Meet the Sunrise Counseling Center Team

Finding the right therapist can make all the difference. Our experienced team offers a range of clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, and perspectives to support you through life’s challenges.

Meet Our Founder

Richard Scheinberg, LCSW-R, BCD

Richard Scheinberg, LCSW-R, BCD, is the Founder and Executive Director of Sunrise Counseling Center, which he established in 1993. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Richard brings a compassionate and integrative perspective to his work, combining traditional therapeutic approaches with complementary and spiritual practices. He is also trained and certified in hypnosis for past life regression and has a longstanding interest in helping people explore the deeper dimensions of healing and personal growth.

Richard Maiorella, LCSW-R

Richard Maiorella, Clinical Director, brings more than 35 years of experience in the mental health field and has provided more than 60,000 therapeutic service sessions throughout his career. His extensive clinical experience, education, and knowledge of current research allow him to work with adults facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Richard is committed to helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate difficult circumstances, and move toward greater emotional well-being and functioning.

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Experienced Care for Your Individual Needs

Our therapists bring diverse experiences, specialties, and therapeutic approaches to help you find support that fits your individual needs.

Alanna Henriquez

LMHC

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.

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Alexandra Miller

LCSW

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.

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Angelo D’Esposito

LCSW

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.

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Annette Sasaki

LCSW

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.

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Bill Meritet

LCSW-R

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.

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Cyndi Stusvick

LMHC

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.

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Danielle Keiser

LCSW-R

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.

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Elizabeth Scoyne

LMHC-D

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.

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Emma Press

LMHC

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.

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Gail Litman

LCSW-R

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.

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Gina Haney

LMHC

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.

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Joanne Varrichio

LCSW-R

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.

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Laura Arlin

LCSW-R

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.

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Lisa Spitalny

LMHC

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.

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Meg Cowlishaw

LCSW-R

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.

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Paul Testa

LCSW-R

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.

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Peter Paternostro

LMHC

Pete is a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Mental Health Counselor and 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.

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Renae Flammia

LMHC

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.

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Richard Maiorella

LCSW-R

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.

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Richard Purslow

LMHC-D

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.

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Richard Scheinberg

LCSW-R, BCD

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.

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Sally Ruocco Mcdonald

LCSW

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.

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Stephanie Arico

LMHC-D

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.

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Sunita Bechan

LCSW

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.

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Tiffany Kraft

LMHC-D

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.

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Growing Through Experience & Supervision

Our limited permit therapists are graduate-level clinicians who have completed their required academic training and are gaining advanced clinical experience under professional supervision. They bring fresh perspectives, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping clients work toward meaningful change.

Andrea Sweeney

MHC-LP

Andrea is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and a background in working with preschoolers with autism and other developmental disabilities. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s College. Andrea is passionate about supporting children, teens, and young adults and is committed to helping clients feel understood, supported, and empowered.

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Christen Schilling

MHC-LP

Christen is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and 12 years of experience in the mental health and substance use fields. Her background includes working with adults and children experiencing mental health concerns, substance use disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Christen provides a compassionate, supportive environment and uses unconditional positive regard to help clients draw strength from past experiences and move toward meaningful growth.

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Cristina Badami

MFT-LP

Cristina is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a Limited Permit, working toward full licensure. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she brings compassion and understanding to her work with individuals, couples, and families. Cristina uses a collaborative, Emotionally Focused Therapy approach to help clients explore and manage their emotions, develop greater self-awareness, and work toward meaningful goals in a safe and supportive environment.

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Danielle Greenan-Archey

LMSW

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.

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David Tonkowich

MHC-LP

David is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit who takes a collaborative, purpose-driven approach to therapy. He works with children, families, individuals navigating life or career transitions, and executives seeking personal and professional growth. Drawing on his diverse life experiences, David helps clients turn challenges into opportunities for growth, clarity, and meaningful change.

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Davida Jackson

MFT-LP

Davida is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a Limited Permit who works with couples, families, adolescents, and adults. With a background as a Physician’s Assistant and over 15 years of experience in healthcare, she brings a unique understanding of the connection between physical and emotional well-being. Davida is passionate about helping couples strengthen relationships and repair connections while supporting clients navigating life challenges, chronic illness, and other emotional concerns.

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Dorothy Schaefer

LMSW

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.

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Elva Diaz

MFT-LP

Elva is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a Limited Permit and over 10 years of experience supporting immigrant communities. Her background in human services and case management has shaped her compassionate, culturally responsive approach to working with clients and families. Elva uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other individualized techniques to help clients navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and other life challenges in a supportive and understanding environment. She is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish and English.

