Dedicated to Our
American Heroes
STAFF MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY WELLNESS PROGRAM
The dedicated staff of the Military Wellness Program is a select group of clinicians who have specialized clinical training in treating trauma and traumatic exposure from a number of different orientations which include but are not limited to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Prolonged Exposure Therapy; Expressive Arts Therapy and Equine Therapy. The Military Wellness Program is committed to maintaining the highest level of clinical expertise among the staff by providing ongoing clinical trainings in all facets of delivery of care to our service members and their families.
DR. MICHAEL DeFALCO, Psy.D. - Director of the Military Wellness Program
mdefalco@libertymgt.com ext. 2335
Dr. Michael DeFalco is the Director of Adult and Military Services at The Holliswood Hospital and Director of the Military Wellness Program. He is also the Education Chair of the Veterans Mental Health Coalition of New York City and sits on their Steering Committee. He received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University/C.W. Post campus, where he specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from serious and persistent mental illness. Dr. DeFalco has worked for over ten years providing treatment and developing treatment programs for children and adults affected by traumatic stress, depression, and other mental health issues. His current area of specialties include the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and other disorders related to experiencing traumatic events, as well as geriatric psychiatry and addictions treatment. Dr. DeFalco is active in community education, and he maintains an active private practice in Queens and Nassau Counties.
TARA BULIN - Assistant Director of Adult and Military Services
tbulin@libertymgt.com ext 2317
Tara Bulin, L.M.S.W. is the Assistant Director of Adult and Military Services at The Holliswood Hospital, and a founder of our Program. Ms. Bulin has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults recovering from the effects of traumatic stress, as well as addiction. She specializes in working with service members and veterans, and their related issues. She utilizes evidence-based practice techniques in her treatment of individuals afflicted with posttraumatic stress disorder and other issues related to complex trauma. She is a doctoral candidate at the Adelphi University School of Social Work and is currently working on her doctoral dissertation, where the focus is on peer support among service members. Ms. Bulin is also an adjunct professor; and she has a strong background in research design, methodology, and implementation. Ms. Bulin maintains an active private practice in Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
DR. DOUGLAS MUNSEY, M.D.
Dr. Douglas Munsey, M.D., graduated from Cornell Medical College in 1983. After doing his residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York City, he went on to do his Fellowships at New York University in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as Substance Abuse. He joined the medical staff of The Holliswood Hospital in 1995, and from that time has been involved in caring for children, adolescents, and adults on the inpatient services.
Dr. Munsey has been actively involved in the treatment of the servicemembers, veterans, and their family members in The Military Wellness Program at The Holliswood Hospital since its inception, and is responsible for all medication management, decisions, and recommendations.
DR. MICHAEL COHEN, M.D.- edit
PLACE HOLDER
AYNISA LEONARDO, LCAT, ATR-BC - Program Coordinator - Military Wellness and Family Reintegration Programs
aleonardo@libertymgt.com ext. 2200
Aynisa Leonardo received a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Hofstra University and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications from Fordham University. She is a core member of The Military Wellness Program treatment team, and she coordinates our Family Reintegration Program. Ms. Leonardo has extensive experience working with various diagnoses, integrating expressive, creative, existential and cognitive behavioral therapy into her approach. She is specialized in substance and alcohol abuse counseling, along with trauma focused therapy for individuals, groups, couples and families. Ms. Leonardo has been instrumental in the development of our Family Reintegration Program at Holliswood Hospital, and is dedicated to serving military members and their loved ones through the process of recovery. She implements a comprehensive and psychodynamic treatment model, providing individualized care that promotes healing and personal growth for a broad range of clientele.
JACLYN RINDOS, LCAT, ATR-BC - Clinical Coordinator
jrindos@libertymgt.com ext. 2215
Jaclyn Rindos is a Board Certified, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. She received a Master’s of Arts at Long Island University where she specialized in the field of Clinical Art Therapy. Ms. Rindos has an expertise working with individuals who have been exposed to trauma, as well as those struggling with addiction. She utilizes an integrative and humanistic approach in treatment with these individuals. Ms. Rindos has been a vital member of the treatment team with The Military Wellness Program for several years. She is the Clinical Coordinator for Adult, Adolescent, and Military Services, and currently practices art therapy in both the individual and group settings. She is an extremely motivated and hard-working individual who offers a high level of dedication and commitment in every aspect of her work.
ANDREA FORD, LMSW
aford@libertymgt.com ext. 2361
Andrea Ford, LMSW, received a Master of Social Work Degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington. Ms. Ford has training in several trauma focused therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, short-term psychodynamic treatment, mindfulness techniques, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Ms. Ford provides individual, group, family, and couples psychotherapy and comprehensive case management in her role as a social worker. Ms. Ford has experience in substance abuse treatment, school-based child and youth counseling, and short-term inpatient treatment for people suffering from acute psychiatric disorders. She has also done extensive advocacy and therapeutic work with survivors of domestic violence. Ms. Ford is honored to be a member of The Military Wellness Program team and is committed to providing holistic, strengths-based, and individually-focused treatment.
