Under the Tree Counseling
Under The Tree Counseling is an educational drop in center that offers a variety of services. From mental health to vocational training, Under The Tree Counseling was created to help students get a career and strive into success. By providing a new wardrobe and updated resume, each student will be given the chance for new opportunities.
Meet the Team
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Taiesha Joseph-A. - Life Coach
I really enjoy working in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping others on their mental health journey. I use multiple modalities in my approach with clients. I believe in order for a client to reach their goals they must have a strong therapeutic alliance with their therapist. I always strive to make sure my clients feel welcomed, understood, heard and respected. I have experience with the following disorders:
Life Challenges
Depression/Mood
Brief Psychotic
Anxiety
OCD and
Traumatic Stress Disorders.I encourage to reach out via email or phone to set up a time to talk.
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Kaishea J. - Resume Writer
I provide a variety of resume services to those seeking work. These services include resumes, cover letters, references documents, and more if requested. It is crucial to have a well-written resume to ensure your best chance at landing that interview. With my expertise, the resume and cover letter I develop for you will open the doors to the desired job you are seeking.
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Domonique - Therapist
Hello I am Domonique. Armed with a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in Forensic Psychology, and currently pursuing my Clinical Psychology Ph. D. I'm passionate about unraveling the intricacies of the human mind. Thrilled to embark on this journey as a psychology therapist, dedicated to guiding individuals towards healing and self-discovery.
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Kelly Fink - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I started my working life as an airman in the USAF while I figured out what my calling was. I was drawn to nursing, and I became a labor and delivery and emergency department nurse. It was a wild and fulfilling ride, but I wanted to be able to do more with my skills to serve patients to the fullest extent of my capabilities.This is where my time as a family nurse practitioner came about, and I have loved every minute of it. While it has been a great seven years, I have found our community to be lacking psychiatric providers. I have seen patients suffer because of this with increasing suicide rates, anxiety, depression, and the additional conditions that these diagnoses can cause.Whole Mind Whole Body Health is here to provide patients who are looking for thorough care that isn't rushed. It's a practice dedicated to listening to patients and all their concerns. I'm here to be part of the solution. I'm here to provide well-rounded, whole-person care to get you back to where you want to be.
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Jatoopon Maldonado - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jatoopon Maldonado is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over fifteen years of professional nursing experience in behavioral health. She provides a personalized approach to assure that her clients receive the utmost care that is unique to their needs. She will work closely with you to establish a strong therapeutic relationship that is nonjudgmental, open-minded, and supportive. Her goal is to help you achieve mental wellness.She treats Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD/Trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders.
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Amanda Davis - Vocational Specialist
Hello, my name is Amanda!
I have a Master's degree and a background in school counseling. As your vocational specialist, I provide career services to support you in exploring careers, launching your career or advancing your career.
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Erin Dinnis - Speech Language Pathologist
Hello there! My name is Erin Dinnis and I am a speech language pathologist! I currently reside on the Eastern shore of Maryland with my husband, Tim and our dog, Dory. My love for speech therapy began freshmen year of high school and I can't imagine doing anything else! After receiving my Bachelor's of Science degree from Stockton University in NJ, my career began as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLP-A) at two different elementary schools. From there, I graduated with my love for the field has blossomed and I've been blessed with great opportunities. From school-based infants and toddlers to high school age students, hospitals, outpatient, and in-home private therapy. I have loved the challenges and rewards. I am so excited for this opportunity through Under The Tree Counseling and to help you navigate this journey together.
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Dr. Catherine Reynolds, PsyD
I’m Dr. Reynolds, a licensed clinical psychologist. I work with couples and individual clients who are working towards creating less stressful and more meaningful lives for themselves. Many people enter my office feeling overwhelmed, lost, and/or out of answers. Who wouldn’t feel like that in this day and age? Life moves so fast and it can be difficult to keep up. I am here to tell you that you can feel better. In fact, you can THRIVE.
