Our Staff
Dr. Fred | Dr. Tracy | Dr. Karen | Dr. Cicely | Dr. Adria | Dr. Monique | Dr. Marisa | Dr. Jodi | Sandy
All HPS Professionals have expertise in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and other techniques for the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, Phobia, Marital Difficulties, Social Skills Training, Assertiveness Training, Eating Disorders, Parenting Skills, Anger Management, Learning Disabilities (including ADD-ADHD) and Self-Esteem Improvement. Our therapists treat children, adults and couples. For more information on the backgrounds of our professionals click on their names above, or see below.
Fred L. Holtz, PhD
Executive Director of HPS, Psychologist
Education: PhD in Clinical and School Psychology – Hofstra University, MA with Distinction in Clinical and School Psychology – Hofstra University, BA in Psychology – SUNY Stonybrook, AA in Liberal Arts – Nassau Community College
Ages Treated: 12 to Adult
Fred L. Holtz, PhD is Executive Director of Holtz Psychological Services. He received his Doctorate from Hofstra University and did his undergraduate work at SUNY Stony Brook and Nassau Community College. His Master's degree, also from Hofstra, was granted "With Distinction" for outstanding academic, research, and clinical accomplishment. He was given numerous awards of recognition for clinical excellence. Dr. Holtz is the author of Ten Ways To Reduce Stress and Anxiety TODAY, a practical booklet on identifying and reducing anxiety. His articles and workshops on coping with stress, and on improving communication in relationships have been featured on Long Island NEWS 12 and in NEWSDAY.
Dr. Holtz has extensive experience in individual and marital therapy, learning disabilities and psychological evaluation. Dr. Holtz has been in private practice for over twenty-two years, and has been a guest lecturer and workshop leader for businesses and civic organizations. The Therapy-Now website was established over sixteen years ago and was one of the first sites of its kind. The website remains on the cutting edge of quality. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Holtz is adjunct Professor of Psychology at Suffolk County Community College. Dr. Fred has an obvious passion for providing the very best Psychological services to Long Island residents. He will do whatever it takes to make the therapeutic experience the most comfortable, pragmatic and effective available. He is dedicated to having both clients and colleagues reach their ultimate potential.
"I was always good at listening to people. Way back in high school my friends would call me for advice with personal decisions and relationship issues. I took an interest in Psychology at Nassau Community College where I started to do well in psychology courses. I received excellent feedback from my professors at NCC. I became a Psychology major because I was always fascinated with helping people. My Father always had a calm wisdom in giving advice and dealing with family issues, and my Mother is a boisterous, engaging woman truly enthralled with getting to know other people. I like to think that I am a combination of the two.
In graduate school I worked with individuals with physical and emotional disabilities, Asperger's and mental retardation. I took special interest in anxiety disorders, relationship issues and Attention Deficit Disorder. I excel in helping individuals who are going through life changing situations cope more effectively and achieve their life goals. By the end of therapy clients will better reach their own potential so that they can succeed in challenging daily situations and navigate through future problems. I want them to improve their lives and be more satisfied, relaxed, and comfortable with themselves. I approach each client in a relaxed, informal, pragmatic manner. I attempt to understand each person, their unique set of circumstances, and their individual goals and aspirations. clients leave the very first session with something to think about so the therapy starts immediately. I have always been interested in creative activities: photography, music production, media, books, and reading. I encourage my clients to develop and pursue hobbies and pastimes as well."
Other Interests: Photography, Music Recording, Graphic Design, Movies, Books
Click to follow Dr. Fred on Twitter 
Tracy A. Gangi, PsyD
Coordinator of Assessment Services, Psychologist
Education: PsyD – Saint John's University, MS in Psychology – Saint John's University, BA in Psychology – Saint John's University
Ages Treated: 6 to Adult
Dr. Tracy Gangi has more than 15 years of professional experience helping children, teens, adults and couples to reach their maximum potential. She is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and has practiced Psychology at United States military bases in Germany, been a School Psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and has worked in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. She is a skilled diagnostician, psychotherapist and consultant as well as a pivotal team leader on Special Education Committees. Dr. Gangi is a highly engaging and effective professional with adults and an impassioned advocate for children with special needs. She has excelled at HPS and is a valued professional resource. Tracy's enthusiasm and pragmatic approach helps clients remain focused on important goals and achievements.
