Paul Hogate, LCSW

Valerie Stern, LCSW, has extensive experience in hospital outpatient settings, nonprofit agencies, and private practice. She is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, MI, and IP, and is certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy, having led groups for veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in recovery. Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in clinical social work. She began her career working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and co-founded the Hearing Loss Association of Los Angeles, serving as its first president. Fluent in English, French, and American Sign Language, she brings a deep cross-cultural understanding from her time living in Europe and Asia.

Valerie approaches therapy with curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to creating a supportive, open environment. She helps clients challenge misconceptions and develop healthier thought patterns while fostering honesty, respect, and open communication. When appropriate, she uses humor to build connection and lighten moments in the therapeutic process.

In the first session, Valerie takes time to fully understand each client’s history and experiences to determine the best level of care. She collaborates with clients to create realistic, achievable treatment plans focused on positive behavioral and emotional change. She may incorporate homework, videos, and handouts for later reference, and uses appropriate self-disclosure to strengthen rapport and trust.

Myrtle Davenport is a dual certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience in healthcare. She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner at Chamberlain University and a Post Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Valdosta State University. Myrtle is skilled in assessing and treating a variety of mental health disorders including but not limited to anxiety, major depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and other mood disorders across the life span. She is trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and supportive therapy. Over the past 7 years, she has gained valuable experience in a number of settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and residential facilities, community mental health clinics, and private practice.

Myrtle is dedicated to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment where patients can expect to be heard, emotionally validated, and supported. She will ensure that patients are well-informed, empowering them to be active participants in managing their care. By fostering a strong therapeutic relationship, she will support her patients in achieving long-term mental wellness and resilience.

As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Myrtle provides comprehensive mental health care to individuals across the lifespan, helping them navigate through their mental health challenges with a holistic, compassionate approach. Her clinical practice involves conducting a thorough assessment and gathering relevant information from patients about their medical, psychiatric, and social history. Through open and empathetic communication, she will ensure a deep understanding of their symptoms, challenges, and goals. Based on the assessment, she will work closely with her patients to develop an individualized treatment plan and lifestyle recommendations. She will offer education on mental health conditions, coping strategies, and self-care techniques. She also provides referrals to therapists and other support services, helping patients develop the skills they need to thrive. She also believes in providing psychoeducation to patients, families, and caregivers. Myrtle's approach to patient care is grounded in empathy, respect, and evidence-based practices, and she is committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where patients feel empowered to achieve their mental health goals.

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Dr. Megan Wynne is board certified in adult psychiatry and completed fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine). She has been in practicing psychiatry since 2006. Dr. Wynne completed her medical degree at Drexel University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, her psychiatric residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and her consultation/liaison psychiatric fellowship at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Queens, NY. She continued to work in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at North Shore Hospital in NY, before working for nine years at Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital as a staff psychiatrist and associate at the University of Pennsylvania University Hospital. During this time, she worked closely with patients struggling with Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Anxiety. She acted as an attending psychiatrist in training medical students, psychiatric residents and fellows. Following a move to New Zealand, she worked as lead psychiatrist for Te Puna Waiora, Maori Mental Health team (Indigenous Person mental health clinic) at Counties Manakau District Health Board. She worked with multiple patients facing cultural challenges, as well as psychosocial stressors (poverty, family fragmentation, poor education). During this time, she worked within the indigenous system of mental health, which treats not just emotional or physical issues for a person, but spiritual and familial as well. She has incorporated this into her treatment approach for all patients. Dr. Wynne has always believed that medication must be used in conjunction with psychodynamic therapy, and medical and social supports to most appropriately treat a patient. She offers 30-minute sessions consisting of medication management and brief therapeutic support. She specializes in treating victims of trauma, medical comorbidity.

Derek Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has extensive experience working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. Derek has worked with clients with a large variety of concerns and backgrounds, with more experience with male and minority populations. Derek attended undergraduate school in Alfred, NY, graduate school in Rochester, NY, including a school-based visit to Estonia to learn about social work systems abroad. Derek's greatest passion is helping people make lasting change in their lives. His approach draws both on professional and personal experiences with addiction, trauma, first responders, relationships and more. By creating a space and relationship where you feel safe, valued, and respected, Derek works together with you to overcome the challenges of today and build resiliency for the challenges yet to come. Therapy can be a truly transformative experience, when it is built on human connection and dedication to change. Derek takes an active approach, which includes asking tough questions while staying respectful, as well as humor and friendly conversations when appropriate. Therapy begins with building trust and a good relationship. Derek utilizes experiences from various practice models, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Ariella Rodriguez, LCSW, has been practicing since 2013 after earning her Master’s in Social Work from New York University. She has experience supporting individuals with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and interpersonal relationships. Ariella has worked in diverse settings including a mental health clinic, an outpatient hospital program, and a nonprofit specializing in parent-child psychotherapy. She has treated a wide range of conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders.

Ariella believes you are the expert of your own story. She takes an empowering, hands-on approach that highlights your strengths, helping you break down barriers and move toward a life that feels whole, healed, and fulfilling. Her goal is to leave you feeling encouraged and motivated to achieve meaningful change.

Ariella starts by building a safe, trusting space where vulnerability and personal growth can take root. She avoids a one-size-fits-all approach, instead developing customized goals and strategies based on your specific needs. Being seen, heard, and understood is central to her practice. She meets you where you are and supports you in moving toward healing and growth.

Rebecca Siwanowicz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her career in 2013, maintaining various positions in both inpatient and outpatient settings while treating substance use and mental health disorders. Rebecca graduated with her BSW from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 and graduated with her MSW in 2016. Rebecca is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional in the state of Florida.‍Rebecca's areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, issues related to codependency and low self-esteem, life transitions, self-care and emotion regulation. Rebecca takes an individualistic approach when treating clients, greatly valuing and promoting individuality and autonomy. Rebecca practices through the lens of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, utilizing components of Existentialism, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, 12 Step Principles, and Client Centered Therapy. Rebecca takes a psychosocial approach toward treatment, providing her clients with unconditional positive regard, psychoeducation, and practical coping skills to support them in building a life of their choosing.