After obtaining her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, Jessica went on to provide counseling and psychotherapy services within the Hudson Valley area, specializing in treating anxiety and depression. Through her clinical work and her own experience, she began to recognize the immense connection between mental health and nutrition. Curious to expand her knowledge and share this with others, Jessica completed two different nutrition certifications with a unique approach to health – Nutritional Therapy and Eating Psychology.

The combination of mental health and nutrition expertise allows Jessica to offer a well-rounded, integrative approach to helping her clients meet their individual goals. Jessica is also a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist and incorporates these evidence-based skills regularly into her sessions. Jessica constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and attends continuing education seminars frequently in order to provide the most influential and up-to-date information to her clients.

Jessica established Nourish Your Mind with the hopes of sharing her knowledge, passion and experience with others. For Jessica, the journey into the field began as a personal one when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition at age 16. Jessica had suffered with chronic pain, digestive issues, depression and anxiety in connection with her condition and has used the techniques that she shares with her clients to heal her body. Jessica has found balance within her physical and emotional health – despite her diagnosis. Nourish Your Mind is derived from the belief that with the proper support, knowledge and determination, YOU can do the same.

Jessica resides in Monroe, New York with her husband, Move Physio’s Dr. Justin Sullivan and her two step-sons. Outside of Nourish Your Mind, she enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, traveling, reading, and experimenting in the kitchen.

Ashley received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. While attending her graduate program, Ashley worked as a supervisor at a Crisis Intervention Program and interned at an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program, gaining valuable skills in crisis management and group therapy. Before joining Nourish Your Mind, she spent several years working in a long-term outpatient care clinic specializing in children, adolescents and their families. Ashley has expertise in partnering with those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.

Ashley believes that each client is their own expert. She provides an integrative approach that focuses on both the thoughts and behaviors her clients may be struggling with in order to help them find balance and build resiliency. She works with clients in a person-centered and skill building approach to help determine and reach their own individual goals.  Following a Dialectical Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, she encourages and supports clients to reach their full potential.

Ashley lives in Middletown, NY with her boyfriend and a very loved dog.  She enjoys family time, cooking, and trying new things whenever possible.

Gabrielle earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Women’s Studies from Muhlenberg College. During her time there, she was selected to study The Psychology of Culture, Gender, and Sexuality at Goldsmith’s University in London, UK. This provided her a unique opportunity to further her understanding of gender specific mental health issues and how they impact both men, women, and trans individuals uniquely. Gabrielle earned her Masters of Social Work from Yeshiva University with a focus in clinical practice.

Gabrielle primarily specializes in eating disorders, body image and identity issues. Utilizing feminist and psychodynamic principles, Gabrielle empowers her clients to develop a healthy relationship with themselves to restore their self image, confidence, and well being. She helps clients to not only change the way that they relate to food, but ultimately helps them change the way they relate to themselves. In addition to this, Gabrielle has extensive clinical experience working individuals in the field of addiction, mood disorders, and survivors of abuse.

Greatly valuing the process of continuing education and growth, Gabrielle is currently working towards achieving certifications as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, to connect the power of Nutrition and Integrative Medicine, and also the evidence-based therapeutic modality of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Outside the office, Gabrielle is an avid hiker along with her two king charles cavalier spaniels. She is also a member of NASW, and various Women’s Empowerment Groups in NYC, where she promotes social awareness and equality for all.

Erica is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and trauma. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Children and Families, from Fordham University.

Prior to joining Nourish Your Mind, Erica worked with adolescents, adults, and their families in a residential eating disorder treatment setting, and has extensive experience working with a variety of populations, including children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances, adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, and LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults.

Erica utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and mindfulness and meditation, to help clients develop insight into their maladaptive behaviors, challenge unhelpful and distorted thoughts, learn coping strategies to decrease anxiety, improve self esteem, heal relationships to food and body image, and move beyond past traumatic events. Erica understands the courage that it takes to begin the recovery process, and uses her extensive experience to help clients consider their values, goals, passions and strengths as catalysts for change and personal growth.

Erica resides in Rockland County, NY, where she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her beloved cat. Often, you can find her in nature, hiking and camping, amateur rockhounding, traveling, and exploring.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University and her Master’s degree from William Paterson University. During her Master’s program she completed an internship that gave her experience in group and addiction counseling. Over the next several years, Jennifer gained clinical experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples, adults with disabilities, and families.

Jennifer specializes in anxiety, depression, family relationships, parenting, and challenging childhood behaviors. Jennifer is a TBRI Practitioner, and uses this holistic trauma competent approach in her work with children and families.

