Meet NYCTWC
Cristin Hammel
B.A., M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University
Dr. Hammel is the recipient of the Alison Kim Levy Continuing Acts of Kindness recognition for community service and involvement. Her experience working with people with disabilities at the elementary, high school, and university level has allowed to her provide services to several school districts on Long Island. Dr. Hammel currently sees children, adolescents, and adults and specializes in the treatment of anxiety and trauma, including PTSD. Her research interests include disability law and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. She is a NYS licensed psychologist and a NYS certified school psychologist.
Our Staff
Kerri Moreland, PsyD
B.A. , M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University
Dr. Moreland is a NYS licensed psychologist, a NYS certified school psychologist, and is currently employed at a Long Island school district. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorders and patients of all ages experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression. Dr. Moreland incorporates stress reduction, relaxation, and mindfulness into her sessions in order to decrease anxiety. Dr. Moreland's research on secondary trauma has been published in peer reviewed journals.
Dan Rinaldi, PsyD
B.A. Quinnipiac University, M.S. Hofstra University, PsyD Hofstra University
Dr. Rinaldi is a NYS licensed therapist who specializes primarily with high school and college age emerging adults. He is certified as an expert in both trauma and addictions as well as CBT for insomnia. Dr Rinaldi takes a mindful approach to teaching physical, intellectual, and emotional coping strategies to his clients. His work is a therapeutic partnership informed by the goals and values of individual client.
Kristi DeName, LMHC, BCB, EMDR-II
B.S. University at Buffalo, M.S, Walden University
Kristi DeName is a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified in biofeedback therapy and level-II trained in Eye-Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. She provides counseling for children, adolescents and adults, primarily focusing on trauma, stress-related issues, ADHD and anxiety. With children, she incorporates play and art therapy techniques. Kristi enjoys working collaboratively with her clients. She combines her clinical expertise with her compassion to tailor each session to her client's needs.
Andrea Coleman, LMHC
B.A., St. Francis College; M.A., M.Ed,, Teachers College Columbia University
Andrea Coleman is a NYS licensed Mental Health Counselor. She specializes in treating clients with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, working with this population for ten years before coming to NYCTWC. She also has experience treating borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety disorders. Her research interests focus on adolescents exhibiting cutting behavior as well as mindfulness meditation. Andrea has presented at local and state conferences and has conducted several clinical trainings related to anxiety, autism, and developmental disabilities at surrounding regional agencies.
Rebecca Oakes, PhD
B.A. University of Texas; M.A. University of Denver; PhD, CUNY
Dr. Oakes is a NYS licensed psychologist who specializes in issues particular to women such as infertility, child development, and postpartum depression. She works with children, adolescents, adults and families. In addition to individual and family therapy, Dr. Oakes provides assessments for the diagnosis of learning disabilities, and emotional disorders. She also provides the required testing and reports for clients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Angelica Terepka, PsyD
B.A. St. Francis College, PsyD Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Terepka is a NYS licensed psychologist trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma focused CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She specializes in working with diverse populations, particularly with LGBTQIA+ and religious populations, and received the NYS Psychological Association Diversity Award for both her clinical and research contributions to the field of therapy. Dr. Terepka has specialized training in providing therapy to young adults and has held appointments at several university counseling centers. She currently works as a psychologist for a hospital where she provides individual and group therapy to teens and young adults and their families. In addition, Dr. Terepka is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, and maintains adjunct faculty appointments in Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education Counseling Psychology program and Long Island University’s Counseling and School Psychology program.
Brendan O’Connell, LCSW
BS., University of Scranton; MSW, Fordham University
Brendan has a background in behavioral intervention services. He has worked with adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a person-centered approach to support clients with anxiety and depression. His practice has included assisting students with developing self-esteem while exploring academic, behavioral, and bullying concerns. Brendan has also worked with couples and individuals on strengthening their relationships. He is a veteran and is interested in supporting fellow veterans with their emotional and mental health.
Jessica Moloney, LMHC
B.S., East Stroudsberg University; M.S. Long Island University
Jessica Moloney is a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Speaker & Author. She is also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional with an additional speciality in relationships. Using a cognitive behavioral approach, she is adept at providing coping strategies for life transitions and guiding individuals on their path of finding themselves. She treats adolescents, and adults. Her interests include integrating physical and mental wellness together as well as self acceptance to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
Monica Rush, PsyD
B.A./M.A., St. Francis College, M.S., PsyD Hofstra University
Dr. Rush is a psychologist at NY Cognitive Therapy and Wellness Center. She holds a master's degree in applied behavioral psychology from St. Francis College and a doctoral degree in school/community psychology from Hofstra University. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Monica also has received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has several years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan with various mental health disorders. Monica was previously the clinical coordinator at Hofstra's Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and has experience working at the Young Adult Institute (YAI) as a psychological examiner, and worked in several public and private schools in the school psychology departments. She has experience and interest in working with individuals experiencing ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, anger issues, selective mutism, and other serious mental health disorders.
