I am a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has worked in the clinical field since 1995. Throughout my career, I have worked in a number of interesting and varied positions; including as a therapist at a school for the Deaf in Costa Rica, as a social worker in a foster care agency in California, and as the Clinical Director of adult mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS programs for the Deaf in New York City. Most recently, I have run a private practice in Brooklyn and Long Beach, New York, which includes a specialty program in compassion fatigue for providers and the animal care community.
I was among the initial onsite clinicians providing psychological triage to 9/11 first responders and worked closely with the first responders in the city of Long Beach within the days immediately following Hurricane Sandy. I am a member of the New York City and Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps and the Nassau County CERT. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Long Beach COAD, I have lead numerous training on Compassion fatigue for care providers and the community.
I have worked with male and female clients ranging in age from 6 months to 90 years representing a wide range of cultural and religious community backgrounds. I am fluent in American Sign Language. My additional areas of specialization include the treatment of issues specific to women, adjustment to disability, wellness self-management, severe mental illness, trauma, compassion fatigue, loss, and infertility.
Beyond the therapy room, I have provided service to the professional field as an educator, consultant and trainer. Since 2007, I have worked as an Assistant Professor in both graduate and undergraduate psychology-focused programs; specializing in the supervision of counseling interns, crisis counseling, and psychopathology. I also provide specialty consultation to educational, clinical, and legal professionals, and clinical training through conferences and grand rounds. I am an avid supporter of animal rescue and the animal care community; as the proud owner of four rescued dogs, a shelter volunteer and a responder with a national animal response team.