Meet The Team

Randolph Bleiwas, our Executive Director, has Master's degrees in Psychology and Social Work, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, a NYS Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor and a Certified Hypnotherapist in addition to other certifications.​

He provided therapy in and administrated mental health and substance abuse programs in a variety of settings and has extensive experience in TBI, disabilities, trauma and other areas that affect our clients. More importantly, he cares about the people that we serve and wants Beacon Place to make a difference in peoples' lives and to be the place where hope never ends.

Dawn Van Doran, is the Assistant Executive Director of Beacon Place and has been key in assisting us to develop the Beacon Place Mental Health Center.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education From SUNY-New Paltz and 10+ years working with Adults with Special Needs and TBI.  Dawn has also been working with children with special needs since before college. 

​

“I enjoy working with adults with TBI to see the joy in their faces when they learn or experience something new.  I learn every day from them and look forward to coming to program to see and interact with them.”

Dr. Zana Dobroshi, M.D., Ph.D., FAPA, is our Medical Director and a Psychiatrist. She is a Diplomat of General, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is a faculty member at Columbia University.  She  has vast experience in treating children, adolescents and adults with different modalities: psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and alternative methods. She trained and worked in many places in Europe, USA, Israel and Gaza as a healer and as a teacher. Presently she works at Amen Clinic in NYC, teaches residents and medical students in Columbia University affiliated hospital in NYC and has a private practice. Her clinical interests include public psychiatry, treatment of PTSD and dissociative disorders, childhood mood disorders, psychoses, and other severely impaired children in the public system.

Hi. My name is Greg DiSalvio. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with my degree from University at Buffalo. It has been my privilege to provide compassionate and empowering assistance in human services for over 25 years. In that time, I have affirmed my beliefs in strengths-based and person-centered support. My work has been guided by empathy and believing in the importance of a person’s unique story being heard, affirmed, and respected. I believe in the power of the therapeutic approach and enhancing life through fulfilling action. I am grateful to continue to assist people in their journey of self-discovery, growth and fulfillment through commitment and understanding.

Dawn Van Doran, is the Assistant Executive Director of Beacon Place and has been key in assisting us to develop the Beacon Place Mental Health Center.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education From SUNY-New Paltz and 10+ years working with Adults with Special Needs and TBI.  Dawn has also been working with children with special needs since before college. 

​

“I enjoy working with adults with TBI to see the joy in their faces when they learn or experience something new.  I learn every day from them and look forward to coming to program to see and interact with them.”

Shlome Landau, MHC-LP, is the Mental Health Program Manager at Beacon Place, where he oversees and develops services to support individuals in need of mental health care. He has been working in the mental health field since 2011 through his involvement with Regional Bikur Cholim, where he held key roles including Community Liaison and Case Manager, focusing on connecting individuals to essential services and supports.

In his work, Shlome combines clinical insight with hands-on coordination, dedicating part of his time to directly assisting clients in accessing the care and resources they need.

Shlome is deeply committed to expanding access to compassionate, effective mental health services and strengthening support systems within the community.

I am a Masters-level psychotherapist with 25+ years of clinical experience working with a variety of populations in private practice as well as health and mental health settings. Throughout my career, I have also spent over 10 years administering mental health programs in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities.
Following a person-centered philosophy, my focus is on making others feel heard, valued, and understood. I am passionate about helping clients flourish, and I am also dedicated to fostering the growth of the clinicians on my team. My goal is to bring about positive change by using a collaborative, individualized approach with everyone I work with. I feel privileged to be part of Beacon Place, where lives are reimagined and transformed.

I bring decades of dedicated experience in healthcare financial management, where I've developed a deep understanding of healthcare delivery systems and their unique fiscal challenges. My expertise spans strategic business planning, cost analysis, and pricing strategies that help healthcare organizations thrive while maintaining their commitment to patient care. As a certified financial professional, I specialize in financial reporting and have implemented robust information systems that enhance organizational efficiency. I take pride in providing executive-level financial guidance that balances fiscal responsibility with the mission-driven nature of healthcare. My approach combines analytical precision with a genuine understanding of how financial decisions impact healthcare delivery, and I'm committed to partnering with organizations to create sustainable financial strategies that support their vital work in our communities.

