OUR TEAM

Dr. Renee Krochek

Founder, Psychologist

Renee Krochek, PsyD is a school and clinical psychologist. She has 14 years of experience evaluating and treating

Dr. Renee Krochek

Founder, Psychologist

Renee Krochek, PsyD is a school and clinical psychologist. She has 13 years of experience evaluating and treating individuals from early childhood through early adulthood. Dr Krochek specializes in evaluating individuals with a range of challenges including ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders, autism, and mood, social, and behavioral disorders, among others. Dr. Krochek appreciates the complex, dynamic, and interrelated factors at play during childhood and adolescence. As such, she values the diverse contributions that various disciplines offer. It was during her ten years in the schools that Dr. Krochek recognized the immense potential that a team-based approach can offer. Through professional collaboration, experts garner a broader understanding of development. By supporting families as a team, they enable their strategies to carry over across settings. As Director of Student Supports, Dr. Krochek envisioned and created multidisciplinary teams in an early childhood, lower school, and middle school. She guided the teams to effectively identify students’ needs, develop intervention plans, and implement plans with fidelity. Within the schools, she also provided teacher consultation, individual and group therapy, and class wide social-emotional learning curricula. In her role as a psychotherapist, Dr. Krochek takes a genuine and nonjudgmental approach, joining clients and their families to help them reflect on what is getting in their way and how they can navigate a better path forward.

Phone:(516) 405-0013
Email:rkrochek@myteamli.com

Dr. Lauren Rotko

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lauren Rotko, LCSW, PhD is a licensed social worker. She received her Masters degree from Columbia University, and

Dr. Lauren Rotko

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lauren Rotko, LCSW, PhD is a licensed social worker. She received her Masters degree from Columbia University, and a PhD from New York University. She brings 25 years of varied professional experiences, including school and hospital clinical social work, intervention research, adjunct teaching positions, and private practice. Currently, Dr. Rotko combines her extensive experience with highly individualized, strengths-based therapy for children, adolescents, families, couples and individuals. Dr. Rotko uses an integrative and collaborative approach that draws from various evidence-based modalities, meeting the client where they are to identify goals and motivation. Through a non-judgmental approach, Dr. Rotko addresses a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, ADHD/ADD, anger management, interpersonal issues, and life transitions. She strongly believes in the importance of understanding the individual from a holistic perspective and examining how relationships, behaviors, thoughts and emotions intersect to contribute to symptoms and their treatment. Dr. Rotko works to provide a warm, compassionate, authentic and understanding environment where clients feel empowered to examine and explore their interpersonal dynamics, and build awareness of their strengths and challenges so they can promote their growth and resilience.

Phone:(516) 405-0027
Email:lrotko@myteamli.com

Dr. Lisa Linden

Behavior Analyst

Dr. Lisa Linden, BCBA-D, LBA is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral and a New York State

Dr. Lisa Linden

Behavior Analyst

Dr. Lisa Linden, BCBA-D, LBA is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral and a New York State licensed Behavior Analyst. She holds an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis and an MEd in Instructional Practices from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Linden received her PhD degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (applied to teaching) from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. Dr. Linden specializes in developing and implementing individualized behavior assessments to children and creating programs to be used in both home and school settings. These programs are based on the child’s needs and can include an increase in language and communication skills, social skills, and academics. She has much experience in increasing desired behaviors while decreasing problem behaviors. Dr. Linden has been working with children with varying disabilities, implementing applied behavior analysis, and training teachers, for over 15 years. During that time, she has provided in-home and in-school direct services to children, developed research-based curricula, created and implemented FBAs and other behavioral plans, and trained teachers to implement applied behavior analytic instructional procedures. Dr. Linden enjoys working with parents to teach them the skills and knowledge necessary to create a positive home environment. The parent training sessions allow parents to identify goals and work through problematic behaviors with Dr. Linden.

