Our Team
Learn more about who we are
Dr. Valentina Stoycheva
Owner & Director
Dr. Valentina Stoycheva
Owner & Director
Dr. Valentina Stoycheva received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn and a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in military and trauma psychology at the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Personnel and their Families, Northwell Health. She has received specialized trainings in utilizing empirically-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as couples/family psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (TF-CBT) for children.
Dr. Stoycheva has worked extensively within the field of trauma—ranging from early childhood abuse to domestic violence, to surviving natural disasters and war-related trauma—as well as with anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. The scope of her experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her approach is integrative, blending psychodynamic, relational, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques, tailored individually for each client. Dr. Stoycheva has also held a two-year Research Fellowship at the Pacella Parent-Child Center, New York Psychoanalytic Institute. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level college courses and has contributed over a dozen publications and presentations in the fields of trauma, family dynamics, and the psychotherapy process.
Dr. Stoycheva is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), of Division 56 (Trauma Division) of APA, of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and of the Suffolk County Psychological Association. She recently coauthored The Unconscious: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications, published by the Guilford Press (https://www.guilford.com/books/The-Unconscious/Weinberger-Stoycheva/9781462541058). The book focuses on how everyday unconscious processes shape our beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, and the psychotherapy process.
Dr. Stoycheva is fluent and can provide therapy in English and Bulgarian.
Dr. Almas Merchant
Supervising Psychologist, Brooklyn
Dr. Almas Merchant
Dr. Almas (Ally) Merchant received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Jewish Board for Family and Children, specializing in treating adolescents with trauma histories. Since then she has served as a program psychologist at SCO Family of Services in their residential program for adolescents within the juvenile justice system, followed by her job as a psychologist at Brightpoint Health, a nonprofit agency providing integrative care to community members in New York City. Besides her clinical work, she is also the externship coordinator at Brightpoint Health, where she supervises students from doctoral programs in psychology.
Dr. Merchant has worked extensively within the field of trauma—ranging from early childhood abuse to domestic violence, and the traumatic impact of structural racism, homophobia, and transphobia—as well as with anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. The scope of her experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She is trained in Brief Psychodynamic Treatments, Transference Focused Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation-Narrative Story Telling (STAIR-NST) for adult trauma survivors as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (TF-CBT) for children. Currently, she is a candidate at NYU’s postdoctoral program in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
Her treatment approach is collaborative; she ensures that she and her patients agree upon an integrated treatment plan, blending multiple modalities specifically tailored for each individual and family. Dr. Merchant has also held a two-year Research Fellowship at the Pacella Parent-Child Center, New York Psychoanalytic Institute. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level college courses and has contributed multiple presentations in the fields of trauma, family dynamics, and the psychotherapy process. She is an active member of the American Psychological Association’s Division of Psychoanalysis, where she serves as a co-chair on the Scholars committee for graduate student and early career professionals.
Kathy Cazilas
Clinical Coordinator
Kathy Cazilas
Clinical Coordinator
Kathy Cazilas is usually the first voice you will hear when you call us. She is our administrator, office manager, executive assistant, insurance coordinator, and multitasker extraordinaire. She is exceptionally well organized, helpful and pleasant to deal with, and is devoted to our practice because she knows how important our clients are to us and how dedicated we are to our mission. Kathy will also help you with any billing, insurance, and other issues, and will help you with submitting your out-of-network insurance claims.
Dr. Amy Scott
Therapist, Long Island
Dr. Amy E. Scott
Dr. Amy E. Scott earned her doctoral and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated summa cum laude and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dr. Scott completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport, New York, where she gained experience in providing mental health services for a wide range of clients with varying mental health and medical diagnoses. Dr. Scott has been a licensed, practicing Clinical Psychologist in New York for over 10 years and specializes in working with adults. She is trained in a range of treatment modalities which allows her to tailor her treatment approaches to meet the individual needs of her clients.
