Linda Lombardo

Sylvia Davi

Kay Posillico has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing counseling and psychotherapy for teenagers, adults, couples and families for over twenty years.

Her experience in working with people from all walks of life has given her a unique outlook on the human condition and the complex nature of relationships. After attending Cornell University for two years she transferred to C.W. Post College on Long Island where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1975. She earned a master’s degree in Community Mental Health at C.W.Post College in 1980 and a master’s degree in Social Work at Adelphi University in 1987. Kay also completed postgraduate study in psychoanalysis at the New York School for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in 1990.

Kay has a strong sense of commitment and a true enjoyment of working with people. She has a history of community involvement, serving on several boards of directors on Long Island. She was president of the board of the New York College for Chinese Medicine for six years and now is the vice president of the board of Transitional Services of Long Island for New York, an organization which provides housing and services for the homeless and mentally ill. She has been a prolific writer for local newspapers and has co-hosted several radio shows on mental health issues.

Although Kay counsels diverse populations, she specializes in couples therapy and women's issues.

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Barbara Posillico is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in adolescent and family psychotherapy. In addition to her private practice Barbara has worked in a variety of settings for the past thirteen years. After graduating from Adelphi University in 1996 she worked as a crisis intervention social worker for the PINS program of Suffolk County Family Court. Barbara worked for the Town of Huntington’s Sanctuary program for at risk teenagers and their families. She also worked as a consultant for Huntington High School where she counseled Special Education students. Barbara’s unique style and warm approach enables teenagers to relax and feel comfortable, and creates a safe place where they can begin to open up and gain a better understanding of themselves. Having someone to guide and coach them early on in life will reap benefits well into their future.

Barbara also focuses on parents, who are the primary influences in their children’s lives. She believes strongly that the more educated and supportive the parents are the better futures their children will enjoy as they enter adulthood.

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Denise Maletta has been a healthcare practitioner for the last 20 years. She is a New York State licensed Acupuncturist and holds a BS in Professional Studies and a Masters in Healthcare Science and Acupuncture from the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine In Mineola, N.Y. She is also a New York State licensed Massage Therapist and graduated from the New York College in Syosset. In addition, she does Energy Response Testing utilizing the state of art, high technology biofeedback device that both assesses energetic imbalances and stressors in the body and improves health. With an extensive knowledge of Chinese Medicine (TCM), nutrition, energy medicine and the QXCI she helps her clients find balance and integrate any symptom precipitated by stress, whether physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or environmental and restore the body to a state of well being and health. Other certifications include Facial Rejuvenation, Advanced Oncology Acupuncture from Memorial Sloane- Kettering Cancer Center and Infertility from East Meets West Reproductive Medicine.

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Dr Jason Pape has been in practice for over 11 years, primarily in the Commack area, and is excited to be joining the Life Center in Huntington. After receiving his B.S. in Biology from Penn State, Dr. Pape graduated summa cum laude from New York Chiropractic College. He went on to receive two post-graduate degrees, one in Chiropractic Sports Medicine and a second in Pediatrics, becoming the only Long Island-based Chiropractor certified by the Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Pape holds an Advanced Proficiency rating in Activator Methods, a unique form of Chiropractic that is highly specific in both the diagnosis and correction of joint restriction (also known as subluxation) while being extremely gentle and comfortable for the patient. In addition, Dr. Pape is one of only eleven practitioners on Long Island certified in the Graston technique, a cutting-edge, instrument-based soft tissue methodology. He is also certified in the soft tissue technique known as NIMMO trigger point. Lastly, Dr. Pape has been trained in the Webster Technique, an external Chiropractic technique used to relieve mechanical intra-uterine stress, which is especially helpful for pregnant women.

Preferring not to be limited by traditional chiropractic modalities, Dr. Pape approaches his practice as a holistic healthcare practitioner - a gatekeeper for a patient’s overall health and wellness. Looking at the body as a whole, as the series of intimately related systems that it is, Dr. Pape uses Chiropractic care, nutrition and diet to help his patients reach their fullest wellness potential.