I have trained at some of the leading institutions in the country, including Emory University, Purdue University, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. I have also been featured as an expert on NBC’s 11Alive Morning Rush.
My 10+ years of clinical training informs the evidence-based approach that I utilize in the provision of psychotherapeutic and psychological evaluation services with my clients. My approach is tailored to the unique needs of each client or couple and is more generally informed by cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, attachment, and internal family systems theories.T:404-532-9947
E:drreynolds@selfcaresimplifiedforyou.com
Scheduling link: http://selfcaresimplified.clientsecure.me -
Tiffany Robinson- SYEP
I am Tiffany Robinson, a college student studying Speech and Hearing Science at the University at Buffalo. I’m passionate about helping others feel heard, supported, and understood. Through my experience in customer service and administrative work, I’ve developed strong communication and organizational skills that I now bring to my role in counseling. I’m excited to grow in this field and make a positive impact in people’s lives.
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Sanjida Sultana- CUNY INTERN
I am a sophomore at Hunter College pursuing a career in healthcare. However, I also enjoy various forms of creative activity alongside my academic pursuits. I like to sketch, paint, photograph, and sculpt frequently. Recently, I started a small art business where I can combine all my hobbies and interests. I hope to inspire people and lift their spirits through my work, whether it’s through art or my professional career!
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Mariah Hamilton - Administrative Assistant Intern
Hello! I am Mariah, a graduate of the psychology program at Howard University. I am incredibly passionate about using my knowledge and education to give back to my community. As a researcher, I have been a part of various research studies on community interventions and violence prevention, showing me the importance of community work to help people adapt to major life changes. Outside of academics, I love to read, and I am very passionate about music. I look forward to improving further as a psychologist and making a difference in any way I can.
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Tyrese Rolison-Abrams
I’m an Athletic Director, youth coach, and educator with over a decade of experience building programs from the ground up, particularly in underserved communities like the Bronx. I started as a volunteer football coach back in 2016, and over the years, that spark grew into a passion for creating safe, structured environments where young people could grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. What inspired me was seeing how sports could be a lifeline: a way to teach discipline, teamwork, confidence, and accountability. That belief has fueled everything I do, whether I’m on the sidelines, in a classroom, or in a boardroom advocating for more opportunities for kids.
A major challenge is the pressure of doing so much with limited resources especially when you’re trying to build something meaningful in a community that hasn’t always had access. There’s also the emotional weight that comes with being a consistent presence in kids’ lives when they may not have that elsewhere. I manage these stressors by staying grounded in the mission, relying on my support system, and keeping the bigger picture in mind. Small wins, like a student believing in themselves or a team reaching a milestone, are what keep me going.
One pivotal moment was when I took over a 6th-grade math class halfway through the year. Despite being new to teaching that subject formally, I leaned into my strengths structure, communication, belief building and we made history with the highest NYS Math scores the school had ever seen. I overcame that obstacle by focusing on culture, consistency, and accountability the same tools I use in coaching. I trusted the process and made sure my students trusted it, too.
My motivation comes from the kids I serve and the communities I represent. Seeing their growth on the field, in the classroom, or in life keeps me locked in. But to avoid burnout, I’ve learned to be intentional about rest. I set boundaries around my time, prioritize being present with my family, and make space for things that refuel me whether that’s working out, listening to music, or just taking a quiet walk to clear my mind. I also remind myself that I can’t pour into others if I’m running on empty, so I treat self care like part of the job.
Working with kids teaches you quickly that emotional intelligence is everything. You can’t coach, teach, or lead without understanding where someone is coming from. I’ve had to learn when to push, when to listen, and when to just be present. That’s translated into every area of my life especially in how I show up as a father, partner, and community leader.
Absolutely. Coaching and teaching in the Bronx means working with families from all walks of life, many of whom are navigating real-life challenges. I’ve learned to listen deeply, meet people where they are, and stay humble. Whether I’m talking to a parent who’s juggling two jobs or a student struggling with identity, I try to approach each situation with empathy and openness.
