Agathe C. Pierre-Louis, Psy.D
Statement:
One of the greatest lessons I have learned as a clinical psychologist, “No matter the struggles that bring someone in treatment, I can always see their beauty within, entangled in their pain and shame. My role is to hold space for the pain to be grieved, for the shame to be processed and to support their healing in the corrective experience of gifting themselves compassion, empathy and kindness.”
With over 12 years of clinical work, I have provided psychological treatment and assessments to adolescents, adults and geriatric patients with an array of clinical issues, namely: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, PTSD, anger management, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, infertility, grief, cancer and perinatal mood disorders. I provide treatment in various settings such as inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment hospitals, community-based centers, forensic facilities, and short-term rehabilitation centers.
Agathe C. Pierre-Louis, Psy.D
Credentials/Bio
Dr. Louis completed her Master’s in Education and Human Services at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. She later fulfilled her desire to become a Clinical Psychologist at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Orange County, California. Her clinical training was at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities, a leading clinical training site in the country. She has also participated in extensive training with Postpartum International Support (PSI), a world-renowned organization leading the support and professional training for maternal mental health. Additionally, she has completed a year-long Fertility Counseling Post Graduate course.
Dr. Louis is the founder of EMBRACE Therapy, which focuses on women’s mental health, providing individual, couple and group therapy. The therapeutic modalities she uses in treatment are Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which is psychodynamically oriented and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment. Both treatment models are short-term and solution-focused. They have been highly researched and proven to be effective in a variety of psychiatric disorders. Her goal is that at the end of the journey in treatment, you will have obtained insight, change in perspective, increase in your self-awareness and have gained newly learned coping skills to improve the quality of your life.
She brings a passion for facilitating workshops to providers or to lay audiences on the importance of mental wellbeing. Her overarching goal is to help decrease the stigma of mental health and to send the message: “it’s okay not to be okay. There is relief in receiving treatment.” She has been invited as a speaker on subjects relating to postpartum depression and anxiety, motherhood, sexual health and spirituality, mental health and breastfeeding, teen dating violence, effective communications skills, secondary trauma of providers in doula training conferences, training programs for doctors, nurses, and social workers. Dr. Louis recently completed an independent research study on The Strong Black Woman and her experience of Postpartum Depression which was presented at the 30th Annual Postpartum Support International (PSI) conference held at the University of Pennsylvania. She also hosts the radio show, “Mind, Body and Spirit” on WTBQ/WGHT. She has published a workbook entitled: Doula Revolution: Transforming your Mind, Body and Spirit. Currently, she is working on her next book entitled: Embracing Her. Dr. Louis is ardently committed to helping individuals become more productive and functioning beings. With an open and inviting space, she wants to journey with you while you endure and overcome life’s challenges. Believing that her most positive attribute is her undeniable passion for this work. Dr. Louis states. “I will endeavor to reinforce to you that “you” matter by giving you my utmost attention, support, honesty, integrity, and respect through this EMBRACE. “
Christine Oriani, LCSW, RST
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Coordinator
The beloved Maya Angelou once said that “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Christine’s greatest passion is to empower others to find the words to tell their story. Telling our story brings heartache into the light where healing can begin.
Christine Oriani, LCSW, RST
Ms. Oriani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, practicing as a therapist in Orange County. Christine’s experience over the last eight years has cultivated a nurturing and compassionate approach to therapy. She practices a collaborative, strength-based, person-centered approach that integrates motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies. Ms. Oriani has a master’s level education in clinical social work from Adelphi University. At Wheelock College, she double majored for her undergraduate studies in social worker and human development emphasizing on children, families, and cultures.
Outside of private practice, Ms. Oriani worked as a clinical therapist at a non-profit agency and as a behavioral health specialist on an integrative team at a health care center. She has provided clinical supervision to social work students and other professionals. Christine has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds and ranges of concerns.
The biggest lesson Christine has learned from her patients is that gentleness with oneself is the gateway to healing. Christine is a daughter, wife, mama, bereaved mom, and fur-mom. She has two daughters that walk this Earth and an angel daughter who flies.
She lives in Washingtonville, New York with her husband, two daughters, dog, Olive and three cats, Tulip, Pumpkin, and Ivy. Christine enjoys walking, drinking coffee, enjoying the beauty of nature and spending time with her family.