Daisy Denise Rodriguez, LMHC, NCC
Therapist, Long Island & Intake Coordinator
Daisy Denise Rodriguez, LMHC, NCC
Intake Coordinator
Ms. Daisy Denise Rodriguez, a bilingual New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor, comes with over 10 years of experience serving individuals, couples, and families in out-patient, residential, and inpatient settings. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Psychology, minor in Studio Art, and a concentration in Art Therapy from Fordham University followed by her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University.
Early in her career, she trained at Northside Behavioral Health Center in Tampa, FL where she offered in-home and school-based interventions to children ages 3-5 as well as to their parents. She conducted comprehensive assessments with children, adolescents, and adults for providing services to treat Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, Relational and Marital issues, Parenting, Grief, Domestic Violence, as well as Eating Disorders. Ms. Rodriguez provided therapy to parents reunifying with their children; parents at risk for their children’s removal; and provided couples/family therapy to help repair and strengthen relationships.
Ms. Rodriguez’s populations expanded to include criminal justice when she began treating adolescents with the Florida State Department of Juvenile Justice. Most recently, she helped build and sustain a local non-profit’s collaborative satellite clinic on Long Island, NY where she treated individuals presenting with Stress and/or Complex Trauma-Related symptoms; Self-Injurious Behaviors; and Substance Use. Additionally, Ms. Rodriguez conducted comprehensive assessments encompassing Trauma, Violence, Human Trafficking, and Suicide Risk to refugees seeking asylum.
Ms. Rodriguez offers a warm, genuine, supportive, and safe environment to help her clients journey towards their own growth and healing. She helps them develop, recognize and/or rediscover their strengths and abilities to help them cope with uncomfortable emotions, enhance their relationships, and build a nurturing self-image. She uses an eclectic approach from a variety of treatment modalities to best meet the unique needs of each client which includes; Attachment Focused Family Therapy, CBT and Trauma Focused CBT, Clinical Hypnosis, Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Structured Psychotherapy to Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress. As needed, her services can be offered in Spanish.
Dr. Erika Guzman
Therapist, Long Island
Dr. Erika Guzman
I am a NY state licensed clinical psychologist. I earned a BA in psychology from UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. I went on to complete an MA and doctorate in clinical psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA.
I have extensive experience working in community mental health centers with a diverse population and equally diverse presented issues. I have successfully worked with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship issues, trauma, and major life transitions. For the last year, my focus has been primarily working with adults who have been victims of major crimes (e.g., rape, assault, childhood sexual abuse, human trafficking, homicide survivors) and those with a history of complex trauma. I am fortunate to be able to offer services in both English and Spanish.
My treatment approach is rooted in the importance of providing clients with an authentic, safe, and empathic connection that can develop into a secure relationship and strong working alliance. While I use known evidence based tools to help alleviate symptoms and reduce interference with positive functioning, I believe in treating the whole person. I take into consideration one’s cultural context, background, past experiences, internal processes (both conscious and unconscious) and formative relationships so that I can better conceptualize treatment needs. My training includes a unique specialization in integrating one’s spirituality with one’s psychological functioning, and I invite clients to openly explore issues of faith and spirituality if these are meaningful components of one’s identity.
Dr. Jung Rok Shin
Therapist, Long Island
Dr. Jung Rok Shin
Dr. Jung Rok Shin received both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University. Dr. Shin completed his pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Counseling Center at Baruch College where he gained experience in providing mental health services for a wide range of clients with varying mental health issues. Dr. Shin is a licensed, practicing Clinical Psychologist in New York and specializes in working with adolescents and adults. He has over 6 years of experience in treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and traumatic loss, complex trauma, identity development, and relationship issues and family conflict. Dr. Shin utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach to treatment to help client work toward cognitive, emotional, and spiritual health.