Phone:(516) 405-0021
Email:llinden@myteamli.com

Marnie Keane, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Marnie Keane, MS, OTR/L attended Lehigh University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral and

Marnie Keane, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Marnie Keane, OTR/L attended Lehigh University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral and Neural Biology in 1989. She pursued further studies and attended New York University to receive a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy in 1991. Marnie is a licensed Occupational Therapist within the state of New York. Marnie has worked as an occupational therapist for over 30 years in multiple settings, which include preschools, center-based care, home care, and elementary school within the Port Washington School District. She has extensive experience providing evaluations and treatment for children with a wide range of challenges including neurological differences, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, vision difficulties, sensory processing disorder, and developmental delays, as well as many others. Marnie has training with a variety of approaches which include, creating sensory diets, Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, Handwriting Without Tears, Loops and Other Groups (Mary Benbow cursive writing program), as well as other developmental techniques to promote improved independence and functioning for children within their homes and school environments. Marnie is passionate about her work with children and their families. She utilizes a holistic approach to her treatment, recognizing the integral role of working collaboratively with all members of the team, (e.g., teachers, physical therapists, speech therapists, counselors, family) in order to create an individualized path of progress and success for each child.

Phone:(516) 405-0023
Email:mkeane@myteamli.com

Arielle Stein, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech Therapist

Arielle Stein, CCC-SLP is a Speech and Language Pathologist with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and

Arielle Stein, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech Therapist

Arielle Stein, CCC-SLP is a Speech and Language Pathologist with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders from Hofstra University and a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from L.I.U Post. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a NYS Certified Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). She is a member of the Long Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Arielle has 10 years of experience working with children/adolescents with a wide range of speech and language disorders. Arielle evaluates and treats articulation disorders, social communication disorders (pragmatics), expressive and receptive language disorders, executive functioning difficulties, feeding/oral motor disorders, and stuttering/fluency. She has extensive experience working in both one-on-one and group settings. Arielle is a “lifelong learner” and is always up to date with the latest advances in the field of speech language pathology. Arielle is PROMPT trained, CPI trained, and strives to continue to build her toolbox of skills. On a personal level, Arielle is local to Port Washington, a mom to an adventurous, talkative 2-year-old boy and a 3-year-old black lab. On weekends you’ll find Arielle and her family at local parks, events, and her favorite, at one of the local ice cream shops!

Phone:(516) 405-0082
Email:astein@myteamli.com

Nicole Leonard, MSEd

Academic Support Services

Nicole Leonard-Ciskanik, MSEd is a New York State certified educator with over 12 years of teaching and administrative

Nicole Leonard, MSEd

Academic Support Services

Nicole Leonard-Ciskanik, MSEd is a New York State certified educator with over 12 years of teaching and administrative experience. She holds licenses in School Building and School District Leadership that supported her in her previous role as Dean of Special Education Services at a charter school network in Brooklyn. As someone who was born and raised in Port Washington, she is excited to be home and working with children in our community. The teachers she had here inspired her to become an educator.Nicole’s primary focus in each of her teaching and administrative roles has been supporting children with a variety of learning needs. She has provided learning support, and she has also managed teams of service providers. The common thread has been ensuring children are receiving the services that best support their unique needs. Nicole is passionate about teaching children how to read and write. She has experience utilizing a number of learning support systems, including, but not limited to, Orton Gillingham, Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention, Wilson, Stern Math, TERC Investigations, and Context for Learning. Nicole can support children at all levels of skill, but she specializes in working with children who face challenges in a traditional classroom environment. Her approach and methods are effective and very engaging. Utilizing a multi-sensory approach, she tailors her lessons to the unique needs of every learner. Nicole truly believes that each child can excel, and she is excited to support them in reaching their potential!

Email:nleonard@myteamli.com

Stacey Manzino, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Stacey Manzino, MS, OTR/L is an experienced and passionate Occupational Therapist who has worked

Stacey Manzino, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Stacey Manzino, MS, OTR/L is an experienced and passionate Occupational Therapist who has worked with children and adults of all ages in a variety of settings. Her 23 years of experience has enriched her knowledge, insight, and understanding of the physical and emotional impact of developmental challenges on individuals in all stages of life. Stacey recognizes the vital importance of early childhood intervention services and has specialized in Pediatric OT for the past 15 years. Her work focuses predominantly on Early Intervention, CPSE/Preschool, and School Age, bringing her warm enthusiasm and expertise to her pediatric clients and their families. A mother herself, Stacey understands and values the importance of working together with family members, caregivers, and teachers to educate and support the child and family. Working on a collaborative team with other experienced professionals allows all aspects of the child's development and progress to be monitored and addressed, ultimately achieving maximum success for the child. Stacey firmly believes in providing a positive, nurturing experience that validates, and respects the perspective and feelings of the child. Essential in her treatment approach is compassionate support for the challenges the child is facing, while celebrating the successes of the child and family. Stacey is grateful that she has found a profession that allows her to enhance and enrich the lives of the children she is privileged to work with, and always strives to make a meaningful difference in the quality of their lives.

Phone:(516) 405-0057
Email:smanzino@myteamli.com

Shira Liebman, MA, CCC

Speech Therapist

Shira Liebman, CCC-SLP specialize in the treatment of a variety of speech and language impairments in children

Shira Liebman, MA, CCC

Speech Therapist

Shira Liebman, CCC-SLP specialize in the treatment of a variety of speech and language impairments in children including expressive and receptive language delays, pragmatic/social communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, articulation and phonological impairments, and language-based learning disorders. Individualized treatment plans are created after assessing a child’s areas of strength and weakness. Therapy sessions are designed to meet the individual needs of each child in a nurturing and caring way. Shira is PROMPT trained.

Phone:(516) 405-0069
Email:sliebman@myteamli.com

Jillian Fogel, MSEd

Special Education

Jillian Fogel, MSEd earned dual master’s degrees in early childhood education and special education. After finishing

Jillian Fogel, MSEd

Special Education

Jillian Fogel, MSEd earned dual master’s degrees in early childhood education and special education. After finishing her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, she secured a job as an assistant teacher in a private special education school. Seeing the impact that teachers made firsthand as the students progressed and gained new skills, Jillian recognized that education was her passion and calling. After starting at the Special Education Master’s program at Touro College in Manhattan, she transferred to and graduated from Adelphi University on Long Island. Since then, Jillian’s experiences have centered around special education. A majority of her 10+ years of experience in the field have taken place in the role of head teacher in an 8:1:2 self-contained special education classroom, working primarily with children on the autism spectrum. Jillian is trained in the T.E.A.C.C.H model, amongst others, and her classroom instruction primarily utilized the ABA approach, in which she is also trained. While working within private special education schools, Jillian had the luxury of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, and mental health providers. She also supported children one-on-one, working with children in their homes and schools, to help them meet and exceed their IEP goals. Through her diverse experiences, she saw firsthand that working collaboratively with a range of disciplines is the best way to help a child flourish. Seeing the potential of each child drew Jillian to the field. What has kept her in the field of special education is seeing the progress that all children can make with the appropriate interventions. It takes consistency, collaboration, genuine care and respect, and the correct tools to help children achieve their potential. Progress is what we strive for! No matter how quickly or slowly a child progresses, moving forward and gaining new skills is the ultimate goal.

Phone:(516) 405-0053
Email:jfogel@myteamli.com

Melanie Magali, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Melanie Magali, MS, OTR/L is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 24 years of experience supporting

Melanie Magali, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Melanie Magali, MS, OTR/L is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 24 years of experience supporting the development and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents. Her diverse career has spanned hospitals, schools, private clinics, and early intervention programs, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how to meet the unique needs of each child across different settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University, combining clinical expertise with a broader understanding of healthcare systems and advocacy. Now specializing exclusively in pediatrics for the past 15 years, Melanie takes a whole-child approach—-addressing motor, sensory, emotional, social, and cognitive development. She is a strong believer in the power of teamwork and values close collaboration with families, educators, and healthcare providers to create individualized, meaningful treatment plans. Her deep clinical knowledge, compassionate care, and dedication to integrated support make her a trusted partner in every child’s growth and success.

Phone:(516) 405-0140
Email:mmagali@myteamli.com

Rachel Zeiger, MSEd

Academic Support Services

Rachel Zeiger is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience supporting learners in both classroom

Rachel Zeiger, MSEd

Academic Support Services

Rachel Zeiger is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience supporting learners in both classroom and one-on-one settings. She holds a dual Master’s degree in Teaching Literacy and Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude. Rachel brings a thoughtful, individualized approach to tutoring, grounded in the belief that all children can grow as learners with the right support. To provide well-rounded instruction, she collaborates with families and, when appropriate, other professionals. She also specializes in assessing each student’s unique learning profile and designing multi-sensory instruction that builds on their strengths while targeting areas of need. Drawing from a range of evidence-based practices—including Wilson Foundations, Orton-Gillingham, Sounds in Motion, and Windward Expository Writing—she creates clear plans that develop core skills and confidence. By fostering a growth mindset and creating a warm, structured environment, Rachel empowers students to take risks, celebrate progress, and develop the skills they need to thrive independently.

