About Us
Dr. Chanelle Richards, Ph.D.
Dr. Richards is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of NY and NJ, with 20+ years of experience evaluating and treating adults, couples, and adolescents. She has specialty training in psychological and neuropsychological testing, as well as advanced training in immigration evaluations. Dr. Richards founded and runs an online psychology practice dedicated to creating a safe space for the mental health and wellness of professional minorities, particularly persons of color.
Dr. Richards practices from an integrative approach and she has extensive experience in treating anxiety and mood disorders, relationship issues, stress management, and major life changes in diverse clinical settings, including correctional facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitative centers, and private practice. Dr. Richards also conducts psychological evaluations and treatment for victims of motor vehicle accidents.
Dr. Richards graduated from the University of Florida with a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology in 2005. During her tenure, she participated on a research team focused on developing data driven approaches and interventions geared toward identifying and addressing the social and cognitive factors that facilitate preventative healthcare behaviors among culturally diverse populations. She subsequently completed her predoctoral internship for Mt. Sinai Services at Elmhurst Hospital Center. She further completed a post-doc in psychological and neuropsychological testing, as well as correctional psychology.
What to expect when
working with me?
Dr. Richards employs a direct approach toward identifying and implementing the necessary steps to address the immediate goals of her clients, as well as promote insight and skill development for the long-term, self-awareness, and overall growth as an individual. Dr. Richards creates a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and accepting environment catered to the individual needs and mutual collaboration of goals. This is consistent with her personality, such that she believes in individuality and diversity, as well as the need to understand the perspective of others. An open discourse is imperative. Techniques employed include role-playing, insight building, supportive therapy, identifying cognitive impediments and restructuring such thoughts, as well as practical assignments.
Dr. Sasha Fleary, Ph.D.
Dr. Fleary is a Licensed Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Limited Licensed Psychologist in the state of New York, who has 5+ years of professional experience providing individual and group psychotherapy as well as psychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults. In addition to her generalist training, Dr. Fleary has specialty training as a pediatric psychologist, providing psychological services and evaluations to children and adolescents with complex medical needs including (but not limited to) asthma, diabetes, cancer, and common gastrointestinal conditions.
Dr. Fleary graduated from Texas A&M University with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in 2012. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She has maintained an active research career with most of her research focusing on chronic disease prevention, child and adolescent health and mental health promotion, adult mental health, and family adjustment to chronic illnesses.
In her work with children and adolescents, Dr. Fleary uses a holistic approach that considers her client’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development as well as social environments in the context of their presenting problems. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with mood disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, family conflict, and complex chronic conditions. Her work
with children with chronic conditions range from child and family psychosocial adjustment to chronic illnesses, coping with medical conditions, medical adherence, non-pharmaceutical pain management, and health behavior promotion.
In addition to her work with children and adolescents, Dr. Fleary has extensive experience treating depression and anxiety, parenting, family, and relationship issues, and stress management in adults. Dr. Fleary has worked in several clinical settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community clinics. Her approach to therapy is integrative, blending different therapeutic approaches to best meet her clients’ needs
and goals.
Teisha Maldonado, LCSW
Teisha Maldonado is a Licensed psychotherapist, who has 20+ years of professional experience working with adults, adolescents and their families in non-profit and educational settings.
Teisha received her masters degree from Columbia University’s School of Social Work in 2002. She practices from a holistic trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. She specializes in supporting clients through anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, regulating emotions and navigating relationships. She has extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients on the Autism Spectrum. She primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused and Mindfulness techniques in therapy. Teisha meets clients where they are and works with them on developing meaningful and attainable goals.
What to expect when
working with me?
Teisha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to creating a safe space for individuals to explore their challenges, find healing and grow. With a deep understanding of the diverse human experience and a belief in clients’ self-determination, Teisha blends a strong therapeutic approach with a warm, down-to-earth demeanor. Believing that humor can be an essential part of the healing process, she often incorporates lighthearted moments to help clients feel more comfortable and open during their sessions. With a heart for helping others and a genuine belief in the potential for change, Teisha is committed to supporting clients on their unique wellness journey.
Shanasia Hodges, LMSW
Shanasia is a licensed psychotherapist, who has experience treating adolescents, adults, couples and families. She specializes in treating mood and anxiety disorders, work stress, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, grief, family trauma, life transitions and co-parenting issues.
Shanasia earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University, and she is currently enrolled in a Doctoral program of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Her experience includes working in the nonprofit sector, hospital settings and the public school education system.
What to expect when
working with me?
Shanasia prides herself in being a compassionate, empowering, encouraging and supportive psychotherapist. During the earlier stages of the therapy journey she focuses on building a relationship and getting to know who her clients are as a unique individual. Her treatment modality is tailored to clients’ specific needs, goals, and motivations for therapy.
Shanasia specializes in psychodynamic therapy, which allows her clients to unpack and examine the unconscious meaning of their actions. She also specializes in interpersonal psychotherapy to help clients learn healthy ways to express emotions and improve communication with others, despite adversity or strained relationships.
Brenda Tejada, LMSW
Brenda Tejada is a licensed psychotherapist in the state of New York, who has experience providing individual treatment to young adults, adults, and families to a diverse clientele. Brenda has experience treating issues related to low self-esteem, trauma exposure, substance use, relationship issues and personal growth. She has been employed in the nonprofit sector, outpatient treatment facilities, and hospital settings.
What to expect when
working with me?
Ms. Tejada obtained a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. She has professional training in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic treatment approaches. As such, she practices from an eclectic approach. Brenda is honored to service individuals with improving and/or establishing emotional wellness and overall well-being. She prides herself on creating a safe space in order to empower her clients to gain insight into their day-to-to struggles and stressors and associated underlying dynamics, as well as develop the coping mechanisms to address these issues.
Adrianna Lawrence, LMSW
Adrianna is a licensed psychotherapist who has 5+ years of professional experience providing individual and collateral psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults with culturally diverse backgrounds. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, ADHD, chronic illness, self- esteem, life coaching, and stress.
Adrianna obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work from Long Island University. She has been employed in various clinical settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nonprofit organizations.
What to expect when
working with me?
Adrianna practices from a client-centered approach and encourages clients to reach their full potential in life. She creates a safe space, providing non- judgmental, unconditional positive regard and empathy. This approach allows clients to express themselves. She utilizes her knowledge in medicine and education in psychiatry, known as “lifestyle medicine” to support client’s goals and improve quality of life. Exploring tools to improve your life is a powerful sign of self-love and insight.
Mustapha Bensouda, LMSW
Mustapha Bensouda, LMSW, is a licensed psychotherapist with over 5+ years of experience providing compassionate, client-centered care to individuals, couples, and groups. He helps clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance use, life transitions, and personal growth.
He earned his Master of Social Work from CUNY Hunter College and has worked in diverse clinical settings, including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, schools, and nonprofits. These experiences guid his flexible, culturally sensitive approach.
What to expect when
working with me?
Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices, Mr. Bensouda helps clients develop practical tools for change while fostering insight and emotional resilience. He emphasizes a strengths-based model that empowers individuals to identify their inner resources and move purposefully toward personal growth and well-being.