Our Team

Brooklyn Offices

Brooklyn office team bios and pictures here:

Mike Canino, LCSW-R

• • • • 20 Years in Practice
      • MSW – Fordham University 1997-1999
      • BS Psychology – Fordham University 1993 – 1997
        • Member of the National Association of Social Workers

I have been coaching clients in the New York area for the past 15 years as they make positive, life-altering changes via individual, couples, family and group counseling. Through carefully guided exploration, my clients uncover behavioral patterns that keep them from the happiness they desire by learning strategies for managing stress, working through loss, creating loving, productive relationships, finding spiritual fulfillment and living more intentional, mindful lives.
I prefer to take an ecletic approach with my clients as each of them are different and will need different types of therapy. I like to challenge my clients while maintaining their trust as I provide them with honest advice.
Being a young therapist I am able to relate to young adults needs, as well as provide therapy clients can understand in a modern fashion.

Ralph M. Ferraro, LCSW-R

MSW from Fordham University, Lincoln Center

Advanced Certificate in Clinical Social Work (2 years post masters) from NYU

Fellow NYS Society of Clinical Social Work

I am working on a book about the quantum dimension of psychology – expected to be published in1st quarter of 2020

I have over 4 decades in helping people with mental health, addiction, relationship and life issues.

I was initially trained in person centered psychodynamic psychotherapy. I start where the person is a help them remove the obstacles (learned patterns from the past) that prevent them from achieving th goals. I have included an eastern approach to therapy which includes energy fields such as thinking, feeling and Spirit~Source. I believe that each person has a special quality and talent that is unique to them. I help the person with many tools including mindfulness, and meditation to help a person overcome grief, trauma, deal with difficult emotions, and pursue their happiness – their life mission. I have taught college courses on human growth and development, and the Quantum level of psychology My goal is to help the person find their true self and their true qualities and then radiate them in their life. Looking forward on helping you on your journey.

 

Crystal Angerville LMHC

MA- John Jay College of Criminal Justice

As a clinician, my philosophy has always been to meet my patients wherever they are at. If you are not sure where to begin well that’s ok! I believe in working collaboratively in exploring possible answers to whatever difficulties your experiencing.

I have a background in treating individuals, with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, domestic violence issues and personality disorders using methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Before joining Canino Psychotherapy Practice, I worked in not-for-profit social work and care coordination agencies which has lend me the experience to adapt to any situation while staying flexible in my treatment approach.

My goal is to create a safe space where you feel comfortable and free from judgment. Deciding to begin therapy is a big decision but, does not have to be a scary one. If you think you would like to meet to talk further please reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Nick Santo LCSW-R

Senior Associate

• • • • • 11 Years in Practice
        • MSW – Fordham University 2008
        • Adjunct Professor at Fordham University
        • Doctorate of Clinical Social Work Candidate (DSW) – NYU

Gail Giunta

With a background in the fields of Visual and Performing Arts, and Education, my passion as a Counselor is to incorporate Expressive Arts therapy when appropriate in a traditional therapeutic session that also combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness and positive psychology in order to help individuals, couples, family, adolescents, and children find their inner voice, to be heard and seen, and validated, as well as grow and learn to achieve goals towards balance and better mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health and well-being.

Matthew Yetsko, LCSW

• • • • 7 Years in Practice
      • Columbia University 2012

I utilize multiple treatment approaches in my therapy work including aspects of adaptive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, neuroscience, and mindfulness. I specialize in working with clients experiencing a wide-range of issues including social anxiety, relationship issues, performance anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, general anxiety, chronic stress, eating disorders, and depression. I work with clients to help them learn to effectively manage distress before it reaches a point of leaving you feeling overwhelmed while also helping you learn the origin and historical context of your distress. I utilize neuroscience information to help clients understand how their brain reacts and creates responses to stressors. I view anxiety symptoms not as a mental illness or something wrong with you, but rather as an adaptation developed as a reaction to stress and life experiences. Tools are individually created to change reactions to triggers and create new behaviors. Don’t just talk in therapy – do something different.

Franky Jordan, LMSW

I want you to know it is perfectly normal to feel nervous, doubtful or even both if this is your first time seeking therapy.  It’s my responsibility as the therapist to set you at ease.  Empathy and my ability to connect with others are my strongest qualities, and they serve as a firm foundation for the work I engage in with clients.  My goal is to problem solve, increase self-awareness, address negative thinking habits and behaviors, and aid in whatever other ways my clients hope to improve their mental well-being.  You can be assured that I will work hard to help you manage whatever stress has brought you into our office.  There are a variety of modalities that therapists can choose to work within, and I will be drawing from all of them to find the strategies which are the best fit in your life.  Regarding experience, I have worked with adults, adolescents and families.  Issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship troubles and personal unfulfillment are all topics I am confident guiding a client through.

Saul Zalta, MHC-LP

Masters in Mental Health Counseling Touro College 2018

BS in Psychology Brooklyn College 2011-2014

Member of American Counseling Association

My inherent ability to be empathetic and client centered has been something which has helped me throughout my counseling experience, specifically when working with individuals struggling with a history of substance abuse.

My goal as a clinician is to help bring my clients clarity so that they can better manage their stressors, relationships, and create new perspectives. This will be done by using an eclectic approach of therapy with my clients as each person is different and requires a form therapy suited for who they are.

The area of expertise I wish to focus on include individuals with anxiety or depression as well as individuals who have a history of substance abuse.

Benjamin Lane, LMSW

MSW – New York University

BA Psychology – Marymount Manhattan

Member of the National Association of Social Workers

I am a licensed masters level social worker and my method of practice has been informed by a person centered, strengths based approach. I am open-minded and intellectually curious, constantly striving to improve my knowledge and therapeutic effectiveness. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship between a therapist and client and that to be truly seen and heard is paramount to the formation of the therapeutic alliance. I specialize in working with people suffering from anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, work related stress, as well as dating and relationship issues.

In session, I utilize an integrative approach to psychotherapy that includes mindfulness, psychodynamic, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioral approaches to enhance clients’ awareness of deeply embedded patterns and beliefs.

I have worked with a wide range of populations including current and former service members, first responders, and members of the general population admitted to inpatient acute physical rehabilitation with serious physical or medical complications.

Ariel Stevens, LMSW

MSW- Fordham University

“If you want to increase the quality of your life, start by increasing the quality of your thoughts.”
― Akiroq Brost

This sums up my passion to help others create the best mindset to live their best lives, despite the obstacles that may be in the way. My experience practicing as an LMSW in the field has consisted of utilizing various methods such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Supportive Psychotherapy, Strengths Perspective, and a Person-Centered Approach. I have mainly worked with adults, children, individuals, and groups through different challenges including stress, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, symptoms of other mental health diagnoses, and intellectual developmental disabilities. My passion for helping others to learn useful coping mechanisms and empowering strategies has also been influenced by my knowledge and belief in positive psychology; reframing all negative connotations surrounding a person and utilizing their strengths, skills, and interests to help them heal and succeed. I seek to provide my clients with not only support through their struggles, but empathy and compassion that educates and motivates them to be the best version of themselves.

Heather Luboff, LMSW

MSW – Hunter College 2014

Hello! Deciding to take this step into self-care can be both rewarding & overwhelming and I want to acknowledge that.  I believe mental wellness is for everyone and I’m glad you’re here! You are worthy of healing and feeling empowered.

We can explore strategies for managing stress, establishing healthy boundaries, working through loss, creating loving & conscious relationships and living a more mindful life.  I have experience working with adults, adolescents, families and couples, and specialize in work with folx in the LGBTQ community.

Melisa Celikoyar, LMSW

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
– Carl Rogers

• • • • • MSW – Hunter College 2012-2014
        • BA Psychology – Stony Brook University 2011
        •   Member of the National Association of Social Workers

Making the decision to seek the guidance and support you need in achieving your optimal happiness is a big step! It is a privilege to join you on this journey, and I look forward to being an active participant in the process of change.

As a Licensed Psychotherapist, I have worked in various settings, which include school, medical, community, and nonprofit based. I have worked with children, youth, and families of all ages experiencing different life stressors, distorted thought patterns, and emotional dysregulation.

Areas of Expertise: I specialize in issues related to anxiety, depression, loss, chronic medical diagnosis, relationships, parenting, children, families, and young adults.

My style is warm, friendly, accepting and goal oriented. I thrive at creating a safe and nonjudgmental space, one where you can feel comfortable and at ease. I draw upon different therapy modality styles; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psycho-Education, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and overall, implementing Trauma Informed Care.

My career has been driven by an enormous curiosity about human behavior, a profound interest in helping people, and a deep well of compassion and empathy.My passion is my inspiration, and hopefully yours as well.

Chris Lane, LMSW

• • • • • MSW- Columbia University 2017
        • BA Human Development – California State University, Long Beach 2013

Life can be very hard at times. I enjoy working with people to help ease and manage those hard times. In therapy, I aim to provide a space that is warm, non-judgmental, collaborative, and a space that can be trusted. I am trained in different types of therapies which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Problem-Solving Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Informed Treatment. However, I believe that each person is different and therefore I tend to use an eclectic approach to therapy and pull from a wide range of modalities that can support you. My work has given me the opportunity to help children, adolescents, couples, and adults better manage and cope with anxiety, depression, trauma related conflict, love and loss, substance use and misuse, relationship issues, and other areas that have made life hard at times. In addition, I have worked alongside many cultures and communities that are often underserved and underrepresented such as the LGBTQ+ community. I look forward to working alongside you.

Nancy Adlman LCSW-R

I have been a clinical social worker and psychotherapist for 30 years. I have post-masters training family and couples Therapy and doctoral coursework from Wurzweilwe School of Social Work. I have been a supervisor, administrator, adjunct professor, and community organizer. I have also worked with many clients in the performing and creative arts area. This resonates with my own passion for the arts.

I believe in truly being in there with the client to retrieve aspects of self that may have been lost or split off and to reclaim and retrieve these places where the healing and transformational process can take place. I have an eclectic approach with each client from psychodynamic to gestalt or systems approaches but also believe in empowering vision of the whole person using an integrative approach to therapy where mindfulness another stress-reducing techniques can be quite effective and life-altering for wholeness and balance for each clients unique journey.

Elizabeth Bauman

• • • • • MSW- Fordham University 2015-2017
        • BA Political Science- College of Charleston 2012
        • Member of the National Association of Social Workers

As a therapist, I am open-minded, kind, motivating and sincere. I believe that my education, experience in the field, creativity and sense of humor make my approach to counseling individualized and realistic. I utilize different modalities through a trauma informed lens, ranging from, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-Education and Motivation Interviewing.

In my work, I am dedicated to supporting people on their journey with self-care. I believe that healing is a collaborative effort that is possible through honest dialogue, trauma informed methodology, and a judgment-free environment.

Michelle Grant Tate LMSW
14 Years in Practice
MSW – Hunter College School of Social Work – 2005

My practice of psychotherapy begins with the individual, and their unique strengths, life experiences and challenges. I believe that change is always possible, and my job is to guide my clients in the process of self-discovery.

I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups, using cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic and humanistic therapy approaches.

Before joining Canino Psychotherapy Practice, I was a psychiatric social worker and case manager for various social work agencies where I learned to be an empathic listener and strong advocate for my clients. The client population I served included clients struggling with mental health issues, addictions, serious medical illness and physical and intellectual disability. I have extensive experience working with at-risk older adults and supporting their family and caregivers. I have also helped those with mood disorders, relationship problems and other problems of everyday life.

Staten Island Offices

Statin Island team bios and pictures here:

Mike Canino, LCSW-R

• • • • 20 Years in Practice
      • MSW – Fordham University 1997-1999
      • BS Psychology – Fordham University 1993 – 1997
      • Member of the National Association of Social Workers

I have been coaching clients in the New York area for the past 12 years as they make positive, life-altering changes via individual, couples, family and group counseling. Through carefully guided exploration, my clients uncover behavioral patterns that keep them from the happiness they desire by learning strategies for managing stress, working through loss, creating loving, productive relationships, finding spiritual fulfillment and living more intentional, mindful lives.
I prefer to take an ecletic approach with my clients as each of them are different and will need different types of therapy. I like to challenge my clients while maintaining their trust as I provide them with honest advice.
Being a young therapist I am able to relate to young adults needs, as well as provide therapy clients can understand in a modern fashion.

Richard Rivera LCSW-R

• • • • 14 Years in Practice
      • New York University 2005

Gladys Morrar LCSW

• • • • • New York University, Master’s in Social Work
        • Pace University, New York (Bachelor’s)

Pauline Ahrens, LMSW

Dan Kolber LCSW

I try to help clients empower themselves and achieve greater happiness in their lives. I will aid clients in reaching their life goals. I like to utilize a cognitive behavioral oriented style of therapy. I will also take a psychoanalytic approach as needed in terms of aiding the client w/specific areas of problem solving in their lives.

Anita Aasen LCSW

26 years in Practice

MSW – Fordham University 1986

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years experience.  My style is person centered and easy going.  Every person walks a unique path with unique challenges.  I approach therapy as a chance to find lessons in difficulties and hidden strengths to be discovered and acknowledged.  I’ve been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and in mindfulness.  Specialities include low self esteem, depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress.  I have worked with adults, children and teenagers.