Meet Some Of Our Providers
Aliya Ismail, M.Ed
There are many ways to heal from trauma and distress. Accessing Psychological First Aid can be a useful starting point in harnessing one's strengths, regaining a sense of stability, and finding tangible ways to cope. For nearly 20 years Aliya has supported individuals, families and communities in navigating systemic and personal challenges. In addition to being a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional (CCTP), one of her specialties includes grief and loss. Born in Canada, Aliya has Gujarati ancestry and has lived in various parts of the world and is M.Ed, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor).
Asmita Saha, M.A
My name is Asmita Saha. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University, Alabama, United States. I decided to volunteer with INDEAR since I wanted to do what I can do to support people. Having seen how the pandemic has hit India, and how bravely the healthcare field has stepped in to take control, I wanted to do my part in helping as much as I could.
Diksha Bali, M.Ed
I am a Doctoral Fellow and student in the University of Maryland’s School Psychology PhD program, which is housed within the university’s Counseling and Higher Education Department. Through my program, training and experiences, I have gained an understanding of a variety of interventions for mental health. I believe that empathy and understanding are at the core of every PFA or counselling session. I also have practical experience and training in crisis support, from working for a crisis helpline and supporting youth and families’ behavioral needs. I joined INDEAR so I can support all of you and our community at this time. Many of my close family members are in India. I consider India my home, and it is the place to which my heart belongs. I look forward to meeting with you and supporting you in any way I can.
Jayoti Soor, M.A
I am a doctoral student of clinical psychology at George Washington University and a psychosomatic counselor who believes in holistically addressing the mind, body and spirit. I am currently located in Jorhat, Assam as my classes are online due to the pandemic and will relocate to D.C in the fall. I was drawn to the INDEAR community as it speaks to my heart that wants to serve and be there for frontline workers who are undergoing tremendous amounts of stress while saving lives. As I was a frontline worker during the first wave of pandemic in the USA, I know from personal experience how much toll it can take on one emotionally, mentally and physically.
Justin Kung, M.A
My career has been informed and led by the question: “Why do people do what they do?” While the answer to this question is never straightforward, I am fascinated by our stories and how we can constantly change and improve ourselves. My current endeavour of building Everyday Empathy, is my ‘full-circle’ of combining my passion for mental health with my professional background in supporting startup companies and their founders. While we are forced to be separate geographically through this pandemic, we can still help each other remotely. I simply want to offer time and space for those who need it. I hope to be a helpful and attentive ear and voice through these tumultuous times.
Kevin Spath, Ph.D
Kevin is a holistic psychotherapist and NYS licensed mental health counselor. Using an integrated approach including psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, he works with teens and adults that are in the midst of crisis or transition and helps them to find healing and direction. With his compassion and expertise clients recover from anxiety, depression, addiction, and co-dependency. Kevin is also a Reiki 2 practitioner and offers traditional sessions to his clients. Kevin joined INDEAR because it is an easy way for him to provide assistance to support those in India at this difficult time.
Laura Himmelstein, M.A
Laura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. She is the Coordinator of the Caregiver Support Program and the Healing Touch Program at a tertiary hospital 20 miles north of New York City. Laura offers crisis intervention and ongoing support to families, patients, and staff. She is a co-creator of Care Code™ - a staff support intervention begun years prior to covid and enhanced to meet staff needs during covid. Laura also has a private practice where she specializes in support for individuals and families facing serious and life-threatening illness and those experiencing grief and bereavement. Laura provides group support for these needs as well.
Lavanya Devdas, Ph.D
Dr. Lavanya Devdas, a resident of Pennsylvania (PA) in the U.S.A., is a psychologist licensed in PA and NY. She offers telehealth sessions and has a private practice office in Doylestown, PA, for mental health therapy for adults. Using an integrative approach, she treats anxiety, depression and relational challenges within the cultural contexts and lived experiences of the individual and their respective familial and social environments. She is also an advocate for addressing mental health needs and coping at the group and communal levels, including mental health needs among communities of color. She joined INDEAR as she also identifies as South Asian and an essential worker, and loved to collaborate with INDEAR as part of the communal effort to provide mental health support during times of crisis for the frontline workers in India.
Mona Klausing, M.S
Mona is a Licensed Psychotherapist and AAMFT Clinical Supervisor in California. She is the Co-Director of a non-profit counseling center and a part-time faculty at a public university teaching in the areas of counseling and social justice work. In her private practice, she supervises MFT Associates informed by cultural humility and client-centered therapy practices while integrating the wisdom of non-Western healing modalities. Mona works with many South Asian clients and facilitates therapeutic support groups to build community and resilience. Born in Bangalore and raised in the U.S., she has been moved to support her colleagues in India as an INDEAR volunteer. www.monaklausing.com
Sanjay Govindaraj, Ph.D
Dr. Sanjay Govindaraj is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist. He started his career in the early 90’s with the Mumbai police in India. Worked with not only victims of crime but also with police officers and their families on issues related to addictions, physical/emotional abuse, depression, anger and symptoms of complex PTSD. Moved to Canada in the year 2000, he continued to work with immigrants, refugees and international students dealing with trauma along with challenges settling in a new country. Dr. Govindaraj’s priority is creating a safe, compassionate and respectful space; one where he can provide guidance instead of judgement. His holistic approach to counselling considers how the body, mind, and spirit work together towards finding balance and health. He specialises in dealing with trauma, anxiety and depression. He is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and Mindfulness. Dr. Govindaraj’s reason for volunteering his time with Indear is to do what little he can to help his home country India get through this challenging time with Covid 19.
Vrishti Kapoor, M.Sc
I am a Psychologist (M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology) in private practice with over three years of supervised work experience in the field of mental health. My work interest areas include crisis and grief counselling. I am currently located in Delhi and provide online counselling and psychotherapy sessions. I joined the initiative of INDEAR Support because mental health concerns are on a steep rise in the current pandemic scenario, especially among the frontline workers. Being a mental healthcare professional, I believe it to be my prime responsibility to serve my community in these difficult times.
Yagna Nag Chowduri, Ph.D
Dr. Yagna Nag Chowdhuri is a social worker, educator and facilitator based in New York. She has a PhD in contemporary spirituality in India from Cornell University. She is passionate about self-transformation as a vehicle for community transformation. Yagna provides individual as well as group sessions through INDEAR.