Felicia Petrone, LCSW
Hello! I'm Felicia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C. I graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2012 with my Bachelor's degree in Social Work and from Adelphi University with my Master's degree in Social Work in 2013. I have practiced in various mental health and substance use settings over the past 11 years, including an outpatient clinic, a residential treatment center, an admissions department, and a hospital setting. I have training and experience with therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, strength-based therapy, trauma-informed care, perinatal mood disorders, family systems therapy, and positive psychology, to name a few. I provide services for teens, adolescents, and adults. My work-related and personal life experiences have shaped my skill set, which I find to be flexible, creative, and responsive. Working with people in the context of therapy is my passion. I strive to empower my clients and help them develop a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence. Therapy is not a "one size fits all" ordeal, and I truly believe it is critical to actively listen to each and every one of my clients' needs and goals. This approach allows people to grow and make the necessary changes to live a healthier, more productive life.
Amanda Ruiz, LMSW
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Hi there! My name is Amanda, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I am a graduate of Adelphi University’s Social Work program, where I earned both my Bachelor's degree (2018) and my Master's degree in 2019. I had a late start in my academic pursuits because I was busy gaining life experience, working, and raising my family. My mental health experience includes working with socially anxious children and adolescents, a residential group home for teenagers, and a psychiatric hospital setting. I have been trained in various therapeutic approaches throughout my internship experiences. Social Work is not just a career; it’s a calling. My life experience and education have empowered me to help others. Each client who has decided to seek help deserves to be heard, respected, and provided with a safe space to explore their feelings and build the strength and skill set they seek. As an active listener and “out-of-the-box” thinker, I strive to help my clients find peace, clarity, and joy in their lives.
Hello! My name is Brittany Oelschlager, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2021. I spent 5 years in the advertising industry before returning to school to earn my social work degree, realizing that helping people and working with others is where my passion truly lies. I experienced trauma on 9/11/01, which has shaped my practice to be deeply trauma-informed and compassionate toward all people. I have experience working with children ages 10-15 in a middle school setting, as well as with Veterans at the VAMC. I offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy. My specialties include PTSD, coping with anxiety, increasing positives and decreasing negatives, depression, life transitions, and bereavement. I am genuine and take a compassionate approach to my practice, incorporating evidence-based, practice-informed treatment. I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and we can work together as a team to navigate the ups and downs of life.
Brittany Oelschlager, LMSW
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Kristen Goldfarb, LCSW
Greetings! My name is Kristen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice in 2018 and went on to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work at Stony Brook University, graduating in 2020. Throughout my internships and social work career thus far, I have gained experience working with underserved and indigent populations, individuals involved in the legal system, and those with mental health, substance use, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. I have worked with these populations in inpatient psychiatric settings, in correctional settings, within the criminal court system, and during reintegration into the community. I believe it’s important to view an individual not only through the lens of what they present but also within the context of their environment and intertwined systems. I recognize that working through personal and life struggles in therapy can create discomfort. It’s my goal as a therapist to create an open, creative, and mindful environment where individuals can find comfort in sitting with their discomfort.
Brianna Kline, LMSW
Hello! I'm Brianna, a Licensed Master Social Worker. I am an Adelphi University graduate, receiving my BSW in 2018 and my MSW in 2019. I have experience working in schools, non-profits, and medical settings. I spent two years as an in-home therapist serving youth with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances, and I now work full-time in the field of substance use. I’ve worked with many different populations, including adolescents, older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, family caregivers, individuals with substance use, and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, just to name a few. I have training in CBT, motivational interviewing, family therapy, and trauma-informed care, and I continue to research and learn new techniques to best serve my clients and their needs.
Most importantly, I work with clients from a strengths-based perspective and equip them with the tools to feel empowered in their daily lives. My personal and professional experience has helped me understand real-world problems affecting us all and has shaped my passion for working in this field. I believe no one should compare their problems to someone else’s, regardless of whether they feel the other person’s problems are “more serious.” I’m here to say that your problems matter because they belong to you and deserve to be taken just as seriously as anyone else’s. Through our collaborative efforts, I look forward to listening to and learning from my clients as we embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Vanessa Attard, LMSW
Hello! My name is Vanessa, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. After fulfilling my enlistment in the US Air Force, I graduated from the University of South Florida’s undergraduate Social Work program in 2019. I graduated from Stony Brook University’s Social Work graduate program in 2021.
I have a broad range of experience, including work in behavioral health for adolescents, career advising, and medical social work. I have experience working within the VA system with individuals affected by trauma, anxiety, depression, IPV/sexual trauma, and transitional issues. This experience has deepened my understanding of the support and guidance we all need throughout life. I offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Pursuing therapy can be challenging and intimidating. My role is to guide you and ensure you have a safe place to heal and explore your mind. I look forward to assisting my clients in finding clarity, insight, and peace.
