Hi, I’m Leslie!

I’m a licensed therapist in private practice based in New York City, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families. In addition to my work in traditional psychotherapy, I also offer divorce mediation services for clients seeking a more collaborative approach to separation.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas and completed my Master of Science in Social Work with a minor in law at Columbia University. I furthered my clinical training through the Clinical Externship program at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, where I continue to be actively involved as a Clinical Associate with the Ackerman Center for Families and Health. There, I support families facing the emotional impact of chronic, acute, and life-threatening health conditions.

Before becoming a therapist, I served as a substance abuse counselor for the Arkansas Department of Corrections and was a founding member of the state’s first Drug Court. My professional background includes extensive clinical and administrative experience across the fields of mental health, substance use, research, and criminal justice.

Throughout my career, I have also worked in behavioral health research. I coordinated two federally funded studies focused on reducing alcohol use, high-risk sexual behaviors, and HIV exposure among homeless adolescents. At the same time, I facilitated group interventions for women involved in the criminal justice system through a NIDA-funded HIV prevention program at the Columbia University School of Social Work’s Social Intervention Group.

My current academic interests center on the human-animal bond, with a special focus on pet loss and bereavement. I believe that therapy should be both compassionate and practical, helping clients build resilience, deepen connection, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.