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.jpg) | Kay Posillico LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapy for couples, families and seniors Kay Posillico has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing counseling and psychotherapy for teenagers, adults, couples and families for over twenty five years. Her extensive 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 truly enjoys 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. Kay specializes in couples therapy and women's issues. |
 | Barbara Posillico LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapy for adolescents, families and GLBQ 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 fourteen 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. |
 | Julie Hochman LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapy for youth, adolescents and families 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. |
 | Dorothy McHugh LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapy for adults, adolescents and GLBQ Ms. McHugh 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. |
 | Leslie Schult LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapy for substance abuse, families and bereavement Leslie Schult is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides treatment for individuals and families. She is trained in marital counseling, family reconciliation, substance abuse, DWI evaluations, bereavement and eldercare. She received her degrees from Adelphi University, Stony Brook University and South Oaks Institute of Alcohol Studies. Her approach is clinically and spiritually based, using Cognitive Behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety, as well as incorporating a team approach with our staff’s health services. It is not unusual for a client to receive psychotherapy as well as additional services such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage or even prayer to help heal the mind, body and soul. Leslie also enjoys presenting workshops, teaching and supervising social work students. She is pleased to be part of the Life Center and values this opportunity to work with such an outstanding staff in service to our Huntington community. |
 | Patty Solow LCSW Anger Management 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. |
 | Jennifer Young Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Young is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings. NP Young is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, New York University and the University of Pennsylvania. She also has additional certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is currently a candidate at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education in New York City (formerly New York University Psychoanalytic Institute). She works collaboratively with people to discover the most efficacious therapy and/or medication combination to enable growth and balance. She has experience with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship difficulties, mood disorders and a variety of other issues with which people often struggle. In her practice she works hard to establish a respectful and warm relationship where growth and development can occur. By exploring both past and present experiences people are able to recognize meaningful life patterns which affect their relationships, career and overall emotional and physical well-being. She tailors the environment to each individual in an effort to work collaboratively and optimize the outcome for each person. Far from relying on medication as a singular treatment, NP Young places strong emphasis on using pharmacotherapy as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan, when appropriate. She believes that without a proper balance of psychotherapy, patient education and skills training, no treatment can be complete. |
 | Dr. M. Chugh Licensed Adult Psychiatrist Dr. M. Chugh is a licensed Adult psychiatrist with a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent psychiatry who is also trained in Suboxone Maintenance Treatment. In addtion, Dr. Chugh is among the first psychiatrists on Long Island to provide NeuroStar TMS Therapy for Medication Resistant Depression. He has completed four years of residency and two years of fellowship at Stony Brook Medical Center. Dr. Chugh currently holds his own practice at Suffolk Behavioral Medicine. www.chughmd.com | www.suffolktms.com |
 | Bruno LaSpina ESQ Divorce Mediation and Intra Family/Intra Personal Dispute Resolution Bruno LaSpina’s specialty is in the area of Divorce Mediation and Intra Family and Intra Personal Dispute Resolution. In addition to being an attorney, Mr. LaSpina is a Certified Social Worker. Mr. LaSpina holds Certification from the New York City Institute for Mediation and Dispute Resolution and is certified by Nassau County for Mediation of Matrimonial cases. Mr. LaSpina’s Dispute Resolution services have a clear application to all aspects of both business and personal conflicts, which unfortunately are often allowed to descend into police or court intervention. It must be kept in mind that the entire underlying foundation of the mediation process is the empowerment of the individuals involved, not outsiders, regardless of the nature of the dispute. Not every dispute or disagreement must devolve into personal warfare. |
| Margaret Dunne Academic Performance and Parent Coach Margaret Dunne blends teaching the powerful principles of motivation, resilience, perseverance, and optimism with her years of classroom experience as an instructor of middle/ high school English. A passionate NYS licensed educator and professional coach trained at New York University, Margaret holds a degree in Psychology from Marist College and a Master of Arts in English Literature. Having sat on both sides of the table at parent-teacher conferences, she brings insight, curiosity, compassion, and a breadth of knowledge to her practice. Margaret’s unique education and experience allow her to identify and eliminate behaviors that stand between parent and child and the child’s ability to reach their highest potential. As a coach and educator, she moves students forward toward their greatest academic success by teaching strategies for improved communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. As a parent, she understands the challenges of parenting, and the necessity of setting appropriately high standards for our children while maintaining a healthy schoolwork/ life balance. Margaret partners with Teens, Tweens, and their parents, particularly as these students transition from elementary to secondary school, and high school to college. She has enjoyed years of success preparing students for the standardized exams that define these transitions, including the SAT, ACT, ELA and English Regents. As students ready for the college selection and application process, Margaret instructs students on how to write college entrance essays that stand above the rest, how to gather effective teacher recommendations, and how to ace the college interview by showing up as your authentic self. Margaret also enjoys working with parents as they develop their own signature parenting style and a parent-as- coach approach. Her philosophy is simply this: Give your children enough tools to empower them, then get out of the way and watch them flourish! |
