Meet our team
People worth talking to
Psychiatrists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, therapists — and the team that keeps it all running. Every one of them chose this work on purpose.
Meet our team
Psychiatrists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, therapists — and the team that keeps it all running. Every one of them chose this work on purpose.
Providers
MD · Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine
Michigan, New Jersey & Florida
Dr. Liegmann is a Fellow of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and board-certified in Sleep Medicine. He served in the US Navy as a Corpsman before medical school — a chapter that still shapes his practice. He trained at Our Lady of the Lake College and the American University of the Caribbean, completed a rural family medicine internship in Casper, Wyoming, his psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University, and a Sleep Medicine fellowship. As a former staff physician at VA Medical Centers, he treated veterans in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic, and he continues to actively treat members of the EMS community.
☎ (810) 428-1181
MD · Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry
Michigan
Dr. Surapaneni brings 47 years of psychiatric experience to Cognosis Hillside Center for Behavioral Health in Grand Blanc. A graduate of Sri Krishnadevaraya University / Government Medical College, he treats ADHD, mood disorders, and chronic depression among many other conditions, sees new patients including by telehealth, accepts multiple insurance plans — and also speaks Hindi.
☎ (810) 428-1181
PA-C
Michigan
Sean is a certified Physician Assistant and University of Detroit Mercy graduate with a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine and an instinct for building trusted relationships with patients. Away from the clinic he’s usually with his wife and two kids — traveling, trying new recipes, or out on a family bike ride.
☎ (810) 428-1181
NP-C · Behavioral Health
Michigan
Sue is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health experience — and an unusual origin story. She began as an elementary school teacher in inner-city Flint (B.Ed., University of Michigan) before nursing called; she earned her nursing degree at the University of Wyoming and her MSN at Gonzaga. Patient-centered and collaborative to her core, she spends her off hours on the family farm with her garden, her grandkids, and twelve opinionated chickens.
☎ (810) 428-1181
PA-C
Michigan
Pavithra is a Psychiatric Physician Assistant at Cognosis Hillside in Grand Blanc. Her path ran through physical therapy (2005) and a Master of Science in cardiac rehab (2007) before Physician Assistant studies at Western Michigan University (2022) — a clinical range that taught her that active listening, education, self-empowerment, and collaboration are what actually move patient care forward. She recharges outdoors: family time, camping, trails.
☎ (810) 428-1181
PA-C
Michigan
Dennis is a certified Physician Assistant (University of Detroit Mercy) holding a Certificate of Added Qualification in Psychiatry from NCCPA — a credential earned by a small fraction of PAs nationwide. He sees patients of all ages and treats the full spectrum: ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LLMSW
Michigan
Mary is a Michigan-licensed Master of Social Work who works from one conviction: you are the expert of your own life, and treatment should be built on your choices. Practicing Solution-Focused Therapy with patients from age 2 through adulthood, her specialties include autism, ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, and social phobias. A lifelong Genesee County resident, she treats her community as exactly that — hers.
☎ (810) 428-1181
MSW, LCSW
Michigan
Phillip holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and carries forty-three years of clinical experience in mental health and co-occurring care. His practice rests on a simple foundation: every person needs a confidential, trusting space where thoughts and feelings can be spoken without fear of ridicule or shame. Working primarily through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, he helps individuals seventeen and older, couples, and families navigate depression, stress, anxiety, substance use, grief, co-dependency, and PTSD.
☎ (551) 444-0924
LPCc
Michigan
Sheila earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Oakland University and is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors. She believes each person who enters her office already has the power to grow — her job is providing the safe space and the tools. She works with ages 5 through 64 across an unusually wide range: anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, panic disorder, parenting, life transitions, self-esteem, stress management, and women’s issues.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW
Michigan
James has spent 33 years in this work — inpatient, partial hospitalization, and private practice — treating children as young as six, adolescents, and adults. A Genesee County native with degrees in psychology and philosophy and graduate training at the University of Michigan, he provides therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral difficulties, and eating disorders, with a particular specialty in ADHD across all ages.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW
Michigan
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. Graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Social Work and from Wayne State University with a Masters’ degree in Clinical Social Work. I have trained and worked in multidisciplinary settings including hospitals, agencies serving teens and families, in home counseling, hospice and outpatient behavioral health clinics. I enjoy collaborating with my clients and working with them to reach their goals of therapy. Utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities and a person-centered approach to assist them in obtaining the life they want to live. I am passionate about empowering people to make decisions and progress that will allow for their best quality of life. I look forward to connecting with you.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW
Michigan
Carol has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and seniors across a wide range of therapeutic areas. Her areas of expertise include Couples Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, and Family Therapy. This broad experience allows Carol to support clients across different life stages and circumstances, helping them navigate relationship challenges, emotional difficulties, and significant personal transitions with compassionate, individualized care.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW
Michigan
My areas of expertise include anxiety and panic disorder; depression; trauma of all types; family and relationship problems; grief and life transitions. I am certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy, Clinical Hypnosis, and Rapid Trauma Resolution. I received my BA in Psychology and my Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Michigan, and I hold the DCSW credential, the highest clinical certification given by the National Association of Social Workers. My primary orientation is brief, solution focused therapy.
