Medical Team of Contemporary Care Centers
Contemporary Care features a highly-trained and competent staff of mental health professionals, administrators, and TMS Treaters. Each member of our team is here to help with questions, treatments, insurance, or appointment scheduling.
Medical Team
Tarique Perera, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist
Greenwich, CT – Danbury, CT
Dr. Perera trained at Harvard Medical School and completed his residency at the New York Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University. After his residency, Dr. Perera was a Research Fellow, and then became an Assistant Professor at Columbia University conducting research on the neurobiological mechanisms of Major Depression. His work, for which he received several awards and grants, demonstrated that stimulation of new neurons in the hippocampus was critical for treating depression.
Next Dr. Perera founded Contemporary Care Centers a multidisciplinary cutting edge psychiatric group practice. CCC offers both traditional and novel treatments that include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy.
Dr. Perera is one of the leading TMS practitioners in the world. He became involved in the early research on TMS therapy in psychiatric disorders at Columbia University. He was the founding president of the international Clinical TMS society and first author of “TMS Guidelines” published by the society in 2016.
In addition, CCC is one of the first practices to offer both intravenous and intranasal ketamine therapy. Dr. Perera is highly experienced in Spravato treatment And is a member of Jannsen’s Advisory Board.
Dr. Perera is considered a “thought leader’ in psychopharmacology. He has taught psychopharmacology to residents and medical practitioners at Columbia University and continues to teach at Columbia ECT and TMS course. He is adept in all aspects of psychiatry including psychotherapy and is annually named one of America’s Top Psychiatrists.
Claudia Sickinger, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist
Greenwich, CT
Dr. Sickinger has over two decades of experience in mental health leadership, both as a Medical Director and Managing Partner. A certified TMS practitioner, Dr. Sickinger provides highly personalized innovative care, and cutting edge biological treatments, producing positive outcomes for her patients. She is a graduate of Vassar College, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center Department of Psychiatry, and Columbia University/NY State Psychiatric Institute. Columbia University’s highly esteemed Public Psychiatry program, of which Dr. Sickinger is a graduate, is known for promoting excellence in addressing complex mental health concerns. Dr Sickinger has focused much of her career as a longtime medical administrator and psychiatrist on the delivery of specialized treatment approaches to achieve psychiatric stability and remission.
Donald Ammerman, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist
Danbury, CT
Dr. Don Ammerman is a highly experienced and versatile psychiatrist who treats patients of all ages. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and completed his Postdoctoral training in Psychiatry at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Dr. Ammerman is an accomplished researcher, instructor (Dartmouth College and the Medical Director of the Clara Martin Center Criminal Justice Weekend/DWI Program) and lecturer on medication management. Dr. Ammerman’s work encompasses the full range of psychiatric modalities across all age groups with a focus on college-age students and patients with dual diagnoses. His treatments include medication management, psychotherapy, and TMS.
Adam Shapiro, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist
Greenwich, CT
Scott E. Hirsch, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist, Neurologist, and Neuropsychiatrist
Greenwich, CT
Dr. Scott Hirsch is a triple board-certified Neuropsychiatrist dedicated to caring for people with behavioral issues of all causes. His clinical practice spans neurology and psychiatry with a special focus on Neuropsychiatry. Dr. Hirsch employs an interdisciplinary treatment approach using evidence-based, results-driven treatment that transforms the lives of his patients using psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation.
Dr. Hirsch earned his M.D. at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, where he also completed a double-board residency in Neurology and Psychiatry. After residency, Dr. Hirsch was the Unit Chief of the Bellevue Hospital Geriatric and Medical Psychiatry Clinics and subsequently was the Neuropsychiatrist for the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center for 12 years. Dr. Hirsch is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and continues to supervise and teach psychiatry residents and fellows.
Dora Orosz, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist, Neurologist, and Neuropsychiatrist
Greenwich, CT
Dr. Orosz brings over three decades of experience in healthcare, holding board certifications in psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, also known as consultation-liaison psychiatry.
