Meet the Mind Therapy Team
Our team of experts specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and more. Explore out staff below and find the therapist that is right for you.
ALLY NEKTALOV,
LCSW, MASTER CASAC
Director of Mind Therapy
Ally is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist with an MSW (Master’s of Social Work) from New York University and holds a certificate from New York State as an Master CASAC (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor). She also completed Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy training at the Alanson J. White Institute; which uses an interpersonal psychoanalytic model.
Ally is an Adjunct Professor at New York University and Touro College teaching Clinical Practice for social work graduate students.
Prior to Mind Therapy Ally was the Director and Clinical Supervisor of an outpatient clinic treating substance use operating under a Federal Grant. Clients in this program participated in individual and/or group psychotherapy addressing triggers to substance use and past trauma. She was responsible for program operations, administering the grant, and supervised staff while ensuring quality care and compliance.
In her free time, Ally enjoys practicing yoga, boxing, and playing tennis. She likes to cook and explore vegan restaurants with friends and family. Ally is a dog mom to baby Capri, a toy poodle.
Freda Boateng, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
In her work as a therapist, Freda’s practice focuses on helping young women wrestling with shame, trauma, anxiety/depression, relational conflicts, and compulsive sexual behaviors, such a pornography use. She helps women turn their shame into strength and resilience.
She is passionate about helping women rebuild their confidence, walk in freedom, and stand firm against the hardships they encounter in life.
Therapeutically, Freda blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength-Based therapy, Motivational Interviewing, shame-resilience tools, and faith practices (when clients request them). She is warm, compassionate, and culturally sensitive. Her goal is to make her clients feel safe, heard, and seen, while empowering them to walk in freedom.
Freda has training in trauma-informed care. She uses a strengths-based, collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic approach to bring hope and healing to her clients. For sessions to be effective, she partners with clients by actively listening to their stories and guiding them toward success.
In her downtime, she enjoys reading poetry, writing, and spending time with loved ones.
Abigail Harrison, MHC-P
Mental Health Counselor Permit
Drawing from her unique journey as a middle school teacher and her master's degree from Wake Forest University, Abby brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to her practice.
She has experience in helping individuals navigate a wide range of challenges, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use, couples therapy, eating disorders, and trauma.
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Abby's therapeutic approach is rooted in several proven modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, and Motivational Interviewing.
She also has a passion for helping clients with identity issues and men's issues, providing a safe space to explore personal growth.
Tamlyn Freedman, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Tamlyn is a licensed psychotherapist holding a Master’s of Social Work degree from New York University. In her work as a therapist, Tamlyn compassionately supports clients wishing to address a variety of concerns, including, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, career changes, family issues, parenting, self-esteem, and grief. She strives to create a space where clients can feel safe to express themselves and share openly.
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Her therapeutic experience includes working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Tamlyn received her Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and worked in clinical research.
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In addition to providing a gentle, warm, and empathetic ear, where appropriate, Tamlyn draws on evidence-based techniques rooted in a variety of modalities, including, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, and emotion-focused therapy to best support the needs of her clients. She takes a client-centered and strengths-based approach to therapy, working collaboratively with each client to identify their unique strengths and needs to help direct the course of treatment.
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In her free time, Tamlyn enjoys running, baking bread, going to the theater, and spending time with her family and friends.
AUBREY JAYNES, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Audrey received her LMSW from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work and holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Brown University. In her practice, Audrey specializes in anxiety, depression, attachment trauma, eating disorders and parenting and relationship challenges.
