Alexis joined Parallax in 2023. With two years of experience at the organization and a strong background in social work, she currently serves as the Clinical Supervisor for the Detox program. In her role, Alexis meets individually with clients to welcome them into the detox process. She follows each case closely, ensuring continuity of care both during and after detox, and works collaboratively with the broader clinical and medical team to support long-term recovery. Alexis is committed to ensuring clients feel supported from their very first step in treatment.

Vidushi is a valued member of the Parallax team, currently serving as the Clinical Coordinator for the 822 continuing care program. Her journey with the company began in 2020 as a graduate social work intern, and she has since grown in her role, taking on various responsibilities. With a solid background in mental health care dating back to 2018, Vidushi has gained experience in diverse areas such as workplace mental health, grassroots mental health programs, and substance use.

Rachel is a Registered Nurse who joined Parallax in 2023 and specializes in substance abuse and addiction recovery. With 3 years of nursing experience, Rachel has a deep commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals navigating the challenges of substance abuse disorders.

Isabel is a Registered Nurse at Parallax Center, where she supports individuals through outpatient detox and ongoing sobriety care. She is passionate about helping others and values the meaningful impact this work has had on both her patients and her growth as a nurse.

Pix Pendragon is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years of experience in Nursing and over 5 years of experience in Substance Abuse. He is passionate about patient care and an advocate for all who wish to better themselves. He is currently studying to get his doctorate in Nursing in order to better serve the communities he serves.

Kiara joined Parallax in 2025 as a Counselor and now serves as an Intake Coordinator. Drawing on her background in psychology, research, and social work, she is dedicated to helping clients feel empowered, supported, and informed throughout their recovery journey. Kiara is passionate about creating a welcoming and compassionate experience for clients, ensuring they receive the guidance and resources needed to begin and sustain their path to wellness.

Courtney is a dedicated Intake Coordinator with a passion for helping individuals begin their recovery journey. She serves as the first point of contact for clients seeking substance abuse treatment, providing compassionate support, conducting initial assessments, verifying insurance benefits, and coordinating admissions. Courtney is committed to creating a welcoming and judgment-free environment while ensuring each client is connected to the appropriate level of care and resources needed for successful recovery.

Pamela serves as the Administrative Billing Lead at Parallax Center. She began her career with the organization as a Front Desk Administrator, where she built a strong foundation in client services and administrative operations. In her current role, Pamela oversees key billing and administrative functions, bringing exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to providing efficient, high-quality support to both clients and staff.

Kimberly joined Parallax in 2019 and helps streamline reimbursement for healthcare services. She works closely with clinical and administrative teams to ensure accurate documentation, resolve billing discrepancies and respond to patient and insurance inquiries with care.

Abbie is the Front Desk Admin at Parallax Center, where she is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for every patient. As the first point of contact for our Detox and Outpatient Services, she assists with patient check-in, scheduling, and general inquiries while ensuring a smooth and efficient process. With a compassionate and professional approach, Abbie is committed to helping patients feel comfortable and supported from their very first visit.

Maria Mendez, CASAC Advanced, BS is a seasoned behavioral health professional with over 20 years of experience in the substance use disorder field. She has extensive expertise in owning and operating OASAS-certified outpatient treatment programs as well as an OASAS education/ training provider for the CASAC Credential. Under her leadership, programs have consistently delivered high-quality clinical care while maintaining excellence in regulatory compliance, program integrity, and billing standards.

In March 2019, I joined the Parallax Center as a weekend/Holiday receptionist—a meaningful opportunity, as my father passed away from alcoholism when I was 11. Working in a place that helps those struggling with addiction has been personally rewarding. I’m grateful to be part of a compassionate team and hope to offer comfort to the patients we serve. In my free time, I enjoy the company of my beloved Chihuahua, Pumpkin.

