Mission
We are a non-profit wellness center with a mission to provide convenient, affordable, and inclusive psychotherapy and trauma-informed counseling. We are also committed to the clinical community through our professional training programs and host interns and therapists who are in training. This means that everyone who joins us is a part of this uniting mission.
Ethos
So how does this impact the way we practice at Droste?
The central ethos of Droste remains unchanged from its founding. Droste began because the founding practitioners recognized the link between inequity and access to mental health care. Each person who joins Droste also carries this awareness and moreover, a desire to use their skills and work to make a small step towards rectifying that inequity. This means th at we are committed to being a place where we serve people of all identities and income levels and the care provided is the same to each individual.
Our purpose at Droste is predicated on the idea that all people, regardless of socio-economic status, deserve the best possible mental health care. We work to maintain an ongoing awareness of the ways in which larger societal issues impact not only the mental health of individuals, but also how available support is. While we are not all social workers, each clinician at Droste factors in the impact of the environment on the individual. If you have been guided to our work environment at Droste, then it is because you are governed by Social Work principles like serving others, social justice, dignity & worth of a person, human relationships, and integrity & competence.
As part of the team at Droste, you can expect access to a number of professional resources. You can find information about questions that often come up in clinical practice here on our Team Portal as well as Droste policies and procedures. We have a weekly clinical supervision group you are welcome to attend where questions and successes are discussed.
Below you will find pictures and bios of all our active FFS Therapists at Droste, followed by pics and bios on our Staff, comprised of our Executive Director, Sarah Strole and our Business Administrator, Joanne DeLuca.
Who is on Our Team?
Droste aims to be a place where anyone looking to help support affordable therapy can find their niche! We have a diverse team who all play a different part in supporting our mission. While we aren’t often together at the same time, we will continue to try to provide opportunities for connection through our annual holiday dinner, quarterly team meetings, in-service trainings, and our slack channels.
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Some of our therapists are Private Practitioners who use the space at Droste to conduct in-person sessions. And some of out therapists are Fee-For-Service which means they work for Droste and conduct their sessions both virtually and/or in-person as per the client’s preference.
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Interns at Droste are largely therapists-in-training, though some interns are generalist social workers as well. Interns are different from volunteers, staff, or independent contractors as they are working on agreed-upon tasks in exchange for academic credit. Interns do not receive separate payment for the hours worked.
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Volunteers at Droste are individuals who contribute their time and skills in order to provide support to Droste’s mission and make a positive difference in the community.
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Our Staff consists of an Executive Director and a Business Administrator. The ED is responsible for overseeing the overall management and strategic direction of Droste, and the BA schedules appointments, manages records and ensures smooth day-to-day operation of the business.
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Our Board Of Directors at Droste are individual leaders in the community who provide guidance and support to Droste staff and who are dedicated to the mission. Our BOD shapes policies, ensures financial stability, and provides guidance on strategic decision-making to keep Droste on its mission.
Our Therapists
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups
Languages: English
Kali (which is pronounced like the state of Cali, but is from Kansas, so with it’s a “K”) received her Masters of Social Work through Columbia University pursuing a degree focused in Advanced Clinical Practice. Previously, Kali was a music teacher, children’s book author, and even ran for Congress in 2020. Kali is incredibly passionate about helping people see their true potential happiness from within.
Kali has worked with children and adolescents ages 2 through college and loves working with children through different mediums to help them find their inner joy, peace, and happiness. Laughter is the best form of medicine and while Kali is not a doctor of medicine, she does recognize the serious need for joy in our lives.
All of us have been affected by the pandemic and Kali believes it's important to meet every person (regardless of age or background) where they are and work with each unique person to find what type of therapy(ies) are best for them, recognizing we are ever changing individuals. Kali likes to take a multidisciplinary approach to therapy services due to her diverse background with music therapy trainings, work experiences, and different education with therapy types. Kali has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ unique community needs, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), suicide prevention & awareness, Level I Reiki therapy, and healthy living basics (e.g. the need for fresh air, exercise, water, and nourishing food).
Whether therapy is new to you or like an old hat; Kali is ready to welcome you into a safe space to find healing, joy, and inner peace.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English
I believe that we all carry the strength and the clarity we need to thrive and live a full life, though these might not feel accessible at times. Psychotherapy is one path toward better understanding ourselves, the life we want, and the ways that certain conceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may be holding us back.
My work as a therapist rests on the assumption that each client is an “expert on themselves” (quoting psychologist Carl Rogers). My goal is to provide a safe, empathic space and collaborate with each client as they find their way forward.
Coming to psychotherapy work as a second career, I find that my life experience as a parent, partner, professional—and, most of all, a learning/growing person—enriches my ability to support my clients. I have developed positive healing relationships with clients of diverse ages, identities, neurotypes, and challenges. I have a deep respect for each of my clients and the work they’re doing—not least, their work of doing what it takes to get started.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Couples
Languages: English
I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is the foundation for healing. I am passionate about the potential for therapy to transform people’s lives and I have seen how that transformation starts with a strong, collaborative client-therapist relationship.
I strive to offer a non-judgmental and compassionate space to explore patterns of feelings, behaviors and beliefs, especially those that may be holding you back. While therapy is not always easy or comfortable, together, we will identify goals and a path to where you want to be in the future.
I live in New York City with my husband and daughter and have been working as a licensed master social worker in non-profit and hospital administration for almost two decades. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University and my LMSW in 2004. I transitioned to full-time work as a therapist in September 2021 because I wanted to have a more direct impact in changing people’s lives. As a therapist I have the privilege to guide people in discovering their own capacity to heal and recover.
I embrace an integrated and balanced approach utilizing psychodynamic and contemporary modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Somatic therapy and mindfulness. I have experience working with anxiety, depression family enmeshment, addiction and compulsivity and supporting those struggling with addiction and their families. I am committed to my own development as a therapist and participate in trainings to stay informed of the latest evidence-based practices.
I am currently accepting in-person clients. I work with adults either individually or as couples.
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Pronouns: She/Her
Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Couples
Languages: English
I am a mental health counselor and received both my Ed.M. & M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have experience in the nonprofit healthcare setting supporting adults both individually and in group counseling who have struggled with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar 1 & 2, and borderline personality disorder. I also have experience working at a private practice providing support to adults, adolescents, children and couples navigating issues such as marital distress, social anxiety, trauma, depression and other concerns using both cognitive behavioral therapy and person centered therapy modalities.
I am an observant and empathic listener and provide my clients with a safe and comfortable environment where we can discuss various difficulties they need help navigating. To echo the sentiment of psychologist Carl Rogers, “Growth occurs when individuals confront problems, struggle to master them, and through that struggle develop new aspects of their skills, capacities and views about life.” My goal is to help each of my clients grow.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Clinical Supervision
Languages: English
Valerie Knight, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and an integrative arts therapist of over 20 years. Her journey started with the professional theater and training in bereavement issues with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Since then, her work has radiated outward into a variety of settings. Her specialties include victims of trauma, care for the caregiver and health professionals, HIV/AIDS, loss and bereavement, the psychological needs of women and people of color, cultural diversity, and self-care.
She has been a psychology professor at the City University of New York for 16 years, and has consulted with a variety of hospitals and community agencies. She is currently seeing clients individually, focusing on health and wellness to assist one to the next step. She is also developing, implementing, and co-facilitating the national workshop, “Black and White: Reckoning with Racism and Reconciliation”. An accomplished playwright, Dr. Knight's play, “Drawing Close” was produced in New York in February, 2020.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults/Adolescents
Languages: English/Korean
Christie received her master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and comes to counseling after years of experience working in the legal and finance industries in New York. She works from a culturally sensitive and flexible framework that draws from various theoretical modalities, including psychodynamic, relational, CBT and DBT, and her approach to therapy is grounded in establishing a warm and empathic space that allows clients to express, explore and understand their unique experiences and needs. She believes in the resilience and resources that each person carries within themselves and strives to build a collaborative and genuine therapeutic relationship with her clients.
