LAGER COUNSELING SERVICES
MEET THE TEAM
Alison Lager is the Owner/CEO of Lager Counseling Services. The vision of LCS is that of triumph. Alison has always believed that people can change given the right tools, support and empowerment; people are capable and powerful enough to create the life of their dreams if given the right insight, awareness and actionable guidance necessary for the resolution of all of life’s problems. We credit most of the success of each client to our unwavering belief in their ability to change if they are willing. Alison has created an atmosphere that is warm, accepting, down to earth, and aesthetically pleasing to all the senses. She believes the atmosphere a client comes into should reflect our honor for them and their future selves. We NEVER lose sight of the clients greatness that is yet to be unleashed. We never give up on the infinite possibilities of all human beings. Our code is excellence. Our model is simple. Our philosophy at LCS is to be on the cutting edge of learning and personal development. Alison provides ongoing training in the latest techniques for healing and recovery. She trains each therapist to specialize in all areas of mental health and clinical technique. LCS is innovative style is unique in that once the symptoms are relieved, we step on the gas, rolling up our sleeves, beside the client toward their personal excellence in all areas of living.
Alison Lager, LCSW-R CASAC
Our Clinicians
Learn more about our therapists below.
Joanne Autero, LCSW
Joanne is an LCSW who is well educated and deeply caring. She is a beautiful mix of intelligence and humility. Joanne is willing to do whatever it takes to help her clients reach their goals, because she genuinely cares. If Joanne does not know an answer to a question, she will research all avenues until she finds one. The atmosphere in Joannes office one of warmth, comfort, growth, insight, and new found empowerment. She is provides a safe haven for people of all ages to find their higher selves and become all they can be. Joanne has experience working with the elderly population, mothers and fathers who have adult children, grief, hoarding and children in the education system. Joanne has certification in EMDR therapy. Joanne is the primary facilitator of our Moms of Adult Children Group which run every 10 weeks. A powerful group designed to assist moms with issues that arise with their grown children and their identity at this new stage in life.
Dana Wedin, ATR-BC, LCAT
Dana is one of our Art Therapists. She is an amazing clinician who works with people of all ages in a unique and powerful way. She conducts Art Therapy groups for teens and adults and also offers individual Art Therapy. She works through the medium of different artistic tools to reach the heart of all different emotional issues. There is zero need for artistic skill. Dana also works with a wide variety of adults who are navigating through various life stressors such as anxiety, family dynamics, couples issues, depression and anxiety. Dana's personality is vivacious outgoing and lively.
Alexandra Silver-Thompson, LMSW
Allie is a Licensed Master Social Worker who uses a strength-based approach to help others reach their full potential! She has many years of experience working with children and adolescents, as well as with adults and families in a clinical setting. Allie's outgoing, bubbly personality along with her ability to listen in an effort to understand, will have you feeling comfortable and at-ease. Allie's main priority when providing clinical care is for her clients to feel safe, heard and hopeful. She has a true passion for the field of social work and remains determined to help and empower whoever walks through her door!
Thomas Pica, LMSW, CASAC
Tom is a Licensed Social Worker and Alcohol/ Substance Abuse Counselor who has experience working in many different settings, including schools, hospitals, and residential treatment centers. Tom also works with both male and females of all ages. His educational background in Psychology and Sociology provides him with insight and knowledge on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and self-development. Tom is a compassionate and genuine clinician who believes in taking a person-centered approach to therapy. He consistently goes above and beyond to assist his clients in achieving their goals. Tom creates an accepting and warm space which allows for the free expression of hard subjects. He roles up his sleeves and works alongside his clients to overcome the obstacles to reaching their potential.
Kayla Mozdanowski, LCAT-LP
Kayla is an art therapist on our team who is committed to helping her clients learn how to build self-knowledge, expand perspectives, and make life more meaningful. She offers art therapy as a tool for self expression and communication—combining traditional talk therapy with the creative process. She believes when words cannot fully express a feeling or experience, artistic expression can allow for new perspectives and deeper understanding. Kayla takes a collaborative, person-centered, and strength-based approach to help her clients reach their goals, while creating a safe space to feel heard and understood. She meets her clients where they are at with a down-to-earth, warm, and compassionate personality. Kayla is wise, supportive and has great insight. She specializes in eating disorders, body dysmorphia and all related concerns to problem eating and self esteem.
Jenna Santos, ATR-BC, LCAT
Jenna is an Art Therapist who joins our team with enthusiasm to bring a creative outlook to the therapeutic space. She works from a collaborative, strength-based approach, always believing in her clients power to flourish and thrive. Jenna works both individually and in group settings with clients of all ages. There is zero need for artistic skills, artistic experience is never a requirement to participate in Art Therapy; Art knows no bounds. Jenna's work utilizes the art medium as another from of communication and self-expression. In addition to Art Therapy, Jenna also works with adults struggling with substance use and helps her clients navigate in a safe and healthy way. Our paths of personal and emotional growth are always intertwining. Jenna joins her clients on their paths with a supportive and kind nature.
Annie Ruvolo, LMSW
Annie has been in the education field for ten years. Her background in meditation and mindfulness will create a safe space to bring about a holistic approach that leads to our best selves. Annie's practice emphasizes a mutual development of goals as well as ongoing evaluations. Her calm inviting nature offers a pathway for utilizing the power of the therapeutic relationship. Annie works with clients of all ages, both male and female and is able to help her clients navigate through various mental health matters. Annie has extensive experience facilitating Divorce & Separated Groups for both faith based communities and the secular population.
Laurie Cannon, LCSW-R
Dedicated, compassionate, down to earth and genuine LCSW-R, with 25+ years of clinical experience, providing client centered, strengths based therapy for children, adolescents and adults , primarily within an outpatient mental health setting. Knowledgeable and accomplished in conducting individual, couple and family therapy.Strongly believes healing and change comes from the doing, the trying, the showing up and taking action in spite of the fear. Healing takes courage and we all have courage even if we have to dig a little to find it.We fall, we break and we fail. But then we rise, we heal and we overcome. Along with clinical experience comes 15+ years of supervisory, leadership and team building experience.
Kirstin Ostroski, LMSW-LP
Kirstin has experience working with children, adolescents and young adults as they develop and work through life’s transitions. She believes that everyone has the ability to change when given the right support to do so and maximize their human potential to meet their social needs. With clinical work encompassing multiple types of therapy, she helps individuals overcome various mental health battles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and poor self-esteem. Kirstin perceives therapy as non-judgmental healing that is uniquely created to fit each individual and their current situation. she is focused on creating a strong supportive therapeutic relatonship with each client which is crucial to their success. Kirstin has true passion for the field of social work and empowering others to reach their goals and live their best life.
Yonit Lerner Ofan, MFT-LP
Patient, compassionate, creative and passionate about helping adult individuals, couples, children, teens and families ease their pain and overcome challenges. Using CBT, mindfulness and Solution Focused therapy, Yonit will guide and support you on how to balance your life by adding ease and joy, gain confidence, reach your potential and greatness, embody meaningful relationships, manage crises, transformation and emotional trauma. Yonit has been in the education and dance field for 38 years. Her approach is holistic, combining professional training (two master’s degrees) as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LP) and as a dance and healing teacher. Her years of experience as a mother of young adults, a wife, and a professional offers a unique therapeutic space. Learn how to choose new healthy and positive ways of living your life fully. Yonit believes in utilizing a family system approach, identifying needs and desires, learning coping skills to overcome anxiety, conflicts, depression, overachieving burnout and other challenges you might have.
Michelle Cinnamo, MHC-LP
Michelle earned an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Hofstra University in 2023. Prior to that, she obtained a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Hofstra University. With experience working with individuals of all ages, particularly adolescents, Michelle employs a person-centered, humanistic approach emphasizing mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and trauma. She aims to connect with each client in a unique way to help them reach their highest potential to lead more harmonious and fulfilling lives. Alongside her role at LCS, Michelle serves as a School Counselor in a high school.
Taupa Fogo-Toussaint, MHC-LP
Taupa Fogo-Toussaint is a school psychologist and mental health counselor (MHC-LP). She has over 16 years of experience working with children and families in a school setting and two years in various mental health settings, providing individual, couples, and family therapy. She utilizes a person-centered approach and sees the client holistically, helping them accept and integrate all parts of their unique self to help them navigate and cope with daily challenges. She supports clients in cultivating healthier thought patterns and behaviors through cognitive-behavioral techniques and teaches them how to regulate their emotions through dialectical behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices. She is compassionate and attentive and holds space for all cultural identities. "If you don’t heal what hurts you, you will bleed on people who didn’t cut you.”
Mariacristina Mussumecci, MSW
Mariacristina is a psychotherapist here at LCS. She is a Masters social worker graduate from Stony Brook University. Mariacristina believes in the kindness of good souls and how they can change thousands of individuals world view! She works with a wide range of She has experience with clients dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, addiction & ACOA issues as well. Mariacristina uses a strength based perspective to help clients live the life they were always meant to have ! She is passionate about her work and creates a safe and joyful space for healing "If you don’t heal what hurts you, you will bleed on people who didn’t cut you.”
Caitlin Gosline, LMSW
A passionate and dedicated Licensed Masters Social Worker, whose belief is that all people are capable of achieving the change and success they desire. Since obtaining a Masters in social work from StonyBrook University; My clinical experience ranges from working with individuals across the lifespan addressing a variety of needs. I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and families. In practice you will find I take a client-family centered approach in order to create a safe and collaborative environment for my clients to achieve their goals. I have experience addressing issues including anxiety, depression, familial issues, and trauma through the use of CBT and MDFT skills. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop” -Confucius
Ashley Alleva, LMSW
Ashley is a part time psychotherapist here at LCS. Ashley has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Full time, Ashley is a school social worker in Suffolk County. Ashley has a passion working with children, adolescents, young adults and families of diverse backgrounds. Ashley uses a strength based approach and an eco-social approach. Ashley is dedicated to fostering positive development. This dual perspective not only enhances the well being of her clients’ but also strengthens their connection to the systems around them (family, school, community). Ashley has experience working with anxiety, depression, behaviors, phobias, trauma, self-harm & suicide. Ashley believes in empowering youth and helping them build confidence and self-efficacy.
Our Board Certified Nurse Practitioners
Learn more about our nurse practitioners below.
Board Certified Nurse Practitioners
Medication Management
Here at Lager Counseling Services, we have a team of Board Certified Nurse Practitioners who can help our clients interested in Medication Management Services. Our NP's are able to prescribe and manage clients' medication through follow up appointments in person or via Telehealth. Our NP's are highly skilled and trained in the field of psychiatric medications and client care. They also with all clinicians collaboratively to ensure consistent client care and encourage the process of growth.
~Shana Delis~
Director of Operations
Shana has over 10 years working in healthcare and also worked in finance for 6 years before finding her place at LCS. Shana is passionate about our mission to revolutionize mental health care and she works to build systems to ensure quality care to our clients while making LCS a great place to work.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." —Dolly Parton
Our Administration
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Christine is a dedicated Manager who is passionate about creating a supportive environment at Lager Counseling Services. Her passion to make a difference and motivation to help people people reach their full potential is what led her to LCS. Her mission is to make a difference and be a helping hand to anyone she is surrounded by. She is committed to value. She cares deeply about our clients and strives to keep everyones experience positive. She’s supportive of everyone’s journeys here with us. Her outgoing personality has created a positive atmosphere here at Lager Counseling Services.
Christine Davis
Office Manager
Christine is a recent graduate from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As the first person that a new patient often encounters from our practice, her warm demeanor, and cheerful personality combine to provide clients with hope and confidence. Christine has future plans to further her education in the mental health field. She views the role of a mental health professional as a calling of the highest order. She believes being healthy, physically, mentally and spiritually is a life pursuit, a journey not a destination, a ride we should all humbly embrace.
"One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn't fall apart."
- Linda Poindexter
Christine Russo
Wantagh Office Coordinator
Emily is a recent graduate from the University of Tampa where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is furthering her education at Adelphi this upcoming fall. Emily's aspiration to become a mental health counselor demonstrates a clear career goal and a passion for helping others. Her friendly personality creates a welcoming atmosphere for every client who walks through the door. She is dedicated in optimizing every client's experience at our practice.
Emily Nicolich
Wantagh Office Coordinator
Bella is passionate about mental wellness, and currently serves as a receptionist at Lager Counseling Services, where she extends a warm welcome to clients seeking support. Her dedication to mental health reaches beyond the front desk, as she is pursuing graduate studies in Mental Health Counseling at Adelphi University. Bella has just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Delaware, and she is committed to fostering a supportive environment for individuals on their journey to healing and self-discovery.
Bella Vocile
Bellmore Office Coordinator
Meet Katarina Olaechea, a compassionate and dedicated Executive Assistant with a heart for supporting mental health professionals in their mission to make a difference. With a genuine passion for helping others and a knack for organization, Katarina is the warm, welcoming presence that keeps the wheels turning smoothly in the mental health industry.
Drawing from her extensive experience in customer service, time management, and administrative duties, Katarina brings a unique blend of skills to her role. She's not just good at troubleshooting problems; she's a master at finding solutions that make everyone's lives a little easier. Her positive attitude and approachable demeanor create an environment where collaboration thrives and goals are exceeded.
"Because you are alive, everything is possible," thich naht hanh
Katarina Olaechea
Executive Assistant
Natalie Marth is a senior at Stony Brook University, where she is studying Psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed social worker. Her dedication to holistic wellness and supporting personal growth drives her professional ambitions. She is so excited to explore mental health work with Lager Counseling Services.
Natalie has experience in public relations, marketing, and environmental education, providing her with a diverse skill set. She is a certified childbirth educator and Doula, and hopes to integrate all her interests in her work and grow here at Lager. Natalie is excited to apply her experiences and passion for holistic care as she works towards a fulfilling career in therapy.
"Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them." -Marcus Aurelius
Natalie Marth
Wantagh Office Coordinator
Patient-centric professional with 30 years experience creating and maintaining trusting relationships and providing exceptional service to clientele. I have worked with a variety of client/patient populations (babies, children, adolescents, young adults, adults and geriatric) learning their needs and exceeding expectations in providing the best care and best possible outcomes. For the last five years, I worked as a Patient Care Coordinator where I was the patient’s first experience with the office. I was their first impression and I strived to understand their needs and provide them with the best possible patient care. I joined Lager Counseling Services as a Placement Specialist and I am thrilled to be working with patients to align them with the best therapist for their needs and subsequent mental health care journey. I am both compassionate and spiritual and I believe everyone can be their best. We can help.
"“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world." - Siddhartha Gautama Buddha
Jennifer Berkowitz
Placement Specialist