Dr. Cathleen McEvoy earned her doctorate at Alfred University in 2013. She received a Master's of Arts (M.A.) degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in School Psychology, both from Alfred University. She is a New York State Licensed Psychologist and a New York State Certified and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She attended the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT where she completed her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology. Dr. McEvoy has been working in a local suburban school district since 2009. In addition to the public school, she has experience working in a residential setting for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as a private school for children and adolescents with significant learning disabilities, neurological impairments and other developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has provided training to professionals and parents in functional behavior assessment (FBA), positive behavioral supports, and response to intervention. Dr. McEvoy provides a general therapeutic approach and psychological/educational evaluation services for children, adolescents, and families. SHe has extensive experience in completing comprehensive diagnostic assessments, consultation, and intervention planning. This includes assessing ADHD, anxiety, depression, and educationally-based disabilities. In addition, she has extensive experience in behavioral consultation and assessment with both parents and educational teams concerning challenging behaviors. She has experience utilizing play therapy approaches with preschool age and young children. She is interested in working collaboratively with families and schools to help support school-age children and adolescents in their treatment. She is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists.
Dr. McEvoy accepts the following insurances: Capital District Physicians Health Plan and Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York. Private pay options are also available. Dr. McEvoy is typically in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am-4:30pm.
Shannon Flanigan, LMSW
Shannon Flanigan is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Master's degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany, and her Bachelor's degree with a dual major in Honors English and Advanced Honors Psychology from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. Shannon has worked with diverse populations in various settings and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults providing services in schools, foster care, home and the community.
Shannon provides strength-based, person-centered treatment, and trauma informed care. Shannon utilizes a number of treatment interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment, regulation and competency treatment. Shannon works with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief/loss/trauma, and those diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, and selective mutism.
In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, exploring nature, reading, trivia, playing in various recreation leagues, and cheering on her favorite hockey and football teams.
Shannon works full-time and offers part-time office-based appointments and part-time telehealth appointments. She accepts Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and private pay.
Independent Providers
Marsha Kaddo Mouawad, LMHC
Marsha Kaddo Mouawad is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. She earned her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Albany, State University of New York. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, both from the University at Albany, State University of New York.
Marsha has experience working with children and adolescents cooperatively with their caregivers in a trauma-focused setting. Marsha works with individuals who are struggling with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotion regulation, and behavioral concerns.
Marsha is passionate about working with individuals to address their mental health concerns with a strength-based and trauma-informed perspective. Marsha values the therapeutic relationship, and she strives to provide supportive and empathetic counseling. Marsha emphasizes the importance of positive communication and use of supports to reach therapeutic goals. Marsha employs a variety of therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy, interaction therapy, psychoeducation, trauma-focused processing, emotion regulation, and skill building.
In her spare time, Marsha enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, and traveling.
Marsha works full-time and offers part-time office-based appointments and part-time telehealth appointments. She accepts Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York, and private pay. She will accept Aetna.
Andrea (Janczyk) Kay, LMHC
Andrea Kay is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. Andrea earned her Masters of Science in Education Degree (M.S. Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY in 2017. She received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Siena College in Loudonville, NY in 2013.
Andrea has experience providing crisis counseling for those who need immediate support and de-escalation, safety planning, and linkages to services in the community. Additionally, Andrea has experience in online counseling providing telehealth services to those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family/marital issues, obsessive compulsive disorders, low self-esteem, personality disorders, and self-harm behaviors.
Andrea has a passion for working in this field and helping people to live their best life possible. Andrea operates from a holistic approach, treating from the perspective of this interconnected relationship with mental health. Andrea enjoys utilizing cognitive behavioral approaches, dialectical behavioral therapy, positive psychology and strength-based perspective when working with clients. However, she understands that therapy is person-centered and will gear her techniques to what works best for each individual.
Andrea additionally volunteers her time working in youth ministry through her church. Andrea has a passion for her faith and loves to help others grow in their own faith. Upon request, Andrea can provide Christian-based counseling, as she believes this is a fundamental aspect of mental health.
Andrea provides individual, group, and family therapies, for adolescents and adults, full-time at PWP. Andrea accepts Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York, and Tricare.
Joshua Gelber, LCSW-R is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified school social worker who has been providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults for more than twenty years. Josh earned his Master's degree in Social Work from Hunter College, School of Social Work and completed his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University at Albany. Josh has worked with diverse populations in a range of settings including schools, foster care, and private agencies. Josh has extensive training and expertise working with behavioral regulation difficulties, post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), crisis-management, anxiety, interpersonal and school-related issues such as bullying and special education needs. Josh has a person-centered approach and utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, skills building and creative activities to build upon his clients' strengths. He has earned a reputation for kindness, concern and good humor among the many individuals and families with whom he has worked.
