About Our Team

Note from Dr. Mary McCluskey, Owner of The Empowerment Opportunity, LCSW, PLLC Thank you for visiting our website.  Rest assured, you have come to the right place if your goal is to live a more balanced and fulfilled life!

I believe in the healing power of connection. This philosophy inspired me to grow my private practice to include other clinicians so we could help more people. I wanted to work with people with different skills and ways of seeing things to work collaboratively for our clients’ greater good. Together, we can provide more means to reach your goals.

We pride ourselves on our teamwork! When you choose our practice, you automatically have six therapists with different backgrounds and experiences who work as your team! While you will have one primary therapist, you may decide to meet with another with different skills than your primary therapist. We help each other; sometimes, if it makes sense, you may meet more than one clinician. I may ask my clients if they want to meet with Alena for a breathwork or a meditation session.  Nicoleen, Alena, Annie, Liza, and I may also meet with different family members. We all believe that a big part of the healing process involves cultivating acceptance and self-compassion.

While I may not be your primary therapist, you will likely speak with me first.  I am also your point of contact if you have any questions or concerns. I might meet with you for some EMDR or if your therapist is on vacation. When we meet as a group, we will discuss how we might better help our clients. Sometimes, in these meetings, we decide to form a group for our clients based on common needs.

You’ll collaborate with us, and we will tailor an approach to meet your unique needs and preferences. We do this utilizing many different interventions.  As a practice, we keep up with the latest research in best practices in the industry, resulting in the best care possible.

My Professional Experiences – My bachelor’s degree is in creative writing and psychology from Loyola College, and my Master’s degree in social work is from Columbia University. I also have a doctorate in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. I have training in psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, and attachment-based EMDR. I use an integrative approach (in other words, I collaborate with you on the interventions that best meet your unique needs).

I work both in person and online. If you meet with me online, you will likely meet one of my cats (they are lovely and bound by the same confidentiality as me.) 

Other Experiences – I have written two children’s books, The Leader of the Parade and Bubbles, Balloons, and Birds (coming out soon in both English and Ukrainian), about the power of connection and dealing with trauma and adversity. Before becoming a therapist, I was a director of curriculum development for law firm management conferences, so I have a unique understanding of lawyers’ issues.

On a personal note, my passions include nature, art, travel, and photography. Most of the photographs on the website are mine. Oh, and that’s also me with the turtle (on the home page!) – someone else took that one! 

Meet The Other Incredible Team Members of The Empowerment Opportunity 

Hello, I’m Alena Kwong (LMSW)

Professional Experience – I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and integrative psychotherapist. I received my Master’s of Social Work from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work.

I come from a holistic nutrition and wellness coach background and am a certified yoga teacher and Reiki Master. I work with a variety of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship and self-esteem issues.  I use many different modalities and value your input on what feels right for you. My approach is gentle, and my clients tell me I am warm and provide a safe place to process feelings.

My Specialty – As someone immersed in my healing journey with mindfulness practices of yoga, meditation, and spirituality, I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of the mind, body, soul, and spirit to one’s state of healing and wellness.

On a personal note, I am into holistic healing and is a pastry chef as well as a foodie;-)

Hello, I’m Nicoleen Prince-Burrell (LMSW).

Professional Experience – I am a licensed therapist (LMSW) who earned my Master’s Degree in Social from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. I have also obtained a NYU Silver Post-Master’s Certificate in Trauma-Informed Clinic Practice.

My Specialty – As a therapist, I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds on issues such as stress management, depression, and anxiety and helping to improve general well-being. I utilize a variety of approaches and modalities, including psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavior therapy, and mindfulness. I guide clients to increased self-awareness and acceptance to move toward the changes they seek.

Other Experience – Before becoming a therapist, I was an investment analyst in the financial services industry. My business background and clinical training give me a unique lens to help professionals cope with the many stressors that come with finding the right work-life balance.

 On a personal note, I love to travel and spend time at the beach!

Hello, I’m Noa Bar (LMSW)

Professional Experience

I earned my Master of Social Work from New York University, my Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College, and a Culinary Degree from The Natural Gourmet Institute.

My Specialty

My therapeutic style is collaborative and culturally sensitive. I try to harness each person’s unique inner strengths to guide clients toward resilience, balance, and a sense of fulfillment. I work with adults who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, transitions, as well as body and self-esteem issues. I integrate a combination of therapeutic modalities depending on the client’s unique needs.  Some of the modalities include Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Art Therapy. I offer guidance, support, and a safe space for exploration while recognizing that clients ultimately drive their healing process. I can offer sessions both in English and in Hebrew.

On a personal note, I enjoy cooking, baking, drawing, and sculpting!

Hello, I’m Ross Schwaber, LMSW.

Professional experience:  I earned my master’s in Social Work from NYU Siver School of Social Work and my master’s in Voice Performance from Hunter College.  In addition to being a therapist, I also teach voice and piano.

My Specialty: Transitions can be challenging for anyone, and we sometimes need help navigating relationships and life changes. I understand what it feels like to be stuck while juggling many roles on a daily basis. I am here to provide a holistic and eclectic approach that puts you in the driver’s seat, as each individual is the expert of their own life. I use a variety of modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and somatic techniques. My approach is gentle and positive; my clients feel comfortable being vulnerable in the space we create together. I work with adult individuals and couples with a variety of presenting issues, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-esteem issues. I also specialize in working with artists and understanding their unique needs; I performed as a professional opera singer before becoming a therapist. I am passionate about helping my clients understand their attachment styles and how they affect their relationships. If you are looking to break cycles in your life, feel free to reach out for a consultation!

Hello, I’m Liza Sondow, LMSW

Professional experience

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from New York University and offer sessions in both English and Russian.

My Specialty

I work with people ages 15+ experiencing life transitions who need support.  I am trained in Gestalt therapy and EMDR.  I work with a variety of issues, including grief, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and childhood trauma.  I enjoy working with people who have a tendency to isolate and struggle with avoidance but also desire change, as well as sensitive people who want an attuned therapist.  I have experience working with older adults struggling with chronic pains and conditions.

On a personal note, I practice daily meditation and love music.  I adore all animals, especially horses!

Hi There, I’m Annie Mudick, LMSW

Professional experience

I  received a Master’s in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College and my Master’s in Social Work from NYU. I have a bachelor’s degree in child development and clinical psychology from Tufts University.

My Specialty

I have always been passionate about working with children. I was a preschool teacher before getting my masters in social work and child development. I work with children ages 0-14, including children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ODD, general life issues, and more.  I utilize a combination of talk, play, and art therapy.  I have a knack for getting children to open up, and I enjoy working with parents.

On a personal note, I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona.  I am a big fan of Bluey, Pete the Cat, and Phineas and Ferb. In addition, I love going to Broadway musicals!