Meet Our Team
Colleen Cushing, LMHC-D
Founder of Empathy for Educators
Colleen is a highly experienced and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified School Counselor with over 30 years of dedicated service in the fields of mental health and education. Throughout Colleen's career, she has provided expert support to individuals, families, students, and fellow educators, fostering growth, resilience, and emotional well-being.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Colleen specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. With a client-centered and evidence-based approach, Colleen empowers individuals to uncover their strengths, develop coping strategies, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Colleen implemented a self-care initiative for staff members in the district in which she worked, emphasizing the importance of supporting the adults who nurture students. She firmly believes that when educators prioritize their own well-being, they are equipped to create a positive and impactful learning environment.
Colleen holds a master's degree in School Counseling from Sage Graduate School and an Advanced Graduate Certificate from the University at Buffalo.
Colleen is currently accepting new clients for telehealth in New York and Florida.
Independent Clinician
Lara Gordon, Ph.D.
Dr. Lara Gordon holds a license to practice psychology and is also a certified School Psychologist. She earned her M.S, C.A.S and Ph.D. at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Dr. Gordon has been practicing as a school psychologist since 1998.
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Dr. Gordon has experience conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations and providing counseling services to children and families both in the school and clinical setting. She provides consultation on interventions for working with children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and executive functioning difficulties. She has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
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With a warm, compassionate approach, Dr. Gordon offers support for individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and general life challenges and changes. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
Our Professional Development Team
In addition to our therapists, our staff includes a dedicated team of experienced educators who collaborate with school districts to deliver professional development focused on trauma, mental health, and self-care for staff. With a passion for fostering a supportive learning environment, our experts empower educators with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Together, we strive to create healthier, more resilient school communities.