Meet the Team

 

Herkimer, NY Team

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (R)Andre Cuda, LCSW-R, is a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience. His story starts with losing a job in his early 20s with UPS because he ran over two cones during training, which is not a good trait for a driver. He needed a new direction and searched for a career by googling helping teens in 2004. This began his career as a social worker; the rest is history; now, he owns Cuda Counseling LCSW, PLLC, where he provides psychotherapy. Andre uses an eclectic approach to therapy informed by CBT, DBT, and solution-focused treatment. His passion is working as a certified  PCIT therapist, which allows him to work with young children and parents to improve relationships and communication and can change the trajectory of a child's life. 

  • Evan was born and raised in Upstate New York and has lived in the Mohawk Valley region since he was 12 years old.  As a child Evan saw how counseling helped both himself and his family which is why he decided to go into the field.  He attended Roberts Wesleyan College where he received a master's degree in social work and has been working as a counselor since graduating in 2015. Evan has experience working with a wide range of ages both individually and in a family setting.  He especially enjoys being able to help people heal from past hurts and traumas.  If he is not at work you can usually find Evan out in nature in the Adirondacks or playing music with his faith community.  

  • Christina Hoyt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping people navigate life transitions, improve relationships, overcome trauma, build self-esteem, and manage mental illness. She works collaboratively with clients to define goals and needs and uses warmth, humor, and critical thinking to create a safe and comfortable environment. Christina draws on both past and present experiences to create meaningful change and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Currently, she serves as the Children’s Single Point of Access (SPOA) Coordinator for Herkimer County and part time clinician with Cuda Counseling LCSW, PLLC.

  • Vanessa Perry is a Licensed Masters Social Worker and has been in the human service field since graduating with her Bachelors in Social Work in 2011. Vanessa received her Master’s in Social Work in 2019 and has worked in the field as a therapist. She enjoys working with both adults and children to help meet their current needs. She is trained in Parent Child Interaction

    Therapy and looks forward to implementing the skills learned to better serve families in our community.

 

Rome, NY Team

  • Tracy is a licensed clinical social worker based in New York. She has extensive experience working with children, families, and aging individuals. Tracy is dedicated to lifelong learning and constantly strives to expand her knowledge. She aims to assist her clients in achieving their goals by utilizing their strengths, helping them overcome challenges, and realizing their full potential. 

  • Paris L. Pearson is a licensed clinical social worker based in New York. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work and has more than ten years of experience in the field. Paris specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. She employs various evidence-based treatment modalities, including TF-CBT, SFT, and play therapy techniques, to treat a range of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship issues. In her practice, Paris prioritizes a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and strengths-based approach to therapy.

  • Sara is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with a wealth of experience in counseling individuals, couples, adolescents, families, and children. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University and a Master's in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. 

    Sara has experience in dealing with a variety of issues, including child abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment disorders, nonfinite loss and grief (related to disability), children with disabilities such as ADHD, Autism spectrum, and problematic sexual disorders. She has several years of experience and training in child-centered play therapy. 

  • Bob is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 38 years of clinical experience. He has worked in outpatient community mental health, crisis intervention, structured outpatient programming, inpatient psychiatric services, and private practice psychotherapy. Bob has also provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work students, interns, and fellow professionals. His areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma abuse, family relationship issues, chronic mental illness, and more. Bob emphasizes a dynamic and holistic approach to mental health, considering the various aspects that contribute to the wellbeing of a person.

 

Telehealth Team

  • Kristen Eberly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living in Northern New York, working part-time for Cuda Counseling providing accessible telehealth services. She has worked in various settings, such as mental health units, jails, and community clinics. Kristen draws on elements from multiple approaches, such as motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT,  and IFS, to help clients improve their mental health and well-being.

  • ​Licensed Master Social Worker

    Stacey Smith, LMSW, is an invaluable member of our telehealth team based in Rochester. With a wealth of experience spanning across various age groups and populations, Stacey brings a diverse skill set to our clinical practice. Stacey's ability to connect with patients allows her to establish meaningful therapeutic relationships. She understands the importance of tailoring her approach to suit the unique needs of each individual, recognizing the significant impact it has on fostering positive outcomes.

  • Licensed Master Social Worker

    Audrey is a Licensed Master Social Worker who specializes in creating personalized sessions for her clients and employs a variety of approaches to best suit their needs. She works with individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, or loss, those who are going through major life transitions, and those who struggle with low self-esteem. Audrey holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. She has experience working as a care manager and social worker in nursing homes as well as in private practice.