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Gabrielle Palmieri

MHC-LP

Gabrielle is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and over five years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with individuals across a wide range of ages and with diverse mental health needs, including in community residence and youth care settings. Gabrielle takes a warm, collaborative approach, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported while working toward positive and meaningful change.

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Jo-Ann Wilson

LMSW

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.

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Kamilah Blackett

MHC-LP

Kamilah is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and more than a decade of experience as a school counselor. She has extensive experience supporting individuals of all ages, including those navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, abuse, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Kamilah uses a holistic, person-centered approach, incorporating techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic interventions to help clients feel empowered and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

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Kate Cronin

LMSW

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.

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Kellyann Campisi

MHC-LP

Kelly is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling. She has experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with a range of social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Kelly provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and empowered while developing the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful growth.

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Khrystyna Nykolyn

LMSW

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.

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Kristina Lukasik

MHC-LP

Kristina is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit whose experience as an EMT and in cancer research has shaped her understanding of resilience, loss, and the human experience. She uses a holistic, client-centered approach grounded in Adlerian theory and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward their goals. Kristina is committed to meeting each client where they are and supporting their unique journey.

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Maria Empaynado

LMSW

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.

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Robyn Russillo

MHC-LP

Robyn is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit who believes compassion, resilience, and connection are essential to healing. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space and uses a person-centered, individualized approach to support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Robyn helps clients recognize their strengths, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves while working toward meaningful and lasting change.

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Roselynn (Lynne) Coleman

MHC-LP

Lynne is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and 30 years of experience in emergency medical services. Her extensive background has shaped her passion for supporting Veterans, First Responders, and others healing from physical or emotional trauma. Lynne brings a calm, compassionate, and empathetic approach to counseling, creating a safe space where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and work toward healing.

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Sarah Knoth

MHC-LP

Sarah is a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit who supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship concerns, and other life challenges. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices to help clients develop healthy coping strategies and greater self-awareness. Sarah’s goal is to help each client work toward greater wellness and balance in all areas of life.

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Simone Becker

MFT-LP

Simone is a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing under a limited permit. She supports individuals, couples, and families through life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional stress, helping them find greater clarity, intention, and connection. Simone offers a warm, supportive space where clients feel genuinely understood, cared for, and empowered to move toward meaningful change.

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Tara Cicileo

MHC-LP

Tara Cicileo is a trained Mental Health Counselor with Limited Permit who holds a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling. She is experienced in treating children, adolescents, and young adults on an individual basis. Her background lies in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, anger issues, loss, divorce, self-esteem issues, ADHD, life transitions, and interpersonal conflicts. Her approach to therapy combines cognitive behavioral, strengths-based and mindfulness techniques to teach individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings; and become resilient, independent, and learn to value themselves.

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Compassionate Care From the Next Generation of Clinicians

Our clinical interns are advanced graduate students working under the direct supervision of experienced, licensed therapists. Bringing fresh perspectives, up-to-date evidence-based training, and deep dedication to their clients, our interns allow us to offer high-quality mental health care at a reduced, affordable rate.

Alyssa Cagliano

MHC Intern

Alyssa Cagliano is a counseling intern currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works closely with individuals with serious mental illness in community housing, supporting their recovery and 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.

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Alyssa Prendergast

MFT Intern

Alyssa uses a warm, collaborative, and affirming approach to support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her trauma-informed, individualized approach incorporates family systems, CBT, attachment-based, person-centered, and emotion-focused techniques. Alyssa strives to create a safe, inclusive space where clients can build insight, strengthen relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful change.

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Briana Camassa

MHC Intern

Briana is pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has extensive experience supporting individuals navigating substance use, mental health, dual diagnosis, and recovery. She 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.

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Karen Smith

MFT Intern

Karen is a therapist intern pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ concerns. Grounded in EFT and family systems, Karen helps clients explore underlying patterns to build confidence and achieve meaningful change. She is dedicated to meeting clients where they are, providing a supportive environment for healing and growth.

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Katherine Joseph

MHC Intern

Katherine is pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and brings over 10 years of experience in special education, supporting children, families, and educators. Her approach combines conventional therapeutic techniques with holistic practices, drawing from her experience as a yoga instructor, health and life coach, and practitioner of energy healing and clinical hypnosis. Katherine is passionate about supporting whole-person healing and helping clients reduce stress, improve well-being, and create a more authentic and fulfilling life.

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Naseeba Hack

MHC Intern

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. She specializes 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.

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