☎ (810) 428-1181
Therapist-LPC
Michigan
Alicia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in pediatric mental health, working with children and adolescents ages 2 to 17. Her practice is centered on meeting young clients at their developmental stage, using age-appropriate approaches to help them navigate emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. Alicia’s specialization in pediatrics reflects her dedication to supporting children and teens through the unique struggles they face growing up, while also partnering with families to foster healthy development and lasting well-being.
☎ (810) 428-1181
NP
Michigan
Mary was born and raised in Michigan and has been a provider for thirteen years. She sees patients ages twelve and up , virtually and in office, to treat depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW
Michigan
Dennis is from Muskegon Michigan & has worked in the Mental Health field since 1999. He focuses on patients with PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions, anger, & divorce struggles.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW, ACSW
Michigan
My experiences include working with adults, children, teens, and families in various settings, including In Horne Family Service, Day Treatment, and Inpatient Hospital programs. My specialties include Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, Loss and Grief, Relationship issues and Stress Management for life’s changes and challenges that we are more frequently experiencing.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LLP
Michigan
Robert has been working for over thirty years. He sees both men and women over the age of eighteen, virtually. He specializes in alleviating depression and anxiety using different methods.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LLCP
Michigan
The foundation of my approach to counseling resides primarily in person-centered theory where the client is the driving force for change. Deciding to enter counseling is not only about getting help, but also about going on a courageous journey to find a new level of awareness, to challenge one’s thinking, and confront negative emotions. Although it requires hard work, I believe every individual has the resilience within themselves to overcome difficult emotions and traumatic experiences through the discovery of meaning and the instillation of hope. My role is to help clients find the strength to reach their potential, to become their best selves.
☎ (810) 428-1181
MA, LPC, NCC
Michigan
Michelle is an experienced counselor and supervisor as she has been counseling and supervising for the last 21 years. She has a passion to help people heal from anxiety and depression, trauma, grief and loss and any issues that keep people stuck from moving forward in their lives. She is adept at identifying patterns and providing solutions alongside the client. She demonstrates compassion, empathy and is welcoming and calm. Michelle is bi-cultural and bi-lingual being born and raised in Puerto Rico.
☎ (810) 428-1181
PhD, LPC
Michigan – New Jersey
Mark J. Steffanina has extensive experience in improving individual and organizational performance in various industries, from small non-profits to large multinational companies. He routinely works with leaders to help them embrace new perspectives and mental models, enabling them to shed old paradigms and transform to improve their personal and organizational results. Dr. Steffanina holds a Doctorate in Psychology, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and various certifications, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning. As a counselor and therapist, he leverages a varie.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LLMSW
Michigan
David Clark is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of the University of Michigan. He has received specialized training in Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management, and Trauma-Informed Care, equipping him with the skills to support individuals navigating high-stress and traumatic circumstances. David serves as a Peer Support Specialist and Mentor with the Genesee County Veterans Treatment Court, where he provides guidance and support to veterans as they work through the treatment court process.
☎ (810) 428-1181
Family Medicine
New Jersey
Dr. Daniel DeFeo, DO, is a board-certified physician specializing in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). He earned his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM) and completed a five-year residency in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and OMT. Since 2013, he has practiced in northern New Jersey and is the founder of Osteopathic Family Medicine of Northern NJ.