Josh accepts the following insurances: Capital District Physicians Health Plan and Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York. Private pay options are also available. Although hours may vary, Josh is typically in the office on Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am-6:00pm, Tuesday from 11:00am-6:00pm and Thursday from 9:00am-5:00pm.
Kathryn Di Puma, LMSW
Katie Di Puma is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Master's degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, and her Bachelor's degree in Marketing from State University of New York College at Old Westbury in Old Westbury, NY.
Katie has experience working with adults, children, adolescents and families from diverse populations in counseling, school and care management settings. She has worked with individuals diagnosed with various mood, personality and attachment disorders, and those who have experienced trauma and psychosis. Katie has provided both in-person and telehealth sessions as well as individual and family counseling. She has developed and led educational groups, provided crisis intervention, and created safety plans to reduce hospitalizations. In the school setting, Katie has assisted with the development of Behavioral Intervention Plans/Tier plans and advocated for students needs in the classroom.
Katie strongly believes in a client-centered approach. She has a strong knowledge on trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Regulation and Competency, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In her spare time, Katie enjoys knitting, reading, hiking, camping, and spending time with friends and family.
Katie works full-time and offers part-time office-based appointments and part-time telehealth appointments. She accepts Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and private pay.
Dr. Jennifer Rickert received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Doctorate in School Psychology from the University at Albany. Dr. Rickert is a practicing school psychologist and has worked with individuals age 5 through 21 and their families. In addition to working in the public school setting, she has experience working at a residential treatment facility for students with behavioral disorders and a private school for children and adolescents with significant learning disabilities and other developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Rickert has co-led parent trainings and offered counseling groups for children with a wide range of emotional and behavioral needs. She is experienced in conducting psychoeducational evaluations for students with learning challenges and behavioral regulation difficulties. Dr. Rickert enjoys working collaboratively with school staff and parents in the development and implementation of school and home-based interventions.
Dr. Rickert accepts the following insurances: Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York. Private pay options are also available. Dr. Rickert is typically in the office Monday evenings.
Psychology Wellness Practice Providers
Griffith Jenkins, LMHC is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Griffith earned his Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Albany, State University of New York. He also received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Idaho State University. Griffith has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in diverse populations and in a range of settings including schools, foster care, and private agencies.
Griffith has training and expertise working in-person and through telehealth for a range of needs, including emotional and behavioral regulation difficulties, trauma, crisis-management, depression, anxiety, addiction, interpersonal, and school-related issues. In addition to previously working through a local agency in the public-school setting, he has experience working in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing counseling and referrals to additional community resources. Griffith has a person-centered approach and utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, play therapy, solution-focused skill building, and creative activities to challenge and build upon his clients' strengths. Outside of providing counseling, Griffith loves to spend time with his family, play games, and spend time in the great outdoors.
Griffith provides individual, group, and family therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Griffith accepts Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York. Private pay options are also available. Although hours may vary, Griffith is available Monday-Thursday by telehealth.
Our Interns
Providers Integrated for Health and Wellness
Jenna Korim, LCSW-R, PMHC, is a licensed clinical social worker and is certified in perinatal mental health (2022). She earned her Master of Social work from The University at Albany, State University of New York (2009). Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Binghamton University (2007).
Jenna has over 10 years of expertise working with adults to address depression, anxiety, relational issues, trauma, healing from abuse, chronic pain, grief, body image, and eating disorders. Jenna has an interest in understanding how nutrition and movement relate to mental health healing.
Embarking on the journey to and through parenthood comes with many challenges that can often feel isolating and lonely. Jenna specializes in supporting women and their partners through the perinatal stage of life, addressing mental health related to infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and pregnancy/postpartum life adjustments.
Jenna uses a person-centered approach in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and strength-based approaches to help individuals address the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that surround their presenting concerns. She hopes to provide a supportive environment for individuals on their journey to living meaningful lives. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys time with her husband and two children, hiking, traveling, time in the mountains, marathons, and triathlon training. Jenna accepts the following insurances: Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York. Private Pay options are also available for those out of network. Although hours may vary, Jenna is in the office Monday and Thursday, with remote hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.