Christie was born in South Korea and attended boarding schools in the states from an early age. She is fluent in English and Korean, and she works with couples, adults, and adolescents.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English/Mandarin
Alina (she/her) graduated from the mental health counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She previously graduated from New York University with a major in education and psychology. Being an elementary teacher in New York City for the past three years helped her gain experience working with younger clients and caregivers.
Believing that there is a space for all, Alina takes a collaborative, culturally sensitive, and integrative approach that draws from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and relational theoretical modalities. Alina is fluent in English and Mandarin.
She wants to say this to everyone: Healing comes in waves. Progress comes in waves. Grief comes in waves. Growth comes in waves. Trust the journey and respect your worth.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals
Languages: English
Elizabeth is a clinical therapist. She has worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center over 25 years previously in the Department of Psychiatry with Dr Jimmie Holland. For many years much of her work focused on the psychosocial issues faced by those diagnosed with lung cancer and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She also worked with the International Center of MSKCC with their patients & families dealing with the many issues that arise; such as end of life care, decision making, grief, and cultural differences. Elizabeth graduated from Fordham’s School of Social Work in New York where she received her MSW.
Elizabeth is on several boards in New York and an active participant in the community.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Children, Adults, Adolescents, Individuals
Languages: English/Spanish
I believe that the therapeutic process flourishes in a safe, empowering and non-judgmental environment. I strive to build and maintain this environment; one where you can embark on a healing journey. By exploring difficult subjects or events, deep seated trauma, or thoughts that may never have been said out loud, we will work to resolve and challenge any cognitive distortions or distressing memories. We will work to bring insight and awareness into those thought distortions or relationship patterns that may have been formed from past experiences to overcome them and bring acceptance and inner growth.
I am a bilingual Mental Health Counselor in English and Spanish and received my master’s degree from City College, CUNY. I have worked with individuals, adolescents, and families from a diverse range of backgrounds for last 7 years. I have experience with an array of clinical issues, including chronic stress and anxiety, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, family or origin issues, self-esteem and self-worth, along with those experiencing academic challenges. I welcome LGBTQAI+ and BIPOC communities into my therapeutic setting. I am currently working as a Site Coordinator and Therapist in a school-based program offering counseling services to adolescents in NYC Public Schools.
I incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities in the treatment process, that are tailored to each individual. I have experience working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Irrespective of the modality, my approach is trauma informed and strengths-based. My goal is to guide you through your healing journey and continue to provide a warm, collaborative and empathetic environment seeking empowerment and improvement in your personal life. The healing/growth process may not always be the most comfortable, but there is nothing more empowering than reaching your capacity to heal and recover.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Groups
Languages: English
I hold a Master of Science in Art Psychotherapy and provide traditional talk therapy and/or art therapy for adults facing various mental health challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADD, and chronic illness. I find that recognizing the way emotions present themselves in our bodies can help anchor our understanding and process confusing experiences when we might be having a difficult time discerning what we are feeling. Sometimes feelings can be so overwhelming that the idea of putting them into words feels impossible, but through therapy we can do it together. I work through a trauma-informed lens and focus on collaboratively fostering a sense of safety, empowerment, human connection, and a sense of agency.
In sessions we will use talk therapy and/or art-making to relieve stress levels, explore and cope with intrusive thoughts, and lower symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Together, we will create a space for you to express yourself in a variety of ways. If you'd like to try art therapy, in addition to traditional talk therapy, we can include art mediums such as paint, clay, and collage. No prior experience is necessary.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English
I work with adults, adolescents, and children who may be facing a wide range of difficulties from anxiety and depression, to struggles in relationships, chronic illness, and loss. My goal is to create a safe space in the therapeutic environment so clients may feel empowered and supported in their decision making while also seeing their capacity for change and growth. In my practice I often incorporate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors while supporting personal growth and self-confidence.
