Our Staff

Dr. Julie Morison started HPA/LiveWell in 2010 after serving as Director of Psychological Services for the Northeast Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders. She remains on faculty at Albany Medical Center where she provides education and awareness training on eating disorders for providers throughout the region. Dr. Morison received her Doctoral Degree from SUNY Buffalo. As Program Director for the LiveWell Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Dr. Morison continues to lead the clinical treatment team to meet the needs of the community. Dr. Morison has been recognized by CDPHP and Empire BlueCross BlueShield for her leadership through the COVID19 pandemic, and she has become the leading voice in awareness and education on disordered eating. Clinically, Dr. Morison specializes in group-based intervention, body image dysmorphia, personality disorders and anxiety disorders. The best advice Dr. Morison once received: “If you don’t own it, you can’t change it, and if you can’t change it, you have to let it go.”

Dr. Drew Anderson completed his doctoral training in Psychology at Louisiana State University and postdoctoral training at the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania Medical College.

Dr. Anderson is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University at Albany-SUNY, leading an active research program focused on the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, body image disturbance and psychological and medical problems associated with obesity. Dr. Anderson has authored many scientific papers and book chapters and presented numerous times at professional conferences. He is a Fellow at the Academy for Eating Disorders (FAED), and a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and the Eating Disorders Research Society

At HPA/LiveWell, Dr. Anderson specializes in treating eating disorders, body image, and anxiety disorders with various treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Donna Askew, RN, received her degree from the Junior College of Albany, Division of Russell Sage College. She began her nursing career in the Pediatric Unit at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, NY. Following her love of helping children and families in need, Ms. Askew joined the staff at the Center for Disability Services where she led a state-funded respite program that offered medically fragile children the opportunity to leave their home to attend school daily in a safe medical environment. Ms. Askew currently serves as a Registered Nurse at St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC). The best advice she once received: “Be passionate, stay true to your beliefs and values, take risks and love what you do.”

Cynthia Bott, LCSW, attended Bowling Green State University for undergraduate studies before earning a Master’s in Social Work from San Francisco State University and a PhD in Social Welfare from the State University of New York at Albany. With more than two decades of experience as a clinical social worker and professor in New York and California, Ms. Bott is currently an associate professor in the Social Work Department of Siena College. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers, At HPA Live/Well, Ms. Bott’s areas of specialty are personality disorders, depression, anxiety, LGTBQ+, and crisis and suicide intervention. For therapeutic intervention, her treatment approach focuses on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic therapies along with elements of mindfulness. Ms. Bott works with individuals, families, and couples to promote personal and interpersonal growth. Ms. Bott not only values positive therapeutic relationships and is dedicated to educating aspiring students.

Dr. Patricia Bradway received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School. She also holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Dr. Bradway’s clinical areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, disordered eating, women’s issues, and recovery from trauma. Dr. Bradway uses a variety of treatment approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Psychodynamic therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy. She also encourages and practices a holistic, wellness approach to emotional health. Beyond her clinical work at HPA/LiveWell, Dr. Bradway is the Associate Director of the Counseling Department at Siena College and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Albany Medical College.

Kristen Caridi, LMHC earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the State University of New York at Albany. Ms. Caridi’s career in behavioral health started at HPA/LiveWell as the IOP Case Manager for three years prior to transitioning to her role as a group and individual therapist. Ms. Caridi’s areas of specialty include eating disorders, body image issues and anxiety. Ms. Caridi leads the Teen Eating Disorder (TED) Group. Her treatment approach consists of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Practices, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, all centered around self-compassion. Prior to her career in mental health, Ms. Caridi graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with her BFA degree in International Fashion Design. The best advice Ms. Caridi once received: “You can’t hate yourself into a version of yourself you can love.”

Powell Cucchiella, LMHC, studied Psychology and Child Development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and received his Masters Degree in Counseling and Community Psychology from The Sage Colleges in Albany. Mr. Cucchiella believes in a proactive approach to well-being and performance through understanding, managing, and training the mind. He specializes in anxiety, depression, cognitive behavior therapy, sports and performance psychology and positive psychology. In addition to his clinical work at HPA/LiveWell, Mr. Cucchiella works as a Mental Health Counselor at the Albany Academies and provides performance coaching to sports teams and individual athletes. The best advice Mr. Cucchiella once received: “To be yourself at the highest level you can be. People will judge us whether we are ourselves or try to fit in with the masses. So, be authentically ourselves without fear of judgement.”

Dr. Gerard Florio received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Dr. Florio specializes in living with chronic/acute illness, grief and life transition, trauma, depression, and anxiety. He uses a variety of best practice treatment approaches including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Existential Psychotherapy. In addition to his work at HPA/LiveWell, Dr. Florio is the Clinical Health Psychologist at the C. R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital and the Director of Psychological Services at Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY. Dr. Florio also serves on the Medical Advisory Board at Double H Ranch and is an adjunct faculty member at State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Dr. Florio’s favorite quote is, "Life isn't beautiful because it lasts forever, so time is where the miracles live" from Shane Koyczan.