Audrey understands the incredible power of a strong therapeutic alliance and is dedicated to creating an empowering and nurturing space for her clients. Utilizing tools Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and with a strong emphasis on self-compassion and mindfulness practices, Audrey helps her clients to become proficient in the evidence-based skills that support an authentic, uplifted sense of self. Through a collaborative and strengths-focused approach, Audrey’s clients develop an evolving conviction in their ability to achieve balance and equanimity in the face of the life’s inevitable ups and downs.​
BARBARA HOFFMANN, LCSW-R, PHD, CASAC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Barbara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist; dually licensed in New York and Florida; with an MSW (Masters of Social Work) from Hunter College School of Social Work; and holds a credential from New York State as a Master CASAC (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor). She also has a Ph. D. from John Jay (CUNY) in Criminal Justice; is a certified Mindful Eating coach; and a Registered Yoga Teacher. She has completed training in Child Abuse and Trauma; Social Media-based Interventions; End Of Life Doula training; and Using Deliberate Practice to Improve Effectiveness.
Throughout her more than 15 years of practice, Barbara has sought to blend compassion with pragmatism; understanding that the root cause of most adjustment issues (i.e substance abuse and eating disorders) is the need, to both understand and forgive. Barbara’s particular expertise is connecting clients’ past to their present; guiding them through their history of trauma through group and individual therapy. Throughout her career, Barbara has addressed the needs of women; minority women, substance abusers; LGBT particularly gay men; and the formerly incarcerated; working with both Parole and Probation clients to prevent reoffending. Barbara has also been an Adjunct Professor at the City University of New York; Brooklyn College; and St. Francis College.
In her free time, Barbara has begun playing guitar; is exploring song writing; dabbles in photography; and is a yoga practitioner.
SOPHIA ALAN, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Sophia holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from NYU. She specializes in working with teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, traumatic symptoms, self-esteem, coping skills, and relationship issues.
Sophia believes in the importance of an integrative technique base to best suit the individual’s needs and goals. Her experience is grounded in CBT, mindfulness-based, creative art and play therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Above all, she prioritizes the therapeutic relationship to create an environment of trust, allowing healing to take place at the client’s own pace, so they may feel seen, heard, and understood. She is highly empathic to guide and empower you towards growth and well-being.
Sophia has experience with children, adolescents, and young adults from various walks of life, including psychiatric social work as well as children exposed to domestic violence and abuse. She has also worked with parents as part of the treatment plans to build on strengthening supportive parenting strategies.
In her free time, Sophia enjoys being in nature, reading, and spending time with friends and family - especially her rescue pup, Otie.
SARAH KITT, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Sarah Kitt is a licensed therapist with a Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master's in Applied Psychology from Yeshiva University. She also completed additional postgraduate training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family and is certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS).
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Her diverse professional background includes individual, couples, and family therapy (for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attachment/interpersonal struggles, and family discourse) across a variety of settings (hospital, school, and foster care systems).
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Sarah’s practice is based on her belief in the value of authentic human connections and the power of the therapeutic relationship. She’s especially interested in reshaping attachment patterns by working through past experiences, and supporting clients to use more effective coping skills in all stages of life. She incorporates a variety of evidence-based interventions according to each client’s needs which include Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mentalization (MBT), and Emotion-focused couple’s therapy (EFT).
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In her free time, Sarah is an avid reader of mystery novels, enjoys gardening, and spending time with her family- especially her Maltipoo, Charlie Pepper.
ALEXIA SPINNEY, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Alexia is a Licensed Master Social Worker/Psychotherapist with an MSW (Master’s of Social Work) from Columbia University School of Social Work. Alexia is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and integrates aspects of mindfulness and body-based healing practices into her therapeutic work. She specializes working with adolescents, teen and young adults struggling with anxiety, traumatic symptoms, self esteem, transitions, and social support.
At Mind Therapy, she seeks to support those who have or are currently experiencing both acute and chronic trauma. Through relationship-based work, Alexia can help you identify and recover from the myriad of ways traumatic experience influences our lives - from navigating related health concerns, developing positive self-concept and esteem, and building the tools to deal with distress and contribute to a satisfying life. Alexia has a particular interest in women's health, reproductive journeys, and the pathways towards and throughout the parenting process.
