MEET OUR TEAM
Gerard Sargent
Gerard Sargent’s therapy focuses on establishing a safe and welcoming environment for all of his clients. Gerard believes in a collaborative approach to therapy and creating worthwhile and meaningful goals throughout treatment. When working with his clients, Gerard uses various therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and strength-based approaches. Outside of his therapeutic practice, Gerard has curated youth enrichment programming for youth of all ages. Prior to counseling, Gerard worked as an Associate Director of Auxiliary Programming at Bank Street School for Children. Gerard has also worked at the National Urban League and the Turn 2 Foundation, overseeing career development programming.
Jordan Vanzant
Jordan Vanzant employs Gestalt therapy with a holistic approach, guiding clients to focus on the present and foster self-awareness. She integrates practical strategies to help individuals enhance their well-being and create fulfilling lives. Through a compassionate, client-centered approach, Jordan empowers clients to strengthen their connections to themselves and others. Her work emphasizes the transformative potential of personal growth and mindful living.
Leyri Paulino
As a bilingual clinical mental health counselor fluent in Spanish, Leyri specializes in supporting clients, particularly women experiencing postpartum challenges and immigrants, as they navigate anxiety and life transitions. Drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant, she is deeply committed to creating a safe, empathetic space where clients feel understood and empowered. Using an integrative approach that combines CBT, mindfulness, and strength-based techniques, she guides clients toward self-awareness, emotional resilience, and sustainable well-being. Her mission is to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in mental health care, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds receive effective support. She is also passionate about supporting individuals living in shelters, helping them build emotional resilience and regain a sense of stability as they navigate uncertain and transitional periods in their lives.
Linda Wu
As an Asian immigrant and mother of neurodivergent children, Linda brings a deeply personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent families, along with the cultural and identity struggles experienced by Asian American clients and Chinese international students. She firmly believes that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and understood. Her mission is to foster understanding, empower individuals and families, and create meaningful connections that strengthen relationships between children, families, and schools.
Linda specializes in supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and their families with issues such as academic and learning difficulties, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, and navigating major life transitions. She also works with parents to build confidence in supporting their children and collaborate with educators to foster effective learning environments. Using a compassion-focused therapeutic approach, she draws on a variety of strategies, including person-centered therapy, mind-body holistic methods, Gestalt techniques, family systems, narrative therapy, and feminist therapy, tailoring each plan to meet the unique needs of her clients.
Rachel Rondon
Bilingual Fluent in English and Spanish she is dedicated to families; being a bridge of communication gaps and ensuring that clients feel understood, respected, and comfortable expressing themselves. Rachel prioritizes being attuned to the mental, emotional, and social stresses families often experience, whether due to financial difficulties, immigration issues, trauma, or interpersonal struggles. As a counselor Rachel uses strengths-based approach to empower families, helping them navigate challenges while preserving cultural values. Offering tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and stress management, while also providing emotional support.
Karen Najera
Karen is a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Spanish. Karen is passionate about working with individuals to navigate life's challenges and foster personal growth. Karen works with clients in individual and family therapy by providing a supportive and safe environment that allows clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Karen specializes in creating a safe space for all clients by using a therapeutic approach that blends Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to overcome obstacles and create positive change.
Angela Pichardo
Bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish, Angela Pichardo is a compassionate and empathetic counselor dedicated to empowering her clients. Angela specializes in Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-focused care, including working with individuals experiencing Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). She tailors her approach to each individual’s unique needs and strengths, fostering a warm, supportive environment where clients feel safe, understood, and respected.
Angela is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, whether related to stress, anxiety, trauma, relationships, or personal growth. Using evidence-based tools and techniques, she empowers clients to identify their goals, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful change. Angela is committed to providing culturally sensitive care, valuing diversity, and embracing the strengths each client brings to the counseling process.
Lesly Surel
Lesly Suriel is a compassionate mental health counselor specializing in family and couples counseling, with a strong focus on helping clients cultivate self-love and personal growth. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Lesly empowers individuals to challenge negative thought patterns and build healthier, more positive mindsets. She is passionate about guiding clients to face themselves with compassion, embracing all parts of their identity. Lesly also integrates affirmations, self-love practices, and creative therapies such as esthetics, makeup, and art therapy into her work, recognizing the healing power of creative expression and personal care. With a warm and supportive approach, Lesly helps individuals and relationships heal, fostering an environment where clients can truly accept and love themselves.
Dontel Younge
Dontel Younge is a dedicated mental health counselor committed to empowering individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. Utilizing a person-centered and holistic approach, Dontel emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in achieving balance and resilience. With extensive experience working with children, families, and adults, Dontel creates a compassionate and collaborative space tailored to each individual's unique needs. Her passion lies in helping clients build healthier relationships with themselves and others, fostering long-term emotional well-being.