Dr. Orosz has focused her practice on medication management in mental health, specializing in psychopharmacology. She earned her medical degree at the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, and pursued training, research, and clinical work at both the University of Medicine and Dentistry Of New Jersey and the University of Connecticut. A well-regarded researcher, Dr. Orosz received awards at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, University of Virginia, National Institutes of Health – National Institute of Mental Health, New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University. After her residency, Dr. Orosz completed her training in psychosomatic medicine at New York Medical College.
Dr. Orosz is known for her dedication to patient-centered care, which draws on multiple modalities and options in complex/specialized mental health management to address individualized treatment needs. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, Dr. Orosz is adept at providing care in person and via telehealth.
Rebecca Trotman, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist
Danbury, CT
Rebecca Trotman, MD is an experienced psychiatrist who provides thoughtful, compassionate care tailored to the individual. Her approach to patient care is collaborative, built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and the recognition of each patient’s unique strengths and challenges.
Dr. Trotman is a graduate of Williams College (magna cum laude) and the New York University School of Medicine where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her postdoctoral training at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center where she served as Chief Resident. Over the course of her career she has provided care in inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings, has served on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College, has enjoyed teaching and supervising residents and medical students, and has directed multidisciplinary treatment teams in leadership roles including Unit Chief and Clinical Team Lead.
Dr. Trotman has extensive experience providing psychopharmacology and psychotherapy for adults with a broad range of diagnoses and conditions. In clinical practice, she incorporates various treatment modalities to help patients meet their individual goals and achieve remission of symptoms. Her current focus is treating adults with mood and anxiety disorders.
Alexandra O’Malley, APRN
Danbury, CT
Alexandra O’Malley is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over four years of experience in the field of psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fairfield University in 2015 and her master’s degree in nursing from Regis College in 2021.
Alexandra started her psychiatric nursing career at Massachusetts General Hospital, part of the Harvard Medical System, working both in the emergency department and on the inpatient unit. It was here that she developed a passion for the field of psychiatry and returned to school to pursue her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing.
She started her career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner two years ago at a busy community mental health center in the Boston area. She treated a wide range of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, substance use and more. She worked closely with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, and administrators to collaborate care for her patients. She focuses on medication management with an emphasis on a collaborative care approach.
Amy Adely, APRN
Greenwich, CT
Amy Adely is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience in psychiatry. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2005, graduating cum laude. In 2008, she completed her baccalaureate program in nursing at Mercy College with a 4.0 GPA. Amy later received her master’s in nursing from Hunter College, where she graduated with Honors as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Throughout her career, Amy has treated a wide array of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. She has also specialized in treating high-risk young children and adolescents facing conduct disorder, trauma, and frequent self-harm. Her current focus is on psychotic disorders, with her most recent research centered on enhancing provider empathy for patients with schizophrenia.
During her clinical rotations, Amy evaluated and treated patients undergoing Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and Ketamine treatment for conditions such as mania, psychosis, and treatment-resistant depression. She has also carried out research and performance improvement projects in various psychiatric arenas, emphasizing workplace violence reduction and specialized care for psychiatric patients with autism.
In 2022, New York Presbyterian honored Amy with the Clinical Excellence Award in recognition of her role as an educator, researcher, and her unwavering commitment to top-tier patient care.
Alexis Entz, APRN
Greenwich, CT
Alexis Entz is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Alexis earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from St. John’s University in 2014. She then completed an accelerated program at Utica University where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in nursing. Alexis then worked in psychiatry for 6 years prior to attending Upstate Medical University, where she graduated cum laude as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Alexis was recognized as a scholar by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration, completing vigorous additional training and research in this specific area. Alexis has extensive experience working with a vast array of psychiatric illnesses, always striving to meet the individual and unique needs of each patient.
Kimberly Crabbe, APRN
Greenwich, Danbury. CT
Kimberly Crabbe is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
She has over 20 years of clinical experience working in adult mental healthcare services.
Kimberly graduated Summa Cum Laude from Regis College in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program She has distinguished herself with Board Certification in Mental Health with a specialty in psychopharmacology.
She is committed to improving the well-being of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Through her expertise, empathy and commitment to holistic care, she strives to empower individuals on their journey to improved psychological well being.