I currently hold a full-time position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where I provide support for patients and families across inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to joining MSK, I worked with individuals and their families on home hospice where I provided end-of-life counseling, anticipatory grief, and bereavement support.
In May 2020, I received my MSSW from Columbia University’s School of Social Work with a focus in Advanced Clinical Practice — Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities. I have special interests in chronic illness, loss, and grief, as well as the expression of resiliency and post-traumatic growth in oncology.
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Pronouns: He/him
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals
Languages: English
Jarret (he/him) is a humanistic and existential psychotherapist who works collaboratively with clients to address their particular challenges, needs and desires. As every person and situation is uniquely different, his approach is to flexibly and gently explore what works best for each client. Although the application of different psychotherapeutic theory and practice is important, it is, as research has repeatedly shown, the quality of the client and therapist’s relationship that is most important in facilitating well-being.
At the heart of his practice is the existential condition that, as human beings, we inevitably face challenges such as anxiety, sadness, loneliness, loss, trauma and identity. How we relate to these challenges affects how we create purpose, meaning, and in turn, happiness in our lives.
Jarret works with clients to:
- Explore values and goals in order to live a fuller and more enriching life.
- Reduce conflicts that may be holding clients back in their personal and professional lives.
-Discover alternative pathways to live with greater satisfaction and meaning.
He has a BA in philosophy from Tulane University, an MSW in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University, and is currently finishing a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Middlesex University.
Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Jarret spent many years as a photojournalist and has published numerous photography books on themes of poverty, inequality, discrimination and other adverse, socio-political issues. He currently runs a nonprofit called TEEEM, aimed at creating empathic partnerships with social entrepreneurs.
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Pronouns: she/her
Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Groups
Languages: English
I am a filmmaker and social worker based in New York City who works with individuals, couples, and groups. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming folks, women, and artists. I work with those navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. In addition to my Social Work degree from Fordham University, I have a background in film and television production and studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. This combination of influences informs my work with clients and allows for a unique approach that encourages individuals to share their stories, reflect, and work to re-write their own personal narratives in an effort to transform their lives.
My style is warm, empathic, and curious with a sense of humor. By employing a motivational, strengths-based, and narrative-led approach, I help clients to see themselves as the expert of their own experience. I strive to ensure that clients feel safe and understood while exploring issues sensitively and deeply. My background in the arts informs my work with clients and encourages an atmosphere of creativity and openness. I combine narrative and relational therapies with evidence based practices to help clients clarify feelings, achieve goals and begin thriving.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Children, Adolescents, Individuals, Families, Couples, Groups
Languages: English/Croatian
I am a mental health counselor with a masters degree from Queens College, CUNY. I work with adults, children, and adolescents and provide individual, couples, family, and group counseling. I have seven years of experience working to promote healing, starting with my work as a peer counselor. I worked with neuro-divergent children for four years, providing ABA therapy, and, in 2020, drawn to the mission of affordable and accessible therapy, I joined the team at Droste.
In my therapeutic work, I draw from behavioral and insight-oriented approaches to create a unique healing path for each person. As a born and bred New Yorker (yes, I will give you all my go-to best eating spots), I know how stressful life can be. Together, I will work with you to identify and change patterns that may be getting in the way of you living the life you deserve. For me, it is a privilege to get to bear witness to the healing that can happen with therapy.
While I work across issues areas and have experience in supporting people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges, I am especially passionate about supporting adolescents and their families in navigating changing dynamics and creating healthy, long-lasting, relationship patterns.
I provide therapy both virtually and in-person and am bilingual in English and Croatian.
