_edited.jpg)
Meet The Team
Randall Solomon MD
Following medical school at the State University of New York at Buffalo and residency training in Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Solomon moved to Long Island in 1989 and founded the practice that was to become Island Psychiatry. Thirty-two years later he is even more engaged and committed to providing the highest quality mental health care and consultation services. Dr. Solomon's perspective on life brings energy, excitement and innovation to the growing practice. He leads with a passionate vision for redefining mental healthcare delivery through a relentless pursuit of quality practices. Dr. Solomon's ultimate goal is to diminish the systemic injustices that interfere with a patient's ability to obtain the most informed care.
CEO and Founder, Adult & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Jessica Miller, LMHC, MS Psychology
Jessica has been a behaviorist and advocate in the field of developmental disabilities and child adolescent psychology for over 10 years now. Her experience has run the gamut from school settings, psychiatric facilities, group homes and outpatient clinics. Jessica's tenacious strength based approach has fueled her work and helped her build strong programs and train families, staff and community members across the field. Her approach has made a lasting change on the system's impacted and brought wellness and quality of life to the program participants. Jessica continues that momentum to bring new ideas and programming to the Island Psychiatry team. Outside of work, she enjoys coffee and the outdoors with her family.
Vice President of Human Resources and Development, Therapist, Behaviorist
Jacqueline Sanzari, LMHC, CRC
Jacqueline has a vision and drive that serves as a platform for her ongoing success with patients and in her career. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in Psychology and also studied Applied Behavioral Analysis. She first established herself as a behavioral therapist for children with co-occurring developmental disorders and complex mental health need. She also treated adults with Autism as a rehabilitation specialist. She then went on to receive a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling honors degree from Hofstra University. Following which, she dedicated 4 years to working with adults who have a severe and persistent mental illness and those who struggle with substance abuse. She has received advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and recovery-oriented treatments and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Jacqueline brings enthusiasm, optimism and compassion to her practice that provides relief to patients. Her sense of humor, love of animals and adventure are an added bonus.
Vice President of Consultation Services, Therapist, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Cynthia Fischer - Clinical Supervisor and Consultations
After graduating from SUNY Stony Brook in 1990, I established a private practice on Long Island. My primary focus has always been relationship issues. About 20 years ago, I began incorporating an understanding of how and why the brain functions as it does. When we have an understanding of our brain (and the brain of our partner), we can significantly increase the likelihood of getting what we want in our relationships. This additional emphasis has enabled me to help my clients gain better understanding and increased mastery in their lives and relationships.
During my career, I have also developed a specialty in Anxiety Treatment, and have found that my education about how the brain functions is often helpful in treating this condition as well. I have additionally had success treating people with a model that incorporates several clinical theories including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral and Family Systems Therapy.
Human Resources Director, Therapist
Kathy Junior, PhD LCSW
Dr. Kathy Junior graduated from the NYU School of Social Work with a Ph.D. in clinical social work and a specialization in child and adolescent studies. She has over 20 years of experience in academia and direct clinical work with children, adolescents, older adults, and families, utilizing the principles of CCPT, CBT, and ABA. Kathy also has extensive experience working in Early Intervention and with school districts throughout Long Island, including participation in CPSE/CSE meetings. She has been quoted in national publications regarding her work with children and families. In her free time, Kathy enjoys reading, yoga, and meditation.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapist
Alexandra Paul, LMHC
Alexandra 'Lexy' is a licensed Mental Health Counselor that focuses on balancing acceptance and change to help clients develop insight and work toward individual goals that they find meaningful. Lexy graduated from Syracuse University with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The foundation of her clinical experience was established working with children and adolescents that present with high risk behaviors and serious persistent mental illness. She has a strong background in the treatment of trauma, crisis work and assessment/diagnostics. In addition to this, she has experience working with individuals with mental health concerns including anxiety, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder; with substance use issues; and with couples/families. She has extensive experience and training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and utilizes this approach to collaborate with clients in building tangible skills to increase an ability to cope with emotions, to maintain positive daily habits, and to identify ways to successfully navigate relationships. In her free time, Lexy loves to spend time traveling and listening to music - she plays the guitar and the violin.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapist
Nick Cerniglia, NPP-BC
Nick has been practicing as an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2007. He earned both his BSN and MSN from Stony Brook University and is a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Nick is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, as well as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. His depth of experience allows him to carefully individualize treatment plans for best possible outcomes. He believes in educating his patients, empowering them so that they fully understand the benefits of their treatment plan. His compassion and empathy makes him a valuable part of the Island Psychiatry team. Nick spends his extra time as a community volunteer (Mental Health Crisis Intervention). He loves to travel especially to places where there are beaches and boats. When he is not traveling you can surely find him on a golf course.
