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Dr. Ashraf Salem (Ash) is the Founder, President and Chief Medical Officer of BKUC. At BKUC, Ash overseas our clinical processes and continuous improvement required to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients. He spends his time with patients, mentoring and developing our clinical staff and developing the most effective patient experience support by in-house proprietary technology enablers.

Dr. Salem graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at CCNY and attended medical school at Mount Sinai. After graduating he went on to complete his residency in Emergency Medicine at Brooklyn Hospital Center and was Board Certified in 2004. He continued to practice emergency medicine and became an Assistant Professor at Kings County/SUNY Downstate from 2003-2009. Dr. Salem founded Brooklyn Urgent Care in 2006.

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.

 

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. 

Erin M. Heaslip is a board-certified music therapist and licensed social worker. She completed her master’s in music therapy from the University of Miami and has been practicing music therapy since 2011. She completed her master’s in social work in 2024 from Boston University and is licensed in New Jersey and New York. Erin offers both virtual and in person sessions in the Hoboken office.

She has experience with children with developmental disabilities and neurodiverse clients and families. She enjoys working with adults, children, and families to work through adverse experiences, life changes, those working through depression and anxiety. She is knowledgeable in women’s issues related to infertility, postpartum care and perinatal mental health.  Through a strengths perspective, she uses music and creative arts modalities, in addition to talk therapy to learn and implement positive coping strategies for improved well-being. Erin works to provide a safe environment, while maintaining a positive and supportive relationship. Through acceptance and empathy, she utilizes therapeutic interventions using psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral principles in her practice. Each person is unique and is valued when working towards their treatment goals. I look forward to working with you!

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. 

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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)

Nora Taha, MD, offers the best in Physical Medicine and Interventional pain management at her Elmwood Park, New Jersey, medical practice, LiveWell Pain Management. 

By customizing a wide range of integrative medicine options for each individual, Dr. Taha restores hope to people dealing with back pain, arthritis, hip pain, knee pain, and other types of chronic pain. 

Dr. Taha earned her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. She went on to earn her medical degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman Island, British West Indies. 

Dr. Taha completed an Internal Medicine Preliminary Internship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois, and a Physical Medicine and Rehab residency at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

She also completed a Musculoskeletal Medicine fellowship in Sports and Spine Medicine through Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. 

Dr. Taha is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. She’s a certified COOLIEF* practitioner for cooled radiofrequency ablation and is MILD® certified to provide Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression. Dr. Taha is currently undergoing her certification in medical Acupuncture as well as functional medicine. 

Dr. Taha treats all different types of musculoskeletal pain and offers joint injections, viscosupplementation, regenerative medicine, spinal cord stimulator trials, and many other innovative therapies that relieve pain without major surgery. 

At this time, Dr. Taha welcomes patients to call LiveWell Pain Management or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool today.