Grace brings warmth and creativity to everything she does at Beacon Place — from welcoming clients through the intake process to designing the original mental health awareness posters and prints that bring life to the office . She holds a Bachelor's degree from Binghamton University in Psychology and a Master's degree in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University and loves finding ways to use both in service of the work happening here.

Before returning to her role at Beacon Place, Grace spent time working in northern Colorado as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), providing direct support to young children on the autism spectrum. She came back with a deepened appreciation for the people this work is really about, and that shows in how she shows up every day.

She is currently preparing to pursue a Master of Social Work, drawn toward a future where she can continue growing in this field and serving her community in an even deeper way. She is also extremely happy to be back working with this team of incredible administrators and clinicians. 

Yitty Deutsch serves as the Intake and Scheduling Manager, overseeing the scheduling team and helping ensure daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. With exceptional communication and phone skills, she works closely with staff, patients, and referral sources to support seamless coordination of care and maintain a high standard of service.

Prior to joining the team, she worked at Priority Home Health Care, where she assisted patients in maximizing their available services and navigating their care needs. She thrives in fast-paced environments, remains calm under pressure, and is known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to solve problems effectively. Her commitment to teamwork and operational excellence helps create a positive experience for both patients and staff.

Faigy is the Scheduling Coordinator at Beacon Place, where she keeps appointments, providers, and clients running in sync. For many people reaching out, she is the first friendly voice they connect with, and she works to make that first interaction warm, clear, and easy. Organized, detail-focused, and genuinely good with people, Faigy understands that behind every appointment is a person seeking care.

Rivky Rosenfeld serves as the Implementation & Training Specialist at Beacon Place. In her role, she works closely with staff and leadership to introduce new systems, improve organizational processes, and develop trainings that support employee success. Committed to creating efficient processes and supporting staff with the tools and knowledge they need to excel , Rivky helps create a positive and efficient work environment by ensuring team members are well-equipped, informed, and supported in their roles.

Faigy Landau is the Utilization Review and Quality Assurance Specialist (PSS) at Beacon Place. In her role, she helps ensure that Peer Support services are delivered with the highest standards of quality, compliance, and person-centered care. Faigy works closely with staff and programs to support utilization review processes, monitor documentation, and promote continuous quality improvement across services. Her passion is helping each client analyze their individual needs and ensuring they receive the most appropriate care and support to help them achieve their goals. Through her attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and dedication to client well-being, Faigy plays an important role in advancing Beacon Place's mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the people we serve.

Christian J. Plaza, MSN, MBA, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care in psychiatry, primary care, and addiction medicine. A graduate of Cornell University and Mount Saint Mary College, Christian combines a strong academic foundation with years of clinical and leadership experience serving diverse communities throughout the Hudson Valley.

Christian specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders. He provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy, utilizing a collaborative and patient-centered approach that empowers individuals to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health and quality of life.

As a psychiatric provider affiliated with Beacon Place LLC, Christian works alongside an interdisciplinary team dedicated to providing high-quality behavioral health services to adolescents, adults, and older adults. He shares the organization's commitment to individualized care, helping patients navigate challenges related to mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and other behavioral health concerns while fostering resilience, recovery, and personal growth.

Fluent in Spanish, Christian is passionate about increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services and reducing barriers to care for underserved populations. His approach emphasizes respect, collaboration, education, and evidence-based treatment, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their individual goals and circumstances.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, and patient-centered care across inpatient, outpatient, forensic, crisis stabilization, detoxification, rehabilitation, correctional health, and community-based settings.

I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, trauma-related disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychoeducation, and supportive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs, goals, and stage of recovery.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and culturally sensitive. I believe in creating a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and supported. I work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote emotional wellness, resilience, stability, and long-term recovery.

Throughout my career, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including underserved and vulnerable populations. Fluent in French and Creole, I value meaningful communication and strong therapeutic relationships built on trust, empathy, and respect. My goal is to help patients feel empowered in their treatment journey while supporting their overall mental and emotional well-being.