Gulshan N. Salim, PsyD
B.A. Queens College, M.S., PsyD Hofstra University
Dr. Salim is a postdoctoral psychologist currently under the supervision of a NYS licensed psychologist at NYCTWC. She specializes in working with college age young and emerging adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationships, OCD, eating disorders and substance use. Her research focused on the effects of cultural identification, practices, and values on well-being. Dr. Salim’s treatment approach utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), positive psychology and mindfulness.
Ellen Keller, PsyD
B.A. SUNY Buffalo; M.A. Adelphi University, M.S., PsyD, LIU CW Post
Dr. Keller is a graduate of Long Island University / CW Post Campus Clinical Psychology program and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Adelphi University. Dr. Keller is affiliated with the Office of Mental Health where she provides direct service and supervises doctoral interns in their APA approved internship program. Dr. Keller has completed post graduate training in EMDR and DBT and holds a Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapist certification from the Beck Institute.
Meet NYCTWC
Lindsay Karabelas
B.A., M.S., PsyD, Hofstra University
Dr. Karabelas is a New York State Licensed Psychologist who works primarily with adolescents and adults. She uses a cognitive behavioral approach in order to lessen the impact of negative emotions on daily life. She also offers skills to help foster emotion regulation skills, coping strategies, and adaptive behaviors.
Kerrilyn Surdi
M.S., Hofstra University
Kerrilyn Surdi is a NYS Certified School Psychologist, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She is currently an intern under the supervision of a licensed NYS psychologist to receive her doctoral degree from Hofstra University. Kerrilyn has extensive experience in the school setting and specializes in working with adolescents, emerging adults, and families. Her treatment approach utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Positive Psychology. With a strong commitment to mental health, she actively contributes to research, presentations, and works with local schools and communities to promote mental health.
Cassandra Cass, Mental Health Counselor
B.A., M.S. Molloy University
Cassandra Cass is a clinical mental health counselor and holds as a limited permit under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor. She has a Bachelors degree in psychology and a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Molloy University. She was chosen as a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honors Society. Cassandra specializes in treating Depression and Anxiety and works with adolescent and adult clients. She has also worked with college students who are struggling to adjust to change. She utilizes CBT techniques skills and interventions in sessions with clients.
Natasha Edwards, LMHC
B.A., M.S., St. Francis College, Alfred University
Natasha Edwards is a mental health clinician with a limited permit, currently working under the supervision of a NYS licensed mental health counselor. Natasha received her Bachelor's degree in Applied Behavioral Psychology and International Cultural Studies from St. Francis College, Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Psychology from St. Francis College and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. She utilizes CBT and Systemic techniques and interventions with clinical experience ranging from in-home therapeutic treatment to residential and community based. Natasha specializes in treating children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, behavioral/delinquency concerns, and familial conflict.
Meagan Muller, PsyD
B.A. SUNY Binghamton, M.S. Hofstra University, Psy.D. Hofstra University
Dr. Muller is a NYS Licensed Psychologist, NYS Certificated School Psychologist, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She has experience working at various local school districts and community mental health clinics. Dr. Muller is employed full-time as a School Psychologist providing services to children with social-emotional and behavioral needs. She is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and incorporates mindfulness in to many of her sessions.
Desse-Anna Alexis
B.A. CUNY Medgar Evers College. Enrolled at Molloy University
Desse-Anna is a clinical mental health counseling intern completing her clinical experience under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CUNY Medgar Evers College, and is presently working towards a master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Molloy University. Desse-Anna has been working in the medical field for over 10 years, working with patients with a variety of mental health concerns including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, anxiety, and PTSD. For the past 4 years she has been working at Elmhurst Hospital with patients with mental health diagnoses comorbid with alcohol and substance use disorder. Desse-Anna is also counselor with the Mental Health and Wellness Center at Molloy University, where she specializes in working with children. Desse-Anna's approach to counseling embraces a person-centered philosophy with an emphasis on cognitive and behavioral strategies to improve the overall wellbeing of her clients of all ages.
Shay Ward
B.S. Molloy University. Enrolled at Molloy University
Shay Ward is a mental health counselor from Molloy University in the process of completing their requisite internship experience at New York Cognitive Therapy and Wellness Center. They graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Molloy College. During their time at Molloy University, Shay served as a student advocate by promoting mental health and wellness among LGBTQ+ students throughout campus and has a passion for working with individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Shay is also currently serving as a counseling intern at Molloy University’s Mental Health and Wellness center, where she specializes in working with adolescents and individuals presenting with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, life transitions, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties. Shay’s approach to counseling is rooted in a person-centered and cognitive-behavioral framework, but she also incorporates mindfulness, emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance and coping strategies into her sessions as well.