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Alexia has experience in psychiatric social work, implementing evidence-based-practices (DBT, & CBT) and a specific expertise in first-episode psychosis. Prior to studying social work, Alexia supported individuals of all ages with learning challenges, worked as a nature based preschool teacher, and designed and implemented individualized curriculum for elementary and middle school students. She has an in-depth understanding of human development across the lifespan.
In her spare time, Alexia enjoys skiing, hiking with her dog Alma, and creating music with friends.
BIANCA E. ORTIZ, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Bianca is trained to work with parents of children ages 0-6; who have experienced trauma including generational trauma, abuse, neglect, grief, poverty, losses, and transitions. She helps parents learn new ways to bond with their children, develop secure attachments, and practice age-appropriate communication styles. A big part of her work focuses on helping parents cope with parental distress and promote optimum well-being.
Bianca is also trained to work with adolescents, and teens in improving symptoms of trauma related anxiety, and depression. She has extensive experience educating adolescents/teens on mental health and helping them develop new skills to manage life stressors. Bianca understands the importance of assisting families heal from difficult experiences individually and as a family unit.
She has experience with diverse populations and incorporates multiple parts of culture into the work.
In her spare time, Bianca enjoys spending time with family, taking long walks, and likes to write. Her goals are to travel and learn a new language.
MARIA CICCHILLI, LMHC, PHD
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Maria has a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling in New York and is Licensed Psychologist in Argentina. She is a fluent in Italian, Spanish and English.
Maria has over 20 years of experience providing individual and couples therapy; specializing in teenagers and adults for anxiety, depression, family conflicts, self-esteem and personality disorders with diverse backgrounds.
She views each client as unique and individual while implementing specific interventions with culture awareness. Maria assists clients with empowerment, upliftment, and self- discovery toward their treatment goals using a psychodynamic approach with her clients but also is aware of the importance of integrating both mind and body.
Maria’s main goal is to establish a trustworthy and engaging environment and highlights the importance of creating a safe space while providing acceptance and unconditional positive regard.
Maria also has experience working as drama teacher with children, teenagers and adults. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga and doing theatre. Maria has performed in a number of different plays as an actress and singer. She also loves spending time with her friends and family.
ALESSANDRA SCALIA, LMHC, NCC, CASAC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Alessandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor; specializing in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addictions/substance use, trauma, and life transitions.
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Alessandra is dedicated to empowering clients through education and by developing healthy coping skills. She follows the concept that therapy can heal emotional pain, improve relationships and increase self-understanding.
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In your work together, unresolved or present barriers in life will be examined. Alessandra utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to uncover undesired thoughts and feeling by changing perception and managing stress.
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She encourages clients to explore their inner world through the lens of compassion, mindfulness, and self-care to help promote mental and emotional healing.
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In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
GEORGIA KIRIAKIDES, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Georgia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor passionate about helping individuals navigate everyday life and difficulties that arise. She provides an empathetic and warm environment where you can share comfortably.
Georgia specializes working with individuals who are going through life changes, anxiety, depression, and substance use. She uses Solution Focused and Strength Based approaches to assist in decision making and improving self-confidence. Georgia also works with her clients to explore actionable skills that can be implemented in daily life to improve emotional wellbeing.
During her free time Georgia enjoys baking and spending time with family, friends, and her Dachshund, Hunter.
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CONSTANCE GREY, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Constance is an LCSW; has accredited postgraduate training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center. And is also an active member of the Society for Modern Psychoanalysis.
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She has over 40 years of experience working with adults and couples; treating people who suffer with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma and relationship issues.
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Constance employs a person-centered approach as the foundation, with a focus on ALWAYS meeting clients’ needs. She is an insightful listener and strongly believe in working with people in order to attain their goals and live a more contented life. As a clinician, Constance is dedicated in providing support, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral techniques and insight oriented interventions.
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She strongly believes it is never too late to change and grow.
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