Staff

Juliana LaRossa-Dzerens, Psy.D.
B.A. Stony Brook University, M.S. Hofstra University, Psy.D. Hofstra University

Dr. LaRossa-Dzerens is a NYS licensed psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. She has worked and treated children, adolescents, and adults through her experience in private settings and is skilled at providing both individual and group therapy to those in need. Dr. LaRossa-Dzerens sees clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family issues. She has several years of experience diagnosing and treating those with autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. LaRossa-Dzerens is also a certified school psychologist who knows the complexities of the special education system. She can assist families who require additional services outside of what the school system can provide. Her research interests have focused on the effects of support programs for siblings of children who have special needs, and stress and related factors in couples who have a child with autism.

Therapists at NYCTWC are trained in cognitive therapy and have years of experience helping clients overcome difficulties in their personal and professional lives. A brief description of the training and experience of each of our therapists is below.

Meagan Muller, PsyD

B.A. SUNY Binghamton, M.S. Hofstra University, Psy.D. Hofstra University

Dr. Muller is a NYS Licensed Psychologist, NYS Certificated School Psychologist, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She has experience working a various local school districts and community mental health clinics. Dr. Muller is employed full-time as a School Psychologist providing services to children with social-emotional and behavioral needs. She is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and incorporates mindfulness in to many of her sessions.

Brendan O’Connell LCSW
BS., University of Scranton; MSW, Fordham University

Brendan has a background in behavioral intervention services. He has worked with adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a person-centered approach to support clients with anxiety and depression. His practice has included assisting students with developing self-esteem while exploring academic, behavioral, and bullying concerns. Brendan has also worked with couples and individuals on strengthening their relationships. He is a veteran and is interested in supporting fellow veterans with their emotional and mental health.

Think better ... Feel better

Jessie Poveromo
B.A., University of Delaware; M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University

Dr. Poveromo is a NYS licensed psychologist and co-director of New York Cognitive Therapy and Wellness Center. She is skilled in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to adolescents, adults, and the elderly with depression, anxiety, and body image issues and has a great deal of experience in counseling clients in the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, she has completed a certificate program in smoking cessation. Dr. Poveromo received training in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings and has provided services to several Long Island school districts. Her research interests include media effects on body dissatisfaction and how social comparison contributes to body image distortion.

Andrea Coleman, LMHC
B.A., St. Francis College; M.A., M.Ed,, Teachers College Columbia University

Andrea Coleman is a NYS licensed Mental Health Counselor. She specializes in treating clients with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, working with this population for ten years before coming to NYCTWC. She also has experience treating borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety disorders. Her research interests focus on adolescents exhibiting cutting behavior as well as mindfulness meditation. Andrea has presented at local and state conferences and has conducted several clinical trainings related to anxiety, autism, and developmental disabilities at surrounding regional agencies.

Lindsay Feinman-Karabelas, PsyD
B.A., CUNY Queens College; M.A., Adelphi University; M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University

Dr. Karabelas is a NYS licensed psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults with depression and anxiety. She has a great deal of experience working with children and adolescents who have behavioral and/or school related issues as well as those who are experiencing transitional issues in their lives such as divorce. Dr. Karabelas offers skills to help foster emotion regulation, coping strategies, and adaptive behaviors. Her research has focused on emotion regulation and attrition in DBT. Dr. Karabelas incorporates mindfulness meditation into many of her sessions.

Angelica Terepka, PsyD

B.A. St. Francis College, PsyD Indiana Univeristy of Pennsylvania

Dr. Terepka is a NYS licensed psychologist trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma focused CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She specializes in working with diverse populations, particularly with LGBTQIA+ and religious populations, and received the NYS Psychological Association Diversity Award for both her clinical and research contributions to the field of therapy. Dr. Terepka has specialized training in providing therapy to young adults and has held appointments at several university counseling centers. She currently works as a psychologist for a hospital where she provides individual and group therapy to teens and young adults and their families. In addition, Dr. Terepka is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, and maintains adjunct faculty appointments in Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education Counseling Psychology program and Long Island University’s Counseling and School Psychology program.