Jennifer Frascone, PA-C, MS
Greenwich, CT – Danbury, CT
Jennifer Frascone is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Jennifer continued her studies at the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program and graduated with a Masters of Science in 2010.
As a Physician Assistant, Jennifer has worked in the emergency room, Urgent Care, and at an Acute Care Psychiatric Facility. Jennifer brings her well-rounded knowledge of both Emergency Medicine and In-patient Psychiatry to Contemporary Care, focusing primarily on medication management.
Lauren Castaldi, PA-C, MPAS
Danbury, CT
Lauren Castaldi is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She graduated with a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Sacred Heart University. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut in 2013, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology & Neurobiology. She focused her Honors Scholar Thesis on preclinical scientific research involving positively reinforced operant conditioning studies in animal models of depression. Lauren worked as a physician assistant in urgent care prior to joining the team at Contemporary Care. In addition to medication management, Lauren specializes in ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders.
Erin McCann, PA-C, MPAS
Danbury, CT
Erin McCann is a board-certified Physician Assistant receiving her Masters from Sacred Heart University. She completed her undergraduate education at Indiana University in 2008, graduating with honors. After graduation, Erin entered the United States Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School; she subsequently earned the rank of Captain, serving two tours in Afghanistan. From there, Erin worked as a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist in a primary care practice. Erin brings to Contemporary Care years of experience working with very diverse populations. In addition to medication management, Erin specializes in ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders.
Kimberley Rubino, PA-C, MPAS, CAQ -PSYCH
Greenwich, CT
Kimberley Rubino is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She also achieved a CAQ in Psychiatry, an added qualification demonstrating advanced expertise for PA’s in the field of psychiatry. She received a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She also graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology.
Kimberley completed her psychiatric clerkships and training at McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and North Shore Medical Center in Boston. Before attending her physician assistant program, she also gained experience working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Prior to joining the team at Contemporary Care, Kimberley worked as a Psychiatric Physician Assistant treating a wide range of mental health and substance abuse disorders while providing medication management and supportive psychotherapy. In addition to medication management, Kimberley specializes in ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders.
Christina Kvistad Carlson, PA-C
Danbury, CT
Christina Kvistad Carlson is an NCCPA Certified PA practicing in Psychiatry. She earned her bachelors in Medical Laboratory Science from Marist College before graduating with a Masters in Medical Science from Yale School of Medicine. Prior to practicing psychiatry, she worked in both microbiology and STAT emergency room hospital laboratories. She is consistently available to help her patients in times of need and is experienced in maintaining patient stability and prescribing the most fitting therapeutics tailored to the individual. She sees a wide range of psychiatric conditions with a special interest in mood disorders. She enjoys getting to know her patients and constantly pursuing more education in her field. Outside of work she is an outdoors enthusiast, spending her free time either skiing, sailing, windsurfing, running and more.
Therapists
Ellen Casale, LMFT
Danbury, CT
Ellen Casale is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at Four Winds Hospital, where she was a member of the hospital’s (DBT) clinical team for five years. She also has a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercy College. Her post-graduate work was completed at The Minuchin Center for the Family-Structural Family Therapy and Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York City. Ellen is a member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and American Family Therapy Academy. In addition to therapy, she runs weekly groups providing DBT for adults, adolescents, and children.
Holly Clee, LPC
Danbury, CT
Holly Clee is a licensed professional therapist with over 20 years experience in a wide range of settings. She graduated with her masters degree in psychology from New York University after getting her BA from Franklin and Marshall College. Holly started her career working with families in crisis, dealing with a wide range of issues including child abuse, relationship abuse, substance abuse and mental health issues. She continued her work in outpatient settings helping clients struggling with relationship/co-dependency issues, self esteem, and self-harm issues. Holly has also specialized in the treatment of adolescents and young adults, helping them transition successfully into adulthood. Holly utilizes both psychodynamic and CBT skills to help create a meaningful and productive therapeutic relationship.
Anabela Pereira, LPC
Danbury, CT
Anabela Pereira is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of therapeutic experience. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Fairfield University after getting her BA from Western Connecticut State University in Psychology. Anabela has a wide range of experience in various areas: families in crisis, relationship abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, family conflict, and parenting.
