Dana Sommers, LCSW

Penny Clark is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey in 2004. Penny also completed a one-year training to become a Certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York in 2017. Penny has more than 20 years of counseling experience and has worked with individuals, couples and families, beginning by working with 9/11 displaced workers and recovery workers, including police, firemen and EMTs, and then Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy families, after which she worked with bereaved military families, homeless veterans, and other homeless men. Penny has done individual, couples, career and relationship counseling. Penny has worked in various levels of care including inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial care programs. Penny has answered the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK, has worked in a psychiatrist’s office, and in her own private practice. Penny also worked at a drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation program.  Penny has worked with individuals with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, health and medical challenges, substance abuse, and the specific challenges that seniors face.

Penny provides a safe, therapeutic environment in which clients can share and process their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and set and reach realistic and achievable goals. Penny’s primary goal is to develop a trusting relationship with her clients and helping them to improve their lives.

Penny uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT,) Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation while working with clients. Penny enjoys assisting clients in determining where they are and where they would like to be, the steps they need to take to get there, and in identifying and overcoming any obstacles that may be in their way.

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Erin Ellis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York. Erin has over 5 years of experience working with adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, stress, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and trauma. Erin received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY followed by a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. Erin has prior experience working for a local hospital in the comprehensive psychiatric emergency program (CPEP) where she provided crisis intervention services.  Erin also has prior experience working in substance abuse in providing mental health counseling treatment on an inpatient unit. Additionally, Erin has worked in community mental work with a variety of different populations. Erin’s therapeutic approach is eclectic in nature, and client centered. Erin collaborates with her clients, meeting them where they are and helping them find personalized solutions to achieve their goals and become their best selves.  Erin utilizes a combination of approaches including mindfulness techniques, cognitive/dialectical behavioral skills (CBT, DBT), as well as compassion and strength-based approaches. Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy. It’s normal to feel nervous; therapy is a process we’ll build together over time. We’ll move at your pace, one step at a time, and I’ll be here to guide you throughout.

Shivani M. Borhara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been providing therapy to individuals and couples for the past 10 years. Shivani has a background in trauma and has worked with a diverse population of clients with a variety of issues and mental health struggles. Shivani attended Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY to obtain her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Queens College in Flushing, NY for her Master's in Psychology, where she taught as an adjunct professor for undergraduate students. Shivani has also spent time bringing mental health resources and trainings to the NYC public school system. She is very passionate about mental health and helping individuals through the tough times in life. Shivani's approach is collaborative and she tends to focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Interventions. She explores childhood traumas and whether they are related to current issues. Shivani believes that there is no one size fits all model, and meets individuals where they are in their journey. Shivani focuses on normalizing anxiety and stress, while allowing one to move forward in life.

Cherese Allen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and earned her master's degree from Houston Christian University. Additionally, she completed an internship at a private practice in Texas. Upon obtaining her license, she achieved certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Shame-Informed Therapy, and Eating Disorders.

With years of experience in both education and private practice, Cherese has helped individuals, couples, and families overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, addressing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, mood disorders, career changes, and major life transitions.

Cherese employs a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She believes that with the right tools, you can conquer many obstacles and reach your desired destination. Cherese looks forward to supporting you on your journey!

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Ronda T. Alaniz, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience providing therapy and case management for children, adolescents, and adults. She currently serves as a Remote Therapist with Hazel Health Services, conducting evaluations and offering evidence-based counseling for clients ages 4–25. With over nine years as a School Mental Health Counselor at Edgewood ISD, Ronda developed and implemented individual and group counseling programs for PK–12 students. She also brings valuable leadership experience as a former Program Director and Case Manager in nonprofit and social service settings. Ronda earned her Master of Arts in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Ronda creates a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and works closely with clients to establish meaningful, achievable goals. Her approach integrates evidence-based methods tailored to each client’s developmental stage and individual needs. Ronda empowers clients through education, self-awareness, and practical coping skills, fostering growth, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Ronda begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each client’s history, strengths, and challenges. She then collaborates on a personalized treatment plan centered on the client’s goals and progress. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Ronda ensures care remains effective and responsive. Her sessions emphasize emotional regulation, skill-building, and positive self-talk to promote lasting well-being.

Thomas Reis is a clinical social worker, independently licensed in Massachusetts. He has 13 years of experience working as a psychotherapist providing psychotherapy to adults both in an outpatient setting and through telehealth. Thomas has experience working with anxiety and mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and stress. He specializes in helping people navigate challenging life transitions, existential crisis, addictions, including chemical, behavioral, and process addictions. Thomas helps others empower themselves to improve their self-esteem and the quality of their relationships by teaching healthy boundaries, assertive communication, and active listening skills. By utilizing teach strategies and interventions from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy Thomas takes a client centered approach while working with his clients. He enjoys his work and is passionate about helping people who want help. He attempts to empower clients to work toward achieving their own individual goals at their own pace while being empathetic and open-minded. Thomas works with his clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.