Silvia Avila, LCPC, CFMHE
Welcome to Garden of Reflection, where Silvia Avila, LCPC, CFMHE, serves as the founder and owner. Silvia is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in clinical psychology, forensic mental health evaluation, and a strong commitment to social justice. Her comprehensive education and diverse clinical background make her a compassionate leader in providing mental health services and forensic evaluations.
In her role as a Doctoral Assessment Extern at Cerebrum Neurotherapy Counseling & Consulting, Silvia actively engages in the comprehensive process of clinical psychological evaluation. Her responsibilities include conducting thorough intake assessments, behavioral observations, administering and interpreting various cognitive and neuropsychological tests, facilitating feedback sessions, and performing collateral interviews to gather relevant data.
As the Group Practice Owner and Forensic Mental Health Evaluator at Garden of Reflection, Silvia specializes in conducting clinical assessment reports and mental health evaluations for individuals seeking adjustments of legal status in the US, particularly in cases related to Extreme Hardship, U Visa, VAWA, and Asylum immigration matters. Silvia also provides high-quality telehealth psychotherapy, focusing on Depression, Anxiety/Mood Disorders, and PTSD, and directs all aspects of clinical services, training, administration, billing, and marketing for a team of seven clinicians.
As a Bilingual Child Psychotherapist at YWCA- Rape, Incest, and Sexual Exploitation (RISE) Center, Silvia provided victim-centered, trauma-focused counseling and played a vital role in the research committee. In her commitment to social justice, Silvia served as a Social Justice Practicum Intern at Truth & Reconciliation Conversations (TRC), actively contributing to TRC's mission of promoting racial reconciliation and gender equality. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Silvia is a Graduate Student Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National LatinX Psychological Association (NLPA).
Furthermore, Silvia Avila, LCPC, CFMHE, reviews all outgoing reports at Garden of Reflection as a clinical supervisor, ensuring precision and professionalism in the field of psychology. This additional role reflects her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in forensic evaluations and mental health services.
Dr. Betsey Martinez
Dr. Betsay Martinez, a licensed clinical psychologist, stands out as a strong psychological evaluator at Garden of Reflection due to her extensive experience in providing psychotherapy and assessments to diverse populations. Holding degrees in both psychology and economics from Columbia University, she further earned her doctorate from Long Island University in Brookville, NY.
Dr. Martinez's training at renowned NYC hospitals, including NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue, has enriched her clinical expertise. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish positions her as a valuable asset, enabling her to deliver therapeutic and assessment services effectively in both languages.
Notably, Dr. Martinez's capability to offer telepsychology services to individuals residing in PSYPACT states underscores her adaptability and commitment to ensuring accessible mental health services. Her Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, granted by the PSYPACT Commission, reflects her dedication to staying at the forefront of evolving practices in the field.
With a strong academic background, diverse clinical training, and the flexibility to provide services across languages and jurisdictions, Dr. Betsay Martinez brings a wealth of skills and expertise to Garden of Reflection, enhancing the capacity to conduct thorough and culturally sensitive psychological evaluations for immigration cases.
Yaquelin Castillo, LCSW.
Yaquelin Castillo, holding a Master's Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, is a seasoned Bilingual Social Worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Bronx, NY. With a focus on psychosocial evaluations, she conducts screenings, safety assessments, and crisis interventions, ensuring comprehensive support for clients.
Her role as a Bilingual Psychotherapist at The Center of Western Queens reflects her proficiency in intensive clinical psychotherapy sessions, crafting culturally relevant treatment plans aligned with assessment goals. As a Bilingual Mobile Crisis Social Worker at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, Yaquelin excelled in rapid mental health assessments and crisis intervention for adults, showcasing her expertise in crisis management—a critical skill in psychosocial evaluations. Her experience as a Bilingual Early Intervention Therapist at Autism Pro-Help further demonstrates her ability to engage and assess children, providing specialized therapy to families. In leadership roles, such as Bilingual Intake Supervisor at the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, Yaquelin showcased organizational and supervisory skills vital for managing complex psychosocial evaluation processes.
Certified in the Health and Mental Health Field of Practice, and Partner for Safety Training, and fluent in English and Spanish, Yaquelin Castillo contributes a comprehensive skill set to Garden of Reflection, enhancing the capability to conduct thorough and culturally sensitive psychosocial evaluations for immigration cases.
Isabel Acevedo, LCPC
​Isabel Acevedo, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in General Psychology at Northcentral University, is a seasoned professional with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL. With a Bachelor's in Psychology and Sociology from the University of North Texas and an Associate's in Liberal Arts from North Lake College, her academic foundation is diverse and extensive.
Isabel's wealth of experience makes her a strong psychosocial evaluator at Garden of Reflection. As a Bilingual Clinical Therapist at Barrington Youth and Family Services, she provided counseling, assessments, and case management, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex psychosocial dynamics. Her role as a Behavioral Health Coordinator at Greater Elgin Family Care Center involved administrative tasks for the Behavioral Health Program, individual counseling, and staff supervision. This experience showcases her organizational and leadership skills essential for overseeing psychosocial evaluation processes.