She has a personal and professional interest in integrative nutrition, using her own family as test subjects for new and healthy recipes all the time! She enjoys helping her clients find effective nutritional changes to improve their mental health. She is a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider.

As an education enthusiast, Jennifer teaches psychology courses in higher education. She enjoys helping adults pursue their ideal careers and loves to share her passion for mental health.

Jennifer lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband, children, dog and cats. She enjoys hiking with her family, paddleboarding, volunteering in her faith community, and catching up with friends.

Melissa earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College. She spent one year working with survivors of trauma and violence both individual and in a support group setting. She has spent the last four years working with individuals struggling with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occuring disorders in both group and individual therapy formats. She is passionate about support individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, grief and other life challenges such as building or maintaining relationships, communication, and adjustment to major life changes. She is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment in which to learn to navigate and overcome challenges in pursuit of life fulfillment.

Melissa is a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (CDBT) and has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and assessing/managing suicide risk. She is committed to a person-centered approach and integrating evidence-based practices to meet each individuals needs. Melissa is passionate about assisting clients with building skills, self-compassion and a feeling of competence that extends beyond their time in therapy.

When not working with clients, Melissa enjoys reading, hiking, painting, spending time with loved ones and checking out the newest movies on Netflix with her dog Tigger.

Elizabeth received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She has experience providing both individual and group therapy, focusing on topics such as anger management, depression, self-esteem building, and interpersonal relationships. Elizabeth’s experience also extends as a school-based counselor, working with adolescent students to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance use/abuse and trauma.

In addition to her graduate work and experience, Elizabeth has attended professional trainings on the topics of, trauma, substance use/abuse/addiction of individuals and within a family unit, play therapy, suicide prevention and intervention, and teen dating violence. She plans on attending even more trainings as she is passionate about learning new methods and interventions that can help her clients in this forever evolving field.

Elizabeth utilizes CBT, DBT and Solution Focused models, and always takes a Trauma-Informed and Strength-Based approach. She tailors each session to fit the client’s needs at that given time and believes they should guide the treatment. She whole-heartedly believes in the concept of “Feel then Heal.” In the therapeutic relationship, Elizabeth helps clients to explore what is preventing them from living the life they want to live, and to cultivate solutions that realistically fit their life and circumstances.

Elizabeth currently resides in Orange County with her husband, two children and cat. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, binge watching The Golden Girls, reading and planning Disney vacations. 

Alyssa received her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the State University of New York at New Paltz.  Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents and adults who have struggled with anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, self-esteem, family conflict, interpersonal challenges, and the emotional difficulties of managing physical ailments. Alyssa primarily utilizes DBT and CBT as treatment approaches and maintains a Strengths-Based perspective in her work. Over the years, she has continued her education by attending several trainings including Mindfulness Based Approaches in Counseling and Disaster and Crisis Intervention.

Amanda received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Binghamton University following the completion of her Bachelor’s in Psychology. After graduate school, she gained experience on a global level. Amanda spent two months living with a Social Worker in rural Malawi, Africa. Amanda provided trauma informed care to children who lost one or both of their parents due to HIV/AIDS or other life circumstances. She also gained her certification (RYT) to teach yoga on the Island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, and continues to integrate Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga into her personal and professional life.

After returning to the States, Amanda relocated to Baltimore, Maryland where she worked first as a Medical Social Worker in a hospital setting. She then transitioned to Residential Foster Care serving at risk youth in the role of Intensive Therapist for Survivors of Suspected Trafficking. Amanda became a Certified Trauma Professional, and gained practical experience working with victims and survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence, sexual violence, and various other forms of trauma.

Amanda enjoys integrating her skills of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga into her generalist clinical training, and traditional therapies such as: Solution-Focused Psychotherapy, Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Harm Reduction/Psychoeducation. Amanda is dedicated to creating a safe and open environment for her clients to explore treatment options that fit their clinical needs.  

After several years away from home, Amanda is excited to return to the Hudson Valley and settle in her hometown. She is looking forward to serving the community through her role as a clinician at Nourish!

Amanda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Biology from Dominican College and her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Neuropsychology from Long Island University with a focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. During her education, she received invaluable guidance and mentorship training under Dr. Thomas Nardi, a student of Albert Ellis’s who helped birth Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. As an undergrad, she developed a love for movement and nutrition as she recognized the benefits of incorporating it into her life daily. It was through this experience that she began to self-educate and learn more about the power of health. Continuing her education and following her passion, Amanda graduated as a Nutritional therapy practitioner from the Nutritional Therapy Association, providing her with a foundational holistic approach to nutrition that honors the bio-individuality of our bodies. She has developed specific tools for managing and assessing the body’s nutritional deficiencies that often impact our natural homeostasis and interferes with daily mood and stress management. Amanda has also received a certification in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction through the University of Massachusetts. She addresses the body’s innate intelligence, while providing education on properly prepared whole foods and seamlessly integrating her additional credentials and licensure to explore lifestyle factors and promote wellness, giving clients concrete coping skills during each session and further enriching the lives of her clients.

