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Christina began her career as a high school special education teacher in a high-needs school district on Long Island. Seeing the generational effect of addiction and alcoholism within family systems, Christina found a new passion and became a credentialed addiction professional through the New York State Office of Addiction Supports and Services.

Christina played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for our flagship OASAS-certified outpatient program. Her leadership and commitment were instrumental in shaping our program's success. Christina also previously served as the Executive Director of our Shirely location.

In addition to her career at Victory, Christina has also served previously as the Director of Access at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, a close referral partner of Victory, where she worked to reduce barriers and increase patient access to life-saving treatment.

Christina is located out of our Massapequa, Hempstead, and Hicksville offices.

Michelle Ilyayev, LMHC, is a highly skilled licensed mental health counselor at Michelle Silver Lining Mental Health Counseling, a virtual telehealth practice based in Flushing, Queens, in New York City. 

She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and marital issues by offering individualized, couples, family, and group therapy sessions. Michelle’s compassionate, warm, welcoming demeanor puts patients of all ages at ease.

Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, she tailors each psychotherapy treatment to patients’ unique needs. Michelle enjoys helping patients gain insight, build upon their strengths, and develop effective coping skills to improve their mood, emotions, behaviors, and overall quality of life. 

She shares a passion for helping her clients fight against the stigma of mental health disorders and improving their lives by facilitating emotional regulation. Michelle understands that regardless of which struggles her clients have, they deserve to find their silver lining. 

She holds a mental health counselor license in the state of New York. She completed her training at St. John’s University in Queens, New York City, and Albert Ellis Institute in New York City.

Michelle loves helping her patients thrive and enjoys maximizing their mental health, wellness, and quality of life. She compassionately welcomes new and existing patients to Michelle Silver Lining Mental Health Counseling and looks forward to visiting with them.

Meet Estelle, a passionate healthcare professional originally from the quaint rural town of Cumberland, MD. Her journey in the field of healthcare began with her academic pursuits at West Virginia University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Business Administration. At WVU, Estelle excelled academically and showcased her commitment to service as a leader in philanthropy for women's cardiac care through Alpha Phi Sorority.

With a solid foundation in science and business, Estelle spent five years in dermatology before pursuing a Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies at Saint Elizabeth University, focusing on dermatology and plastic surgery.

Estelle's comprehensive training at institutions such as Saint Joe's University Hospital, Good Samaritan, and Atlantic Health Systems reflects her dedication and diverse clinical experience. Board-certified (PA-C) and licensed in New York and New Jersey, she is a member of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Her commitment to ongoing education is highlighted by completing a diplomats fellowship in dermatology.

Estelle's practice focuses on medical and dermatological care for all skin types, with a particular emphasis on cosmetic procedures to boost confidence in her patients. Her patients benefit from her approach, ensuring each individual receives personalized and comprehensive care. With a passion for advancing dermatological knowledge and enhancing the well-being of her patients, Estelle continues to make a meaningful impact in the field of dermatology. 

Sarah J. Shah, DNP, APN, A-GNP-C is a board certified and doctorally prepared nurse practitioner who specialized in adult-gerontology primary care. She graduated as Summa cum laude, was honored with academic excellence, and as a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society from Rutgers School of Nursing in May 2022. She is dedicated to practicing holistic and preventative care for improved quality and longevity of life. Also, she is passionate about patient empowered healthcare and advocates for patients as a whole person rather than as defined by their diseases. Education: Rutgers School of Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (2022) Board Certified by American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2022)

Michael Jurewicz, MD, is a dedicated urologist and the founder of Vantage Medical Associates, P.C., which has locations in the Bergen Beach, Coney Island, Williamsburg, and Sheepshead Bay neighborhoods in Brooklyn, the Far Rockaway neighborhood in Queens, and Brentwood, West Hempstead, and Babylon, New York. Dr. Jurewicz has extensive experience in providing exceptional men’s health care. 