Dr. Elana Gordis is licensed in New York State with specialized training in couples and family therapy and treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Gordis received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Yale University, before earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her post-doctoral training at UCLA focused on treating child and adolescent anxiety and depression. In addition to her clinical work at HPA/LiveWell, Dr. Gordis is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University at Albany, SUNY. Her research program focuses on adjusting to the effects of exposure to family and community violence have on adolescents and young adults.

Matthew received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cazenovia College and Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from the College of Saint Rose. Mr. Holmes continues to serve his alma mater - The College St. Rose - as a member of the Advisory Board Committee. At HPA/LiveWell, he specializes in treating eating disorders using CBT with an emphasis on Solution Focused interventions, behavioral activation and mindsets. Mr. Holmes also provides therapy services to address interpersonal and adjustment issues, anxiety disorders, depression, and other mood disorders. His treatment philosophy: “discomfort is a building block for change.” Prior to joining HPA/LiveWell full time, Mr. Holmes worked as a school administrator and therapist in residential settings.

Dr. Julia Hormes, attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies and the University of Pennsylvania for her Master’s and doctoral degrees. She also completed a clinical internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Hormes specializes in eating disorders, substance and behavioral addictions, depression, anxiety, women’s health, and living with chronic illness. She utilizes various treatment approaches such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Practices, Motivational, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Dr. Hormes directs the Health Behaviors Laboratory at the State University of New York at Albany. She conducts research on the psychology of human food choice behavior, interventions targeting diet, nutrition, and weight, health-promoting and health-compromising behaviors related to food intake and body weight, non-substance/behavioral addictions, and the status of women in academia. A link to a full list of her publications can be found here.

Dr. Hormes is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Dr. Ross Krawczyk attended the University of Nebraska for his undergraduate studies and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of South Florida. Dr. Krawczyk specializes in treating eating disorders - specifically binge eating disorder - as well as anxiety disorders, health- and weight-related concerns, and obesity. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in his therapy sessions. Dr. Krawczyk is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at The College of Saint Rose and is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Amina Mahmood completed her ‘A’ Levels of schooling in English Literature, Economics and Math with Statistics at the University College of Islamabad, Pakistan. She attended the State University of New York at Albany for her Bachelor’s Degree, where she majored in Psychology with Honors and minored in English. Dr. Mahmood is a member of the American Psychological Association, specifically Division 17 (the Society for Counseling Psychology) and Division 45 (the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race). She is also a member of the New York State Psychological Association and a member of the Division of Culture, Race and Ethnicity (DCRE).

Dr. Mahmood specializes in multicultural psychology, working with ethnic minorities, the Muslim population, immigrant and refugee populations, health psychology, and relationship issues including interpersonal violence. She utilizes the many different treatment approaches such as, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, Motivational, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Multicultural Therapy. Her treatment lens and theoretical orientation is feminist-multicultural psychotherapy.

Dr. Mahmood is currently the President of the Albany Collegiate Interfaith Center, a not-for-profit organization focused on building interfaith relationships and increasing interfaith understanding. Dr. Mahmood is also a certified yoga instructor. She has two favorite pieces of advice, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time” from Maya Angelou and, “It’s good to leave each day behind, like flowing water, free of sadness. Yesterday is gone and its tale told. Today new seeds are growing” from Rumi.

Marianne Nettina is a licensed adult nurse practitioner, with a focus on health, wellness-monitoring and nutritional guidance for patients in therapy for eating disorders.

Ms. Nettina completed her RN training in Buffalo, NY, and her graduate work at Syracuse University, where she obtained her BSN and MSN degrees. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in Adult Health.

She has a broad professional background, with specialties in Radiation Oncology and Gastroenterology. As an educator, Ms. Nettina has trained nurse practitioners as a preceptor at Columbia University in New York City and was an associate professor of nursing at Adirondack Community College. Her nursing background makes her uniquely qualified to provide guidance and strategies for healthy lifestyle transition and maintenance. Ms. Nettina is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Gastroenterology Association.

Allison R. Oliver, LMHC, received her Bachelor's Degree from the State University of New York at Albany and her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counselling from the College of Saint Rose. She is a member of American Counseling Association and the New York Mental Health Counselors Association.

Ms. Oliver specializes in treating adolescents and adults with eating disorders, body image, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. She utilizes CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Humanistic Therapy, SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy), Mindfulness Practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

She is a volunteer at Double H Ranch which provides specialized camp experiences for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.

Monica Raminger earned a Bachelor’s Degree - Dual Major in Psychology and Health Science from SUNY Brockport and her Master’s Degree from the College at Saint Rose. She is a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP). Ms. Raminger specializes in trauma, anxiety management, distress tolerance, and affect and emotional regulation using the DBT treatment approach. She is a Trauma-Informed Speaker with the Catskill Regional Teacher Center. The best advice she once received: “It’s not ‘you versus them’, it’s ‘you and them, versus the problem.’”

Rebecca Tebano, LMHC, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from SUNY Oswego and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of Saint Rose. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, and a former board member of the Infant Mental Health Association.

Ms. Tebano specializes in treating adolescents, adults, and family for various concerns, including fertility and postpartum concerns. She also offers Solution Focused Therapy with a humanistic, personalized approach. Ms. Tebano provides a safe space for people to feel welcome and relaxed in sharing their concerns.