☎ (551) 444-0924
PMHNP
New Jersey
Merilee Mason PMHNP Merilee is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over thirteen years of experience in healthcare. She originally graduated with her Associate’s in Applied Science from Beth Israel School of Nursing in 2012 and has continued furthering her education over the years. Most recently, she graduated from Chamberlain University with a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry. Certified in emergency nursing, she has spent the vast majority of her career in an emergency/ trauma setting. Additionally, she has experience in other specialties such as electrophysiology, alcohol, and substance abuse.
☎ (551) 444-0924
Psychologist
New Jersey
Dr. Wanda Vargas-Haskins is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, immigration-related stress, and racial trauma. She provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive care grounded in social justice principles and offers therapy in both English and Spanish.
☎ (551) 444-0924
LCSW
New Jersey
Cathy Choy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety, and emotional well-being. She provides trauma-informed, culturally competent care using evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s unique needs, with the option to integrate faith into the healing process. She offers virtual therapy sessions for individuals seeking compassionate and personalized support.
☎ (551) 444-0924
LCSW
New Jersey
Adelina Garabet, LCSW is an experienced, unique Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of expertise in the fields of mental health, crisis intervention, counseling and program management. Specializing in individual and couples counseling, Adelina uses a strength-based and person-centered approach to help clients achieve emotional stability and improve overall functioning.
☎ (551) 444-0924
PMHNP
New Jersey
James Martin PMHNP James Martin, PMHNP-APN, specializes in psychiatry, including Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Psychosis, ADHD, Substance Use Disorders, and Personality Disorders. Mr. Martin brings a surplus of experience to his practice, working with adults, geriatric, children & adolescent clients. He prides himself on providing quality care, incorporating a collaborative process between the client and the provider. With a trauma-informed approach, James seeks to make clients feel comfortable and put them at ease. He has obtained his Graduate degree from Drexel University. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and watching sports in his free time.
☎ (551) 444-0924
MSW, LCSW
New Jersey
Lorelle Holway MSW, LCSW For over 17 years Lorelle Holway has been compassionate, caring and instrumental for each and everyone of her patients. She possesses a clinical social work license (LCSW) to practice in NJ and is a certified SIFI Instructor and Clinical Supervisor. Lorelle has been providing therapy to individuals and families, with a focus on couples counseling, crisis, trauma and loss. In addition, Lorelle has provided mentorship and supervision to many clinicians throughout her tenure, and has played a key role in developing and facilitating trainings on various mental health topics, to both internal staff and community members.
☎ (551) 444-0924
LPC
New Jersey
Jessie Seidler LPC I am here to help you work through problems and life circumstances that are holding you back from living the life you want and building a positive future. I have a passion for working with first-responders, heroes who experience unique stressors and often do not receive the gratitude that is deserved. Confidentially, respect and privacy are of the utmost importance in my practice and with over a decade of working with adults and adolescents with a variety of mental health concerns, I have found that each person can benefit from Cognitive Behavioral and Person-Centered therapeutic approaches. I offer empathic, non-judgmental care focusing on strengths and developing a sense of inner-calm despite difficult conditions.
☎ (551) 444-0924
Therapist, DSW, LCSW, IMHS-E
New Jersey
Gladys Fernandez Therapist, DSW, LCSW, IMHS-E Dr. Fernandez has over 20 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, challenges with executive function, neurodiversity, and life stressors impacting overall wellness. Dr. Fernandez’s clinical experience includes providing direct therapy to children, adults, and families and providing reflective clinical supervision to social workers working toward clinical licensure in New Jersey. Dr. Fernandez provides individualized services informed by a client’s strengths, values, and goals. Dr. Fernandez studied at Rutgers University and Columbia University. Dr. Fernandez has a clinical social work license (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey, is endorsed as an infant mental health clinical specialist (IMH-E®️) by the New Jersey Association of Infant Mental Health, and is a certified autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist (ASDCS).
☎ (551) 444-0924
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, WHNP
New Jersey
Jennifer Walsh, MS, PMHNP, WHNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Walsh is a dual-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with degrees from Columbia University and the University at Buffalo. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate mental health care that supports each patient’s overall well-being. Believing that effective treatment must be tailored to the individual, Jennifer works collaboratively with patients to understand their unique experiences, needs, and priorities. She develops comprehensive treatment plans that may include education, counseling, medication management, and positive lifestyle changes. Jennifer has extensive experience treating a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. She also specializes in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, supporting patients through mental health challenges related to pregnancy, postpartum, and other reproductive health stages. Using a person-centered and strengths-based approach, Jennifer partners with patients to optimize their mental health and empower them to lead fulfilling lives.
