REFRESH PSYCHOTHERAPY - Key Persons
Alexis Acevedo was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y! She earned her undergraduate degree from St. Francis College and graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College. In addition to being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Alexis, is also a Master's level Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor.
Alexis uses an integrative counseling approach with emphasis on person-centered and holistic exercises. She believes we all carry the weight of our experiences, which help to shape how we perceive and move though our world. Alexis works mindfully with the intention to understand unique perspectives and welcome them, which is why she encourages her clients to bring all parts of themself into therapy sessions. It's Alexis's goal to use connection, compassion, and curiosity, to help center clients as the expert of their own experience; she achieves this by offering a welcoming, affirming, space free of judgement and negativity.
Alexis has specialized training and expertise in not-for-profit leadership and program development. Her work in the not-for-profit sector has led to collaborating with individuals working through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, matters connected to chemical dependency, in addition to symptoms related to serious and persistent mental illness and life transitions.
In her spare time Alexis enjoys horseback riding, hiking, reading, traveling and exploring new restaurants all throughout New York.
Aneela was born and raised in Queens, New York. She pursued an undergraduate Psychology degree at Queens College and a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University. She's always held a great interest in understanding mental health illnesses and human psychological development. Having worked with diverse age groups, from young children and adolescents to adults and older adult populations, Aneela enjoys connecting with her clients through a positive therapeutic relationship.
Aneela has been an avid volunteer since her adolescence and has held a social justice lens
through her work. Aneela's background includes serving underserved populations, which include: those impacted by the criminal justice system, those who suffer from mental health illnesses, and elderly adults. Aneela draws from a holistic psychotherapy approach, which align with her personal mission of helping clients in their personal growth, while ensuring their overall well-being. She uses motivational interviewing, reminiscence therapy, and psychoanalytic approaches with her clients. Aneela is a trained past life regression hypnotherapist who helps clients to surface conscious and unconscious elements of the mind to deepen their healing process. Aneela additionally uses mindfulness intervention practices, NLP (Neuro-Linguistics Programming) and mental health first aid to best support her clients. Through her background working with diverse populations and communities, Aneela has gained a heightened level of awareness, which she uses to help clients clarify their own values and direction in life. She supports clients as they identify symptoms, build consciousness around behavioral, relational and thought patterns that affect their ability to thrive and be the best version of themselves.
As a lifelong Queens resident, Aneela enjoys exploring the immense diversity of her home borough (the most ethnically diverse area in the world!). As an avid photographer, Aneela spends most of her free time exploring museums and other parts of New York City by foot with her camera in tow. She practices meditation for self-care and self-hypnosis for self-improvement.
Anna received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Loyola University in Baltimore and is currently in her final year as a Master's student of Social Work at Hunter Silberman School of Social Work.
Anna has worked in education, fast-paced corporate marketing, and at non-profits. She uses her range of experiences to connect with people from all backgrounds and understands work
pressure from various settings. Anna has experience working with newcomer youth as well as seniors.
Anna is empathetic and motivational. She believes in holistic approaches to help clients meet their goals. She provides warmth and support to people who are working through loss, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. Anna is interested in bodywork, mindfulness, as well as intentional living and solution-focused therapy. Anna is fluent in Russian and has experience in therapeutic work with Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors.
Anna is a first-generation American. Her family is Russian Jewish and she feels culturally close to the traditions she grew up with. She has lived in five different countries and understands the
Dejah (she/her) is a native of Clearwater, Florida. She is now firmly planted in the New York area where she is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Dejah is a three-time Florida State University alumnus. There, she received a Bachelor's degree in sport management, a Master's in sport management, and her Master's in Social Work degree.
Dejah's previous clinical experiences have allowed her to explore what healing and investing in oneself looks and feels like for diversified clientele; veterans, couples, justice-involved individuals.
This work has empowered Dejah's commitment to customizing and creating a safe therapeutic space for all of her clients. She enjoys working with clients of varying ethnic, cultural, and political backgrounds, specifically those clients who identify as people of color. Dejah is deeply committed to supporting and working with individuals within the LGBTQIA+ communities whose adolescent experiences are impacting their adult lives.
Dejah's focus is to create safe and affirming therapeutic relationships where every client can bring their whole selves, which allows true exploration of issues and topics affecting them without fear of shame or judgment. Dejah believes the therapeutic relationship is vital to client progress and emphasizes the client's role in co-creating an environment where they feel most comfortable and supported. Dejah creates these spaces by being completely invested in her clients and their experiences, Dejah's curiosity about her clients allows deep exploration of early life trauma, which can impact a clients ability to be affirmed in their identify, sexual positivity and inherent resilience.