Dr. June Lee Kwon
Therapist, Brooklyn
Dr. June Lee Kwon
Dr. June Lee Kwon received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University. Dr. Kwon has written essays and presented them in various academic conferences regarding the influence of socioeconomic factors, culture, race, gender, and sexuality on each stage of development and the overall developmental trajectory. She completed her internship in Jacobi Medical Center, where she was trained in the assessment and treatment of children and adults with neurodevelopmental delays, medical problems, and/or various trauma and emotion regulation problems. Dr. Kwon has significant experience in working with those who have severe trauma and disabilities due to chronic psychiatric and physical illness using integrative approaches, incorporating psychodynamic theories and a variety of dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness techniques. Dr. Kwon is continuing her training in the field of clinical psychology at the NYU postdoctoral program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis and in a study group for mother-infant interaction research and its clinical applications, led by Dr. Beatrice Beebe.
Dr. Gabrielle Rieckhof
Therapist, Brooklyn
Dr. Gabrielle Rieckhof
Dr. Rieckhof holds a PhD in developmental biology and genetics from Columbia University and a MA in mental health counseling from New York University. She did her clinical externship at Baruch College Counseling Center where she continues to work as their Trauma Counselor.
Dr. Rieckhof specializes in working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her clinical interests include how issues of identity, diversity, and acculturation affect an individual’s well being, including navigating one’s gender identity and sexual preference in a heteronormative world. Additionally, after working in academic science for more than three decades, she is aware of the unique conditions, stressors, and challenges that academics face, and is comfortable working with students and professionals from academia.
Having trained in genetics, developmental biology, and neurobiology, Dr. Rieckhof understands the role that both nature and nurture play in our lives; however, she believes that we are more than the sum of our genetics and our life experiences because we have the capacity to change. Nature is expressed in particular environmental contexts, and nowhere is that more critical than in social relationships. Such relationships literally shape the architecture and function of our brain as we develop and go through life. Dr. Rieckhof views the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client as a powerful agent of transformation, and that through nonjudgmental exploration, insight and change can occur.
Dr. Rieckhof approaches her therapeutic work with a focus on relational psychodynamics that is grounded in attachment theory that integrates mindfulness. She encourages clients to build a curiosity about their internal emotional worlds in order to obtain a better sense of themselves, with the goal of living more deeply integrated and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Remi Coker
Therapist, Brooklyn
Dr. Remi (She/Her/Hers) has specialized in working with clients dealing with trauma based in gender identity, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity that often manifest as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She is driven by a passion to support folks with multiple marginalized identities in utilizing their voices to advocate for better access to services and resources within their communities. She is also enthusiastic about creating intersectional spaces that provide for healing of the mind, body, and spirit for individuals that have experienced multiple and complex traumas (e.g., utilizing MMA techniques for self-defense and to assist individuals in feeling more empowered in their bodies).
For the last 10 years, the scope of her experience has included working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She received her Masters degree in Forensic Psychology from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology at Boston Medical Center where she specialized in the assessment and treatment of children (0-5) and families that were involved with Child Protective Services, young adults experiencing their first psychotic episodes, and LGBTQ folks across the age spectrum seeking affirming care. Dr. Remi completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the Montefiore Medical Group specializing in integrated behavioral health care, working directly with physicians and patients to ensure that their physical and mental health needs were met, and that they were adequately listened to by their PCPs. She also specialized in providing mental health care to frontline medical (e.g., Primary Care Providers, Nurses, Mental Health Workers) during the COVID-19 and Racial Pandemics.
Dr. Remi approaches her therapeutic work with a focus on interpersonal processes grounded in attachment theory, rooted in the traumatic impact of structural racism and oppression. She has received specialized training in utilizing empirically-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well as child and couples/family psychotherapy. Her treatment approach is collaborative; she ensures that she and her patients agree upon an integrated treatment plan, blending multiple modalities specifically tailored for each individual and family.
Dr. Remi is experienced in and understands the myriad expectations for patients seeking medical intervention to assist with gender transition. To this end, she is able to provide the mental health evaluation that is necessary for starting this process for many trans individuals following clinical examination.