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Pronouns: He/him
Populations served: Adults, Individuals, Clinical Supervision
Languages: English/Spanish
A member of the Droste team since 1987, Robert is a therapist with extensive experience in meeting the individual needs of those struggling in the areas of trauma, grief and loss. Variations of addictive behavior, rehabilitation and maintenance of sobriety have become a focus of treatment. Bilingual and multi-cultural skills serve to enhance this process. Symptom reduction and improved overall functioning is the basis for this shared endeavor with a forward orientation towards the future. Asserting your full potential and gaining satisfaction from this effort are the prime objectives.
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations Served: Adults, Individuals, Couples
Languages: English
I work with both individuals and couples. With individual clients, I help them navigate challenging relationships and other factors that are getting in the way of them achieving their goals. With couples, I help them understand their individual needs and wants in a relationship.
I have worked with a broad spectrum of clients and been privileged to witness significant improvement in their quality of life as I provide an empathic, nonjudgmental and collaborative support in their therapy journey. I have a background working with clients who have experienced trauma, helping them cope and heal after life-threatening events. I also have special experience supporting individuals coping with anxiety and panic disorders. I am available for in-person or telehealth therapy.
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Pronouns: She/her
Populations served: Adults, Individuals, Clinical Supervision
Languages: English
Sometimes life’s challenges become overwhelming, and we feel anxious, hopeless, depressed and simply blocked. I believe we all possess a sense of strength and resilience at our core, and solutions are within us. We will work together to create lasting change by increasing self-knowledge, compassion, trust and insight.
I am a licensed social worker with a Masters degree in Social Work from Fordham University. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services to adult individuals and couples within a warm, safe and confidential environment. I work in a collaborative partnership with my clients, creating a relationship with empathy and unconditional positive regard. Using a psychodynamic approach in combination with a behavioral approach, we delve into the past to see how it informs current difficulties, process thoughts and feelings, and develop concrete tools that can be used in day-to-day living.
My practice is derived from Internal Family Systems, Imago Relationship Therapy and Focusing methodologies. I have worked with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual trauma, identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy, infidelity and communication. I have also helped clients get through difficult transitions resulting from relationship issues, career shifts, illness and loss. Change is possible and we can bring hope, empowerment and calmness back into your life.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English/Urdu/Hindi
I am in my second year of the Ed.M. Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College, Columbia University. As someone of South Asian heritage, I have a deep appreciation for the detrimental effects that stereotypes and biases can inflict upon individuals. Moreover, I am acutely aware of the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and the challenges of seeking assistance within our communities. By extending empathy and creating a secure environment, my goal is to assist every individual, especially those from minority and underserved populations, as I understand these are individuals who often carry the weight of subtle yet impactful microaggressions and discrimination.
Fluently versed in both English and Urdu, and holding a conversational proficiency in Hindi, I am committed to breaking down language barriers to ensure that the therapeutic process is inclusive and accessible for every individual I work with. My therapeutic approach aligns closely with the Person-centered methodology, as I firmly believe in establishing an atmosphere of unwavering acceptance and permission to openly express oneself, devoid of any fear of judgment or invalidation. In order to help individuals have a deeper understanding of themselves, I also incorporate a Psychodynamic therapeutic approach.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English
I am a counseling intern pursuing a dual degree, an Ed.M. & M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. I earned my B.S. from Kansas State University in Psychology and Gender Studies. My academic pursuits also extend into the realm of social psychology research, where I study the intricate connections between social justice movements across varying times and cultures.
Central to my therapeutic approach is a person-centered philosophy. I believe in the transformative power of empathy and its ability to empower people. I especially believe in the power of empathy in the context of unconditional positive regard. My foundation in social psychology informs my holistic therapeutic strategy by seeing clients through their unique contextual and multicultural background. I keep this at the forefront of my approach while incorporating CBT and psychodynamic influences.
