Tava Auslan
Tava has joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and has a Master’s in Counseling from Fordham University. She is currently enrolled in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate of Advanced Study at The University of Bridgeport. After 20+ years as a clinical career counselor in settings ranging from higher education to nonprofit, Tava transitioned […]
Sarafina Ndzi
Sarafina Ndzi (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and relational stress. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered care and wellness. She integrates a variety of strategies including person-centered therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic techniques, mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and […]
Nikoletta Moschidi
Nikoletta is a second‐year master’s student in Clinical Social Work at Liberty University. She’s grateful to be returning to Positive Directions for her second internship, where she continues to grow alongside a supportive and inspiring team of clinicians. Before entering the clinical field, she worked as an art instructor in NYC, encouraging students to express […]
Stephen Osika
Stephen is a psychotherapist who works with adults seeking greater self-understanding, emotional growth, and more satisfying relationships. His approach is informed by psychoanalytic perspectives and focuses on helping clients explore recurring patterns in their lives, relationships, emotions, and sense of self. Stephen holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University. He […]
Nicole Merlo-White
Nice to meet you! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over twenty years of experience in the field. I work with all age groups, from children to adults. My clinical approach is nonjudgmental, integrative, and ‘you’ focused. I offer a safe place to share, explore, heal, and to support moving forward. Within […]
Ryan McGough
Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who graduated from Fairfield University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ryan has worked with individuals from all walks of life – including people struggling with addiction in a correctional setting, young adults experiencing depression and anxiety, individuals looking for ways to cope with grief and […]
Leslie Corrigan
Leslie has recently joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. With her life experience, her background in teaching special education and years of volunteering in her community she brings an adaptable and dynamic approach to counseling. Leslie engages with […]
Mohamed Elsamra
Dr. Elsamra is the Medical Director of Elevate Health and Wellness. He also serves as a consulting Medical Director for Positive Directions. Driven by a mission to deliver high-quality, timely, and affordable care, Dr. Elsamra established Elevate Health and Wellness to support individuals in dire need of comprehensive medical and psychiatric treatment. In 2024, Dr. […]
Jessica Dassori
Jessica is a Board-Certified (NBCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (CT) who began as an intern at Positive Directions. She has clinical outpatient experience working with adults and adolescents as well as years in elementary, middle, and high schools. Jessica’s therapeutic approach is unique to each individual. She draws on her training and experience to collaborate […]
Deirdre Ekholdt
Deirdre Ekholdt, MSW, LCSW has over 27 years of experience working with individuals and couples. She began her career in Chicago, Illinois working in child welfare, hospital, and outpatient therapy settings. Most recently, she has worked as a school social worker and enjoys supervising MSW candidates to help develop their clinical skills during their internships. […]