We are a diverse team of therapists dedicated to providing experience, sensitivity, and genuine care to every client we meet.
Psychotherapist |ecandela@mtzcounseling.com
Elizabeth Candela, MA, LMSW, is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker. She obtained her master's degree in Social Work from New York University, her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University, and her bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies from Wesleyan University. Prior to becoming a therapist, her professional experience was in commercial design, photography, and consulting on business strategy for architecture.
Psychotherapist |lchen@mtzcounseling.com
Lisa Chen, MHC-LP, obtained her master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College. Ms. Chen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology and studio art with a concentration in Japanese language from Hunter College. Ms. Chen has experience as a therapeutic assistant at an inpatient psychiatric unit, where she facilitated and led art therapy groups. She trained throughout her graduate degree in outpatient mental health, serving adults and adolescents.
Psychotherapist | aeldawaity@mtzcounseling.com
Amnadaliz Eldawaity, LMSW, is a New York State Licensed Social Worker. She received her Bachelor and Master degrees in Social Work from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social work. Ms. Eldawaity has worked with adults, adolescents, and families in outpatient mental health settings, including community mental health, foster care, preventive child welfare and school settings.
Psychotherapist | Sferdman@mtzcounseling.com
Soraya Ferdman, LMSW, is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work. She received her master’s in social work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Brown University. Ms. Ferdman completed a fellowship at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia and received training in Family and Couples Therapy from the Roberto Clemente Center in Manhattan. Ms. Ferdman has experience working in school settings and community mental health care.
Psychotherapist | egdavranova@mtzcounseling.com
Elena Garcia-Davranova, M.Ed., LMSW, is a Licensed Social Worker in New York State. Ms. Garcia-Davranova holds a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, a master's degree in early childhood education, and a master's degree in social work from New York University.
Psychotherapist | jgonzales@mtzcounseling.com
Jess Gonzales, LMSW, is a New York State License Master of Social Work. She earned her master’s in social work at New York University. She works with adults navigating complex trauma, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and the many challenges of living in the modern world. She is particularly passionate about working with individuals who have experienced iatrogenic trauma, or harm from medical and/or psychiatric treatment.
Psychotherapist | bholzkenner@mtzcounseling.com
Bella Holzkenner, LMHC, is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Baruch College. She carries into her practice the insight and perspective gained by a 20-year career in the financial services industry. Ms. Holzkenner obtained her certification in Nondual Kabbalistic Healing (NKH) from the Society of Souls.
Graduate Psychotherapy Intern | Jlevitan@mtzcounseling.com
Jess Levitan, MA, MSW-I, is pursuing her Master of Social Work at New York University. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Global Public Health, both from New York University. Ms. Levitan is Associate Director of NYU's Prison Education Program, where she provides counseling and holistic re-entry support to students transitioning from incarceration to on-campus study.
Psychotherapist | yliriano@mtzcounseling.com
Yessica Liriano, MHC-LP, earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College, City University of New York. Ms. Liriano holds a bachelor of arts degree in human biology with a concentration on body, mind and health, also from Hunter College. Ms. Liriano’s professional experience includes working in outpatient psychiatric care, where she served children, adolescents and families, as well as adults. She has experience working with a range of ethnic and cultural minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Psychotherapist | ymei@mtzcounseling.com
Yun Mei, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP, is a Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Stony Brook University. Ms. Mei specializes in treating complex trauma, low self-esteem, relationship issues, women's issues, personality disorders, and first-generation multicultural issues.
Psychotherapist | mpatterson@mtzcounseling.com
Maresa Patterson, LMSW, is a New York state Licensed Social Worker. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. She also holds a Master’s degree in English Education from Brooklyn College and completed her Bachelor's degree in English at Smith College. Ms. Patterson has professional experience working with people of all ages through her work in education, the arts, housing, health care, and geriatric care.
Psychotherapist | apopadics@mtzcounseling.com
Andrew Popadics, LMSW, is a New York State licensed social worker. He obtained his master's degree in social work from New York University and his bachelor's degree in psychology from Columbia University. Andrew’s professional experience includes working with individuals and families in various settings, such as schools, housing, career development, and counseling.
Graduate Psychotherapy Intern | jrichie@mtzcounseling.com
John Richie, MHC-I, is pursuing his master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College. Mr. Richie's experience includes volunteer counseling for teens and young adults living in neighborhoods impacted by gun violence. He has also volunteered in an after-school program, providing social and relationship skills, conflict resolution tools, and filmmaking and documentary skills. As an experienced documentary filmmaker with a focus on social issues, Mr. Richie has a deep understanding of human stories and the complexities of life’s challenges.
Graduate Psychotherapy Intern | Jrubell@mtzcounseling.com
Jennifer Rubell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Harvard University and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College. She works with individuals and couples who may find themselves reacting in ways they don’t fully understand, feeling stuck, or caught in patterns that repeat across relationships. Ms. Rubell collaborates with clients to develop a way of understanding their lives that reflects how they speak, relate, and make sense of their experience. Each therapeutic relationship is shaped by the specific people in the room.
Psychotherapist | astockmatthews@mtzcounseling.com
Anna Stock-Matthews, MHC-LP, obtained her masters in Mental Health Counseling at Fordham University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Tufts University. She entered the mental health field after a career in communications, working across nonprofit, corporate, and creative settings. In this role, Ms. Stock-Matthews helped people tell their stories, identify their unique strengths and interests, and navigate workplace challenges including stress, perfectionism, burnout, and relationship-building. She has additional experience as a volunteer in crisis counseling and suicide-prevention with Crisis Text Line.
Psychotherapist | mweinman@mtzcounseling.com
Macy Weinman, MHC-LP, is a Mental Health Counselor in New York State. She holds an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Baruch College and a BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School. Ms. Weinman formerly worked in an outpatient setting offering comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy and was recognized by New York State’s Office of Mental Health in 2026 for specializing in evidence-based treatment. At present, she continues to deepen her study of psychoanalytic technique and the ways in which unconscious dynamics influence people’s lives. Her treatment approach centers this psychodynamic framework and is supported by behavioral interventions.
Psychotherapist | nyagami@mtzcounseling.com
Mr. Yagami, MSEd., MHC-LP, is a Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. After Fordham, he conducted research in developmental/neurodevelopmental psychology at the University of Oregon, examining how early-life experiences shape and condition the way we experience the world. Mr. Yagami has experience as an outpatient mental health provider, providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents.