139 Vly Road, Albany, NY 12205 • 518-608-4271 • reception@pwpractice.com
Jasmine Sale, LMSW
Jasmine Sale is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work. She has accreditations from Boston University's School of Social Work with a Master of Social Work in Macro Practice, and Syracuse University’s David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and minor in Child and Family Studies. Jasmine held field placements at the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter in Boston, Massachusetts and in P.E.A.C.E. Inc’s Early Head Start Program in Syracuse, New York.
Jasmine has an interest in working with children, families, and adult children of dysfunctional family systems, as well as individuals and families experiencing trauma, transition, and those struggling with interpersonal relationships or emotional dysregulation. Those interested in working with Jasmine should expect strength-based, trauma-informed, solution-focused models of care to improve one’s quality of life.
Jasmine has diverse experience working with children and adults who have experienced homelessness, trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, dysfunctional family systems, caretaking, terminal illnesses, dementia, and grief, as well as persistent mental health conditions, including but not limited to PSTD, Anxiety, Depression, and Reactive Attachment Disorder.
Jasmine has practice experience in Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) interventions, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skill Building, and Relationship Skill Building with children aged 5-18, and experience with Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with adults aged 18-80.
In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys engaging with local mutual aid organizations, outdoor and indoor cycling, swimming at the lake, and making homemade blueberry jam and pierogi.
Jasmine provides individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, full-time at PWP. Jasmine accepts Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and Private Pay.
WEllness
Dr. Zachary Longo
Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Zachary Longo is a Licensed Psychologist, NYS Certified School Psychologist, and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services provider. He holds the degrees of Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology, both from Alfred University in June 2019. He also currently holds a Master of Arts degree in School Psychology from Alfred University (2017), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from SUNY Cortland (2015).
Zachary has experience providing a range of services to people of all ages, including psychoeducational and psychological/diagnostic evaluations, individual and group counseling, and consultation for families and school-based professionals. He focuses on providing services for children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs; however, Zachary will also work with adults struggling with anxiety and/or depression. In session, Dr. Longo works hard to understand which theoretical orientation will serve the client best. He generally operates from a cognitive-behavioral framework with elements of solution-focused therapy. Other techniques he will incorporate include exposure therapy, client-centered therapy, play therapy, and behavior modification. He has particular expertise in behavioral consultation for children/adolescents with ADHD, 504 accommodation planning, contribution to the creation and/or revision of Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and evaluation for the purpose of College Board documentation.
Zachary has published and presented research in the area of positive psychology. His dissertation explored the role of executive functioning in externalizing behavior problems (i.e., emotion dysregulation, ADHD).
Zachary is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Dr. Longo accepts the following insurances: Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York. Private pay options are also be available. He is in the office Monday through Friday with daytime and some after school availability.
Catherine is a Master’s level Clinical Mental Health Counseling practicum student gaining clinical experience hours at PWP. She is in the last year of her program at Liberty University and will graduate in May 2023. Catherine is passionate about delivering quality, accessible mental health care to all individuals. Through person centered therapy and cognitive behavioral approaches, Catherine has begun working with children, adolescents, and adults to address mood disorders like anxiety, depression and adjustment challenges, alongside her supervisor Andrea Kay, LMHC. Catherine is also enjoys delivering Christian counseling upon request, with her supervisor. She looks forward to continuing to seek best practice, empirically-supported solutions for individuals in all phases of life.
Sarah-Jane Fawcett, CFNC, is a Functional Nutrition Counselor with a background in early education and holistic health education. She earned her certification at the Functional Nutrition Alliance led by the internationally acclaimed functional nutritionist, Andrea Nakayama. For six years, Sarah-Jane has led wellness workshops to help families reduce environmental and food toxins and look for natural alternatives in diet and lifestyle. She values making wellness education and tools accessible.
As a Functional Nutrition Counselor at Psychology Wellness Practice, Sarah-Jane acts as the conduit between behavioral health conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, depression, ASD, OCD, panic, Bipolar Disorder) and functional treatment plans. She works closely with Dr. Jennifer Smitkin, whose practice is bio-psycho-social-educational-spiritual in nature, with a focus on functional, biological intervention considerations. Through extensive interviewing, Sarah-Jane identifies areas of vulnerability relative to diet and nutrition. Together, with the patient/parent, she creates an individualized, unique functional nutrition treatment plan, which aims to improve overall health, of which behavioral (mental) health is captured. Taking steps to address food and lifestyle can be challenging and often confusing in today's world. Sarah-Jane is passionate about walking patients and parents through clear next steps in removing inflammatory triggers and addressing nutritional deficiencies, two examples of functional, root causes for the myriad of concerns patients express when seeking treatment at Psychology Wellness Practice.