FaLisia Cotten, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Cotten reveals, “I often display a supportive therapy base and finds that this is an effective professional approach which blends her honest and loving style of helping clients to recognize the importance of living in their present best life.”
FaLisia Cotten, LCSW
FaLisia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the Campbell Hall office of Embrace Therapy. She received her Master’s of Social Work from Fordham University. and has most recently completed a post-graduate certificate in Mental Health and the Aging Population from Adelphi University. With 30 years of experience, she has experienced many rewarding client interactions. She has found herself drawn mostly to the geriatric population finding that they are often forgotten. She has spent a significant amount of her professional career in an administrative program development role and has had the pleasure of impacting social change for various populations.
Ms. Cotten is well versed in multiple other areas from substance abuse to relationship/marital counseling and a myriad of other life adaptations of the worried well. Her vast knowledge base allows her to feel most comfortable with Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Motivational Interviewing modalities.
She also holds an Integrated Nutrition Health Coach certificate from INN. She believes that because we are the sum of all our parts, what we put into our bodies affects us not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well. In having this diversity in her education tract she helps with the continual evaluation of her clients and helps them on their authentic journey to total wellness.
Ms. Cotten has learned so much from her clients and these lessons have allowed her to continue to show up with her best self for them and their own individual journey. Together we will make the world a stronger place to live in. In her own personal life and in the process of therapy, the following quotes are weaved through the message of hope for betterment. “Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it and you’ll start believing in it.”- Jesse Owens and “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” — Frederick Douglass
Shakirra McKinley, MS, MHC-LP
Mental Health Counselor
Self-compassion is the ability to turn understanding, acceptance, and love inward. In Ms. McKinley’s practice as a clinician, she often finds that clients can extend compassion towards others but find it challenging to extend the same compassion towards themselves.
Shakirra McKinley, MS, MHC-LP
“In our culture, women are raised and conditioned to place their needs and wants last in their own lives. While we are nurturing women by nature, it is equally as important to nurture ourselves free from guilt.”
Shakirra is a NYS Certified school counselor and mental health counselor. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Mercy College and recently obtained an advanced certificate in mental health counseling from Alfred University. She is a full-time school counselor in Westchester County and continues, through Embrace Therapy, her efforts to heal hearts and minds as a mental health counselor.
Ms. McKinley supports her clients in developing their understanding of self-care, self-worth, and value. She believes that our ability to love others is dependent on our ability to love ourselves. Shakirra strives to provide a supportive, empathic and safe space for her clients, using treatment approaches which include Psychodynamic Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychotherapy.
Throughout her clinical practice, forming a therapeutic alliance and experiencing various emotions along with her clients have been an invaluable lesson to Shakirra. Whether clients are in-person or on a virtual platform, they have taught her the importance of echoing empathy, support, and validation.
A favorite quote by sound healer Jaymie Gerard states: “loving yourself is healing the world”. Shakirra adds, “I couldn’t agree more with this quote, our ability to love and heal others depends on our ability to love and heal ourselves. We can only be the best version of ourselves when we intentionally and unapologetically give ourselves the same care we so easily give to others.”
Shakirra is dedicated to supporting her clients through their self-actualization process. We are a gift to ourselves and those around us and that gift requires the highest level of care and compassion.
Carol Majewski, MHC-LP
Mental Health Counselor
“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.”-Thich Nhat Hanh.
Carol Majewski, MHC-LP
Ms. Majewski believes that we are all a work in progress and there is always more to learn about ourselves in each moment on our road of life. She is honored to sit across from her clients and become a part of their journey.
Ms. Majewski earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. Francis College and her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz, with a focus on Lifespan Development and Disaster Mental Health. She has received certificates in Attachment Theory and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Her clinical experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and families in various settings has given Carol the skills to adjust to the many challenges that clients present within the therapeutic space. She spent several years in a school setting, primarily with children in the Special Education Program, where she worked with students who struggled with impulse control, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. Ms. Majewski has spent time in Early Education, where she developed classroom behavioral support plans while also seeing children outside of the classroom for individual and group therapy. Likewise, she trained individuals in parenting skills workshops, where she instructed adults in positive, emotionally aware, and developmentally appropriate parenting techniques throughout childhood.
