Meet the Team

My mission is to provide a non-judgement safe haven for my patients. My goal as a psychotherapist is to help others reach their full potential or to simply be a listening ear when needed. My therapeutic experience includes all ages and populations, ranging from children, teenagers, young adults, adults, couples, and the elderly. I am LGBTQ-friendly as well. 

I graduated from Lehman College, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood. Early in my career, I worked as a substitute teacher, but my passion was not fulfilled in a system where educational expectations trumped true growth as an individual. I had to figure out a way to help others in a way where I felt I could truly make a lifelong difference in a way that I saw fit. Social Work has provided me this outlet to do so, which led me to obtain my Master’s in Social Work from Touro College. Currently, I work full time as a psychotherapist with high-risk populations in a community-based setting. I am also an Early Intervention ABA (Applied Behavior Analyst) therapist. My therapeutic skills include play therapy; CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy; Person-Centered Therapy; Motivational Interviewing; Strength-Based Therapy and Humanistic Approached therapy.

Dr. Tashagaye McKenzie (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow, providing evidence-based psychotherapy and other mental health services to adults, couples, and families. She has extensive experience in evidence-based practices, helping you identify your motivation and strengths to foster a commitment to change. Dr. McKenzie has experience in the following treatment modalities: CBT, DBT, ACT, Psychodynamic, Relational, and Solution-focused treatments. She has a unique interest in supporting clients struggling with severe mental illness, complex trauma history, and substance use.

Dr. McKenzie is a dedicated and empathetic psychologist with a deep commitment to helping individuals from all walks of life thrive in their unique journeys. Whether a client is dealing with issues of racial or ethnic identity, sexual orientation, or varying socio-economic backgrounds, her treatment plans are tailored to respect and acknowledge these crucial aspects of individual identity. She understands that each person is unique. Through exploration, she brings a rich understanding of diversity and cultural factors to her clinical practices. Dr. McKenzie acknowledges the importance of individualized care that considers not just the psychological factors affecting a person, but also their cultural, ethnic, and social background. Dr. McKenzie works collaboratively to find solutions that align with the client’s values and goals.

Currently, she holds a PsyD Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of San Francisco, an APA-accredited program. Prior to earning her doctorate, she received an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the same institution and a B.S. in Psychology from Mercy College, where she garnered psychology honors and engaged in research as a McNair Scholar.

Outside of her clinical work, Dr. McKenzie (Tasha), enjoys the arts (literature, art, and music), as a part of her wellness practices. Other wellness practices she engages in include, watching anime, cooking, traveling, shopping, star gazing, and exploring nature (oceans, rainforest, grasslands, etc.). She believes embracing nature allows for a presence of grounded and unwaveringness like no other!

"Like a seed breaking through the earth to find the sun, let your struggles be the soil from which you grow." – Unknown.

When times get tough, we all need someone to talk to, but why suffer in silence? When thoughts can leave deeper scarring than almost anything else – J.K. Rowling

The quote above is a motto that I reflect on and apply to my practice as a mental health therapist (MHC). There are times in life when we may feel at a loss or need help; however, we hinder ourselves because of fear, embarrassment, or being conditioned to not ask for help. When in fact, asking for help is truthfully one of the most courageous things that anyone can do.

As a psychotherapist, my goal is to provide a comfortable, culturally competent, non-judgmental, safe space for clients to express their truths and later heal from those truths. My purpose is to provide clients with helpful information and therapeutic tools to assist them on their life journey. I advocate for self-care, breaking cycles (generational as well), and wanting to help dismantle the stigma surrounding seeking mental health.

I am now honored to be embarking on this journey at Path2Growth under the supervision of Dr. Toussaint while pursuing my Doctoral degree from Capella University in Advance Studies in Human Behavior. My theoretical background includes a person-centered approach, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based therapy, motivational interviewing, rational therapy, play/art therapy, and multicultural therapy.

I believe that my passion for clients to feel encouraged after our sessions and supported on their therapeutic journey will be a true testament to the work we will venture on together as therapists and clients. I look forward to this experience with much excitement!

“Trauma creates changes you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change that you do choose. “

Growing up in a religious, structured, American Indian household. Expressing your feelings and thoughts was not encouraged. As a first generational graduate, breaking generational curses, debunking mental health stigmas, and addressing traumas within my family and community were the priority. Working in vast communities such as the military, corrections, homeless, substance abuse, and domestic violence has shown me the importance of therapy. Let’s work together to address your concerns, heal from your traumatic experiences, and help you move toward your purpose in life.

Additionally, I work as a Functional Family Therapist Clinical Supervisor, in which I enjoy helping individuals and interchangeably use skills to help all my clients. I believe therapy is most successful when a collaborative and tailored approach is used. After forming a therapeutic alliance and better understanding the individual client, I provide tools to navigate negative emotions and realize psychological growth. Drawing from a range of traditions, I work with clients to build resilience and flexibility while reducing destructive patterns of behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, meditation and mindfulness, Trauma Systems Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Functional Family Therapy are some of the approaches I use to help clients gain a better understanding of their emotions, reactions, personal values, and goals.

Above all, I prioritize building a trusting and nonjudgmental relationship with my clients where they are safe to express themselves freely. I believe that acceptance and compassion provide a bedrock for psychological growth and personal wisdom to occur.

I have a master’s degree from Mercy College, a bachelor’s degree from Mercy College, and certification in CASAC. I have expertise in areas including anger management, depression, panic, anxiety, stress management, problem-solving, and trauma. Experience with various populations, victims of domestic violence, LGBTQA+, OPWDD, teens, immigrants, the elderly, individuals with substance abuse, and families.

LET THE HEALING BEGIN!

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ― Maya Angelou.

I want to help guide you to doing your best and assist with identifying what it takes to cope with past and present life experiences.

My goal is to implement self advocacy, self upliftment and self love leading to positive mental health.

I am a former NYC School Counselor. I graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania majoring in Psychology which led me to Lehman College receiving my Masters in Education with a focus in Counseling. I worked with grades 6th through 12th for 12 years allowing me to work with diverse families guiding young people through their educational journeys.

My twelve years in the education system has taught me no one person is alike and every person deserves kindness. I am trained in child abuse, bully prevention, violence prevention, mediation and specialize in students with Individualized Education Plans.

I believe mental health is essential to a healthy life which led me to receiving my degree at Buffalo University to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As a therapist, I aspire to give you the most professional implementation of counseling theories and techniques in a friendly, confidential, empathic and collaborative environment. I have experience with depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. I have worked with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, families and LGBTQ+. I am trained in using Solution-Focused therapy, CBT, Person-Centered approach and mindfulness strategies. I look forward to going on this journey together.

“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

As a therapist, I strive to facilitate an empathic environment where we can grow together. My goal is to provide individualized assistance to each client. I am a proponent of offering evidence-based treatments specific to their needs. I appreciate how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and impact a person’s well-being. I am also aware of the significant benefits of mindfulness on one’s health.

I started my psychology career at the University of Arizona, graduating with a Master of Arts in Psychology. In 2022, I began the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program at Felician University. I accrued experience working with clients at Fordham University Counseling and Psychological Services for one year. At Fordham University, I acquired experience working with young adults in a university setting presenting with generalized anxiety, depression, separation anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Seeing

my clients grow and learn more about themselves gives me great satisfaction. I am currently entering the third year of my Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology at Felician University. I am excited to work with you as a therapist at Path2Growth!

"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated. It may even be necessary to encounter the defeat, so that we can know who we are." - Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's profound words resonate deeply with the therapeutic process. Life's challenges and setbacks, though difficult, provide opportunities for self-discovery and growth. As a therapist, my goal is to cultivate a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences openly.

My background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Adelphi University. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling, which I anticipate completing within the year. Under the supervision of Dr. Toussaint, I am actively developing competencies in trauma-focused therapy while remaining open to an integrative approach drawing from evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy and psychodynamic therapy, among others.

I have experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, young adults, and the LGBTQ community. Regardless of the client's background or presenting concerns, I strive to foster an empathic, collaborative, and rewarding therapeutic alliance. My mission is to guide clients through self-exploration and personal growth, with the ultimate aim of helping them emerge from each session feeling more empowered and resilient than when they arrived.

Paramount to my approach is creating a safe space where clients can process their challenges without fear of judgment. By reframing perceived "defeats" as opportunities for self-discovery, I hope to instill a sense of hope and resilience in those I have the privilege of working with. I'm happy to begin my journey!

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails.”

Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Edwards' wisdom, I firmly believe in the resilience of the human spirit. As your companion on the path to healing and growth, I am here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.

After completing my Bachelor's degree at Hofstra University, my journey led me to medical school focusing on Psychiatry. Grateful for my medical background, I've gained invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being. However, my true calling emerged in forming genuine connections with individuals and aiding them in understanding their inner world. I am pursuing my Mental Health Counseling degree at Adelphi University, and I am honored to apply the principles of Path2Growth to my clients while working under the supervision of Dr. Toussaint.

My therapeutic approach combines CBT's evidence-based techniques with psychotherapy's insights and empathy. Rooted in collaboration and compassion, I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors while exploring the underlying emotions and experiences that shape their lives. Specializing in addressing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, behavioral issues, and family conflicts, I am dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages—children, teenagers, young adults, and adults alike.

Whether you're navigating transitions, grappling with past traumas, or seeking to enhance communication skills, I am committed to providing compassionate guidance tailored to your unique needs. Embarking on the path to healing can be both empowering and transformative. Together, we will explore your strengths, identify patterns, and develop practical strategies to foster positive change. You are not alone. Let’s take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow!