russell.chertok@vcofny.org

Russell Chertok is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in mental health, aging, social services, program development, and agency leadership. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Contemporary Social Issues from Columbia University. He also obtained a Post-Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Aging from Adelphi University.

With over 20 years of experience, Russell has worked with a wide range of populations, including older adults, adults with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, people struggling with addiction, individuals living with mental illness, and survivors of abuse and domestic violence. His professional background includes work in inpatient and detoxification settings, clinical and case management services, emergency family shelters, and mental health housing programs. He also served as a Program Supervisor for a mental health housing program, where he oversaw an Apartment Treatment Program for adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.

In 2014, Russell founded Visiting Counselors of New York, LCSW, PLLC in response to a significant need for accessible in-home mental health services. His goal was to reduce barriers to care and make quality counseling services more available to individuals who may have difficulty accessing traditional office-based treatment.

As Executive Director, Russell continues to guide the agency’s growth, clinical service development, and commitment to accessible care. His leadership is focused on helping individuals receive compassionate, affordable, and high-quality mental health support so they can strengthen their emotional well-being, gain greater control over their lives, and work toward their personal goals.

lauren.rothman@vcofny.org

Lauren Rothman is an accomplished New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health and social work. As the Director of Client Access & Compliance at Visiting Counselors of New York, Lauren helps oversee client access to services, intake coordination, compliance-related processes, and quality-focused administrative support to ensure clients are connected with appropriate care in a timely and thoughtful manner.

Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from C.W. Post Long Island University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. She also obtained a post-graduate certificate in Developmental Disabilities from Rutgers University. In addition, Lauren serves as a board member of GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier NY, a Down syndrome achievement center.

Throughout her career, Lauren has gained extensive experience providing individual therapy, behavioral intervention, crisis management, and support services to children and adults diagnosed with serious mental illness, neurodevelopmental conditions, genetic disorders, and other co-occurring needs. She has also served as a group leader, coach, and mentor in an OPWDD community recreation program for adults on the autism spectrum.

Lauren brings a strong understanding of neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders to her leadership role, while also supporting the agency’s broader efforts to improve client access, referral coordination, compliance, and continuity of care. Her background allows her to help clients, families, and staff navigate services with organization, clarity, and compassion.

Lauren is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for clients from the first point of contact through their connection with services. She values clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and a client-centered approach that helps ensure individuals are connected with care that best fits their needs.

michele.albano@vcofny.org

Michele C. Albano is a highly experienced and dedicated New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Certified Therapist with over twenty years of experience in the field. She has a passion for helping individuals self-actualize and become the best version of themselves, working with children, adults, the elderly and families in various settings such as clinics, schools, homes and via telehealth. Michele is well-versed in utilizing various diagnostic assessments, therapeutic techniques, and clinical interventions to meet the unique needs of her clients.

Throughout her career, Michele has worked with a diverse range of individuals and families affected by domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and has provided leadership to clinical teams during times of crisis, such as her experience leading community outreach in response to the September 11th attacks. She is EMDR trained and is an experienced field supervisor, providing social work interns with guidance and supervision in pursuing their careers.

Michele believes in an eclectic approach to therapy and often utilizes systems and solution-focused therapy to explore all parts of an individual's situation. She has helped clients with a broad range of presenting concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, self-esteem issues, and adjustment to aging.

Michele received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oneonta State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. Her combination of education, experience and passion for helping others makes her a valuable asset to any team.