Most recently, Carol had the opportunity to work in an intensive, home-based adolescent and family program for youth identified as at risk of placement outside the home. During this time, Carol provided individual and family counseling, as well as virtual DBT groups for adolescents and parents.
Ms. Majewski uses an eclectic approach with clients, grounded in Attachment Theory, incorporating aspects of CBT, Mindfulness, and concrete DBT coping techniques. Carol encourages adult clients to acknowledge and explore their emotions, seek those things that align with their values, and practice healthy self-care. While working with children and adolescents, she enjoys integrating art, crafts, music, games, and storytelling which allow a safe space to release difficult emotions. Her passion to work with adolescents and children are highlighted throughout her career. The young in “age” and the young at “heart” have taught her that growth is available at any stage in life. Only one’s willingness is the first step.
Breanna Catucci, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Community Outreach Specialist
Community Outreach Specialist
Ms. Catucci states that Virginia Satir’s definition of the role of a therapist guides her practice. Satir once said, “As a therapist, I am a companion. I try to help people tune into their own wisdom”. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space so I can provide support to my clients so that they may find their inner wisdom.
Breanna Catucci, MHC-LP
Breanna graduated from Mercy College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is currently a master’s level student studying Mental Health Counseling at New York University. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Mercy College, Breanna worked in a school setting where she supported children, adolescents, and young adults enrolled in a therapeutic treatment program.
Breanna takes an integrative approach to therapy. She frequently utilizes techniques from a variety of different therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapies. Breanna is also fond of integrating mindfulness-based techniques into her work with clients.
The greatest lesson Breanna has learned from her clients is that individuals are incredibly resilient and capable of growth.
Breanna is certified in nonviolent crisis intervention and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI).
Tiffany Catalano LMSW, CASAC-T, CGCS
Licensed Social Worker
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” – Bessel Van der Kolk
Tiffany Catalano LMSW, CASAC-T, CGCS
Ms. Catalano states, “It is my experience that my clients know themselves best. They know what hurts, what direction to go, what problems are crucial, and what experiences have been deeply buried.”
Tiffany completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Fordham University, where she graduated with high honors. Her desire for learning has led her to complete additional training and specialization to be a highly effective clinician in the therapeutic space. She completed post-graduate training through PESI, and is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, as well as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. She is also certified in de-escalation techniques such as: Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Preventing and Managing Crisis Situations (PMCS).
Her clinical experience includes working with the geriatric population, as well as adults with substance use disorders in an outpatient setting. She comes to Embrace Therapy with vast experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, having worked through with a myriad of diagnoses in mixed population groups.
Ms. Catalano is a trauma-informed clinician, who works diligently on providing a safe environment where clients can begin to heal and feel heard. She specializes in working with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. She recently completed a Psycho-oncology training hosted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which focused on Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer.
Tiffany believes that interventions are not a one-size-fits-all, and each treatment must be tailored to the needs of the patient. She often incorporates Trauma-Informed Models, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Exposure Therapy. Tiffany brings a unique perspective to the healing process, often utilizing art as a means of expressive communication. When feelings are too difficult to put into words, art can often find a way into the room and allow us to release a part of ourselves that has been yearning to be discovered.
Tiffany’s welcoming and compassionate nature allows her to be able to hold space for her patients, as well as help them navigate through the healing process. One of the most invaluable lessons that she has learned is that individuals have a vast capacity for courage, love, and forgiveness. She has learned many lessons from her clients, which have aided her in being the best therapist that she can be.
Patrice Douglas, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
Patrice Douglas has dedicated her life to reaching the unreached, teaching those deemed unteachable, and guiding those who have yet to find their way. These values holds true in this mantra, that anchors her in her therapy practice, “I believe in planting seeds today for the flowers that will blossom tomorrow.”
Patrice Douglas, LMSW
Ms. Douglas earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work from Fredonia State University and attended Adelphi University where she earned her Master’s of Social Work in the advanced standing program. Currently, she holds a NYS certification in School Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker. Patrice works full time as a School Social Worker in Orange County and is determined to continue providing support and nurturing through her work at Embrace.
Patrice utilizes the strengths of her clients to guide her practice. As a lifelong learner, she challenges herself to implement a wide range of therapeutic treatment modalities and approaches. She holds certificates in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Restorative Justice and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Patrice has received training in Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Parent Skills Training and Trauma Informed Care. Patrice has treated concerns related to Anxiety, Depression, School Avoidance, Trauma, Parent/ Child Conflict, Self-Esteem/Self Identity, Life Transitions and more.