Dr. Lisa Cordero
Therapist, Long Island and Brooklyn
Dr. Lisa Cordero
Dr. Lisa Cordero has 16 years of experience working with a multitude of clients including but not limited to professional athletes, first responders, military veterans, trauma survivors, individuals struggling with substance abuse or eating disorders, adolescents, couples and families. Dr. Lisa Cordero enjoys working with a diverse range of patients. She has served as a consultant for multiple treatment centers and is an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Psychology Graduate program. Dr. Lisa Cordero is active in classroom and clinical teachings and is a consultant for program administration. Dr. Lisa Cordero holds a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters in General Psychology, a Doctorate in Psychology with double major in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, and is licensed to practice in 6 states.
Two aspects of Dr. Cordero’s outlook on life that have greatly impacted her treatment philosophy are: 1) a belief that focusing energy on that which we can control in our lives can create positive impact, and 2) a belief that each individual possesses natural strengths that can aid in their own healing. In many cases, the wellness of clients has been negatively impacted by feelings of a lack of control over their current situation.
Dr. Cordero utilizes a variety of treatment modalities in order to provide individualized treatment to her clients. The treatment modalities include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Training and Attachment Focused Family Therapy.
Dr. Cordero is fluent and can provide therapy in Hebrew.
Dr. Joanna Hurley
Therapist, Brooklyn & Long Island
Dr. Joanna Hurley
Dr. Joanna Hurley received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. During her clinical training and beyond, Dr. Hurley has worked with clients with a variety of presenting concerns in phases of early development, childhood, adolescence, as well as adulthood. She has had the great benefit of varied exposure to many aspects of trauma work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Hurley embraces what she has learned with individuals of all ages and applies a nuanced understanding of the full array of the individual’s life history and family environment, culture and background, and developmental abilities.
In the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Hurley believes it is essential to locate where the patient is—developmentally, emotionally, and intellectually—to begin to understand their perspective and experiences. As such, authenticity, sensitivity, and curiosity are crucial aspects of her work. Influenced by interpersonal approaches, Dr. Hurley views therapy as a give and take between two people with shared goals. A mutual and collaborative approach encourages both therapist and patient to actively contribute in the exploration of the self, relational patterns, defense mechanisms, and unconscious processes. She focuses on building rapport and trust to help patients achieve insight, foster relationships, and to change once maladaptive coping skills into adaptive ones. Similarly, empathic understanding, careful listening, and a flexible approach allows her to attend to the uniqueness of the client’s experience, presentation, and goals for treatment, without judgment or assumptions.
Dr. Hurley completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT. As a Yale Child Study Center psychology fellow in the Children and Trauma track, she gained expertise in general clinical child psychology with a specialization in early intervention for traumatic stress. In collaboration with law enforcement, child welfare, medical and social service providers, she provided acute response and assessment, and early, brief, preventative mental health treatment to children who experienced and witnessed violence or potentially traumatic events in their neighborhoods, schools, or homes. Dr. Hurley was trained in and gained expertise in Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), a brief intervention for trauma for families in the peritraumatic phase of trauma, and additional training and expertise in providing longer-term trauma treatment using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Experiencing a traumatic event changes the way we think, feel, and act, and often leads us to develop feelings of loss of control and helplessness. Gaining a better understanding of how our mind and body react when dealing with traumatic stress and learning coping strategies are first steps to regaining control in our lives.
To date, Dr. Hurley has experience providing evidence-based treatments to children, adolescents, families, young adults, and adults including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent Management Training (PMT), psychodynamic therapy, each intervention tailored to the client, working with individuals ranging from ages 3–60 years old. Above all else, Dr. Hurley strives to be an advocate for culturally appropriate psychological care, holding the belief that individuals—especially youth—are deeply impacted by their sociocultural contexts.
Dr. Hurley is a member of the APA (American Psychological Association) and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Her clinical and research interests include parent-child relationships, disorganized caregiving/attachment, and mourning and traumatic grief in the context of traumatic stress interventions.
