Veronica Coffie is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and internship supervisor at a Brooklyn high school through CIS, a role she has held for 4 years. Veronica specializes in supporting young adults and their families from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly those from Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian communities. As a Puerto Rican native who grew up in Curaçao, she brings a unique, culturally attuned approach to her work, helping young adults and their families navigate transitions, process emotions, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Her practice integrates creative arts therapy and mindfulness, empowering young adults and their families to align their lives with their values and build emotional resilience. She is passionate about using art as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and community well-being.

Kelly Arriaga is a Community School Director and Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Counseling In Schools, where she oversees school-based mental health and expanded learning programs. With over 9 years of experience in mental health, Kelly is dedicated to bridging cultural and systemic gaps in mental health services. She specializes in child welfare, community mental health, and program management, with a focus on equity and accessibility for underserved communities.

Evelyn Mora currently serves as a counselor with Counseling In Schools, a role she has held for 5 years after receiving her Master’s of Professional Studies in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts. As a first-generation American of Ecuadorian descent, Evelyn is passionate about working with the youth and guiding the next generation of “firsts”. She works alongside educators and counselors at The Heritage School where her main focus is on adolescent socio-emotional well being. This is emphasized through her collaborative work in the school’s advisory program.

Dyanand Sugrim has served as the Principal of The Heritage School in East Harlem, a small community high school that primarily serves families and children of District 4, East Harlem, and the Bronx since 2011. During his successful tenure at The Heritage School, Dyanand Sugrim focused on developing a learning community for students that was rooted in social emotional support, restorative practices, high academic standards, and elevating student voice. Principal Sugrim’s work has resulted in creating stability at The Heritage School and an environment where all students will be successful learners.

Clara Cabrera is a dedicated and compassionate School Counselor at Counseling in Schools, where she has spent the last three years providing critical support to students in navigating academic, social, and emotional challenges. With a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, Clara Cabrera is well-versed in implementing evidence-based therapeutic techniques, conducting individual and group counseling, and developing behavior intervention plans tailored to each student’s needs. Her expertise includes crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a holistic support system for students. Clara Cabrera is deeply committed to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment, empowering students to build resilience, improve mental health, and achieve academic success.

Rebekah Christyne Severe, LMSW, is CIS’ Senior Program Director of After School Programs and Expanded Learning Time. With over 12 years of experience in education and policy, she leads a team in developing programs that foster children’s emotional and social growth, helping them thrive in school and beyond. Her passion for this work drives her to secure resources in mentorship, counseling, academic advancement, job placement, college readiness, and community development. An active community member, Rebekah co-founded two nonprofit organizations, S.O.A.R-Severe Opportunities and Access to Resources, and B.E.S.T. Brooklyn-Bringing Essential Services to Brooklyn, NY. She remains deeply involved in organizing college fairs, speaking at youth and women’s leadership conferences, and participating in education reform panels. A dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she is committed to service and advocacy. Rebekah holds a B.S. in Education and Public Policy from Pennsylvania State University and an MSW from New York University.

Ben Binyamin currently serves as a Counselor at Counseling In Schools, a role he has held for four years. With nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, he has held impactful positions in School-Based Health Clinics, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, and various school settings. He holds Master of Science degrees in Art Therapy/Counseling and Guidance & Counseling, both from the College of New Rochelle. His academic and clinical work focuses on the use of art therapy with children and adolescents, with particular attention to painting and the therapeutic application of graffiti.

Yakim Binyamin is a creative arts therapist with a master’s degree in Drama Therapy from NYU and over a decade of experience working with youth and young adults. For the past five years, he has served as a Drama Therapist with Counseling In Schools, focusing on healing trauma and addressing learned repression through the art of expression. His approach integrates creative modalities such as drama, photography, videography, and poetry to inspire healing and self-discovery.

Evelyn Mora currently serves as a counselor with Counseling In Schools, a role she has held for 5 years after receiving her Master’s of Professional Studies in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts. As a first-generation American of Ecuadorian descent, Evelyn is passionate about working with the youth and guiding the next generation of “firsts”. She works alongside educators and counselors at The Heritage School where her main focus is on adolescent socio-emotional well being. This is emphasized through her collaborative work in the school’s advisory program.

Nino (they/them) is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in trauma and spirituality. They worked with Counseling in Schools for three years in elementary, middle, and high schools. Nino received their degree in Pastoral Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. Their current work seeks to re-incorporate somatic and intuitive wisdom into contemporary therapeutic practice.

Whitney L. Walton currently serves as a Professional Development Facilitator at Counseling In Schools. She has more than 12 years of experience working in the mental health field, including previous roles as a psychiatric social worker, pediatric social worker, psychotherapist, and consultant. She received her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. Ms. Walton offers self-esteem workshops that empower girls and women by fostering confidence and self-awareness. She focuses on the impact of societal and psychological factors on mental well-being.

Marisa Paolillo, LCAT, ATR-BC, is an art therapist at Counseling In Schools, a role she has held for 6 years. She has more than 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. She received her masters degree in art therapy at the School of Visual Arts. Throughout her career she has introduced art therapy into spaces where previously it had not been. She enjoys providing support to the students and families at the elementary school where she works.

Samantha Disador (She/Her), LCAT, RDT, is a drama therapist at Counseling In Schools, serving the Coney Island Community for her 4th school year. She received her Masters in Drama Therapy from NYU. Ms. Sami is passionate about empowering elementary school students and their families.

Kelly Arriaga is a Community School Director and Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Counseling In Schools, where she oversees school-based mental health and expanded learning programs. With over 9 years of experience in mental health, Kelly is dedicated to bridging cultural and systemic gaps in mental health services. She specializes in child welfare, community mental health, and program management, with a focus on equity and accessibility for underserved communities.

Abigail Acevedo Perez, MA is a dedicated Mental Health Counselor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. Currently serving at Counseling In Schools for the past 9 years, Abigail specializes in supporting the emotional and social well-being of individuals in educational settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. Her professional background includes working in private clinical settings and residential programs, where she has supported adults and adolescents developing essential life skills.

Eloise True, LCSW has worked as a counselor and Professional Development facilitator for CIS since 2016. Eloise completed the four year externship at Ackerman Institute for the Family and has continued to pursue education in models such as IFS and Polyvagal Theory which have equipped them to bring a multi-modal approach to the supervisory and facilitation style. As a white queer therapist who has worked with many black and non-black people of color it has been vital to the integrity of their work to learn ways to decenter whiteness and decolonize their therapeutic practice. They also have extensive experience working with gender expansive and trans youth and their families bring a queer and trans therapeutic literacy.

Ben Eastman, MSW, has been working as a full-time counselor providing services at Queens Technological High School since 2023. He has over 10 years experience in the mental health and educational fields in various roles including classroom teacher, caseworker, dean of students, and school social worker. Ben received his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his MSW from NYU. While having social work experience in a number of settings, the majority of his experience is in school settings, and he has received additional training with a focus on conflict mediation and restorative justice practices.

Viola Varner is a Program Director at Counseling In Schools for the past three years. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Viola has worked extensively with underserved and vulnerable populations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. She holds a Master of Social Work degree specializing in Family Mental Health Services from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Viola’s career has been marked by her dedication to improving access to mental health care, particularly in the areas of substance use treatment and education. She is passionate about spreading positivity and creating a culture of wellness through teaching, public speaking, and staff development. Outside of her professional life, Viola enjoys traveling with her family, writing poetry, and finding moments of rest with a good nap.

Whitney L. Walton currently serves as a Professional Development Facilitator at Counseling In Schools. She has more than 12 years of experience working in the mental health field, including previous roles as a psychiatric social worker, pediatric social worker, psychotherapist, and consultant. She received her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. Ms. Walton offers self-esteem workshops that empower girls and women by fostering confidence and self-awareness. She focuses on the impact of societal and psychological factors on mental well-being.

Amanda is a board-registered certified art therapist and licensed creative arts therapist that has been with Counseling in Schools (CIS) since 2015. She currently serves as a counselor and field instructor at the High School for Youth and Community Development (YCD) in the Erasmus Hall Campus. Amanda is an alumni of the School of Visual Arts’ (SVA) MPS art therapy program. She has clinical and supervisory experience supporting folks in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, community centers, supportive housing and shelters as well as private practice. Amanda believes in cultivating space for joy and humor within her work. She is dedicated to honoring others’ strengths, wounds and creativity in the hopes of nurturing radically caring, liberatory experiences for those she connects with.

Samantha Disador (She/Her), LCAT, RDT, is a drama therapist at Counseling In Schools, serving the Coney Island Community for her 4th school year. She received her Masters in Drama Therapy from NYU. Ms. Sami is passionate about empowering elementary school students and their families.

Max Durrant (He/Him), RDT, CAT-LP, currently serves as a Drama Therapist at Counseling In Schools since receiving his Masters in Drama Therapy from NYU. He currently works with middle and high school students, supporting growth in advocacy and development of essential skills during times of uncertainty. He is passionate about providing others with the tools to rewrite the script in their own personal lives.

Yakim Binyamin is a creative arts therapist with a master’s degree in Drama Therapy from NYU and over a decade of experience working with youth and young adults. For the past five years, he has served as a Drama Therapist with Counseling In Schools, focusing on healing trauma and addressing learned repression through the art of expression. His approach integrates creative modalities such as drama, photography, videography, and poetry to inspire healing and self-discovery.

Rachna has been a Social Worker in NYC for over 20 years, earning her MSW from Hunter College in 2003. She has extensive experience in Foster Care/Child Welfare, Supportive Housing, and School-Based Services. She largely found her home in School Based services when she joined Counseling In Schools as a Field Placement supervisor in elementary education. As the Clinical Director, she has found true job satisfaction supporting the clinical services conducted by a diverse and multi-talented portfolio of CIS Counselors. She has a clear passion in advocating for equity and ethical programming within schools so we can continue to raise the bar on meeting the needs of the families and communities we serve.

Nino (they/them) is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in trauma and spirituality. They worked with Counseling in Schools for three years in elementary, middle, and high schools. Nino received their degree in Pastoral Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. Their current work seeks to re-incorporate somatic and intuitive wisdom into contemporary therapeutic practice.