Blog

Gerri Abelson LCSW

As Clinical Director, my responsibilities include overseeing and developing the IDCC clinical departments in areas that include hiring, scheduling, and supervising many of IDCC’s hundreds of care professionals. I ensure sure that all treatments are up to date and that the clinicians are informed of the latest developments in the world of mental health.

What I most love about my job is that I am part of a process that helps cultivate growth in health care professionals, allowing them to impact the lives of the many people they work with.

Pamela P. Siller MD

As Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry I make sure that every child coming through IDCC’s doors receives the very best treatment and support. In addition to my work at IDCC, I am an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College, which allows me to stay abreast of the latest developments in the world of psychiatry, some of which I have been honored to share with peers as a contributor to the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, and as presenter at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting.

Xochitl Roa, LCSW-R

I was born and raised in Nicaragua and I have lived in Honduras, Panama, and Mexico. After coming to America, I graduated from NYU’s School of Social Work and completed courses focused on psychotherapy and psychodynamic practice among others.

I love working with New York’s diverse communities in which people of various backgrounds are like a beautiful mosaic of colors.

Yosef Posy, Psy.D

As director of child therapy I keep the staff abreast of the latest treatments in adolescent and preadolescent therapy, and ensure they are trained in the unique challenges that may arise when working with children. Since receiving my degree in Psychology from Hofstra University and obtaining advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I have conducted programs at both schools and postdoctoral programs on subjects including mental health first-aid, CBT and DBT training.

Lisette Sanabria-Velazquez, Psy.D

I was born in Puerto Rico and raised by my mother and grandmother. While earning my degree I was recruited by the Roberto Clemente family center in the lower east side, where I had the opportunity to provide home-based intervention services for Puerto Rican families.

I am always amazed when I see how families and relationships grow stronger as they overcome obstacles together.

Joanne Siegel, LCSW

I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and was honored with a certificate of recognition by the New York State Office of Mental Health for helping victims of the earthquake in Haiti in 2010.

I enjoy working in my garden, which taught me that the more care you provide something, the better it blooms and grows.

Elizabeth Sanders, LMSW

After being raised in North Carolina, I moved to New York where I received my Masters in Social Work from Hunter College and then proceeded to complete a postgraduate certificate in Gerontology at Brookdale Center. I enjoy coming to work each day and I learn so much from my patients, many of them seniors who have a lifetime of knowledge to share.

Malkie Akerman, LMHC

As director of IDCC’s Flatbush location, my daily focus is to make all patients feel secure and valued by our extensive team of compassionate clinicians. I received my Masters in Mental Health from New York University and have completed specialized training in Geriatric Treatment at Hunter College. In addition to my position as director at IDCC, I also served as Co-Chair on the Brooklyn Geriatric Committee, a division of the NYC Department of Mental Health.

On my off time I enjoy spending time with my family and working with community members to make our neighborhood a healthier and more enjoyable place to live.

Mikhail Pilman, MD

After graduating with honors from State University of New York, I joined IDCC, where I now serve as medical director. At IDCC, our expertise is not just in treating mental health conditions, but also in the way we treat each patient, which is with compassion and quality care. With over 33 years of experience in supporting people with mental illness, I empathize with their pain and look forward to developing a trusting relationship to help them build hope for a promising future.

Stephen Gersten, CEO and PsyD

After receiving a Doctorate in Psychology from Pace University, I joined IDCC as the Director of Children Services. As CEO, my mission is to ensure that IDCC provides the people of our diverse communities with the highest quality care, regardless of their race, religion or cultural background.

With its hundreds of employees, IDCC is fortunate to have helped – and to have the opportunity to continue helping – thousands of families and individuals in their quest to lead healthy and meaningful lives.