includes crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, behavioral support, and collaboration with families and mental health professionals. She also has extensive experience supporting diverse populations and individuals impacted by trauma and sexual violence. Naseeba currently holds Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling and a Doctorate (PsyD) in Human/Organizational Psychology. Naseeba is very experienced in working with survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence, as well as individuals navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the effects of trauma. Her empowering, strengths-based approach helps clients move beyond survival mode, reclaim their agency, and create purpose-driven lives aligned with their values. Naseeba is bilingual and speaks fluent English and Spanish.