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< 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 (201) 724-5489

< Back Nicole Fluellen-Young, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Nicole holds a master's degree in social work from Columbia University. Nicole is a compassionate therapist who brings a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and advocacy to her therapeutic practice. Nicole is committed to fostering healing and growth by creating safe spaces for clients to explore their challenges and discover their strengths. Rooted in a holistic perspective, Nicole integrates her extensive knowledge of crisis intervention, family systems, and trauma-informed care to empower individuals and families. Her mission is to guide clients toward greater well-being, resilience, and connection. She is described by clients as being passionate and caring. Nicole primarily works with all age groups and has extensive experience in group therapy, family therapy, therapy with children and adolescents, couples, and marital therapy. Practice specialties include clients with ADHD/ADD, Grief and loss, Depression, Anger Management, Eating/Weight Issues, Domestic Violence, and Immigrant/Acculturation. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Nicole, please contact the clinic at the phone number below. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Shelly Browne, MHC-LP Mental Health Counselor Shelly Browne is a school counselor, community advocate, speaker/host, and creative coordinator who is dedicated to revolutionizing mental health counseling through culturally competent practices. With extensive experience in administration and management within healthcare and afterschool programs, Shelly is devoted to driving systemic change and inspiring resilience in the communities she serves and educates. As a skilled clinician, she specializes in working with young and older adults, focusing on treating depression, conducting individual and group therapy for adolescents, and employing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing with her clients. Shelly has led initiatives focused on the well-being of young individuals. At Andries Hudde I.S. 240 & CAMBA, she conducts wellness workshops for underrepresented students and adults in the Flatbush and Sheepshead Bay areas. She authored a podcast journal for those interested in the podcasting industry. Shelly has also participated in speaking engagements about community wellness. Shelly intends to pursue a career in counseling and leadership to establish a small practice for the community. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Shelly, please contact the clinic directly and one of our staff members will assist you. Thank you. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 274-5489

< Back Lily O'Heir, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Lily O'Heir, a licensed master social worker, specializes in working with young children, teens, and adolescents. Drawing on her educational background, certifications, and experience with youth and young adults in both individual and group settings, she focuses on life transitions, anxiety, grief, trauma, and anger. Lily practices from a trauma-informed, strengths-based lens. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and creative therapeutic approaches to support clients in their growth. Lily holds a master's degree in social work from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in social work from Hunter School of Social Work (CUNY). She views therapy as a collaborative process where clients are the experts in their own lives. Lily is committed to creating a non-judgmental, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. To book an appointment with Lily, please get in touch with the clinic directly by phone. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Jameson Fairchild, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jameson Fairchild, LCSW, earned both his master's degree in Social Work and bachelor's degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University. He specializes in individual, family, and play therapies, employing a compassionate and empathetic therapeutic approach. Jameson works as a parent coach, offering support to families. His expertise also includes play therapy for children, therapy for adolescents, and addressing issues like anxiety, panic, phobias, autism, and ADD/ADHD. He uses techniques such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Jameson works with clients of all ages, including young children, teens, young adults, and adults. When questioned about what he loves about working with clients, he replied, "witnessing my clients grow more confident in their ability to effect change in their lives and experiences." He is described by friends and family as fun-loving, compassionate and dedicated. To schedule an appointment with Jameson, please call the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< Back Monet Dove, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Monet Dove, LMSW earned her master's degree from Adelphi University. Her expertise is in working with young adults and adults who come in need of help with depression, anxiety/phobias/panic, trauma. Monet works with clients in a supportive environment and uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) when working to address these areas. Monet says her best piece of advice she has ever been given is "You don't have to have it all figured out to take the next step". It reminds her and her clients that small, meaningful actions lead to big transformation over time. The most inspiring about her work is seeing those lightbulb moments when clients connect the dots and realize their strength. Being part of someone's journey toward healing and self-discovery is an incredible honor and inspires her to continue evolving. Clients who have worked with Monet describe her as relatable, insightful, and genuinely invested in their growth. During her free time, she enjoys cooking and creating playlists that set the perfect vibe for any mood or moment. To schedule an appointment with Monet, please contact the clinic directly. minettetherapy@gmail.com (201) 724-5489

< 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 (201) 724-5489

< 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.

< 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 (201) 724-5489

< 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 (201) 724-5489

Family Therapy and Collateral Counseling Family therapy is a is a type of psychotherapy that can help family members improve their communication and resolve conflicts. The therapist uses specialized therapeutic techniques to modify the family structure, their dynamics and interactions that impact the family members’ emotions and behavior. Collateral counseling is a psychotherapy session with a parent, a spouse, family member, or friend of the client. The collateral is not considered a client, but their contributions and support can be clinically beneficial to a client’s treatment. Online Virtual Session Available Schedule an Appointment

Hola! Soy Madeline... Hello! I'm Madeline It is such a pleasure to be meeting you here. To get to know me, I have added a little bit of who I am as a clinician, family member and humanitarian. Madeline Maldonado, a licensed Bilingual clinical social worker and seasoned leader, brings over two decades of expertise in mental health advocacy, program development, and culturally competent care. As president and founder of Madeline Maldonado, LCSW Consulting P.C., she provides workshops, staff training, and diagnostic (autism) evaluations, while also serving as the cofounder and president of Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services PLLC, a clinic dedicated to the mental health needs of Latino and BIPOC communities. Madeline is committed to fostering systemic change and inspiring resilience in the communities she serves. She believes in teaching & empowering clients to be their own advocates, and in working with community partners as allies to address issues in our communities. She confronts problems with teamwork and solution focused strategies. Madeline’s career reflects a legacy of transformative impact and leadership in social work: • Innovative Programs: Her work with the Life is Precious and the Bronx Grassroots Latina Suicide Prevention Program, including contributing to securing grants that funded these life-saving initiatives for Latina adolescents. Her impactful collaboration with Fordham Law School includes wellness workshops for first-year law students and innovative counseling for underrepresented students in their REAL Scholars and IDEAL programs. • Operational Excellence: Her guidance ensured the successful licensure renewals of four mental health programs, guaranteeing high-quality service delivery. Madeline’s focus on culturally humble care has empowered families to have support in environments where they feel understood and respected. • Published Thought Leader: As a co-author of the Amazon-bestselling Latinx/e in Social Work series, with Volume 1 receiving an honorable mention at the 24th International Latino Book Awards, she continues to inspire and connect communities. • Media and Advocacy: Madeline has shared her expertise on the Latinx in Social Work Podcast (including its most downloaded episode, “Dealing with Microaggressions in the Workplace”), the Beauteous Me Podcast, and NYU McSilver Institute CTAC’s Voices from the Field podcast, cementing her reputation as a thought leader in mental health, cultural competency, and advocacy. By collaborating with media outlets like Telemundo and sharing expert insights on mental health topics, Madeline has raised awareness and reduced stigma around mental health issues. Her outreach ensures that important conversations reach diverse audiences. • Inspiring Professional Development: Madeline brings her wealth of experience as an educator and mentor to empower emerging and established professionals. As a former adjunct professor and field advisor at Fordham University’s MSW Program, and the current supervisor of the graduate intern program at Minette Psychotherapy, she has a proven track record of nurturing future leaders in the mental health field. Through her impactful workshops, trainings, and presentations, Madeline provides actionable strategies to combat burnout, reduce stress, and enhance client outcomes. Her dedication inspires professionals to lead with empathy and embrace sustainable, resilient practices in their work. • Representation and Role Modeling: Madeline held the position of Chair for the NASW-NYC Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CNLI) during the 2020-2021 term, following her role as a committee member in the 2019-2020 term. A sought-after speaker, Madeline has presented at major conferences, including the National Latino Behavioral Health Conference, the NASW-NYC Social Work in the City conference, and Autism in Black Conference. Madeline’s work, particularly in co-authoring the Latinx/e in Social Work series and participating in public discussions, has uplifted the voices of the Latinx community. By addressing workplace microaggressions and mental health disparities, she inspires others to embrace advocacy and cultural competency. In 2023, Madeline received a Proclamation from New York State Assembly Member Karines Reyes and Senator Nathalia Fernandez for her outstanding contributions to the Bronx community. Recognized by the NASW in 2008 and 2011 as an “Outstanding Therapist,” she continues to empower professionals and clients with solution-focused strategies and culturally humble care. Madeline holds a Master’s Degree from New York University Silver School of Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Hunter College of CUNY. She is an avid animal lover and shares her home with her adorable daschund Lucky and handsome tabby cat Poombah. Back TESTIMONIALS Marcela B. Yussef, Ph.D / Psychologist I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Ms. Maldonado and feel privileged to know her, always an inspiring clinician, and a leader. From the moment I first met Ms. Maldonado, far too many years ago, during a professional training, I was immediately taken by how clinically skilled she is, as was readily illustrated by her insightful comments during the public discussion. Since then, I have had the opportunity to consult with her, I have read her comprehensive evaluation reports, and have had the good fortune of getting to know her. She is not only an astute clinician, but most importantly, she is warm, approachable, and truly cares. One tiny example of her commitment and how she goes the extra mile to care for those who are fortunate to work with her, be that as clients, both children and their families, as well as her colleagues, is how generous she always is, not just sharing her well informed clinical opinions, but always sharing additional resources to support the families she works with, and happily sharing such information with other clinicians as well, because her priority is to educate, support, and do her best for our community at large. Kimberly McCoy, Esq., M.S.Ed./Senior Family Educator Madeline Maldonado is a consummate professional and absolute pleasure to work with. I have recommended her services to various clients and they always rave about her. Madeline is relatable and has a knack of having difficult conversations with clients--while still instilling hope, helping them to see that while their path may be difficult, it is not impossible and can still be great. This is important when dealing with parents of children with disabilities. Denora Phillips, M.S./Developmental Evaluator Madeline elevates the field of social work to exceptional heights and works tirelessly to ensure that people from all communities and walks of life have equal access to resources. She is a warrior of social justice and truth. She gives a voice to and breathes hope in the lives of marginalized and oppressed people. She meets clients and families where they are at and skillfully listens to them in order to get to the root of the issues that affect them. She does not just offer solutions, but also arms her clients with tools to empower themselves and navigate challenges they will face in the future. - LinkedIn - Madeline Maldonado, LCSW