Meet Our Team

Psychotherapist | landerson@mtzcounseling.com

Lily Anderson, LMHC obtained her masters in Mental Health Counseling at Fordham University. Ms. Anderson graduated from Southern Methodist University with degrees in Journalism and Fashion Media, having previously worked in sales analytics and as a childcare provider for over a decade. Ms. Anderson has also volunteered with the Crisis Text Hotline and is a certified crisis and suicide prevention counselor.

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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.

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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.

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Psychotherapist | ccheung@mtzcounseling.com

Christine Cheung, LMHC, is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Baruch College. Ms. Cheung has experience working in various settings including inpatient and outpatient addiction facilities, an inpatient hospital psychiatric unit, and a college career counseling center. She was selected to be a National Science Foundation research program Fellow, where she worked as a Research Assistant in Baruch College’s Social Psychology Lab. 

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Graduate Psychotherapy Intern | Eeichner@mtzcounseling.com

Emily Eichner, MSW-I, is obtaining her Master’s in Social Work at New York University. She earned her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. Ms. Eichner brings prior experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in a variety of settings, including a charter elementary school, a public elementary school, and a private psychiatric inpatient hospital for adolescents and adults.

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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.

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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.  

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Psychotherapist | egdavranova@mtzcounseling.com

Elena Garcia-Davranova, M.Ed., LMSW, is a Licensed Social Worker in New York State. Ms. Garcia-Davranova obtained a Master Degree in Social Work from New York University.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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Graduate Psychotherapy Intern | Jrubell@mtzcounseling.com

Jennifer Rubell, MHC-I, is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Harvard University. Through the non-profit Parents in Action, Ms. Rubell has extensive experience facilitating parent groups at New York City independent schools, as well as training group facilitators. In these roles, she supports parents in discussing the often unspoken complexities of family life, including conflict, responsibility, boundaries, finances, cultural difference, and the emotional impact of parenting.

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Psychotherapist | rshah@mtzcounseling.com

Rutvi Shah, MHC-LP, obtained her Master’s degree Mental Health Counseling at New York University. Ms. Shah graduated from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with Education Studies. Her experience includes working as a psychology mentor at the University of Warwick, where she provided one-on-one coaching and support to students experiencing challenges with the transition into university life. She has trained in an outpatient mental health private practice, where she worked with individuals facing a range of mental health issues.  

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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.

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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.

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Supervisor, Quality Assurance Manager | rarobinson@mtzcounseling.com

Raya Abat-Robinson, M.S.Ed., LMHC, NCC, is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Board for Certified Counselors National Certified Counselor. Ms. Abat-Robinson earned her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. She is certified by the New York State Department of Health as a domestic violence and rape crisis counselor, and has completed advanced training in EMDR and trauma treatment.

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Supervisor | rhonoroff@mtzcounseling.com

Rachel Honoroff, LCSW, earned her undergraduate degree in Spanish and Anthropology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

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Supervisor | aneas@mtzcounseling.com

Amanda Neas, LICSW, is in private practice in the Greater Boston area, where she sees adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. She earned her master’s in social work from Salem State University and worked in community agencies, schools, and clinics before transitioning full time into private practice. Ms. Neas completed a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, as well as a first-year training program at the Psychodynamic Couple & Family Institute of New England (PCFINE).

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Founder & Clinical Director | mtziyon@mtzcounseling.com

Michal Tziyon, Psya.D., LCSW, is a certified psychoanalyst and a clinical social worker licensed in New York and Massachusetts. She obtained her doctorate and certificate in clinical psychoanalysis from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. She obtained her Master of Social Work Degree from New York University.

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Billing & Practice Manager | jbattis@mtzcounseling.com

John Battis is MTZ Counseling’s dedicated billing & practice manager. With a 30 year career as a healthcare administrator, Mr. Battis brings experience and expertise to the administrative and billing aspects of the practice. Mr. Battis worked in a variety of settings in New York City, including large healthcare complexes, research facilities and graduate medical education. Mr. Battis joined MTZ Counseling in 2017 and is available to support our clients with any health insurance and/or payment concern.

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