☎ (551) 444-0924
LCSW
Florida – New Jersey
Joseph Diacheysn, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and Army combat veteran specializing in trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and moral injury. Drawing from both his military service and clinical experience at the VA, he provides trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals heal from military, childhood, relationship, and life-event trauma.
☎ (551) 444-0924
LMSW
Michigan
Mary uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Supportive Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients, whether they are navigating grief, trauma, or personal growth. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University and has also studied at the University of Cambridge. Her clinical experience includes inpatient and outpatient care, individual and couples therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
☎ (810) 428-1181
LMSW
Michigan
Mary uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Supportive Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients, whether they are navigating grief, trauma, or personal growth. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University and has also studied at the University of Cambridge. Her clinical experience includes inpatient and outpatient care, individual and couples therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
☎ (810) 428-1181
PMHNP
Florida
Alyssa Jane Sparhawk is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of healthcare experience. She began her journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee in 2011, initially working in exercise rehab and stretch therapy. She later pursued nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic University, gaining extensive experience in critical care, surgery, and substance abuse treatment. In 2025, she became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, driven by her belief that if you can guide your mind, you can accomplish anything in life.
☎ (954) 634-7966
PMHNP-BC
Florida
Daniele is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over fifteen years of experience in healthcare and is fluent in Portuguese (Brazilian).
☎ (954) 634-7966
PMHNP
Florida
Maria J. Ferrufino I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and adults.
☎ (954) 634-7966
MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Michigan – New Jersey
Krysten Wondrack is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of clinical experience. She specializes in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and evidence-based mental health care, providing compassionate, patient-centered treatment across the lifespan.
☎ (810) 428-1181
☎ (551) 444-0924
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Florida
Anett Cherkassky is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related conditions. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that integrates evidence-based psychiatric treatment with holistic lifestyle approaches.
☎ (954) 634-7966
PsyD, LCSW, CFT, Executive Director of STAR Network
Florida
Dr. James D. Huysman is a therapist, author, and mental health advocate with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in trauma, addiction, burnout, toxic relationships, attachment disorders, and parental alienation, helping individuals, couples, and families through education, empowerment, and evidence-based therapeutic support.
☎ (954) 634-7966
PA-C
Michigan
Kelly is a Physician Assistant specializing in psychiatric care with a multidisciplinary background in behavioral health, education, and medicine. She provides evidence-based mental health treatment with a patient-centered approach, drawing on her experience in psychiatry, surgery, and special education to support patients’ emotional and psychological well-being.
☎ (810) 428-1181
Admin team
Practice Administrator
Tamer served in the Army during the Baghdad Surge and later as a Sheriff’s Officer. His own road — including the losses and battles he speaks about openly — made him a fierce advocate for mental health awareness among veterans and first responders. He embodies the message at the heart of this practice: recovery is real, and asking for help is strength.
Practice Administrator
Angela spent years as a nurse before realizing that lasting change in patient care starts with the systems behind it. Two decades into a healthcare career, she now builds the policies, workflows, and culture that let providers do their best work — driven by a conviction that every patient deserves care delivered with dignity.
Operations Manager
Ten-plus years in hospitality taught Sufyan that operations is really the art of taking care of people. He brings that standard — detail, adaptability, service — to keeping our offices running. Weekends belong to his wife and three boys, sports, and football on the couch.
Medical Assistant
Thirty-five years in medicine, twenty of them in psychiatry — and Deb’s enthusiasm for patient care hasn’t dimmed a watt. Proud grandparent, loudest fan at her grandkids’ games.
Front Desk Lead
Janine has led our front desk for over 34 years — long enough to greet some patients’ children and grandchildren by name. Her garden gets whatever energy the patients don’t.
Front Desk & Billing
Danyelle keeps both the front desk and billing running smoothly — the kind of dual role that only works with her level of care. Off the clock: outdoors, dogs, family.
Front Desk
Five-plus years in patient care have made Alyssa the calm, capable first voice many patients hear. She reads and knits, in roughly equal measure.
Billing Specialist
Maddy’s mission is making medical bills make sense — clear, thorough explanations so patients never feel lost in their own paperwork. After hours she’s playing football with her younger brothers or watching anime with her wife.