CMC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Outreach & Initial Consultation Coordinator
Abigail Crine is a clinical psychologist and licensed marital and family therapist who received her degree with a concentration in Family Psychology at the California Graduate School for Family and Marital Therapy. While obtaining her degree she studied and was mentored by notable pioneers in family therapy systems theory. Throughout her career she maintained a private practice in either the San Francisco Bay area or the suburbs of Boston, MA. . She brings a unique perspective to residential treatment having worked in both higher education and corporate consulting environments where mental health issues and substance use issues often presented barriers to her clients success in pursuing their careers, lifestyle adjustments and transitions, and advanced education.
Amanda Fazio, MS, CMPC, is a clinical extern who completed her clinical mental health counseling training at CMC. She received her first master's degree (M.S.) in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior from the University of Tennessee. A Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, Amanda also works with athletes and performers to address challenges such as performance anxiety and returning from injury. From a clinical lens, Amanda is professionally trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as well as a mindfulness based approach. She has received over 28 hours of training to become certified in motivational interviewing through the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), facilitating training with various clinical providers and professional sport coaches.
Dr. Lytle is trained in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches to treatment. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Long Island University-Post with a concentration in substance use and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Dr. Lytle completed an APA-accredited internship at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare, Brooklyn Campus, where she worked with veterans suffering from PTSD and substance use. While at the VA, she worked in an intensive outpatient day program for veterans with a variety of psychological diagnoses including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Lytle completed her post-doc at CMC and worked with individuals and co-led groups in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Day Program.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Amy Sugarman, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience. She earned her degree from Temple University and has been with CMC since 2009. Dr. Sugarman is a member of the evaluation team and provides collaborative and evidence-based treatment for adults, couples, and families. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in substance use disorders at the Addiction Institute of New York and to complement her evidence-based treatment approach, Dr. Sugarman completed the One Year Introductory Program in Relational Psychotherapy at the Stephen A. Mitchell Center for Relational Studies. Prior to joining CMC, she was a clinician at the New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University's Substance Treatment and Research Services (STARS) where her work focused on integrating cognitive-behavioral and motivational enhancement therapies. She is a member of the Women's Mental Health Consortium.
Anthony Giovanone, D.O. is board- certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, and is licensed to practice in MA. After receiving his degree from The University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his residency in psychiatry at Berkshires Medical Center. Dr Giovanone is currently an attending and teaching psychiatrist in the Berkshire Health System, working on the Jones inpatient unit there for the past 5 years. In his role as Psychiatric Director at CMC:Berkshires, Dr. Giovanone oversees the psychiatric care and medical safety of all clients. He is responsible for establishing diagnoses, educating clients on options for medication assisted treatment, as well as providing psychopharmacology. He enjoys the challenge of assessing and working with the wide array of struggles clients at CMC:Berkshires come to us with, including substance use issues as well as mood, anxiety and trauma/PTSD issues.
Job Titles:
- Recovery Specialist Assistant Director - Personnel
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Brooke Monaco, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. Her work has focused on the dissemination of evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). She has led SMART Recovery meetings and was the President and Treasurer for the San Diego Regional Advisory Board for SMART Recovery. Dr. Monaco also has experience working in the Substance Dependence Research Group at the New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University administering and adapting structured clinical interviews for DSM-5 substance use disorder assessment. Dr. Monaco has worked as a Clinical Interviewer with the San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare System assessing PTSD in active duty Marines before and after their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Monaco is a trainer for CMC:Foundation for Change and has co-led multiple weekend-long trainings to intensively train parents in CRAFT and MI skills.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Co - Founder
- Co - Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation
Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation and Change a group of clinicians in NYC, Long Island, Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA who specialize in the treatment of substance use/compulsive behavior disorders and trauma using a variety of evidence-based treatments. She is the Co-Founder of CMC: Berkshires, a private, inpatient/residential program employing the same treatment approaches in Massachusetts. She co-authored an award-winning book, Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, -a practical guide for families dealing with substance problems in a loved one, and The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends: Evidence-Based Skills to Help a Loved-One Make Positive Change. She is also President of the CMC: Foundation for Change, a not-for-profit with the mission of improving the dissemination of evidence-based ideas and strategies to professionals and loved ones of persons struggling with substance use. Dr. Wilkens has been a Project Director on a large federally-funded Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant addressing the problems associated with binge drinking among college students. She is regularly sought out by the media to discuss issues related to substance use disorders and has been on the CBS Morning Show, Katie Couric Show, and Fox News and frequent NPR segments. She is also in the HBO documentary Risky Drinking.
Dr. Holzhauer received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Albany. In addition to her work as a Research Psychologist at CMC:B, she is Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the Division of Addiction Psychiatry and the Center of Excellence on Addiction. Cassie has worked in the field of addiction as a clinician and researcher for 15 years. She is Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on several research grants from the National Institutes on Health and the Department of Veteran Affairs, with all projects focused on the development and treatment of alcohol use disorders. Her research focus and area of expertise is in female-specific treatment and the particular clinical needs of women with substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder. Clinically, Cassie is a DBT-certified therapist and has specialized training in CBT and couple-based therapy for substance use disorders.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Director - at - Large
Cindy Brody, PhD is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Brody completed her PhD at American University, and went on to complete her post-doctoral fellowship in Addiction Psychology at the Addictions Institute. Before joining CMC in 2005, she was the Coordinator of Education and Training at the Comprehensive Addictions Program for Adolescents (CAPA) of the Addictions Institute, and the Coordinator of Outreach and Prevention at the Fordham University Counseling Services. At CMC, Dr. Brody has extensive experience treating individuals, family members, couples, and groups. Dr. Brody contributed to the 20 Minute Guide: A Guide for Parents about How to Help their Child Change their Substance Use, and trained and supervised volunteer Parent Coaches through the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to help parents implement evidence based strategies with their kids. For many years, Dr. Brody was the Director of Intensive Services at CMC and currently works as a supervising and consulting psychologist.
Dan Rayhill, PhD is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience who completed his doctorate at Adelphi University, Derner Center for Advanced Psychological Studies. He has training in cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety as well as addiction and compulsivity. Dr. Rayhill has experience providing individual, group and family therapy treatments within several different clinical settings including inpatient psychiatric care, a hospital-based outpatient mental health clinic, school based clinic and private practice. Prior to joining CMC, Dr. Rayhill was a clinician and supervisor at a community mental health center, where he specialized in the treatment of ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders among adolescents and young adults. He also specializes in the treatment of the developmental issues specific to emerging adulthood and the challenges faced in the post college years. Dr. Rayhill has worked extensively with the gay community and issues specific to gay identity.
Dr. Gruber received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. From 2009-2011, she worked at Center for Motivation and Change in New York City with Drs. Foote and Wilkens, learning and practicing evidence-based therapies for those struggling with alcohol and substance use disorders. Upon moving to New Orleans in 2012, Dr. Gruber worked for two years at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System in the Ambulatory Mental Health clinic, where she worked with veterans from all eras on a variety of diagnoses. In 2014, she started at Ochsner Health, the largest non-profit hospital system in Louisiana, serving as a clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry. Since that time, she has held several different positions within that department, including: Lead bariatric psychologist, Program Director of Ochsner Recovery Program (an intensive outpatient program specializing in alcohol and substance use disorders), and Section Head of Psychology, serving as the administrative lead of the psychology section. In 2022, Dr. Gruber created and developed the Ochsner Psychology Doctoral Internship, and the first cohort of doctoral students began the program in 2022. She has served as the Co-Director of Training for that program's adult track since its inception.
Daniela Dubrow, PhD is a psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatment for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mood and trauma-related disorders. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from The New School for Social Research and completed her predoctoral training at North Central Bronx Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital. She has more than 8 years of research experience working on NIH-funded clinical trials examining the efficacy of behavioral substance use interventions at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. She draws from DBT, motivational interviewing, ACT, CBT, and psychodynamic therapeutic frameworks to provide individualized and collaborative care.
Job Titles:
- Recovery Specialist Assistant Director - Programming
Job Titles:
- Clinical Staff Member
- Co - Founder
- Executive Director
- Member of the CMC Outpatient Team
- Co - Founder of the Center
Dr. Jeff Foote, PhD, is Co-Founder of the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC) in Manhattan, as well as CMC:Berkshires. Dr. Foote is a nationally recognized clinical research scientist who has received federal grant funding for his work on motivational treatment approaches and substance abuse treatment research, focused on the implementation of evidence-based treatments. Dr. Foote was also Psychologist for the NY Mets for 11 years, and continues in sports psychology as an independent performance consultant to professional athletes. Before co-founding CMC in 2003, Dr. Foote was the Deputy Director of the Division of Alcohol Treatment and Research at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in NYC, as well as Senior Research Associate at The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) in NYC. Dr. Foote also served as Chief of the Smithers Addiction Treatment and Research Center as well as Director of Evaluation and Research between 1994 and 2001. He is co-author of the award-winning book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, a practical guide for families dealing with addiction and substance problems in a loved one, based on principles of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). He is also a contributor to two workbooks combining strategies from CRAFT and Motivational Interviewing: The Parent's 20 Minute Guide and The Partner's 20 Minute Guide, which offer specific tools and practice in evidence-based strategies for helping a loved one change.
Job Titles:
- Director of Family Services
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Nicole Kosanke is a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience and is the Director of Family Services at the CMC's outpatient division in NYC, where she specializes in the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders in individuals and families. Dr. Kosanke works in the research and clinical practice of treating substance use disorders and utilizes the principles of CRAFT, MI, and CBT in different therapeutic modalities and resources: group, individual, family, video training, and written materials. She co-authored the award-winning book, Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, which is a compassionate and science-based family guide for navigating the addiction treatment world, understanding motivation, and using CRAFT skills. She also contributed to The 20 Minute Guide: A Guide for Parents about How to Help their Child Change their Substance Use. She has been interviewed on radio programs and podcasts about substance use disorders and her writing on these topics has also been featured in Huffington Post, The Observer, and Counselor Magazine. She was also featured in an O, The Oprah Magazine article about her client's experience in treatment at CMC, which was later published in O's Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O. Dr. Kosanke also serves as a consulting psychologist and trainer for CMC:FFC, a non-profit organization providing evidence-based skills training to family members who have a loved one struggling with substance use issues. She is a member of Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and American Association of Addiction Psychiatrists.
Ed Bevan, PsyD has specialized in treating individuals struggling with substance use and compulsive behaviors, as well as with complex, co-occurring emotional and psychiatric issues. He completed his doctoral training at the Caron Treatment Centers and has continued to work with substance use problems in inpatient and outpatient settings since 2007. Dr. Bevan has worked with a variety of co-occurring issues including depression, mania, anxiety, grief, trauma and stress reactions, obsessive-compulsive issues, eating behavior issues, and sexual behavior issues. He has been particularly focused on developing integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring issues using mindfulness and acceptance-based behavioral therapies and has received training from leading clinical researchers involved in developing these evidence-based treatments. Dr. Bevan is a certified provider of Exposure and Response Prevention treatment for OCD (EX/RP).
Elisabeth Fonseca, PhD is a multilingual licensed clinical psychologist who earned her doctorate from New York University and has been working in the field for over thirty years. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the psychiatric inpatient unit of Roosevelt Hospital (currently, Mount Sinai West) and at Smither's (currently, The Addiction Institute) working with clients struggling with psychiatric and substance use disorders. Prior to joining CMC, Dr. Fonseca was a staff psychologist at North Central Bronx Hospital working with HIV-positive clients and their extended families, in particular a network of Latina grandmothers caretaking their grandchildren. Dr. Fonseca specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, having extensive experience in both group and individual modalities. In addition Dr. Fonseca has worked with trauma assessment and treatment for many years and is certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and STAIR (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation). Dr. Fonseca is a member of the American Psychological Association and has been working at CMC:Berkshires since its inception in February 2014.
Elspeth Kelly, PhD is a psychologist committed to providing comprehensive evidence-based treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. She obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Elmhurst Hospital Center, with additional training at Bellevue Hospital, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Maimonides Hospital, and Pathways to Housing. Dr. Kelly has experience working in intensive outpatient addiction treatment settings, inpatient psychiatric units, psychiatric emergency rooms, correctional facilities, and outpatient clinics, and has provided psychotherapy to adults and adolescents in both individual and group settings. Elspeth utilizes psychodynamic, CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions, and strives to cultivate a warm and collaborate environment when working with clients.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Emily DeBruicker is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with specialized training in intensive family therapy. She attended Bates College in Lewiston, ME for her BA, and became a licensed clinician in 2004 after earning her MSW from the University of Southern Maine in Portland. Emily began her career in roles focused on child welfare, including domestic and international adoption as well as in roles interfacing with DCF and the foster care system. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults and families in inpatient, outpatient and home-based settings. Prior to joining the CMC:Berkshires staff, Emily worked at the Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, MA where she provided intensive psychodynamic family therapy and clinical casework.
Emily Kaiser specializes in evidence-based treatment for substance use and co-occurring trauma. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, and completed her predoctoral internship at the James J. Peters Bronx VA Hospital. Prior to this, she received clinical training at the Palo Alto VA, Stanford Addiction Medicine and Dual Diagnosis Clinic, and the Stanford Confidential Support Team, a clinic specializing in the support and treatment of college students affected by gender-based violence on campus. Her doctoral research focused on mindfulness-based interventions for substance use, particularly smoking cessation. Her current research work for CMC has focused on evaluating the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions for substance use in clinical settings and improving the use of feedback-informed treatment. Emily has completed specialized training in motivational interviewing and incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness into her work.
Emily Maple is a predoctoral intern, having completed her doctoral coursework and dissertation at The New School with specialized training in substance use disorders. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between individuals' alcohol use and their experience of boredom. Her clinical training included placements at Lenox Hill Hospital, The Safran Center, Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai West, and Gouverneur Hospital. Prior to studying psychology, she received a Master of Public Health at Boston University, with a concentration in epidemiology.
Ms. Reinhard has worked in the field of addiction treatment for 20 years in various capacities including recovery coaching, case management, alumni support services, intake coordination, clinical outreach, and direct clinical care. Her previous experience includes working at an in-patient dual diagnosis psychiatric hospital where she conducted clinical assessments and ran psychotherapy groups. She holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Fordham University and a masters degree in social work from Rutgers University. Ms. Reinhard is trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), and STAIR (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation). A member of the trauma team at CMC, Ms. Reinhard co-leads a trauma skills group, and provides individual trauma informed therapy.
Job Titles:
- Senior Clinical Supervisor - Trauma Team
Jami Wolf, PsyD is a supervising psychologist at CMC. Dr. Wolf specializes in the evaluation and treatment of PTSD, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Wolf is certified in (PE) Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD and trained in Complicated Grief Treatment. At CMC, Dr. Wolf focuses on utilizing evidence-based treatments, PE and STAIR (Prolonged Exposure, and Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation), to work with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. In clinical practice, Dr. Wolf works with both individuals and family members, and leads a mixed gender process group. Dr. Wolf utilizes a CRAF- informed approach with family members. She also incorporates DBT and mindfulness-based interventions and a focus on wellness in her approach to treating individuals with addictive and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Wolf has extensive experience working in the inpatient milieu and outpatient services, providing cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamically informed psychotherapy to individuals and groups across the lifespan. She also has specialized training and experience helping individuals who struggle with severe and persistent mental illness, mood disorders, self-harming and suicidal behaviors, life crises, and personality disorders. Dr. Wolf is New York State Psychological Association's (NYSPA) Division on Addictions President-Elect 2017.
Job Titles:
- Director of Adolescent Services
Jarell R.O. Myers, PhD is a clinical psychologist, licensed in both New York and Massachusetts, with training in cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavioral approaches to treatment. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed an APA-accredited internship at Mt. Sinai St. Luke's Hospital on the child and adolescent track. In addition, Dr. Myers completed a two year postdoctoral fellowship in child and adolescent psychology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center in White Plains, New York where the focus was on treatment for anxiety. He used that experience at McLean Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders in an intensive outpatient clinic. Dr. Myers has expertise in working with adolescents and young adults with comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders and adopts a harm reduction approach when appropriate.
Jenna Goldstein, Marriage and Family Therapist, earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology (with a minor in applied psychology) from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Her previous experience includes working as a clinician at a residential treatment center for substance use. Jenna has also worked in collaborative care and high school settings. Jenna takes a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and integrated approach to therapy, pulling from evidence-based and systems theories incorporating familial and couple units of clients' lives. Jenna strives to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to her clients and hopes to cultivate meaningful relationships through collaborative work.
Job Titles:
- Recovery Specialist Director
Jeoffrey Hill, MD is double board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine. Prior to pursuing a research training track at the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Hill earned a BA in Psychology at Boston College. He earned his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, MA. Most recently, Dr. Hill completed a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Boston Medical Center and the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Hill was an instructor at the Boston University School of Medicine and the SAMHSA-funded BEST program, teaching evidence-based screening, brief intervention, and referral to addiction treatment. In 2019, he won the Ruth Fox Scholarship, awarded by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and serves as a guest lecturer at the Tufts University School of Medicine, focusing on the topic of chemical dependence in health care professionals. Dr. Hill is a published primary author on the subject of prescription medication misuse and, prior to coming to CMC:Berkshires, he also served as attending physician at the SECAP comprehensive addiction program of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center where he enjoyed teaching and mentoring the medical students of Tufts University and the Psychiatry residents of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center.
Jillian D'Ornellas, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master's degree from Hofstra University. Prior to joining CMC, Ms. D'Ornellas was the clinical coordinator of an adolescent intensive outpatient program for substance use. She has extensive clinical experience integrating family members into treatment for substance use, mental health concerns, and acting out behaviors. Ms. D'Ornellas has specialized training in various systemic therapies including Attachment Based Family Therapy, which addresses trauma and relational ruptures in family systems. Ms. D'Ornellas aims to provide client-centered treatment with a focus on family growth through the therapeutic process.
Joanna Barlow earned her social work degree from the University of Michigan with specialized training in addiction and substance use disorders. Prior to joining the clinical team at CMC, Joanna worked with individuals from young adults through those later in life, people who are incarcerated, and residents seeking access to economic and mental health resources. With experience in both clinical and community social work, Joanna brings a macro lens and a collaborative, strengths-based approach to her work as a clinician. In addition to her role as a Primary Clinician, Joanna works closely with clients who are evaluated and treated for PTSD in her role as Trauma Treatment Administrator.
Job Titles:
- Director of Digital Services
Joshua King, PsyD is a licensed psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. Dr. King is the host of the Beyond Addiction Show, a weekly podcast dedicated to disseminating information about evidence-based treatments and to interviewing people who have worked to move the conversation about substance use forward. Dr. King oversees CMC's media presence and website and is a regular contributor to CMC's blog and is a contributing writer to Thrive Global. He has recently co-authored a chapter in Different Patients, Different Therapies (Cabaniss & Holoshitz, 2019) on using ACT to work with substance use disorders.
Job Titles:
- Director of Intensive Services
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Julie Jarvis, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders as well as mood and anxiety disorders for over 20 years. Dr. Jarvis obtained her PhD in clinical psychology from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, and went on to complete a post-doctoral fellowship in Addictions Psychology from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Jarvis has worked with individuals, groups, couples and families in a variety of treatment settings, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and long term residential care. Dr. Jarvis serves as a consulting psychologist for CMC:FFC, a non-profit organization providing evidence-based skills training to family members who have a loved one struggling with substance use issues.
Job Titles:
- Director of Evaluation Services
Kathy Pruzan, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her doctorate from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Dr. Pruzan's background is in the treatment of individuals who have difficulties with anxiety, mood disorders, and acting out behaviors. She has previous training experience utilizing DBT at Bellevue Hospital. Her pre-doctoral internship was at Green Chimneys, working with children and adolescents in residential and day treatment. Dr. Pruzan has also worked with people on the autism spectrum who have co-occurring substance abuse disorders. She has an interest in sport psychology and has worked with athletes at all levels on issues related to performance, anxiety, and substance abuse. Dr. Pruzan has been intimately involved in developing and managing the evaluation process at CMC. She also coordinates graduate internships at CMC and supervises CMC's interns and postdoctoral fellows.
Kayla Sanchez, PsyD, is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in evidence based treatment for individuals with substance-use and trauma, as well as couples. She received her degree from Long Island Universtiy Post. Kayla's training is varied and includes outpatient community mental health clinics such as the Psychological Services Center and Pride Healing Center at LIU Post as well as inpatient psychiatric units at Bellevue Hospital. She also provided EFT-informed couple therapy at Montefiore's Supporting Healthy Relationships Program. Kayla is a bilingual therapist and has provided individual, group, and couple's therapy in Spanish as well as English. She draws from psychodynamic, CBT, EFT therapeutic frameworks to provide an individualized, warm collaborative environment. She also has received specialized training in prolonged exposure and motivational interviewing.
Job Titles:
- Director of Training
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Research Scientist
Kenneth Carpenter, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and research scientist with over 20 years of experience developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based motivational and cognitive-behavioral strategies for helping individuals make important lifestyle changes. Dr. Carpenter earned his degree from Hofstra University and completed a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship in the Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Training Program at The Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He has received federal and private foundation grant money for investigating the psychological, behavioral, and neurobiological factors associated with substance misuse and its treatment. Dr. Carpenter is the Director of Training for the CMC:Foundation for Change, a not-for-profit organization with the mission of improving the dissemination of evidence-based ideas and strategies to professionals and loved ones of persons struggling with substance use through the Invitation to Change approach. The CMC:Foundation for Change and Dr. Carpenter have developed a unique approach for families, blending components of CRAFT, MI and ACT together into the Invitation to Change approach, an accessible set of understandings and practices that empower families to remain engaged and effective in helping their struggling loved one. The approach has been widely used across the country, and is utilized in trainings with laypeople and professionals. Dr. Carpenter also holds an academic appointment at a NYC based University and is a Research Scientist in the Division on Substance Use Disorders at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (M.I.N.T).
Leslie Daly, PhD is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. After receiving a Master's degree at Pratt Institute she worked for 8 years as a creative arts therapist using movement, yoga and mindfulness in addiction and psychiatric settings. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Long Island University (LIU), Brooklyn and worked in addiction treatment at Bellevue Hospital Center and in psychiatry at NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell. Dr. Daly had advanced training at Beth Israel Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, and The Institute for Psychoanalytic Therapy and Research (IPTAR), and completed her pre-doctoral internship at Kings County Hospital Center. Her research interests include the impact of yoga, mindfulness, and body awareness on emotion regulation and well being. She taught yoga for over 19 years and is certified as a yoga therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). She trained at Integral Yoga Institute and studied LifeForce Yoga with Amy Weintraub, author of Yoga for Depression. She conducts a mindfulness yoga-based group at CMC for people with substance use issues and trauma and completed an EMDRIA-approved 3-part basic training in EMDR with Laurel Parenell, PhD.
Job Titles:
- Admissions Director
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Megan King is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received her Masters in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Salve Regina University. Megan began her career in roles focused on the welfare of elders and people with disabilities, as well as facilitating caregiver support groups. She has worked with adolescents, adults, and elders in both outpatient and home-based settings. Prior to joining the CMC:Berkshires staff, Megan worked at a Community Mental Health Outpatient program providing individual therapy to people with substance use problems.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
Melanie Podsiadlo, PsyD earned her doctoral degree in organizational psychology at Rutgers University. Initially, she worked as a consultant providing a range of services including selection, executive coaching, team development, and change management with a focus on senior levels, predominantly in Fortune 100 organizations. During her time as a consultant she also served on the Executive Board of Directors at a large Community Mental Health organization. Melanie returned to school at Adelphi University to obtain a second specialization in clinical psychology. She has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings with a focus on group and short-term, individual therapy.