Dr  Zahida Nayeem is our psychiatrist. Dr. Nayeem has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services throughout her nearly 40-year career. She has worked with diverse populations, including both adult and pediatric clients, and with subpopulations, such as those engaging in substance abuse, dual-diagnosis clients, geriatric clients, clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, psychosis, correctional facility clients, and workmen’s compensation clients.

Nathan Friedman, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in behavioral health, emergency medicine, and psychiatric-medical inpatient care. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Pace University and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of clinical settings.

Nathan is passionate about providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and individualized mental health care. His approach emphasizes building trusting therapeutic relationships, thorough evaluation, collaborative treatment planning, and creating a supportive environment where patients feel understood, respected, and empowered throughout their care.

Kyle Van Doran is the Activity Supervisor for our Structured Day Program. She's been a student enrolled at SUNY Rockland with a major in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Journalism and is working towards becoming a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.  She has worked as a volunteer to adults with special needs for over five years.

Shelley Lari, LCSW, has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the State University of NY at Stony Brook.  She began her social work career in the hospital setting, from inpatient psychiatry to both inpatient and outpatient detoxification.  She then moved into the Social Work/human services OMH regulatory Compliance role.  Shelley completed internal compliance for both FEGS and the Institute for Community living, prior to moving on to external Compliance in behavioral health for Optum/United Health Care, as well as a private Psychotherapy practice. "I love to explore new areas in the fields of social work and overall human services. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work both individually with clients in the clinical setting, and with/for agencies on the macro level of compliance."

Dr. Jeffrey Vallon has a PhD in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Health Care Administration. He has extensive experience providing individual, couples, family and group therapy as well as administering mental health and substance abuse services. Jeffrey has extensive experience with Traumatic Brain Injury and many other conditions. He is a NY State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, New York Mental Health Counselors Association and a  Member of the New York State Alliance of Sex Offender Treatment Providers.

While being truly seen and heard is one of the most beautiful aspects of good therapy, I’m sure you also want help with relieving stress and dealing with painful problems. 

Combining insight-oriented therapy and practical strategies can bring about really positive change. I draw from many schools of thought, yet I most align with cognitive behavioral and insight-oriented therapy. Drawing on your strengths, we can explore new ways to look at difficult situations, which can bring about positive feelings, actions and results.

I work with individuals, couples and families. My style is warm and empowering, with a bit of humor mixed in. It’s important to be able to relax, be yourself and talk freely with your therapist.

The issues I specialize in are: Reducing Stress/Anxiety, Improving Relationships, Career Issues, Creating Purposeful work/ life paths (including meaningful retirement).

Sandra Mubang has been with Beacon Place initially as a Community Integration Counselor serving our clients with Traumatic Brain Injuries and helping them to re-integrate into the community. She now joins our Mental Health Center as an LMSW therapist. She comes to us with her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She has years of clinical experience working with grief, couples and family counseling and other behavioral health issues. We are glad to have her aboard. 

My name is Jean-Ralph Petido, but you can call me Ralph for short. I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and have been a clinician for three years. I obtained a BA in Psychology from Mercy University and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Iona University. I first interned and worked at Family Services of Westchester for a couple of years. I have work experience with CHE Behavioral Health Services. I am now excited to be part of Beacon Place LLC.
In my years of experience, I have utilized CBT, DBT, Anger Management, and more to assist individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, and more. It may seem difficult at the time to work through these issues, but together we can do it. The goal is to build a strong therapeutic alliance to help people work towards a healthy lifestyle. When a person puts in the effort and understanding of their difficulties you can slowly achieve that healthy lifestyle.

Peter is a Program Assistant for the Structured Day Program. Graduating from Rutgers University with a major in Psychology and a Minor in History, Peter then achieved a Masters in Psychological Sciences from Montclair State University, focusing both on research and clinical parts of psychology. Now, back at Rutgers, striving towards a Master's in Social Work, Peter was hired after starting as an intern and looks forward to helping people and learning more.

Hi, my name is Richie Jose and I am a therapist at Beacon Place. I am a Licensed Social Worker with 10 years of experience in the social work field. I received my Master's degree from Yeshiva University. I have worked with teenagers, adults and the elderly with different diagnoses. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and exercising.

Throughout my social work career I have utilized CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) behavioral therapy, strengths based therapy and trauma focused treatment. 