Isabel's work as a Sexual Assault Bilingual Counselor at the Community Crisis Center, coupled with her role as a Batterer's Intervention Program Group Facilitator, demonstrates her proficiency in crisis intervention, counseling, and conducting assessments—a vital skill set for psychosocial evaluations.
As an Adjunct Faculty Member at various institutions, including Northeastern University and Dominican University, Isabel brings an educational perspective, enhancing her ability to critically assess and understand diverse psychosocial scenarios. Her clinical therapy roles at Springhill Counseling Services and Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital further solidify her expertise in providing individual and couples counseling, offering a holistic approach to psychosocial assessments.
Isabel's certifications as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, along with specialized training in Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault counseling, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and Mental Health First Aid, underscore her commitment to comprehensive and trauma-informed psychosocial evaluation practices.
Fluent in Spanish and equipped with a strong typing speed, Isabel Acevedo's skills and experiences uniquely position her as a valuable asset to Garden of Reflection, contributing to the delivery of thorough and culturally sensitive psychosocial evaluations for immigration cases.
Scarlett Rendon, MS
She is a bilingual Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, possesses a wealth of experience that uniquely qualifies her as a strong psychosocial evaluator for immigration cases. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Scarlett's roles as a School Counselor and TF-CBT Program Clinician highlight her expertise in crisis intervention, family support, and trauma-focused therapy for children and adolescents.
Her background as a Therapist Associate, specializing in telehealth-based adult therapy, further enhances her ability to navigate diverse psychological issues. Scarlett's experience as a Developmental Specialist showcases her skills in assessments and referrals, crucial in psychosocial evaluations for immigration. As a seasoned Mental Health Technician, she honed her ability to monitor behavior and apply de-escalation techniques—vital skills in assessing individuals for immigration cases.
Scarlett's dedication as a Care Coordinator, providing mental health support to pregnant women, underlines her community-focused approach. Scarlett's academic achievements, including a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, complement her practical experience. Her comprehensive skill set positions her as an invaluable asset for Garden of Reflection, specializing in forensic clinical psychological evaluations for immigration cases.
Airam Marcano, LCSW
Airam Marcano, LCSW, MA, brings a wealth of experience as a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years in non-profit settings, making her a strong psychosocial evaluator at Garden of Reflection. Her diverse background includes roles at prominent organizations such as the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, Safe Horizon, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), and Bronx Legal Services.
In her current role as a Forensic Social Worker Consultant, Airam conducts clinical evaluation reports for clients involved in the criminal justice system and immigration matters. This experience uniquely positions her to assess the potential impact of incarceration and provide comprehensive biopsychosocial clinical evaluations, crucial for psychosocial assessments in legal contexts.
As an Immigration Social Worker at Bronx Legal Services, Airam offers invaluable support to clients applying for benefits and compensation related to crime victims' assistance. Her role involves conducting psychosocial assessments, psychological evaluations for immigration proceedings, and providing trauma-informed care, essential elements for thorough psychosocial evaluations.
In her capacity as a Supervising Social Worker at Safe Horizon, Airam provided case supervision and support, showcasing her leadership skills. She conducted client-centered safety assessments, risk management planning, and advocated for public entitlements, aligning with the multifaceted aspects of psychosocial evaluations.
Her experience as a Parent Therapist at NYSPCC involved developing curricula, managing staff caseloads, and providing therapeutic supervised visitation, highlighting her ability to address complex family dynamics—a critical skill in psychosocial evaluations.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, client-centered approaches, and bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Airam Marcano contributes a comprehensive skill set to Garden of Reflection. Her commitment to anti-oppressive practices and extensive training further enhances her capacity to conduct thorough and culturally sensitive psychosocial evaluations for immigration cases.
Marisol R. Schroeder, LCSW
Marisol brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Garden of Reflection as a skilled psychosocial evaluator. Holding a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University, Marisol's professional journey is marked by a commitment to mental health and a diverse range of roles.
As the Founder and Therapist at Journey to Mental Wellness, LLC, Marisol conducts biopsychosocial assessments and offers individual therapy sessions, showcasing her proficiency in understanding the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
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In her tenure at Advanced Behavioral Health Services as a Therapist, Marisol conducted thorough biopsychosocial assessments, provided individual and family therapy sessions, and made informed recommendations for psychiatric treatment. This experience has fortified her ability to comprehensively evaluate and address the mental health needs of diverse individuals.
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Marisol's background as a Case Manager at Amita Health Mercy Medical Center further adds to her skill set. Here, she conducted psychosocial assessments, provided various therapy sessions, and collaborated with a multidisciplinary treatment team. Her experience includes conducting Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scales and making recommendations for aftercare treatment, showcasing her proficiency in crisis intervention and continuity of care.
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Moreover, Marisol holds certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy, Crisis Intervention, and Suicide Assessment/Petitioning. Her proficiency in English and Spanish enhances her ability to cater to a diverse clientele. With a commitment to ongoing professional development, including training in immigration evaluations, Marisol is well-equipped to contribute to Garden of Reflection's mission in providing high-quality psychosocial evaluations.