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Jessica Posillico is a NY state licensed and American Dietetic Association Registered Dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition and dietetics. Her practice covers a broad spectrum of nutrition-related health concerns, including medical nutrition therapy for chronic diseases (i.e., diabetes, heart disease, obesity, blood pressure, etc.), weight management, family health, child and adolescent nutrition, wellness, and more.

Jessica's counseling and education techniques work well for her clients for two main reasons: One, she develops a personalized program for each client based on their lifestyle and circumstances, rather than a 'one diet for all' approach; and two, she offers an unconventional style of counseling for those who are interested, which includes kitchen inspections, cooking/food preparation lessons, in-store food shopping guidance, and more. Jessica helps individuals and families make permanent changes that lead to healthier living.

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Ms. McHugh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  She received her master degree from Columbia University School of Social Work in 1985 and her Bachelors Degree in Special Education from Ohio State University in 1983.   She has provided psychotherapy, group counseling, family therapy and advocacy to adults, children and adolescents as a school district social worker and University counselor over the past 23 years. She has presented workshops for parents and educational staff on issues including: childhood resiliency, the commitment of being a student athlete, reducing stress and anxiety, special education, addictions, grief and loss, parenting, diversity, changing families, divorce and issues regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.  As an advocate for change Ms. McHugh brings an array of experience and knowledge to her practice at the Life Center.

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Julie Hochman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked in supporting youth, adolescents and their families for more than 15 years. A graduate of SUNY Binghamton and Adelphi University, she works from a strengths-based, family systems perspective in addressing a variety of issues that impact the families of today. Julie has extensive experience in working with adolescent and family issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, adoption, grief and loss, abuse, trauma, divorce, and school-related concerns.

Her expertise has also been helpful in counseling adults as they transition in their own lives with issues such as parenting, stress in the home and workplace, and healthy separation and divorce. Julie has gained and shared her experience through her work in community mental health clinics, schools, non-profit agencies and as guest lecturer on the university level.

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Patty Solow is a Licensed Certified Social Worker with eighteen years of experience. She has provided drug and alcohol counseling to youth, adults and families in a variety of settings such as a Residential Therapeutic Community, Inpatient Detoxification Hospital, College Counseling Center and Outpatient Counseling Center. Patty's overall experience includes individual, family and group counseling; college counseling; individual and group counseling to parents of children who are substance users and/or are at risk of using substances; drug and alcohol education; parent education; outreach and referral services.

Patty graduated from The State University of New York at Albany in 1976 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Shortly after graduating college she worked as a counselor at the Bridge Center Drug Rehabilitation Therapeutic Community, located in Schenectady, New York. Patty moved to New York City in 1979 and worked as a Social Worker's Assistant for Beth Medical Center's Bernstein Institute-Inpatient Drug Detoxification Hospital for four years. Patty received her Masters of Social Work Degree in 1995 from Adelphi University. 

Presently and for the past thirteen years Patty has been a Social Worker in an outpatient counseling center providing individual, group and family counseling to adults and youth. She has counseled voluntary and mandated clients, working closely with the departments of probation, parole, child protective services, drug court and the department of social services, advocating for clients as needed. In 2003-04 during the fall and spring semester, Patty was the Substance Abuse Counselor for Adelphi University's Counseling Center where she provided drug and alcohol counseling to students and developed the counseling center's Drug and Alcohol Education Series. 

Patty's empathic, nurturing and supportive style has been instrumental in helping clients overcome their denial, identify triggers for relapse and work on their recovery in order to lead sober fulfilling lives.

