MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR - LP

Jennifer Akotoh

Jennifer is a first-generation Ghanaian-American woman who enjoys working with emerging adults from diverse backgrounds. She supports clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, employment, family dynamics, identity, and self-worth.

She wholeheartedly believes that emotional well-being is a vital part of overall health and that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue joy, peace, freedom, and healing in ways that are personally meaningful. Jennifer views therapy as a transformative process—one that can be difficult but deeply rewarding.

In her work, Jennifer is committed to accompanying, encouraging, and holding space for clients throughout their therapeutic journey. She takes a collaborative approach to help individuals discover how they can live authentically and create fulfilling lives.

licensed clinical social worker - lcsw

Ashley Gopaul

Ashley is an Indo-Caribbean therapist whose style centers on a non-judgmental, culturally competent, and intersectional approach to mental health care. She believes therapy should be a safe space to be one’s true self—allowing for vulnerability, expression of difficult emotions, and prioritizing personal well-being.

She recognizes that the messages people receive growing up often shape how they navigate the world. In therapy, Ashley helps clients unlearn and reframe harmful messages while staying connected to the positive influences within their culture and community.
Her goal is to create a supportive environment where clients can use their strengths, grow toward 

self-acceptance, and define the best version of themselves on their own terms. Ashley understands that life can be challenging and that mental health stigma persists, but she emphasizes that no one has to face these struggles alone.

Marriage and Family Therapist-LP

Iman Demelva

Iman is a first-generation American with roots in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing a culturally competent perspective to her work as a Marriage and Family Therapist. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, she is well-equipped to support clients through a wide range of challenges. Her personal experiences—including more than 14 years of marriage, parenting two children, and blending families—provide her with a nuanced understanding of the complexities within family dynamics.

Iman’s approach integrates evidence-based strategies with a focus on healing and growth. She draws from Structural, Solution-Focused, Emotionally Focused, trauma-focused, and 

 

Narrative therapies to help clients reframe their experiences, improve communication, and strengthen emotional connections. She values the diverse cultural backgrounds of her clients and is committed to fostering a respectful, empathetic, and personalized therapeutic environment.

She works with individuals, couples, and families navigating communication breakdowns, unresolved trauma, or persistent relational struggles. Her goal is to help clients develop healthier patterns, rework personal narratives, and enhance overall well-being. Iman is passionate about walking alongside clients as they gain self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and emerge with renewed resilience and connection.

LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER - LMSW

Brittany Anderson

Brittany Anderson knew from a young age that she wanted to be a therapist. Learning that there was such a lack in therapists of color, she became one herself. She graduated with her Masters from Columbia School of Social Work and has been practicing psychotherapy for 4 years. She is certified in Motivational Interviewing and uses multiple modalities throughout her work. Including but not limited to psychodynamic, narrative, person centered, strength based and trauma informed therapies.


She works with various age groups and races, individually or couples. She also works with 

LGBTQIA+ population as well as people practicing non monogamy. Her main focuses are grief, anxiety, depression, sex, sexuality and trauma. She encourages an open, non judgmental space for you to be comfortable being yourself, so you can learn more about yourself and those around you.

LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER -
 LMSW

Latoya Thomas

Latoya is a multifaceted mental health professional and advocate, proudly identifying as Black, Latinx, Queer, and Neurodivergent. In addition to being a devoted parent and partner, Latoya holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University’s (NYU) Silver School of Social Work with a concentration in clinical practice. Latoya is also a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 15 years of healthcare experience across the lifespan, and they have completed specialized training at the Ackerman Institute for Families in Family Engagement and Acceptance Training for trans and non-binary identifying youth and their families.

As a therapist, Latoya is dedicated to helping the 

 BIPOC community access quality mental health services. They believe that our life experiences shape the lens through which we navigate the world, and their therapeutic journey reflects this understanding. Latoya’s work involves supporting individuals, families, and couples in healing ruptured relationships, managing life transitions, healing trauma, addressing systemic oppression, and managing crises. They also provide LGBTQIA+ related support with acceptance and gender identity, and strengthen couples and families.

Latoya’s approach to therapy is eclectic and client-centered, incorporating narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and attachment theory. Their extensive experience includes working with BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals from children to adults, black maternal child health, autistic and non-verbal children, victims of domestic violence, substance use disorders, and trauma. Latoya’s professional passion is to help those seeking therapeutic services find the strength to overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and manage crises and life events by finding their inner voice.

Marriage & Family Therapist Intern

Camille Anthony

Camille Anthony is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University, building on her undergraduate education from Purchase College, SUNY. Rooted in the systemic foundation of Marriage and Family Therapy, her approach emphasizes how individuals are deeply interconnected within their families and broader social contexts. She focuses on how relational dynamics, cultural influences, and systemic factors shape well-being and personal growth.

As a second-generation Afro-Caribbean individual with roots in Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda, Camille is committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy that honors diverse narratives and lived experiences. Her love of music, art, and reading enriches her practice, allowing her to create a therapeutic space that fosters self-expression, exploration, and healing.

licensed master social worker, LMSW, sifi

Kenneth Reed

Kenneth is a Brooklyn- based Psychotherapist trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. For the last 7 years, Kenneth has worked with individuals dealing with depression, grief, anxiety, and self-exploration.

Furthermore, Kenneth's therapeutic approach focuses on the patterns of client thinking and behavior, as it lends insight to how clients can push through their challenges. Lastly, Kenneth aims to make sessions interactive and thought provoking while encouraging clients to be their best selves.

mental health counselor, MHC

Mary Rayven Owens

M. Rayven Owens is a Transpersonal Psychologist, NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider. In addition to clinical licensure, Rayven is trained and certified in Transpersonal Therapy through the International Institute for Consciousness Exploration and Psychotherapy in the Black Forest, Freiburg, Germany. She works with clients navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns.

Her therapeutic approach integrates traditional clinical methods with transpersonal practices, blending cognitive work with contemplative techniques that access higher states of consciousness. This integrated clinical and spiritual approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of each client’s context, helping them move toward optimal functioning and well-being.

Rayven provides a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their concerns. She partners with them to set realistic goals, reframe cognitive distortions, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth, motivation, and deeper self-awareness.

Wadia Mamania

Wadia Mamania is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker of Sierra Leonean descent, passionate about guiding teens, young adults, couples, and families through life’s most challenging moments. With a warm, client-centered approach, Wadia creates a safe space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported on their path to healing and growth.

Specializing in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship struggles, work-related stress, and adult ADHD, Wadia blends evidence-based therapeutic practices with a compassionate, human touch. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients reframe negative thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience.

Drawing from her cultural background and extensive experience, Wadia’s approach is rooted in collaboration and empathy, empowering clients to enhance emotional regulation, improve communication, and cultivate meaningful 

connections. She understands that mental health challenges can deeply impact relationships and daily life, and she works closely with clients to foster lasting emotional well-being.

With a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, Wadia helps clients overcome obstacles and thrive. Whether addressing stress, navigating relationship dynamics, or building self-awareness, Wadia is dedicated to walking alongside her clients every step of the way.

licensed   master social worker, LMSW

licensed master social worker, LMSW

Christina Taylor

Christina is a therapist who meets clients exactly where they are—without judgment or pressure. She works with individuals, couples, and families navigating stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and healing from past experiences. After years of supporting youth and families, she is expanding her work with adults ready to create meaningful change.

Her style is calm, collaborative, and grounded. Christina holds space for clients to be heard while helping them identify what’s getting in the way and what tools can move them forward. She is person-centered—guided by each client’s needs and pace—and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe unhelpful thoughts and build practical coping skills.

Christina is especially passionate about supporting the Black community and offering culturally affirming care, while welcoming people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Outside the therapy room, she nurtures her own well-being through movement, reflection, and connection with loved ones.

Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating—Christina partners with clients to take the journey one step at a time.

Mental Health Counselor- MHC, LP

Karl Boromee

Karl is a therapist who understands how mental health impacts every aspect of life—relationships, careers, and personal well-being. He works with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, grief, and other emotional challenges, helping them navigate life’s heavier moments with support and guidance.

As a man of color, Karl recognizes the unique pressures many face in asking for help. He creates a space where clients can feel vulnerable, be seen, and access tools to heal and thrive. His approach is collaborative, approachable, and grounded in real-life experiences.

Karl draws from both Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He uses Psychodynamic Therapy to explore how past experiences and upbringing influence present patterns, while CBT helps clients examine the connection between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and reframe those that no longer serve them.

Karl serves as a guide for clients, helping them navigate life’s bumps and detours toward clarity, confidence, and growth.

Specialties:
Anxiety
Depression
Self-Esteem
Relationship Issues
Life Transitions & Adjustment
Trauma & PTSD
OCD

Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW

Shanisha Forbes

Shanisha is a licensed therapist who combines legal experience with a heart-centered approach to counseling. She provides a safe space for clients to exhale, whether they are managing trauma related to legal matters, navigating major life transitions, or struggling with cycles of anxiety, guilt, or burnout.

Having spent years in the legal field, Shanisha understands how systems often overlook people’s emotional needs. This experience taught her to listen deeply—not just to what is said, but to what is hidden beneath stress and survival mode. As a therapist, she helps clients slow down, reconnect with themselves, and find clarity and courage in even the most uncertain moments.

Shanisha brings a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental approach rooted in empathy and real-world legal knowledge. While she does not provide legal representation within therapy, she supports clients in preparing emotionally, managing triggers during proceedings, and rebuilding after legal cases are resolved.

Shanisha believes that healing often comes in small, steady steps toward trusting oneself again, and she is committed to guiding clients through that journey.

Masters Social Worker Intern

Jaden Young

Jaden is a compassionate and culturally responsive Social Work intern who brings warmth, empathy, and professionalism to every client interaction. Currently completing his Master’s degree, Jaden draws on a strong background in school-based counseling and community engagement to support children, adolescents, and adults through life’s challenges.

He has worked extensively with individuals navigating ADHD, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), foster care experiences, financial stressors, and other complex circumstances. Jaden’s approach is client-centered and grounded in empathy, using evidence-based techniques such as Positive Reinforcement and reflective listening to help clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to create change.

Jaden is deeply committed to fostering trust and building strong therapeutic relationships. His work is guided by the belief that healing happens in spaces where people feel understood, respected, and 

supported. At North Node Therapy, he partners with clients to explore their strengths, develop new coping strategies, and take meaningful steps toward their goals.

Masters Social Worker Intern

Jacob Mansu

Jacob is an immigrant from Ghana with over 15 years of integrated experience in teaching and social accountability. He has significant experience in community empowerment projects and is currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work program at Lehman College in New York.

His recent training in alcohol and substance abuse counseling has further strengthened his belief that, with an integrated therapeutic approach, recovery from life challenges is not a myth but an evidence-based reality. Jacob is eager to provide person-centered, non-judgmental, confidential, empathic, and compassionate services to help clients regain hope, affection, and resilience to function productively at individual, family, and community levels.

His diverse background, combined with cultural competence and humility, allows him to create an ideal space where clients feel safe, heard, and confident as they navigate their journeys of healing and personal growth. His recognition and respect for others’ cultural values, beliefs, and customs 

support the establishment of trusting therapeutic relationships that holistically address emotional, traumatic, and behavioral challenges.

Jacob also has a personal interest in music, storytelling, and physical and mindfulness exercises. He often incorporates these interests into icebreaking techniques, helping to build meaningful connections with clients.

"A regained life tastes sweetest." – African adage

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Dashae Brown

As a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern, Dashae understands how life’s challenges affect not only the individual but also the family system as a whole. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University, building upon her undergraduate studies at Purdue Northwest. She is committed to walking alongside clients as they navigate the complexities of relationships, parenting, and blending families.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which supports individuals, couples, and families in cultivating secure, connected relationships. She provides guidance for families experiencing the unique challenges that come with ADHD, Autism, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), recognizing how these diagnoses can shape family dynamics and impact emotional connections.

She strives to provide an environment that is respectful, compassionate, and inclusive, valuing the diverse backgrounds and lived experiences of her clients. She is especially committed to ensuring 

members of the BIPOC community have access to quality, culturally sensitive mental health services.

Whether working with individuals seeking greater self-compassion, couples looking to reconnect, or families navigating transitions and special needs, she offers a safe space where healing, resilience, and stronger relationships can flourish.