SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Ally graduated from University of Michigan with a major in Psychology and minor in Community Action and Social Change. She received her Masters in Professional School Psychology from Fordham University, where she completed practicum sites with a neuropsychiatrist, a special education school in NYC, and a preschool for children with developmental delays.

Ally specializes in psycho-educational and clinical assessments, work with individuals with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and executive functioning disorder. She also consults with school districts and universities to help their clients receive appropriate accommodations, make recommendations for, and attend 504 and IEP meetings, and offer consultations for appropriate schools to attend.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Exelbert is both a licensed New York state psychologist and a certified elite personal trainer. She received her B.S. from Cornell University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. After serving as Staff Psychologist at the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Winthrop Hospital Cancer Center, Dr. Exelbert received her own cancer diagnosis. 

This prompted her to found The Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change, where she integrates psychotherapy and exercise, with a unique focus on the mind/body connection through use of visual imagery and cognitions. She also became a bodybuilding figure competitor, honoring the process of regaining control of her body after cancer. Dr. Exelbert is the author of Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned from Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Patient (Mascot Books, 2020).

She is a regular expert media contributor and has appeared in numerous outlets. Dr. Exelbert maintains a private practice in Roslyn and Nyack, New York.

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Phil graduated from LIU Post with a Criminal Justice major, and returned there to receive a Master’s in Social Work. He then interned at a non-intensive outpatient substance abuse facility under OASAS where he worked with individuals and led several groups focused on educating, processing, and creating a community within which clients could achieve long term sobriety. The vast majority of these clients were court-mandated, which taught him a great deal about dealing with resistance and motivating clients to reach their goals.

Phil specializes in helping adults and young adults cope with and overcome anxiety, depression, OCD, and many other ailments and life stressors.

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Hillary graduated from Binghamton University with degrees in Psychology and Graphic Design, later earning an MBA. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College. While at Hunter, she interned at multiple agencies, gaining experience while shaping her clinical approach and skillset.

Afterwards, Hillary joined CBT East while working at a dialysis facility, where she helped patients manage their chronic illnesses, fears, anxieties and other challenges while also addressing the strain on their loved ones and support systems, often in the forms of grief and caregiver burnout.

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Marnie graduated from Adelphi University where she received her Master’s in Social Work. Her aim is to create a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.

Having transitioned from special education teaching while raising three children, Marnie brings extensive experience and empathy to her practice. She works with children and adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Using an eclectic approach that include CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, she fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Mikela graduated from Syracuse University where she double majored in Psychology and Human development. She received a Masters in Social Work from New York University, during which time she interned with Dr. Shari Kohn at CBT East, as well as Parallax Center, an outpatient detox and continuing care center.

She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, addiction, and executive functioning disorder, in children, adolescent and adults. Mikela utilizes empirically supported approaches including CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness-based approaches, as well as incorporating technology and worksheets, and curate each intervention to the specific needs of each individual.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Jade Frost was inspired to become a mental health counselor by the incredible counselors who made a difference in her own life. Her sessions are characterized by empathy and active listening, coupled with a gentle challenge to clients’ thoughts and behaviors. Jade's clients describe her as kind, genuine, honest, and occasionally playful.

She utilizes a blend of Person-Centered Therapy, IFS, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and DBT, and works with clients from preteens to adults. Jade is particularly focused on supporting clients dealing with anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, and eating disorders, and she is currently undergoing specialized training in Internal Family Systems therapy.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Shari attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and received a PhD from SUNY Stony Brook. She completed my internship at Montefiore Medical Center, where she began her career. She isI now the head of her private group practice, CBT East. Shari works with adults and couples, and treat many challenges including but not limited to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, caregiver stress, life stressors, grief, health issues, and focus/attention challenges.