Patrice has provided psychotherapy to children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. She is passionate about providing services to children and teens as she understands the impact that childhood experiences have on adulthood. She enjoys assisting clients in finding and honoring their voice during the most difficult times of their lives. Her clients have taught her that a person’s success is not solely based on how quickly they reach the finish line. Everyday that you show up is a success because you have made the decision to be present for yourself. Patrice’s clients inspire her through their willingness to show up and be seen. She works with clients to see themselves where they currently are while looking towards the future. As you engage in treatment with Patrice, she will hold space for you as you navigate through your most vulnerable thoughts, feelings and experiences. The therapeutic relationship between a client and a therapist is viewed as sacred to Patrice and she feels honored to be a part of your journey.
Mircah Estime, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us” – David Richo. Life teaches us many lessons, and it is our duty to take those lessons and turn them into wisdom.
Mircah Estime, LMSW
Mircah Estime believes that beauty can exist even in the darkest spaces and she strives to honor her clients growth from the smallest to the biggest winning moments. Her path to mental health services was an innate calling. Mircah has devoted her life to journey with her clients so they can meet the best version of themselves. She states “I am blessed to have turned my passion into a career.”
Mircah is a licensed Master Social Worker from Yeshiva University. Over her years of experience working in mental health, Mircah has worked in various settings such as: medical hospital settings, community mental health agencies and psychiatric hospitals. In these settings, she has provided support to children, teens, adults, and families. She believes in meeting clients where they are on their journey. Mircah utilizes a holistic and integrative approach to therapy blending elements from different concepts, modalities, and tailoring them to meet her clients’ individual needs. The theories she esposes to are: Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
In the therapeutic space, Mircah will work together with her clients to process their experiences of the past, present, and future and identify healthy ways of processing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and progress through the stages of change. Her goal is to create a safe therapuetic space where healing is fostered in an open environment, free from judgment that would inevitable bring about growth and a healthier version of one’s self. New beauty can arise out of the ashes!
Jennifer Hovnanian, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
“Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being’s suffering. Nothing. Not a career, not wealth, not intelligence, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we’re going to survive with dignity”’- Aubrey Hepburn
Jennifer Hovnanian, LMSW
The ability to connect and make a difference in the life of others has always been Jennifer’s guiding light. Her ability to connect so easily and attune to her client’s emotions are one of her greatest strengths. She aspires to create a safe space for her clients, to feel seen and heard, as she believes these moments are the healing elements to every wounded soul.
After earning a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, Jennifer furthered her education at NY Medical College. She has worked in the healthcare field for three decades taking on many different roles, of which included several leadership positions. Through these experiences, Jennifer has kept her focus on the work of service and drowning out the background noise of organization politics. Jennifer has defined herself by making her life’s work about inspiring others to recognize the beauty of serving those in need with grace. The kind, gentle approach she has, meshes well with strength based positive psychology, psychodynamic therapy technique, schema and interpersonal therapy. Through these therapeutic processes, Jennifer continues to strive by honoring every individual in her presence, helping them share their story in a safe, nurturing space. Jennifer truly cares about others; the inspiration for this work came early from the love her amazing grandmother had for her. The legacy of that love carries her onward in this profession. The message of beauty and warmth rings true with this quote: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others, for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness: and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are not alone.” – Audrey Hepburn.
Working hard is no stranger to Jennifer, but when she kicks back, she enjoys the elegance of vintage fashion. Any chance she gets, she surrounds herself in nature where she jogs amongst the trees. Lastly, her greatest joy are the moments she shares laughing hysterically with her three fantastic boys! Laughter warms the soul.
Rochelle Mercer, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope” – Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rochelle Mercer, LMSW
Rochelle Mercer stands on the promises of hope that no matter the circumstance, trouble doesn’t last always. This beacon of light is what she holds in the therapeutic space to engage clients in the healing process.
