Our Team

JEAN CARLOS OSORIO, LCSW-R,CDBT, SIFI

Jean Carlos is the founder and Clinical/Executive Director at Minds Together, LCSW PC. He graduated from Stony Brook University in 2007 with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). He is also a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (CDBT) Spanish/English speaking male. Jean has worked in the field of Social Work for more than 12 years in many different social work settings, including Psychiatric hospitals/institutions, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, community centers, non-profit agencies, LGBTQI community centers, and has been in private practice for the past eight years. He specializes in childhood trauma/abuse/neglect, unresolved childhood issues, addictive behaviors, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and gender identity conflicts. He has also worked with victims of human sex trafficking, the undocumented population, and provided psychological and mental health reports for immigration purposes.

Salvatore Giametta, MA, LMSW, SIFI

Salvatore is a bicultural-Hispanic (English/Spanish) speaking NYS Licensed Social Worker. Before joining this practice, Salvatore provided psychotherapy in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient community mental health settings, and non-profit agencies. Salvatore holds a BA from Pace University, an MA from New York University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, an MA from New York University, Graduate School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and an MSW from Hunter College – Silberman School of Social Work. Salvatore has been an independent psychotherapist for more than twelve years. His areas of expertise include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders. Salvatore has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. He provides a nonjudgmental approach, empathetic/unconditional listening, and focuses on exploring patients’ inner strength to guide them in resolving their concerns/issues. Salvatore is an ally to the LGBTQI+ community.

Allan Ramirez, LCSW, SIFI

Allan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He received his Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from New York University (NYU) Silver School of Social Work in 2018. Allan completed his training in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) in the Spring of 2022. He is a Hispanic (Spanish/English) speaking male highly passionate about therapy. He also partakes in psychoanalytic training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) to enhance patients’ therapeutic journeys. He has experience working with people from all backgrounds and mental health needs in outpatient settings. He believes therapy should be where patients talk about anything that comes to mind, creating a safe, empathic, and accepting environment. He is a steadfast supporter and ally of the LGBTQI+ community who uses compassion and a nonjudgmental approach to create a safe environment.

Justina Edwards, MSW-LP

Justina is a recent Graduate of Stony Brook University, receiving her Master of Social Work degree in May of 2023 with a specialization in Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood. She has previous experience practicing within the school system, researching the mental and physical transition of students from High School to College life and young adult students who are developmentally disabled. She has recently obtained a certificate of completion in Core Components and Skills for Trauma Informed Practice from the UNC School of Social Work Behavioral Health Springboard. Her treatment methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Approach, Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma Informed Practice, and Solution Focused Therapy. Justina encourages and provides comfort, allowing clients an open, communicative, safe space. She is driven to serve the communities she encounters.

Jessica Goodwin, MA, MHC-LP

Jessica is a psychotherapist who recently graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in the mental health field for over eight years, supporting multicultural individuals and families with experience in nonprofit and private practice settings. Her therapy approach is holistic, focusing on an individual’s strengths and abilities. She aims to provide a supportive, judgment-free environment that encourages personal growth and wellness. She is an ally of the LGBTQIA community.

Solaman Yousuf, MA

Solaman is a doctoral candidate student in psychology and is currently doing his clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. His graduate studies in philosophy have given him a deep understanding of the complexities of human consciousness and a passion for understanding the unconscious aspects of human experience. He specializes in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. He is skilled at exploring the unconscious aspects of the human mind, facilitating a deeper understanding of the influence of past experiences on present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. His expertise lies in helping individuals navigate complex emotions including trauma, attachment issues, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties. Solaman employs a non-judgmental and supportive approach, creating a safe environment where clients can explore their inner world with curiosity and self-reflection. He encourages clients to explore their deepest thoughts and feelings to help them gain insight into their unconscious motivations, unresolved conflicts, and recurring patterns of behavior. He values the collaborative nature of therapy and actively involves his clients in the treatment process, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey. He helps individuals develop self-awareness, understand the origins of their emotional struggles, and work toward meaningful change. Individuals embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and personal growth with his guidance.