"I enjoy people tremendously. I am fascinated by people and the nuances and quirks that every person has. I was a school psychologist for 16 years and worked with the military in Germany and Scottsdale, AZ. I worked with children, parents and families. I have been successful in helping clients let go of guilt, overcome obstacles and anything holding them back from their full potential. I can help with anxiety, depression and anger. I perform psychological and educational evaluations for all ages. At our first meeting I make sure we work together in making goals to accomplish by the end of therapy. My approach is warm, engaging, direct, supportive, encouraging, enthusiastic, and accepting. Mostly my orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy and commitment and mindfulness therapies."
Other Interests: Eastern Long Island, Pets
Karen A. Jason, PhD
Psychologist
Education: PhD in Clinical Psychology - Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies Adelphi University. Bachelor of Science, Psychology - Union College, Schenectedy
Ages Treated: 6 to Adult
Dr. Karen Jason has extensive experience in individual and group therapy, psychological assessment and working with children, teens, adults and families. For more than fourteen years she has been providing crisis intervention, parental and family support, individual and group counseling within an elementary school setting as well as supervising the assessment of school-age children. Dr. Karen's comfortable style works well with children and teens. She has special interest in helping people cope with eating disorders and improving communication in relationships. Dr. Karen's engaging and empathetic style, integrating both dynamic and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, makes the therapeutic process very comfortable and rewarding. Her positive approach is inspiring to others.
"I have always liked figuring out tough problems. Working at an Eating Disorders clinic was very rewarding. What began as a volunteer position after college developed into an administrative position. I enjoy helping people find their own internal resources, as well as invent and utilize new coping skills. By the conclusion of therapy I want clients to find their strengths and use them effectively. My approach is empathetic."
Other Interests: Theater and performing arts
Cicely Horsham-Brathwaite, PhD
Psychologist
Education: PhD in Counseling Psychology – Temple University, MS in Counseling and Personnel Services – Fordham University, BA in Psychology – Lehigh University
Ages Treated: 12 to Adult
Dr. Cicely Horsham-Brathwaite is a licensed psychologist specializing in individual and couples therapy. She works with women and men to successfully navigate life transitions. With over fourteen years experience as a therapist she has worked with a broad spectrum of clients including adolescents, adults and couples. Among her specializations are: Teaching effective parenting, self-care coaching, work-life balance, relationship issues, depression, anxiety and career concerns.
Dr. Cicely is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques, including CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Dr. Cicely has taught at the university level for over a decade, and during the last five years she has trained therapists at the master's level. She has a natural warmth and positive demeanor that is very comforting.
"My uncle was going to be a child psychologist and I always wanted to be like him. In college I enjoyed and excelled in psychology and advanced counseling classes. As an undergraduate I was a Women's Studies minor, learning about social justice and helping people to achieve equal rights. Then in graduate school the faculty members were interested in multicultural counseling and because of that I had opportunities to be a research and teaching assistant in environments focusing on women's and social issues. My graduate school environment was diverse in students and the counseling center had presented me with an opportunity to do career counseling and student affairs. I believe I am best at building strong alliances and relationships with clients, which is important because research shows that a strong foundation is most important in efficiency. I also work with relationship issues whether they are dating relationships, interpersonal issues or work friendships. Life transitions are another one of my specialties such as work or career changes, divorce, loss of a loved one and grieving. My overall goal for post therapy is that people realize they are making progress from their original state of mind. I want them to be able to transfer what they have learned in therapy to everyday life. I approach each person as an individual. It is important that therapy helps them to have motivation, adjust their core concerns, and that it is enjoyable at the same time. I am very interactive, like sessions to be dynamic, like to read, exercise and do things to make sure I am practicing the self-care that I recommend to others. I believe I have a great sense of humor which is important in the change process so I can be gentle and kind with individuals."
Other Interests: nutrition, work-life balance
Monique S. Griffith, PsyD
Psychologist
Education: PsyD in School-Community Psychology – Hofstra University, NY; MS in Psychology (with Distinction) – Hofstra University, NY; BA in Psychology – Rutgers University, NJ.
Ages Treated: 5 to Adult
Dr. Monique Griffith is a Licensed Psychologist who has training in adult inpatient and outpatient community mental health settings. She helps children with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges and autism spectrum disorders cope effectively with academic, emotional and social difficulties. As a certified School Psychologist in New York and New Jersey, Dr. Monique is skilled at developing behavioral interventions, and conducting psycho-educational evaluations for children, adolescents and adults. She also has experience providing mental health support to adjudicated juveniles and adolescents residing within residential settings. Dr. Monique is a dedicated Psychologist with a confident and engaging demeanor.
Dr. Monique adopts a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach when working with individuals, groups and families. She has a special interest in working collaboratively with clients to help them recognize their potential. Dr. Griffith specializes in the treatment of behavioral issues, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders.
Other Interests: Visual and Performing Arts
Dr. Marisa Hammock, Psy.D
Psychologist
Education: Psy. in Clinical Psychology - Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, MO. Master of Arts in General Psychology - Adelphi University, NY. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Long Island University, CW Post, NY.
Ages Treated: 6 to Adult
Dr. Marisa Hammock is a licensed psychologist specializing in individual, group and couple's therapy. She treats children and adults. Dr. Marisa's special interests include mood disorders (treating anxiety and depression), coping strategies and self care, relationship issues, healthy living/wellness, and stress management.
Dr. Marisa has an extensive background and has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health clinics, inpatient psychiatric units and a county correctional facility. Dr. Marisa adheres to an integrative approach of therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy and a psychoanalytic therapy.
Dr. Marisa has known since 7th grade that she wanted to become a psychologist. She has always been the person her friends have sought comfort and guidance since childhood which inevitably shaped her interest and devotion to the field. Today she is dedicated and committed to helping people reach their goals in therapy.
Other Interests: Nutrition, Exercise, Tennis, Animals/Pets, Faith Based Counseling.
Jodi Tafarella-Kunz
Psychologist
Education: Psy.D., School and Clinical Psychology – Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Dual Masters in Special Education and Elementary Education K-6 – NYU Bachelor of Arts, Psychology – Hofstra University. Currently in certification program for Neuropsychology
Ages Treated: 3 to 17, Parents, Geriatrics
Dr. Jodi has had extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. She has expertise in individual and group therapy, comprehensive psychological assessment, social skills counseling, bereavement counseling, parental and family support, as well as in providing individual and group counseling within multiple school level settings. She has also supervised assessments of school-age children.
Dr. Jodi's subtle, supportive style is effective in reaching and treating children and adolescents, as well as helping families communicate more effectively. Dr. Jodi's engaging and empathetic approach integrates both dynamic and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. She allows a relaxing environment to navigate therapy, resulting in a comfortable and rewarding process. Her sincerity and genuine concern for people is beyond a mere theoretical approach, it is an inspirational synthesis of empathy and hope.
"I bring to my practice my sensitivity not only as a professional but as a mother who understands the challenges which may confront any family. I understand, in a microscopic way how others may feel in a larger, more exponential way. I am sincerely driven to help provide the tools children, adolescents and their parents need to help them have effective and more fulfilling lives."
Other Interests: Cooking, reading, exploring museums and zoos, and hiking.
Sandy Del Carpio
BA in Psychology, Dowling College (Future Physician Assistant)
Sandy Del Carpio Sandy Del Carpio is our Bilingual (English - Spanish) Evening Office Manager. She will set up and change appointments, obtain initial intake information, verify insurance claims, provide reminder calls and set up appointments for Spanish Speaking and Bilingual clients.
Sandy is currently in the Medical Studies program at SUNY Farmingdale where she will become an amazing Physician Assistant in the near future. She has an endearing and empathetic personality and has significant insight into medical and Psychological difficulties.
Sandy can be reached at the main office phone number: (631) 427-6669
