Welcome to the Handspring Institute

Aliza is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space for children, adolescents and parents. Aliza uses a blend of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused techniques. In her spare time, you can find Aliza at the beach collecting shells and riding her bicycle on the boardwalk.

Nicole is committed to creating a safe and non-judgemental space for children and families. She recognizes the importance of trust, compassion, and collaboration to create meaningful connections and foster positive growth. Over the years, Nicole has worked in both outpatient and school settings supporting children and families through a wide range of challenges. Outside of work, you can find Nicole reading,  riding her bike along scenic views, or spending quality time with her family.

Robyn has worked in the field of mental health for the past 10 years treating a wide variety of concerns. Robyn has worked in outpatient and non-profit settings providing clinical care to children, adolescents, adults, and families using many evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused treatment models, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques, among others. Robyn also has experience with behavioral interventions for children and adolescents, including support for parents. Robyn works from a person-centered, solution-focused, strengths-based approach and is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space to help her clients become their best selves. Robyn believes that all individuals have the capacity to make positive changes in their lives and takes particular care to build a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Robyn understands that every individual is unique and caters her therapeutic approach to each client's needs and goals, working collaboratively with her clients to ensure that she is providing the best treatment possible. Outside of work, Robyn enjoys spending time outdoors, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family (especially her husband and 2 doodles), or binge-watching the latest shows on Netflix.

Lindsay specializes in Trauma Focused therapies and is also trained and experienced in the following treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused-Strengths Based, Behavior Modification, and Systems Approach. Lindsay has several years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy. Prior to the outpatient setting, she worked in the psychiatric residential treatment setting with adolescents who required intensive therapy and behavioral modification in a structured environment. Lindsay uses a theoretical approach that incorporates a variety of treatment modalities which allows to best meet the needs of the individual. She strongly believes in providing a comfortable and trusting environment by active listening, empathizing, normalizing, and acknowledging the specific needs and desires during each individual encounter. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, paddle boarding, and relaxing at the beach.

Allison has a passion for helping adolescents and young adults thrive. With over eight years of experience, Allison has honed her skills in therapeutic, in-home, and academic settings, where she specializes in working with clients who have issues such as school refusal, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, and is LGBTQIA+ friendly.Allison's approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, warmth, and a commitment to understanding each client's unique needs and goals. She believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and takes the time to create a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients to process and heal. Allison works collaboratively with her clients to connect their thoughts to their behaviors, gain awareness about themselves and their environment, and ultimately achieve their treatment goals. Outside of work, Allison enjoys rooting for her favorite football team, the NY Giants, spending time with friends and family and her 2 cats, Gizmo and Jinx!

Megan is passionate about her work with individuals and families having difficulties with anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and communication. She mainly utilizes cognitive behavioral strategies and relaxation techniques, but utilizes other approaches based on the needs of the individual/family. Megan has experience in various outpatient settings working with children and parents, as well as adults. In her spare time, Megan can be found outdoors walking her dog or spending time with her family and friends.

Molly collaborates with clients to create a safe, affirming space where challenging thoughts, feelings and experiences can be explored. She practices therapy that is evidence-based and draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and parent consultation. Molly's goal is to empower clients with education and tools needed to continue experiencing success without therapy. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing therapy to children, teens and families in community-based, school and outpatient settings.Outside of work, Molly enjoys practicing yoga, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Michael is compassionate and driven to help you succeed and reach your goals. He has worked with individuals and families with trauma, emotional dysregulation, communication challenges, mood disorders and self-esteem. He will help you through your journey of change and growth through navigating the many challenges you face. He will use a blend of solution-focused, CBT, and person-centered treatment during your time in treatment. Michael has worked on school-based outpatient which allowed him to collaborate with the families, teachers, and other school staff to help the individuals he has served.In his spare time, Michael is spending time with his wife and 3 boys enjoying time outside and helping them discover new things. When he's not with them he takes some time to enjoy some gaming, Marvel movies, and anime.

Julianne has dedicated over ten years to providing compassionate and empowering mental health care in both residential and community settings. She is formally trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has an approach rooted in strength-based interventions to promote healing and personal growth. Clients have successfully worked with Julianne to strengthen family connections, build healthy communication skills, increase emotional stability, and decrease self defeating behaviors. She believes that when clients are able to experience self-worth and self-efficacy they are able to achieve their personal, family, and academic goals. Outside of work, you can find Julianne on a hike, enjoying coffee with friends, or in a meditation class.

