Shannon Curry, LMHC

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.

Ray Hood is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 19 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. He earned his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University and has worked in a variety of settings, including schools, inpatient facilities, community-based programs, hospital emergency departments, and group homes. Ray’s extensive background allows him to provide compassionate, effective care across a broad range of mental health needs.

Ray values creating a warm and supportive environment where patients feel safe to share openly without fear of judgment. He believes in empowering individuals by identifying and building upon their strengths, while encouraging healthy lifestyle habits that promote long-term stability. Ray has expertise in addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, psychosis, and life transitions, tailoring his approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Ray collaborates with his clients to set clear treatment goals, ensuring that care feels personalized and effective. He integrates evidence-based practices with a strengths-focused approach, guiding individuals to recognize their resilience and develop practical tools for growth. Through consistent support and open communication, Ray helps patients build confidence, navigate challenges, and create meaningful changes in their lives.

Stephorna Barnes-Patterson, LCSW, brings over 15 years of experience working in community and outpatient settings with individuals across all age groups. She utilizes various treatment modalities to meet diverse needs. Stephorna earned her degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker committed to compassionate, effective care.

Stephorna offers flexible, client-focused, and culturally competent treatment. She tailors every session to meet the individual’s unique needs, creating a space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

During the initial session, Stephorna takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, goals, and existing strengths. She collaborates with clients to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.

Laura Cunningham, LCSW, has over four years of experience treating eating disorders in a hospital setting. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University and is certified in Level 1 Gottman Method. Laura integrates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), into her clinical work.

Laura’s therapeutic style is warm, personable, and conversational—like talking to a trusted friend. She creates a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood. Laura validates emotions while encouraging meaningful growth and self-discovery.

Laura begins by thoroughly exploring each client’s background and therapy goals. From there, she collaborates with the individual to develop a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their needs, supporting long-term change and emotional well-being.

Diana Veliz, LCSW, obtained her MSW from Fordham University. Diana has over 3 years of experience providing client-centered therapy. Her practice is sensitive to race and culture, and trauma-informed. Diana has experience working with adults, and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. She has worked in outpatient/inpatient clinics and in an educational setting supporting children with social emotional learning. Diana believes that the best approach is to work collaboratively with the client while also considering that each person's experience is individual to them. The client is an expert in their lives, and as a clinician, she is there to meet the client where they are at and begin the healing journey through non-judgment and compassion. Diana uses cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused approach, and psycho-education. She also considers the client's place in society and how culture and race can contribute to challenges. Diana takes passion in working with clients to improve self-esteem, recognize schemas, regulate emotions, and develop self-awareness.

Joanne is a Latinx, first generation, biliterate licensed mental health counselor- LMHC-D. Joanne enjoys working with individuals from diverse populations facing grief/loss, relational difficulties as well as anxiety/depression stemming from life and identity transitions through a trauma-focused and culturally responsive lens.

Joanne's previous experience includes supporting clients across a variety of outpatient settings that includes private practice and community based mental health organizations. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan with concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to serious and persistent mental health issues via individual therapy, group counseling and family therapy. Joanne's therapeutic approach is highly empathetic, client-centered, and strengths-based, which aims to empower individuals to tap into their inherent potential. As a direct clinician, a client can expect a mix of humor and curiosity as they work collaboratively to explore their mental health needs, co-create resilience, and cultivate the best version of themselves.

Joanne combines a mix of evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as Internal Family Systems. Additionally, Joanne is also certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Clients can expect an individualized therapeutic experience that aims to help them walk away from their sessions feeling supported, empowered and energized to work on their personal growth.