Dr. David M. Ockert: Innovator, Educator, and Advocate

Dr. David M. Ockert, the founder of Parallax Center in 1984, serves as both the Executive Director and Clinical Director. With his wealth of experience and expertise, he has pioneered outpatient detoxification and stabilization methodologies for various substances. Dr. Ockert holds prestigious positions, notably as a member of the Commissioner's Medical Advisory Panel of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Additionally, Dr. Ockert is an esteemed Associate Member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

His contributions extend beyond his roles at Parallax Center. Dr. Ockert conducted seminars at renowned institutions such as Hunter College, New York University, Columbia University, and The Center for Alcohol Studies at Rutgers University. He has also provided consulting services to managed care organizations, the New York State Department of Health, the New Jersey State Department of Health, and served as the Medical Liaison to the United States Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Dr. Ockert's commitment to research is evident through his involvement in numerous clinical trials and studies, including investigating medications for alcohol dependence and the safety and efficacy of treatments. He has received recognition for his contributions, including an NIMH Research Training Fellowship for Columbia University. He also obtained his BS in Neuropsychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, his MA in Psychology from The New School for Social Research, and earned his PhD from Columbia University School of Social Work in 1984.

Ariel Hurley, LCSW, MSSW, MPH has worked with Parallax Center since 2018, initially as a part-time clinician, and since May 2021, as the Clinical Director. She is a New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Ariel earned her Master’s degree in Public Health, specializing in Sociomedical Sciences, from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University Medical Center. She also earned her Master of Science in Social Work degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and is a field instructor for its Advanced Clinical Practice students. She has a strong clinical background in providing direct services to individuals with substance use disorders; acute and prolonged or complex trauma; issues around intimacy and relationships; as well as the LGBTQ+ population. She is Parallax Center’s LGBTQ Liaison to the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports and is tasked with ensuring the delivery of affirmative services for all LGBTQ+ individuals receiving care.

In her previous role as the New York and New Jersey Technology Transfer Specialist for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Opioid Response Network, Ms. Hurley coordinated comprehensive technical assistance initiatives designed to build organizational, staff, and individual capacities to apply evidence-based practices in order to meet locally identified needs related to the opioid epidemic. This work frequently included specific emphasis on the intersection between criminal justice and health care systems, schools and substance use prevention coalitions, harm reduction services and behavioral health treatment, and more.

Dr. Alexandra Fingesten: Compassionate Medical Director and Dedicated Practitioner

Since 2002, Dr. Alexandra Fingesten, has held the esteemed position of Medical Director at Parallax Center, overseeing all medical services, including psychiatric and withdrawal treatments. With a wealth of experience, she brings expertise and compassion to her role. Dr. Fingesten maintains her thriving Internal Medicine practice and is affiliated with NYU Langone Medical Center.

Before joining Parallax Center, Dr. Fingesten served as a medical doctor at NYU Medical Center and as an Attending Physician at Bellevue Hospital. Her commitment to advancing medical knowledge is demonstrated through her involvement in various research studies and publications.

Dr. Fingesten earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Health Science Center at Brooklyn, SUNY. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a Geriatric Fellowship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, showcasing her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Fingesten plays a pivotal role in providing exceptional care at Parallax Center.

Zoë Sheinberg: Social Worker at Parallax Center

Meet Zoë Sheinberg, LCSW, one of our Social Workers at Parallax Center. Zoë is the Assistant Clinical Director and Service Director at Parallax Center, Inc., overseeing our outpatient detoxification and outpatient rehabilitation programs. She has been with Parallax since 2017, when she began as a Social Work Graduate school intern. After having such a positive experience during her internship at Parallax, Zoë completed the Seminar in Field Instruction “SIFI” in 2020. Since then, she has supervised Social Work Graduate student interns at Parallax. Zoë is intensely interested in psychopharmacology, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment and works closely with the medical team, labs, and medication representatives.

Something about Zoë:

I am a prominent New York Rangers fan and love to go to games at the Garden whenever possible. I am also an obsessed “Auntie” to my 2 yr. old nephew who inspires me every day.

Vidushi Saxena: Compassionate Clinical Coordinator

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.

As a licensed master of social work, Vidushi brings professional expertise in mental health, having worked in both the United States and India. Her dedication to helping others shines through in her compassionate approach to patient care and commitment to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Vidushi has a zest for life. She embraces culinary exploration, always seeking out new cuisines and restaurants. Her adventurous spirit extends to a love for travel, where she eagerly immerses herself in new cultures and experiences. Additionally, she finds joy in running, reading, and has set herself the ambitious goal of reading at least 24 books this year.

With her multifaceted passions and genuine dedication to making a positive impact, Vidushi is an invaluable asset to the Parallax team and the individuals they serve.

Nola Caslin: Intake Coordinator at Parallax Center

Nola Caslin has a background in medical social work since 2019. She started as a medical social work intern in New York City hospitals before joining Parallax Center as the Intake Coordinator. She brings expertise in overseeing detoxification and continuing care programs, and as a SIFI-certified supervisor, she guides MSW graduate student interns.

Nola's passion for the substance use population grew during her time in general medicine, advocacy work for COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant, and a criminal defense law firm.

Outside of work, Nola finds solace in writing poetry and attending spoken word events, recognizing the therapeutic power of mental health and storytelling.

Holden LaPadul: Admissions Coordinator

Holden LaPadula, BA proudly serves as the Admissions Coordinator of Parallax Center. Interested health psychology related to addiction behavior, Holden earned his Honors in Psychology BA with “Distinguished Independent Work in Psychology” from Binghamton University in 2020 with a minor in Health and Wellness Studies. Working with OASAS and his advisor, Holden conducted his thesis research on patterns of substance use and related consequences among college students across NYS with a focus on differences by sexual orientation. In regard to his clinical experience, Holden has been working in the field of substance use treatment since 2020, and he has been volunteering in the field of suicide and crisis response since 2019; notably, as a supervisor for the nonprofit hotline IMAlive. Weaving together his research background and clinical experience, Holden approaches his work at Parallax Center with the data-driven mind of a statistician and the compassionate heart of a clinician to engage our community in recovery.

Outside of work, Holden is a third-generation tree farmer and a saxophonist who has performed in the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. To relax, Holden crochets while listening to nerdy podcasts and goes for long runs at obscene hours of the night.

Jacques Nir: Clinical and Operational Senior Director

Jacques Nir, LCSW, SIFI joins the Parallax treatment team as their Clinical and Operational Senior Director of their (816) outpatient medical withdrawal services and (822) outpatient treatment program. Jacques Nir, LCSW is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work and continues his relationship with CUSSW as adjunct professor. Mr. Nir has 16 years of social services management experience in Substance Abuse and Mental Health programs. Mr. Nir formally held the position of COO at a large social service agency in New York, in which he managed, marketed, improved, and developed a MAT program for three 822 clinics. Amongst his leadership roles, He was the Director of a large mental health clinic. He perceives Mental Health and Substance Abuse as linear treatment that needs to be viewed through pendulum lenses of recovery, which is best defined as comorbidity. Mr. Nir is client centered, preserving a multi-disciplinary approach via a medical model, which demands a professional work environment that focuses on employee’s development and clarity of operational systems. Mr. Nir is committed to a balanced life between his professional goal of meeting his clients’ needs and his own family life.

Madeline Kendal : Intake Specialist

Meet Madeline Kendall, LMSW! Maddie grew up in Texas and graduated with a B.A. in psychology and neuroscience from Rice University. After graduating college, she then relocated to New York City to pursue a Master's degree, and graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work with an MSW. Maddie started her internship with Parallax in Fall 2021, and then joined the team full-time after graduating for a position as an Intake Specialist. In her spare time, Maddie loves to spend time outside with her friends (and their pets), try new foods and recipes, rock climb, and go to concerts. In the future, Maddie looks forward to exploring ways of incorporating animal assisted therapy into addiction and mental health treatment.