My journey in the field of mental health has included working with a number of different populations with a consistent focus on child, adolescent and families. I have supported individuals through using an empathetic and transparent counseling style. I enjoy utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help individuals through their specific therapeutic goals. When not supporting families and individuals, I am spending time outdoors with friends and family!

Aurora is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health therapist who received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling with specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling from Hofstra University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health diagnoses (generalized anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders, grief/loss). She specializes in the use of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy. Aurora provides mental health services in Spanish if needed. Aurora provides a safe and supportive environment while encouraging autonomy, self-awareness and independence. Her hope is to help you feel empowered and become aware of your strengths and abilities to overcome obstacles in life.

Serena has been working with children, adolescents, and families for almost a decade. She is passionate about helping children and parents navigate challenges in life as well as mental health issues and behaviors. Serena utilizes a person centered approach with clients and tailors treatment to the specific needs of each client, combining cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness.She has experience working with a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety, OCD, emotional dysregulation, and mood disorders. In her free time, Serena enjoys hiking, spin classes, and spending time with her partner and friends as well as her dog/cats.

Anthony has enjoyed working with children and families for many years in different capacities. Anthony has experience working with children, adolescents and young adults with different emotional and behavioral challenges and needs. Anthony works to create a team dynamic to help reach the goals set for clients. Anthony has experience with Anxiety, Depression, Behavioral and Communication Issues. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as comic books, movies and sports.

Katerina has been working in the mental health field for several years, and has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. For the last three years, Katerina has worked with young children and adolescents in a school-based setting. Katerina is extremely passionate about helping children and families propel to a place of healing and peace. Ultimately, she believes that trust and a good foundation in therapy allows her to utilize her clinical expertise to generate goals that will help clients learn about themselves, heal, and move forward. Katerina particularly enjoys Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), as this modality allows her to assist clients with better understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interrelated.

Jasmine is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the mental health field for almost ten years. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults, and their families. Jasmine mainly uses a strengths-based approach with clients, as she is a big believer in someone being able to recognize the strengths that they have. She also uses a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and exposure response prevention when helping clients manage struggles related to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. Jasmine knows that it is not always easy for someone to ask for help or recognize when they need help. She values anyone who decides to seek out therapy services. Jasmine also utilizes a teamwork approach and always supports her clients in any way that she can. Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys running and spending time with her family.

Shanna obtained her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree with highest honors from Kutztown University. Shanna has worked with people throughout the lifespan. She believes that people bring unique experiences into therapy, and that the best approach is client centered, trauma informed, and tailored to individuals’ needs.

Shanna is adept at working collaboratively with the clients treatment team to help clients reach their goals. In her work, Shanna emphasizes collaboration within the family unit, knowing that working together can bring about great change and improvements.

Shanna has experience helping individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty expressing emotion. She has helped clients adjust to life changes, grief and loss, tantrum behavior, and other behavioral challenges and areas of need.

Shanna firmly believes that having an outlet to communicate needs is essential, and Shanna provides this outlet in creating a safe space for her clients. Shanna is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, body positive therapist, and genuinely believes each client has the potential for success. When not working, Shanna enjoys reading on her kindle, sitting in front of a fire, or listening to true crime podcasts.

Alexis is passionate about helping to create a warm and welcome environment for both children, adolescents and caregivers to work towards goals that we establish together. Alexis' priority is always to tailor therapy to the client's needs, bringing in a mix of different modalities to find the most effective method. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dogs, and eating yummy foods!

Ryan is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Ryan has been working in the mental health field for 5 years, and has experience working with families and children that are survivors of traumatic experiences. Ryan has experience helping these families and individuals navigate both anxiety and depression-related disorders. Ryan likes to help families and children navigate hard experiences and emotions in hopes of facilitating healing. He often takes a client-centered and affirmative approach which allows the client to be in control of their own healing journey. Ryan believes much of this work starts with a kind and trusting therapeutic relationship. He utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and narrative based approaches to help clients better understand themselves. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing video games, making music, hiking, and cooking.

Larissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor with eleven years of experience working with children and adolescents. She focuses on building a relationship of trust with clients and their families and working together as a team.  Larissa uses evidenced based treatments to help clients build a toolbox of skills, allowing them to navigate the stressors of life. Outside of therapy, Larissa enjoys spending time with her dogs.

Elizabeth offers a warm, collaborative approach to therapy and believes in building on individual and family strengths from a holistic perspective. Elizabeth has specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).  Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys engaging in a variety of creative activities (sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, gardening, baking), spending time outdoors, and connecting with family and friends.

Susannah has years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and young adults. Susannah has worked as a therapist in a number of community settings and is proficient at providing mental health counseling in English as well as in Spanish, using evidence-based strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy with a mindfulness and strengths-based approach to increase insight and self-efficacy. Susannah understands that healing happens within the context of supportive relationships and is adept at providing a therapeutic safe space for clients to work through issues such as trauma, grief, disrupted attachment, anxiety and depression. Outside of work, Susannah enjoys yoga, singing, hiking, and spending time with family (including her three cats).

Kellie has experience working with numerous presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, teen issues, ADHD, and trauma. She has worked in many different settings including schools, non-profit mental health agencies, and private practice. Her studies and practice are focused on child development, attachment, and family and teen/adolescent issues. Kellie’s mission is to make sure that every child, teen, and adult has a voice and can increase their understanding of their emotions and needs. Kellie believes in the importance of connecting with people and creating an environment that is free from judgment. Kellie’s warm, humorous, and empathetic approach helps her provide a safe place for clients of all ages to share their experiences.

Tierra has over 6 years in the mental health field. She has experience treating children, adolescents, and young adults. Tierra specializes in depression, anxiety, oppositional behaviors, self-esteem, trauma, and anger management. Tierra provides a safe and judgment-free environment to explore clients' feelings and gain insight into their situations.

Shayla has provided clinical care to children, adolescents, adults, and families in both outpatient and non-profit settings. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based modalities, including but not limited to CBT, trauma-focused treatment models, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness based techniques. Shayla believes in and affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. She approaches therapy from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration all aspects of an individual’s life that may impact one’s overall wellbeing. Shayla believes the most important aspect of counseling is the therapeutic relationship developed between client and therapist. She understands that every individual is unique and tailors her approach to each client’s individual needs and goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, going to concerts, and watching documentaries.

As a clinical mental health counselor, I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and families through various challenges and transitions. With over five years of experience, I have worked extensively with clients coping with a range of mental health disorders, navigating life transitions, and overcoming trauma. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which allows me to collaboratively explore and address each client's unique needs and goals. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and empathetic space where clients can feel heard and understood. My passion lies in empowering individuals and families to cultivate resilience, develop effective coping skills, and achieve sustainable mental wellness.

Jannet is dedicated to helping children, adolescents, young adults and families. She has experience in various settings including outpatient, non-profit and private practice. She believes in using an eclectic approach, tailoring her approach based on the client’s needs and goals. Jannet utilizes a variety of modalities including CBT, person-centered, strengths-based, motivational interviewing and mindfulness. She strives to create a warm and comfortable environment by establishing trust and rapport while being culturally competent, nonjudgmental and empathetic. Her goal is to guide, support and empower her clients by helping them recognize their own strengths and abilities. Outside of work, Jannet enjoys traveling, going to the gym, binge watching shows/movies and spending time with her family, friends and dog!

Dionne has extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a deep commitment to helping children and families achieve their mental health goals. With expertise in facilitating therapeutic groups, Dionne provides a supportive environment for clients to explore and address challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress management and parenting concerns. Whether working with young adults on personal growth, guiding families towards stronger relationships or supporting families in navigating difficult dynamics, Dionne tailors each session to meet the unique needs of every client.

Emily is passionate about collaborating with families to assist them with achieving their goals. With a Master of Social Work degree, Emily recognizes the impacts that systems and environments have on an individual and their family. Emily implements evidenced-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered, and solution-focused, while adapting to meet the client’s specific needs. Emily has experience working in school-based settings, foster homes, and in-office settings. Outside of work, you can find Emily taking care of her plants or at the local thrift store!