Nicole Heitler, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with CMC for over 10 years. She earned her degree from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. She has worked in the addiction field for over a decade and spearheads CMC's satellite office in Roslyn, Long Island. She is a member of CMC's evaluation team and provides collaborative and evidence-based treatment for adults, couples, and families at CMC:NYC and CMC:LI. Prior to CMC, Dr. Heitler worked as a research coordinator and therapist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University's Substance Treatment and Research Services (STARS), and as a therapist at their Buprenorphine Program. She has also worked as a supervising psychologist at a community mental health center, where she specialized in developmental disabilities and teaching social and interpersonal skills to children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Nicole Saadatirad is a psychological associate completing her Psy.D. from Alliant International University in San Diego. She has worked in various settings, including inpatient treatment facilities for substance use and co-occurring disorders, forensic centers for domestic violence and trauma, as well as college counseling centers. Nicole completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Baylor University Counseling Center in Waco, Texas, with a training emphasis on Interpersonal Process Therapy. She is passionate about helping individuals address struggles with substance use, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. Nicole utilizes an integrative approach, incorporating brief psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, motivational, and ACT interventions. Her research interests include the role and impact of spirituality/faith for individuals in their recovery process, as well as the hidden impact of psychological and emotional abuse.
Job Titles:
- Accounts Receivable
- Manager
Job Titles:
- Director of Trauma Services
Rachel Proujansky, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her doctorate from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West Hospitals. Dr. Proujansky completed her post-doctoral fellowship in DBT with adolescents, adults, and family members at the Center for Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, where she worked with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, and addictive and compulsive behaviors. She also served as a therapist on an NIH-funded study examining the use of LGB-affirmative CBT for substance use and compulsive sexual behavior in sexual minority men. She is instrumental in managing and supporting the clinicians on CMC's trauma team at CMC. Dr. Proujansky is an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the New York City Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Rebecca Barber, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with CMC for over 15 years. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The New School and her Master's Degree in Developmental Psychology from Harvard. Dr. Barber received advanced training in the treatment of substance use disorders at The Addiction Institute of New York and has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Barber has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups and integrates psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, motivational, and contemplative practices into her work. Dr. Barber also has worked extensively with couples and leads groups at CMC.
Samantha DiMeglio, PsyD, is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in evidence-based treatment for individuals and adolescents with substance use disorders and trauma who received her degree from Nova Southeastern University, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. DiMeglio has worked in a variety of treatment settings including community mental health clinics and university counseling. She completed her predoctoral internship at San Diego State University's Counseling and Psychological Services Center in San Diego, CA, where she provided individual and group therapeutic services as well as psychological assessments to individuals with diverse and intersecting identities including DACA, socioeconomic, and ability status as well as LGBTQ+. Furthermore, Samantha is passionate about providing holistic, person-centered care with a focus on gender roles, societal/familial expectations, building personal agency, and self-compassion. Samantha has training in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, biofeedback, and smoking cessation.
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Outreach
Sarah Zucker is a licensed psychologist located in San Diego, CA. Her passion is helping clients resolve substance use concerns and supporting people in the change process however that may look for each individual. Dr. Zucker attended the University of California, Los Angeles for her undergraduate studies. After graduating, she obtained her doctorate in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. Dr. Zucker has primarily worked in private practice, university counseling settings, and as a staff psychologist and director in treatment centers that provide detox and residential treatment. At San Diego State University, she utilized a grant to co-design and implement the university's first collegiate recovery program and gave presentations on reducing stigma and being an ally to people in various stages of recovery. Dr. Zucker has presented and written extensively about: Motivational Interviewing, client-centered discharge planning, reducing stigma, and making treatment and recovery more welcoming for groups that have been marginalized. She works primarily with addiction and substance use concerns, trauma, anxiety, with members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of all identities, and students and young adults.