Dr. Ryan Daniels, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Therapist, Long Island
Dr. Ryan Daniels
Dr. Ryan Daniels earned his Master’s Degree at the Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL. Dr. Daniels completed his pre-doctoral internship at Long Beach Reach, where he gained experience working with individuals from a variety of complex backgrounds. Dr. Daniels has provided treatment for a wide range of mental health difficulties, ranging from complex trauma and exposure to violence, depression and anxiety, severe mental illness, adjustment issues, as well as addiction disorders and family members affected by addiction. He also has experience with a variety of evaluations and complex referral inquiries, including comprehensive psychological assessment, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations, as well as testing for cognitive difficulties and possible Dementia in older adults. Dr. Daniels brings experience working with a broad range of individuals: from adolescents and young adults seeking mental health treatment for the first time, to patients working through complex trauma and severe mental illness.
Dr. Daniels has been trained in a wide variety of treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic treatment, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. He considers himself an integrative, person-centered clinician. His primary focus in therapy is to honor each client’s own personal philosophies and belief systems in order to better understand how to best help them in their time of need. Dr. Daniels believes that change stems from genuine, empathetic human interaction, and strives to allow clients to feel comfortable and safe enough to allow these personal connections to emerge. Through these connections, Dr. Daniels assists his clients in developing new insights and coping skills, and ultimately recognizing the strength they have within themselves to better their lives.
Dr. Daniels has also written articles and served on the board of numerous mental health organizations, such as the Florida chapter of Active Minds—an organization dedicated to reducing mental health stigma among teens and young adults. As a full-time postdoctoral fellow at STEPS, he has resolved to continue through community outreach and peer training to illuminate the stories of those who suffer in silence, as well as to provide comfort in the fact that they are not alone.
Leyinska (Leylu) Clas, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Therapist, Brooklyn & Intake Coordinator
Leyinska (Leylu) Clas
Leyinska (Leylu) Clas is completing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. She completed her doctoral internship at the Roberto Clemente Center, specializing in treating immigrant families and couples. Since then, she has worked as a Clinical Specialist in a Transitional Foster Care program in NYC providing crisis intervention and therapeutic services for undocumented children waiting to be reunified with families.
Leyinska was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While in Puerto Rico, Leyinska worked as a research assistant in projects studying diversity in families in Puerto Rico and another studying the stress and communication in the marital relationship. Leyinska co-facilitated weekly workshops offered in the Low-Income community of Capetillo to Puerto Rican and immigrant children from ages 3–14, that focused on teaching them how to develop diverse psychosocial skills to improve their community and family life. Leyinska has worked within the field of trauma—ranging from early childhood abuse to domestic violence, and the traumatic impact of immigration, structural racism, homophobia, and transphobia—as well as with anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. Leyinska assisted in the adaptation and facilitation of CBT focused trauma workshops for immigrant children ages 5–11. The scope of her experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, in outpatient settings. Leyinska has co-developed and facilitated trauma-focused group therapy modules specialized for children ages 3–17. She has taught undergraduate-level college courses and has contributed multiple international presentations in the fields of family dynamics, marital communication, and the psychotherapy process.
Her treatment approach is collaborative and culturally sensitive, which assists in the co-creation of a tailor-made treatment plan with the client that helps ensure their active participation in their therapeutic process. She is trained in Narrative Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, art and play therapy, and Strategic family therapy.
Leyinskais fluent and can provide psychotherapy in English and Spanish.
Dr. Julian Herskowitz
Co-Founder & Consultant
Dr. Julian Herskowitz
Co-Founder and Consultant
Dr. Julian Herskowitz has been a practicing clinical psychologist for over 35 years and has directed the largest and most successful branch of the only national anxiety and phobia treatment center in the country, TERRAP Anxiety and Phobia Care. Dr. Herskowitz has treated thousands of patients with complex anxiety and fears, as well as other related issues.
All too often in his work with his patients, Dr. Herskowitz uncovered instances of significant trauma which necessitated a change in his approach. After attending many conferences on trauma and studying independently, he was awarded a certificate as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. His increasing awareness of how much trauma effects the lives of so many people, and how well-intentioned professionals were not applying the most up-to-date and effective methods to treat the issues that emanate from traumatic experiences, he was motivated to co-found a new, specialized treatment center (STEPS).