Amanda’s primary specialty has been working with college-aged students and adults. She began her career at SUNY Purchase and worked closely with depression and anxiety symptomatology, then traveled north to SUNY Potsdam to partner with the Health and Wellness department. Amanda has been humbled by the opportunity to engage with her clients. She loves the opportunity to teach daily life skills, problem solving strategies and interpersonal relations to those in need. She has found great joy in helping clients recognize unhealthy behavior patterns related to multiple branches of wellness and work on cognitive shifts in order to help guide them to develop their full potential.

Amanda currently lives in Rockland County where she is in close proximity to kayaking, hiking, ethnic food, culture and live music. She enjoys traveling with family and friends and evening walks. She enjoys nights spent cooking and watching movies with family and friends. She continues to practice meditation regularly and enjoys an active lifestyle.

Brianna earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Siena College and Master’s of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. Throughout her education, Brianna worked with at risk adolescents with trauma and maladaptive coping as a clinician and crisis interventionist. She spent several years working in emergency services specializing in trauma informed care for adolescents and adults. She has expertise with those suffering from mood dysregulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, connection and relationships.

Brianna uses a strength-based perspective and integrative approach to aid and empower clients in finding their own key to self-acceptance. She is dedicated to helping people develop coping skills, find resources, and discover supportive tools to thrive beyond their trauma. Brianna believes healing is not only a journey of the mind but full body experience meant to be had as one. Brianna is dedicated to creating a safe and open environment to support clients to reach their truest self.

Brianna resides in Orange County with her husband and two rescue huskies. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, painting, and doing yoga. She can often be found cooking, surrounded by music and the laughter of her friends and family.

After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from New York University, Christiann went on to provide strength based counseling services to families residing in Brooklyn, NY. Christiann’s experience working with families revealed that unresolved trauma made way for the continuation of traumatic behaviors and cycles to develop and exist within family dynamics for generations. Determined to expand her knowledge and become more of a conduit for change, Christiann focused on becoming more trauma informed and gained certification in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy as well as trauma informed grief therapy.

It has been through her professional journey that Christiann has begun to understand trauma and the impact trauma has on the entire being- mind, body, and spirit- as well as to those we are connected to, including families and communities. This led her to return to New York University to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work with a specific focus on trauma, children, and families. 

The combination of skills and knowledge allows Christiann to offer a holistic, empathetic approach to helping her clients identify, address, and overcome their traumas. Christiann continues to incorporate the evidence-based skills developed from strength based counseling regularly into her sessions, encouraging clients to constantly pursue self-reflective methods that would promote maximum healing. Christiann constantly seeks to expand her awareness and attends continuing education seminars frequently in order to provide the most influential and up-to-date information to her clients.

Christiann resides in Middletown, New York with her three children. Outside of Nourish Your Mind, she enjoys indulging in aromatherapy, spending time with her family and friends, engaging in body and movement activities, watching movies, traveling, and reading.

Christie-Lynn received her master’s in social work from Capella University with a concentration in Clinical Practice and a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She has clinical experience in forensics psychology, the intellectually and developmentally disabled, eating disorders, and adolescents & adults. She utilizes an eclectic approach, finding treatment styles that are best suited to the client. However, her most prominent therapeutic techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive processing therapy.

Christie-Lynn has also completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through The Body Art Barn to help deepen her holistic practice. This certification has allowed her to incorporate a variety of different therapeutic yoga practices, meditation, and mindfulness into her treatment.

Christie-Lynn’s own life experience has enabled her passion to work with individuals struggling to become their best authentic selves. She brings vibrant energy and a soft approach that sets the tone for clients to let go of the stigma of being emotionally unwell and ’just be’ without judgment. Working through is the goal of treatment. While the process can be very difficult, she believes that when a clinician is able to hold space for her clients’ wounds, they can begin to heal.

This quote from Brene Brown resides in her practice as a clinician, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weaknesses.”

Emily earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Cairn University and her Masters of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. She has been providing psychotherapy to adults with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders in both individual and group therapy formats. She is dedicated to helping those who struggle with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar, personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders, overcome their challenges in order to live life to the fullest.