Olga Preciado, LMSW

Olga Preciado is a first generation, bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural Mexican American clinician, who holds a Master of Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work. Over the past 8 years, Olga has worked with predominantly Spanish-speaking migrant children and families in Oakland, Chicago and New York City in multiple settings. She has experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, behavioral problems, grief and loss, crisis management and life transitions. Olga’s practice includes CBT, mindfulness, narrative therapy and art and play therapy components. Olga has made it her mission to operate through a social justice lens in everything she does, and offers a holistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach. She aims to create a brave space where clients feel welcomed and empowered to be willing to dive into their self-discovery journey.

Estelle Bajou, LMSW, MFA

Estelle is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) who graduated with Honors with a Master’s degree from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work, and also holds an MFA in Acting from The New School. As a bicultural, first-generation American, she speaks fluent French and some Spanish, and has experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds facing challenges around a variety of mental health needs including ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and abuse, as well as the impacts of immigration status, foster care and justice system involvement, poverty, LGBTQ+ identity, race, and other intersectional areas of marginalization. Using Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed, Strengths-based, and Psychodynamic work with individuals and families, as well as Art Therapy with groups (including music, movement/dance, theater, creative writing, and visual art), she takes a collaborative approach to create empathetic, non-judgmental spaces in which people feel empowered to heal and grow.

MARIA CAMILO: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE – IPV SPECIALIST| MSW-LP

Meet Maria Camilo, your compassionate guide on the healing journey. With over 8 years of devoted social work services, Maria specializes in supporting Spanish-speaking immigrant adults in New York City. Fluent in three languages, Maria bridges cultural divides to connect deeply with her clients. Holding a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work.

As an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Specialist, she is deeply committed to guiding survivors of domestic abuse. Through her leadership of the online community, “DR-Discussing the Relationship,” Maria provides tailored support and empowerment, particularly to compatriots and fellow Brazilian women.

Grace Lee, MPS, CAT-LP

Grace is a Creative Arts Therapist, currently practicing with a NYS limited permit. She has had extensive training in the mental health field as a Creative Arts Therapist. She received her bachelor’s degree in Arts and Science majoring in Creative Arts Therapy from St. Thomas Aquinas College and received her Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute. She has worked with a wide range of clients, from students K-12 in a day treatment center/school for those with emotional and behavioral difficulties, to adults in a rehabilitation/detox center. Based on her prior experience with said clients, She strives to create an inclusive safe space in order for those seeking treatment to effectively heal through creativity and psychotherapy.

Shenelle Kuhlor Plummer, LMSW

Shenelle is a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker and a Silberman School of Social Work graduate. She has experience working with individuals of all ages. She prioritizes the utilization of strength-based & client centered treatment interventions to help her clients feel empowered and supported. She specializes in helping clients cope with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief/loss. 

She choice treatment modalities include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She incorporates approaches that consider cultural diversity, women’s issues, and stages of development. Through her work, She seeks to aid her clients with becoming the best version of themselves.

Halinah Neris, MFT-LP

Halinah Neris graduated from Mercy University with a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT-LP). She is proud to be a Hispanic military veteran woman who speaks fluent Spanish and English, born and raised in New York City. Her training in family therapy is extensive, with specialties in narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive behavioral therapy. Halinah enjoys working with children, teens, and young adults and is well versed in helping them traverse challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and others. She is able to work with people individually, as well as with couples. As a systemic therapist she understands the interrelated relationships that form families and/or communities. For Halinah, family therapy’s main focus is on improving, transforming, and healing interactions between family members. She is creative and innovative in her interventions, working to improve communication and encourage adjustments to change.