Dianne is a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate with hands-on experience supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders. She is passionate about peer support that fosters empowerment, connection, and long-term healing. Dianne takes a strengths-based approach, working closely with individuals in accessing vital resources, building meaningful relationships, and engaging in collaborative care. She prioritizes respect, validation, and trust, meeting each person where they are and honoring their lived experiences.

A clinician at Parallax who conducts one-on-one and group counselling sessions, he just graduated from Columbia University in June 2025 with his Masters in Social Work and is joining us after interning here for the past year. Over the course of his career, Colin has worked in many different environments, such as with developmentally disabled children, individuals living in supportive housing, and has prior experience with those being treated for substance use disorders. He values trauma-informed practice that highlights compassion, validation, and exploration, and looks to further specialize in DBT and ACT as his experience grows.

Hannah Benton, LMSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker who provides individual and group counseling at Parallax Center. She utilizes a strengths-based, client-centered approach and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care to help clients build insight, develop effective coping skills, and create meaningful, values-driven change. Hannah earned her Master of Social Work from Columbia University and brings experience from outpatient mental health, correctional health, and reentry settings. She has a particular interest in working with justice-impacted individuals and supporting clients as they navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth.

Jessica, LMSW, serves as a Counselor, bringing extensive clinical and programmatic leadership to the team. A graduate of the NYU Silver School of Social Work and an Adaptive Leadership Fellow, they specialize in substance abuse therapy, youth development, and family reentry services. Throughout their career across New York City’s social service landscape, Jessica has specialized in designing high-impact clinical interventions, providing crisis support, and supervising emerging social work professionals. Their work is driven by a deep commitment to systemic advocacy and helping clients navigate complex transitions to achieve lasting wellness.

CASAC-T and Master's of Science in Education (TESOL) from SUNY Fredonia. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Waynesburg University (expected date of completion: May 2027). My therapeutic competencies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trained from the Beck Institute) and Spiritual Counseling.

Elizabeth is a CASAC-M with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College. Since joining Parallax in 2022, she has been dedicated to supporting individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she brings a culturally responsive and inclusive approach to her work, and is passionate about helping individuals build meaningful, lasting recovery

Isabel joined Parallax Center as an Intern and has since advanced to the role of Counselor. In her current position, she conducts both individual and group counseling sessions, providing support and guidance to clients while helping them achieve their personal and therapeutic goals. Isabel recently graduated with her Master of Social Work degree and has experience working with individuals affected by substance use disorders. She values a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that emphasizes curiosity over judgment and recognizes the complex relationships people have with substances. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic theory, and harm reduction principles, she enjoys helping clients explore patterns, strengthen self-understanding, and move toward lives that feel aligned with their values.

Jessica is a recent graduate of Columbia University and has been working with the Parallax Center since September 2025. She provides both individual and group therapy for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. Jessica utilizes a compassionate, client-centered approach and strives to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence as they work toward lasting recovery, and positive change.

Olivia has provided individual therapy at Parallax since September 2025. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, she approaches therapy from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and holistic perspective. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward their goals. Olivia works collaboratively with clients to build resilience, support recovery, and create meaningful change while honoring each person's unique experiences and strengths.

My journey into psychotherapy began over 20 years ago through personal exploration in therapy, group work, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. Originally trained as an engineer, I later pursued a career in mental health, earning a Master’s degree in Russia and continuing my education at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York. As an immigrant, wife, and mother, I understand the challenges of life transitions, relationships, and parenting. Growing up in a family affected by substance use also gave me insight into the impact of addiction on individuals and families. I practice with cultural humility and curiosity, creating a supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. I am fluent in Russian, conversational in French, and welcome individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Paulina is a trauma-informed psychotherapist who works with individuals navigating substance use, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and depth-oriented. She helps clients better understand not only what they are struggling with, but why certain patterns may have developed and how those patterns can begin to shift. Her work integrates psychodynamic thinking, somatic awareness, motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT-informed skills. Paulina supports clients in recovery as they build self-compassion, emotional resilience, and a more grounded relationship with themselves.