about

Barbara Rakusin is a licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years experience in the provision of clinical and administrative services in the not-for-profit sector.  She holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University School of Social Work, a Certificate in Psychotherapy from The Post Graduate Center for Mental Health and a Certificate in Non - Profit Management from Columbia University Business School.  In addition to expertise in administration, Ms.Rakusin's areas of expertise include psychotherapy, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and AIDS services.

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Ms. Rakusin joined YFCA as Executive Director in 2006.  She currently serves as Vice-President of the Nassau Alliance for Addiction Services (NAFAS) and volunteers as a Panel Member of the Surrogate Decision Making Panel for the Protection of People with Special Needs under the auspices of the NYS Justice Center.

Susan D'alesandro is a licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years of clinical and supervisory experience specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders.  She holds a BA and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University School of Social Work, advanced training in psychotherapy and a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Practice as well as an NYS CASAC credential.

Melanie Paez is a licensed clinical social worker.   She holds a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University School of Social Work.  In addition to her skills in working with toddlers and their families, Ms. Paez has a passion for and great skill in providing services to troubled youth.  Ms. Paez is fluent in Spanish and enjoys using her language skills professionally.

Merredith Matteo is a licensed clinical social worker.  She holds a Master's Degree in Social from the University of Pennsylvania.  She has over twenty years experience in the provision of substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment.

Ingrid Morales holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  She is skilled in working with youth and special populations.  She is fluent in Spanish and proficient in American Sign Language.

Katherine Samodulski is a licensed mental health counselor earning her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Queens College and her Masters degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  She has experience working with foster children, as well as teenagers involved with the criminal justice system. Additionally, she has worked with the reunification of families using the multidimensional family therapy model. Mrs. Samodulski is a first generation Dominican-American and speaks fluent Spanish.