I remember as an adolescent how difficult life was  and the help that I received from my therapist/social worker. Now that I am in my adult years I’m honored to be in a position where I can help someone else. 

Jorge A. Diaz is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) therapist with 19 years of experience working directly with individuals facing mental and behavioral challenges. He has been licensed as an LMSW since 2011 and brings a wealth of expertise to his  practice. With a strong foundation in evidence-based approaches, Jorge specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), utilizing its principles to guide his therapeutic interventions. He is also adept at incorporating other modalities tailored to the unique needs of each client. Jorge's primary goal in therapy is to provide unwavering support while assisting individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of their difficulties. Through collaborative exploration, he endeavors to help clients discover solutions and acquire the necessary skills to manage life's stressors more effectively.

With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Jorge A. Diaz embodies compassion, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to facilitating positive change in the lives of those he serves.

My name is Margarett Torrellas and I have a M.A. in Forensic Psychology and second M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. I have experience in working with children, adolescents and adults doing individual, family, couples and group therapy. My specializations include working with first responders, domestic violence, sexual assault survivors, trauma and grief and I have also done clinical work with the sex offender population. In addition to my clinical experience, I am retired from the NYPD and did 20 years of service as a police officer, detective and sergeant.  Currently, I am an adjunct professor at St. John’s University and have been teaching undergraduate psychology for the past 10 years. As a relational therapist I utilize a multidisciplinary theoretical approach to fit the unique needs of my clients.   I come from a place of compassion and look forward to providing you with an environment of trust, safety and unconditional positive regard.   

Dr Patricia Burchell (Patti) has been a nurse since 1989, a Family Nurse Practitioner since 1996 and a Doctoral Nurse Practitioner since 2015).

She has done clinical pediatrics, family medicine, orthopedics, short stay surgical, medical/surgical, clinics in a number of specialties; (STD, pediatrics, adult, dermatology, allergy, surgery, Gastrointestinal, OB/GYN, Neurology, pediatric neurology). She taught one year at St Peters in Englewood Cliffs. She has done the last 20 years in pain management in an office setting. She started her own office in 2019 doing pain management with a staff of chiropractors, massage therapists, Physical therapists and a Reiki master. After COVID she added aesthetics to her pain management practice in New City. 

I am a recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University . My work is rooted in a person‑centered approach, guided by empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I currently work with adolescents and adults, supporting them through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges.

I bring a blend of humor, compassion, and curiosity into the therapy room, creating a space where clients feel safe to explore, grow, and reconnect with themselves. I have a particular passion for couples therapy and helping partners strengthen communication, deepen intimacy, and navigate conflict with greater understanding.

My clinical approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), allowing clients to build psychological flexibility, develop self‑leadership, and foster a more compassionate relationship with their inner world. I believe deeply in meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they move toward meaningful change.

Shaindy Arieh is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Master’s degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. She brings a unique combination of professional training, empathy, and fresh perspective to the field of social work. Shaindy has experience in care management and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), with a focus on helping individuals and families across New York State access essential social services and support. She is skilled in conducting psychosocial assessments, active listening, and building strong, trust-based relationships with clients.

Her approach is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and a deep respect for each person’s story. Whether she’s coordinating care, navigating resources, or supporting clients through moments of crisis, Shaindy is committed to showing up with presence, warmth, and purpose. She believes that with the right support, people can tap into their own strength — and she considers it a privilege to be part of that process.

Welcome, Bienvenido! My name is Elizabeth and I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I attained my Masters Degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. I  have been in the field for 36 years of which 31 years are post Master's experience. I have worked in various community settings. I utilize an eclectic approach in which I use different modalities to bring you closer to meeting your goals. I have worked with clients with a variety of diagnoses including Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. I provide culturally competent, collaborative, warm and empowering space where you are respected, seen and heard for who you truly are. I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults ,couples and families from 2 to 100 years old. Life is a journey and at times is not quite what we imagined it to be. I firmly believe that everyone can make changes and I am here to level out the playing field as we work together towards your betterment! I look forward to seeing you soon! Hasta pronto!

Hi.  My name is Rachel Weber.  I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with my degree from Long Island University.  I have been in the field for over ten years providing clinical psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals with depression, anxiety, and mental illness.  I have worked with clients from early childhood through adolescence and adulthood.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing are some of the tools that I use with my clients.  I bring care, passion, energy, active listening and empathy to my work with my clients.   I believe in creating a warm and welcoming space to help clients facilitate change in their lives.  

Tehila Zaks is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker in the states of Michigan, Connecticut and New York. She obtained her Master’s from Wurzwieler school of social work. Tehila has worked with individuals, families and couples. She has worked with individuals struggling with a TBI as well. The prospect of continuously learning about people’s diverse backgrounds and listening to their stories is something that truly fascinates me. Each person brings their own set of experiences and struggles, and I am genuinely enthusiastic about understanding and assisting them in their healing process.

 It is a profound privilege to be able to provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals to share their innermost thoughts and emotions, knowing that I can play a role in their healing and growth.

Steven Elgan is a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) intern dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate relational dynamics and life transitions. Grounded in a collaborative and systemic framework, Steven integrates evidence-based and systemic approaches—including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Bowenian family therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—to foster meaningful connection, emotional resilience, and lasting change.

His clinical practice addresses a broad spectrum of client needs, encompassing individual mental health, family systems, parenting challenges, marital distress, and sexual health concerns. By creating a warm, nonjudgmental, and secure therapeutic space, Steven empowers clients to explore vulnerabilities, resolve conflict, and build healthier patterns of communication and intimacy.

I am passionate about helping people recognize the strength and resilience they already have within themselves. In therapy, I support clients in building confidence, discovering their capabilities, and developing healthier ways to manage life’s challenges. I believe that with the right support and understanding, people can experience meaningful growth and greater emotional well-being. 

Avi Weschler is a Mental Health Counselor and Ordained Rabbi with extensive experience in clinical psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and community leadership. Proven track record in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions for diverse populations, ranging from school-aged children to adults in clinical and communal settings. 

Alana Kimberly Seesochan is a Graduate Student at Liberty University pursuing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. She is completing her clinical practicum and Internship at Beacon Place LLC, where she is gaining hands-on counseling experience under clinical supervision.

Alana brings a background in health care, behavioral health support, care coordination, and community resource navigation. In her professional experience, she has worked closely with individuals, families, and caregivers to identify needs, connect people with appropriate resources, and support access to culturally responsive services. She has also worked with diverse populations and collaborated with social workers, nurses, and other professionals to support client-centered care.

Alana believes in creating a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and valued. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life challenges, mental health concerns, stress, and personal growth while recognizing each person's unique strengths and experiences. 

She is committed to continued learning and professional growth as she works toward becoming a licensed mental health counselor.

Avi Weschler is a Mental Health Counselor and Ordained Rabbi with extensive experience in clinical psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and community leadership. Proven track record in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions for diverse populations, ranging from school-aged children to adults in clinical and communal settings. 

Sruly (Israel) Kohn, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. He has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, emotional and behavioral challenges, trauma, and family-related concerns. Sruly uses an individualized, strengths-based and attachment-focused approach, drawing from ACT, play therapy, sand-play therapy, and other evidence-based and relational interventions. He works through an attachment lens to better understand each client’s relationships, experiences, and emotional needs. In addition to his clinical work, Sruly provides clinical supervision and consultation to mental health professionals. He strives to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel understood and empowered to work toward meaningful growth and change.

Rachel Horovitz, LMSW, is an experienced social worker with over 20 years of experience providing counseling and support to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has extensive experience in private practice, early intervention, program development, parenting support, and working with individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, and family challenges.

Rachel is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized, and family-centered care. Her approach emphasizes building trusting relationships, recognizing each individual's strengths, and creating a supportive environment where clients and families feel heard, empowered, and supported as they work toward meaningful growth and change.

I’m a psychotherapist who helps individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, respect, and empathy. I provide a safe and supportive space to help individuals heal from childhood trauma and break through the barriers that can sometimes prevent people from seeking support. I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to support growth, resilience, and positive change. My goal is to create a space where people feel heard, understood, and empowered on their journey toward healing.