Carissa Gulli, LMSW
Hi there! My name is Carissa, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated from St. Joseph’s College in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations and from Stony Brook University in 2021 with a master’s degree in Social Work. I am an elementary school social worker with experience working closely with children ages 5-11 and their families. My experience as a school social worker has given me a strong understanding of the education system and how to navigate additional support within school. I also have experience working in a middle school with adolescents, as well as at Mather Hospital’s adolescent partial program. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including play-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy, trauma-informed care, and positive psychology. I serve a wide range of clients, from children ages 5 to adolescents to adults. I am a compassionate, empathetic, and active listener, and I believe that building a trusting, warm relationship is essential to the therapeutic process. When working with clients, I continually build rapport and empower them to develop a deeper sense of confidence and self-esteem. I believe in creating a safe, positive environment where all clients can thrive and grow. I promise to meet each of my clients where they are and help them reach the goals they strive for in their lives.
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Ryan Nordin, LCSW
My name is Ryan Nordin, and I am a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a proud alumna of Stony Brook University, where I earned my Master of Social Work in 2020. I have experience in medical and school social work, along with extensive work in outpatient mental health. I believe in providing a safe, confidential space to support my clients. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, strength-based perspectives, and psychoeducation in my work to help clients achieve their goals. I emphasize the importance of self-care, even for myself. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching medical dramas. I look forward to working with you and developing a therapeutic rapport.
Hello! My name is Dennise. I am a dedicated mental health counselor with a
passion for helping individuals navigate their unique path to wellness. I have
clinical expertise in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorders, and
schizophrenia. I specialize in a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet the
diverse needs of my clients, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and many more! I
have an extensive background working with adults who have experienced
traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Additionally, I have vast experience working with
children and their families, including military families!
Dennise Gregory, LMHC
Meaghan Mcdonough, MHC-LP
Hi! My name is Meaghan, and I am very excited to continue my journey as a mental health counselor with Feel Alive. I am passionate about mental health and about working with clients to reach their true potential in life! I have clinical experience working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. I also specialize in working with teens/adolescents, young adults and adults, as well as young children and LGBTQIA+ individuals. My approach to counseling uses person-centered therapy with elements of solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My goal is to create a safe and open space where you, as the client, feel empowered to share your experience with me. Navigating life can be stressful and difficult at times, but you are not alone!
Melody Burgos, LMSW
Hello! I'm Melody, a Licensed Master Social Worker. My journey in social work began with a Bachelor's in Psychology and culminated in a Master's in Social Work, both from Stony Brook University. I've had the joy of supporting a wonderfully diverse range of individuals, from bright Spanish-speaking elementary school students to adults with disabilities. I've also found immense value in co-facilitating equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning for alternative-education students, providing a supportive environment that enhances self-esteem, responsibility, and communication. Additionally, I have supported adults with disabilities through enriching agricultural therapy within their vocational programs. My practice is rooted in strength-based perspectives, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care, all aimed at creating a supportive and collaborative environment. I prioritize meeting clients where they are and working together to achieve their personal goals, providing a helping hand throughout their journey.
Leila Sassouni, MFT-LP
Hello, it’s great to meet you! My name is Leila (pronounced Lay-luh), and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist-LP working with individuals, couples, and families navigating relational challenges, emotional stuck points, and life transitions. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra University.
I bring passion, presence, and humor to each session, using lightheartedness to make difficult topics feel more approachable. My approach is tailored to each client or family system, while holding a space of empathy, safety, and honest reflection. I aim to meet you where you are, gently challenging unhelpful patterns, and encouraging growth and self-empowerment. Therapy can feel uncomfortable at times, but it is often within that discomfort that meaningful change begins. My goal as your therapist is to help you gain insight, strengthen self-awareness, and take proactive steps toward living a more empowered and fulfilling life.
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*Coming Soon*
Dominique Castro, MHC-LP
Hi! I’m Dominique, a Mental Health Counselor passionate about walking alongside people as they navigate life’s ups and downs. I believe therapy should feel like a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel genuinely heard and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, helping clients gain insight, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create meaningful change in their lives. My therapeutic style is conversational, empathetic, and goal-oriented, and I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of every client. I often draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and person-centered techniques to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, or major life transitions, my goal is to help you feel supported, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to foster healing, growth, and lasting personal change.
​Hannah Colasacco, LMSW
Hello! My name is Hannah Colasacco, and I’m a licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated from SUNY Oneonta with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2023 and then attended Stony Brook University, where I completed my Master of Social Work degree. I have experience working with children in both school and community settings alongside their families/guardians, as well as specialized experience supporting young children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. My approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also have experience with behavioral intervention strategies and incorporate strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches. I believe every client has unique strengths and resilience, and I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where they feel heard, understood, and empowered. I am passionate about showing up authentically for my clients and meeting them where they are in their journey. Together, we work to build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen social skills, improve impulse control and emotional regulation, and create meaningful, lasting growth.
D'Shawnee' Ross, Office Manager/Intake Coordinator
Hello! I’m D’Shawnee’ Ross, an experienced Office Manager and Intake Coordinator with five years in administrative roles. I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming and organized environment for both clients and staff. Currently, I’m pursuing a degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology at Queensborough Community College to deepen my understanding of healthcare. Outside of my administrative work, I’m passionate about supporting children. As a Behavior Technician, I support children with autism in their growth and development, drawing on my background in psychology to approach each interaction with empathy and patience. Whether managing office operations or working with children, my goal is to make a positive impact through kindness, organization, and compassion.