Phone:(516) 405-0076
Email:rzeiger@myteamli.com

Dr. Emily D'Antonio

Neuropsychologist

Dr. D'Antonio is a compassionate and experienced neuropsychologist who believes in a holistic approach to

Dr. Emily D'Antonio

Neuropsychologist

Dr. D'Antonio is a compassionate and experienced neuropsychologist who believes in a holistic approach to neuropsychological assessment. In addition to traditional cognitive measures, she considers environmental factors, psychological factors and individual strengths to provide strategies for optimal academic, social and emotional functioning. Dr. D'Antonio completed her Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology at Hofstra University. She completed an APA accredited internship at the Clinical Neuroscience Center at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, and a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation research at the Brain Injury Research Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. After fellowship, she directed the Neuropsychology Service at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where she provided clinical services and held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She works with clients across the lifespan providing diagnostic evaluations to assess for learning disabilities, developmental disorders, traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric illnesses and neurologic disease.

Phone:(516) 405-0083
Email:edantonio@myteamli.com

Dr. Sanaa Bhatty

Consulting Psychiatrist

Sanaa Bhatty, MD is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. She employs a

Dr. Sanaa Bhatty

Consulting Psychiatrist

Sanaa Bhatty, MD is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. She employs a nonjudgmental, empathic, and warm approach to provide evidence based and patient centered care in a safe and supportive environment. Dr. Bhatty’s therapeutic approach is based on the clinical and developmental needs of each patient and is tailored to their individual strengths. She can work individually with you or your child as well as collaborate with other therapists, pediatricians, primary care physicians, schools, and educational advocates. In her clinical practice, Dr. Bhatty utilizes cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, parent-management, and insight-oriented supportive therapy modalities. In terms of medication management, she is a believer of "less is more" and only prescribes if she feels it is necessary. For treatment resistance, Dr. Bhatty can utilize genetic testing to help guide treatment for patients that have failed multiple medication trials. Prior to private practice, Dr. Bhatty was the Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Department at Mount Sinai Morningside. In that capacity, she oversaw a staff consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers as well as trainees in each of the foregoing fields. Dr. Bhatty remains as voluntary faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and continues to participate in the training of future psychiatrists.

Email:drbhatty@sanaabhattymd.com

Dr. Melissa Bitalvo

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Melissa Tebbs-Bitalvo, DSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who provides evidence-based clinical care for

Dr. Melissa Bitalvo

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Melissa Tebbs-Bitalvo, DSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who provides evidence-based clinical care for a wide variety of behavioral health concerns–including anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral challenges, hyperactivity, inattention, self-esteem, and trauma. She brings over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children and collaborating with caregivers and schools as a senior clinician in the New York Presbyterian/Columbia University School-Based Mental Health Program. She provides compassionate, nonjudgmental care from a strengths-based (and playful!) approach, with the goal of helping each child develop skills that will allow them to flourish at home, school, and within their community. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Virginia (go hoos!), she received her MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work and her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. Dr. Tebbs-Bitalvo has a faculty appointment as Instructor in Clinical Psychiatric Social Work (in Psychiatry) at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she provides clinical supervision to students, and is involved in implementation research. During her doctoral work, Dr. Tebbs-Bitalvo studied mindfulness-based interventions and emotion regulation for elementary school students and completed coursework in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction at The Mindfulness Center at Brown University. She has been an invited guest lecturer for graduate clinical social work students, and provides workshops to schools and caregivers on a wide range of mental health and social-emotional topics. She co-authored a chapter on Students with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders for the Oxford Online Encyclopedia of Social Work. Dr. Tebbs-Bitalvo has specific training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), Supportive Play Therapy, TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and OST (Organizational Skills Training) for elementary school students. She also earned her postgraduate certification in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents at the New York University Psychoanalytic Institute.

Phone:(516) 405-0144
Email:mbitalvo@myteamli.com

OUR TEAM

Dr. Renee Krochek

Dr. Lauren Rotko

Dr. Lisa Linden

Marnie Keane, MS, OTR/L

Arielle Stein, MA, CCC-SLP

Nicole Leonard, MSEd

Stacey Manzino, MS, OTR/L

Shira Liebman, MA, CCC

Jillian Fogel, MSEd

Melanie Magali, MS, OTR/L

Rachel Zeiger, MSEd

Dr. Emily D'Antonio

Dr. Sanaa Bhatty

Dr. Melissa Bitalvo

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