MARK S. CLOSSON, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Dr. Mark Closson is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist. He graduated with his Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology at Hofstra University with distinction. Dr. Closson completed specialized training in the assessment and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as comprehensive practicum in the areas of Anger Management, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy. His predoctoral training at Hofstra University's Student Counseling Center focused on working with the college student population, providing individual counseling, group therapy, and campus outreach. Dr. Closson’s expertise and background as a school psychologist enables him to conduct comprehensive psychological and psycho-education assessment for individuals across the lifespan, deal with all school and special education related issues and determine accurate differential diagnoses. Dr. Closson's clinical work addresses the needs of individuals, couples, and families utilizing specialized evidence based treatment.
ELIZABETH M. MANSDORF, Ph.D., BCBA
Psychologist
Behavior Analyst
Dr. Elizabeth Mansdorf is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist and behavior analyst. She graduated with distinction from Hofstra University's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program where she specialized in working with individuals with Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Mansdorf completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the renowned Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's Neurobehavioral Outpatient Unit. At Johns Hopkins Dr. Mansdorf specialized in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. During her APA accredited internship at MercyFirst's residential treatment facility she worked with adolescent males with severe and persistent mental illness, and conducted risk assessments for both male and female adolescent residents. In her private practice Dr. Mansdorf works with people who present with a wide variety of concerns with the common goal of achieving behavioral change. Dr. Mansdorf is currently interested in improving the implementation of behavioral treatment for children with problem behavior across settings.
BARBARA A. VAUPEL, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker
Barbara Vaupel, LCSW, is a New York State licensed clinical social worker. Barbara holds graduate degrees in social work and education from Fordham University, Queens College, and Adelphi University. Barbara has worked in private practice since 2001. Additionally, Barbara has more than 25 years’ experience working as a teacher, high school guidance counselor, college counselor specialist, and the director of a family services center. Barbara’s internship training took place at Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, NY, and the Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica, NY. Barbara’s professional interests include working with individuals, families, and couples. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression, relationships, social functioning, learning disabilities, academic issues, and issues related to health problems and caregiving. Barbara has additional experience conducting peer mediation, social skills groups, crisis intervention, advocacy, bereavement services, educational workshops, and staff supervision.
MICHAEL DROZDICK, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Michael Drozdick is a licensed mental health counselor at Cornerstone Developmental. He received his bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Psychology from Hofstra University. Michael went on to New Jersey City University where he received a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. He recently earned his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at CUNY Queens College, graduating with honors and the recipient of The Fredman-Berger Excellence in Counseling Award. Michael was a counseling intern at Cornerstone Developmental during his time at Queens College and he previously worked at the Children’s Learning Center on the NJCU campus during his coursework there. In addition to meeting with his clients, Michael currently supports developmentally disabled individuals as a community habilitation specialist with AHRC. He is interested in working with adolescent and adult clients. He works alongside clients in individual, group, and family therapy.
Noreen Townsend, MHC
Mental Health Counselor
Noreen Townsend, MHC-LLP, is a mental health counselor at Cornerstone Developmental Psychology. She completed her undergraduate studies at SUNY Stony Brook, earning her Bachelor of Science in psychology, Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Townsend received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, with academic excellence, from SUNY Old Westbury. She holds additional certifications in Crisis Prevention and De-escalation. She has worked with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, trauma, and grief. Noreen takes an integrated therapeutic approach, drawing on principles of psychoanalysis, CBT, ACT, DBT skills, talk therapy and mindfulness, tailored to the the specific individual needs of each patient. Her professional goal is to work with adolescents, adults and couples in a safe and trusting environment.
AMANDA KRAWCHUCK, B.A
Counseling Intern
Amanda Krawchuck received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Amanda worked with young children and adolescents as a teacher, mentor, and counselor in both school and group home settings. She also received her certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Amanda is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at CUNY Queens College. Amanda is interested in working with children and adolescents in an outpatient setting, and has a specialized interest in cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based techniques.