Cassandra Malouta, MA

She is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Clinical Psychology PhD candidate at Long Island University-Brooklyn and currently has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She has been therapeutically trained through a psychodynamic relational lens and utilize an integrative approach, incorporating DBT, TFP, and CBT techniques. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including; inpatient settings, therapeutic schools, outpatient clinics, and in-home. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan, from infancy to end-of-life care. She strives to offer a therapeutic environment that is consistent, warm, empathic, and validating. She is interested in serving minority communities and providing both cultural humility and cultural competence to clients.

Spencer Bastedo, LMSW

Spencer holds a Master of Social Work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College (CUNY) and comes to psychotherapeutic work after a decade teaching history at the City College of New York (CUNY) and the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies (SUNY Empire State College). Spencer’s work as a historian informs his psychodynamic approach, a practice that examines how socio-historical conditions and systemic forces configure psychological experience, engender conscious and unconscious thoughts and beliefs, and produce recursive behavioral and relational patterns. Integrating his focus on understanding how a client’s past informs their present with modalities and techniques that enable clients to address present challenges in more immediate, direct, and short-term manners, Spencer considers growth as proceeding from client-led processes of disalienation, self-empowerment, and emancipatory self-transformation. Experienced working in educational and social work contexts with adolescents and young adults and doing trauma-informed work with refugee and immigrant populations seeking asylum, Spencer grounds his psychotherapeutic practice in a commitment to social justice and a belief that, in Saidiya Hartman’s words, “care is the antidote to violence.” Recognizing care as essential for dismantling and replacing harmful social and psychological structures—be they destructive self-concepts, behaviors, and internalized narratives, or oppressive social systems, institutions, and discourses—Spencer views psychotherapy as hopeful,  collaborative care work that enables clients to create new possibilities for personal growth, loving and liberated relationships, and collective care in families and communities.

Jossiel Polanco, LMSW

Jossiel is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Master Social Worker who graduated in 2019 from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work. He has over 9 years of experience helping individuals living with chronic medical, mental, and substance use conditions reach their goals by identifying clients’ strengths and interactively creating strategies to achieve positive change. In his professional trajectory, Jossiel has helped those experiencing homelessness, abuse, racial bias/discrimination, homophobia, and those being affected by HIV/AIDS. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness and a welcoming smile are some of the techniques he tailors during sessions to improve clients’ health outcomes. Jossiel believes that each therapy session is a judgement-free safe space to explore feelings, motivations, and desires while being kind to ourselves and others. He is compassionate, detail-oriented, and an “outside the box” thinker with a sense of humor.

John D. Melendez, LMHC-CASAC

John D. Melendez is a bilingual, English and Spanish speaking, Mental Health and Substance Use Counselor experienced in providing assessment and treatment to adolescents, adults, and families from diverse ethno-cultural and racial backgrounds in order to determine appropriate services and referrals needed, implementing short-term and long-term goals in collaboration with clients.

John is qualified to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and substance use challenges, and also provides relationship counseling and cognitive therapy. As an accomplished and experienced professional, he understands the level of sensitivity which is required in his field of work.

Eu Na Kim, MSW LP

Eun Na is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with a master’s degree in social work, specializing in mental health, from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the same institution. With extensive experience serving marginalized populations, including immigrants, older adults, children and adolescents, and individuals with special needs, Eun Na recognizes the critical role of environmental factors in mental well-being. She employs a client-centered and strength-based approach tailored to each client’s unique needs and challenges. Committed to creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment, Eun Na utilizes evidence-based intervention methods to help clients achieve their treatment goals. Her practice includes working with clients facing a wide range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger and stress management, grief/loss, PTSD, ADHD, and phobias. Eun Na’s empathetic and responsive approach ensures that clients receive personalized care and support on their journey towards improved mental health and well-being.

Lucas Zelanka, LMSW

Lucas is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received his MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2024. Lucas has experience working with adolescents and adults who experience a variety of troubles including depression, anxiety, and trauma-related issues. 

