Pamela Alvich
Eric D. Collins, MD
Darwin Abreu, LCSW-R
Manuel Moscoso, CASAC II
Geoffrey M. Golia, LCSW
Paul Nicholson
Isabelle Adams, LMSW
Donnette Bennett
Shannon Caspersen, MD, MPhil
Debra Forman
Sara Kropf, LCAT
Peter Newland, CASAC
Nadine Raia, LMSW, CASAC-T
Diane Roman
Dylan Tabouchirani, CRPA-P
André Vilarinho, LMFT
Satin Zarkar, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Pamela Alvich
Pronouns: She/Her
Pamela Alvich is a mission-driven executive with 18 years of nonprofit leadership and behavioral healthcare experience. She has worked for many years in executive roles within the psychiatric and addiction area for adults and adolescents as an innovative business builder, adroit at strengthening sustainable patient services while leveraging philanthropic initiatives to advance care and education.
She spent numerous years at Silver Hill Hospital, a leading private not-for-profit psychiatric hospital treating adolescents and adults with psychiatric, substance use and co-occurring disorders, where she was responsible for improving procedures in the admissions process, expanding customer service for Silver Hill’s patients and families, and developing business relationships and referrals that resulted in significant growth for the 90-year-old organization. After Silver Hill Hospital, Pamela developed business development and admissions processes for new programs in the NYC Metro area.
Prior to her experience in the mental health category, Pamela worked in the fashion and luxury goods world, overseeing global product development and management for Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Polo Ralph Lauren. Her leadership role with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as a State Officer and current President of her co-op board, further enhance her qualifications to work well with the community at NYCFL.
Medical Director
Eric D. Collins, MD
Pronouns: He/Him
Dr. Collins completed his undergraduate studies in economics at Yale in 1984, following which he spent two years teaching chemistry and physics at Tabor Academy, a private high school for boarding and day school students in Marion, MA. In 1986, Dr. Collins enrolled at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he earned his MD in 1990 and subsequently stayed to complete his postgraduate residency training in Psychiatry and fellowships in both Addiction Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Dr. Collins then joined the psychiatry faculty at Columbia and pursued addiction research, including the publication as the first author in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2005 of a landmark clinical trial comparing heroin detoxification methods, including anesthesia-assisted detoxification.
In 2005, Dr. Collins became the Medical Director of Substance Abuse Services at New York-Presbyterian, a role in which he provided direct care to and administrative oversight for patients struggling with addiction, both at the Columbia medical campus of New York-Presbyterian and at the Columbia midtown outpatient treatment center. In 2012, Dr. Collins accepted the opportunity to become the Physician-in-Chief at Silver Hill Hospital, a private, not-for-profit psychiatric hospital in New Canaan, CT, where he oversaw and helped improve and advance psychiatric care, particularly addiction care, in their inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. In November 2019, Dr. Collins joined the Metropolitan Center for Mental Health, a community mental health center in New York City, as its Medical Director. In September 2021, Dr. Collins joined the New York Center for Living as Medical Director, a role in which he continues to serve.
Dr. Collins is board certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. He has published over 30 articles and book chapters, and he has extensive experience caring for psychiatric patients, particularly those with addiction and co-occurring mental and physical illnesses. In addition, Dr. Collins lectures in pharmacology, teaches students and fellows at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University, and maintains a private practice of general and addiction psychiatry.
Clinical Director
Darwin Abreu, LCSW-R
Bio to come.
Director of Operations and QA
Manuel Moscoso, CASAC II
Pronouns: He/Him
Manuel has more than a decade of commitment in various law enforcement agencies and worked with one of the largest non-profit organizations introducing community-based programs and training. Manuel has a long history of mentoring and fostering relationships based on trust and professional boundaries, which enable growth, development and healing. His depth of experience provides necessary skills to meet each client on their own path to recovery offering inspiration, guidance and influence.
Manuel is a CASAC ll, Credentialed Acupuncture Specialist-NADA, and an ASHI instructor. He has provided various treatment modalities in detox, residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient facilities for more than ten years. He has specialized in assisting opening new OASAS licensed facilities, and specializing in OASAS regulations and continued certification.
- American Red Cross Instructor Trainer 2010
- CASAC ll 2018
- ASHI Instructor 2018
- National Acupuncture Detoxification Association September 2019
- Narcan training September 2022
Director of Clinical Outreach and Education
Geoffrey M. Golia, LCSW
Pronouns: He/Him
Geoffrey M. Golia, LCSW (he/him) is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and non-profit executive who has dedicated his career to helping people seek fulfillment and meet their potential while advocating for social justice and progressive change. Throughout his career, he has served a variety of communities, including adolescents and young adults with substance use and mental health issues, justice-involved and formerly-incarcerated young men, and children affected by the foster care system. These experiences shaped his belief that building a strong foundation of recovery and emotional well-being is essential to one’s personal and professional success, and that all people deserve a reflective space to seek support, healing, and change.
