About

My Practice

Cancer changes your life. You may feel distress that interferes with your ability to cope with its symptoms or its treatment, It can be very helpful to talk to someone like myself, who can help you to strengthen your own coping skills, manage challenges and changes associated with a cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty it brings; to learn how to communicate about cancer with family members, children, friends, employers and health care team; to help manage the many emotions that can be associated with all aspects of cancer. With over 20 years of experience in cancer research and drug development, I can also answer questions about your disease, the side effects of treatment, about tests and procedures and treatment plans.

My Background

I am a psycho-oncologist, which is a fancy way of saying that I work with and support cancer patients, their families and caregivers across the cancer continuum, from diagnosis, treatment, to survivorship or recurrence and end of life.

My background entails an in-depth experience in academic oncology research (Johns Hopkins University, National Cancer Institute) as well as strong training in the practice of psycho-oncology- the field that provides psychosocial support to cancer patients (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). I find my expertise in cancer research, the disease and its treatments gives me a unique perspective in my psychotherapy work. I can help not only with strengthening your coping skills, but also in understanding facets of the disease itself. My training also exposed me to the unique issues faced by cancer survivors and those experience loss of loved ones .

Training/Experience Summary:

• I am licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. I have a PhD in Cancer Epidemiology and Master of Science in Community Counseling.
• After a career of over 20 years in Oncology Drug Development as a Cancer Epidemiologist and Director of a Medical Affairs Oncology Program, I completed my internship at Cancer Care, an advocacy organization that provides many services to cancer patients, one of which is free counseling. I had experience in individual, and group work with cancer patients and their families across the spectrum of cancer.
• I was fortunate to spend l0 years under the mentorship of Dr. Jimmy Holland at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, one of the leading cancer hospitals worldwide.
• From 2008-2014, I was the Director of the American Psychosocial Society Referral Helpline, a free nation-wide service that provides referrals for cancer patients to mental health professionals with cancer experience in their communities.
• I have been in private practice since 2012.