Meet Our Therapists
Abby Leefer, LCSW-R, Director
Abby Leefer has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1989. She earned her Master’s Degree from Stony Brook University and brings decades of experience to her practice. Abby takes a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each individual. She firmly believes that no two people share the exact same struggles, and therefore, no two people require the same treatment.
To support her clients effectively, Abby utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic theory, a family systems approach, and Rogerian-based humanistic treatment. This flexible and integrative style allows her to adapt to the specific needs of each client.
Abby is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. She works alongside her clients to help them gain insight into their struggles, foster self-acceptance, and make meaningful changes in their lives. Abby also provides support in helping clients come to terms with aspects of life that may be beyond their control.
Most recently, Abby expanded her practice by founding Perspectives Counseling of LI. This development reflects her dedication to making high-quality, client-centered mental health services accessible to more individuals during a time of significant change and uncertainty.
Elizabeth Alpert, LMSW
Elizabeth Alpert is a licensed social worker with a master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University and a master’s in English Education from CW Post. She has interned at Outreach House and Long Island Against Domestic Violence.
Elizabeth works with adults, adolescents, and children in individual and family settings, addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, CPTSD, trauma, grief, domestic violence, relationship challenges, peer issues, adjustment struggles, and life transitions.
Her client-centered, collaborative, and insight-oriented approach is tailored to each individual’s needs. Elizabeth utilizes evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing, through a psychodynamic lens. She focuses on helping clients build coping skills and achieve their best sense of self.
Elizabeth believes our past experiences shape who we are today. She fosters introspection and reflection in a warm, non-judgmental environment, partnering with clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to determine what still serves them. Dedicated to healing and growth, Elizabeth is fully invested in guiding her clients toward positive change.
Judith Bernstein, PhD, LMSW
Judy Bernstein, PhD, LMSW is a licensed social worker in New York State. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, her Master’s degree in Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook, and her PhD in Psychology from Brandeis University.
Judy is a warm, compassionate clinician who works with adolescents and adults, helping them navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Her areas of focus include imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, grief, and coping strategies. She empowers clients by emphasizing their strengths and fostering an accepting, nonjudgmental environment where collaboration is at the heart of the therapeutic process.
Recognizing that each client’s needs are unique, Judy tailors her therapeutic approach, integrating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused therapy. She believes that while we all face difficulties at times, we also have the ability to overcome them. Through caring and supportive relationships, she helps clients feel comfortable and confident as they work through life’s obstacles.
Leslye Casolaro, LMSW
Leslye Casolaro, LMSW earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare. She has worked in the field of social work for several years, supporting diverse populations, including individuals struggling with addiction and those navigating the complexities of the justice system. Leslye also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City (1999), giving her a unique perspective in helping individuals develop the tools they need to overcome life’s challenges.
With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Leslye strives to provide the highest level of clinical care. She fosters a safe, judgment-free space using a person-centered counseling approach tailored to each client’s needs.
Leslye specializes in working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. She is also deeply attuned to LGBTQ+ issues, supporting clients in exploring sexuality, gender, and identity while addressing discrimination, oppression, and cultural or family dynamics.
Taking a holistic approach, Leslye integrates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Seeking Safety, along with psychoeducation to empower her clients on their healing journey.
Liz Cooke, LMSW
Liz Cooke, LMSW is a licensed social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. A native New Yorker, she spent many years in Los Angeles, where she raised a family and built careers in sales and education.
For Liz, the foundation of effective therapy is the connection between a client and their clinician. She believes clients deserve a therapist who truly understands them—someone who listens with compassion, offers a nonjudgmental and objective perspective, and fosters a supportive, open space for self-exploration.
Liz takes a collaborative, psychodynamic approach to therapy, helping clients deepen their awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. She has experience working with adults in both individual and family settings, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance use, grief, codependency, and emotional wellness. Through this work, she helps clients cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and effective communication and coping skills.
To tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, Liz incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), creating a personalized approach that supports growth and healing.
Emily Deal, LMSW
Emily Deal, LMSW is a licensed social worker who earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta. She works with children, teens, and young adults, drawing on her experience in school settings to address the academic, social, and emotional challenges that youth often face.
Emily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches to help clients reach their full potential. She strives to create a comfortable, supportive environment that fosters positive change and meets each client’s individual needs. Believing that counseling is a collaborative process, she works alongside clients to help them achieve their personal goals.
Stacy Danon, LMSW
Stacy Danon, LMSW is a licensed social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Syracuse University. Growing up in Los Angeles and spending much of her adult life in New York City, Stacy's diverse experiences and multidisciplinary background shape her open and empathetic approach to working with clients.
Stacy believes in the power of change and sees seeking help as the first step in that process. She serves as a guide and advocate for clients looking to make social, emotional, behavioral, or perspective shifts in their lives. She emphasizes self-compassion as a foundation for growth and helps clients access their strengths while developing tools to better understand themselves and their environment.
Taking a holistic approach to emotional well-being, Stacy integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing to support clients in becoming the person they aspire to be. She prioritizes each client’s goals, addressing their most pressing concerns while adapting the therapeutic process to meet their evolving needs. Above all, she provides a safe and supportive space for exploration and self-discovery.
Stacy works with late adolescents and adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Jennifer Fischl, LCSW
Jennifer Fischl, LMSW has been a licensed social worker since 2011. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Providence College in 2009 and her Master’s degree from SUNY Albany in 2011. Jennifer has also completed several post-master’s certifications, including one from NYU School of Social Work.
Jennifer specializes in grief and bereavement counseling and is a palliative care and hospice specialist. She works with adults, children, and families facing chronic or serious illness, as well as those coping with significant loss.
In addition, Jennifer has experience treating patients with generalized anxiety and mood disorders. She uses a person-centered approach, incorporating narrative therapy to help clients process and resolve their challenges. Given her extensive background in grief counseling, Jennifer is committed to providing a safe and comforting space where clients can openly explore their experiences.
Jennifer finds inspiration in the words of Brené Brown: "Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do." She strives to help her clients become the best versions of themselves, guiding them through life's toughest moments with empathy and support.
Will Herman, LMSW
Will Herman, LMSW has been a practicing social worker since 2011, earning his Master’s degree in 2017. He studied at Binghamton University and Empire State College, completing his graduate degree at Stony Brook University.
Will provides a comfortable and safe environment where clients can feel heard without judgment. He believes that each client is the expert of their own life, and what they believe to be true is valid. His goal is to collaborate with clients to help them achieve their life goals, drawing on the skills they already possess while also introducing new tools for growth.
Using a case-by-case approach, Will employs various therapeutic methods, including person-centered care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Will specializes in working with clients who have experienced significant trauma, as well as those facing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. His mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have struggled with treatment in the past. Will’s philosophy is encapsulated in the words of Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Elizabeth Ostop, LCSW
Elizabeth Ostop, LCSW is a passionate social worker dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Life can be challenging, and Elizabeth works with her clients to navigate their unique struggles, making life feel lighter and more manageable. Her approach incorporates various therapeutic modalities, tailored to each client's needs, supported by her decades of experience in the field.
Elizabeth fosters a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment as she works with adults, adolescents, and families to strengthen relationships, change unhelpful patterns, and encourage new perspectives. She excels in helping clients address social and emotional challenges.
With extensive experience in community-based settings, Elizabeth has specialized in working with children and families, becoming proficient in Structural Family Therapy (SFT). SFT focuses on identifying and improving relational patterns within the family, helping them function more efficiently both internally and in their interactions with the outside world.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University and a Master’s in Social Work from Touro College.
Jaclynn Paduano, LMSW
Jaclynn (Jackie) Paduano is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges with understanding, care, and practical strategies.
Jackie works with individuals facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, unresolved trauma, or those simply seeking someone to talk to. She views therapy as a powerful tool for achieving balance and healing. Committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, Jackie is proud to provide a supportive space for individuals of all identities, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Jackie’s therapeutic approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, emphasizing each client’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. She believes her clients are the experts of their own lives and sees her role as guiding and supporting them in making meaningful changes. Together, she works with her clients to explore the root causes of their difficulties, develop effective coping strategies, and empower them to move forward in a grounded, resilient way.
Rebecca Rohman, LMSW
Rebecca Rohman, LCSW earned her Master’s degree at NYU School of Social Work and has been a licensed social worker since the fall of 2000. Rebecca works with individuals facing difficulties in their daily lives due to life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, and mood disorders. Recognizing that seeking therapy can be a challenging process for some, she strives to normalize the experience, helping clients feel the benefits of professional support as they navigate difficult times and life adjustments.
In her practice, Rebecca believes that everyone has the skills to overcome their obstacles but may need guidance in identifying their strengths and learning how to apply them. She takes a client-centered approach, beginning with a deep understanding of each client’s life journey and current therapeutic needs. Together, Rebecca collaborates with clients to overcome barriers and help them live their best lives.
Rebecca employs a practical, solution-focused therapeutic approach combined with a strength-based perspective. She tailors all treatment to the unique needs of each individual and works non-judgmentally, using empowerment-based techniques to help clients adjust and cope with their challenges.
Shannon Russo, LMSW, Practice Operations Manager
Shannon Russo, LMSW is a Licensed Master Social Worker practicing psychotherapy in New York. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Stony Brook University and her Bachelor’s from St. Joseph’s University.
Shannon takes a client-centered approach, integrating a strengths-based perspective with solution-focused therapy. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, stress, trauma, and women’s issues. Shannon understands that meaningful growth begins when clients feel safe, understood, and truly seen.
Her goal is to cultivate a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where clients can explore and overcome barriers, discover empowering techniques, and develop the skills needed to create positive, lasting change in their lives.