Our Team
All of Our Counselors Are:
Professional | Certified | Compassionate
Our team at Holding Hands Mental Health Counseling all share a passion for counseling and walking alongside others in the journey toward mental and emotional strength and flourishing. No matter where you’re at on you’re journey, we’re ready to journey with you. Meet our team below:
Damari Pedroza
A Brooklyn native of Puerto Rican descent, Damari’s passion lies in assisting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges and fostering healthier lifestyles. Using diverse methods like talk therapy, play therapy, and sand play therapy, she creates a non-judgmental space for clients of all ages to heal and grow.
Ms. Pedroza is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with two Master’s degrees in Counseling and Professional Studies with a concentration in Urban Ministry Counseling and is currently pursuing a Psy.D. in Christian Counseling and Psychology.
On my free time, I love going on hikes, the beach, a good read, and making memories with my loved ones.
Certifications
- Bilingual Counseling
- CFTP – Certified Family Trauma Professional
- CATP – Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional
- CCATP – Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
- Trauma-Informed Sand Play Therapy
- Christian Counseling
Founder, Counselor
Damari Pedroza
Founder, Counselor
A Brooklyn native of Puerto Rican descent, Damari’s passion lies in assisting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges and fostering healthier lifestyles. Using diverse methods like talk therapy, play therapy, and sand play therapy, she creates a non-judgmental space for clients of all ages to heal and grow.
Ms. Pedroza is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with two Master’s degrees in Counseling and Professional Studies with a concentration in Urban Ministry Counseling and is currently pursuing a PsyD. in Christian Counseling and Psychology.
On my free time, I love going on hikes, the beach, a good read, and making memories with my loved ones.
Certifications
- Bilingual Counseling
- CFTP – Certified Family Trauma Professional
- CATP – Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional
- CCATP – Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
- Trauma-Informed Sand Play Therapy
- Christian Counseling
Keysha Lleras
Keysha Lleras is a bilingual Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor, holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and has over 17 years of experience in Social Services. Her expertise extends to working with everyone from adults to adolescents and children. Throughout her career, she has come to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing a successful therapeutic relationship. Each individual she encounters seeks something unique, whether it be clarity, healing, hope, support, or simply a guiding hand during challenging times.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Counselor
Keysha Lleras
Counselor
Keysha Lleras is a bilingual Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor, holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and has over 17 years of experience in Social Services. Her expertise extends to working with everyone from adults to adolescents and children. Throughout her career, she has come to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing a successful therapeutic relationship. Each individual she encounters seeks something unique, whether it be clarity, healing, hope, support, or simply a guiding hand during challenging times.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Melodie Badillo
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York, Ms. Badillo is deeply committed to helping individuals unleash their full potential. She creates a nurturing haven where people can express their true selves. Her therapeutic toolbox encompasses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. With a background in school counseling, she has honed her skills working with children, adolescents, and young adults, applying a holistic approach to her practice.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Badillo cherishes her moments strolling with her canine companion, exploring new destinations through travel, and embracing exciting adventures.
MHC-Intern
Melodie Badillo
Counselor
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Janet Cuevas
Counselor
Janet Cuevas
Counselor
Janet Cuevas is a bilingual Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor. She obtained her
Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Janet is
a dedicated mental health counselor specializing in working with children and adolescents who
are facing challenges related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning
Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression.
Using a combination of play therapy and cognitive-
behavioral therapy (CBT), Janet provides a safe and engaging space where children and adolescents can express themselves and explore their emotions to help them develop coping
skills, build resilience, and improve their overall mental well-being. Janet utilizes evidence-based
therapeutic techniques tailored to the developmental stage and individual needs of each client.
She works closely with families to provide education, resources, and support to foster
collaborative therapeutic relationship with young clients and their families
Janet is a strong believer in the power of expressive arts therapy as a tool for healing and
growth. By integrating various creative modalities such as art, music, movement, and play, she
offers a unique approach for children and adolescents to express and process their emotions.
Janet is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents and
strives to help children and adolescents find, become and love the best versions of themselves. In
her free time, Janet enjoys spending time with family, kayaking and attending concerts!
Raissa Di Caterina
Raissa Di Caterina is a bilingual Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor. Raissa obtained her Masters Degree from Liberty University and has a second Masters Degree in Crisis and Trauma Counseling. Raissa is a passionate and committed counselor who specializes in family dynamics, life challenges, anxiety and depression.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Raissa moved to New York and has lived in Westchester County for the last 10 years. Raissa has devoted the last 8 years to non-profit social justice work and is dedicated to holistic and empathic care. Raissa believes in creating a non-judgmental space for clients to open up and unpack all of their thoughts, feelings, hardships and goals. Raissa emphasizes a collaborative approach built on trust. Raissa believes in meeting clients where they are and working together to build resilience, coping skills and feelings of empowerment. Raissa recognizes the importance of empathy and honesty when working with all clients. Raissa uses an eclectic approach with techniques pulled from Family Systems, Choice Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Theory as well as Christian Counseling upon request. Raissa looks forward to catering an individualized and unique approach with each client. Raissa believes that individuals strive for change and purpose as they feel support and care. Raissa holds that life is best lived within community and spends her free time with her husband, pets, family and friends. Raissa loves to travel, try new foods and explore new coffee shops.
Counselor
Raissa Di Caterina
Counselor
Raissa Di Caterina is a bilingual Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor. Raissa obtained her Masters Degree from Liberty University and has a second Masters Degree in Crisis and Trauma Counseling. Raissa is a passionate and committed counselor who specializes in family dynamics, life challenges, anxiety and depression.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Raissa moved to New York and has lived in Westchester County for the last 10 years. Raissa has devoted the last 8 years to non-profit social justice work and is dedicated to holistic and empathic care. Raissa believes in creating a non-judgmental space for clients to open up and unpack all of their thoughts, feelings, hardships and goals. Raissa emphasizes a collaborative approach built on trust. Raissa believes in meeting clients where they are and working together to build resilience, coping skills and feelings of empowerment. Raissa recognizes the importance of empathy and honesty when working with all clients. Raissa uses an eclectic approach with techniques pulled from Family Systems, Choice Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Theory as well as Christian Counseling upon request. Raissa looks forward to catering an individualized and unique approach with each client. Raissa believes that individuals strive for change and purpose as they feel support and care. Raissa holds that life is best lived within community and spends her free time with her husband, pets, family and friends. Raissa loves to travel, try new foods and explore new coffee shops.
Melodie Cortes
Office Assistant
Melodie Cortes