ERINN GRAHAM, LMSW
egraham@libertymgt.com ext. 2357
Erinn Graham, LMSW, holds a Master of Social Work from New York University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Washington. Ms. Graham is a dedicated member of The Military Wellness Program treatment team, where she provides trauma-focused individual and group therapy as well as couples and family therapy as part of Holliswood Hospital’s Family Reintegration Program for military service members. Ms. Graham is grounded in a humanistic, client-centered approach and incorporates cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, interpersonal and family therapies into her work with clients, as well as Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Ms. Graham is honored by this opportunity to work with military service members, as she has three family members who are OIF/OEF veterans, giving her particular insight into the challenges faced by families during deployment, and upon return to civilian life. She appreciates the strength and resiliency of service members and their families and looks forward to her continued service to them as a part of The Military Wellness team.
DEBORAH POKORNY, LCSW-R
dpokorny@libertymgt.com ext. 2288
Deborah Pokorny, LCSW-R, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, received her Master’s degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work in 1991 where her focus of study was in clinical social work and family therapy. Ms. Pokorny has previously worked with various populations including adolescents and adults in outpatient mental health agencies, dealing with issues of domestic violence as well as the dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse. Since joining Holliswood Hospital in 1994, Ms. Pokorny has become highly experienced in treating those suffering from chronic and persistent mental illness, including diagnoses such as depression and anxiety, personality disorders, simple and complex trauma, and substance abuse. Deborah Pokorny has recently joined The Military Wellness Program treatment team, where she brings her vast experience and skills. Ms. Pokorny is trained in trauma specific treatment modalities to include Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing/EMDR, Brainspotting, as well as Narrative Therapy and trauma focused cognitive behavioral techniques. Ms. Pokorny’s treatment approach is “integrative,” utilizing techniques from psychodynamics, cognitive behavioral and client-centered/strength based perspectives.
PATRICIA BAUMAN, RN
pbauman@libertymgt.com
Patricia Bauman, RN, is the charge nurse of The Military Wellness Program. She worked for 8 years as a charge nurse for United Cerebral Palsy, intensely involved with behavioral management. She then decided to pursue a career in Psychiatry, to further implement her dynamic skill set. Ms. Bauman has been at The Holliswood Hospital for 18 years and is proud to be working with the military; a sister of a soldier whom also served in Iraq, she comes to this position with empathy and is honored to do the job.
TATUM BROGAN, MS, R-DMT
tbrogan@libertymgt.com ext. 2237
Tatum Brogan, MS, R-DMT joined The Military Wellness Program treatment team at The Holliswood Hospital in March of 2009. Ms. Brogan has a master's degree in Dance/Movement Therapy from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York and has worked with many inpatient and outpatient populations over the past four years. During her training at Pratt Institute, Ms. Brogran interned at the Bronx Psychiatric Center with adult outpatients and at the Queens Children's Psychiatric Center with inpatient adolescents. After obtaining her degree, she went on to work at Bay Park Center Adult Day Care for geriatric patients and soon after joined The Holliswood Hospital Staff. Along with the rest of the creative arts therapy team, Ms. Brogan leads therapy groups for the Military Wellness Program, as well as both Adolescent and Adult Services.
As a Dance/Movement therapist, Ms. Brogan works with her patients with the hope to connect the body and the mind as a non-verbal means of expression. Using the body as a medium allows trauma patients to gain insight into their internal process and in turn develop a sense of self awareness. With this self awareness, patients can continue on their journey to wellness and fulfill their treatment goals in a creative and therapeutic manner.
JENNIFER FRANCIS, LPN
Jennifer Francis has been an employee of The Holliswood Hospital since 1995, first working as a Mental Health Worker for 9 years and then graduating in 2004 from VEED (Vocational Education Extension Board), where she received her LPN. As the unit medication nurse, Jennifer Francis’ compassion and understanding of the patient’s needs makes her an integral part of the Military Wellness Program.
DR. JESSICA KOBLENZ, Psy.D.
Dr. Jessica Koblenz is a psychologist who works with The Military Wellness Program. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University, C.W. Post campus. While there, she specialized in the treatment of persons with serious and persistent mental illness. Her previous work experiences included working with dual-diagnosed mentally ill and chemically addicted individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her doctoral work focused on bereavement. She recognizes that not everyone benefits from the same treatment. As such, she incorporates aspects from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, gestalt, and family systems to make a unique and individualized plan for each client. Her areas of specialization include trauma, bereavement, and addiction. She is both challenging and empathic in her work. She looks to comfort clients during difficult times and to encourage them to make meaning out of their hardship to help them improve their lives. She is passionate about helping each client achieve his or her potential.
CHRISTINA LOMANGINO, LCAT, ATR-BC
clomangino@libertymgt.com ext. 2237
Cristina Lomangino is a Board Certified, Licensed Art Therapist who graduated from Long Island University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Art Therapy. As part of her training, she concentrates on the use of Art Therapy with individuals diagnosed with PTSD, particularly combat-related trauma. She also had experience utilizing Art Therapy at the VA Hospital in Northport. Ms. Lomangino has been a member of the treatment team with The Military Wellness Program at Holliswood Hospital since 2008. She facilitates individual therapy and group programming, where the focus is on processing the individual’s trauma exposure through implementation of the creative arts.