Outside of work, Sarah-Jane enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking in the Adirondacks, singing, cooking, and serving at her church. Currently, Sarah-Jane accepts private pay. Office hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30pm-8:00pm.
Dr. Jennifer Smitkin
Clinical Director of Psychology Wellness Practice
Dr. Smitkin is a NYS Licensed Psychologist, NYS Certified School Psychologist, and a Certified Mental Health Professional in Advanced Nutritional and Integrative Medicine. Dr. Smitkin earned her Doctoral degree (Psy.D.) in School Psychology at the University at Albany, State University of New York in 2007. Prior to that, she received a Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Educational Psychology and Statistics, and a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in School Psychology, both from the University at Albany, State University of New York. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, with a concentration in Education.
Prior to Psychology Wellness Practice, PLLC., Dr. Smitkin was a practicing psychologist in the NYS public school system. She also served as an adjunct professor at Hudson Valley Community College and taught graduate courses at The University at Albany, State University of New York. Dr. Smitkin began practicing privately in 2008. She has presented and published research related to students with emotional and behavioral disorders and students with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Smitkin specializes in providing comprehensive diagnostic psychological evaluations for individuals of all ages, and psycho-educational evaluations for children and adolescents. Specific expertise in the process of special education and 504 Accommodation planning is highlighted, as is providing the comprehensive documentation required to obtain College Board accommodations. Her practice is unique in its focus on health and wellness for clients of all ages, targeting behavioral health symptoms from a functional and integrative perspective. Those who choose to work with Dr. Smitkin are prepared to view the process through a holistic lens, focusing on whole body health rather than the compartmentalization of symptoms. Through her extensive clinical interviewing, Dr. Smitkin identifies key vulnerabilities in the health of her patients, and she provides information about the functional connections of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management related to sound behavioral health outcomes.
Dr. Smitkin volunteers her time in the Children’s Ministry of her church. As a Christian, she believes spirituality is an integral aspect of mental health, and she practices from a bio-psycho-social-educational-spiritual model.
Dr. Smitkin accepts Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York, Tricare, and private payments. She is in the office Monday through Friday, with some after school availability.
Hazel Clark, LMHC
Hazel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and Community Psychology from the Sage Colleges, located in Albany, New York.
Hazel’s genuineness and compassion have led her to work with a variety of populations to include adolescents and adults who have experienced severe and persistent mental illnesses, trauma, homelessness, substance abuse disorders, inter-partnership violence and grief. She has worked years in providing care in the not-for-profit sector to include managing a substance abuse outpatient clinic as well as a PROS program in the Capital District of New York. Hazel uses a person-centered approach, along with cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness and strength building interventions to assist children, adolescents, adults and families with achieving their life goals.
Hazel believes in collaborating with the client to identify and overcome barriers of life through a non-judgmental approach to counseling. In addition, Hazel provides faith-based counseling, at the client’s request. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and attending outdoor festivals.
Hazel will work full-time and offer part-time office-based appointments and part-time telehealth appointments. She will accept Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), Highmark (Blue Shield) Northeastern New York, and private pay.
Jessica Simonds, LMSW
Jessica Simonds is a Licensed Master of Social Work in the state of New York. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2016. Following that, she obtained her Master's of Social Work with a clinical concentration from the State University of New York at Albany in 2020.
Jessica, who has always enjoyed working with children, began working in an after-school program with elementary-school aged children until she completed her Master's degree, at which time, she began working as an elementary school-based intervention counselor. There, she worked with parents, staff, and students to address various struggles the students were facing, including inattentiveness and hyperactivity, extreme behavioral concerns, low self-esteem, crisis intervention, and phase of life adjustment. She assisted students in learning and developing appropriate social skills and healthy coping mechanisms. Jessica has additional experience working with high-school aged adolescents in the school setting and young adults with unique learning profiles.
Jessica places a lot of importance on building rapport, believing this is one of the most important aspects in a positive therapeutic outcome. She strives to find strengths in those she works with and uses those to help individuals become the best version of themselves. Jessica utilizes cognitive-behavioral and strengths-based approaches as well as solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing. Jessica works with those dealing with anxiety, depression, low selfesteem, behavioral issues, grief and loss, familial changes, ADHD, and autism-spectrum disorders.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys baking, painting with acrylics, running and participating in races, reading, and taking painting, cake, and cookie decorating classes.
Jessica will work full-time and offer part-time office-based appointments and part-time telehealth appointments. She will accept Aetna, Capital District Physician’s Health Plan (CDPHP), and private pay.