Her supportive counseling approach includes developing coping skills, providing psycho education, focusing on strengths in a collaborative environment in establishing personalized goals for wellness. Anabela utilizes a client centered approach, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral practices to develop a positive mindset.
Beginning therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming or uncomfortable, but she creates a trustworthy, empathetic empowering therapeutic relationship based on your individual needs and where you are in your journey in achieving your emotional goals. In addition, Anabela is fluent in providing psychotherapy to clients in Spanish and Portuguese.
Megan Alfiere, LCSW
Greenwich, CT
Marlayna Andujar, LCSW
Danbury, CT
Marlayna Andujar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience in the field. She received her Masters degree in social work from the University of Connecticut and her Baccalaureate degree in psychology from the University of Hartford.
Marlayna has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various areas in the field. Some of those areas include anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma, dual diagnosis, family issues, and/or life transitions. Marlayna utilizes several therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectic behavioral therapy, group therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy.
Margurite Ready, LCSW
Greenwich, CT
Irena Michals, LCSW
Greenwich, CT
Irena is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with previous experience at a mental health clinic and a psychoanalytic institute. She worked with clients struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, and trauma among other life stressors. She received her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. Her bachelor’s degree, in sociology, is from Purchase College. Irena works with adults of 18 to 65 y.o. Her focus is on psychodynamic therapy with elements of CBT and DBT. With respect for the singularity of each client, Irena engages clients in explorations of daily life events. Examining relevant personal history and their culture, clients can find out the roots of their difficulties. This is a way to free themselves from symptoms, understand themselves better, and get in control of their lives.
Allison Scorca, LPC
Danbury, CT
Allison is a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field and provides individual psychotherapy, family counseling, and group counseling. She received her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Western Connecticut State University in 2009. Allison incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her therapy working with adults with dual diagnoses as well as personality disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. She also has worked with individuals combatting learning and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and physical impairments. She did her post-graduate Internship and training under Dr. Perera, where she gained psychotherapy experience and TMS training.
Abbe Ravens, LCSW
Danbury, CT
Abbe Ravens has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 30 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York in 1973 and her master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 1978. She has extensive post-master’s training in psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, substance abuse, and dependence. Abbe works with patients experiencing mood, personality, and anxiety disorders, as well as alcoholism and addiction. Her work entails helping people identify and understand their own emotional obstacles so they can live their lives to the fullest potential. Abbe Ravens works with adults 18 and over in individual, group, and marital therapy.
Diane Reilly, LPC
Danbury, CT
Diane Reilly, Licensed Professional Counselor, received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, from Pace Graduate School in Pleasantville, New York. Diane has over 15 years of experience as a Mental Health Counselor, working with clients who struggle with various mental health disorders, including Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Trauma, Relationship Issues, Bipolar Disorders, and others. Diane utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness, to help individuals develop their strengths. Diane is licensed in both The State of Connecticut and The State of New York. Diane believes in a person-centered approach to therapy to help individuals reach healing by exploring how mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.
Romina Tortoriello, LMSW
Danbury, CT
Romina Tortoriello is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University, where she interned at the New York State Psychiatric Institute on their inpatient unit. She has worked in various settings providing therapy and other services to individuals, groups, and families experiencing mental health and psychosocial challenges. Romina works with older adolescents and adults with ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, and psychotic disorders, as well as those experiencing life transitions, college issues, relationship difficulties, and women’s issues. She draws from strength-based, person-centered, and psychodynamic approaches while incorporating psychoeducation and elements of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. Romina is bilingual and also provides psychotherapy in Spanish.
Haley Mozonski, LPC
Danbury, CT
Haley Mozonski is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who has 7 years of experience in outpatient settings working with children, young adults, parents and families. She earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Murray State University in Kentucky and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.
She has experience working with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and trauma, navigating parenting, management of anger and is a neurodivergent-affirming provider for both Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. She utilizes the core concepts of Adlerian therapy combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
She believes in client centered and directed work to meet the individual where they are within their therapeutic journey. The beauty of being alive is having the choice to spend a lifetime on re-shaping ourselves and our perspectives.