Emily uses a person centered approach and has experience using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) models and interventions. Emily is working toward her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional certification and DBT certification. She brings an eclectic approach to her practice using art and music as a component to healing.  Emily believes that healing is a whole body experience and is dedicated to helping others find the resources and tools to support them on their journey toward recovery.

Giuliana received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. Before joining Nourish Your Mind, Giuliana spent several years working as a bi-lingual family educator with a preventive agency. During her time in this unique setting, she was able to gain valuable experience on understanding family dynamics, goal setting, self-care, crisis management, building positive behavioral skills, working with children, parents, and their extended family. Giuliana also gained experience at an outpatient substance use facility where she learned a great deal about the complexities involved in understanding and helping treat/manage the symptoms of substance use disorders both one-on-one, and through group settings.

Giuliana believes in the importance of partnering with her clients and she strives to provide a space that allows them to feel comfortable and safe. Giuliana provides an integrative approach that include various skills and concepts rooted in humanistic and cognitive based therapies, while always keeping in mind a client’s unique needs. She finds there is great strength and change that comes about due to the therapeutic relationship she and her clients build together. She enjoys helping clients develop skills to enrich their lives positively, and feels that through incorporating all aspects of the self in the healing journey, people can create a well-balanced life. Giuliana is passionate about encouraging clients to trust themselves and their ability to handle anything life may throw. 

Giuliana lives in Montgomery, NY. Outside of working with clients, she enjoys strength training, watching stand-up, and spending time with loved ones. 

Hailey earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Saint Bonaventure University after earning a bachelor’s degree in the arts and realizing that her true passion was working to help others.

Hailey began her career as a mental health counselor at a non-profit community facility where she was able to gain experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds who ranged widely in age, culture, and diagnoses. One of Hailey’s core beliefs is the importance of treating each client as an individual and using a multicultural lens to provide care that is tailored to their unique needs. She is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt, and Play Therapy. Hailey believes in working collaboratively with clients to set personalized, achievable, and flexible goals that take into account their specific developmental stage and preferences.

Hailey’s approach to therapy is rooted in meeting her clients where they are and creating a safe, judgment-free space where they feel comfortable opening up. She recognizes the importance of building rapport with clients and takes the time to establish a strong therapeutic alliance that is grounded in mutual respect and trust. Hailey is committed to providing the highest quality of care possible and believes that everyone deserves to feel heard, seen, and understood.

Holland is a Licensed Mental Health counselor who received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY New Paltz. During her time in the graduate program, she learned the foundations of psychotherapy by counseling at the Arc of Ulster-Greene and the Institute for Family Health. More recently, Holland has had several years of experience at a substance use clinic and has formed a speciality of treating those with substance use disorders. Through these different settings, Holland has gained valuable experience in supporting adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health struggles.

Holland believes that clients are the experts of their lives and have the capability and power to identify goals and incite positive change. She hones her skills utilizing person-centered approaches to treat a variety of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. While Holland primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques, she is currently nurturing a strong interest in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Holland lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband spending her free time reading and drinking coffee.

Jenn earned her Master’s degree from New York University – Steinhardt, with a concentration in Mental Health & Wellness. Before joining Nourish Your Mind, Jenn worked in an outpatient clinic facilitating group sessions, focusing on harm reduction, self-care practices, and building healthy relationships. She worked closely with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, utilizing a collaborative approach to empower clients in making healthy lifestyle changes. Jenn also worked within residential psychiatric care, where she provided emotional support and crisis intervention for adults with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders.

Jenn primarily specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other related disorders. From her life experience and professional knowledge, she applies an integrative approach when working with clients– emphasizing the connection between mind and body in treatment. Sharing her own yoga and meditation practice as a reference, Jenn imparts to clients how to build awareness of the relationship between physical and mental health symptoms. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), solution-focused, and mindfulness strategies, Jenn works with her clients to build positive coping skills and effectively manage negative mental health symptoms.

When she is not at Nourish Your Mind, Jenn can be found hiking with her husband and two Siberian Huskies. She is also an avid traveler and is always planning her next adventure with her family.

Jennifer received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Caldwell University, with a specialization in Art Therapy. Prior to joining Nourish Your Mind, Jennifer had been providing group and individual therapy in an outpatient psychiatric program. She applies a client-centered approach that highlights a person’s life experience, age, gender, culture, language, beliefs, and identity.  Jennifer embraces a strength-based approach that focuses on acknowledging the individual as the expert in their own life, thus emphasizing their individuality. While she has experience in and enjoys working with all ages, Jennifer has a special interest in sharing her Creative Arts Therapy with children.