AMY MAHONEY, M.S., L.Ac.
Amy Mahoney is a New York State licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. She is board certified through the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Amy has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science and a 2003 Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine from the New York College of Health Professionals. She served as a Research Acupuncturist at New York University, Special Studies in Symptom Management, and Columbia University School of Nursing, Center for AIDS Research. Amy was the Administrative Acupuncturist on three National Institute of Health (NIH) funded studies. Since Spring of 2011, she has worked as a Clinical Administrator of Acupuncture in the Military Wellness Program at Holliswood Hospital. Amy currently is the Detox Supervisor for Nassau University Medical Center, substance abuse program. Amy serves as a Clean Needle Technique Examiner for the Council of College in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is a member of Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), the Acupuncture Society of New York (ASNY) and is a member and certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). Amy is a Level One Reiki Practitioner. She is the founder and CEO of Peaceful Minds-A Wellness Center for Combat Veterans. Since 2009, she has dedicated her life to treating Combat Veterans, who have served in the Global War on Terror, focusing on the "Silently Wounded" who may be suffering. from post-combat stress and traumatic brain injuries. Please refer to Amy’s webpage directly at www.peacefulmindsNYC.org
RAFELINA MANDARINO, MPS, LCAT, ATR-BC
rmandarino@libertymgt.com ext. 2210
Rafelina Mandarino is a Board Certified, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. She is a seasoned clinician and has been at The Holliswood Hospital for over 22 years. Ms. Mandarino has taught in the graduate Art Therapy programs of two universities. She is one of the core members of our Military Wellness Program and has extensive experience in assisting individuals who suffer from trauma and substance abuse. She also has previous experience in disaster relief work post 9-11. Ms. Mandarino is able to incorporate her many years of diversified experience into a comprehensively established treatment model, targeting a wide range of patient needs.
DENISE OLSEN, RYT, RN
Denise has been practicing yoga for almost 10 years and became a 200 hour Registered Yoga Therapist, certified through Yoga Alliance in 2011. Her training was done at the Yoga and Healing Center, under the tutelage of Wendy-Gross Pinto. She is also certified in the Yoga Warrior Method of Yoga, specifically designed to help military personnel suffering from PTSD. Yoga is one means of connecting the body, mind and spirit, allowing clients to fully experience their lives in each moment. Denise’s hope is to guide every person in her class to their own place of peace. She is also a Registered Nurse, and received her degree from St Vincentʼs School of Nursing in 1992. She has worked in various hospitals throughout NY, specializing in cardiac and critical care nursing. Her newest venture is the creation of Strong and Soulful Yoga, a community designed to help people live with their soul on the outside-realizing their true potential.
CHONTELAI PATTERSON, MS
cpatterson@libertymgt.com ext. 2267
Mrs. Chontelai Patterson, M.S., holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from St. Johns University in New York and a Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology. Her specialization is working with people experiencing psychological crises (e.g., grief, trauma) and individuals suffering from chronic psychiatric disorders. She has many years of experience working with a wide variety of populations and cultural differences, as well as individuals with developmental disorders. Mrs. Patterson is an active and dedicated member of The Military Wellness Program treatment team, where she functions as both a group and individual therapist. Mrs. Patterson also coordinates psychological testing as well as individual therapy assignments. Mrs. Patterson’s therapeutic approach is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). It is particularly effective in learning skills for coping with anxiety and negative thoughts, managing anger, handling trauma symptoms and urges to use alcohol or drugs, and communicating effectively ("social skills" or marital therapy). This program is very special and important to Mrs. Patterson because she is the spouse of a Marine Corp veteran. With her knowledge of the armed forces and her compassion for military members, she is truly an essential component to The Military Wellness Program treatment team. Knowing the extreme sacrifice these service members make, she works very closely with her patients on trying to rebuild family structure. Mrs. Patterson informs all the patients upon arrival that if they stay motivated and dedicated to the process, they will be able to find their true self.
TIFFANY REGAN, LCAT, ATR-BC
Tiffany Regan received her Master's degree in Clinical Art Therapy at Long Island University and has since become a licensed and certified Art Therapist. Prior to joining the treatment team, Ms. Regan has 6 years of experience treating a variety of populations within inpatient settings. Ms. Regan continues to specialize in treating adolescents at Holliswood Hospital, as well as service members in our Military Wellness Program. She offers intensive individual therapy, as well as group processing. Her flexibility and creativity allow her to implement a wide spectrum of services, while providing trauma-informed care across disciplines.
GILA WIEDER, MA
gweider@libertymgt.com
Gila Wieder is a Mental Health Counselor who received a dual degree in Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Currently, as part of her work with The Military Wellness Program, she counsels both individuals and groups with a specialization in substance abuse counseling. Ms. Wieder’s practice encompasses a broad range of mental health issues including traumatic stress and depression. She utilizes a therapeutic approach which combines traditional psychotherapy and practical problem solving which creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and conflict resolution.