Therapists

Ruchi Kumar is a learning specialist, educational therapist, socio-emotional mental health and certified health coach who obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Ruchi holds a second Master’s degree, also from Columbia, specializing in teaching children with disabilities and has a post-graduate certificate in clinical practice from New York University. She also has an advanced certificate in mental health counseling holding her provisional license. For the areas of health and wellness, she obtained certifications from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the American Council of Exercise and is also a member of the American Association for Drugless Practitioners. Ruchi works as a high school learning specialist, private tutor/educational therapist and a socio-emotional health and wellness coach, where she uses principles of mindfulness, positive psychology and DBT skills to help her clients achieve better health and reach their goals. She also teaches yoga and dance. Her positive psychology model of coaching operates on a strength-based model which identifies and uses client’s strengths to work on their weaknesses.

Dr. Ledere is a New York Licensed Psychotherapist, NeuroPsychotherapist, LMHC, School Psychologist, Trauma Therapist, Behavior Therapist, College/Univ Dept Chair/Professor, & Regional Supt of Schools for Special Needs & Gifted helping Children & Adults "fulfill their potential" and to gently/assertively/aggressively address the obstacles that interfere and develop the skills to cope and self-advocate physically, emotionally, socially, mentally to "fulfill potential and develop resilience" as an individual, couple or family. Midtown NYC+ LI, Dr. Ledere offers specialty in Resilience Psychotherapy, Behavior Mgt & Behavior Therapy, Career/Vocational issues, School/Achievement issues, Holistic Therapy, Disorders of Infancy, Early Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood, Senior Years, EI, CPSE, CSE, College issues, Couples & Family Therapy and Mediation. Gastric Bypass and Service Dog Evaluations.

With a commitment to fostering emotional awareness and resilience in children, Portia aims to integrate the therapeutic potential of the arts into her practice. Through her internship, she is working with the center's educational programming to bring workshops to schools while applying creative arts therapies to support children in understanding and processing their emotions, ultimately empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and compassion.

Portia is a student at NYU for Drama Therapy with a focus on trauma-informed therapy for children. Her journey into drama therapy was inspired by her own exploration of emotions and connections through acting, play, music, and other creative outlets. Recognizing the profound impact these experiences had on her own emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships, Portia is dedicated to sharing these invaluable tools with younger generations.