Geoffrey is currently the Clinical Director at the New York Center for Living, an outpatient program serving adolescents, emerging adults, and families with substance use and co-occurring disorders. In this role, Geoffrey leads a team of clinicians who provide comprehensive, evidence-based care while supporting 12-step and related recovery programs. In addition to his clinical duties, Geoffrey provides support to agency leadership around strategic planning, business development, operations, and compliance, and represents the agency to parents, schools, and other programs at conferences and through educational presentations.
Geoffrey was previously the Clinical Director at Turnbridge, a dual diagnosis residential treatment program for adolescents and young adults. Prior to that, Geoffrey spent nearly a decade at Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO) serving justice-involved and formerly-incarcerated 16- to 24-year-old men—starting out as a Social Work Intern in the jails on Rikers Island and rising to the position of Chief Administrative and Program Officer. At GOSO, Geoffrey engaged in program development, implementation, and evaluation, fundraising and grant-writing, and administration.
Geoffrey received his bachelor’s degree in Social and Historical Inquiry from the New School University’s Eugene Lang College in 2005 and his master’s degree in social work from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work in 2012. In his spare time, Geoffrey enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, learning about science, art, history, and philosophy, and exploring New York City.
Selected Trainings:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Intensive Training (Behavioral Tech; 2023)
- New York Community Trust Leadership Fellowship (Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College; 2018)
- Clinical Journeys—One Year Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center; 2016)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy—Support and Skills for the Therapist Working with Severely Dysregulated or Suicidal Clients (Susan Dowd Stone, LCSW; 2015)
- Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change—Theory and Skill Building (Kathleen Sciacca, 2014)
- Ackerman Relational Approach to Family Therapy (Ackerman Institute for the Family; 2012)
Selected Bibliography:
- GOLIA, G. M. (2015). On the importance of direct practice experience among clinical social work faculty: A recent graduate’s perspective. Clinical Social Work Journal, 43(3), 325–333.
- GOLIA, G. M. & McGovern, A. R. (2015). “I’ll save you, if you save me”: The power of peer supervision in clinical training and professional development. British Journal of Social Work, 45(2), 634–650.
Chief Financial Officer
Paul Nicholson
Pronouns: He/Him
Paul holds a master’s degree in Finance from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems from Baruch College of the City University of New York. His expertise in guiding businesses to financial success are being applied to insure NYCFL’s continued financial stability, clarity, and greatness in its mission to help families facing some of their most difficult times.
His past work in the field of property management includes many years with Douglas Elliman Property Management, where he specialized in solving complex financial problems and resolving outstanding financial concerns. He has also used his business acumen in assisting coop, condo, condop, and commercial properties in navigating NYC laws and obtaining financing for the completion of large capital projects.
Family Therapist
Isabelle Adams, LMSW
Pronouns: She/Her
For as long as she can remember, Isabelle has had a deep interest in human behavior. This curiosity led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree Psychology and Criminology from the University of Miami. She later discovered a passion for social justice advocacy while working as a research assistant within marginalized communities, which inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Law from Columbia University.
Isabelle’s professional experience includes advocacy and clinical practice across a variety of settings including schools, children and family services, the court/legal system, community mental health care, and private therapeutic practices.
Isabelle approaches each client and family she works with from an individualized and multi-faceted perspective. She uses an eclectic, solution-focused and forward-thinking clinical approach to meet each client where they are, while empowering them to achieve their goals and succeed on the paths that they choose for themselves.
Isabelle’s personal interests include painting, spending as much time as possible outdoors, reading, listening to podcasts, and cuddling with her pet rabbit.
Selected Training
- Certification in multisystemic family therapy
- Mental health first aid
- Motivational interviewing therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Therapeutic group facilitation
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Revenue Cycle Manager
Donnette Bennett
Pronouns: She/Her
Donnette came to NYCFL with over 30 years in outpatient billing with various hospitals, medical and behavioral institutions. She has worked at New York Methodist Hospital, Long Island College Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center just to name a few. She has tremendous knowledge and experience in billing for various specialties in the medical field and is up to date with HIPAA Compliance. This position is a continuation of a long career, and the opportunity is exciting.
Donnette is dedicated to her responsibilities, considers the financial status of the clients and is always available to provide financial counseling if needed. Since working with clients is her specialty, she will bring her extensive knowledge to ensure the clients are satisfied. She is delighted to be an enthusiastic team member of a phenomenal organization like NYCFL.
Diane is a lifetime New Yorker who currently resides in Manhattan. She and her husband enjoy spending free time with their family, particularly on sunny days at the beach or poolside.