She believes in treating the mind and body as one and utilize empirically supported interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Somatic interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, nutrition and exercise, carefully curating each intervention to the needs of the individual.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Nicole Bailey became a mental health counselor after experiencing firsthand the profound impact that therapy can have on a person's life. Her sessions are known for being active, gently challenging, and highly supportive. Clients often describe Nicole as straightforward in the best possible way, providing clear guidance while fostering a safe and empathetic space. She integrates Interpersonal Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her approach, and enjoys working with individuals aged 10 and up. Nicole has a passion for helping clients enhance their relationship skills and manage chronic symptoms effectively.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

 Aylah Goodfriend chose to become a mental health counselor because she finds deep meaning in helping others search for their own purpose. She meets her clients where they are, focusing on the present moment and moving forward from there. Clients describe her as empathetic, affirming, and appropriately direct.

Aylah’s approach draws from Person-Centered, Strengths-Based, and Psychodynamic therapies, and she primarily works with clients aged 12 and up. She specializes in supporting caregivers and siblings of disabled or medically complex children, individuals on the Autism Spectrum, Jewish-identifying individuals, and those experiencing anxiety or depression. Aylah also has specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

 Lori A. McCrohan became a mental health counselor to help individuals recognize their inner strength and wisdom to overcome personal barriers. She has a special interest in teaching effective coping strategies to parents of children with special needs to enhance their well-being.

Lori’s sessions are relaxed and person-centered, and her clients describe her as consistent, reliable, and understanding. Her therapeutic approach is informed by the Gottman Method, Strengths-Focused CBT, and IFS. Lori works primarily with adults, specializing in caregiver stress, anxiety, and life transitions.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Rebecca Socia became a mental health counselor because she is fascinated by people and enjoys exploring what makes each person unique. She feels privileged to be part of her clients' healing journeys and aims to foster a collaborative environment where clients can guide their own paths.

Rebecca’s approach incorporates Internal Family Systems, Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma-Informed practices. She works with clients from age 5 through adulthood, helping them navigate family issues, anxiety, life transitions, substance use, and trauma.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Alexa Strickland’s passion for supporting others led her to a career in mental health counseling. She believes in creating a space where clients can feel empowered, heard, and accepted for who they are. Her sessions are client-centered, collaborative, and focus on recognizing and building upon clients’ strengths. Alexa’s eclectic therapeutic style draws from Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Approaches, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

She works with clients of all ages, from children to older adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and disability-related issues. Alexa has received specialized training in various areas, including Child-Centered Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care.

J.D., M.S., MHC-LP

Ashley Hammerich became a mental health counselor because she is passionate about helping people on their journey of personal growth and living their best lives. Her sessions are characterized as warm, empathetic, relational, interactive, and supportive. Clients typically describe Ashley as authentic, empathetic, curious, and compassionate. She leads her sessions with a Person-centered/Humanistic approach that incorporates Psychodynamics, Internal Family Systems, CBT, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy and enjoys working mostly with adults. Ashley focuses on clients dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, intimacy and sex, infidelity, women's issues, men's issues, and family conflict.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jen has been working with parents for over 20 years supporting and helping them get services for their children.  Jen worked in different social service agencies advocating for special needs children and their parents.  Having these opportunities and raising a special needs child of her own, lead her to this path of working with parents who are raising special needs children. 

When you sit across from Jen you will feel safe and validated.  You can say anything and not feel judged.  It’s ok that you are tired and ready to give up. But at the same time you’re resilient, willing to do whatever necessary to make sure your child gets what they deserve. Jen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths and Solution based approaches to help you gain the strategies and tools necessary to become a more effective parent. Most Importantly – Learn about SELF-CARE!

LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lori Zlotoff is a licensed, clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the social work world.  After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Policy and Practice with her MSW in 2001, she entered the field of school social work, employed by Partnership with Children, which put teams of social workers into public schools in New York City.  Lori quickly learned about trauma work as she started her career in Brooklyn, in the shadow of the World Trade Center, and in a post-9/11 world.

 Working within the fabric of the school day with marginalized youth and their families provided Lori with opportunities for creative and impactful ways to connect with her students and make a real difference in their lives.  She worked for PWC for over 7 years, maintaining long-term relationships with families and school staff.  As a part of her job, she participated in IEP meetings, Child Study team meetings, home visits, psychosocial intakes, parent workshops, professional development for teachers, individual counseling, group counseling and whole school events.