OLGA GONITHELLIS, MA, EdM, LMHC Founder of Creativity Mental Health Counseling Clinical Supervisor Olga has been working with artists, performers, and other creative clients since 2013. Prior to specializing in the mental health needs of this population, she attended the Counseling and Clinical Psychology Masters program at Columbia University. Upon graduating, she gained a wide range of clinical experiences in group practices, mental health clinics, school, and substance abuse treatment settings. She has received advanced and continuing education training through courses at William Alanson White Institute, Zur Institute, the Creativity Coaching Association, PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education, and clinical supervision groups with Dr. Mark Sehl. Her diverse clinical experiences, as well as her own background in singing, songwriting and performing, crystallized her strong desire to assemble a team of qualified counselors to help those who struggle with their creative goals and the demands of an artistic lifestyle. Olga is the author of Counseling for Artists, Performers, and Other Creative Individuals published by Taylor & Francis Group.
RACHEL LEE, MA, LMHC Rachel has over eight years of experience working with individuals struggling with addictions and other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and career issues. She has also been a graduate school professor for the past 5 years. Her varied experience in both clinical and academic settings gives her a unique perspective on the frustrations that many people face and some creative tools to move past those frustrations. She also specializes in vocational and career counseling and can help you take the first steps toward healthy career development. Rachel has a passion for helping those with creative and non-traditional careers explore the unique challenges they face and work to overcome them. She believes that everyone has the right and ability to find meaning and fulfillment through creative expression and self-acceptance.
CAITLIN KELLY, LMHC, RPT, MSEd Caitlin is an experienced counselor, having counseled patients for a decade and a half, including adults, children and adolescents, suffering from anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, trauma and grief. She is especially knowledgeable about the unique challenges facing performing artists of all ages. Artists are unique because they recognize that all interactions or events are learning experiences, tucked away in their “Who Am I?” toolbox. “Who Am I” lies at the very foundation of what it means to be creative. To be creative is to discover and present what makes all of us human. Caitlin’s humor, creativity and eclectic approach to solving problems helps clients to gain a better understanding of their feelings, thought processes and behavior. As a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Caitlin Kelly holds additional certification in Play Therapy and Grief Counseling. Caitlin also holds a primary certificate in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy from the Albert Ellis Institute.
ANNIE JAN, MS, LMHC When meeting with Annie you’ll discover a warm and empathetic therapist, curious and dedicated to getting to know you. She tailors her approach to create an affirming, supportive and non-judgemental space to fit the needs of her clients and enable individuals to feel safe and empowered to face the unique challenges in their lives. She offers interactive, collaborative, client-centered therapy that supports the development of personal insights and both practical and creative coping skills to help people live a more fulfilled and authentic life. As a NYS licensed Mental Health Counselor, Annie has experience providing therapy to adolescents and adults struggling in areas of anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, self-image, grief and trauma. Annie is excited to help bridge the intricacies of improving one’s mental health and cultivating the creative mind.
ELLEN SIMONETTI, MA, PhD, LMHC For much of her life, Ellen has participated in community theater, taken piano lessons and enjoyed art courses. Ellen received her B.A. in Spanish from Hunter College, her M.A. in Counseling at San Francisco State University, and her Ph.D. in Psychology from Northern California Graduate University. Ardently interested in the process we undergo in finding our own, unique story in life, Ellen has followed a “path less taken” and has an intuitive grasp for individuals who are treading along an unorthodox, distinct path. She is committed to helping those who feel “stuck” and unable to overcome negativity, stress and anxiety to become the person they deserve to be. Ellen emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology and Self-Improvement and is future-oriented in her approach to healing. Ellen has 30+ years of counseling all ages, mostly in institutional settings and with diverse populations from the from mentally disabled to graduate students. Since many of her clients have problems verbalizing, it has been necessary use a variety of modalities including Play Therapy, Art and Music therapy and story-telling.
MADELINE ZIEGLER, MA, MHC-LP Madeline is an MHC-LP with 5 years of individual, group, and residential counseling. They received their masters in mental health counseling from New York University while counseling clients from ages 12 to 55 in individual sessions and group settings. They specialize in trauma, LGBTQIA+ experiences, ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorders. They also hope to expand their knowledge of treatment methods as they continue to work in the field. Madeline is passionate about helping their clients find peace in their identities and comfort in their day-to-day lives. As a non-binary, queer performance artist, Madeline understands creative industries can be difficult to navigate and is happy to provide a non-judgmental space for artists to explore any concerns that come up in their artistic endeavors.
CHARLOTTE KU, MA, MHC-LP We often encounter difficulties in life and have trouble finding the way to face hardships. This is necessary for self-improvement and growth. However, when we get stuck, seeking professional counseling is a good way to get help and gain different perspectives. My goal is to provide effective treatments to those at risk for mental health problems. I am empathetic to those who struggle, and I am eager to explore strategies to manage life in a more successful way. With my multicultural background, I can provide different perspectives and cultural aspects to clients, especially in the Asian community as well as creative populations. I employ a psychodynamic approach, in which we delve into childhood and past experiences to identify the roots of the present emotional suffering. I am flexible and willing to adapt my approach to clients’ needs and adjust according to each individual's situation. Whether it’s relationship problems, school-related issues, or the pressure you face in life, I am here to take small steps with you and work out some effective ways to face the difficulties.
MICHELLE KUSHMAKOVA, MA, MHC-LP Michelle offers a warm, genuine environment where people can express all of their feelings without worrying about being judged. Graduated from Touro College with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling she has particular expertise in managing challenging behaviors, emotional management, and anxiety. Michelle offers a range of therapeutic techniques, including Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Based Stress Reduction. The therapeutic treatment program for each client is tailored to meet their unique therapeutic needs. Michelle also employs a collaborative, family-centered strategy that equips parents with the tools they need to effectively handle their children's difficulties. Together we will work on different ways to stimulate a creative well balanced mind making the time to flex the creative muscles allowing each individual to feel a sense of emotional harmony.