Psychiatrist
Shannon Caspersen, MD, MPhil
Pronouns: She/Her
Dr. Caspersen completed her B.S. at Yale University in Molecular and Cellular Biology, followed by a master’s degree in art history at the University of Cambridge, UK. She attended Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and completed her general psychiatry training at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and her child & adolescent psychiatry training at the combined Cornell and Columbia program at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is board-certified in general psychiatry, child & adolescent psychiatry, and addiction medicine. She worked at Silver Hill Hospital from 2014-2017 and has maintained a private practice in New York City since 2013. Dr. Caspersen is on the voluntary faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College, where she teaches medical students, residents, and fellows in classroom and clinical settings. She is has published widely in the academic and popular press, including The New York Times, on topics ranging from medicine to visual art. She speaks regularly at medical conferences and as an invited guest on mental health and wellness podcasts.
Education and Training
- Fellowship, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NY Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia and Cornell (Chief Resident)
- Residency, General Psychiatry, NY Presbyterian Hospital – Cornell
- MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
- MPhil, Cambridge University UK
- BS, Yale University
Certification
Triple-boarded in adult and pediatric psychiatry and addiction medicine:
- Board Certified by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry
- Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Board Certified by The American Board of Preventive Medicine in Addiction Medicine
Certified in Invitation to Change Approach (CRAFT, ACT, and MI) to Help Families Struggling with Substances, 2018
Director, Business Development
Debra Forman
Pronouns: She/Her
Debra works closely with clinicians, treatment facilities, hospitals, schools, and families to ensure the highest quality of service and commitment to healing is achieved.
Prior to coming to NYCFL, Debra served as Director, Sober Living Program and Director, Admissions and Outreach for The Lighthouse Recovery Services. Debra also comes with experience as a recovery coach and case manager. She applies her deep passion for fostering hope and possibility to young people and their families as they discover wellness and recovery.
Before entering the substance use and mental health category, Debra held marketing and communications roles in the advertising and public relations industries.
Primary Therapist and Creative Art Therapist
Sara Kropf, LCAT
Pronouns: She/Her
Sara’s educational journey by earning a BA in Psychology from Pace University in 2010, which opened the door to the creative arts, allowing her to combine passion for dance with the exploration of the human mind. Receiving a Master of Science from Pratt Institute led her to become a registered dance/movement therapist, as well as, a licensed creative arts therapist. After working closely with those who benefited from applied behavior analysis, she later became a registered behavior technician (RBT) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The combination of her educational background has allowed for expansion of clinical experience across many settings, treating people with various abilities, mental health issues, and ages from 3-103.
Some of the settings include: schools, in-patient psychiatric units, community-based day centers, residential homes, and private practice, where some have included adolescents and young adults with substance use and mental health issues. She also has experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Conducting work both on a one-to-one basis, as well as in small to very large groups, Sara derives treatment from a person-centered approach which is inclusive of the whole person and the many backgrounds which are incorporated in their identities.
- Laban Movement Analysis: Anatomy and Kinesiology (Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies; 2012)
- Basic Life Support: CPR/AED (National CPR Foundation; 2021)
- 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician Course (BACB; 2022)
Coordinator Alumni Relations/Primary Therapist
Peter Newland, CASAC
Pronouns: He/Him
Peter’s work in the field of chemical dependency spans 30 years, first with Phoenix House as a case manager with adolescents and then Director of Adolescent Ambulatory Services where he supervised several outpatient modalities; that included peer groups, multi-family groups and individual sessions. Peter then helped develop a chemical dependency program at Harlem East Life Plan which assessed and treated individuals with the goal of abstinence from alcohol and drugs. In a multidisciplinary setting, Peter was the Coordinator of Adolescent Services at the Realization Center, facilitating family group, peer group and family workshops.
Peter has conducted numerous seminars and presentations to schools, parent groups, hospitals and mental health professionals. Topics have covered substance abuse and teens, detecting early warning signs for a teen in need of a intervention, how to engage a teen and their family in treatment, and strategies for long term recovery.
- CASAC – 1995
- Caron’s 2015 Addiction Professional Award for the Greater New York Region
- Specialty in Substance Abuse
Primary Therapist
Nadine Raia, LMSW, CASAC-T
Pronouns: She /Her
Nadine was influenced to pursue a master’s degree at NYU Silver School of Social Work after working with adults struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns at Integrity House in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey, and adolescents with eating disorders, substance use disorders and co-occurring diagnoses at Next Generation Village Sebring, Florida. Within the master’s program at NYU, Nadine was part of the Substance Use Focusing Learning Opportunity which is a specialized program focused on clinical work with individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Nadine gained valuable experience as a Clinical Intern at The Door NYC, working with Young Adults in Crisis and at Inter-Care, an OASAS licensed outpatient treatment center in Manhattan and Westchester. She received her BS in Journalism from Boston University and her MSW from NYU. She holds additional certifications in Mental Health, Trauma and Addiction Yoga through Kula for Karma and Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. She works from an integrative strengths-based, inclusive and solution-focused approach, focusing on mindfulness, movement, and the gut/brain connection.