Jennifer Lancaster
B.A., University of South Florida; M.A., PhD, Hofstra University

Dr. Lancaster is the co-director of New York Cognitive Therapy and Wellness Center . She is a NYS licensed psychologist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults. Dr. Lancaster's primary research interests are in the area of academic integrity, the etiology and prevention of panic disorder, and the teaching of psychology. She is also a professor at St. Francis College where she teaches courses in experimental psychology, introduction to psychological research, psychology of the exceptional child and a clinical and counseling seminar. She also supervises doctoral candidates from various area colleges. She has presented research at both regional and national conference.

Cassandra Cass, Mental Health Counselor

B.A., M.S. Molloy University

Cassandra Cass is a clinical mental health counselor and holds as a limited permit under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor. She has a Bachelors degree in psychology and a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Molloy University. She was chosen as a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honors Society. Cassandra specializes in treating Depression and Anxiety and works with adolescent and adult clients. She has also worked with college students who are struggling to adjust to change. She utilizes CBT techniques skills and interventions in sessions with clients.

Tim Cecere, Mental Health Counselor

B.A. St. Francis College

Tim Cecere is a clinical mental health counselor completing his internship under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from St. Francis College and is working towards a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Molloy University. Tim is a counselor at Molloy University's Mental Health and Wellness Center as well as a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society. He specializes in treating adolescents and young adult clients using DBT Skills, Mindfulness Techniques and CBT Interventions.

Stephanie Haag, PsyD

B.S., University of Miami; M.S., Psy.D., Hofstra University

Dr. Haag is a NYS licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults in managing anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. Prior to joining the team at NY Cognitive Therapy and Wellness Center, Dr. Haag worked at the Recognition and Prevention Program at Zucker Hillside Hospital, conducting diagnostic evaluations for adolescents and young adults with emerging mental health needs. Dr. Haag also has training experience with youth in residential treatment due to significant behavioral and mental health needs. These experiences have provided a strong foundation in trauma-informed practice and keen diagnostic skills. In addition to working in private practice, Dr. Haag also works as a school psychologist on Long Island. She is skilled in supporting children, teenagers and young adults with educational disabilities. Dr. Haag utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and a trauma-informed approach in her practice.

Kerri Moreland, PsyD

B.A. , M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University

Dr. Moreland is a NYS licensed psychologist, a NYS certified school psychologist, and is currently employed at a Long Island school district. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorders and patients of all ages experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression. Dr. Moreland incorporates stress reduction, relaxation, and mindfulness into her sessions in order to decrease anxiety. Dr. Moreland's research on secondary trauma has been published in peer reviewed journals.

Support Staff

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Jessica Moloney, LMHC

B.S., East Stroudsberg University; M.S. Long Island University

Jessica Moloney is a NYS licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in treating depression, anxiety and ADHD. She is adept at providing coping strategies for life transitions and has experience with eating disorders and OCD. She treats children, adolescents, and adults. Jessica is a Nationally Certified Counselor and is certified as a Disaster Mental Health Responder. Her interests include the correlation between physical and emotional health as well as utilizing mindfulness meditation strategies in her sessions.

Kristi DeName, LMHC, BCB, EMDR-II
B.S. University at Buffalo, M.S, Walden University

Kristi DeName is a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified in biofeedback therapy and level-II trained in Eye-Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. She provides counseling for children, adolescents and adults, primarily focusing on trauma, stress-related issues, ADHD and anxiety. With children, she incorporates play and art therapy techniques. Kristi enjoys working collaboratively with her clients. She combines her clinical expertise with her compassion to tailor each session to her client's needs.

Anna Varfolomeyeva-Lewis, PsyD

B.S. Stony Brook University; M.S., PsyD Hofstra University

Dr. Lewis is a NYS licensed psychologist who works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. In addition to seeing children, adolescents and adults, Dr. Lewis has extensive experience treating students in a college campus setting. She treats both individuals and families and can assist with families experiencing divorce and co-parenting issues. Her research interests include divorce mediation as well as conflict resolution and forgiveness in divorced couples.

Monica Rush, M.A., M.S.
B.A./M.A., St. Francis College, M.S., PsyD Hofstra University

Dr Rush is a postdoctoral therapist at NY Cognitive Therapy and Wellness Center. She holds a master's degree in applied behavioral psychology from St. Francis College and a doctoral degree in school/community psychology from Hofstra University. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Monica also has received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has several years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan with various mental health disorders. Monica was previously the clinical coordinator at Hofstra's Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and has experience working at the Young Adult Institute (YAI) as a psychological examiner, and worked in several public and private schools in the school psychology departments. She has experience and interest in working with individuals experiencing ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, anger issues, selective mutism, and other serious mental health disorders. Monica is currently supervised by a licensed psychologist at NYCTWC.

Natasha Edwards, Mental Health Counselor

B.A., M.S., St. Francis College

Natasha Edwards is a mental health clinician with a limited permit, currently working under the supervision of a NYS licensed mental health counselor. Natasha received her Bachelor's degree in Applied Behavioral Psychology and International Cultural Studies from St. Francis College, Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Psychology from St. Francis College and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. She utilizes CBT and Systemic techniques and interventions with clinical experience ranging from in-home therapeutic treatment to residential and community based. Natasha specializes in treating children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, behavioral/delinquency concerns, and familial conflict.

Cheryl Huber, LMHC

B.A. Sacred Heart University; M.A. Adelphi University

Cheryl Huber is a NYS licensed Mental Health Counselor who treats children, adolescents, and adults as well as couples and families. She utilizes play therapy for children and CBT for older children and adults with ADHD , mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities.. She is interested in first psychotic episodes in adolescents and college students as well as readiness for change in those who are beginning therapy. Cheryl utilizes mindfulness meditation and positive psychology in her sessions.

Staff Therapists

Lisa Mercante Melina Miller

Cristin Hammel
B.A., M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University

Dr. Hammel is the recipient of the Alison Kim Levy Continuing Acts of Kindness recognition for community service and involvement. Her experience working with people with disabilities at the elementary, high school, and university level has allowed to her provide services to several school districts on Long Island. Dr. Hammel currently sees children, adolescents, and adults and specializes in the treatment of anxiety and trauma, including PTSD. Her research interests include disability law and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. She is a NYS licensed psychologist and a NYS certified school psychologist.

Ellen Keller, PsyD
B.A. SUNY Buffalo; M.A. Adelphi University, M.S., PsyD, LIU CW Post

Dr. Keller is a graduate of Long Island University / CW Post Campus Clinical Psychology program and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Adelphi University. Dr. Keller is affiliated with the Office of Mental Health where she provides direct service and supervises doctoral interns in their APA approved internship program. Dr. Keller has completed post graduate training in EMDR and DBT and holds a Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapist certification from the Beck Institute.

Tiffany Kennedy, Billing Theresa Fesefeldt, Office Manager

Dan Rinaldi PsyD
B.A. Quinnipiac University, M.S. Hofstra University, PsyD Hofstra University

Dr Rinaldi is a NYS licensed therapist who specializes primarily with high school and college age emerging adults. He is certified as an expert in both trauma and addictions as well as CBT for insomnia. Dr Rinaldi takes a mindful approach to teaching physical, intellectual, and emotional coping strategies to his clients. His work is a therapeutic partnership informed by the goals and values of individual client.

Rebecca Oakes, PhD
B.A. University of Texas; M.A. University of Denver; PhD, CUNY

Dr. Oakes is a NYS licensed psychologist who specializes in issues particular to women such as infertility, child development, and postpartum depression. She works with children, adolescents, adults and families. In addition to individual and family therapy, Dr. Oakes provides assessments for the diagnosis of learning disabilities, and emotional disorders. She also provides the required testing and reports for clients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Clinical Directors

Gulshan N. Salim, PsyD
B.A. Queens College, M.S. Hofstra University, PsyD Hofstra University

Dr. Salim is a postdoctoral psychologist currently under the supervision of a NYS licensed psychologist at NYCTWC. She specializes in working with college age young and emerging adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationships, OCD, eating disorders and substance use. Her research focused on the effects of cultural identification, practices, and values on well-being. Dr. Salim’s treatment approach utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), positive psychology and mindfulness.