Our Team
Natasha Cunningham, MS, MHC-LP, casac
Natasha Cunningham, MS, MHC-LP, CASAC is accepting new clients, and has evening and weekend availability. Natasha received her Master’s level education from Lynn University. She then pursued further education from Saint Bonaventure University, obtaining her second masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has been dedicated to assisting and advocating for vulnerable populations, with clients across the lifespan, for the last 8 years. Natasha spent a few years working in a residential setting, with clients who were dually diagnosed and unable to remain safe in their homes. She spent time working as a behavioral specialist, providing behavioral therapy for clients who were diagnosed with an intellectual developmental disability. Natasha then went to work for Central New York’s mobile crisis unit and has contributed to the success of our region’s crisis system as well as coordination of care. She has worked alongside EMS and Law Enforcement using a dual response modal to help clients who are experiencing crises. Natasha furthered her career by transitioning to Helio Health’s Intensive Crisis Stabilization Clinic working with clients suffering from severe mental health disorders as well as substance use disorders. During this time, Natasha worked part time for a private practice, working with young adults. Natasha has a vast knowledge of resources that are available to our community as she currently works for Helio Health’s Outpatient and Engagement team.
Natasha has developed her therapeutic style using a psychodynamic approach. Natasha is experienced in working with client’s who have a trauma history. She is passionate about working with clients who are from different cultural backgrounds. Natasha is also experienced in working with client’s who are suffering from anxiety, depression, SUD, Bi-polar disorder, and Schizophrenia.
Natasha is passionate about working with underdeveloped, underserved, marginalized communities. She has spent time volunteering in East Africa, where she worked at Port Reitz Sub-County Mental Hospital, trying to advocate for change. While in East Africa, she also volunteered in local orphanages, and conducted mental health clinics at primary and secondary schools.
Natasha believes deeply in taking care of herself using her own personal self-care techniques. She loves to spend time in the gym, going for nature hikes, reading psychological thrillers, snuggling with her cats, playing with her dog, and spending quality time with her family. Prior to attending University, Natasha spent time in the Army working as a fire fighter, which lead to her love of crisis counseling.
Education
Saint Bonaventure University, Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lynn University, Master of Science in Applied psychology, Specialization in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Columbia College, Bachelors of Arts, Psychology
Memberships
American Psychological Association. Chi Sigma Iota, Mattydale Fire Department
Certifications
Certified Mandated Reporter, Narcan train the trainer, Supporting Recovery with Medications for Addiction Treatment, CPR certified, Casac-T
Cheryl Alter, LCSW
Cheryl Alter, LCSW is accepting new clients, and has afternoon and evening availability. Cheryl is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker with experience specializing in eating disorders, substance use, and individual and family counseling. Cheryl’s journey into the field of therapy began with a deep-rooted passion for helping individuals and families navigate their most challenging struggles and find paths to healing.
With a Master’s degree in Social Work and extensive training in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, Cheryl employs a client-centered approach that prioritizes empathy, respect, and collaboration. Her expertise in treating eating disorders encompasses both the psychological and physiological aspects, ensuring a holistic and individualized treatment plan including the use of the HAES Model (Health At Every Size). Cheryl is also adept at addressing substance use issues, providing support through every stage of recovery and emphasizing the importance of both personal and familial involvement in the process.
Cheryl is known for her warm demeanor, non-judgmental attitude, and unwavering commitment to each client's unique journey. Whether working with individuals or families, Cheryl believes in the transformative power of therapy and is dedicated to guiding clients toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Zana Daniels, LMHC
Zana Daniels, LMHC is accepting new clients, and has evening and weekend availability. Zana shares "Since I have been practicing as a mental health counselor for 2 years, I recognized that most of my clients struggled to be heard and seen, quietly suffering. My mission is to provide a safe, therapeutic space where you feel heard and seen as you navigate life's stressors. I provide guidance and support to young, middle age and older adults (both men and women) that struggle with anxiety, depression, relationships, adjustment disorders, and other emotional or mental health issues. I am sensitive to and attempt to understand the unique challenges that each person may face because of their culture, identity or sexual orientation. Ultimately, my goal is to instill hope and teach resiliency through therapeutic interventions such as CBT, in combination with person-centered techniques. We will collaborate to explore how our experiences or perceptions of life may influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. As well as adding homework to make progress outside of sessions. We can collaborate to create healthy change and reach desired goals by identifying healthier thought patterns and behaviors. Let's take the journey together."
Alaina ables, LMHC
Alaina Ables, LMHC is a Manhattan-based mental health counselor with a wide range of experiences with different populations and diagnoses. She works with children, adolescents, and adults in both addiction and traditional mental health.
Alaina specializes in working with teenagers, collegestudents, and the LGBT Community. Alaina also focuses on treating Anxiety, BPD, ADHD, Trauma, and General Life Stressors.
Alaina operates from a Person Centered Lens which means the client is the expert in their own life, therefore, she will collaborate with you to find the best possible approach.
Alaina provides a comfortable, non-judgmental, and multicultural lens to ensure the ability of tackling each issue in a safe and healthy way.
Luann Mongiello Esen, LCSW
Luann joins the team as a clinical social worker. Luann has trained at the esteemed Institute for Psychotherapy. Luann is accepting new clients, and has morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend availability.
Luann offers individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, and group counseling, and works with seniors, adults, young adults, adolescents, teenagers, and children. Luann has 30 years of experience working with children, teenagers, adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors. Luann specializes in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, loss, relationship issues, and substance use disorders.
Luann shares “My approach to therapy is warm and welcoming. I believe that there is no one size fits all to therapy, and will tailor my approach to your individual needs! You can expect to feel seen, heard, validated, and understood! Together we will create goals that will cultivate the change you want to see in your life!”
