Pamela Alvich
Anna Filova, MD
Manuel Moscoso, CASAC II
Geoffrey M. Golia, LCSW
Shannon Caspersen, MD, MPhil
Camille Ostezan
Patricia Bogan, CRPA-P
Lisa Iapicco
Christina Francis, LMSW
Peter Newland
Melody Rodgers, RCP
Dylan Tabouchirani, CRPA
Alexandria Zekarias
Rachel Clark, LMSW-CRPA
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
Anna Filova, MD
Dr. Anna Filova received her original medical education in St. Petersburg, Russia. She completed her general psychiatry training at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, NY. She continued her professional training with a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and another fellowship in Community Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. After working for almost 15 years in inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs and performing several administrative roles, including an Associate Director of Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Filova has chosen to focus on her private practice, with a goal of making a personal difference in the lives of her patients.
Dr. Filova’s commitment to the field of psychiatry extends beyond her private practice. She is an active member of the voluntary faculty of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she helps foster the education of psychiatry residents, fellows, and medical students.
Dr. Anna Filova is Board Certified in both General and Addiction Psychiatry. She is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and the American Medical Association.
Chief Operating Officer
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 Business Development
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 Director of Clinical Outreach and Education at the New York Center for Living (NYCFL), an outpatient program serving adolescents, emerging adults, and families with substance use and co-occurring disorders. In this role, Geoffrey utilizes his clinical knowledge and expertise to engage in outreach to inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs, private practitioners, schools, and other referents to provide information on the Center’s programming and services. He also provides psychoeducation and support to parents and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health issues.
Prior to this role, Geoffrey was Clinical Director of NYCFL, leading a team of clinicians providing comprehensive, evidence-based care while supporting 12-step and related recovery programs.
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 for Substance Use Disorders (Behavioral Tech; 2023)
- 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.
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
Controller
Camille Ostezan
Pronouns: She/Her
Camille is a dedicated professional who graduated with a BS in Business Administration, Major in Financial Management from the University of Santo Tomas. Her academic background equipped her with a strong foundation in financial principles and management strategies, while maintaining a value-driven and balanced life.
She brings a distinct background in finance and accounting as the Controller of New York Center for Living and is dedicated to ensuring the fiscal health of the Center while optimizing its financial resources.
Prior to joining NYCFL, she was a finance specialist in the Controllership team of a beverage manufacturer and was exposed to different areas of the business, from commercial, supply chain and logistics, sales and marketing and human resources.
Her tenure as a finance associate in an academic institution afforded her insight into the unique financial dynamics of educational settings and reminded her that there is joy in learning.
Her past role as a senior accountant for an accounting firm in New York City exposed her to an in-depth understanding of diverse cultures, financial structures and practices that lead her to work as a Controller for a law firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice litigations. She developed a keen eye for compliance and regulatory intricacies and considered the job as one of her fulfilled dreams— to be part of a NYC law firm that helps victims of negligence.
In her free time, Camille likes spending time with her husband–traveling, hiking, trying different cuisines and restaurants and playing basketball. She also has a passion for photography and loves nature and landscapes.
Selected Trainings:
- Procure to Pay Champion Training
- Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Making Sense of Business: A Simulation
- CCFPI Tax Lecture Series
Peer Recovery
Patricia Bogan, CRPA-P
Pronouns: She/Her
After struggling with substance use in her late teens and 20s, Patricia is now enjoying her 32nd year in recovery. Her journey to this sober and joyful way of life led her to discover that teaching and mentoring were something of a calling. This led her to Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) training, which in turn led to joining the team at NYCFL.
Familiar with the challenges of early recovery, Patricia places a lot of faith in taking things one day at a time and creating manageable goals and nurturing positive intentions. In her own life she has trained in many healing modalities to aid recovery which focus on the physical as well as the mental self. These include certifications in ISSA Fitness Training, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Yin Yoga and Reflexology.
Patricia believes recovery requires a blend of routines, affection, music, and a sense of community. It is her hope to bring all her training and experiences to bear working with clients here at NYCFL.
- CRPA-P 2022
- International Sports and Sciences Assoc. Certified Fitness Trainer – 2011
- Wake Up Yoga Yin Yoga Teacher Training 2014
- Sonic Yoga Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Training 2017
- Laura Norman School Reflexology 1998
Talent Acquisition & Administrator
Lisa Iapicco
Primary Therapist
Christina Francis, LMSW
Peter Newland
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
Family Support Advocate
Melody Rodgers, RCP
Pronouns: She /Her
Melody is a certified Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) and has been working with individuals and families affected by substance use and trauma for several years. Her role at NYCFL is to support, guide, and educate families through the process of change.
Prior to joining New York Center for Living, Melody held her own private practice as a recovery coach working with individuals and families. Melody’s work within her private practice led her to join NYCFL as a Parent Support Advocate.
Melody also has also facilitated parent support groups in Newtown, CT through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery organization (CCAR)
Selected Training
- 2021 – Trauma Thrivers
- Level 1 designed for Recovery Coaches 2021-2022
- Level 2 course work ongoing 2023
- 2021 New Roads Behavioral Center DBT Foundations
- 2020 CCAR Recovery Coach Professional designation
Peer Recovery Coach
Dylan Tabouchirani, CRPA
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 June 2023
- CRPA-P November 2022
- Narcan Training October 2022
Reception
Alexandria Zekarias
Pronouns: She /Her
Alexandria started her education as a nursing student at Vanderbilt Hospital, where she gained experience on the adolescent mental health unit. There she learned to build rapport with patients and observe psychological evaluations. This prompted a pivot to a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Alexandria also undertook QPR Gatekeeper Program training, focusing on preventative measures for those facing suicidal ideations. Alexandria enjoys the opportunities that NYCFL brings her, as she interacts with clients and their families in a mental health environment.
Rachel Clark, LMSW-CRPA
With several years of experience in the substance use field, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep personal connection to my work. Rachel’s journey through recovery has profoundly shaped her approach, allowing her to build genuine rapport with clients who are navigating their own paths to healing. This personal experience, coupled with Rachel’s professional training, helps her foster an empathetic and supportive environment.
Rachel completed her Master of Social Work degree at Hunter College in 2022, equipping her with advanced skills and insights to effectively support individuals in their recovery journeys. In addition, Rachel holds multiple certifications, including CASAC-T (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor – Trainee), CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate), and CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach), as well as Narcan and First Aid certifications.
Rachel’s ability to connect with young clients is a cornerstone of my practice. Rachel is dedicated to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable exploring and addressing their struggles. Rachel’s goal is to empower each individual to build resilience and achieve lasting positive change.