People

Life is hard, and it’s even harder when you’re trying to get through it alone. We often lack understanding of our emotions and aren’t taught how to deal with them properly when they do show up leaving us or those around us hurt or confused.

Iris uses a collaborative and strengths-based approach to meet you where you are on your journey. She is passionate about helping individuals from various cultural backgrounds find their voice and gain greater self-awareness so that they can become their most fulfilled and resilient selves. She has experience working with diverse populations, integrating behavioral and mindfulness techniques and providing support around depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. She creates a compassionate and validating space for individuals to feel safe and explore their unique histories and experiences. She believes a stable atmosphere with unconditional, positive acceptance that one can reach vulnerability necessary for healing.

Emmanuel has non-judgmental and empathic approach to working with his clients. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, his master’s in psychology and his master’s in social work. Emmanuel has worked with clients, ranging from age 3 to age 78. He is a clinical social worker who has worked with many patients over the last 4 years. He has worked as a bilingual clinician at a psychiatric rehabilitation program, early intervention, and outpatient mental health. His treatment modalities include supportive counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, motivational interviewing as well as relapse prevention planning. He also works with those experiencing co-occurring issues with substance abuse and mental health disorders. He takes a holistic approach involving all aspects of a client’s life to supports their goals.

Karina has half a decade of experience in the mental health field. She has provided case management to people experiencing SMI, has integrated behavioral health care into two primary care practices, and is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. In her role within Valera Health, Karina is focused on expanding access to quality and inclusive mental health care while providing the resources, training, as well as support needed for Social Workers to thrive regardless of their level of experience. 

René has clinical experience working in a variety of settings, university campus, emergency and outpatient psychiatry. In addition to Valera Health, René is on staff at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in the Division of Pediatric Psychiatry. René currently sees patients for individual psychotherapy as well as co-leads therapy groups for adolescent and adult patients impacted by HIV and other chronic medical illnesses. Rene is fluent in Spanish and his specialties include medication management, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, and anxiety.

Christine is a passionate and kind individual with expertise in working with patients of all backgrounds. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical imaging and has worked in Radiology for over 15 years in both urgent and hospital care settings. Christine loves connecting people with providers to get the care they need and to live a more full, healthier, and empowered life. In her spare time, Christine enjoys gardening, and running and has worked professionally as a photographer.

Thinking about or deciding to start therapy takes bravery and vulnerability. My goal is to provide a warm, nonjudgmental environment so that you feel safe exploring areas of your life that are preventing you from enjoying it fully. Wherever you are in your journey, I will meet you there and help you get to where you would like to be. My approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive. I use cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and insight-oriented therapies to help build on existing strengths, learn new skills, and identify patterns of thought and behavior that are no longer serving you. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in residential, school, and legal settings, creating a diverse psychotherapeutic approach to many issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and attachment difficulties, and behavioral issues.

Alan is a clinical social worker who works with children, adolescents, and adults. He has prior experience as Family Coordinator and Complex Trauma Program faculty member at Mount Sinai, therapist at the largest FQHC network for Asian-Americans, and clinical fellow at Yale School of Medicine. He specializes in trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders, with particular interest in supporting families of youth with behavioral health issues and co-occurring disorders.

Recognizing that every patient is unique, possessing their own set of strengths and facing their own distinct set of challenges, my goal is to create an individualized treatment plan, customized for each client. Together we will identify innate talents, opportunities for growth, as well as identify the best pharmacologic treatment to support each person’s needs and goals.

My work is individually based depending on the need. I specialize in the area of toxic relationships and self esteem. Complex PTSD in relation to abusive- toxic relationships and how to recover from them is an area of expertise.

Dominique provides psychotherapy to individuals and families with trauma histories, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation (including anger management) through person-centered, solution-focused, and trauma-informed therapy. With a strong emphasis on cultural humility, Dominique’s practice philosophy is working collaboratively with the person to develop an individualized treatment plan that includes their needs and goals, alongside resources available and concrete skills to assist with navigating problems.

