Our Team of Mental Health Professionals
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Ronald Field, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Clinical Psychologist / Neuropsychologist
Dr. Field is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment of children, adolescents, and adults. He has been a Professional Member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology since 2000. Dr. Field provides assessment of ADHD / academic problems, traumatic brain injury, stroke and dementia, and other neurological and psychological issues. He is a member of the Medical Staff at Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel, NY.
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Jennifer Alongi, LCSW-R
Jennifer Alongi has been working in mental health for the past 23 years, Experience includes using Dialectical Behavior Therapy with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, Jennifer also conducts Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessments, as well as Forensic evaluations.
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Amma Asantewaa, LMSW
Amma graduated from Fordham University MSW program in 2004. She has over 20 years of experience working with all ages, including families, children, child welfare, home care services, domestic violence, substance abuse and elderly population. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy and systemic therapy approach for treatment.
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Paola Bekker, LCSW
Paola Bekker is a bilingual/bicultural graduate of the Social Work program at Fordham University. She has received specialized training in trauma and family violence with an emphasis on the study of victimology. Ms. Bekker has extensive clinical experience treating children, adolescents and adult survivors of trauma. In addition to her work with this specialized population, Ms. Bekker has treated adults presenting with marital conflict and individuals with concerns around anxiety, depression and difficulty with mood regulation. Ms. Bekker places a strong emphasis on the patient being the change agent and focuses on bringing patient’s individual strengths and interests to the surface.
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Doris Berardo, LCSW-R
Ms. Berardo is a New York State licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the treatment of adults with mood and anxiety disorders.
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Monica Broadie, LMSW
Monica is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has worked extensively in the mental health field for over 40 years. She has worked with children, teenagers, adults, geriatrics and families. Monica has worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorders and end of life issues utilizing a strength-based approach.
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Kara Bruno, LMSW
Kara Bruno is a Licensed Master Social Worker who graduated from Adelphi University. Kara has experience in both individual and group therapy, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorder, and substance use. Kara has worked with adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, adolescents, and family counseling. Skilled in a range of evidence-based interventions, Kara utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, and Harm Reduction techniques. Kara is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care to each client through a strength-based approach. Kara empowers clients to navigate their mental health concerns and achieve meaningful progress towards their goals.
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Delores Devonshire, LMSW
Delores is a New York State Licensed Social Worker. She graduated from Adelphi University and holds a master’s degree in social work. She has more than 10 years of experience working with teenagers, adults, and families. Her work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, family unification, adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Delores is committed to assisting clients that deal with depression, anxiety, and other diagnoses. She believes in taking a collaborative approach in helping individuals reach their goals. Delores is passionate about helping people in creating second chances and life healing choices.
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Liridona Gjokaj, LMSW
Liridona (Donna) is a licensed master scoial worker who graduated from Adelphi University. She has been practicing psychotherapy for the last 5 years, helping people from many diverse backgrounds and issues. Donna started off working with children and adolescents while receiving her bachelors from Mercy College. During those years she has helped children and adolscents with behavioral issues and mental health issues. Donna transitoned into working with younger and older adults in recovery from chemical dependence and with severe mental health issues. Donna has experience with depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders and PTSD, anger management, self-esteem issues, personality disorders, grief and family therapy. Donna grew up with an Albanian ehtnic background experiancing different hardships which has created the strong sense of passsion and drive to help people. She emphasizes a person-centered appraoch while incorporating CBT along with other modalities.
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Leroy Hankins, LCSW
Mr. Hankins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience of providing clinical services and supports for children, individuals and families. Specializing in Play Therapy, Psychotherapy, a blend of CBT and Behavioral Modification focused modalities, and alternative self awareness methods with emphasis on conscious breathing and meditation techniques.
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Michelle Palmas, LCSW-A
Michelle is an EMDR and CBT-trained therapist who sees patients via telehealth. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Michelle is passionate about taking a holistic approach to healing by using techniques such as goal planning, CBT, lifestyle choices, and EMDR. Michelle also has experience administering neuropsychological testing for all ages.
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Kelli Robbins, LCSW
Kelli Robbins is a New York State Licensed Clinic Social Worker who graduated from New York University in 1996. She has 22 years’ experience working with families, individuals, and people with Autism to help with symptoms of anxiety, depression and other diagnoses. She has a relaxed style and is person centered.
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Elisabeth Strand, LMSW, LCSW-A
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health, Beth is a compassionate and skilled Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) committed to improving the lives of individuals. Throughout her career, Beth has developed expertise in clinical practice, case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy. Beth holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where her focus of study included grief and loss in addition to the specialized needs of older adults. She is licensed to provide therapeutic support to individuals facing challenges such as mental health disorders, trauma, family dynamics, and life transitions. Her holistic approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), with a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity and social justice, ensuring clients receive personalized care in a respectful and empathetic environment. Beth sees clients via telehealth.
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Nancy Strype, LMSW
Nancy Strype is a licensed Social Worker. She obtained her MSW at Fordham University in 2001. She has years of experience working with individuals in a variety of modalities- mood disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, bereavement, marriage counseling and personality disorders. Nancy uses an eclectic approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. Nancy is sensitive to the needs of the individuals she is working with; starts where they are and together, they develop a plan to improve their daily life.
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Miriam Surval, LCSW-R
Ms. Surval is a New York State licensed clinical social worker who has worked at a state run mental health clinic for over 20 years. Previous to that she worked at the crisis team in Tuckahoe.. She
specializes in the treatment of adults with substance abuse as well as personality and mood disorders.
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Dorothy Wilson, LCSW
Dee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Adelphi University with a Master’s in Social Work. Dee has experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings. She has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities as well as those with severe persistent mental illness. Dee specializes in treating individuals who experience anxiety, depression, relational problems, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. She utilizes eclectic evidence-based therapeutic approaches,with empathy and compassion to help clients grow and develop a better understanding of their difficulties and how to reduce troubling symptoms.
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