I draw clear lines between my professional and personal space. I don’t let the “always available” culture creep into my home life especially with two kids and a fiancée. Social media is a tool, not a lifeline, so I use it intentionally to uplift or promote meaningful work. I don’t let it become a space where access to me is constant or draining. My time is valuable, and I teach my athletes and peers to respect that.
Over time, I’ve realized the importance of not waiting for recognition or permission to lead. I’ve had to advocate for myself by clearly communicating the value I bring whether that’s pushing for better resources for student athletes, seeking opportunities for professional growth, or standing firm on boundaries that protect my time and energy. Building two athletic programs from scratch taught me to speak with confidence, show results, and not shy away from making my goals known. I’ve learned to ask for what I need, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to prioritize environments that respect both my work and my wellbeing.
Support systems are key especially my fiancée, my kids, and my close circle. I also reflect often. Whether it’s through journaling, mapping out new goals, or even storytelling in creative ways like building sports dynasties, I stay grounded by creating time to process. I haven’t always leaned on formal therapy, but I’ve embraced self awareness and community as my anchors.
Chase impact, not just titles. Understand that success isn’t about being everywhere at once it’s about being present where it matters. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your value, and don’t be afraid to slow down when your body or spirit tells you to. Create a system you believe in, and trust it even when things get hard. And most of all, give yourself grace. Growth isn’t linear, but it’s always worth it. -
VaTeya Prentiss - Case Manager
From a young age, I have been deeply intrigued by the complexities of the human mind. My interest was sparked by films that portrayed individuals with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder. These stories fueled a lifelong curiosity and ultimately led me to pursue a career in mental health and social services. Today, I serve as a Case Manager, working closely with individuals experiencing mental illness and homelessness—a role that aligns perfectly with my passion and purpose. In my professional journey, I’ve encountered a variety of challenges, one of the most common being clients who struggle with medication adherence. These situations can be difficult, especially when symptoms escalate, but I’ve learned not to take it personally. Instead, I remain committed to providing consistent support, understanding that setbacks are part of the process. One particularly pivotal moment in my career involved advocating for a client in need of an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) order. At the time, the client was hospitalized on a psychiatric unit, and I was required to attend a meeting with the medical team to discuss her care. It was an intense and unfamiliar experience, but I approached it with confidence and professionalism. I dressed appropriately, used clinical language I had learned from high-risk meetings, and presented my case clearly. As a result, the AOT order was successfully placed, ensuring the client received the structured support she needed. To maintain my motivation and prevent burnout, I prioritize setting clear boundaries. I’ve found that boundaries are essential in this field; without them, emotional exhaustion can quickly take hold. One of the ways I protect my personal time is by turning off my work phone after hours and not engaging with work-related matters until I’m officially back on the clock. This practice helps me stay grounded and maintain a healthy work-life balance. My career has also deepened my emotional awareness. I no longer rush to judgment when I see individuals struggling in public spaces. Instead, I approach these situations with empathy and grace, recognizing that many people face unimaginable hardships. This perspective has allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and build meaningful relationships within a multicultural workplace. Outside of work, I avoid the distractions of social media and focus on personal growth. I remind myself that online appearances can be misleading and that my journey is unique. My spiritual practice plays a central role in keeping me grounded—I begin and end each day with time spent in prayer and reflection. Keeping God at the center of my life provides clarity, strength, and peace. My ability to advocate for myself has been a lifelong trait. I’ve always been strong-minded and confident in my voice. This self-assurance has served me well both personally and professionally. To young adults entering the field or navigating life’s challenges, my advice is simple: give yourself grace. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep God first and trust the pace He has set for your journey. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own growth and purpose.
Our Values
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Spirtuality
"Feed the spirit and starve the flesh" - Romans 8:13
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Integrity
"The Road not Taken" - Robert Frost
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Success + Determination
"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" - Benjamin Franklin
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Call 911: If you are having a mental health health emergency
Text Home to 741-741: If you're in emotional distress and need immediate support
Call 988: For National Suicide Prevention Hotline