Melissa Goodemote is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 15 years experience serving various populations including intensive outpatient, homeless shelters, nonprofit outpatient agencies, nursing homes, and private practice providing medication management combined with brief psychotherapy. Her emphasis is on a partnered approach addressing each individual’s personally identified goals.

Courtney provides therapy to young adults and adults at various developmental stages. Her work is grounded by a person-centered, eclectic and social justice framework. Courtney’s approach to therapy emphasizes self-understanding, emotional healing and empowerment. Courtney has received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Jean Ryals is a dual board-certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who treats patients 18 years and older. Jean utilizes a holistic approach to treatment focusing on mind, body, emotions, and spiritual health to gain a proper balance in life. She recognizes that life is a journey not a destination. She helps her patients become their best selves during life challenges. She provides treatments to patients with but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, ADHD, and mood disorders to reestablish balance and sense of well-being. She is committed to providing individualized, evidence-based treatments that incorporate psychopharmacology, genetic testing, lifestyles changes and complementary and alternative treatments into practice.

Lynn is a clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience as a therapist, working with adults, adolescents and families. She brings an empathetic, down-to-earth style while helping her clients overcome barriers to reaching their goals. She employs a strengths-based, culturally sensitive approach, using a variety of modalities based on her clients’ needs, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy.

Sarah (she/her) is a LMSW that specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults. She uses a client-centered approach to therapy as she believes that the client is the expert in their own life. Sarah is dedicated to helping to guide and support her clients as they begin to understand themselves better and feel empowered to become their own vehicle for change. Sarah utilizes evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Mindfulness. However, her approach is individualized to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. Sarah focuses on working side by side with her clients on honing their coping skills in order to create with them a future in which they are flourishing and mentally grounded.

Leanne provides individual, group and family therapy to both adults and children experiencing a variety of mental health issues. She specializes in anxiety, depression and trauma utilizing a strength- based approach, to help clients meet their mental health needs. She understands the importance of an authentic therapeutic relationship and looks forward to working collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals.

Rachael is a LMSW with a background in art, architecture and psychology. This background informs her integrative approach as a therapist. Rachael holds an MSW from Columbia University and an MA from Goldsmiths College, University of London. She has training in CBT and DBT and integrates these tools into her practice. Rachael has interest in working with individuals and groups and is working with the team to develop Valera’s group psychotherapy platform.

Barbra focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment to work collaboratively to achieve individual, group, and/or family goals. Barbra values the importance of relationship-based work and applies elements of the Strengths Perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Practice, and Motivational Interviewing to improve emotional and behavioral health and well-being.

Hannah (they/them) is a queer health coach, artist, educator, and activist with a passion for connecting folks to accessible and quality mental health services. Outside of their work at Valera, you can find them teaching comprehensive and queer inclusive sex education workshops to adolescents in New York City and working on their own artistic projects.

Joann utilizes a trauma-informed and person-centered approach to provide evidence-based therapies including: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to adults. Joann has experience with anxiety, depression, grief, life stressors, trauma, and anger management. Joann is dedicated to providing a safe, collaborative environment to empower individuals to make change, accomplish goals and improve overall well-being.

Rebecca takes a strength-based approach to her work with clients. She has experience working with a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Rebecca is passionate about empowering clients and working with them to identify their strengths in order to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Megan provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Her approach to therapy aims to be collaborative and social justice oriented. She has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, parent management training, and family therapy.

Nana earned her Master of Clinical Social Work from NYU in 2010. For over a decade, she served clients across a variety of treatment settings including, hospitals, schools, homes and clinics. Her clients include children, adolescence, adults and families. She has extensive training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) working with developmentally delayed children on the autism spectrum and assisting families via embedded coaching. She utilizes techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Play Therapy to help clients navigate through their mental, medical, social and chemical dependency needs.

Change is the only constant in life. It could be anything from relationships, career, health, to spirituality. Every person has untapped potential to overcome any challenges, loss and mishap in life. My counseling and coaching approach is to help you find your Courage, Resilience, and Strength to deal with life challenges and to help you define and achieve your goals. From the East to the West, an atheist to a Buddhist, going through major career changes as well as a traumatic divorce, I will use my insight to support you on the treacherous road called life and find fulfillment and joy!

Faisal is a psychiatrist and pediatrician specializing in integrated care. He completed a combined residency in adult psychiatry, child & adolescent psychiatry, and pediatrics at Columbia NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Faisal uses a recovery oriented, systems-based practice approach to navigate systems of care while working at various non-profit, community-based organizations in New York City.

Christine Rambert has 10 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapeutic services to culturally diverse and bilingual populations from children to older adults. Bilingual in Spanish, Christine has worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams in various outpatient settings to deliver integrative behavioral health care. Christine has extensive training in therapeutic modalities which include CBT, DBT, ACT and TF-CBT. She earned an MA in Sociology/Anthropology from Northeastern University and a Masters in Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work. Christine is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance.

Larry Ozowara is a psychiatrist who specializes in the collaboration between inpatient and outpatient care.  He attended Stanford Medical School, completed a residency in adult psychiatry at Columbia University and is a former Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine where he supervised and trained medical students, residents and fellows in psychiatry.   He has extensive experience in working with patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and patients with serious and persistent mental illness.   Dr. Ozowara directs Valera’s psychiatry program and HEDIS improvement program for healthplans and hospitals.

Mary is a bilingual therapist who provides holistic and culturally sensitive therapy by considering all areas of life that may be impacting our mental health. She prioritizes developing an authentic and trusting relationship with clients so that they can feel relaxed and safe to explore in session. Mary has experience in and enjoys supporting clients through life transitions, relationship and interpersonal issues, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and identity formation. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities in her practice such as CBT, mindfulness techniques, trauma informed therapy, attachment work, and solution focused approaches. First and foremost, she is always guided by the client’s unique beliefs and personal values.

Nichole Schermerhorn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York State. She holds a Doctorate degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling and has been in practice for over 22 years. Her counseling style is warm, positive, conversational, collaborative and strength-based. She has worked in a variety of settings providing psychotherapy for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief work, stress management, career struggles, LGBTQ struggles, military lifestyles, adjustment and behavioral dysregulation, parenting/caregiver-coaching and addiction. Nichole uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Energy Psychology, Mindfulness techniques, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused therapies, though she also tailors her approach to fit individual needs.

Olivia believes in collaborative care and uses cultural humility and a strength-based holistic approach to help her clients achieve their therapeutic goals. She is fluent in Spanish and is trained in various clinical modalities including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing and Compassionate Bereavement Care. She can treat various mental health issues and life stressors and has experience working with diverse populations including LGBTQIA, survivors of gender-based violence, immigrants, youth, and adults.

Greetings! My name is Ruby. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic event or abuse in the past (death and loss, physical, emotional or sexual abuse). I use EMDR approach and other somatic approaches as well as mindfulness and CBT approach to help clients heal trauma and live a quality life.

Olivia is passionate about working together with her patients to provide an effective, strength based and need-driven approach that helps address and relieve presenting problems. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or trauma she will be there to listen and help tackle various difficult issues. Her approach to therapy is solution focused and utilizes evidence based practice such as Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Olivia looks to help every individual develop and achieve adaptive coping strategies to promote better daily functioning.

Nicolina utilizes Strengths Perspective and Motivational Interviewing to help ensure a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for the individual, couple, or group to explore their own experience. Nicolina is trained in anxiety, depression, and grief to facilitate positive coping skills. She has extensive experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and holds interests in substance abuse and trauma counseling.”

Mike graduated from the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany, SUNY, with a focus in clinical social work. Mike provides strengths-based and trauma informed therapy to individuals, couples and families and in group settings.