Dejah specializes in several clinical areas, including the exploration of racial oppression, and gender and sexual identites. Treating athlete's and clients in high pressure performance driven careers is a clinical specialty of Dejah's; it marries her sports management and social work training. Dejah also specializes in working with clients who want to work through depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal conflict, resistance to change, self-esteem, anger management, and career development. De
Dejah believes that maintaining proper self-care practices is essential to ensuring she shows up for her clients in the way they deserve. She enjoys going for walks, cooking new recipes, going to the spa, and watching anime. She spends her time working out, watching college and professional football, and trying out new restaurants around the city. Dejah loves NYC because of the cultural diversity, the food, and the fact that there is always something fun to do, no matter the day or time.
Dejah is passionate about giving back through community activism, and is a huge social justice advocate. She currently sits on the Florida Restorative Justice Association board, where she works to bring awareness to alternative justice practices. She also works with various peace leaders as a part of an international organization that allows her to speak on a variety of social justice issues.
Emma is a lifelong New Yorker. She attended CUNY Hunter College where she earned a degree in Psychology and loved it so much she decided to pursue Master of Social work at Hunter's Silberman School. Emma takes pride in having her entire education from public schools in New York.
Emma worked with children and adolescents with developmental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. She also worked as an academic research assistant at Hunter College. Emma helped research adolescents' perceptions of sexual consent. Emma also participated in a study of how Black women use coping mechanisms to manage experiences of discrimination. Emma has also worked as a Care Coordinator at a Health Homes agency for adults with serious mental illness and chronic physical illness. Emma has also worked with adolescents and adults experiencing PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, personality disorders and chronic physical illness.
Emma uses a strengths-based and person-centered approach to support and work with her clients. She also employs techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in her work with clients. Emma's clinical interests focus on anxiety/panic disorders, family relationships, life transitions, and depression.
Emma finds daily self-care important, whether that be taking a nap, putting on a face mask, seeing friends and family, or watching tv. In addition, Emma loves to cook and learn new techniques in the kitchen in her free time. Growing up Emma participated in a choir and now she enjoys singing loudly in her apartment.
Emma loves the diversity of New York City. She enjoys all that the city has to offer, especially learning about and eating other cuisines. Emma lives moments when she is walking alone in the city without headphones watching people from all walks of life move around her.
Emma is a lifelong volunteer. As a kid, she would arrange food drives in her community and at her school. During the pandemic Emma and her mother volunteered at a food bank giving out groceries and hot meals to local families.
Genna was born and raised in Stony Brook, NY. Genna earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State University and she is a loyal Nittany Lions fan. Genna went on to obtain her Master's in Social Work from Hunter College. Genna practices as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Genna has experience working in various community mental health settings, and she specializes in working with adults diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Genna also has experience working with family members who have a loved one with a mental illness, providing psychoeducation and support. Genna primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work, specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Genna feels that mindfulness tools are a critical piece in the therapeutic process.
In her spare time Genna enjoys engaging in meditation and yoga, and she enjoys exploring parks and nature. Genna can also be found trying out any and every local coffee shop and bakery, looking for that perfect cup of coffee and pastry.
Jacqueline is a New Yorker by way of London, England, and Jamaica, West Indies, with 18 years of human service work under her belt! Born in London, England to Jamaican parents, she spent her childhood living in both England and Jamaica. Jaqueline has called NYC home for over 25 years. She earned her undergraduate degree at Pace University in Sociology and then went on to earn her Master of Social Work degree at Fordham University. Shortly after graduating, Jacqueline obtained her LMSW, LCSW, and CASAC licenses. Thoughtful, warm, and attentive, Jacqueline's work with clients is rooted in self-exploration. She is a proponent of cultural competency working with individuals, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ communities. Jaqueline looks to help her clients achieve their desired outcomes in self-actualization, emotional self-management, interpersonal communication, and self-awareness. Passionate about helping others Jacqueline allows herself to be intrigued and drawn-in by the experiences that are shared with her through therapy; aiding clients as they get to places that are meaningful to them is paramount.
When she is not aiding others therapeutically, Jacqueline enjoys volunteering her time. She has learned and taught Ballroom and Latin dance provided front-desk services at Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing and participates in dance flash mobs. Jacqueline also enjoys gardening, jogging, riding her bicycle, and spending time with friends and family. Jacqueline is a colon cancer survivor who is living a cancer-free, healthy, and full life.
Jessica grew up in The Bronx and attended Adelphi University for both her bachelor's and master's in social work.
Jessica has experience working with neurodiverse individuals, adults with anxiety and depression, and victims of sexual assault. She believes in a personalized approach, creating a warm and empathetic space for clients to share their stories at their own pace. She is particularly interested in narrative and cognitive therapy approaches, helping clients gain insight and modify thoughts and behaviors.