Sidney is a clinical social worker with years dedicated to caring for children, teens, and adults in an outpatient setting. She believes wholeheartedly that change is possible, both on an individual and family level. She utilizes a person-centered, eclectic approach in therapy, which includes pieces pulled from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Treatment, and others. You can expect treatment that is personalized, down to earth, and understanding of differences. Outside of providing care for others, she enjoys music, video games, and spending time with her family and fur children.

Tracy brings over two decades of experience to her work with clients ranging from age 8 through adulthood. Tracy uses a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients of all ages find their strengths and overcome life’s challenges.

Tracy’s extensive background includes working with youth in "out-of-home" care, focusing on behavioral and emotional healing to support family reunification. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on the importance of having someone in your corner who listens without judgment and offers guidance. She creates a safe and supportive space for children, teens, and adults to explore their feelings, gain clarity, and address past and present issues that impact their lives.

Whether working with a child struggling with anxiety, a teen dealing with depression, or an adult processing trauma, Tracy is committed to helping her clients find their inner strength and move forward with confidence. She believes that everyone has the power within themselves to heal and thrive. Tracy’s goal is to empower her clients to not just survive but build a balanced and fulfilling life.

Christine has years of experience working with children, teens, and adults across various levels of care. She meets clients where they are, fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel supported, understood, and empowered.

Although Christine is a certified DBT therapist, she is not limited to DBT and incorporates evidence-based techniques from various modalities to help clients navigate life's challenges. For those who request it, she integrates Christian faith into therapy, offering a holistic approach that respects spiritual beliefs in the healing process.Christine’s goal is to provide compassionate, effective care tailored to each client's unique needs.

Julia is a warm, friendly therapist, who is passionate about her work with both individuals and families. She is a strengths-based, solution-focused, person-centered clinician. Julia strives to help families better communicate and function more harmoniously. She often works as a bridge between family members, helping them connect more effectively. She strives to create a non-judgmental space for all of her clients, and is proud to provide neurodivergent-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and antiracist care.

Her wish for her clients is that they feel empowered to live as authentically as possible. That they gain insight about themselves, their past experiences and dynamics with others, and that they gain relief from suffering by using the tools learned in therapy.

As a Brazilian-American, Latina therapist, She is passionate about her clients giving voice to their many intersecting identities and is able to provide therapy in Portuguese. When she's not working, Julia is usually trying out new recipes at home and having friends over as taste-testers, swimming laps at the community pool (or the beach in the summer!) and watching movies with her pets!

Cami has worked with young adults, children, adolescents, and parents in a variety of contexts. She has been a therapist in community mental health and private practice settings, and has also worked as a social worker for a program for teen parents seeking to complete their high school education. From clinical therapy and school counseling, to teaching a high school parenting class for teens, Cami’s approach has focused on offering psychoeducation and teaching practical skills with the aim of empowering clients to analyze and learn how to tackle the issues which matter to them. Cami uses a Cognitive Behavioral, collaborative approach with her clients to fulfill these goals in therapy.

Cami loves learning, and she is always seeking to become better at what she does. In addition to her clinical and social work roles, she has served as an adjunct professor at her alma mater. This role allowed her to dive deeper into the theories and techniques which undergird her work. She has also spoken at state and national conferences regarding a thesis she completed as part of her education. Through opportunities such as these, as well as in her day to day, she works to continually seek out the knowledge needed to serve her clients well and improve as a clinician.

When not working, Cami enjoys spending time with her family, rollerblading, reading classic works of literature, and watching movies with her husband.

With several years of experience in community mental health, Allison specializes in supporting individuals managing anxiety and depression through evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices. Guided by a person-centered, strengths-based approach, Allison offers compassionate care, helping clients navigate their unique paths toward well-being. Committed to fostering resilience and personal growth, Allison empowers clients to build the skills needed for lasting positive change.

Esmeralda is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Recognizing the importance of trust and collaboration, Esmeralda fosters meaningful connections that encourage positive growth and healing. With experience across diverse settings—including private practice, outpatient clinics, schools, and intensive in-home and community work—Esmeralda supports individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration. As a certified ADHD therapist with a neurodivergent-affirming approach, she tailors evidence-based practices to meet each client’s unique needs.

Outside of work, you can find Esmeralda reading, traveling or spending quality time with family and friends.