Siobhan Donnelly, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who earned her Masters degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College and her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University. She spearheads CMC's satellite program in Washington, DC (CMC:DC) and has experience working in psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient and outpatient settings, mobile crisis teams, addiction treatment facilities, and correctional settings providing brief and long-term individual, couples, and group psychotherapy. Dr. Donnelly has specialized training in crisis intervention as well as suicide and risk assessment. She has worked extensively with individuals and families that are in crisis, pose an imminent risk to themselves or others, have complex histories of trauma and abuse, substance dependence, behavioral problems, and severe emotional disturbances.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources & Operations Director
Steven Freed is a clinical psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and trauma. He obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research where he implemented a protocol to enhance the motivation of college students to change substance use behaviors and worked as a clinical interviewer on an NIMH funded study looking at the effects of trauma on the body. Dr. Freed completed his internship at Bellevue Hospital Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai West working with adults struggling with substance misuse who often had co-occurring mood, anxiety, personality, or psychotic disorders. Dr. Freed is a member of American Psychological Association, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and the Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR).
Job Titles:
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Tanya Beecher is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families affected by substance use disorders. Following her training at Smith College School for Social Work, she completed a postgraduate fellowship at Harvard University in young adult development and college mental health. She specializes in treating substance abuse disorders and trauma, and has been a clinical supervisor in the field of addictions since 2005. She also has expertise in treating eating disorders.
Venice Bruno, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her doctorate from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Long Beach Reach Inc., through the Derner Internship Consortium - Adelphi University, working with substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and those impacted by the substance use of others. Prior to joining CMC, Dr. Bruno was the Project Director of a community treatment center, overseeing the facility, outpatient program, and supervising staff. Dr. Bruno has worked with a diverse range of individuals, groups, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and court mandated programs, as well as schools, community, and government clinics. Dr. Bruno is also a certified yoga teacher for children, adults, and prenatal populations. She utilizes her training in movement and psychology to bring a strength-based, exploratory approach to wellness. Dr. Bruno is a member of the Women's Mental Health Consortium and American Psychological Association.
Vivian Song, PhD is a licensed psychologist who earned her degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Jewish Chile Care Association Foster Home Services, working with children and adolescents who presented with complex trauma. In addition, Dr. Song completed a two year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Brooklyn Learning Center, where the focus was on neuropsychological testing and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults who presented with attention, executive functioning and learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and depression. She has experience working in outpatient hospital settings and schools, and has provided psychotherapy to children and adolescents in individual and group settings. Dr. Song has expertise in working with adolescents and young adults with comorbid neurodevelopmental and emotional disorders.
Zoe Leary, LMSW received her masters degree from Simmons College in social work with a focus on substance using populations. Her clinical experience includes working with adolescents and addiction treatment throughout all levels of care. Ms. Leary has specialized training in CBT-I and Unified Protocol while also using core concepts of motivational interviewing (MI) and a strengths based approach in her work. Her primary role at CMC is in her work with clients returning to NYC following residential treatment at CMC:Berkshires. Ms. Leary helps clients set goals to ease back into their busy lives and to help them maintain the connection with the skills and resources that they found effective while in inpatient care.
Zoren Degtyarev, is a predoctoral clinical intern completing his Ph.D. from Adelphi University in New York. He has gained a wide range of clinical experiences working with adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including state psychiatric and public hospitals, as well as University counseling centers. Working with clients from diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds has enriched his understanding of the complexities and sensitivities required for clinical work. Zoren employs evidence-based treatment to treat individuals and couples suffering from substance use disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. His clinical thinking and approach are largely integrative. Zoren has training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT, motivational interviewing and prolonged exposure. He strives to pragmatically integrate complementary treatment perspectives and interventions to provide efficient services to clients.