Meet Our Psychotherapy Team| Aspire Psychotherapy
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN
Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in a wide variety of presenting issues such as mood and anxiety disorders, serious mental illness, and family/relational problems. Dr. Scolaro has rigorous training in providing affirmative LGBTQ+ therapy and evidence-based treatments for OCD, Body Focused Repetitive disorders, phobias, ADHD and behavioral issues in children and adolescents with a focus in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), biofeedback, and behavioral interventions. Additionally, Dr. Scolaro has been trained in providing neuropsychological assessments to folks across a lifespan who are seeking to better understand and optimize their level of functioning.
Dr. Scolaro blends warm and compassionate style with unwavering dedication in supporting clients on their unique journeys. Her commitment involves helping individuals envision a version of a happier, more fulfilling life. With a hands-on approach, she collaborates with clients to identify practical ways to navigate challenges and work towards their desired state of well-being.
Training modalities:
Psychodynamic / Psychoanalytic
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples/Partners and Families (EFT)
Complicated Grief
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Neuropsychological Assessments
Board Certified in Biofeedback
Board Certified in Neurofeedback
Dr. Scolaro received a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from LIU Post University, a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, and a Master of Clinical Psychology from City College of New York. Dr. Scolaro’s research interest is focused on LGBTQ+ competency amongst therapists and the importance of affirmative care.
Her previous roles include Director of DBT Center at Behavioral Associates, where she trained and supervised all individual and group DBT services, and Co-Director of the PRIDE Healing Center at LIU Post University, which serves the LGBTQ+ community and their families. Dr. Scolaro received training in psychological assessments and evidence-based treatments for personality and mood disorders, behavioral dysregulation, psychosis, gender and body dysphoria in both intensive outpatient and inpatient settings such as Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, Gracie Square Inpatient Hospital, William Alanson White Institute, as well as Lincoln Hospital and Bronx Lebanon Hospital.
Professional Affiliations
New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA)
Hudson Valley Psychologists
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
Recent Highlights:
The How’s and Why’s of LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy (Guest Speaker, March 2023)
PSYCHOLOGISTS IN TRAINING: DEVELOPING LGBTQ+ CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN TRAINEES (Dissertation)
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI
Director, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI (they/their), is a queer licensed clinical social worker and performance coach that helps folx navigate anxiety, depression, and stress in one or more areas of life. Their style is a blend of a direct, structured approach and a supportive place for processing thoughts and feelings, drawing primarily from behavioral approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In addition to talk therapy and coaching, Brie is certified in Heartmath Biofeedback and often uses technology to support athletes, students, creatives and professionals excel in their field.
Training modalities:
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Performance Coaching (Sports, Career, School)
Biofeedback / Heartmath Certified
Brie received their Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor in Psychology from the University of Delaware. They are a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Welfare at The Graduate Center, CUNY conducting research on the impact of Queer-Inclusive Sports Spaces on mental health and wellbeing. Brie is an Adjunct Lecturer and Field Advisor at the Silberman School of Social Work MSW Program at Hunter College, and a mentor for the Columbia School of Social Work. They have guest lectured at various social work and psychology programs on topics like ADHD, Research with LGBTQIA+ Populations, Supporting LGBT Asylum Seekers, LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy, and the Business of Psychotherapy. Brie comes from a background in humanitarian response, human rights and disaster relief at the national and global levels, including work with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland and Americorps NCCC FEMA Corps. Brie Scolaro, LCSW played collegiate ice hockey, where they were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and is an active member of the Alliance for Social Work in Sports (ASWIS).
Recent Highlights:
Book Chapter - (In Progress) - Global Gender Diversity, in Gender Around the World (United Nations)
Dissertation - (In Progress) - The Role of Queer-Inclusive Sports Spaces on Athlete Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Unlocking Potential & Breaking Barriers: CUNY Perspectives on ADHD , Panelist, April 2024
Examining Mental Health Provider’s Comfort with Sex & Sexuality, SSWR Conference - January 2024
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW
Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker
Paula Carrizosa, LMSW, LSW (she/her), is a queer licensed social worker and psychotherapist who focuses on treating anxiety disorders, depression, emotion dysregulation and trauma. Paula’s approach is warm and collaborative, and she creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment to help her clients get closer to their values and goals. Paula draws from evidence-based behavioral approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) and often incorporates somatic and mindfulness practices into sessions.
