Tara Mandel, Ph.D., owner and founder of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Wellness Center, is a graduate of Binghamton University and Hofstra University for graduate studies. She worked for the Northwell Health System for close to 10 years doing clinical research, teaching, program development, in addition to providing group, and individual therapy. She has specific expertise in CBT therapies and other evidence based treatments. She specializes in working with those suffering from anxiety, depression, working with family systems, parenting, women's health, and perinatal mood disorders. Dr. Mandel works with clients of all ages ranging from childhood through adulthood. She has extensive experience providing individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Dr. Mandel has worked as an adjunct professor at several colleges across Long Island. She is passionate about helping others and improving the quality of life of those she works with.
Jennifer Breen, Psy.D., received her BA from Boston College and her Psy.D. from the University of Hartford. She has training and experience in the field of eating disorders from McLean Hospital in MA, Yale Psychiatric Institute, and from the Institute of Living in CT. She also has extensive training and experience in the field of alcohol and substance use disorders and co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder. She has her CASAC, eligibility from South Oaks Alcoholism and Addictive Behavior Studies Program. After 9/11, Dr. Breen worked with children and families who had lost a loved one in the WTC as well as with first responders through NYU Langone Medical Center. She later received her Certification in Disaster Mental Health from the American Red Cross. Dr. Breen is Integrative in orientation and has training in the following treatment modalities: CBT, DBT, DBT-S, MET. Her specializations include: Health Psychology, Women's Issues, Eating Disorders, Body Image Disturbance, Obesity, Obesity Surgery, Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders, Co-Occurring Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Disaster Mental Health, and Diversity.
Jalisa Barnes, Psy.D. received her undergraduate degree from Claflin University, and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) by Alfred University. For five years, Dr. Barnes served as a School Psychologist for the New York City Department of Education before resigning to concentrate on clinical work in private practice. Dr. Barnes is trained and experienced in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), norm-referenced testing, parent training and coaching, school-based behavioral support, special education, crisisintervention, and psychotherapy. She has worked with children and adults who exhibit cognitive and developmental delays, such as Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Behavior Disorders. She has also worked with children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD and various anxiety disorders. Dr. Barnes is passionate about bridging gaps between home and school, specifically empowering individuals and families to educate themselves on their own needs and any obstacles that prevent them from leading full lives and identify solutions that work best for them. In addition to her professional work, Dr. Barnes is an author in the making, and a digital creator with content available on YouTube and various social media outlets. She is most proud of her Thriving Throughout mini-series, whichseeks to briefly educate viewers on the various sources and manifestations of trauma, and the Burned-Out Therapist mini-series, which encourages “helpers” to take care of themselves, even as they strive to care for others. Dr. Barnes recently published a children’s book, "Sometimes I’m Sad,” featuring a young girl who isstruggling with a depressed mood for long period of time. The book can be found in paperback or in digital format on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Sad-Dr-Jalisa-Barnes/dp/B0BD2XP2VR/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Shari Weiss, Psy.D. is a New York State License Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience providing individual, group, and family therapy to children, adolescence, and adults. She has provided psychotherapy and conducted psychological evaluations in a variety of clinical settings including: Private practice, community mental health centers, public schools, and day treatment programs. Dr. Weiss was trained in William James College, Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in working with children and families. Dr. Weiss has experience working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds with various diagnoses. She values cultural awareness and takes a client centered approach in building a trusting therapeutic relationship, while clients learn new coping skills and practice them in a non-judgmental environment. Dr. Weiss utilizes many different treatment modalities in order to facilitate growth in the most comfortable atmosphere. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, and Psychodynamic approaches to assist those with depression, anxiety, stress management, suicidal ideation, trauma, ADHD, and parenting skills. Dr. Weiss has experience in research and ensures her approaches are empirically supported. The main focus of her research has been on technology and relationships. Dr. Weiss is empathetic, compassionate, and strives to understand each individual’s perspective and collaborates with clients to create goals that match the unique circumstances.
Ewelina Kotowska, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow who completed her undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo, received her Masters of Arts from Columbia University and completed her Doctorate in Clinical psychology at William James College. Dr. Kotowska's aim as a clinician is to orient clients towards a healing path that provides a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. She is client-centered and welcomes individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Dr. Kotowska has a particular interest in the interplay between neuroscience and holistic wellness, incorporating the mind-body and spirit in her practice. She has worked across the lifespan with infants and elderly adults in multiple settings such as schools, community mental health centers, and hospitals, treating a wide range of mental health and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Kotowska strives to create a safe and warm environment wherein she utilizes evidenced-based practices to guide clients toward their desired outcome.
Kaitlin McSwiggan, Psy.D., is a New York State Licensed Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist. She earned a masters in school psychology from St. John’s University and a doctorate in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. McSwiggan specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety-based disorders, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, difficulty with life transitions, and self confidence. Dr. McSwiggan utilizes principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness when working with clients. She is trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and offers parent training and support using this evidence-based approach to anxiety. Dr. McSwiggan provides a warm, comfortable, and caring space for clients to feel heard and learn effective ways to improve their coping with life’s challenges.
In addition to working in private practice, Dr. McSwiggan has been a school psychologist for the past 12 years. She has extensive experience helping children and teens, both individually and in group settings, cope with the challenges associated with ADHD and learning differences. This includes executive function skill building, identifying and building personal strengths, and targeting anxieties associated with school, such as social anxiety and friendship troubles, perfectionism and school phobia. Dr. McSwiggan has worked closely with children on the autism spectrum and their families, teaching social skills, coping strategies, and supporting parents with positive behavior interventions. Dr. McSwiggan is also well-versed in special education, including evaluations, CSE meetings, and IEPs/504s. She can offer support to families navigating this system.
Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D, is a New York State Licensed Psychologist with more than 30 years of experience providing individual, couples and group psychotherapy to clients of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds in inpatient, outpatient and adult home settings. He received his Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research and utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy to assist those with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, work, relationship and self-esteem issues. He helps clients enhance their coping skills and manage stress and anger more effectively. Dr. Shapiro has taught several courses as an adjunct assistant professor in the City University of New York.
Victoria Broems, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who completed her undergraduate studies at the Marist College and completed her doctorate in school psychology at Fordham University. Dr. Broems specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families to provide evidence-based treatment in a warm and welcoming way. Dr. Broems utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), parent management training (PMT), and Social Thinking® to effectively address anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns and social learning difficulties. Dr. Broems brings her expertise in CBT, and school-based supports to the practice to support children both at home and in school. Dr. Broems completed her internship training and is currently completing her post-doctoral training at The Quad Preparatory School, where she has developed skills for working with children who are “twice-exceptional” (individuals who are gifted and who also struggle with behavioral and social/emotional challenges that impact learning and emotion regulation). She has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), executive functioning challenges, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Broems has experience conducting psychoeducational evaluations, developing behavioral plans, and consulting with teachers through her work in public school settings as well. Additionally, aside from her clinical work, Dr. Broems is interested in research and has conducted studies and published work related to White Privilege in the field of School psychology.
Brian Letourneau, PhD, ABPP earned his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He is board certified in Rehabilitation Psychology and serves as a board member for the American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr. Letourneau has extensive training and experience working with people with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, and substance misuse and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings. He frequently works with clients who are managing health challenges, depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, workplace stress, coping strategies, and life transitions/adjustment to life changes. Dr. Letourneau takes a values-focused and strengths-based approach when working with clients. He aims to help clients identify what is important in their lives and make changes to help them live in a way that is meaningful. Dr. Letourneau believes that everyone has unique strengths and aims to collaborate with his clients to ensure they feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. He frequently uses short-term, goal-focused, evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches to treatment. Dr. Letourneau has published research articles related to substance abuse and has given multiple invited presentations related to adjusting to health changes, sexuality after disability, and alcohol use among military populations.
Angela Giardina, LMSW received her BA from Queens College and her MSW from New York University. Angela has gained experience in working with individuals of varying ethnic backgrounds, ages and clinical concerns. She has has worked in a foster residency, retirement community, college counseling centers and private practice settings. Additionally, Angela is a Registered Behavior Technician working with autism spectrum disorders and understands the difficulties that individuals and families may face relating to complex diagnoses.
Angela’s goal as a psychotherapist is to provide a nurturing and collaborative space for reparative work. She supports individuals to live a life guided by self-awareness and self-compassion. Angela is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques including CBT and psychodynamic psychotherapy. She aims to provide a collaborative and empowering environment, understanding that ultimately YOU are the navigator of your own healing. Angela’s approach is holistic and individualized by integrating CBT, insight oriented, strengths based, mindfulness and attachment frameworks. Angela aims to meet you where they are on your journey and recognizes the privilege it is to explore the internal lives of each unique person.
Christine Fiore holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She completed her undergraduate studies from Niagara University, Master of Arts in Applied Psychology from New York University, Master of Philosophy from Walden University, and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. Dr. Fiore has experience working with individuals, couples and families, utilizing evidence-based treatment with a cultural awareness while treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship-social issues, traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Her treatment modalities include utilizing client-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT,) Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic-Oriented Psychotherapy. She is an empathetic and skilled therapist who prides herself on developing and maintaining relationships with her clients, until she is no longer needed. Her personal focus is on creating social change and assisting others to increase their independence and experience a better quality of life.
Deborah Lawson, Ph.D received her Ph.D. in clinical and school psychology from Hofstra University. She has an in-depth background in both clinical and school settings. She is highly skilled in utilizing evidence based psychotherapeutic intervention with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Lawson’s experience includes conducting psychological assessments, completing comprehensive reports, providing individual and family therapy. She has a degree and certification as an Educational Administrator. She worked as a school psychologist in BOCES as well as other schools in Nassau County and has worked in private practice since 1995.