Independent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
April Lee PMHNP - BC
April Lee is a graduate of Stony Brook University's BSN and MSN programs and is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, promoting mindful medication management grounded in evidence-based practices. Ms. Lee offers an empathetic culturally-competent approach to a client's life experiences and individual goals. Licensed to diagnose and treat an array of psychiatric disorders, her particular area of interest is in the psychosocial impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on patients and their families. Her expertise is born of CPEP and psychiatric inpatient experience as well as ten plus years of oncology nursing. April is a long-time member of the American Psychiatric Nurse Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society. Stop struggling and allow April to help you return to the life that you deserve. When she is not caring for her clients at Island Psychiatry, April finds time to spend with three grandchildren, SCUBA dive and create stained-glass art.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Kocka PMHNP-BC
Nicole earned her initial Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University of Maryland in Biology/Psychology. She then went on to complete her BSN and MSN from Stony Brook University. Nicole is now a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and her experience comes from working in emergency psychiatry for several years, evaluating patients of all ages with multiple psychiatric disorders. She believes in an empathetic, patient-centered approach that involves the careful consideration of all potentially effective treatment strategies for a patient. Nicole is a family oriented person and understands the importance of improving a person’s mental health to maximize occupational, social and interpersonal functioning. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association and the American Association for Nurse Practitioners. When not caring for patients, Nicole spends her extra time with her family and friends and loves walking her German Shepherd.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kim Miller, PHD
Kim Miller, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist licensed in New York and Wisconsin, with a specialization in neuropsychological assessment. She supervises the testing program at Island Psychiatry. Dr. Miller also works at Korn Ferry in their Assessment and Succession practice where she helps assess internal and external talent with consistency and speed using science, research and KF’s decades of search and development experience. The outcome of her work will inform talent selection, promotion and development decisions.
​
Dr. Miller is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience leveraging assessment tools across a variety of areas. With a dual focus on clinical psychology and neuropsychology, she has administered psychodiagnostic and neuropsychological assessments to adults and children in both hospital and private practice settings. Prior to joining Island Psychiatry, Dr. Miller was an Assistant Director of Hospitals at Kings County Hospital Center. She served as the Director of Neuropsychological Services and Director of Adult Externship Training. Also, she created and directed the Behavioral Support Team, a consulting team designed to assist psychiatric inpatient units in effectively managing patients with behavioral problems using a positive behavioral support model.
Dr. Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Hofstra University, a master’s degree in counseling and community psychology from Marist College, and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from St. John’s University. She completed her pre-and post-doctoral training at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in the Geriatric Psychiatry Service. She has taught undergraduate psychology courses at St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y. and currently teaches psychology to undergraduates at Farmingdale State College.
​
Clinical Psychologist, Psychological Testing Program Consultant, Therapist
Rebecca Bonanno, Forensic Mental Health Clinician LCSW, PHD
Dr. Rebecca Bonanno is a licensed clinical social worker and forensic consultant. She received her Master of Social Work and PhD in Social Welfare at the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University and a post-master’s certificate in Child and Family Therapy from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. Formerly an Associate Professor of Child & Family Studies at SUNY Empire State College, Rebecca now devotes her time to her private psychotherapy practice and consulting. Her clinical focus is on using mindfulness and acceptance-based practices to support children, teens, and adults who struggle with depression and anxiety. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys swimming, vegetarian cooking, and spending time with her family (including her two adorable pets.)
​
Forensic Mental Health Clinician / Consulting Contractor
Elizabeth Raffanello, PhD
Dr. Raffanello is a licensed psychologist who grew up on Long Island. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY and holds a Master of Public Health degree from Yale University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and Community Health from Tufts University.
​
Dr. Raffanello is committed to providing evidence-based psychological treatments. She primarily uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy and incorporates mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Dr. Raffanello has extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults with a wide range of mental health conditions as part of an integrated care team.
​
In addition to working as a psychologist, Dr. Raffanello helps manage a psychiatric research team at an academic institution. She has contributed to national conference presentations and professional publications in the areas of health psychology, biological psychiatry, and child development.
Clinical Psychologist
Joanna Katsigeorgis, PhD
Joanna is a NYS Licensed Psychologist and NYS Certified School Psychologist. Having worked in school systems for the past decade, Joanna is well-versed in psychological assessment and in helping parents navigate the special education process. She specializes in psychological assessment for the purpose of identifying learning disabilities and other disorders that interfere with achieving full academic potential. Her mission is to help parents understand their children better and to help her clients experience academic and social-emotional success in their schooling and beyond.
