MEET THE TEAM AT DIANNE GHIRAJ MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Dianne Ghiraj-Castor, LMHC
Founder + Clinical Supervisor
Dianne is a non-judgmental, compassionate, culturally competent psychotherapist who utilizes eclectic therapeutic approaches that includes psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and client centered therapy. Dianne specializes in treatment of individuals ranging from childhood to adulthood as well as couples. She works with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stressors, behavioral issues as well as other difficulties. Dianne fosters a safe and welcoming environment that gives clients the space they need to openly discuss their challenges. Dianne believes that therapy is a collaborative approach in which she guides clients toward their identified goals.
Katherine Estevez, LMHC
Clinical Supervisor
My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from SUNY Binghamton University and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Albany University. I started my career in 2015 as an addiction counselor. Counseling is the passage to help my clients learn solutions to their problems. With an interactive, warm, and accepting approach I have been helping clients find healthy perceptions of themselves. No single approach is the right one for everyone, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including motivational interviewing, CBT, and REBT amongst several others.
Trinace Sass, LMHC
Therapist
My goal is to empower my clients and help them work towards becoming a more confident and healthier version of themselves. I offer compassionate and judgement free support where clients are the center of their healing. I have extensive experience working with adolescent and adults with Anxiety, Depression and Addiction. My practice also includes working with individuals who have health concerns, family conflict and relational issues. The modalities I specialize in are Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy. As your therapist, I will help you to explore and implement coping skills needed to obtain your goals.
Natalie Schettini, LMHC
Therapist
Through my time as a research assistant aiding to conduct studies on the effects of racial discrimination, I became motivated to be a direct support for those in need of mental health resources. As a child of Black immigrants, I believe in the importance of being able to provide clients with a counselor who is culturally sensitive. I make it my primary mission to foster a warm environment with a client first in order to ensure safety and trust. I promote a safe healing environment for individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds using CBT and Psychodynamic Therapy. We will work on creating your best self by learning triggers, accepting the past, and incorporating coping skills in order to overcome emotional distress. I have experience counseling teenagers, young and middle-aged adults. I have helped clients manage their anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict, and other life stressors.
Elyse Fox, LMHC
Therapist
I am a compassionate therapist committed to helping my clients adapt to, and overcome, life’s challenges through client-centered practices. My work focuses on equipping clients with the tools needed to discover and create their own solutions. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to reach treatment goals. I am passionate about providing clients with a safe, inviting space to encourage healing and growth. I have experience working with individuals dealing with a variety of issues, with a specialty in trauma recovery and individuals in crisis. I have a BA and an MA in Forensic Psychology, as well as an MA in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Breanna Hira, MHC-LP
Therapist
I have experience working with groups and individuals. I worked for 2 years at a clinic where I helped adults of all ages with numerous different backgrounds and life experiences. My goal is to utilize the best therapy techniques based on your needs. I try to take a person-centered approach; this means you are in charge of your treatment. For example, I will never push skills or conversations on you that you know won't be helpful. I will never guarantee a skill will work, I feel it's my job to educate you, encourage you to try new things, with the awareness that some things do not work for everyone. My specialties include DBT, CBT, Art Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Somatic Therapy. I understand I am not the right therapist for everyone but I will always give you 100 percent of what I have to offer. Breanna is being supervised by Katherine Estevez.
Sheriese Sanchez, MHC-LP
Therapist
Sheriese’s mission is to serve as a dedicated resource for those struggling with personal conflict and emotional distress. Although she utilizes a multimodality approach, her passion, and empathy are reflected in her unbiased person-centered approach. Through her life experiences, she has learned to reach people where they are—empowering them emotionally, triggering self-awareness, and facilitating a personal growth process that fosters clarity of mind and healing. Sheriese areas of expertise include addiction recovery, emotional intelligence, and spiritual well-being. Sheriese has a BS in Behavioral Science, a MA in Mental Health Counseling, and an Executive Certificate in advanced research Psychology. Sheriese is being supervised by Katherine Estevez.
Diana Talavera-Garofalo, MHC-LP
Therapist
Diana is a mental health counselor who received a MSEd master's degree in mental health counseling and BA in psychology from Hunter College. Diana’s clinical experience includes working with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures dealing with anxiety, depression, self esteem, stress, relationship issues, substance use, recovery, life transitions, grief, and trauma. Diana offers an authentic therapeutic style that is compassionate, empathic, respectful, and supportive, a method that provides integrative approaches to counseling which is collaborative and nonjudgmental. Diana’s theoretical orientation includes elements of cognitive behavioral, person centered, psychodynamic therapy, strengths based, trauma focused, and mindfulness strategies. Her goal is to provide clients with a safe and healthy space to explore themselves and gain deeper insight into their emotions, experiences, thoughts, and relationships. During sessions, she will honor her client’s individuality and respond with authenticity and warmth as they embark on their therapeutic journey. Diana is being supervised by Dianne Ghiraj-Castor.
Antonette Jones, CMHC-LP, CTP, CGP
Therapist
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to my formal education, I hold a certificate in Medical Neuroscience and I am a Certified Grief Professional (CGP) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). Throughout my career, I have provided comprehensive mental health and social services to a diverse clientele. My extensive experience includes individual and group therapy, facilitating psychoeducational groups, conducting clinical assessments, and formulating personalized treatment plans.I am dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Committed to professional growth and the well-being of my clients, I continually seek to expandmy knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving field of mental health. Antonette is being supervised by Dianne Ghiraj-Castor.
Sohaib Javed, MHC-LP
Therapist
My approach to therapy is providing a space for anyone that wishes to be heard, seen, and respected in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner. I’ve engaged in individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy serving children, adolescents, young adults, and geriatric, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ identifying clientele. My primary approach is client-centered care in meeting individuals where they are in their healing process, and tailoring their treatment in a manner that is collaborative and inclusive. I also incorporate other styles such as play-therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and writing & art focused interventions in treating co-occurring issues related to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, addiction, grief, trauma, schizophrenia, and sexual & gender identity exploration.I hope to become a resource for those looking to be heard and accepted as a human being and not a “patient.” Sohaib is being supervised by Dianne Ghiraj-Castor.
Jada Maldonado, MHC-LP
Therapist
My approach to therapy is compassionate, holistic, and energetic. I earned a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Sociology at SUNY Albany and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College. I draw from different therapeutic modalities to ensure all of my clients’ specific, unique needs are met. I utilize psychodynamic theory as a framework while integrating aspects of cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, strength-based, feminist, trauma-informed, and dialectical-behavioral theories. I have clinical experience providing individual, family, and group counseling in both private practice and community agency settings. I’ve assisted these individuals in dealing with complex trauma/PTSD, ADHD, ASD, depression, grief, relationship issues, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, family conflict, LGBTQIA+ issues, and life transitions. Through empathy, compassion and empowerment, I work collaboratively with clients on their healing journey in order to help them lead more fulfilling lives. Jada is being supervised by Dianne Ghiraj-Castor.