Jennifer has always been interested in the arts from an early age. When she was studying at Community College, Jennifer learned about Art Therapy and how it bridged the gap between her love for art and helping others. Bringing an eclectic approach to her work, Jennifer’s specialty is in Creative Arts Therapy. She loves that she can incorporate art into a therapy session, welcoming creativity, understanding, and meaning in a nonthreatening way. She utilizes the “third hand” to support individuals through their art process/experience. The “third hand” is Art Therapy’s version of mindfulness, empathy and insight and a way for the therapist to incorporate their creativity and imagination into the session.

Jennifer currently resides in Rockland County with her family. She enjoys creating her own art in her spare time. On the weekends, you can find Jennifer spending time with her family and friends. Jennifer is an aunt to six nieces and nephews (not including two more on the way!). She enjoys keeping up with the latest fashion trends and relaxing with her three Yorkies, Leroy, Bear and Ollie!

After obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, Katherine started her career by working at a residential center in Westchester County, providing clinical therapy services, including trauma focused CBT to at-risk adolescents in the foster care system. In 2015, Katherine began working at Four Winds Hospital in Katonah, NY, providing group, individual and family therapy for adolescents and adults, in the partial hospitalization program. Katherine was promoted to clinical coordinator of the adolescent partial program and continued to acquire leadership responsibilities while managing the adolesecent program for five years.

Practicing for over 10 years, Katherine specializes in treating anxiety and depression through use of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and is psychodynamically trained from NYU, using an eclectic approach to treatment. In addition, Katherine has experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children and adolescents on the autistic spectrum, in a number of different settings including, at home, school and clinic based intervention.

Katherine is engaging, empathically attuned, and warm, with the goal of building a strong therapeutic alliance and a passion for helping others to improve quality of life and well-being!

Katherine is from New Jersey, however, currently resides in Westchester County. On her free time she enjoys an active lifestyle including exercise, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and listening to live music. Katherine also practices mindfulness and meditation and loves good food and healthy eating.

Kristen received her Masters of Social Work from Fordham University, with a concentration in Clinical Practice and a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Kristen began her career providing individual therapy to adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma and eating disorders. Throughout her career, she has expanded her knowledge by attending trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and has received certifications specializing in eating disorders.

Kristen has also completed training through Eat Breathe Thrive, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent and help individuals overcome food and body image challenges through integrative mind-body programs. Incorporating a blend of yoga-based practices, meditation and mindfulness with therapy has proven successful for Kristen’s clients.

Kristen’s gift as a therapist is her passion for working with eating disorders. Her own life experience includes anxiety, body image struggles and defining one’s self are now realized and conquered every day. Kristen is dedicated in supporting your journey as you rebuild a pathway back into your body while restoring self confidence in who you are. Together we will work towards creating a positive and strong relationship between mind and body.

Kristen resides in Monroe NY with her husband and 2 children. She enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, interior decorating and traveling.

Lara earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz, with a focus on trauma and PTSD. During her education, Lara has also studied with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, today’s leader in trauma therapy and the author of “The Body Keeps The Score”; she is also certified in Trauma Focused CBT. In addition, she has worked in eating disorders, which offered her the opportunity to meet with clients individually and in groups to face challenges such as body image, perfectionism, shame, and anxiety. Lara now works in a variety of evidenced-based practices to process trauma of all sorts, with the belief that survivors of trauma can thrive in the wake of adversity.

Lara specializes in adults and adolescents who struggle with trauma disorders, anxiety, depression, shame, eating disorders, body-image, parenting, and attachment issues. With a collaborative approach, Lara believes in her client’s inherent wisdom and uses creative treatments tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Through her 17 years of teaching yoga, and most recently Trauma-Focused Yoga, Lara has developed myriad skills in caring for individuals and groups. Creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore, process, and strengthen skills for managing their lives has become a passion for her.

Raised in the Hudson Valley, Lara now lives in Putnam County with her family, dog, and three cats. Lara attends many training opportunities to continually provide the best care for her clients.

Lauren received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health and Wellness at New York University following the completion of her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus in Criminal Justice at SUNY Oneonta. While attending her graduate program, Lauren worked as an Intake Specialist conducting home visits and connecting families with local resources throughout Orange County. Lauren also interned at both an outpatient facility providing group therapy for adults with dual diagnosis and an eating disorder residential where she continued to work as a Primary Therapist. There, Lauren provided individual therapy and facilitated group therapy for those struggling with eating disorders, body image, anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, and major life changes. Lauren has experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Lauren prioritizes the creation of a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment to help with building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. She believes everyone has their own story that should be heard without judgement. Through a strength-based and an integrative approach, Lauren assists her clients through the journey of self-growth, empowerment, and self-acceptance. Lauren enjoys integrating mindfulness skills, meditation, and journaling into therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT], Dialectical Behavioral Therapy [DBT], Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [ACT], and Cognitive Processing Therapy [CPT].

Lauren currently lives in Orange County with her partner and their kitty Phoebe. Lauren is a Libra and is often described as vibrant, open-minded, and quirky. Lauren’s priorities consist of family, constant growth within the mental health field, and self care. Lauren finds herself at peace when engaging in outdoor activities, reading, yoga, traveling, meditating, and restaurant hopping. 

Mara earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her Master’s of Social Work from the University at Albany.  Mara has worked in a variety of social service organizations, as well as in the private practice setting to provide support and assistance to those struggling with emotional and social regulation.  In addition to her role here, she currently works with teens in a school setting to assist them with navigating social expectations, ambiguities as well as mood dysregulation and thought perseveration by assisting them with the development of strategies and skills that would allow them to reach their goals and requirements.  She is grateful for all of the opportunities she has had to work with children, teens and their families to assist them with developing a more clear and positive mindset that would allow them to insight into the strengths and wonderful qualities that they possess.  

Mara uses a client-centered approach, working to connect individuals to resources and assisting them to develop insight and understanding in an open and supportive environment.  She uses a variety of approaches including solution focused and CBT therapy to support clients on their journey of healing and personal growth.  We do not have to navigate our lives by following a script.  Each journey is unique in how we interpret and interact with others and our environment.  There are many ways to reach our goals and there is never only one solution.  We are all unique and our journeys often need to be tailored to support our individuality. 

Mara lives in Orange County New York with her family.  She enjoys spending time with family and is busy with her children’s activities and interests.  Being outdoors is a must where she enjoys landscaping and any type of physical activity.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Mount Saint Mary College in 2015, Maureen went on to achieve her Master’s in Social Work from New York University. Prior to graduate school, Maureen worked as a Care Manager for many different organizations throughout Westchester and Rockland County, as well as in assisted living facilities and nursing homes in Orange County. She has a history of working in therapeutic private practice with teens and adults, and works specifically with Family Systems and Strength Based Perspectives.

Maureen has experience working with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma coping skills, and a background with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectal Behavioral Therapy modalities. Maureen focuses on life change, as things can happen at any age, especially Post-COVID changes and “the return to normal versus the new normal”.  Maureen has many years’ experience working with adults as well as elderly populations, and enjoys working with teenagers and adolescents. 

Maureen has worked in the Goshen/Middletown community in private practice since 2021 and has been working with Cornerstone Family Health Care as a Behavioral Health Counselor for the last year. In her personal time, Maureen enjoys Harry Potter marathons, hiking and kayaking in the summer, spending colder months snuggled up with her two fur-children (Tonks and Gilderoy), visiting local coffee and bookshops, as well as watching and attending live music performances. Maureen has lived in Orange County most of her life and was excited to be able to give back and serve her community. Maureen resides in Middletown with her husband, two rambunctious cats, and is growing her family, expecting another member this summer!

Megan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University. Throughout her schooling, Megan worked as a behavioral therapist for children and teens on the Autism Spectrum, providing therapy within schools, homes, and clinical settings. She has experience facilitating therapy groups for grief and young women who have experienced sexual assault. Megan provides individual psychotherapy for a range of clients, including those struggling with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and dating/relationship struggles.

Megan approaches therapy with a strength-based mindset, encouraging her clients to empower themselves throughout their therapy journey. She believes strongly in the therapeutic benefits of a strong rapport, making sure her clients receive unconditional positive regard and feel heard and understood. Megan uses various therapeutic approaches including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Intuitive Eating, and Existential Philosophy.

Megan currently resided in the Hudson Valley with her cat Snickers and is an avid Food Network binge-watcher and Horror movie fan. She enjoys cooking Thai food and solo traveling whenever she can.

Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree from DeSales University and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Rochelle. Her diverse experience includes providing supportive one on one therapy and group counseling to individuals of all ages in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. She also has experience in the field of community school based services, providing preventative substance use, violence, and bullying education to children and adolescents from kindergarten to high school.

Rachel has always been devoted to providing a safe and healing space for those around her. She is passionate about using a person-centered approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices to create a therapeutic environment that is specific to each individuals needs. She specializes in working with those who are struggling with anxiety and mood disorders and is working towards receiving her certification in Alcohol and Substance Use Counseling. Rachel is passionate about creating a positive environment where individuals can feel free to explore themselves and learn to thrive despite their struggles.

Rachel currently lives in Putnam County, where she enjoys spending days on Lake Mahopac. She has a long history in the musical theatre world, and enjoys participating in community theatre productions. In her free time she can be found reading, listening to show tunes, or watching Survivor or Big Brother with her cats, Dexter and Lily.

Rebecca received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. Prior to joining Nourish Your Mind, Rebecca worked for Montefiore Medical Group where she provides short-term psychotherapy to adults who struggling with severe mental illness, chronic health issues, and various socioeconomic stressors such as poverty. Her experience working in this setting has allowed her to develop a passion for offering support to individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and traumatic life experiences.

In addition to this, Rebecca spent time providing counseling to students in an elementary school setting. She utilized mindfulness with her students and engaged them in a social-emotional learning curriculum that focused on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Rebecca’s goal as a therapist is to always create a safe, comforting, and non-judgmental space for clients that allows them to feel heard and supported. She is dedicated to helping those who suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and adjustment disorders due to challenging life events/circumstances. With training in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and assessing/managing suicidal risk, she utilizes a person-centered approach that highlights the strengths an individual already possess before beginning their journey in therapy.

Rebecca resides in Orange County. When she is not at Nourish Your Mind, she is exploring new coffee shops and cafes, reading, journaling, traveling, watching reality shows on TLC, or spending time with her friends and family.

Rosa received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work from Herbert H. Lehman College. Her social and clinical experience is complimented by her background in dance and mindful meditation. Having worked in the helping field for over ten years, Rosa developed a passion for integrative therapy, where she has been able to successfully bring her love for mindful meditation and movement into her sessions. Rosa has extensive experience with implementing creative and innovative interventions as a channel to help individuals connect with themselves and begin healing from past trauma. Rosa also has experience in the structured therapeutic approaches of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing her to choose from a plethora of evidenced-based interventions that best match her client’s needs. Rosa regularly attends clinical workshops to ensure she is up to date with the services she provides to her clients.

Rosa believes the mind and the body are interconnected and it is especially important to maintain a healthy life balance by nurturing your whole self which includes your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Rosa lives in the town of Montgomery where she has been feeding her own life balance through journaling, spending time in nature, meditating, dancing and spending quality time with loved ones.

Samantha received her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Rutgers University and her master’s of science degree in clinical mental health counseling from St. Bonaventure University. Her journey into counseling began while working with children, adults, and the elderly as a board-certified occupational therapy assistant helping others navigate injuries, chronic illness, and developmental or intellectual conditions. While working on her master’s degree in
occupational therapy, she sustained a permanent shoulder injury assisting a client in crisis. This experience led to a career shift into counseling where she could combine her knowledge of culture, the body, and the mind. Through this holistic lens, she collaborates with others on identifying tools and practices that provide a foundation to build a meaningful life according to their value system.

Additionally, she has personal experience with multiple autoimmune disorders and injuries providing her with first-hand insight of how anxiety and depression affect the mind and body. She has studied meditation and yoga for over ten years and has experienced their benefits on mental, emotional, and physical health. She incorporates her academic knowledge of the brain, anatomy, and physiology into a relatable approach that combines narrative therapy with neuro-counseling to address the root of anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Her philosophy incorporates mindfulness and neuroscientific techniques to relax and ground the body, providing the mind space to heal and discover what it needs. She finds by reflecting, rather than reacting, the mind and body develop a healthy and resilient response during stressful times.

Samantha resides in the Hudson Valley with her boyfriend and too many books to count. Outside of the office, Samantha enjoys nature walks, birdwatching, reading, meditation, and gluten-free baking.

Sara received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University with concentrations in trauma and loss. Sara began her professional career at Achieve Alternative High School in Hawthorne, NY where she provided emotional support and crisis intervention for students struggling with emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral cases. At the high school she led group sessions focusing on improving studying habits, safe choices, and life skills for post graduation. Sara also provided individual support that often dealt with crisis intervention, crisis processing, reduction of self harm and suicidal ideation, and emotional management. Sara continued to expand at Connecticut Counseling Centers, Inc as a Methadone Maintenance Counselor where she provided individual and group support for clients using methadone and addicted to opioids.

Since beginning to work in private practice Sara has completed certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and in Mental Health Integrative Medicine. Most recently, Sara has completed the Nutritional Therapy Association’s program to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. This allows Sara to integrate her passions of the mind-body connection in therapeutic sessions by integrating therapeutic support with holistic modalities of nutrition and yoga & meditation practices. The understanding of the difficulties of communication allows Sara to intuitively reconnect a client with their mind, body, and voice. Sara finds a way to connect each client to their own thoughts and emotions that grants deeper self-realization and healing.

Sara has worked with adolescents and adults individually and in a group setting to improve effective communication and increase self-image, positive life choices, and stress management. During sessions, Sara focuses on the power of positive choices, managing depression and anxiety, enforcing positive coping skills, and empowerment. 

Therapeutic modalities that Sara has training and supervision in include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Integrative Medicine, Nutritional Therapy, Mindfulness, Choice Theory, and Solution Focused Therapy. When dealing with grief, loss, and trauma, Sara extends her practice to focus on relationship attachment styles and existential philosophies. 

Sara resides in Westchester County with access to her favorite outdoor hobbies of mountain biking, disc golf, camping, skiing, and yoga. Sara also enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and cooking. 

Sara Olivia earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Southeastern University. Since then, Sara Olivia continued to follow her passion of helping others through experience as a School-Based Clinician, and now in a private practice setting at Nourish Your Mind. She has provided counseling for diverse needs including grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, and behavior issues. While experienced in working with a varied population, she has a special interest and love for working with youth and young adults. 

Sara Olivia is dedicated to continually refining her skills and learning new counseling techniques within her social work career. With clients, she focuses on a person-centered approach and has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, while always taking a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. She promotes a safe and peaceful atmosphere for her clients to feel heard, work towards healing, and discover their hope. Sara Olivia is committed to walking alongside her clients to support them in their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves.

Sara Olivia resides in the Hudson Valley and when not at work she enjoys spending time with loved ones, getting outside to hike or garden, going on long runs with her pup Titus, and creating. 

Sharon earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.  Prior to that, she trained and worked as a Certified Professional Coach and became certified to facilitate The Daring Way™.  Based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, The Daring Way™ explores topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness.  As a transformative life coach and therapist, Sharon has worked in private practice, residential, and intensive outpatient treatment settings.  She has experience helping adults and adolescents with a wide range of struggles including anxiety, depression, life transitions, childhood trauma, addictions, relationship problems, and issues of self-worth, confidence, and purpose.  Sharon is committed to helping all people access their inner strength and courage, embrace their process, develop meaningful mutual relationships, and let their authentic human spirit shine. She is passionate about promoting mental wellness and reducing the social stigma of seeking therapy through warm, humorous, and collaborative partnership.

Sharon has spent her life in the company of animals, and she believes some of the best healing comes from these kindred spirits.  Sharon’s experience working as a horse trainer and horsemanship instructor, and her time spent rehabilitating shelter dogs also informs her work as a therapist.  Options to include Sharon’s therapy dog, Bodhi, in office sessions or walk and talk sessions can potentially be arranged.

Sharon’s approach to therapy is grown from and informed by theories of mindfulness, self-compassion, shame-resilience, neuroplasticity, and mind-body connection.  She utilizes a holistic wellness model, as well as strengths based and trauma informed counseling methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.  Sharon uses these techniques to move your therapeutic gains from the head to the heart with animal therapy, walk and talk therapy, meditation, and artistic expression.

Sharon lives in the Hudson Valley and enjoys CrossFit, hikes and walks in nature, finding new easy and nutritious recipes for meal prep, and spending quality time with loved ones.  As an incessantly curious and lifelong learner, Sharon regularly attends trainings and devotes herself to continually developing her counseling skills so that she can best serve her clients.

Shawn earned her Master’s in Science Degree (MSED) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University, New York.  Throughout her clinical practice, she specializes in the treatment of clients with anxiety, depression, anger management, grief, existential concerns, career decisions, personality disorders, co-dependency, and relationship issues.  Shawn tailors her treatment to meet the individual needs of her clients through a combination of evidence-based treatments including DBT, CBT and SFT approaches.  She works closely with adults, young people, and groups teaching positive coping skills within the areas of distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation to help clients in need.  Shawn approaches therapy as a collaborative partnership with her clients to help increase their wellness, resilience, and regain control of their lives.  Shawn’s therapeutic process has been influenced by her previous career experience focused on the improvement of communications in the business sector, which she decided to enhance by combining her passion for mental health and communications improvement.  

Everyone gets stuck in life sometimes. No one has to stay there.  There is help.  Shawn firmly believes in the power of counseling and her person-centered philosophy can be described by this quote by Dr. Leo Buscaglia, “Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  For Shawn, this quote relates to her connection with her clients and her faith in healing for everyone pursuing an improved well-being.

Shawn has lived in Orange County for over 15 years and when not at Nourish Your Mind, enjoys time with her family, walking and hiking with her rescue dog, exploring the Hudson Valley (and beyond!), kayaking, paddle boarding, reading (usually with a cat on her lap), and yoga.