About Us




About Us


Senior Therapist

Anjail Ameen-Rice received her Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, New York. She is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a New York State Department of Education School Social Work Certificate. Her clinical experience includes several areas of behavioral health, including behavior intervention counseling, couples counseling, family therapy, youth and adolescent psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and alcohol and substance abuse counseling.

In addition, she has many years of experience in the supervision of Licensed Masters degree Social Workers and Mental Health Counselors. She has worked as a part-time adjunct professor in the Social Work Department at The College of Staten Island. She is also a member of National Association of Social Workers and the New York State Society for Social Work.

Anjail enjoys working with individuals, couples and families and looks forward to helping them develop an awareness of how to overcome their struggles. She provides a client centered approach aimed at helping an individual feel supported and validated.

Associate Therapists

Faith and Hope Psychotherapy's therapists have experience working with a clinically diverse population and use their experience to provide individuals with a client-centered approach. All clients are provided with a thorough assessment and are encouraged to participate in the planning process. Our clients report feeling extremely encouraged and supported after the first few sessions.


Cassie


Casandra Skomina, LMHC

Casandra Skomina received her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the College of Staten Island. She is licensed under New York State as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and has worked as a Behavior Intervention Specialist for people with developmental disabilities. She has experience providing individual, couples, and family counseling, and is particularly interested in working with a culturally diverse population. She is well-versed in collectivist values and deals with problems of childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and parenting. She also specializes in treating a wide range of issues including anxiety, anger, depression, grief, crisis due to major life changes, and trauma.

Therapeutic modalities practiced include Mindfulness Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused, and Person-centered therapy.

Casandra's aim is to develop a safe and trusting relationship with each client, which is believed to be the foundation needed to bring about healing and change. As a therapist, she encourages clients to develop greater self-awareness and mental wellness through an exploration of their life experiences.

Tori headshot

Victoria O'Leary-Deliberti, LMSW

Victoria O'Leary, LMSW received her Masters Degree in Social Work from CUNY College of Staten Island and Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook University. She is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and is currently pursuing her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). She is also a graduate of L'École Pratique de Service Social (EPSS), Paris Summer School of Social Work, located in Paris, France where she co-authored More than meals: An international innovative social impact project for France published in the Health & Social Work Journal. 

In addition to private practice, Victoria has experience in a multitude of settings inclusive of assisted nursing facility, emergency departments, public schools, mental health community residence, hospital administration, and her current full time position in a hospital-based mental health clinic. Such roles provide her with the clinical skills to help patients with various diagnoses and social-emotional needs, specializing in anxiety and depression. 

As a certified Tai-Chi Easy TM Practice Leader, Victoria strives to maintain a focus on overall wellness in all of her treatment planning. She incorporates empowerment theory and strength based practice, helping clients see themselves in a new light. She is a passionate feminist, who enjoys working with female and male clients alike. Her feminist lens encourages each client to pursue self determination, while taking into consideration any challenges related to gender, race, or ethnicity.

Kayden

Kayden Sullivan, LMSW-NYS, LSW-NJS

Kayden Sullivan, LMSW-NYS, LSW-NJS received her Master of Social Work Degree from SUNY Stony Brook University where she followed a Families,Youth, and Transitions to Adulthood specialization. She has also received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree from CUNY College of Staten Island. She is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and a New Jersey State Licensed Social Worker. Additionally, she also holds a New York State Department of Education School Social Work Certificate, and a professional Certification in Food, Nutrition, and Health. 

She has a wide background in working with numerous populations including children/adolescents, college/university students, adults, geriatrics, and developmental disabilities. Her clinical experience entails of assisted nursing facility, School Social Work, and advocacy/counseling efforts for individuals, parents, adolescent/young adults, and families across diverse backgrounds. Her particular interests include Christian counseling, parenting support, work and career issues, children/adolescent/family counseling, stress management, and young adult/college student related concerns. 

She values developing a comfortable environment and a trusting therapeutic relationship. She empowers clients throughout the therapeutic process by focusing on client strengths to alleviate their current situations. She believes every client should feel heard, understood, and supported in order for them to catapult agents of positive change. Kayden offers the option of integrating Christian Counseling into sessions upon request.


Teshaun

Teshaun Board, LMSW

Teshaun Board received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University. She is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).  In addition to private practice, her experience includes overseeing therapeutic foster homes, behavior intervention, community outreach, school social work, and substance abuse support. She is well-versed in serving women of color, first generation, and other diverse individuals particularly underserved/ marginalized populations. 

She specializes in depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues and stress management. She utilizes a wide range of modalities including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and emotion focused therapy. Teshaun believes in a client centered approach, focusing on allowing the client to feel heard while empowering them to face life's many challenges. Teshaun offers the option of integrating Christian Counseling into sessions upon request.

Dean

Dean DeRenzo, LMHC

Dean DeRenzo, LMHC received his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of Staten Island. Dean's area of specialization include individuals with developmental disabilities (autism and learning disabilities) and working with families and individuals with anxiety and depression. Dean is a LGBTQIA+ affirming psychotherapist with a behavioral health focus on relationships and work place issues. Dean's areas of experience include working with college students as a career counselor and mentor. Dean provides EAP services to support individuals experiencing stress related to their career or work environment.

Alexsis

Alexsis Gilles, LMSW

Alexsis Gilles, LMSW received her Masters in Social Work Degree from The College of Staten Island. Alexsis' area of expertise includes several areas of behavioral health including drug and alcohol treatment and prevention. Alexsis is qualified to support individuals with dual diagnoses or those who are experiencing mental health symptoms related to an unknown etiology or cause. Alexsis has experience supporting both adolescents and adults. Alexsis is patient and takes the time to demonstrate care and concern for all of her clients.