Paula sees therapy as an opportunity to compassionately explore our authentic selves, heal past wounds, learn new coping skills, and ultimately create more meaningful and fulfilling lives. She specializes in providing anti-oppressive and affirming care to LGBTQIA+ individuals, and her work is queer, gender, poly/CNM affirming and sex and sex-worker positive. Paula is also fluent in English and Spanish.
Training modalities:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT-PE)
DBT for Multidiagnostic Eating Disorders (MED-DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1
Paula received her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, where she participated in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Training Program, and Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. Her clinical experience and training have focused on working with marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, sex workers, political activists, and people who have been previously incarcerated.
Shunya Wang, LMSW
Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker
Shunya Wang, LMSW (she/her), is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist with expertise in addressing a broad range of challenges, including body image concerns, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship and academic difficulties. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, Shunya provides culturally sensitive, individualized therapy sessions. She draws from evidence-based and psychodynamic approaches to foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and self-discovery.
Shunya blends a warm, professional style with unwavering dedication to supporting clients on their unique journeys. Her commitment involves helping individuals envision a happier, more fulfilling life. With a hands-on approach, she collaborates with clients to identify practical ways to navigate challenges and work towards their desired state of well-being.
Training Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Enhanced)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Shunya received her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia School of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University. Her diverse clinical experience—spanning work in schools, hospitals, summer camps, and private practice—empowers her to connect with clients across a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds and personal goals. Through individualized care and evidence-based strategies, she is dedicated to partnering with clients on their unique paths toward healing, well-being, and fulfillment.
Tara Waldman, LMSW, LSW
Psychotherapist, Licensed Master Social Worker
Tara Waldman, LMSW, LSW (she/her), is a licensed social worker who specializes in coping with anxiety, developing assertiveness skills, navigating relationship challenges, guiding career transitions, and finding life purpose. Tara ensures that her clients feel supported, validated, and at ease. She focuses on helping clients identify their unique strengths. She has a warm, empathetic, and encouraging demeanor.
Tara’s treatment approach is eclectic and is catered to her client’s unique needs and preferences. Her work utilizes psychodynamic therapy to help her clients draw connections between past and present experiences, behaviors, and relationships. Tara also utilizes solution-oriented therapy to help her clients create goal-setting strategies. Tara uses role-play to help clients gain the confidence to communicate their wants and needs. She specializes in helping clients who fear confrontation and help them develop assertiveness skills.
Tara earned her Master’s in Social Work degree from Yeshiva University. Tara’s clinical experience and training have been with adolescents and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Tara worked in the advertising space in New York City for several years. She attributes her success as a therapist to taking a risk and changing careers at a time in life where she felt like it was “too late.” She is passionate to help clients who feel stuck and are ready for a positive change.
Rebecca Goodman, Psy.D
Clinical Psychology Fellow
Rebecca Goodman Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychology Fellow specializing in Evidence-Based Treatments targeting Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Dysregulation and Trauma. Dr. Goodman is passionate about modifying behaviors, breaking negative thought patterns and increasing coping skills to reduce stress and enhance overall well being. Compassionate and effective, Dr. Goodman believes deeply in client-centered therapy, tailoring treatments to the unique qualities and needs of each person. She creates a safe and constructive environment for clients to recognize and work toward their individual goals.
Additionally, Dr. Goodman is trained in providing comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment that can support the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Learning Disabilities, as well as provide valuable data-driven information and insight into each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Goodman believes in the life-changing power of appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Dr. Goodman received her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology through the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium in Palo Alto, California. She completed her APA-accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship at Lincoln Medical Center, a member of New York City Health and Hospitals. Dr. Goodman received training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Neuropsychological Assessment. Her training included Evidence-Based Treatments for Anxiety and related disorders, Depression, OCD and Trauma, as well as in providing support through general life challenges. Additionally, Dr. Goodman has a specialization and passion for working with children and teenagers to build resilience and cope with adversity. She especially enjoys working with parents to better understand, support and manage their children’s behaviors.
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