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Leslie Schult is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Twenty-five years of experience. 
She graduated from Adelphi University, Summa Cum Laude with a Social Science degree, South Oaks Institute of Alcohol Studies with a CASAC degree; and Stony Brook University’s Graduate Social Welfare Program, with her present LCSW certification.  Working in the Mental Health field and the Addictions field, Leslie has held positions of Mental Health Social Worker, Addictions and Family Counselor and Family Program Facilitator for Pederson-Krag Center of Huntington.  Her focus of work is in recovery and couple and family counseling.  She is a referral source for The L.I Council of Alcoholism and NYS Drinking Driver Program.
Leslie counsel individuals and couples in her Private Practice as well as workshop presentations for The Women’s Center and The Life Center of Huntington.  Topics range from Parenting, Couples Communication, Life Transitions, Women’s Issues, Bereavement and the practice of spirituality and prayer in healing.
It is Leslie’s personal and professional belief that all people have the ability to heal life’s wounds and find their purpose in life.  She is pleased to be part of The Life Center where a holistic approach to wellness is practiced.  Leslie feels, “Attending to the physical, emotional and spiritual elements of a person’s need is the ultimate gift we can give to one another.  We are here to serve one another, believing in the ability and the hope of every person we meet.”  

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Personal coach trained by CoachU.  She is a public speaker and creator of educational workshops/seminars/retreats for individuals and groups using Life-Coaching principles.  Jeannine is also the former president of LICA, Long Island Coaching Alliance, a Chapter of The International Coaching Federation (ICF).  She is the author of 30 Tips to Achieve Harmony and the co-author of Living An Extraordinary Life.  Jeannine is a former public speaker/interpersonal communications adjunct college teacher at Nassau Community College, Hofstra University and Farmingdale University.

Jeannine's work as a Life-Spirit Coach can help to enhance the mission statement of the LIFE CENTER.  As a Spirit Coach she helps people who are hungry to touch their lives in a deeper way.  They connect to their passions and make a plan to live their talents, alleviating stress while creating significant changes in their emotional and physical well-being.  Jeannine teaches intuitive listening skills to assist the client in touching their “deep within”.  She helps them make a life/business plan and support them in taking practical steps to follow their passions/talents.  She holds them to a higher standard of personal integrity; the one she finds within themselves.

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Ina Rae Kurtzberg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice providing counseling, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples, families and groups for over twenty-five years. 

After receiving her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from S.U.N.Y. C.O.W. in 1979 and her Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in 1982 she worked as a clinician for the Epilepsy Center of Nassau County.  Dedicated to helping her clients in holistic ways Ina Rae explored hypnosis as a clinical tool.  In 1995 the National Guild of Hypnotists certified her as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. Ina Rae uses hypnosis, when applicable and desired by her client, as an integral part of her helping process as well as for issues such as smoking cessation and weight loss.  Ina Rae has become well known as a groundbreaker in the use of Past Life Regression Therapy.  Certified in “Hypno-Birthing” as well, she assists with pregnancy /birth as well as helping women suffering from postpartum and postnatal depression.

Ina Rae’s approach with clients is both warm and interactive.  Known for her caring, non-judgmental and empathic presence Ina Rae counsels all populations with traditional therapies but prefers helping individuals, couples’ and groups who are open to a non-traditional approach.  

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Joanne Ferdman is a Certified Hypnotist and Theta Healing Practitioner. She is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, which is the oldest and largest hypnosis organization in the world. Professional membership in the NGH signifies that an individual possesses specific qualifications, agrees to abide by a strict code of ethics, and will pursue continuing education studies for annual recertification.  She has also completed advanced hypnosis certification studies in the Five Phase Abreactive Therapeutic Hypnosis System (5-Path) and is a certified instructor of the 7th Path Self-Hypnosis System. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and has worked in the business field for over 10 years before deciding to follow her true passion in the healing arts.  Joanne assists her clients to achieve their goals through the utilization of Hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique and other Energy healing modalities. In addition to working privately with hypnosis clients, she also teaches people the art of meditation, and facilitates workshops for creating prosperity and manifesting abundance.

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Marcella Pitti is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Fitness Specialist. She graduated from the New York College of Health Professionals in 1990. Her personal experience in the fitness/sports field drew her focus to working with the New York Jets Football Team for the past 17 years, until they moved this past Fall. She has also worked with the Islanders Hockey Team as well as professional soccer and tennis players. Marcella’s clientele includes the weekend warrior to the person who needs a relaxing, therapeutic treatment. Her style combines and eclectic combination of techniques, along with her inherent institution and generous spirit to provide each client with a truly relaxing experience.

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Liz Bentley is a professional coach who specializes in executive, career and life coaching.   Liz works with clients to help them realize and achieve their goals.  She coaches her clients to put their “best self forward” by helping them visualize their life in the bigger picture and apply that vision to small steps today.

Liz is certified in both Life and Executive/Organizational coaching from New York University and the David Rock Results Coaching System.  She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia. 

Liz’s professional background includes ten years in publishing and television advertising sales.  She held the position of Ad Director at Wired Magazine, a Conde Nast Publication, where she managed offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.  Prior to Wired, Liz was in advertising sales at CBS Network where she sold all day parts: Day Time, Prime Time, Late Night, News and Sports.  Liz has been a competitive athlete her whole life.  She played division I Soccer and Lacrosse at the University of Virginia.

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A CPCC certified life coach through The Coaches Training Institute since 2001, Linda’s earned additional specialty certifications as a New Life Story coach, understanding the neuroscience of behavior; how to change your mind to change your brain and your life. Her certification as a Renaissance Life Design coach is intended for individuals who have too many passions to choose just one (Good news - you don’t have to!).

In addition to her coaching certifications, Linda holds professional memberships with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Long Island Coaching Alliance as past president and current member.

Linda’s work as a leader, a visionary and a communicator combined with her previous life as a professional actress/director and writer, brings added value and understanding to the creative artists, writers and presenters who work with Linda. Nurturing the creative individual inside all of us enhances our skills to cope with the stress of the world, face change and transition, and build perspectives that empower our choices and ultimately, our lives. 

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As a Board-Certified Art and Hypnotherapist with over 30 years experience, he is an expert at helping people communicate their concerns through creative expression of emotions, thoughts and spirit while providing balance to the issues that affect an individual’s life.

His model of care offers stress reduction as an integral dimension of psychotherapy within his office / studio which takes away the stigma and apprehension that can be associated with a traditional office environment.

Within his “ Creative Sanctuary™ ” anyone may find peace and answers to their issues, especially for younger children (5 – 12 years old) and individuals experiencing difficulty with finding meaningful cognitive expression “…when words alone are not enough” ©.

Ed is very experienced and comfortable working within the worlds of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities ranging from Adjustment Issues to Schizophrenia and Mental Retardation to Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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Sylvia Davi is a Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, Certified Member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), Reiki Level I and II practitioner, Personal Fitness Trainer (certified by the International Sports and Science Association--ISSA), and Yoga instructor.  She received her health counseling certification through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and Purchase University .   Sylvia is a Health Coach and conducts workshops and lectures for corporations that want to increase health and wellness awareness in the workplace.  Sylvia governs her approach to health by the concept of bio-individuality which recognizes that each individual has his or her own nutritional needs; one person’s food can be another person’s poison, and no one diet works for everyone.  Her unique approach encompasses the age, health, activity level, blood type, Ayurvedic medicine body type (dosha) and personal preferences of her client to determine their individual needs.  Sylvia works with her clients to create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial.

Andrea Garvey, Yoga Instructor

Andrea Garvey is a certified yoga instructor in the lineage of the Himalayan Yogis. A student of yoga for over 35 years, she wishes to share her love of yoga with others through teaching. For the past 20 years, Andrea has taught various styles of yoga including Hatha, power-style, vinyasa, gentle and chair yoga. She facilitates special yoga workshops focusing on the Chakra System using therapeutic grade essential oils. Andrea is also a Holistic Health Counselor certified by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition offering customized nutrition and is a certified 2nd degree Reiki practitioner. She maintains a private yoga practice and along with her husband Neil, publishes Creations Magazine. Andrea has two children and lives in Huntington.

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