Felicia P. Garfield, MSW, LCSW
Felicia received her master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and post-graduate certification from the Institute for Child, Adolescent and Family Studies. She continues her training in Internal Family Systems Therapy and couples’ therapy at the Relational Life Institute. Here at Soho Parenting, Felicia offers parent guidance and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Felicia also has extensive experience observing children in schools. This gives her the unique opportunity to help families collaborate with teachers and implement changes in school and at home. Her sensitive, warm, and engaging approach helps her clients transform and access their potential. Prior to coming to Soho Parenting, Felicia worked at the Park Slope Center for Mental Health where she developed and headed the first parenting program at the center. In her free time Felicia likes to draw, dance, and volunteer at Chips and Bloom Again Brooklyn, an organization that refurbishes flowers for nursing homes in the community.
Hilary Roy, MA, LMHC
Following her career as a graphic designer and illustrator, Hilary merged her passions for art and psychology by obtaining a master’s degree in Art Therapy at NYU. She then graduated from Columbia University with a master’s in Mental Health Counseling. She is a certified trauma therapist from the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy as well as a certified Safe and Sound Protocol practitioner. Hilary sees children, adolescents, and adults here at Soho Parenting. In her work with children and their families, Hilary combines art therapy, the principles of Theraplay, and mindfulness. Utilizing an Internal Family Systems-informed approach, Hilary’s goal in therapy is to provide a warm, supportive space where compassion and curiosity guide clients towards increased self-awareness and transformation. Prior to working at Soho Parenting, Hilary was a clinical supervisor and therapist at the Bronx Family Justice Center-Sanctuary for Families. Originally from South Africa, Hilary is familiar with the immigrant experience and sensitive to issues of multiculturalism. Hilary also enjoys reading, eating chocolate, and recharging in the tiny communal gardens in her Brooklyn neighborhood.
Elyssa Ackerman, CPC, MSW, LCSW
Elyssa received her BA in Psychology from Boston University and her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California. She is also a Certified Professional Coach, credentialed through the Fowler International Academy. Her post graduate work was done in parent guidance through Parenting Journey and Parenting Horizons. Elyssa has worked with families throughout her 25+ year career with a particular focus on adolescence. Her compassionate and practical approach helps families and individuals by offering insight as well as concrete roadmaps to make important changes. Elyssa is a skilled presenter and offers workshops and groups on timely parenting topics. She practices mindfulness and meditation which informs her work. Elyssa volunteers at YearUp.org, providing groups to young parents to help close the opportunity divide. She enjoys outdoor sports, yoga, cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Rebecca Todd, MA, LMHC
Rebecca works with children, adults and families to identify their vulnerabilities, nurture their strengths, and help them to reach their goals and thrive. She received her BA from Mount Holyoke College, a Master’s in English from New York University, and her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling also from NYU. Her career began as a teacher where she taught in public and private schools in New York City. Most recently she taught English at The Dalton School. A dynamic and engaging presenter, she has led professional development workshops for teachers on how parent-child attachment affects classroom behavior. Seeing some children thrive while others struggled led her to seek a degree in Mental Health Counseling and a career as a psychotherapist. Her many years of study of Buddhism and mindfulness adds a richness to her psychotherapeutic training. After teaching, Rebecca worked and trained at the Harlem Family Institute. There, she provided play therapy for children, parenting workshops, and teacher support groups in both the adult and school-based clinics. A mother of two nearly-grown sons (who, by the way, accompanied her to Soho Parenting mother/baby groups many years ago), Rebecca spends her free time knitting, reading, traveling close to the arctic circle for the summer solstice, and she has been a student of Iyengar yoga for twenty years.
Marcia Finkelstein, MSW
Marcia earned her BA in psychology at the University of Rochester and her MSW at Simmons College. She received an advanced certificate from the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services in early childhood group therapy. In her four decade career, she has worked extensively with children and families in home, school, and community settings. She provided therapy with a Floortime™ approach and parent coaching at SteppingStone Day School’s Early Intervention program. Marcia was the developmental specialist at The International Preschools, where she used classroom observation to provide guidance to both teachers and parents around accommodating the developmental needs of their students. Most recently, she served as the mental health consultant for an Early Head Start program. At Soho Parenting Marcia provides therapy with young children, parent guidance, in-home and school observations, and parent-child psychotherapy. Marcia enjoys meditation, Pilates, reading, doing the New York Times daily crossword and Spelling Bee, and discovering new ice cream spots. In her free time, Marcia and her rescue dog Bodhi can be found romping in Central Park.
Pareena Lim, BFA
Pareena received her BFA in Dance from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase. She has performed in New York, throughout the United States, and internationally. Alongside her performing career, Pareena is a certified Pilates instructor and movement re-educator, working with clients to heal and reconnect to their bodies. She is experienced in administrative and bookkeeping work for small businesses and is essential to keeping Soho Parenting humming.
