Professional Staff-backup

Paula I. Goldstein, L.C.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with people with chronic medical conditions, marriage and relationship issues, bereavement, and depression. She is a frequent guest speaker for many organizations including the Arthritis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Lupus Alliance of America, and the American Lung Association, and is the co-author of “Coping with Breast Cancer” (Avery Publishing Group, 1999), and “Successful Living with Breast Cancer” (Balance, 2002). Ms. Goldstein received her Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University and is affiliated with a number of professional organizations including the National Association of Social Workers and the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc.

David Ferrin, Psy.D., is a New York State-licensed psychologist providing specialized therapeutic services to individuals at the Center for Coping. Drawing on his experience as a cardiac patient himself (having undergone two triple bypass surgeries), and as the spouse of an organ donor recipient who experienced other chronic health issues, Dr. Ferrin brings to the individuals he works with a unique perspective of the impact of chronic illness on both patient and family members. He previously served for eight years as Co-President of the Long Island Chapter of the American Liver Foundation (with his wife). In addition to his work at the Center for Coping, Dr. Ferrin lectures extensively to parent and teacher groups on issues of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with a focus on home and school management.

Amy Rothstein, M.S., L.M.H.C., N.C.C., is a licensed mental health counselor specializing in providing individual, couples and family counseling for all ages to promote optimal emotional health and well being. She also has experience working with adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders, stress, relationship, family or parenting concerns, and problems with self esteem. In addition, Ms. Rothstein has advanced training through the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute and specializes in working with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ms. Rothstein obtained her Masters of Science from Long Island University- Post Campus, and is affiliated with the New York Mental Health Counselors Association, American Counseling Association, and the International OCD Foundation.

Health Specialist Michael S. Phillips, M.S., L.M.H.C., N.C.C., EMT-CC, CAMS-II is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, grief & loss, post-traumatic stress, medical problems, as well as the use of biofeedback therapy. Mr. Phillips holds certifications as a level two anger management specialist from the National Anger Management Association, and works with both mandated and voluntary clients, is trained in alcohol and substance abuse, and is a certified clinical traumatologist. Mr. Phillips is also the director of the Center for Coping Wellness Division. A certified instructor for numerous American Red Cross programs, and an expert in safety and wellness, he has presented programs to youth and adult groups and organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area as well as internationally. Mr. Phillips has been an Emergency Medical Technician – Critical Care for over 27 years and is also certified in Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management. Mr. Phillips holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University- Post Campus and a second Master of Science degree in Health Education from Hofstra University. He is a member of the New York State Mental Health Counseling Association, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, the National Center for Crisis Management.

Mishal Syed, M.S., is mental health counselor (limited permit holder) who works with a variety of issues including cultural issues, depression, anxiety reduction, relationship problems, social skills and coping. She currently works with all ages, specializing in children and early teens. She holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University.

Dana Gerasimovich, M.S. is a licensed mental health counselor who works with a variety of issues including depression, adjustment, and stress-related problems, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, and relational matters. Ms. Gerasimovich’s aim is to provide a supportive and secure atmosphere to counsel children, adolescents, and adults. She is certified in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. She holds a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College.

Liz Lassus, M.S., is a mental health counselor (limited permit holder) who takes pleasure in working with children and adults. She is a nationally certified counselor and a certified grief counseling specialist and uses an integrated approach to meet the needs of her clients. Liz also has a background in using techniques from behaviorism for helping children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Her aim is to compassionately and respectfully build a rapport with her clients to optimize their outcomes. Liz holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University in addition to a Master of Education degree in Literacy Studies from Hofstra University. She is a member of the Nassau Counselors’ Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Lily Hwang, M.S., is a mental health counselor (limited permit holder) specializing in providing individual and family counseling to adolescents, teenagers, and adults. She specializes in counseling individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship, and family-related issues. As a former ENL (English as a New Language) Teacher, Ms. Hwang is also experienced in working with immigrant parents and children. She is experienced in providing counseling to families struggling with stress, depression, and anxiety issues associated with immigration (e.g. cultural differences, language barriers, isolation, and conflicts with parent/children). Ms. Hwang is bilingual in Korean and English and provides counseling in both languages. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College.

David Troy Psy.D., M.B.A. is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of New York. He has been practicing clinical psychology in a myriad of settings professionally since 2009. He is a tenured faculty member in the city university system of New York and is also the Director of Psychology and Mental Health Counseling at StationMD. His areas of expertise are in assessment, individual, couples and group therapy and more recently in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. In his professional life, Dr. Troy loves mentoring and supervising students and trainees while continuing to increase his repertoire as a professional. He subscribes to the Professional/ Scholar model of practice and, in furtherance of his career, he recently earned an M.B.A. with a concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He now has expanded his practice to include Executive Coaching, Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement. He recently rejoined The Coping Counselors at the Center for Coping and he looks forward to continuing his work as a clinician and meeting the needs of his clients.