< Back Mary-Kay Kallergis, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Mary‑Kay Kallergis, LMSW is a warm, compassionate therapist who supports clients across the lifespan—from young children and teens to adults and older adults. She has extensive experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, especially older elementary‑aged children through adulthood, helping them reduce anxiety, strengthen emotional regulation, and build meaningful social and communication skills. Mary‑Kay also works with clients navigating ADHD, anger management, trauma, and eating or weight‑related concerns. Mary‑Kay brings a uniquely rich blend of clinical training and holistic approaches to her work. She is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychospiritual psychotherapy, and holistic therapies, and incorporates play therapy when working with children. Her educational background includes a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, dual certification in General and Special Education from Mercy College, and a Master’s in School Psychology. She is also a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a Certified Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher. Currently, she is expanding her expertise by studying Art Therapy and Naturopathic Practice. Clients describe Mary‑Kay as loving, kind, trustworthy, and deeply committed to their healing. She is motivated by witnessing her clients grow, gain confidence, and become more independent in their emotional journeys. Fluent in Greek, she is able to connect with diverse communities and provide culturally responsive, inclusive care. To schedule an appointment with Mary‑Kay, please get in touch with the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Bianca Castro, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Bianca Castro, LMSW, earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Pace University. Bianca works with children, teens and young adults with expertise in treating depression, anxiety/panic/phobias, trauma and anger management through play therapy, individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. The best piece of advice she received is "Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see". Her inspiration in practice with her clients is getting to connect on a personal level and helping others feel heard and seen. I love that my job connects us with people to let them know they are not alone in whatever they are dealing with. To schedule an appointment with Bianca, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Chawezi Ngoma, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Chawezi Ngoma, LMSW, earned her master's degree in social work. Her expertise is in working with children, teens, young adults, and adults who need help with depression, anxiety/phobias/panic, trauma, immigrants/acculturation issues, and eating/weight concerns. She provides parent coaching, play therapy with children, couples/marital therapy, group therapy, and also works with clients with ADD/ADHD and/or autism. When working with clients, she uses the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Christian or Faith-Based Therapy when working to address these areas. Chawezi says the best piece of advice she has ever been given is, "Healing is not linear. Some days will feel like progress, and others may feel like setbacks, but every step, even difficult ones, contributes to growth. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the journey." What inspires Chawezi most is witnessing her clients' growth and resilience as they work through their challenges. She finds it deeply fulfilling to help clients uncover their strengths to build healthier coping skills. Clients describe her as empathetic, compassionate, and attuned to their needs. Many appreciate how she creates a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their emotions and process their challenges. To schedule an appointment with Chawezi, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Civita Vitiello, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in the Bronx, I have devoted my career to assisting individuals, children of all ages, and families from various backgrounds. My professional experience includes working in diverse environments such as the NYC Department of Education (DOE), Early Intervention programs, and restorative justice initiatives. I have been fortunate to help clients overcome challenges and realize their full potential through a holistic, strengths-based approach. a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and trauma-informed practices, I am deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with. I believe that through a culture of collaboration, meaningful connections, and the healing potential of play and nature, clients can unlock their full potential to navigate life's challenges with confidence and empowerment. Civita Vitiello-Alvarado, LCSW, has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religious Studies from CUNY Hunter College and a Master degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University. She is Bilingual and fluent in Italian. To schedule an appointment with Civita, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Vilma Miranda, LCSW-R Licensed Clinical Social Worker Vilma Miranda, LCSW-R, earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from Fordham University. She specializes in providing therapy for young adults aged 19-29 and adults aged 30 and above, with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, anger management, and domestic violence. Vilma utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to assist clients in overcoming life's challenges and achieving mental well-being. She is a compassionate and caring therapist, fluent in English and Spanish. To schedule an appointment with Vilma, please get in touch with the clinic directly. Vilma Miranda, LCSW-R, obtuvo tanto su maestría como su licenciatura en Trabajo Social en Fordham University. Está especializada en brindar terapia a adultos jóvenes (de 19 a 29 años) y adultos de 30 años en adelante, enfocándose en el tratamiento de la depresión, ansiedad, duelo, trauma, fobias, manejo de la ira y violencia doméstica. Vilma utiliza enfoques terapéuticos como la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT), la Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (DBT) y la Entrevista Motivacional (MI) para ayudar a sus clientes a enfrentar los desafíos de la vida y alcanzar el bienestar emocional. Es una terapeuta compasiva y dedicada, y domina tanto el español como el inglés con fluidez. Para agendar una cita con Vilma, por favor comunícate directamente con la clínica. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Janae Connerly, MHC-LP Licensed Mental Health Counselor Janae Connerly, MHC-LP obtained her master's degree in school counseling and her bachelor's degree from St. John's University. Her therapy practice includes working with young children, teens/adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors, specializing in depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, and trauma. Janae employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) with clients and uses play therapy for young children. She is also a parent coach, providing support to parents and guardians. Currently, she works with individuals across all age groups, from teenagers to seniors. Clients that work with Janae say that she creates a comfortable atmosphere that allows them to be transparent, heard and identifies a path towards health and clarity. During her experience her clients have also said they feel affirmed and attain the tools to sustain their mental wellness. She continues to be inspired by her clients' transformations. To schedule an appointment, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Emmanuelle Jeanlouis, MHC, LP Licensed Mental Health Counselor Emmanuelle Jeanlouis, MHC-LP, specializes in play therapy for children, therapy for adolescents, and works with clients dealing with ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic/phobias, grief, anger management, trauma, self-harming or suicidal thoughts, substance and alcohol use, domestic violence, eating/weight issues, and immigrant/acculturation challenges. Her therapeutic approaches include Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Christian or Faith-Based therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), applicable in both individual and group settings. She serves children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors in her practice. She speaks Creole and English fluently. Clients frequently mention that Emmanuelle is transparent, empathetic, sympathetic, culturally aware, and straightforward in her approach. To schedule an appointment with Emmanuelle, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Eleana Leiva, MHC Intern Mental Health Counseling Intern Eleana Leiva is a School Counselor and a Board Certified Christian Counselor who is currently a mental health counseling intern at New York Institute of Technology Advance Certification Program with a strong passion for whole-person development, emotional wellness, and purposeful living. Her background includes extensive work with children, teens, and adults across various settings, and I specialize in personal development, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, social-emotional learning, and faith-based counseling. As a Board Certified Christian Counselor, Eleana integrates spiritual and emotional alignment for clients who desire a faith-centered approach, while also providing evidence-based therapies such as CBT, SFT, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and parent coaching. Eleana holds an M.S. Master of Science in School Counseling from Mercy College. She is a Board Certified Christian Counselor BCCC, from National Association of Christian Counselors. She is choosing to pursue clinical counseling because she never wants to be limited in how she support people. Her goal is to offer the highest level of care - care that meets clients where they are, honors their story, and helps them grow into the strongest, clearest, and most aligned version of themselves. Helping people heal and develop is not just her work; it’s her calling. To schedule an appointment with Eleana, known for her expertise and dedication to patient care, please reach out to the clinic directly at (201) 724-5489. When you call, you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff, who are available to assist you in finding a suitable time for your visit. They can provide you with information regarding Eleana's availability, the services she offers, and any specific preparations you may need to consider before your appointment. Additionally, if you have any questions about the clinic's policies, insurance acceptance, or the types of treatments available, the reception team will be more than happy to help clarify those details for you. We encourage you to call during our business hours for the most efficient service, and we look forward to welcoming you to our clinic soon. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Cristel Garcia, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Cristel Garcia, LMSW, earned her master's degree in social work from Fordham University. Her expertise is in working with teens and adults. Her specialties include working with adolescents, clients with ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic/phobias, trauma, self-harming, eating/weight issues, and immigrants/acculturation issues. Her framework includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Christian or Faith-Based therapies. Cristel says the best piece of advice she has ever been given is "Failure doesn't determine your success. The more you fail, the more you learn. The more you learn, the closer to succeeding you will be". Her friends/family and coworkers describe her as being a good listener, is funny, caring and hardworking. Her inspiration comes from making a difference in people's lives. Providing them with support when they didn't have any. Cristel is Bilingual Spanish To schedule an appointment with Cristel, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Barbara Santiago, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Barbara G. Santiago, B.A. Clinical Social Work Intern Barbara recently joined Minette Psychotherapy as a Clinical Social Work Intern. She is deeply devoted to providing compassionate, bilingual care that honors the unique experiences of each client. With a practice rooted in cultural humility and a strengths-based, client-centered approach, Barbara strives to create a safe, empowering environment where clients across diverse life experiences and communities feel supported in their journey to healing and growth. Barbara brings solid experience working with children, youth, and families across school, community, and clinical spaces. She has provided individual and group counseling, facilitated crisis interventions, and supported students with specialized educational needs through treatment planning and advocacy during IEP meetings. Her therapeutic work draws on evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, art therapy, Applied Behavioral Therapy (ABA), Gestalt therapy, and trauma-informed practices. With a strong passion for working with neurodivergent populations (ADHD, Autism, and cognitive processing differences), Barbara is dedicated to promoting equity and accessibility in mental health services. Her clinical approaches include addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and social-emotional challenges while fostering resilience and self-advocacy. Barbara holds a Bachelor's in Psychology with a concentration in Theatre Arts from the City College of New York, where she graduated with honors. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Lehman College, with a concentration in Licensed Clinical Social Work. In addition, she holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Mandated Reporter training, and School Violence Prevention and Intervention, equipping her with the tools to respond to the needs of her clients with both skill and compassion. Please get in touch with the clinic to arrange an appointment with Barbara. Barbara se unió recientemente a Minette Psychoterapia como pasante en Trabajo Social Clínico. Está profundamente comprometida con ofrecer atención compasiva y bilingüe que honre las experiencias únicas de cada cliente. Con una práctica basada en la humildad cultural y un enfoque centrado en el cliente y basado en fortalezas, Barbara se esfuerza por crear un ambiente seguro y empoderador en el que los clientes de diversas experiencias y comunidades de vida se sientan apoyados en su camino hacia la sanación y el crecimiento. Barbara aporta una sólida experiencia trabajando con niños, jóvenes y familias en espacios escolares, comunitarios y clínicos. Ha proporcionado asesoramiento individual y grupal, facilitado intervenciones en crisis y apoyado a los estudiantes con necesidades educativas especializadas a través de la planificación de tratamientos y la defensa de sus derechos en las reuniones de IEP. Su trabajo terapéutico se basa en modalidades basadas en la evidencia, incluyendo la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (TCC), la Terapia Dialéctico-Conductual (TDC), la terapia de juego, la terapia artística, la Terapia Conductual Aplicada (TCA), la terapia Gestalt y prácticas informadas sobre el trauma. Con una fuerte pasión por trabajar con poblaciones neurodivergentes (TDAH, Autismo y diferencias en el procesamiento cognitivo), Barbara está dedicada a promover la equidad y la accesibilidad en los servicios de salud mental. Sus enfoques clínicos incluyen el tratamiento de la ansiedad, la depresión, el trauma y los desafíos socioemocionales, al mismo tiempo que fomenta la resiliencia y la autodefensa. Barbara tiene una licenciatura en Psicología con concentración en Artes Teatrales de la City College de Nueva York, donde se graduó con honores. Actualmente está cursando su Maestría en Trabajo Social en Lehman College, con concentración en Trabajo Social Clínico Licenciado. Además, tiene certificaciones en Primeros Auxilios en Salud Mental, formación de Reportero Obligado y Prevención e Intervención en Violencia Escolar, lo que la capacita para responder a las necesidades de sus clientes con habilidad y compasión. Por favor, póngase en contacto con la clínica para concertar una cita con Barbara. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Wendy Salazar, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Wendy Salazar, LCSW, received her master's degree from the Columbia School of Social Work and her bachelor's degree from Hunter College CUNY. She specializes in therapy for adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors, focusing on depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, and issues related to immigration and acculturation. Wendy is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English fluently. She employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients navigate life's challenges and achieve mental well-being. Her compassionate approach caters to individuals of all ages, from teenagers to seniors. To arrange an appointment, please call the clinic using the phone number below. Wendy Salazar, LCSW, obtuvo su maestría en la Escuela de Trabajo Social de Columbia y su licenciatura en Hunter College, CUNY. Se especializa en terapia para adolescentes, adultos jóvenes, adultos y personas mayores, enfocándose en el tratamiento de la depresión, ansiedad, duelo, trauma, fobias, así como en temas relacionados con la inmigración y la aculturación. Wendy es bilingüe y habla español e inglés con fluidez. Wendy utiliza la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT) para ayudar a sus clientes a superar los desafíos de la vida y alcanzar el bienestar emocional. Su enfoque compasivo atiende a personas de todas las edades, desde adolescentes hasta personas mayores. Para agendar una cita, por favor comunícate con la clínica utilizando el número de teléfono proporcionado más abajo. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101

< Back Jessica Echeverria, MHC-LP Licensed Mental Health Counselor Jessica Echeverria, MHC-LP, has a master's certificate in Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University and a Bachelor Degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. Her expertise lies in working with clients with ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety/panic/phobias, substance use/alcohol use, grief, and trauma, in addition to clients who are LGBTQ+ affirming. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Christian/Faith-Based Therapy as her preferred psychodynamic modalities of treatment. The most inspiring part of her work as a Latine-informed trauma specialist is witnessing the transformation and resilience of her clients. She loves creating a safe and affirming space where individuals feel truly seen, valued, and empowered to explore their strengths. Helping people navigate anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, grief and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities is deeply meaningful to her. Seeing clients heal, rediscover their inner strength, and embrace their full potential is what drives her every day. She is also passionate about guiding clients towards building self-worth, fostering healthy relationships, and achieving personal growth. To schedule an appointment with Jessica, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (718) 690-2816 Ext 101