While I treat people of all ages, a particular interest is working with children, adolescents, and their families. Specializing with this age group has been an interest of mine since college, when I had my first opportunity to work with children with mental health concerns when I served as a hospital volunteer. It was an experience that I found very powerful and gratifying. From there, I gravitated toward opportunities to work with children in need, and I have kept that as my professional focus ever since. Over time, I began using a Strengths-Based approach in my work with children, which focuses on helping children utilize their innate capabilities and talents rather than focusing on fixing deficits.
My formal training includes a Master of Science Degree as well as New York State certification as a school psychologist from Queens College. I then obtained my Doctoral Degree in School-Community Psychology from Pace University. I completed Post-Doctoral Training in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy at Adelphi University. While in graduate school, I held internships in schools, hospitals, and outpatient settings. I have previously been employed by private mental health clinics and a therapeutic preschool. I was employed by a public school district as a school psychologist for thirty years, working closely with all members of the school community.
In addition to providing clinical services, I am an author and have contributed articles to professional journals on various topics. I have also written a book, Teaching With A Strength-Based Approach: How To Motivate Students And Build Relationships. The book describes how to apply the principles of positive psychology to the classroom to enhance student achievement and engagement with the teacher.