As a South Asian woman, I am passionate about providing quality mental health care that is culturally competent, accessible, and sensitive to the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English/Armenian
Talisa (she/her) is a Clinical Intern pursuing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at CUNY Hunter College. She comes to counseling after years of experience in hospitality, service, and non-profit sectors.
Talisa strives to provide an open, warm, and collaborative space that allows clients to show up as they are and to allow them to connect with the deepest parts of themselves. She invites clients to explore the meaning behind their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as the relationships and events that have affected them. Talisa’s therapeutic approach is influenced by psychodynamic, humanistic, and person-centered modalities, with a specific interest in EMDR and trauma-based therapies. She emphasizes the importance of creating a strong therapeutic alliance that would foster healing and personal growth.
Talisa is a first-generation American of Armenian and Arab descent, who is particularly passionate in working with the LGBTQ+ and Middle Eastern communities. She prioritizes integrating a multicultural framework of therapy that focuses on client identity, while exploring the societal and cultural factors that affect and influence development. She is an active social justice and mental health advocate for the Armenian community.
Talisa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Francisco with a major in Psychology and a minor Neuroscience. She is fluent in English and Armenian.
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Pronouns: She/her
Ages Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Individuals
Languages: English
I am in my final year at Fordham University, pursuing my passion for Mental Health Counseling. Through my practical and academic experience, I have seen the importance of establishing trust and collaboration within the therapeutic relationship in striving toward healing and positive change in one’s life. I hope to provide my clients with a safe space conducive to developing trust and where they feel comfortable exploring their more uncomfortable feelings and behaviors.
Everyone innately knows what they need to thrive; however, this may be hard to see sometimes. Through non-judgemental and compassionate support, I hope to help my clients find their path toward healing, self-understanding, and the life they want to live.
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Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ages Served: Children/ Adolescent/ Adults/Individuals
Languages: English/Mandarin
I’m Jessica, a graduate intern from Teachers College. Born and raised in an East Asian culture, I spent most of my adulthood in the United States where I pursued my undergraduate and graduate studies. The cultural and value differences between the East and West taught me to find a balance in diverging views and conflicting principles. In today's society, where we are flooded with an abundance of information, this balance-seeking approach will be the key to my approach in counseling.
As a firm believer that people function as both individuals and as a part of their social network, I prefer working with my clients together to tailor a set of practices that would best serve their personal and social needs. I find value in all empirically-based therapeutic frameworks and would prefer to use a multifaceted approach that best accommodates the cultural and situational needs of my clients. I will do my best to accommodate their needs, whether they prefer a fast, solution-oriented approach, a more elaborate and process-focused modality, or even a combination of both. Through a collaborative process, I will help my clients find their balance and achieve the best mental health outcome.
Our Staff
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Executive Director
Sarah (she/her) has been working with children, families, and adults in New York for over 10 years. She has an expertise in supporting clients who have experienced trauma and is certified in TF-CBT, an evidenced-based model for working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.
In her clinical practice, she starts with relationality. She works with clients collaboratively and pulls from a variety of modalities to help promote healing and resilience. She believes mental health care is a fundamental part of health care and is passionate about Droste’s mission to ensure access to quality mental health services, regardless of financial means.
Before joining Droste, Sarah worked as a bilingual therapist in a trauma-focused mental health clinic, as a Special Victims social worker, and, most recently, as the Director of a shelter and foster care program for unaccompanied minors. Sarah is committed to supporting clinical practitioners and has presented on chronic trauma, resilience, safety assessments and planning, and supervision best practices at the local, national, and international level. She has co-authored papers on suicide and treating chronic trauma. She is a lecturer at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and provides supervision to other clinicians.
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Business Administrator
Our Volunteers
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Administrative Support Volunteer
Melissa Nereus (she/her) is a recent graduate student from Pace University with a master’s in psychology. She has a bachelor’s in Psychology with a clinical concentration from Hunter College. She provides programmatic and administrative support to the Executive Director.