Jessica self-identifies as a disabled, brown, South-Asian woman. She is the oldest child of Guyanese immigrants and has been totally blind since birth. Jessica believes that her multiple marginalized identities have had a huge impact on her therapeutic style. She believes that every client deserves a therapist who is like them and understands clients' unique experiences in navigating a world that isn't designed to meet their individual needs.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with family, writing, listening to pop music, and playing with her golden retriever, Lucky. She likes to unwind by spinning and reading psychological thrillers and contemporary romances. Living in the vibrant NYC metro area, she loves exploring new places with friends and family.
Jessica actively mentors college students with disabilities and volunteers as a support specialist on mental health and crisis hotlines.
Joanna was born and raised a heavy New Yorker. Her love for NY sports knows no bounds. She received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work as well as her Master's degree in Social Work, at Florida International University. Joanna was a swimmer in college and learned the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between physical and emotional health. Joanna returned to New York, once graduating with her MSW and obtained her LMSW and later her LCSW.
From there, she went to work with youth and families in the foster care system at a Residential Treatment Center. Joanna worked with a facet of topics including mental illness, social justice, trauma, domestic violence, and economic hardships. During her time working in foster care, she practiced a lot of psychodynamic therapy, really finding this to be the foundational core of her work with youth and families. Joanna spent seven years working with the foster care population, truly recognizing the essential need to create space for every day mental health struggles. Joanna also earned her SIFI, supervising student interns.
Joanna continues to be interested in growing her social work education to challenge and expand her psychotherapeutic self. Joanna takes a special interest in working with athletes. Having grown up in a world where sports represented more than just a past time to her, she understands how being an athlete can often be tied to one's identity, accompanied by a complexity of mental health issues and intensive performance pressures. Her clinical interest also includes Depression, Anxiety, and OCD. That all being said, to Joanna, the ideal client, is the client who walks into the office.
Joanna loves being in NY, as she feels it offers a range of cultures, ethinicies, and ages. She supports the annual NAMI walk yearly with her family as well as the annual psoriasis walk (a cause close to her heart due to her own struggle with this autoimmune disorder). Joanna is a big believer in self-care. To her, there is no wrong way to self-care, but she finds it important to get lots of love from her bulldogs and watch sports events to utilize her energetic voice!
Lauren grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She attended The University of Southern California for her undergraduate degree and New York University for her Master of Social Work degree.
Before joining the Refresh team Lauren worked at a family shelter in the Bronx. While there she provided individual therapy to clients experiencing the impact of issues related to grief, trauma, and family challenges. Lauren strives to empower people in their healing process through psychotherapy, trauma-informed practice, and holistic care.
Lauren is a descendant of an Armenian genocide survivor. Her background connects Lauren to a visceral sense of social injustice. Lauren's background also connects her to a strong appreciation of culture and the ways that it incorporates into our lives, especially through values, food, and language.
Lauren loves to read, play tennis, watch movies, and travel. She also started biking this year, which she enjoys as well. Lauren also journals and talks to loved ones for self-care.Lauren loves trying all the food that NYC has to offer, and feels like that will never change. She loves exploring the unique diversity of experiences NYC has to offer!
Lauren's motivation for her work comes from a desire to give back to the community she lives in; she incorporates this in the way she votes, protests, and works.
Leina has been in the field for 17 years. She is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and her native language is Spanish.
Leina was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor's in Psychology. Afterwards, Leina moved to New Jersey and began working at YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities as a job counselor for people with high functioning developmental disabilities. She went on to study for her Masters Degree in Counseling at New Jersey City University. As part of her program, she did an internship at Casa De Pedro, where she provided counseling to a wide range of clients in the Hispanic community of Newark. After she finished her Masters Degree, Leina was not done with her education and entered the Professional Diploma program at Kean University, specializing in Marriage and Family therapy. Leina did another year and half internship at Family Service League in Montclair, NJ. She worked with clients who suffered from depression, anxiety, couples, families, domestic violence victims as well as those who were court-ordered to do therapy after being charged with committing domestic violence.
Once she graduated, she moved to Brooklyn and joined New York Foundling where she worked as a Functional Family Therapist, doing in-home therapy for families with an at-risk youth. Some of the behaviors covered were truancy, substance use, verbal/physical aggression, gang involvement, criminal behavior, breaking curfew, AWOL behavior, and others. While working with families, Leina had the opportunity to work with a range of concerns/issues including depression, anxiety, manic depressive disorder, trauma related issues, past sexual assault, to name a few. At New York Foundling, her experience continued to grow and was eventually promoted to Functional Family Therapy Supervisor.
Leina prides herself on being very supportive and understanding of her clients. Trust is very important and essential in the relationship between therapist and client and Leina works very hard in building that right away with all of her clients. Self-care is very important to her and when not at work, Leina spends a lot of time watching movies. The Oscars is her version of the Super Bowl. She is also a big fan of Real Madrid, one of the most popular teams in international football.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Master Social Worker
Melissa is a Licensed Master Social Worker focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Narrative Therapy. She provides both short and long term therapy and specializes in working with families, adolescents, and the LGBTQ population.
