Cuda Counseling
Licensed Therapists in Rome, Herkimer & Online
We're a group of down-to-earth, licensed therapists who believe therapy should feel human, not clinical. Find the person who feels right for you.
Herkimer, NY
In-person
Andre Cuda, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience. He loves hearing stories of how people overcome challenges and enjoys reminding clients of their accomplishments, which they frequently overlook.
A seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience. He loves hearing stories of how people overcome challenges. Many clients come into his office feeling defeated and often forget how far they have come. He enjoys reminding them of their accomplishments, which they frequently overlook. He feels privileged to witness people's resilience—truly, they are incredibly strong.
When he's not helping people recognize their own strengths, Andre enjoys pretending to be a chef, cooking for his wife and friends, talking about food at length, and has a deep appreciation for fat dogs and BBQ. He is getting better about his fear of mice thanks to his cat's impromptu exposure therapy.
When he's not helping people recognize their own strengths, Andre enjoys pretending to be a chef, cooking for his wife and friends, talking about food at length, and has a deep appreciation for fat dogs and BBQ. He is getting better about his fear of mice thanks to his cat's impromptu exposure therapy.
Evan Smith, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Born and raised in Upstate New York, Evan saw firsthand how counseling helped his family, which led him into the field. He holds a master's degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and has been a counselor since 2015.
Born and raised in Upstate New York and living in the Mohawk Valley since age 12, Evan saw how counseling helped both himself and his family growing up—which is why he decided to enter the field. He attended Roberts Wesleyan College where he received a master's degree in social work and has been working as a counselor since graduating in 2015.
Evan has experience working with a wide range of ages both individually and in a family setting. He especially enjoys being able to help people heal from past hurts and traumas. When not at work you can usually find him out in nature in the Adirondacks or playing music with his faith community.
Evan has experience working with a wide range of ages both individually and in a family setting. He especially enjoys being able to help people heal from past hurts and traumas. When not at work you can usually find him out in nature in the Adirondacks or playing music with his faith community.
Wanda Velez, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
With a master's degree from Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Wanda provides culturally responsive, compassionate care for teens, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, addiction, grief, and more.
Wanda creates a focused, distraction-free space where meaningful connection and deeper therapeutic work can take place. She utilizes evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Internal Family Systems, grief counseling, and mindfulness practices.
With a master's degree from Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work and years of clinical experience, Wanda provides a culturally responsive and compassionate approach for teens, adults, and older adults. She works with clients navigating anxiety, addiction, grief, identity exploration, mood and neurodivergent disorders, postpartum experiences, and intergenerational trauma.
Outside of her clinical work, Wanda enjoys cycling, spending quality time with family, and traveling.
With a master's degree from Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work and years of clinical experience, Wanda provides a culturally responsive and compassionate approach for teens, adults, and older adults. She works with clients navigating anxiety, addiction, grief, identity exploration, mood and neurodivergent disorders, postpartum experiences, and intergenerational trauma.
Outside of her clinical work, Wanda enjoys cycling, spending quality time with family, and traveling.
Rachel Shenhav-Goldberg, PhD, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Rachel brings over 15 years of experience working with clients of all ages—children, adolescents, parents, and groups. She is trained in psychotherapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused care.
Rachel brings over 15 years of experience as a therapist, working with clients of all ages—including children, adolescents, parents, and groups. She is trained in psychotherapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused care, and is dedicated to helping clients heal, build resilience, and create positive change.
Her approach integrates evidence-based therapy with a focus on relationships and growth. Whether working with children, supporting parents, or guiding adults through trauma and anxiety, Rachel tailors her care to each client's unique needs.
Having lived in three different countries, Rachel now calls Central New York home and is passionate about giving back to her community. Outside of her practice, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and (always) working on her relationship with coffee.
Her approach integrates evidence-based therapy with a focus on relationships and growth. Whether working with children, supporting parents, or guiding adults through trauma and anxiety, Rachel tailors her care to each client's unique needs.
Having lived in three different countries, Rachel now calls Central New York home and is passionate about giving back to her community. Outside of her practice, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and (always) working on her relationship with coffee.
Craig A. Benoit, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
A lifelong Central New York resident specializing in children and family therapy. Craig holds certifications in suicide prevention and CBT, with extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum.
Craig is a lifelong resident of central New York who specializes in children and family therapy. He offers both in-person and teletherapy sessions.
Craig holds a Bachelor's in Social Work from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master's in Social Work from Florida State University, along with certifications in suicide prevention and cognitive behavioral therapy. He has extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Craig and his wife have been therapeutic foster parents for over 14 years and continue to foster children today. When not at work, you can find Craig working on his family's homestead or camping.
Craig holds a Bachelor's in Social Work from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master's in Social Work from Florida State University, along with certifications in suicide prevention and cognitive behavioral therapy. He has extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Craig and his wife have been therapeutic foster parents for over 14 years and continue to foster children today. When not at work, you can find Craig working on his family's homestead or camping.
Rome, NY
In-Person
Sara Bessette, LMHC-D
Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Art Therapist
Sara is a mental health counselor and art therapist with master's degrees in Counseling and Art Therapy. With over ten years of experience, her integrative approach meets clients exactly where they are.
Sara is a mental health counselor and art therapist with master's degrees in Counseling and Art Therapy, along with a certificate in Disability Studies. She has more than ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Much of her work focuses on disabilities, trauma, relationship patterns, and parenting. Her approach is integrative and strengths-based—she loves bringing in creative and expressive approaches for clients who connect more deeply through art, movement, or other non-traditional ways of exploring their experiences.
Originally from Texas, Sara now calls Upstate New York home and offers both in-person and telehealth services. Outside of work, you'll usually find her kayaking or spending time outdoors with her partner and their three dogs.
Much of her work focuses on disabilities, trauma, relationship patterns, and parenting. Her approach is integrative and strengths-based—she loves bringing in creative and expressive approaches for clients who connect more deeply through art, movement, or other non-traditional ways of exploring their experiences.
Originally from Texas, Sara now calls Upstate New York home and offers both in-person and telehealth services. Outside of work, you'll usually find her kayaking or spending time outdoors with her partner and their three dogs.
Robert Vanmeter, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Bob is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 38 years of clinical experience across outpatient, crisis, inpatient psychiatric, and private practice settings.
Bob is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 38 years of clinical experience. He has worked in outpatient community mental health, crisis intervention, structured outpatient programming, inpatient psychiatric services, and private practice psychotherapy. Bob has also provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work students, interns, and fellow professionals.
His areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, family relationship issues, chronic mental illness, and more. Bob emphasizes a dynamic and holistic approach to mental health, considering the various aspects that contribute to the wellbeing of a person.
His areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, family relationship issues, chronic mental illness, and more. Bob emphasizes a dynamic and holistic approach to mental health, considering the various aspects that contribute to the wellbeing of a person.
Jennifer Yager, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Jennifer earned her degrees from Syracuse University and Simmons University. She is passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
Jennifer is dedicated to helping individuals and families create meaningful, lasting positive change in their lives. She earned her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and her master's degree from Simmons University.
Jennifer is passionate about empowering others through support, education, and practical tools that help clients build confidence, develop healthier coping strategies, and make meaningful changes aligned with their personal goals.
Outside of her professional work, Jennifer enjoys reading, writing poetry, and dancing. She is currently challenging herself to learn how to cook and values strong social connections and meaningful time with friends and family. One of her personal goals is to travel internationally and learn about cultures around the world.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." — Carl Rogers
Jennifer is passionate about empowering others through support, education, and practical tools that help clients build confidence, develop healthier coping strategies, and make meaningful changes aligned with their personal goals.
Outside of her professional work, Jennifer enjoys reading, writing poetry, and dancing. She is currently challenging herself to learn how to cook and values strong social connections and meaningful time with friends and family. One of her personal goals is to travel internationally and learn about cultures around the world.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." — Carl Rogers
Lauren Mossing, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Lauren earned her bachelor's in psychology from Saint John Fisher University and her master's in social work from SUNY Brockport. She has a particular passion for supporting individuals navigating anxiety and trauma.
Lauren was born in upstate New York and recently relocated to central New York. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, with a minor in art, from Saint John Fisher University in Rochester, and went on to complete her master's in social work at SUNY Brockport, also in Rochester.
She has experience working with diverse populations across various age ranges, with a particular passion for supporting individuals navigating anxiety and trauma.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time in nature—especially the Adirondacks—as well as painting and photography.
She has experience working with diverse populations across various age ranges, with a particular passion for supporting individuals navigating anxiety and trauma.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time in nature—especially the Adirondacks—as well as painting and photography.
Telehealth Team
Online Only
Megan Bennett, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker · Buffalo, NY
With nearly 30 years in the field, Megan specializes in integrated diagnoses—substance use alongside mental health disorders. She takes a person-centered approach and utilizes somatic and self-soothing skills for anxiety and depression.
Megan Bennett, LMSW, is an invaluable member of Cuda Counseling's telehealth team based in Buffalo, NY. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning across various age groups and populations, Megan brings a diverse skill set to clinical practice.
She specializes with those who have integrated diagnoses such as substance use disorders alongside mental health disorders. Her ability to connect with clients allows her to establish meaningful therapeutic relationships, meeting people where they are and addressing each individual's unique needs.
Megan's areas of expertise include substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, chronic pain, and family issues.
When not working, you'll find her outside in nature enjoying time with her family at the baseball diamond. She loves to travel, swim, try new restaurants, and enjoys yoga.
She specializes with those who have integrated diagnoses such as substance use disorders alongside mental health disorders. Her ability to connect with clients allows her to establish meaningful therapeutic relationships, meeting people where they are and addressing each individual's unique needs.
Megan's areas of expertise include substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, chronic pain, and family issues.
When not working, you'll find her outside in nature enjoying time with her family at the baseball diamond. She loves to travel, swim, try new restaurants, and enjoys yoga.
Alan Mackie, PhD, MSW, LCSW-PR
Licensed Clinical Social Worker · PhD Clinical Psychology
Alan brings more than 30 years of experience working with individuals and families. He is LGBTQIA+ affirming and uses a client-centered, harm reduction approach grounded in systems theory.
Alan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State and holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. With more than 30 years of experience working with individuals and families, he has built a compassionate, empathetic approach that allows him to connect with people from many different backgrounds and life experiences.
Alan believes therapy should be both meaningful and approachable. He strives to create a supportive, comfortable environment where clients can work toward lasting change while also recognizing moments of peace and fulfillment in the present. He is LGBTQIA+ affirming and dedicated to providing an inclusive space where clients feel respected, heard, and supported.
Using a client-centered, harm reduction approach grounded in systems theory, Alan helps clients navigate both internal and external challenges in a holistic way. He believes that true fulfillment comes when the mind, body, and spirit are healthy, balanced, and working in harmony.
Alan believes therapy should be both meaningful and approachable. He strives to create a supportive, comfortable environment where clients can work toward lasting change while also recognizing moments of peace and fulfillment in the present. He is LGBTQIA+ affirming and dedicated to providing an inclusive space where clients feel respected, heard, and supported.
Using a client-centered, harm reduction approach grounded in systems theory, Alan helps clients navigate both internal and external challenges in a holistic way. He believes that true fulfillment comes when the mind, body, and spirit are healthy, balanced, and working in harmony.
Heather Burgio, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
With over 15 years in the field, Heather has worked in various clinical settings including mobile crisis coordination and domestic violence services. Her trauma-informed approach creates a judgment-free space for clients.
Heather Burgio, LMSW is a compassionate and experienced mental health therapist dedicated to creating a judgment-free space where clients feel safe, seen, and heard. With over 15 years in the field, Heather has worked in various clinical settings—as a therapist, mobile crisis coordinator and responder, and social work aide.
Her background includes six years working with individuals affected by domestic violence, as well as several years in substance use disorder treatment. She is especially passionate about supporting those navigating anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and the lasting impact of domestic violence.
She holds a Master of Social Work from Keuka College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Nazareth College. Known for her warmth, empathy, and authenticity, Heather brings a steady, grounding presence to her sessions.
Her background includes six years working with individuals affected by domestic violence, as well as several years in substance use disorder treatment. She is especially passionate about supporting those navigating anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, and the lasting impact of domestic violence.
She holds a Master of Social Work from Keuka College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Nazareth College. Known for her warmth, empathy, and authenticity, Heather brings a steady, grounding presence to her sessions.
Clinical Supervisors
Kristen Eberly, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker · Supervisor
Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Northern New York. Although she no longer provides direct clinical services, she continues to support Cuda Counseling in a supervisory role across a variety of settings.
Kristen Eberly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living in Northern New York. Although she no longer provides direct clinical services, she continues to support Cuda Counseling in a supervisory role. She has worked in various settings, such as mental health units, jails, and community clinics.
Kristen draws on elements from multiple approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Kristen draws on elements from multiple approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Paris Pearson, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker · Supervisor
Paris Pearson, LCSW brings years of clinical expertise to Cuda Counseling, providing guidance and supervision to associate therapists to ensure compassionate, high-quality care for every client.
Paris Pearson, LCSW brings years of clinical expertise to Cuda Counseling, providing guidance and supervision to our associate therapists. As a seasoned professional, Paris combines extensive experience with a commitment to ensuring compassionate, high-quality care for every client.
Support Staff
Rhea Naval
Practice Support Coordinator
With a background in nursing and experience in psychiatric and behavioral health services, Rhea helps ensure that every client interaction—from scheduling to follow-ups—is handled with care and professionalism.
Rhea is Cuda Counseling's Practice Support Coordinator and plays a key role in providing reliable and compassionate administrative support. With her background in nursing and experience in psychiatric and behavioral health services, she helps ensure that every client interaction—from scheduling to follow-ups—is handled with care, professionalism, and respect.
Her goal is to help create a seamless and welcoming experience for both clients and clinicians. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and TV series and dining out with her family.
Her goal is to help create a seamless and welcoming experience for both clients and clinicians. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and TV series and dining out with her family.
Abid Nawaz
Billing & Credentialing Specialist
With over 6 years of dedicated experience, Abid is a HIPAA-certified expert in Revenue Cycle Management and provider credentialing, specializing in high clean-claim rates and aggressive denial resolution.
Abid is Cuda Counseling's Billing and Credentialing Specialist. With over 6 years of dedicated experience, Abid is a HIPAA-certified expert in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and provider credentialing. He specializes in streamlining financial workflows for diverse medical practices, focusing on high clean-claim rates and aggressive denial resolution.
By combining technical precision with a proactive approach to revenue recovery, Abid ensures providers maximize their financial health while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.
By combining technical precision with a proactive approach to revenue recovery, Abid ensures providers maximize their financial health while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.