Victoria provides individual and family therapy to children and adults dealing with a range of mental health issues, specializing in mood and anxiety disorders, difficult interpersonal relationships, chronic illness, and trauma. Victoria has experience in play therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, and evidence-based therapies.

Abby utilizes trauma-informed and evidence-based practices including CBT and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and specializes in anxiety, depression, and grief/loss. Abby guides clients in recognizing and finding their own strengths and using them as tools to navigate stressful situations and to accomplish their goals. Abby is passionate about creating a safe space for clients and creating a sustainable relationship that will promote growth and positive change.

Zulema has a background in human development, family studies and clinical social work. She has worked in social services for the last eleven years. She has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages and is a native Spanish speaker. She is passionate about the mind-body connection and helping individuals become more in tune to themselves.

Anna takes a whole-person perspective in applying evidence-based interventions to help her adult patients based on their presented problems and personal strengths. Her professional expertise includes mood disorders, trauma, spirituality, and issues related to abandonment, adjustment and acculturation.

Danielle’s goal is to empower, support and collaborate with the individuals she works with to successfully cope with the challenges in their lives. She utilizes different modalities depending on the needs of each individual. Danielle provides a safe space for all and specializes in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community.

Briana is an authentic and deeply compassionate psychotherapist who creates a safe and supportive space for healing. She specializes in trauma focused modalities, such as child-parent therapy, and has worked with children and parents on issues ranging from physical, emotional, sexual trauma and other forms of violence and oppression. Briana is also a certified hypnotist and provides hypnotherapy to adult individuals to address depression, anxiety, addictions, phobias, trauma, and more. She also has training in CBT, mindfulness, somatic-based therapies, IFS (“parts therapy”), and psychoanalysis. Briana believes in collaboratively working with people to find the tools and resources that are most helpful to them on their healing journey towards wholeness, peace, and joy.

Sam is a relational and strengths-based therapist. Her specialties include LGBTQIA+ matters, substance use, trauma/complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She practices eclectically, utilizing various evidence-based interventions. As a relational therapist, she believes in the healing power of having an authentic therapeutic relationship with you. Through your partnership with Sam, she will strive to help you find peace in your body and mind, explore your inner-world, and gain tools that will help you make meaningful changes in your life.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 50 years of life experience and over 20 years of medical experience. I have always had compassion for people and a desire to help others. I am personable, genuine, and laid-back. I am known to those around me as the enthusiastic but warm personality that makes it easy to talk about anything, which makes me a pretty good fit to be a therapist. I work with adults of all ages and specialize in working with those 50 and over.

Rachael is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for children, adults and elderly struggling with mental illness. She is looking forward to addressing the needs of each individual and improving their quality of life.

Hi! My name is Shannon, I am a Licensed Master of Social Work from Hunter College. I have experience working with young adults and families using a Strengths-Based and Client Centered approach. I believe in self empowerment and work to assist clients on their journeys to peace of mind. Self care is key for me! I enjoy walking my dogs, watching Netflix, and mindful coloring in my free time.

Neha Uberoi uses a strengths-based holistic approach to address the emotional needs of her clients to help them achieve their individual goals and improve overall wellbeing.

Victoria aims to create a socioculturally attuned therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to therapy. She does couple and family therapy, and also works with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety and the effects of trauma. Victoria has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Parent Management Training and is in ongoing couple and family therapy training at Ackerman Institute for the Family.

Ayoka Solomon is a tech-savvy social worker whose passion lies in creating evidence-based interventions at the individual and community levels. Ayoka is committed to advancing the interest of social justice through advocacy and programmatic analysis & design.

I have over ten years of experience as a social worker working with individuals and families.

Erica is a strengths-based therapist who focuses on collaborative approaches and promoting self-efficacy. Erica specializes in trauma-focused treatment, parenting support, family conflict, and anxiety disorders. She utilizes play therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, CBT, and other evidence-based modalities. She is passionate about empowering individuals and families and meeting individuals where they are.