Melissa believes that everything is connected: mind, body, spirit, and environment. We must take care of all to be right with one. She uses a variety of therapeutic strategies to help you understand the issues that you are facing and connect all aspects of your life to find resolution.
Melissa was born and raised in Central New York. She attended public city schools and based on her experiences, made a conscious choice to someday work in the very same district, determined to make a positive impact. Melissa graduated from Syracuse University with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in social work.
Social Work is a second career for Melissa who spent over a decade as a hairstylist. She has always been a "helper"; Melissa thrives on helping others discover their greatness. Currently a high school social worker, Melissa often tells her students to "use their powers for good", all of the energy it takes to be mad, sad, angry, anxious, and scared, if given the proper tools, can be turned around and used to create a healthy, happy, and successful life.
She believes that we never stop learning and growing and is excited to be a small part of your journey!
Molly grew up in Massachusetts and she now calls New York City home. Molly earned her Bachelors of Arts at Boston College and earned her Masters in Social Work from New York University's Silver School. Molly worked in journalism prior to becoming a psychotherapist.
Previously, Molly has worked in a university setting and at a psychotherapy practice. She has worked with adults living with depression, anxiety, grief, substance use disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and childhood trauma. Molly's experience in the field has also led her to conduct research on the impact of trauma on families. In her clinical work, Molly utilizes Attachment Theory, Object Relations, and other evidence-based practices.
Molly volunteers in her off time she is a strong believer in participating in local elections, and advocating for policies she believes in. She is a member of the Italian-American community. Molly is a big fan of walking around the city, gardening, cooking, yoga, and people-watching in her neighborhood's parks.
In addition to English, Molly speaks conversational Spanish, French, Nepali, and Turkish.
Olivia grew up on the Southside of Chicago & in Phoenix, Arizona - but she will always consider Chicago her true home. In 2014, Olivia packed up two suitcases and flew across the country to NYC. Olivia has since called New York her home! She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from University of Northern Arizona, and a Master's in Social Work from Hunter College.
Olivia has predominantly worked in supportive housing sites in Manhattan & The Bronx providing social services to adults and families with a history of homelessness. Olivia has also worked in an inpatient rehabilitation center for women receiving treatment for substance use. She has several years of experience providing services to a diverse group of adults and families impacted by homelessness, history of incarceration, alcohol & substance use, and severe medical conditions. She has also worked with the LGBTQIA+ community, first & second generation adults, Adult Children of Alcoholics, folks with childhood trauma, and intimate partner violence.
Olivia's clinical style is laid back, collaborative, inquisitive, non-judgmental, & compassionate. Some of her clinical interests include the effects of alcoholism and/or substance on the family system and the mental health of first & second generation adults.Olivia proudly identifies as a first generation Mexican-American woman! Growing up as a first generation Latina Olivia uses her own experiences to guide her work as a therapist.
On her own time, she enjoys getting lost in movies, especially thriller/suspense movies! She likes kickboxing classes, which allows her to have fun and decompress from stress. Olivia is a huge advocate for taking naps as a form of relaxation and self-care. She also likes to dance and sing around the house!
Olivia loves living in the NYC area because she truly is a city girl at heart! She loves going to musicals, eating at new restaurants, and exploring new places throughout the NYC area.
She likes to give back to her community by donating clothing to those in need. She often searches for ways in which she can pay it forward to others as a form of self-care within the community.
Tamara is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Queens, NY; she is a Queens girl at heart.
Tamara earned a dual BA in Psychology and Sociology fromThe City College of NY. She obtained her Master in Social Work from Fordham University. Tamara is an Licensed Master Social Worker.
Tamara had the pleasure of working in multiple settings and populations. She has provided psychotherapy to adults in a clinical setting. She's done preventive case work with families and children, Harm Reduction Case Management services for young adults seeking their High School Equivalency Diploma. Tamara has also worked with single adult men with severe and persistent mental illness in the NYC shelter system.
Tamara's clinical work has led to supporting adults navigating life transitions. She has worked extensively with adults diagnosed with depression, anxiety and panic disorders, adults experiencing interpersonal conflicts, PTSD, substance use, and failure to thrive.
Tamara is a proponent of autonomy within the therapeutic space using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and supportive approach which she individualizes for each client. Tamara uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing. Tamara incorporates CRT into her work to allow her clients the space to share authentically about their experiences.
Tamara is particularly interested in examining the impact imposter syndrome has on women of color, specifically Black women in leadership positions. Tamara knows firsthand the impact that imposter syndrome has on one especially when navigating non inclusive spaces.
Tamara is a first generation Black woman of Panamanian descent who takes pride in her heritage. Tamara is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community.