Rochelle Mercer is an NYS Licensed Master Social Worker. She obtained her Masters in Social Work degree from Adelphi University. She has worked in various settings within the field of Social Work and has served in various roles, including special projects and managerial duties, within child welfare, mental health, substance use, and early intervention. She currently serves as a Maternal Health Supervisor for a maternal care program. Rochelle strives to provide a supportive and empathic safe space for pregnant women and ultimately anyone she encounters. In the therapeutic process, her clients have been taught how deep the veins of resiliency lie. Resiliency produces character and character displays the lessons that have been taught. Rochelle journeys with her clients by utilizing the tools of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, and Interpersonal Therapy based on their needs. She employs psycho-education with her clients who are managing through the postpartum period. No matter the techniques being used, Rochelle embodies a strength-based perspective that has been proven to be effective.
She also enjoys community service, singing, dancing, and event planning and decor. Her favorite quote has become her mantra… Know your baseline, stay grounded, and remain steadfast in your faith.
Jennie Pearse, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said; “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. The choice to begin therapy, to take that first step, is often a difficult one; riddled with uncertainty. However, once the journey has begun, each step becomes a little easier.
Jennie Pearse, LMSW
Ms. Pearse received her Bachelor of Social Work at College of New Rochelle and her Masters of Social Work at University at Buffalo; graduating Summa Cum Laude from both programs. Throughout her professional career, Ms. Pearse has had the opportunity to work various populations. From inmates to Special Education Students, homeless to high-risk youth, Ms. Pearse has learned that every person has the innate ability to overcome the challenges set before them. Ms. Pearse has first-hand experience with the struggles (and successes) of raising and advocating for special needs children, the emotional labors of merging a blended family, as well as the wide array of feelings and prejudice surrounding adoption, foster care, and interracial families.
Believing that, by learning to understand our physiological self, we can develop a more complete understanding of our psychological and emotional self, Ms. Pearse embraces a concentration is in Schema Therapy and Human Behavior. While Ms. Pearse has a working knowledge and understanding of several therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy, etc.), she believes that the natural ebb and flow of the therapeutic relationship will dictate the intervention needed to facilitate success.
Ms. Pearse’s warm and accepting personality enables her to create a safe place for all her clients. Understanding that therapeutic process in not a race, but a life long journey toward peace and happiness, Ms. Pearse allows her clients to move at the pace they feel comfortable, while not being afraid to offer a little comforting nudge when needed. Believing that honesty is the best policy, she can forge relationships with enable her to deliver her services in a way that encourages growth, trust, and stability for her clients. Whatever path has led her clients to therapy, Ms. Pearse is humbled and honored to take the first step of that thousand mile journey, along side her clients.
Melitza Sandoz, A.A.S.
Office Manager
Ms. Sandoz is an integral part of Embrace Therapy in her role as Medical Biller. Melitza has obtained an associate degree in Applied Science at Hostos Community College, Bronx, NY. She has been a medical biller for the past 6 years working in the same capacity and later assumed the role as office manager for MB pediatrics.
Melitza Sandoz A.A.S.
Her interest in working at Embrace Therapy was due to the commitment and perspective on therapy. In addition, she states, “I liked the specialties that help women in different stages in their lives and the fact that there is help for all other family members as well. The therapists can work with kids, adolescents and fathers too.”
Melitza believes that the teamwork atmosphere and mutual respect for one another is a cornerstone of the practice. Despite the challenges of the ever-changing Electronic Medical Record programs, collecting payments and dealing with the insurances, Melitza is exceptional at completing the tasks that are placed before her and is a troubleshooter of the unexpected.
Her role is almost fluid and she has worn many hats in order to allow the clinicians to be as effective as they can be. She embodies what a true team player is!
Beverly Jensen
Pre-Lincensed Marriage and Family Clinician
“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
Beverly Jensen, Pre-Lincensed Marriage and Family Clinician
Beverly Jensen believes that fostering healthy, loving connections with the mind, body and spirit are important aspects of the human journey. This perspective is the mantra that guides her in every facet of her personal and professional life. Beverly is currently completing her pre-licensed hours toward her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercy University. She is dedicated to collaborating with you to help you unlock your true self, create a fulfilling life, and cultivate meaningful relationships. A quote that inspires her practice states, “Therapy is a journey, not a destination. It’s about learning to love and accept yourself, and to find the strength to change the things you can.” – unknown. If you are looking for guidance through a challenging situation, seeking to develop better relationships, or reframe your mindset, Beverly will utilize complementary therapeutic approaches and techniques that will enable change. With a background in the performing arts and fifteen years of mentoring and coaching children, she understands how the tools cultivated in therapy are elemental in fostering resiliency and breeding change. Together, she will support you in identifying your needs, establishing goals, and discovering how best to cultivate self-compassion, awareness, and growth. Merging the elements of the mind and body can bring about an awakening of change. Through a cognitive perspective lens, Beverly challenges her clients to “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.”- Wayne Dyer. Your best version of yourself is waiting to meet you.