Joanna has extensive knowledge and experience providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults struggling with other disorders that begin in childhood including Intellectual Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders. Joanna also has experience working with individuals who are experiencing emotional and behavioral struggles that include: anxiety, conduct problems, oppositional defiance, peer difficulties, interpersonal difficulties, school issues, life transitions, family conflict as well as those who are seeking guidance during a challenging time, or are seeking to find more joy in their daily lives.
Joanna pulls from several different approaches to help her clients reach their therapy goals including client- centered, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness therapy, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and family-systems. Joanna enjoys assisting with the goal-setting process and guiding clients who wish to better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and actions. During sessions, Joanna utilizes a non-judgmental approach, and she aims to create a warm and welcoming environment that encourages clients to share information about themselves and connect to themselves and others authentically. Joanna’s goal is to help her clients learn healthy and adaptive coping skills, increase self-awareness, and to increase their overall well- being in every aspect of their life.
​
Clinical Psychologist
Glenn Holt, LCSW
Glenn is a Smithtown native and a military veteran who served operationally for 12- years in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Operation Enduring Freedom. After being Honorably discharged from the military due to injury – Glenn wanted to continue his service to the community and pursued his undergraduate degree in Social Work at Temple University located in Philadelphia, PA where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and top of his class in 2016. Upon graduation – Glenn was accepted into the advanced standing program at Stony Brook University earning his master’s degree in social work in 2017. Glenn then completed a post-graduate degree program at New York University – with a focus on Child and Family Psychoanalysis and Trauma Focused Play Therapy. In addition to providing clinical treatment here at Island Psychology. Glenn is currently the Clinician Director and Coordinator for the Child and Family Treatment Support and Services at Well Life Network – servicing over 250 Long Island youth and their families. Glenn’s primary clinical focus throughout his professional career has been with children, adolescents, young adults, and families utilizing a structured, strengths-based perspective and trauma-informed approach to treatment. Glenn’s believes in a holistic approach to therapy and incorporates several aspects of traditional therapeutic interventions into his practice to best meet the client’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. These interventions include CBT, Solution Focused, Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Behavioral Activation/Modification, Play and Expressive Therapy. In addition to his work with children and families, Glenn is also experienced with working with first responders and veterans where he utilizes his own understanding of the culture and challenges faced to best address the client’s needs.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapist
Rinki Newkirk LMSW
Rinki began her career in the healthcare industry and received her Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University. After working as a sub-acute rehab social worker for a couple of years in healthcare, she transitioned back into administrative work in the same company. As she advanced in this path, she found her passion lies in psychotherapy and the therapeutic connection found in working with clients. Rinki is a genuine, compassionate therapist that is committed to helping her clients find peace and happiness. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy and works with each client to help them find the insight and personal growth they are looking for. Rinki believes that we can all make positive changes when we commit to ourselves. Outside of work, Rinki enjoys reading, yoga or kickboxing, and watching shows with her family.
​
Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapist
Christina Petitti, PsyD, MSW
Dr. Christina Petitti has over ten years of experience in clinical work with children, teens and families. She received her Masters in Social Work from Stony Brook University and went on to complete her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University. Christina has also been a volunteer with the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS) since 2014, helping survivors of trauma get connected to treatment and resources. Her areas of passion and interest are working with trauma survivors, as well as children with developmental disabilities and their families. Outside of working and volunteering, Christina loves artwork, gardening, and playtime with her rescue dogs.
Clinical Psychologist
Juliana Genovese, PhD - Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Juliana Genovese received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, where she also received her master’s degrees in General Psychology and Clinical Psychology. She has worked in a variety of settings working with individuals seeking asylum, individuals with brain injury, veterans, individuals with mood and psychotic disorders, and individuals with trauma-and stressor-based disorders. Dr. Genovese believes that each person carries a unique narrative shaped by their life experiences, and her approach to psychotherapy reflects this diversity. She draws from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and interpersonal therapies, while incorporating mindfulness-based techniques. Dr. Genovese is experienced in providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. She also conducts psychoeducational, psychological, and neuropsychological testing with individuals across the lifespan. Dr. Genovese strives to foster a comfortable therapeutic environment by respecting the individuality of every person who enters her office.
PhD - Post Doctoral Fellow
Amneet Kaur, M.S - Psychological Testing Administrator
Amneet is a 3rd-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and business management from Stony Brook University. Amneet aspires to work with children and adults and aims to provide culturally sound therapeutic services. In addition to therapy services, she has experience in conducting psychoeducational and psychological testing. Amneet is dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling and providing them with a safe and comforting environment. During her spare time, Amneet enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Testing Administrator / Psychological Testing Specialist