Aili is an LMSW that provides trauma-informed care for clients seeking a validating, warm, safe space for healing. Aili has clinical experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and specializes in PTSD, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and addiction/substance use. Additionally, Aili has experience working with clients experiencing intimate partner violence, survivors of sexual assault, and other victims of crime.

Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor. He has experience working with diverse clients from across the lifespan and tailors his clinical approach to the unique strengths of each client. Paul has specialized training in Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Trauma-Informed therapy techniques. Utilizing these approaches, Paul helps his clients strengthen their skills to meet their goals.

Laura is a bilingual and bicultural Spanish therapist that provides individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and young adults. Utilizing a strengths based, culturally sensitive and holistic lens, Laura takes a collaborative approach to help guide her clients to a more fulfilled life. She has training in TFCBT and also specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal conflict, mindfulness, spirituality, high sensitivity and trauma.

Caitlin uses a holistic and collaborative approach to address the emotional needs of each client to help them achieve their individual goals and improve overall well-being.

A Licensed Master Social Worker with over ten years of case management and social work experience. Having a consistent track record of working successfully with individuals, families or groups all within a variety of settings.

Dr. Shukair received his MD from Damascus University, Syria. He completed General Psychiatry Training Program with psychoanalytic training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. Dr. Shukair completed a Child and Adolescents Psychiatry training in Children’s Hospital of Boston, Harvard University. Dr. Shukair‘s current work focuses on attachment, ADHD and the interaction between executive functions and mental wellness. 

Natalie graduated from Adelphi University with her Master’s in Social work. Natalie enjoys working with patients from the range of children to adults. She provides therapy in the form of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to treat a variety of disorders such as ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and interpersonal conflicts.

Manna Chan, LCSW  served as the Director of Social Work and the Chair of Patient Relations at Charles B. Wang Community Health Center for 16 years.

Eliza graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College, and her past experience working in social-emotional development with youth sparked her interest in mental healthcare. She loves working with people and is excited about making mental healthcare accessible and welcoming. In her free time, she spends time outdoors, cooks, and crafts

Dr. Victoria Johnson, M.D. is a Georgia native now living in NYC with a passion for providing patient-centered, recovery-oriented care. She holds board certifications in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and enjoys working with patients ranging from school age youth to young adulthood. Dr. Johnson received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA) and completed her specialty training in Psychiatry at the University of Alabama- Birmingham (UAB) Medical Center and Columbia University. In her free time,  Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with her partner, exploring NYC’s hidden gems, reading, and traveling. 

Evelyn is an LMSW with a background in psychology, gender studies, and the arts. She has worked with immigrant families, survivors of gender-based violence, children, adolescents and adults. 

I graduated from Columbia School of Social Work in 2016. I have been an LMSW since early 2017. I have worked with an array of families and patients throughout the years with many disorders.

Lyudmila provides individual and family therapy for a diverse population, including trauma survivors, people with issues involving mental health, child welfare, gender-based violence, substance use, and stigma. In her work with clients, she integrates collaborative client-centered strength-based frameworks along with Motivational Interviewing, CBT/DBT, solution-focused, metaphorical cards, and trauma-focused interventions. She believes that mutual collaboration based on acceptance, positive regard and compassion increases a person’s ability to cope with problems and facilitates their growth.

Anna uses a person-centered approach to provide individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Jessica is a psychiatrist who spent the last several years working at various nonprofit community-based organizations in NYC. She uses a recovery-oriented approach and a person-centered framework in her practice of psychiatry. And she believes in combining psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to create multidimensional plans of care.

Sung Jae specializes in providing evidence-based therapy for those who are experiencing depression and anxiety. He has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and family and couples therapy.

Denisse is a bi-lingual therapist with a history of work with the LGBTQ community, young adults, parents and families. Denisse uses a strength- based perspective to help clients work through a wide variety of obstacles they may be trying to overcome. She has trainings in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness and uses a holistic approach help clients be the best them they can be.