Selected Training
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Intensive Training (Behavioral Tech; 2023)
- SARET: Personal Impact of Substance Use Disorders, NYU Langone Health 2021 SAMSA: Substance Use Disorder Treatment/NCSACW 2021
Mandated Reporter: NYS Office of Children and Family Services 2021
NCTSN: The Child Protection System 2021 - NCTSN: Immigration and Trauma 2021
- NCTSN: Intergenerational Developmental Trauma 2021
- MAT Training 2022
- Narcan Training 2021, 2022
- CPR Training 2022
- Cornell University/T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies: Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition 2012
- Flow Yoga, NJ, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification 2015
Karma Kids, NYC, Children’s Yoga Training Certification 2016
Laughing Lotus, NYC, Bridge to Lotus Training Certification 2016
Kula for Karma, NYC, Mental Health Trauma and Addiction Yoga Training Certification 2020
Office Manager
Diane Roman
Pronouns: She/Her
Diane has 30+ years’ experience in Property Management. She knows how to foster positive relationships with clients and colleagues at all organizational levels. She understands their needs and always respects their dignity and confidentiality.
Prior to joining the NYCFL Team, Diane was the Chief Administrator Officer at Leiter Property Management.
As a mother, Diane believes in promoting the healthy well-being of children, adolescents and young adults as well as supporting their families. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years and served as the Manhattan Borough President for the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York. She also served over 15 years as the President of the Parent’s Associations at her children’s schools. She is grateful to contribute her talents and skills to NYCFL and its mission to help families.
Diane is a lifetime New Yorker who currently resides Manhattan. She and her husband enjoy spending free time with their family, particularly sunny days at the beach or poolside.
Peer Recovery Coach
Dylan Tabouchirani, CRPA-P
Pronouns: He/Him
Dylan’s personal experience with substance use as a teen led him to his current position as a Peer Recovery Coach at NYCFL.
After completing his own treatment, he resided in a sober living house in the city where he was inspired by the staff who helped those who were on journeys like his. After moving out, Dylan began working at the house and discovered a passion for helping young adults that led him to envision a future in the field. Dylan’s journey brought him to NYCFL, where he was first a client, and is now working to help young adults overcome the same issues he dealt with so they might become their best versions of themselves and live healthy and productive lives.
A former student of the famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and the University of Hartford’s musical theatre program, Dylan loves to make music and is exploring the ways music and therapy can be integrated to help his peers.
- CRPA-P November 2022
- Narcan Training October 2022
Family Therapist
André Vilarinho, LMFT
Pronouns: He/Him
André received his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University, and an undergraduate degree in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Connecticut. Through his studies, André gained a deeper understanding of how complex systems and social structures can impact the mental health and well-being of marginalized and underserved populations.
André’s journey into the world of therapy began with dual internships, where he worked with adolescents, families, couples, and adults from all walks of life. He further honed his skills at Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program’s Partial Hospitalization and Residential programs, where he worked with families struggling with self-harm and suicidal behavior. Now he continues to provide the same compassionate care and effective therapy to his clients at NYCFL.
After moving to Queens for love, Andre has enjoyed city life. Also hiking, camping, and building igloos. He also admits to having a soft spot for his mischievous kittens, despite their love for eating his plants.
Selected Trainings:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Intensive Training (Behavioral Tech; 2023)
- Complex Trauma: Somatic Interventions to Restore the Body-Mind Connection (Hudson Valley; 2023)
- Advanced Application and Knowledge of Executive Functioning: Clinical Focus (Hudson Valley; 2023)
- Opioid Overdose Training – Narcan (NYSDOH; 2022)
Psychiatrist
Satin Zarkar, MD
Pronouns: She/Her
Dr. Zarkar completed her undergraduate education at University of California, Irvine, obtaining a B.S. in Biological Sciences. She went on to attend Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine where she received her medical degree before completing her residency in adult psychiatry at Mount Sinai Morningside/West Hospital. It was there, during residency where Dr. Zarkar’s passion for working with children and adolescents grew. This guided her to attend the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she is currently serving as chief fellow. Through her training, Dr. Zarkar has been fortunate to work extensively with both adolescents and adults struggling with addiction in both the inpatient and outpatient setting giving her a unique and compassionate approach to care.
Education and Training
- Fellowship, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, The Mount Sinai Hospital (Chief Fellow)
- Residency, General Psychiatry, The Mount Sinai Hospital – Morningside/West
- DO, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
- BS, University of Califronia – Irvine
Certification
- Board Certified by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry
- Board Eligible by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry