Meet our Brightline care team
Our expert clinicians have a diverse mix of backgrounds and experience. And their shared commitment to helping kids, teens, and parents is just as powerful.
Meet our Brooklyn care team
Tara Balin, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep interest in creating space for healing and supporting others in facing challenges and reaching their personal and emotional goals.”
Ramya Chunduri, LCSW
"Growing up, I noticed a lack of representation/cultural awareness . As I grew up dealing with life's struggles alone, I later realized that I wanted to bear witness to life's hardest moments and walk with others in their respective journeys."
Stephanie Eichler, LMSW
“I have always been genuinely interested in learning about people and hearing their stories. I am passionate about helping clients lead fulfilling lives, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and overcome challenges.”
Annie Elfers, LCSW
“I am a proud former ADHD kid who has had her own fair share of good and bad experiences in behavioral health settings. I aspire to provide the thoughtful, empathetic care that all children and families deserve, though many wish they could find.”
Sierra Freeman, LMSW
“As a former teacher who grew up with ADHD, I know how hard it can be when children don’t yet have the words to share what they’re feeling. That inspired me to become a therapist, so I could support kids and families in finding those words, feeling understood, and knowing they are valued just as they are.”
Gina Foster, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist after my experience providing one-on-one and group counseling to 6th-8th graders while pursuing my MSW. I find it energizing to watch individuals grow in confidence and self-understanding, while supporting them through such a formative time.”
Edward Merritt, PhD
“What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.”
Nikhil Nadkarni, MD
“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”
Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a nurse practitioner was because of my desire to help people, especially in underserved areas." Focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
"I knew I always wanted to work with children and families in some capacity - I am a strong advocate of early intervention and want children and families to have the necessary coping skills to navigate life effectively as it can, and does, change the trajectory of their lives."
Nikki Vega, LCSW
"I became a therapist because I believe deeply in the healing power of relationships and the power of community. I wanted to learn from and work with people working to repair their relationships with themselves and with others."
Madelyn Williams, LMSW
“I am inspired to become therapist by seeing how powerful it is for children and families to have someone truly present with them in difficult moments. What continues to motivate me are the small but profound shifts in resilience and confidence that happen when kids feel safe, understood, and supported.”
Meet our Brooklyn care team
Tara Balin, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep interest in creating space for healing and supporting others in facing challenges and reaching their personal and emotional goals.”
Ramya Chunduri, LCSW
"Growing up, I noticed a lack of representation/cultural awareness . As I grew up dealing with life's struggles alone, I later realized that I wanted to bear witness to life's hardest moments and walk with others in their respective journeys."
Stephanie Eichler, LMSW
“I have always been genuinely interested in learning about people and hearing their stories. I am passionate about helping clients lead fulfilling lives, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and overcome challenges.”
Annie Elfers, LCSW
“I am a proud former ADHD kid who has had her own fair share of good and bad experiences in behavioral health settings. I aspire to provide the thoughtful, empathetic care that all children and families deserve, though many wish they could find.”
Sierra Freeman, LMSW
“As a former teacher who grew up with ADHD, I know how hard it can be when children don’t yet have the words to share what they’re feeling. That inspired me to become a therapist, so I could support kids and families in finding those words, feeling understood, and knowing they are valued just as they are.”
Gina Foster, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist after my experience providing one-on-one and group counseling to 6th-8th graders while pursuing my MSW. I find it energizing to watch individuals grow in confidence and self-understanding, while supporting them through such a formative time.”
Edward Merritt, PhD
“What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.”
Nikhil Nadkarni, MD
“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”
Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a nurse practitioner was because of my desire to help people, especially in underserved areas." Focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
"I knew I always wanted to work with children and families in some capacity - I am a strong advocate of early intervention and want children and families to have the necessary coping skills to navigate life effectively as it can, and does, change the trajectory of their lives."
Nikki Vega, LCSW
"I became a therapist because I believe deeply in the healing power of relationships and the power of community. I wanted to learn from and work with people working to repair their relationships with themselves and with others."
Madelyn Williams, LMSW
“I am inspired to become therapist by seeing how powerful it is for children and families to have someone truly present with them in difficult moments. What continues to motivate me are the small but profound shifts in resilience and confidence that happen when kids feel safe, understood, and supported.”
Meet our Lake Success clinical providers
Caroline Mendel, PsyD
"I’ve known that I wanted to be a child psychologist since middle school! I had my sights set on this career because I naturally found myself supporting others, and I knew working with kids to help bring out the best in them would bring me joy."
Nikhil Nadkarni, MD
“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”
Michele Neuhaus, LMHC, LCAT, MA
“I enjoy helping people express their feelings. I am also passionate about helping my clients learn new ways to manage emotions and experiences that might feel overwhelming."
Dawn Nero, PsyD
"I'm passionate about helping parents understand how to support their kids, providing them with information and tools through testing and ongoing treatment."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Meet our Lake Success clinical providers
Caroline Mendel, PsyD
"I’ve known that I wanted to be a child psychologist since middle school! I had my sights set on this career because I naturally found myself supporting others, and I knew working with kids to help bring out the best in them would bring me joy."
Nikhil Nadkarni, MD
“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”
Michele Neuhaus, LMHC, LCAT, MA
“I enjoy helping people express their feelings. I am also passionate about helping my clients learn new ways to manage emotions and experiences that might feel overwhelming."
Dawn Nero, PsyD
"I'm passionate about helping parents understand how to support their kids, providing them with information and tools through testing and ongoing treatment."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Meet our Columbus Circle clinical providers
Anthony Giammanco, LMHC
“My inspiration to become a therapist was born out of my desire to help others. While this is of course an obvious answer, I truly believe there is nothing more fulfilling than to try and help others to be their best selves.”
Kellie McFarlane, PsyD
"My inspiration for becoming a therapist comes from a long-held passion for helping children navigate difficult circumstances, particularly through creative expression and play. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where young people and their families can grow and thrive together."
Nikhil Nadkarni, MD
“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”
Jack Reibstein, LMSW
“ I’m inspired by the boundless capacity kids and teens have for imagination, creativity, growth, and change. My hope is that in our sessions, I can create a safe space for them to explore and discover more about themselves."
Zachary Seow, LMSW
“ I’m inspired by the moments where a stumbling block becomes a stepping stone for progress."
Carly Stern, PsyD
“ I’m passionate about providing evidence-based care to kids and their families and adapting interventions to benefit diverse, multicultural populations."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Meet our Columbus Circle clinical providers
Anthony Giammanco, LMHC
“My inspiration to become a therapist was born out of my desire to help others. While this is of course an obvious answer, I truly believe there is nothing more fulfilling than to try and help others to be their best selves.”
Kellie McFarlane, PsyD
"My inspiration for becoming a therapist comes from a long-held passion for helping children navigate difficult circumstances, particularly through creative expression and play. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where young people and their families can grow and thrive together."
Nikhil Nadkarni, MD
“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”
Jack Reibstein, LMSW
“ I’m inspired by the boundless capacity kids and teens have for imagination, creativity, growth, and change. My hope is that in our sessions, I can create a safe space for them to explore and discover more about themselves."
Zachary Seow, LMSW
“ I’m inspired by the moments where a stumbling block becomes a stepping stone for progress."
Carly Stern, PsyD
“ I’m passionate about providing evidence-based care to kids and their families and adapting interventions to benefit diverse, multicultural populations."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Meet our online clinical providers
Heather Buzbee, PMHNP
“I have been working in healthcare for over twenty years. I started as a nurse, with most of my background in pediatrics. I have been working with children and their families as a pediatric provider for over five years, first in primary care and now mostly in behavioral health."
Rachel Havens, LMHC
“I bring 17 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in academic and clinical environments, having served as a tutor, educator, school counselor, and mental health therapist for ages 2 through 18."
Ashley Nelson, LMHC
Ashley Nelson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with focus areas of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, LGBQ+, BIPOC.
Ephat Russcol, MD, FAAP
“I always knew I wanted to work with children. In medical school, I loved general pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and psychiatry. I ended up going into general pediatrics. As a general pediatrician, I saw the great need for better behavioral and developmental care. General pediatric visits are short and did not allow me the time to fully help my families. Now, I can really focus and help children and families thrive!”
Meet our online clinical providers
Heather Buzbee, PMHNP
“I have been working in healthcare for over twenty years. I started as a nurse, with most of my background in pediatrics. I have been working with children and their families as a pediatric provider for over five years, first in primary care and now mostly in behavioral health."
Rachel Havens, LMHC
“I bring 17 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in academic and clinical environments, having served as a tutor, educator, school counselor, and mental health therapist for ages 2 through 18."
Ashley Nelson, LMHC
Ashley Nelson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with focus areas of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, LGBQ+, BIPOC.
Ephat Russcol, MD, FAAP
“I always knew I wanted to work with children. In medical school, I loved general pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and psychiatry. I ended up going into general pediatrics. As a general pediatrician, I saw the great need for better behavioral and developmental care. General pediatric visits are short and did not allow me the time to fully help my families. Now, I can really focus and help children and families thrive!”
Join our clinical team
If you are a New York-based clinician who wants to love where you work, you belong at Brightline. Browse our open roles today!
