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 varying mental health and substance use settings over the past 11 years. I have worked in an outpatient clinic, residential treatment center, admissions department, and hospital setting. I have training and experience in using various 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 to be one in 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 to assist them in developing 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 client's needs and goals. This technique allows people to grow and make the necessary changes they need to make in order to live a healthier and productive life.
Amanda Ruiz, LMSW
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 Master's degree in 2019. I had a late start in my academic pursuits for I was busy gaining life experience, working, and raising my family. My experiences in mental health include working with socially anxious children and adolescents, a residential group home for teenage youth, 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 empower others. Each and every client who has made the decision to seek help deserves to be heard, respected, and provided with a safe space in which to explore their feelings, emotions and build the strength and skill set they seek. As an active listener and “out of the box” thinker, I strive to help my client find peace, clarity, and joy in their lives.
Hello! My name is Brittany Oelschlager, I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated in May 2021 from Stony Brook University. I spent 5 years working in the advertising space before switching gears and going back to school to obtain my social work degree when I realized helping people and working with others is truly where my passions lie. I have experienced my own trauma through 9/11/01, which has guided my practice to be extremely trauma-informed and compassionate to all people. I have experience working in a middle school setting with children ages 10-15 as well as Veterans at the VAMC. I offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy. My specialties are in PTSD, coping with anxiety, increasing positives/decreasing negatives, depression, life transitions, and bereavement. I am extremely genuine and take a compassionate approach to my practice while working on incorporating evidence practice-based approaches for treatment. I believe therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, and we can work together as a team to help navigate through the ups and downs life offers.
Brittany Oelschlager, LMSW
Kristen Goldfarb, LMSW
Greetings! My name is Kristen and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated with Bachelors degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice in 2018 and went on to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work at Stony Brook University - where I graduated from in 2020. Throughout my internships and social work career thus far, I have been able to gain experience working with underserved and indigent populations, those criminally involved in the legal system, individuals with mental health, substance use, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. I have worked with this array of populations in the context of an inpatient psychiatric setting, incarceration, the criminal court system, and reintegration back into the community. I believe it’s important to look at an individual not only from the perception of what they are presenting with but in the context of their environment and intertwined systems. I recognize that working through personal and life struggles in therapy can create a level of discomfort. It’s my goal as a therapist to create an open, creative and mindful environment for individuals to find comfort in sitting in 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 servicing youth with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances and now currently work full-time in the field of substance use. I’ve worked with many different populations, including ages ranging from adolescents to geriatrics, LGBTQ+, family caregivers, substance abuse, and victims of domestic violence & sexual assault, just to name a few. I have training in CBT, motivational interviewing, family therapy, trauma-informed care, and continue researching and learning new techniques to best serve my clients and their needs.
Most importantly, I treat clients from a strengths perspective and give them 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 molded my passion for working in this field. I believe that no person should compare their problems to someone else’s regardless of whether or not 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 and learning from my clients as we embark on a journey to self-discovery.
Becca Bernstein, LMSW
My name is Becca Bernstein, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University, my Master of Public Health degree from Stony Brook University, and my Master of Science in Social Administration (Master of Social Work equivalent) degree from Case Western Reserve University.
I have worked in behavioral health units, outpatient clinical programs, and as a crisis counselor. I have experience providing therapy for adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use histories. In my sessions, I use a trauma-informed focus, a strengths-based perspective, empathy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I am passionate about helping my clients better manage their mental health, improve their communication, and process their traumas. I hope to work with you!
Vanessa Attard, LMSW
Julie Wisher, LMSW
Carissa Gulli, LMSW
Christy Diamond, LMSW
Hello! My name is Vanessa, and I am a License 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; working in behavioral health for adolescents, career advisement, and medical social work. For the past three years, I have been fortunate enough to serve Veterans within the VA system. Treating those with trauma, anxiety, depression, IPV/sexual trauma, and transitional issues has given me the experience and increased understanding of the support and guidance we all need throughout life. I offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Pursuing therapy can be a challenge and intimidating. My role is to guide you and to 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.
Hello! My name is Julie Wisher, and I am so excited to be joining the team at Feel Alive Therapy! With over 10 years of experience in building positive, healing and compassionate relationships with others in an outpatient psychiatric clinic setting, I am eager to bring my skills into private practice. I am well-versed in different treatment modalities including Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-informed practice and Solution-Focused therapies. At my core, I believe in a Person-Centered philosophy: you alone are the expert on your life and hold the power to create the changes you seek; my role is to be a supporting character in your journey. My recipe for therapy is equal parts respect, empathy and experience; a sprinkle of lighthearted humor and a whole lot of heart. I can't wait to work with you!
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 masters degree in Social Work. I am an elementary school social worker and have experience working closely with children ages 5-11 and their families. Due to my experience as a school social worker, I have a valuable understanding of the education system and navigating 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 such as play-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy, trauma informed care, as well as positive psychology.I service a wide range of clients from children aged 5 to adolescents to adults. I am a compassionate, empathetic, and active listener and believe building a trusting and warm relationship is essential to the therapeutic process. When working with clients, I am continually building rapport and empowering clients to develop a deeper sense of confidence and self-esteem. I believe in creating a safe and positive environment for all clients to thrive and grow. I promise to meet each and every one of my clients where they are at and help them to reach the goals they strive for in their lives.
Hello! My name is Christy Diamond and I am a Mental Health Counselor. I graduated with my Bachelors from Stony Brook University and received my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Adelphi University. I have experience working with all ages including adolescents, teenagers, and adults. I strive to foster a warm and compassionate environment with unconditional acceptance and support. I meet clients in their current emotional and mental states and work towards their goals. I utilize an eclectic approach consisting of psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness practices. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and neurodiversity. I look forward to standing beside you and supporting you on this journey!