Latonya James
Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Clinician
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?” It calls us to connect to our inner altruistic nature and serve. Latonya James stated, “In my own journey, I have answered this call to action by advocating for victims of violence, volunteering with community programs and ultimately choosing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy.” – Martin Luther King
Latonya James, Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Clinician
Latonya James obtained her undergraduate degree in legal studies. She is currently completing her pre-licensed hours towards her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy at Mercy University. Latonya is also an Army Veteran and a Certified Victims Advocate for the Westchester Medical Center. She believes that in the therapeutic room, change can be manifested through the expression of empathy and validation which fosters a warm and inviting environment. The process of grief and loss are weaved throughout all therapeutic presentations. A quote that speaks of the grief process and guides her practice states: “The hole never fills, but new life will grow around it, so plant some seeds and do whatever makes you feel better or help you get through the toughest parts.” One of Latonya’s tenets is that she meets her clients where they are. She also encourages a collaborative process to aid her clients to define their vision of success. The simple lesson of showing kindness because you never know what someone’s journey involves was taught to her in childhood, and it has paved her path to become a helper. She is looking forward to journeying with her clients to a healed landing space.
Latonya enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and seeks to expand her mind and expose herself to new adventures whether in a book or en-vivo.
Dayana Flores, MHC-LP
Mental Health Counselor
“No life is not worth living. But what is important is that you experience your life as worth living. One that is satisfying, and one that brings happiness.” -Marsha Linehan
Dayana Flores, MHC-LP
Ms. Flores asserts, “ One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a clinician, is the relationship alliance that is developed over time with my clients. Through this process, healing and transformation can occur. The negative impact of traumatic relationships has brought my clients to the therapy room and it is through a healthy correcting relationship, that they will find healing.”
Dayana earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Long Island University. She has received 2 years of expert knowledge in implementing Dialectical Behavioral Skills and thus has obtained a DBT certification in foundational training. Over the past 6 years, she has gained a wealth of knowledge working in the field of mental health working alongside children, teenagers, and young adults, specifically in the foster care system and intensive outpatient psychiatric hospitalization. As such, she is well-versed with the assortment of symptoms related to this population.
Ms. Flores is committed to helping clients achieve emotional well-being and personal growth. Her approach allows her to directly connect with clients in a manner that is comfortable and genuine. Through treatment, she provides her client with emotional safety through empathetic engagement, healthy challenges to usher growth, and autonomy to guide their treatment. Her goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to become the best version of themselves. One component of treatment she has found to be very effective, is the use of visual stimulation during sessions to further cement the concepts being processed which inevitably brings forth great insight.
Sarah Engelskirchen-Bugler, MA, LMHC
Social Media Content Creator, Blog Writer
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Dr. Maya Angelou
Sarah Engelskirchen-Bugler, MA, LMHC
Beverly is currently completing her pre-licensed hours toward her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercy University. She is dedicated to collaborating with you to help you unlock your true self, create a fulfilling life, and cultivate meaningful relationships. A quote that inspires her practice states, “Therapy is a journey, not a destination. It’s about learning to love and accept yourself, and to find the strength to change the things you can.” – unknown. If you are looking for guidance through a challenging situation, seeking to develop better relationships, or reframe your mindset, Beverly will utilize complementary therapeutic approaches and techniques that will enable change. With a background in the performing arts and fifteen years of mentoring and coaching children, she understands how the tools cultivated in therapy are elemental in fostering resiliency and breeding change. Together, she will support you in identifying your needs, establishing goals, and discovering how best to cultivate self-compassion, awareness, and growth. Merging the elements of the mind and body can bring about an awakening of change. Through a cognitive perspective lens, Beverly challenges her clients to “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.”- Wayne Dyer. Your best version of yourself is waiting to meet you.