Meet Our Team
Silvia Kaunas, Licensed Clinical Psychologist (ECU). M.S. LMHC, PLC, CASAC-T (USA)
Clinical Director Psychotherapist
Ms. Silvia Kaunas is based in Long Island, New York. She is a bilingual (Spanish-English) physician who specializes in psychotherapy and forensic psychosocial evaluations. Ms. Kaunas earned her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Touro College and her degree in clinical psychology from the University of Guayaquil. She also holds a Post Graduate Addictions Certificate from Adelphi University (CASAC-T), and is a certified hypnotherapist by the National Guild of Hypnotists. In addition, Ms. Kaunas provides "Clinical Screening and Assessment of the Impaired Driving Offender" services at the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
Ms. Kaunas specializes in conducting psychological evaluations for immigration cases, which encompass extreme hardship waivers, cancellation of removal waivers, as well as asylum, VAWA, and U & T visa cases. Her approach involves closely collaborating with clients and their attorneys to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process in a secure and comfortable environment. Ms. Kaunas is dedicated to providing thorough and professional evaluations with a fast turnaround time.
Ms. Kaunas has a wealth of experience in the mental health field, with a particular focus on trauma and trauma recovery. She is a passionate advocate and guest speaker for survivors of domestic violence, and strives to unite community voices to empower underserved populations and safeguard human and civil rights for all.
Ms. Kaunas is a highly experienced mental health professional with over 15 years of practice, specializing in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and behavioral therapy. She is a respected member of the American Psychological Association, the Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals, and the School of Psychology in Ecuador. Ms. Kaunas takes pride in her work and is committed to providing attentive care to her patients, listening carefully to their concerns and offering valuable advice. She recognizes that everyone desires to be seen and heard, and views therapy as an opportunity for compassion, understanding, and courage. In addition to addressing specific ailments, Ms. Kaunas also emphasizes the importance of overall patient well-being.
Domenica Jaramillo, M.S. MHC-LP
Psychotherapist
Ms. Jaramillo holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Baruch College and a Master's degree in MSEd Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College. She has been recognized for her achievements as a member of the Chi Sigma Counseling Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
In her work as a mental health counselor intern, Ms. Jaramillo has worked with a diverse range of individuals, addressing concerns such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. She is committed to creating a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore the depths of their psyche comfortably. Ms. Jaramillo's approach to counseling is eclectic, drawing from various theories such as psychodynamic, CBT, and person-centered, depending on the specific needs of her clients. As a bicultural counselor, she has a unique understanding of the impact of acculturation and immigration, and offers counseling services in both Spanish and English
Ms. Dagmar Chinchilla, M.S. LCSW
Clinical Supervisor Psychotherapist
Ms. Dagmar Chinchilla is a highly experienced social worker from New York. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master's degree with a clinical training track from Fordham University. Throughout her education and career,
Ms. Chinchilla has been passionate about working with children and families. Ms. Chinchilla has worked in the mental health field providing psychotherapy to children and adults and conducting parenting classes. She has also served in a supervisory role at a children's clinic, collaborating with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and neighborhood hospitals. In her work as a therapeutic school social worker, Ms. Chinchilla has experience working with special needs children, offering counseling services, group therapy, and parent support.
Ms. Chinchilla's background in case management includes working with underserved populations, providing therapeutic intervention to families at risk of losing their parental rights. She has also interned with Child Protective Services, conducting home visits, removal proceedings, and attending court hearings. As an Intensive Case Manager for a Crime Victims Program, Ms. Chinchilla has assisted victims of crime and their families in securing safe places to stay, educating them about their rights, and providing necessary referrals to promote self-sufficiency and empowerment. She has worked closely with law enforcement and the District Attorney's office in this role.
Ana J., BA
Clinical Assistant
Ms. J. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University. She has received several awards and honors, including membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, being named to the 2019 Dean's List at Nassau Community College, and membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the International Honors Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), and the Stony Brook University Pre-Nursing Society.
Ms. J. works with individuals who need help acquiring coping mechanisms to deal with the stress of daily life. She listens to their concerns and helps them learn how to approach their mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. She believes that clients need to feel safe for treatment to be successful and provides an open and therapeutic environment for them to work on developing a treatment plan that meets their unique needs while also being able to express themselves.
Estefania Jaramillo, BA
Clinical Assistant
Ms. Jaramillo earned a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the City College of New York. "I have worked with a diverse group of individuals. I have experience working with people with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I also have experience working with domestic violence survivors. As an immigrant myself, I take a great interest and pride in working with the Latin American diaspora. My goal is to listen with great care and compassion and empower each patient with the unique qualities they have learned on their journey."
Maria Caballero
Office Manager
Ms. Caballero has extensive experience in the mental health field and provides strong and reliable support to our team. Her mission is to provide compassion and empathy to all clients in need of mental health services.
Silvia Portalanza, "Let's Talk Vamos"
Translation and Language Services
Silvia Portalanza is a language services provider with 20 years of experience in the field. Born in Ecuador, Silvia currently resides in Buenos Aires and has worked extensively with the international community. Her deep understanding of cultural differences allows her to bridge the communication gap between people from different backgrounds. In addition to her linguistic expertise, Silvia is passionate about helping immigrants adjust to their new surroundings. She is dedicated to promoting mental health and providing support to those who may be struggling with the challenges of adapting to a new environment. With her vast knowledge and experience, Silvia is a valuable resource for anyone in need of language services or assistance with cultural integration. Her commitment to improving the lives of others is a testament to her kindness and dedication to making the world a better place.
Maria Gabriela Jaramillo
Clinical Assistant
“As a clinical assistant, I strive to provide a warm and empathic environment for the clients. My goal is to help the clients feel in a welcoming environment and conformable space.