Melissa believes that proper care and attention to one’s mental health is important for a healthy lifestyle and is integral in healthcare. She cares deeply about helping others and plans to gain further knowledge and experience within the field of psychology by applying to doctoral programs. She’s excited to support Droste’s work and provide a helping hand on all matters, big or small.
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Administrative Support Volunteer
Ashley Seepaul (she/her) is a recent graduate student from Pace University with a Master’s in Psychology. She received her Bachelor’s and Departmental Honors in Psychology with a clinical concentration from Hunter College. She provides programmatic and administrative support to the Executive Director.
Ashley believes that prioritizing and normalizing mental health is crucial for living a healthier and more fulfilled life. She is profoundly invested in promoting the welfare of her community. Her enthusiasm lies in making therapy a readily available, empowering, and inclusive experience. Ashley eagerly looks forward to Droste's initiatives, offering assistance wherever she can. Ashley Seepaul (she/her) is a recent graduate student from Pace University with a Master’s in Psychology. She received her Bachelor’s and Departmental Honors in Psychology with a clinical concentration from Hunter College. She provides programmatic and administrative support to the Executive Director.
Ashley believes that prioritizing and normalizing mental health is crucial for living a healthier and more fulfilled life. She is profoundly invested in promoting the welfare of her community, and, as such, she is committed to supporting Droste’s efforts to make mental health care readily available, and an empowering, and inclusive experience.
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Social Media Volunteer
Madison Loughlin (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University where she is pursuing studies in psychology. She is also interested in exploring journalism and anthropology. She manages Droste’s social media and blog posts.
Madison believes that mental health is a fundamental part of the human experience. As a born-and-bred New Yorker, she knows both the joys and stress of living in the city. She cares deeply about supporting the well-being of her community. She is excited to support Droste’s work in de-stigmatizing mental health care and making therapy an accessible, empowering, and welcoming experience.
DROSTE HISTORY
Our Story
Founded by The Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1982, Maria Droste Counseling Services was named for Maria Droste, a good shepherd sister renowned for her ability to console those who came to her in pain. We became Droste Mental Health Services in 2022. We work in a lens of respect for the dignity of each person who comes to us. Our mission is to provide affordable psychotherapy and counseling services in a supportive, safe and accepting therapeutic environment. We want every client to have the opportunity to engage in a process of self understanding that leads to growth and change. We also provide professional training, development, and supervision in a supportive peer environment. Our staff includes an interdisciplinary team of social workers, psychologists and mental health counselors. We serve anyone struggling with life challenges at home, school, work, relationships, or within themselves. We welcome clients, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic circumstances.
DROSTE HISTORY
Who are the Sisters of The Good Shepherd?
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd are a Catholic religious order founded in France in 1835 by Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier. The order’s full name is the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. The sisters dedicated themselves to assisting women and girls in difficult circumstances.
DROSTE HISTORY
Mary Euphrasia’s Story
Mary Euphrasia Pelletier was a French Roman Catholic nun, best known as the foundress of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. Pelletier was born on an island off the coast of France where her parents had been exiled by the French Revolutionaries. At the age of eighteen, she joined the Order of Our Lady of Charity who cared for girls and women in difficulty. Some of the girls were abandoned by their families or orphaned, some had turned to prostitution in order to survive. The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity provided shelter, food, vocational training and an opportunity for these girls and women to turn their lives around. Pelletier formed the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd to expand this apostolate to wherever needed.
Pelletier died in Angers, France, in 1868 and was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1940. Her feast day is 24 April.
DROSTE HISTORY
Why Maria Droste?
While Maria’s spiritual influence and contributions to Catholicism were significant, it was her compassion for those in need that distinguished her. Her belief that all people deserve to be treated with compassion and respect continues to guide our work today. Also known as Saint Mary of the Divine Heart, Maria Droste was a nun and mystic born in 1863 in Germany. She is known for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her role in the establishment of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Maria Droste passed away in 1899 and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920.
