Clinicians:
Stanley Fireman
Stanley has experience in clinical counseling for over 40 years in private practice and in hospitals. During the last 20 years, he worked in multiple hospital outpatient clinics all part of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation where he treated patients with Pain Management issues, anger management, depression, anxiety, abuse, domestic violence, opiate dependence/addiction, alcohol dependency, family systems, and stressors that affect life changes and other situations that cause disequilibrium. Stanley specializes in family system psychology, and has done extensive work with couples and how to improve communication. Regarding Pain Management and emotions, he worked with individuals experiencing chronic pain and how it affects their lives and the lives of their families. This includes possible role changes in the family system. He was also the Behavioral Medicine faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Program where he taught physicians how to identify and treat psychological issues. He focused on teaching them how to take sexual histories and identify abuse with the appropriate referrals for safe space when needed. In addition to that, Stanley facilitated groups of physicians, nurses, social workers, and other care givers who met periodically to discuss struggling patients and families and how to increase communication while focusing on the caretaking of the identified patient. Another goal of this group was to identify and manage professional burnout. His approach is Functional, working with the Client in the present, helping to identify, explore possible sources of the conflict(s), and learn techniques to manage the felt difficulties. Stanley also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. He provides a comfortable environment, an appropriate sense of humor with empathy and an opportunity for the client to express feelings/concerns in a safe and confidential setting. His success in providing treatment has been affording patients/clients the opportunity to be confronted respectfully with painful issues in order to allow them to work through the distress with the goal of empowerment to reach healthy functioning.
Moshe Sender, LMHC
Talya Sahler, LMSW
Talya graduated from Simmons University in Boston, which is the oldest social work school in the country. Talya is a licensed social worker, who specializes in trauma, and earned a trauma specialist certificate from Simmons University. Talya brings warmth, compassion, and dedication to her work and puts forth extra effort to empower her clients and provide them with the tools to bring healing, joy and confidence into their lives. Talya enjoys working with adults, children, couples, and groups. Some of the modalities she employs include: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Grief work, Emotional Focused Therapy, Family Systems Work, Sandtray and Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing therapy. Talya is experienced in working with domestic violence and single parents. As a member of the orthodox Jewish community, Talya understands the cultural intricacies of living in our communities and provides culturally informed therapy.
Yochanan Kuhnreich, LMSW
Working with people, pointing out their strengths and dealing with their challenges has always been my passion, and my past careers have nurtured those passions. Spending twenty-five years as a teacher and thirteen years as the principal of Bais Yaakov in Montreal, I was fortunate to be able to connect with so many people in various walks of life with a variety of issues. Looking towards retirement it was natural to continue the path of helping people from a different vantage point. YU’s Wurzweiler school of social work, in collaboration with Sara Schenirer program, was the perfect opportunity to enhance those skills to a professional level. It is a privilege and responsibility to be under the tutelage of Mordechai Weinberger and his amazing staff at the Serenity Center in Monsey. Knowing that we are helping so many individuals is truly gratifying.
Loren Berkovics
Loren is a licensed social worker with a degree from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social work. Loren’s approach is eclectic, using various tools and modalities; in one session, there can be more than 5 different interventions used, the goal is to use what works. Loren has a previous degree in Medical Imaging from Long Island University, Post Campus and has worked in the medical and health field since 1999. Radiography training uses creativity, and quick thinking to adapt to any type of barrier, very much like therapy. Loren is certified in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by the Child HELP Partnership in St. John’s University, NY. Loren is also trained in Gestalt, Inner Child Healing, Schema therapy and as a Trauma Specialist through the Trauma Institute of Arizona. Loren’s focus is working with individuals with PTSD, sexual abuse, assault, suicidal behaviors, personality disorders, anxiety, depression,
and OCD.
Loren’s approach is client centered as no one fits in a box- so why should therapy? Loren would be honored in taking this journey to a happier you. In Loren’s free time she reads, plays board games, and enjoys the outdoors.
Steven (Shlomo) Uzhansky, LMSW, CPRS
Shlomo is a licensed social worker with years of experience in helping individuals overcome issues such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. Shlomo’s previous career as an outreach Rabbi allows him to be of assistance to those struggling with issues of religious identity and spiritual development. Accordingly, he specializes in dealing with teens-at-risk and their families.
Shlomo is easy to relate to and is a warm, approachable, and non-judgmental individual who is deeply committed to his client’s well-being. Shlomo is currently enrolled in a doctorate program and is constantly learning new ways to improve treatment outcomes for those he works with.
Shlomo speaks Russian and Hebrew and has a deep insight into a plethora of cultures and backgrounds.
Brittany Beharry, LMSW
Brittany is a Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University. Brittany has been in the field for nearly five years and has a passion for supporting adults, adolescents, geriatrics, and their families. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, relational problems, and other life experiences. She believes that each person has their own story and strives to foster a safe place where clients can tell their story as well as gain insight into how it has impacted them and create a new reality that is more fulfilling.
Brittany describes herself as having a sense of humor and personable demeanor. She comes from a cultured background and is aware of the importance of culture and its implications. Brittany has an eclectic approach, utilizing various theoretical approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy as well as real life experience.
Rebecca Harary, LMSW
Rebecca Harary earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at Hunter Silberman School of Social Work. She received extensive training through her courses and fieldwork which she completed over the course of two years. Rebecca has experience in individual therapy. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks/ agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, phobias, relationship issues, social skills training, and building self esteem / confidence. Rebecca is experienced in modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, attachment based therapy, inner child therapy, narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing. Rebecca focuses on validating her clients and assisting them in seeing their strengths. Rebecca helps her clients apply helpful tools that aid them in achieving their therapeutic goals and applying them to their lives long term.
Moises Maleh
I have been working in the field of social work for the past three years, including one year at the esteemed Serenity Center. Throughout my career, I have primarily focused on providing assistance to children and teenagers, and I am incredibly grateful to have achieved remarkable success by the grace of God. My ultimate goal is to further enhance my capabilities and be even more effective in helping individuals worldwide.
During my time at the Serenity Center, I have had the privilege of working closely with children and teenagers, guiding them and guiding their parents, on their emotional journeys. Witnessing the transformative impact of therapeutic interventions has been a humbling experience. I firmly believe that with the right support, individuals can overcome challenges and flourish.
In addition to my work at the Serenity Center, I volunteered at Yedidim of Kiryas Joel five years ago. Recognizing a significant need for comprehensive emotional support, especially among teenage boys going through difficult family situations, I established a new wing dedicated to addressing this gap. This initiative allowed me to provide crucial assistance to teenage boys in need during times of family crisis.
Moreover, my dedication to supporting children and families in navigating trauma led me to join Chai Lifeline. As a volunteer on their team, I have visited families facing illness-related trauma, helping them make sense of their new realities. I offer emotional support, and guidance in communicating with children, and work to foster feelings of security during their challenging times.
My unwavering passion lies in providing empathetic support to individuals in need, and I remain committed to continuously expanding my knowledge and honing my skills to provide the highest level of professional mental health services.
Rosa Bennett, LMSW
Meet Rosa Bennett, LMSW, a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to empowering individuals and families through compassionate care and therapeutic insight. Every day, I find immense joy and fulfillment in my work, knowing that each session presents new opportunities to connect deeply with my clients and make a positive impact on their lives. My journey into psychotherapy was profoundly influenced by my own therapeutic experiences and my background as a youth director and mentor. These roles have equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges facing young people and families, inspiring my commitment to supporting others through their journeys of healing and growth.
I have over 3 years of experience in psychotherapy, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Experiencing. My practice is grounded in the belief that healing involves integrating mind and body, a perspective I developed during my previous career in fitness training.
I have a passion for working with clients facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marriage counseling, parent-child dynamics, life transitions, and post-partum challenges. My therapeutic style is influenced by the teachings of Mordechai Weinberger and Dr. John Sarno, guiding clients towards a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
In addition to individual therapy, I have extensive experience running social skills groups for children, fostering a supportive environment for growth and development. I am particularly interested in expanding my work in marriage counseling, helping couples navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships.
I am dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel truly understood and supported. Many of my clients have expressed that they initially felt unheard until therapy helped them acknowledge and release long-held pain, allowing them to embrace positive change in their lives.
Rosa Bennett, LMSW, is committed to empowering individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and insight. Her holistic approach integrates therapeutic expertise with a compassionate understanding of each client’s unique journey.
Adina Ribacoff, LCSW
Meet Adina Ribacoff, LCSW, a dedicated psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience devoted to helping individuals and families thrive. Adina finds immense joy and fulfillment in her role, greeting each day with a deep-seated passion for making a positive impact through therapy. Everyday she is eager to connect with her clients, knowing that these connections can lead to profound and meaningful changes in their lives. Adina’s journey into mental health care began alongside her husband, pioneering the “Table for Two” marriage enrichment program and teaching kallah classes to prepare brides for marriage. Her approach to therapy integrates a diverse range of modalities, including Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
Adina’s approach to therapy is grounded in a diverse range of modalities, including Somatic Therapy, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has received specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) under the guidance of Dr. Sue Johnson and somatic training from Rikki Bornstein. Her dedication to ongoing professional development includes kallah training by Tehilla Abramov, ensuring she offers comprehensive support tailored to each client’s needs.
Specializing in adults and with some experience in group settings, Adina focuses on family dynamics, marriage counseling, anxiety management, and borderline personality issues. She is known for her empathetic approach and her ability to help clients integrate mind-body connections, empowering them to apply therapeutic insights to their daily lives.
Adina’s impact is evident in the testimonials of her clients, including one who reported significant improvements in her relationships using DBT skills. Adina strives to create a nurturing and transformative therapeutic environment where clients feel supported in their journey towards personal growth and relational harmony.
Lucy Marie Notaro, LMSW
Lucy Marie Notaro, LMSW is a bilingual (Spanish-English), and bi-cultural social worker and applied behavior therapist with 38 years direct practice experience working with inner city and immigrant children, adults, families, and communities. She currently resides in Rockland and Suffolk Counties, NY, and works with adults, children, families, parents, schools, and groups on Long Island and throughout the New York Hudson Valley.
Ms. Notaro’s vast professional experience includes offering trauma-informed professional development workshops, consultation, and services to schools, medical practitioners, and other professional and community groups on the mental health impact of immigration on unaccompanied youth, youth at risk of caregiver deportation, and their families. This effort arose from her interviews, mental health evaluations, and psychotherapy with adults and youth seeking United States Residency and after witnessing the absence of increased education and support to effectively respond to the multi-tiered needs of immigrant youth, their caregivers, their educators, and their communities. Ms. Notaro is no stranger to collaboration and consultation within educational settings as she worked as a District-Wide Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Consultant at CSD #11 in the Bronx, NY, as a School-Victim Assistance Project Coordinator at JHS 43, CSD #5 in Harlem, NY and as a behavior modification consultant and supervisor in various educational settings on Long Island, Queens, the South Bronx, and Rockland County. She has first-hand experience of the benefits in a multi- disciplinary approach to working with youth and their families, particularly while she provided home, school, and center based Early Intervention, Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE), and Committee on Special Education (CSE) applied behavior analysis (ABA), Behavior Modification, Parent Training, and Social Work services to immigrant families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Ms. Notaro currently owns and operates a social work practice with offices in Patchogue, Beacon, and Nyack, NY where she provides individual and group psychotherapy, community mental health workshops, mandated offender treatment, mental status examinations, domestic violence evaluations, therapeutic supervised visits, parenting skills support, and mental health evaluations for clients with immigration, criminal, family law, and child protective service cases.
Her practice interests include culturally competent direct clinical practice with immigrant families, forensic social work, mental health and behavior assessment, interpersonal trauma, therapeutic parenting, and behavior modification via Applied Behavior Analysis. Ms. Notaro has provided services within school, home, agency, legal, community and temporary housing settings, and has also provided foster care staff and foster parents skills development clinical consultation and workshops. She served as a member of the Queens Borough President’s Task Force Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence and was an annual conference speaker. She is a public speaker on domestic violence and mental health concerns within immigrant communities and provides twelve-week virtual Spanish-language support groups on mental health, domestic violence, and parenting children with trauma.
Ms. Notaro is committed to providing services to non-United States Resident immigrants and their children, particularly as focused on the impact of trauma on immigrant lives and communities. She is a member of multiple organizations to include the Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board, the Rockland Immigration Coalition, the Rockland County Adult Mental Health Sub-Committee, and the New York State Association for Bilingual Education. Ms. Notaro graduated from Herbert H. Lehman College, CUNY in 1989 with a BA in Child Development, and from Adelphi University in 2004 with a master’s degree in social work – Generalist Practice.
Melissa Rivera
Melissa is, a dedicated therapist with two years of experience in the field of therapy. Her journey into this profession is deeply rooted in her personal life and experiences. As a parent of children with special needs and a caregiver to a mother who has struggled with severe depression, she gained profound insight into the challenges many face.
Melissa’s experience with therapy, particularly after experiencing post-partum depression following the birth of her first child, was transformative. It helped her reconnect with herself and navigate her healing process with professional support, reinforcing the vital truth that no one is alone in their struggles.
At Serenity Center, Melissa utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, with a focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also offer flexibility in her approach, including leading group sessions and conducting therapy in Spanish. Her training in Marriage Counseling, along with DBT and CBT, allows her to cater to a diverse clientele.
Melissa works with individuals, families, and couples across all age groups, guided by a commitment to supporting those genuinely ready to embark on their healing journey. Her experience extends to running various group sessions, including DBT, CBT, support groups, educational groups, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and virtual and teen groups.
While Melissa is comfortable addressing a wide range of issues and diagnoses, including anxiety, OCD, depression, personality disorders, and addictions, she finds it particularly rewarding to facilitate communication and understanding within families and couples.
Melissa is fortunate to have close professional relationships with her previous supervisor and the Executive Director of the clinic, who continue to be invaluable mentors in her career. Each client’s progress and success story is a testament to the collaborative effort they embark upon together, and she cherishes the opportunity to witness and support their growth.
Melissa is committed to helping as many people as she can through their unique journeys, and she looks forward to the possibility of working with you.
Brianna Harrington, MHC-LP
Meet Brianna Harrington, MHC-LP, a compassionate psychotherapist bringing five years of dedicated experience in mental health counseling. Brianna wakes up each morning with a deep sense of purpose and joy, eager to connect with her clients and make a positive impact on their lives. Her journey into psychotherapy was sparked by early volunteer work with youth organizations, where she found inspiration in mentoring and supporting others through challenging times. Brianna’s therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy and acceptance,
creating a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their paths to healing.
Brianna’s personal growth through therapy has deeply influenced her professional approach. She discovered the power of acceptance and gained confidence in navigating life’s uncertainties, which she integrates into her therapeutic practice. Her empathetic and non judgmental demeanor creates a safe space for clients to explore their own paths to healing.
Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), couples work, and family therapy, Brianna is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and borderline personality disorder. Her commitment to LGBTQ affirmative training ensures she provides inclusive and affirming care to all clients.
Brianna finds immense fulfillment in working with troubled youth, supporting them through pivotal moments such as high school graduation. Her approach is collaborative and strength-based, empowering clients to build resilience and achieve their goals.
Brianna Harrington, MHC-LP, is dedicated to fostering growth, resilience, and well-being in her clients’ lives. She welcomes individuals and families seeking compassionate support and effective strategies for positive change.
Malky Berger, LCSW
Meet Malky Berger, LCSW, a dedicated psychotherapist with over 13 years of experience in mental health care, passionately committed to guiding individuals toward resilience and strength. Malky thrives on the excitement and purpose of connecting with her clients and make a positive impact in their lives through therapy. Her journey into psychotherapy began during her tenure as a group home manager, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of therapeutic intervention. Drawing from her own experience as a therapy client, Malky creates a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and achieve their goals. Malky’s own experience as a therapy client solidified her belief in the transformative power of therapy to broaden perspectives and guide individuals toward their goals in life. She integrates this personal insight into her practice, fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges.
Malky utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her upcoming somatic training in Fall 2024 reflects her commitment to expanding her therapeutic toolkit to better serve her clients.
Specializing in working with adults dealing with anxiety, Malky is dedicated to providing evidence-based, effective interventions tailored to each individual’s needs. Malky also has extensive experience treating clients who suffer from trauma and depression. In addition, Malky has had success working with clients who are coping with complicated family relationships. Her professional growth is supported by weekly group supervision sessions with renowned expert Chaim Winter, ensuring she stays at the forefront of therapeutic advancements.
Malky Berger, LCSW, is passionate about helping clients navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength. She welcomes individuals seeking support and growth in a safe, collaborative therapeutic space.
Ezra Miller
Welcome to Serenity Center! Ezra Miller is a dedicated therapist with six years of experience, including two years of internship prior to graduating in June 2020. His professional journey has been shaped by a diverse background, including mentorship programs, teaching, and counseling at summer camps, which has fostered his deep passion for helping others.
Having personally benefited from therapy, Ezra brings a profound understanding of its transformative power to his practice. His own therapeutic experiences have enhanced his ability to support clients on their paths to healing.
Ezra’s therapeutic approach is grounded in a range of modalities, with a particular focus on treating anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He utilizes techniques such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and is currently expanding his expertise through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training. His goal is to maintain a well-rounded toolbox to address a broad spectrum of
diagnoses.
Ezra is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, ERP, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic therapies. He primarily works with individuals aged 15 and up, although he often engages with family members as part of the therapeutic process. While his main focus is on individual therapy, he is also enthusiastic about running group sessions in the future.
His experience includes running various group formats, although they were less structured compared to the clinical groups offered at Serenity Center. Ezra finds great satisfaction in helping clients manage and overcome anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and OCD. Witnessing clients make meaningful progress and seeing their lives improve is incredibly rewarding for him.
Ezra is fortunate to have mentors such as Mordechai Wienberger and Chaim Winter, whose guidance has been instrumental in his professional development. At Serenity Center, he thrives in a nurturing environment rich with learning opportunities and high-quality training, which he considers a “playground of learning.”
For those seeking support for anxiety, OCD, or other challenges, Ezra looks forward to the opportunity to work together.
It starts with you. Let us help you help yourself.
845.286.2210
Email: info@serenityctr.com
232 North Main St
Spring Valley, NY 10977