Lucas’s approach stems from a psychodynamic orientation that values knowing how our unconscious lives impact our day-to-day experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Lucas strives to practice empathic acceptance for every person that he works with because he believes that healing and growth are enhanced by experiencing quality human connections. Using this approach, Lucas centers individuals as they explore their inner worlds.

Cristal Ortiz, MHC LP

I’m dedicated to helping you build stronger relationships, regulate your emotions, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Do you find it difficult to maintain healthy connections or manage stress, anxiety, or depression? Together, we can uncover the root causes of these struggles and leverage your strengths to create personalized strategies for growth and healing. Everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to explore their feelings and improve their relationships.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in utilizing an integrative approach that combines various methodologies such as CBT, Client-Centered Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, DBT, and more. I help children, adolescents, and adults address a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to interpersonal difficulties and emotional regulation.

Navigating life’s challenges can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to help you strengthen your relationships, manage your emotions, and find peace amidst life’s stressors. Together, we’ll explore the root causes of your struggles and utilize your strengths to create effective, personalized interventions

Kayleigh Hurley, MHC-LP

Kayleigh Hurley is a dedicated mental health counselor with a passion for helping individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults, navigate their emotional well-being. With a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, Kayleigh has honed her clinical skills through practical experience in private practices and a clinical internship at Minds Together.

Kayleigh’s therapeutic approach is centered on understanding and supporting her clients’ unique needs. She believes in creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can explore their emotions and develop coping mechanisms. Her experience with play therapy has equipped her to work effectively with children, tailoring her approach to meet their developmental and emotional needs.

Michael Montero, LMSW

Michael Montero is a Licensed Social Worker born in New York City who graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work in June 2020. Michael Montero specializes in working with youth with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. He has worked with youth, adults, and families in various settings including in-home and outpatient. He utilized motivational interviewing, CBT, TF-CBT, and mindfulness and believes in the importance of a strong, open, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.

Tarika Megnauth, MA Psychology

Tarika is passionate about helping others heal by expressing themselves through creative arts therapy. Being a psychologist, artist, and musician, she believes in the holistic therapeutic approach of creative expression as it may resonate more with others that may struggle with verbal expression. Her therapeutic style incorporates a unique blend of Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, CBT, and Creative Arts Therapy, whilst being trauma-focused and client-centered.

She graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in the same field due to being a part of an accelerated program, along with a minor in Music. Likewise, she holds certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy for Trauma Recovery, and Art Therapy Approaches for Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. In addition to this, she has two years of experience being a career coach to a diverse background of individuals eighteen and up including those who struggle with huge barriers to employment such as criminal justice-impacted, on government assistance, housing instability, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other barriers. She has helped empower individuals with navigating their career path, shifting their mindset to reframe negative thought patterns, regulating emotions, and overcoming the barriers in their life in order to build their new career and hold down a job. Before this, she provided counseling and psychoeducation for the similar population as a wellness intern. She aims to continue empowering others with a holistic and creative twist.

Ariel Y. Harewood, MA Psychotherapy

Ariel is a psychotherapist who utilizes a psychodynamic approach to help individuals explore the unconscious influences that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With a deep commitment to understanding the complexity of the human mind, Ariel creates a safe and supportive space for clients to reflect on past experiences, uncover hidden patterns, and foster healing. Ariel completed a Bachelor’s degree from Medgar Evers College and a Master’s degree from The City College of New York, providing a strong foundation in psychology. 

Currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, Ariel is further expanding their expertise to better support clients. By integrating empathy and insight, Ariel offers compassionate care to diverse populations, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve lasting change.

Alexandra Artiles, LMSW

Alexandra, a proud bilingual Dominican-American woman, was born and raised in The Bronx. Growing up in an environment that blended diverse cultures and communities, she developed a deep appreciation for her heritage and the role it played in shaping her worldview.

She graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2022, solidifying her dedication to supporting those in need. Alexandra is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)

Throughout her career, Alexandra has worked with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. She believes strongly in the interconnectedness of culture and mental health, recognizing that cultural factors significantly influence how individuals experience and cope with mental health challenges.

Her passion for mental health advocacy is closely tied to her desire to break down stigma and raise awareness about the importance of mental health in immigrant and minority communities. Alexandra is committed to creating spaces where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to seek the care they deserve.

Meet our interns

We partner with students at accredited colleges and universities to connect their talents, passions, and education to internship opportunities.

Laura Roberts, MHC Intern

Laura is a culturally sensitive and competent bilingual (Spanish) Marriage and Family Therapy (MA) intern who aligns with the Gottman, Narrative, Solution Focused and Emotionally Focused modalities. As an intern, Laura has been providing therapeutic services to individuals, families, couples and children. She earned her MA in Disability Studies and has been working as an addiction professional for several years as a NYS CASAC Level 2, Credentialed Recovery Peer Advocate and Credentialed Addiction Recovery Coach. 

Laura is certified in Batterer’s Intervention The Duluth Model, Creating a Change for Men Who Batter. Implementing Play Therapy interventions with individual or familial dynamics in the therapy space continues to be a healing tool she hopes to be certified in the future.

Alexander Papp, MSW Intern

Alexandra, a proud bilingual Dominican-American woman, was born and raised in The Bronx. Growing up in an environment that blended diverse cultures and communities, she developed a deep appreciation for her heritage and the role it played in shaping her worldview.

 

She graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2022, solidifying her dedication to supporting those in need. Alexandra is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)

 

Throughout her career, Alexandra has worked with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. She believes strongly in the interconnectedness of culture and mental health, recognizing that cultural factors significantly influence how individuals experience and cope with mental health challenges.

 

Her passion for mental health advocacy is closely tied to her desire to break down stigma and raise awareness about the importance of mental health in immigrant and minority communities. Alexandra is committed to creating spaces where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to seek the care they deserve.

Nicole DeSimone, MHC Intern

As a Marriage and Family Therapist in training from Touro University Worldwide, Nicole is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges by examining the connections between personal experiences and larger systemic influences. Her approach emphasizes a holistic understanding of clients’ lives, exploring how familial, cultural, and social dynamics shape their relationships and sense of self.

 

With a compassionate and collaborative style, Nicole works with clients to uncover patterns, build resilience, and foster meaningful change. Whether addressing issues like anxiety, relationship challenges, intergenerational trauma, or transitions into adulthood, her goal is to provide a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Alex is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is eager to utilize his therapeutic approach of connecting the mind and body to work with families and individuals to heal and grow their connections to others and the world.

Angelica Sepulveda, MFT Intern

Currently completing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy (MFT) while also finalizing my clinical internship with Minds Together. My experience has allowed me the privilege to work with clients ranging from childhood to late adulthood, and of various different backgrounds as well. Thankfully this experience has also provided me with the familiarity of working with clients facing mental health needs including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, life transitions, and emotional regulation. Being an MFT permits me to work with individuals, couples, and families, all while working from a systemic holistic perspective. Meaning through our therapeutic work, whether in individual sessions or family sessions, it is crucial to view the client as an individual as well as a part of the larger communities they identify with. As a first generation American, I speak Spanish and English fluently and hope to serve clients of minority & marginalized communities. I hope while working from a strength based and collaborative approach, we can work together to create personalized interventions that feel perfectly unique to you and your treatment goals. My intention is to create a space where every and any client can feel accepted and safe enough to speak their mind freely without the worry of judgment or bias in any way, while working through life’s daily anxieties/difficulties. 

Melissa DelligGatti, MHC Intern

Melissa is a dedicated graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, currently seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in a supervised clinical setting, with a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and LGBTQ issues. Melissa is passionate about providing a supportive and collaborative environment to help individuals navigate challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals.