PERSONAL BIO
My perspective on helping others
I’ve always had a natural instinct to connect with others deeply. It is an incredible privilege to have people share their intimate, vulnerable, and private thoughts, feelings, and experiences with me. I do not take this lightly or for granted. My approach in helping others starts with having a realistic, down to earth tone which allows me to express validation, humanization, comfort, and possible solutions (as needed) whether someone is in significant distress and crisis or dealing with a minor issue.
My philosophy is simple in regards to problem solving, effective communication, improving relationships, working towards reaching a personal maximum potential and in healing from trauma. It’s to identify thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. I believe that as soon as a person is able to communicate these four insight oriented drives, life immediately begins to improve and problems get solved. While this may sound easy, for many people it takes time to gain insight, self-evaluate, uncover and accept why we are the way we are (considering both biology and life experiences), decide on what changes we are willing to make, and following through with those changes.
Through tragedy, trauma, crisis, hardship, distress, and failure, comes strength, rebirth, and resiliency. Learning from the past, adapting to the present, and preparing for the future is what therapy is all about, as is the human experience. Seeking and maintaining balance is a beautiful process to assist someone in finding and fulfilling. This remains my priority as both a therapist and professor.
A little about me - Because I’m human too
Born in the Bronx. Raised on Long Island. Irish and Italian.
Favorite colors: purple, black, gold. Favorite music: 90s.
Favorite food: eggplant parm. Favorite dessert: bakery cookies.
Values: humor, kindness, creativity, intelligence, problem solving, learning.
Great at: being sarcastic, cheesy, and making people laugh.
Terrible at: every. single. sport.
PROFESSIONAL BIO
My experience includes having worked in:
College and University Counseling Centers
Non-Profit Mental Health Agencies
An Out Patient Substance Abuse Agency
Group Private Practices
My own independent Private Practice
Undergraduate Psychology Departments
Professional degrees / Academic Background
‘08 MSW Social Work Adelphi University Garden City, NY
‘05 MA General Psychology Adelphi University Garden City, NY
‘04 BA Psychology Hartwick College Oneonta, NY
‘00 Regents Diploma Bayport-Blue Point High School Bayport, NY
Licensure
‘12 New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker
‘08 New York State Licensed Master Social Worker
Teaching
Adjunct Professor of Undergraduate Psychology since 2006
——Introduction to Psychology
——Abnormal Psychology
——Developmental Psychology (Lifespan)
——Honors Developmental Psychology (Lifespan)
——Child Psychology (Conception/Birth - 18 yrs)
——The Exceptional Child (Gifted/Talented - Intellectual Disability)
——Psychology of Women
Certifications and Training
‘02 NYS Certified Crisis Counselor for Sexual Assault, Rape, Domestic Violence
‘06 Trained in CHOICES Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
‘08 Certified Hypnotist: General Hypnotism and Smoking Cessation
‘19 Certified Deep TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
Memberships / Honors
‘07 - Present NASW National Association of Social Workers
‘01 - Present PSI CHI Psychology Honor Society
‘03 Who’s Who: Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
Related Experience
Professional Development Workshop Presenter: Rocky Point High School: Impact of Social Media and Technology on Students
Guest Lecturer: SUNY Stony Brook Psychotherapy: CBT and other Therapeutic Approaches
Guest Lecturer: SUNY Stony Brook Abnormal Psychology: The Dynamics of Psychotherapeutic Approaches when working with clients involved with Courts and the Legal System
Presenter: Italian American Women in Psychotherapy at Queens College
Presenter: College Counselors Conference at Colgate University
Presenter: Mental Health Issues related to the Teenage Experience at East Islip High School
Facilitator / Presenter / Educator: Sexual Assault Awareness Workshops
Facilitator / Presenter / Educator: CHOICES Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Harm Reduction Program
Facilitator / Presenter / Educator: Women’s Issues Related to Sexual Assault
Organizer/ Facilitator: Take Back the Night : Sexual Assault Awareness Walk
Organizer: Out of the Darkness: Walk for Suicide Prevention
Organizer: Alcohol Coalition for Non-Alcoholic Dance Club
Editor: Peer Counseling Training Manual
Peer Counselor (para-professional) / Office Manager
Sexual Assault Awareness Committee President/Member
Resident Advisor