Dr. Jurewicz earned his bachelor’s degree in brain, behavior, and cognitive sciences from Michigan University in 2007. He then went on to pursue his doctorate in medicine at Wayne State University, graduating in 2011. Following medical school, he received post-graduate training in general surgery, urology, and infertility around medical clinics in Miami, Florida, and New Hyde Park, New York. 

He is certified by the American Board of Urology. To provide the highest quality of care at Vantage Medical Associates, P.C., Dr. Jurewicz holds professional memberships in the American Urological Association, Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society. 

In addition to serving patients, Dr. Jurewicz is also actively involved in clinical research for infertility, hypogonadism, bladder tumors, prostate issues, and several other urology topics. He is a co-author of “The Complete Guide to Male Fertility Preservation.”

Vanvian Hoo, LCSW, PsyD, is a senior clinical and psychotherapist at Hudson River Care and Counseling. Dr. Hoo works virtually. 

Vanvian brings over 20 years of experience to the practice with no signs of stopping. Currently pursuing her doctorate in psychology from Felician University in Rutherford, New Jersey, Vanvian specializes in neuropsychology and multicultural psychology. She is trained in various behavioral models, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). 

After receiving her Bachelor of Science from Wagner College, Vanvian earned a master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City. She works from a Strength-based Based Perspective with her patients and has an integrative approach, utilizing various evidence-based practices depending on the needs of her clients. She includes various modalities in her treatment plans, such as play therapy with children, parenting, trauma work, anxiety, depression, and relational issues with adults and adolescents. 

Vanvian also worked as a school-based mental health social worker at TSMS, a middle school located in the East Village, New York, for 13 years. She also has extensive work experience in nonprofits and hospital settings. Additionally, Vanvian has extensive knowledge working with young children and parents as a mental health consultant for a Head Start program in NYC. 

She has worked in Chinatown to mitigate and decrease the mental health stigma and deliver mental health services to the community. Vanvian is committed to addressing social injustice issues and helping clients break the transmission of intergenerational trauma. Teaching and supervising master’s level social work interns from Columbia University, Hunter College, and NYU is one of her many gratifying accomplishments. In her free time, Vanvian loves to design and create handmade greeting cards.

Dr. Hoo is licensed in both NY and NJ. She is bilingual in Cantonese and in English.

 

Rebecca Ennis-Paez is a Clinical Social Work intern at Hudson River Care and Counseling, a mental health practice with two office locations in Hoboken and Teaneck, New Jersey. Telehealth services are also available.

Education and learning have always been of great interest to Rebecca. She pursued her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Alliance University (formerly known as NYACK College).  

In conjunction with her internship, Rebecca has been an administrator at Hudson River Care and Counseling since 2017.

Rebecca focuses on her work with prenatal and postpartum women, adolescents, trauma, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, and military families — her particular interest areas. She uses a variety of approaches to help her patients, including The Strength-based approach, Goal-Setting Approach, Narrative Theory, and Systems Theory.

In her personal life, Rebecca is a mother of two boys and the wife of an Army Veteran. 

In addition, Rebecca has been a Hair and Makeup artist for over ten years. Her background influences her focus on natural health, beauty, and therapy approaches. She is passionate dedicated, and looks forward to helping you achieve your goals.

Betrice Thompson is a highly experienced LCSW with over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of social work, specializing in geriatric issues, such as adjustment disorder, grief and loss, hospice, depression, anxiety, and caregiver support. She has assisted families and individuals through the difficult process of selecting alternative placement and services.

Betrice passion extends to working with the faith community, particularly clergy (pastors and their families) addressing issues related to mental health challenges often not discussed in the faith community.

Betrice holds several advanced degrees including a master’s in social work from the University of Oklahoma-Norman, a master’s in education with a specialty in gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma-Edmond. She recently obtained a double master’s in Divinity and Pastoral Care and Counseling from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick. She holds certificates from the National Association of Social Workers where she has been a member for several years in Clinical Social Worker Supervision and as a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWM). Betrice is the owner of Beyond Christian Counseling, a faith-based agency providing counseling services to the community.

If interested in scheduling a virtual appointment, contact Hudson River Care and Counseling at 201-541-8600.