The best advice Ms. Tebano once received: “The time will pass either way, it’s up to you how you spend it”.

Dr. Melissa Them is a psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Licensed in the State of New York, she earned her Doctoral Degree from the University of Albany, State University of New York and has extensive experience serving clients in the capital region. Dr. Them provides individual psychotherapy for patients ages six and up, as well as family therapy and parent training for parents with children of any age.

In addition to her training as a child and adolescent psychologist, Dr. Them has specific experience working with college students, as well as with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families. Dr. Them has extensive experience in psychological and educational assessment and provides these services to children, adolescents and adults − including consultation with schools where appropriate. Dr. Them is a member of the American Psychological Association and Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

Victoria Turner, LMSW, attended the Nazareth College, School of Social Work for her undergraduate and received her licensure through a one-year accelerated program at the Columbia School of Social Work. Ms. Turner is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

During her Master’s program, Ms. Turner had an internship with the Whitney Young Health Center, where she focused on Women & Gender Studies and mindfulness. Since starting at HPA/LiveWell, Ms. Turner has concentrated more on intuitive eating and body image dysmorphia, through the use of mindfulness practices, CBT, and DBT approaches.

Outside of HPA/LiveWell, Ms. Turner is a Registered Yoga Teacher and is soon to be a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Ms. Turner expresses the importance of mindfulness and grounding techniques; getting out of your head and into your body, in order to discover physical indicators of distress and ways to release it from the body.

One skill Ms. Turner is interested in learning would be sign language. The best piece of advice Ms. Turner ever received was, “People start to heal the moment they feel heard”.

Nicole Tuzinski, LMHC, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Counseling from Carlow University and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New England College. Ms. Tuzinski has extensive knowledge and experience working with diverse populations within the mental health field. She is a member of the American Mental Health Counselor Association.

Ms. Tuzinski specializes in treating children, adolescents, and their families with varied mental health concerns using treatment approaches that integrate mindfulness, cognitive therapy and play therapy. She provides individual psychotherapy for children ages six and up, as well as family therapy specializing in in ADHD, anger management anxiety, coping skills, depression, emotional disturbance, family conflict, self-esteem, defiance, sexual abuse, and trauma. Her passion is to ensure children and teens can learn, grow, and develop to realize their fullest potential.  Childhood and adolescence can be a difficult time that is often intensified by social and familial complexities. Ms. Tuzinski’s goal is to help youth navigate life’s challenges by teaching coping skills, building self-confidence, and managing emotions.

As a therapist, Ms. Tuzinski provides a safe and supportive environment to help clients learn more effective ways of managing confusing or upsetting emotional states. She also helps clients explore new ways of viewing and interacting with the world around them. Ms. Tuzinski builds on their strengths and resources, to help them overcome the type of challenges they currently face. She aims to facilitate the healthy, vibrant, psychological development of children she sees.

Dr. D. Catherine Walker earned her PhD in clinical psychology from the University at Albany with research training in interventions for body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Dr. Walker uses cognitive behavioral and mindfulness and acceptance-based therapeutic frameworks, such as dialectical behavior therapy. In addition to treating eating and weight disorders, Dr. Walker has experience treating anxiety and depression and typically works with adults and older adolescents.

In addition to clinical work, Dr. Walker has presented her research at international conferences, authored and co-authored several scholarly articles and book chapters on body image and eating disorders and is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Union College in Schenectady, NY.

Best advice Dr. Walker once received: “Treat everyone you meet with the kindness and compassion you would to someone who is going through something difficult personally, because everybody goes through difficult periods at various times in their lives, and you never know who that is on any given day”.

Tammy Weber is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian Nutritionist with 20 years’ experience in nutrition counseling for eating disorders. She earned a bachelor's degree in business from Villanova University and graduated from the Registered Dietitian/Nutrition program at Russell Sage College.

Ms. Weber provides individual and group nutrition counseling for eating disorders through our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and individual appointments, ensuring a personal meal plan for each individual.

Ms. Weber is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and leads community education presentations on eating disorders, body image, sports nutrition, healthy heart eating, wellness and a lifestyle change of eating habits.

Katherine Wells earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. Prior to joining HPA/LiveWell full-time, Ms. Wells worked to support those in foster care, substance and addiction treatment and HIV care center. In addition, she was an Adjunct Professor at Empire State College. At HPA/LiveWell, Ms. Wells specializes in eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders and gender identity. She uses a wide variety of treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. The best advice she once received: “Let go or be dragged with stress in life.”

Erika Winney earned a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY. After college, Ms. Winney traveled the country and gained professional experience in diverse communities and cultures. Ms. Winney has a unique understanding of various cultural and family dynamics and cultural symbolisms of food.

With two decades of professional experience, Ms. Winney has extensive knowledge in specialized weight management and diabetes-related nutrition counseling. Ms. Winney is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Ms. Winney is known for her positive and open-minded attitude and her ability to share resources for individuals and families to provide additional nutrition education.

The best advice she once received: “If there is something you want to do there is no better time than now to do it!”