Sobeyda Valle-Ellis, LCSW
Director
Sobeyda is a relationship expert with 20+ years of experience as a Clinical Social Worker. She is bilingual, Spanish-English, and multi-cultural.
Formerly a Clinical Supervisor at Redeemer Counseling Services in NYC. She is the Director of HeartMatters NYC Counseling and offers transformational therapies to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Sobeyda is a 1.5 generation Latina, who grew up in different immigrant neighborhoods in Queens. She is married to David and has 4 adult children. She loves serving as a Deaconess in her neighborhood church. And is passionate about cycling.
-
Approach To Therapy
In her approach to therapy, Sobeyda uses different experiential methods. She is certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Also has advanced training in AEDP for Couples, and Coherence Therapy. She helps her clients to draw upon their Christian faith as a vital source of hope, power, and resource for a flourishing life. She delights in helping her clients to retell their stories of trauma, tragedy, and loss to new stories of grace, redemption, and transformation.
In addition to being an excellent clinician, she is a trainer and has done workshops and retreats on topics such as Cultivating Intimacy, Understanding Conflict, Growing in Spiritual Friendships, Kindling Passion in Marriage, Identity Formation in Immigrant Families, among others. She is also sought after for her emotionally-focused approach and practical style of supervision.
Education
Columbia School of Social Work, NYC MSW 1991
Multicultural Family Institute, NJ. MFT Certification 1999.
License & Certification
LCSW NY State
EFT Certification
Gottman Marital Therapy Certification candidate
Certification as Prepare-Enrich Premarital Facilitator
Professional Memberships
NASW
NYCEFT
ICEEFT
AEDP
Farrah Cogdell, LMHC
Licensed Therapist/Supervisor
Farrah holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (August 2016), and a master’s degree in Christian counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University (December 2010). She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Discipleship Counseling and is currently pursuing training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a trauma-informed therapeutic approach.
Farrah also co-directs the Children’s Ministry at her local church, where she trains volunteer leaders to guide children under 10 in learning about God through the Bible and in shaping their identity in Christ. She has served as a leader in prayer ministry within small groups and congregational settings, and has been a guest speaker for local church groups, women’s retreats, and Bible studies.
-
Approach To Therapy
She works from a strength-based perspective, a holistic model which considers and integrates the impact of internal and external life stressors , one’s ability to function and thrive. She uses a collaborative approach which honors the dignity and input of each client. She works primarily with adults. And enjoys working with couples and children of all ages to develop a positive view of themselves and to grow toward their core identity, being one of uniqueness and the capacity to be their best self. She aims to provide a non-judgmental safe and collaborative therapeutic environment for her clients.
Education
Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Alliance Graduate School of Counseling 2016.
A Master’s degree in Christian Counseling at Philadelphia Biblical University 2010.
License & Certification
LMHC NY State Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Rachel Gerena, MFT
Therapy Associate
Rachel earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Touro University Worldwide and completed a one-year MFT internship at Heart Matters NYC. She takes a collaborative approach to therapy and is currently training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Rachel is also a certified Rape Crisis Counselor and has volunteered with the DOVE program, supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
A nondenominational Christian, Rachel brings compassion, care, and inclusivity into her therapeutic work. She is an active participant in her local church’s worship life and embraces the rich cultural diversity of New York City. Rachel lives in Brooklyn, is married to a Nuyorican, and has a dog named Kimchi.
-
Education
Masters of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy through Touro University Worldwide. 2021
License & Affiliation
NY State Limited permit. Member of the AAMFT.
Ashley Vaughan, LMSW
Therapy Associate
Ashley earned her master’s degree in social work from New York University (NYU).
She is dedicated to meeting people with compassion, non-judgment, and warmth—wherever they are on their journey. Ashley is passionate about helping individuals deepen their self-understanding by identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns. As a therapist, she honors the courage it takes to share the untold parts of one’s story.
Ashley is a racially and culturally responsive clinician. She specializes in supporting Black women who are descendants of enslaved people and who were raised in traditional Christian faith communities. Her areas of focus include navigating grief, caregiver stress, relational trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Ashley currently lives and worships in Harlem, New York.
-
Education:
Ashley holds a Master of Science in Social Work from NYU, 2023
License & Certification:
LMSW in NY State. She is a candidate for a License in Clinical Social Work.
Sparkle Sumpter, MA
Pastoral Care, Coach
Sparkle has a Master of Arts from Regent University, VA. Her interests are in family and grief group counseling.
Sparkle attended a program that integrates scripture and a Christian worldview with problem-solving and counseling models for life problems. Her goal as a therapist is to create a space for her clients that is safe, welcoming, judgment-free and empathic.
Sparkle has a strong Christian faith. She infuses her counseling with the belief that love never fails, and love rejoices in truth with many smiles along the way.
Sparkle is a real New Yorker and grew up in Brooklyn. She is an active member in her church and community.
-
Education:
Master of Arts in Human Services with a concentration in Conflict and Mediation Counseling
Regent University, VA. January, 2023
Mathew Apolinaris, MFT
Counseling Resident
Mathew is working toward his MA in Marriage and Family Therapy through Touro University Worldwide. He is passionate about strengthening relationships and seeing families restored. His empathic listening skills allows him to make strong connections with clients, cultivating a safe haven for them to explore. He understands the impact that family dynamics and other contextual factors have on individuals. His goal is to provide families with tools that can lead to healing and emotional well-being.
Mathew is Latino, born and raised in the Bronx, and rooted and grounded in his Christian faith. He has served in his church for ten years in different capacities, from working with the youth to leading Men’s ministry. Mathew currently works as a mentor with young boys whose families have been involved with the foster care system.
Genesis Escalera-Nova, MHC
Counseling Resident
Genesis Escalera-Nova is working toward her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Colorado Christian University. She has been trained in Internal Family Systems Theory, Restoration Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Genesis's passion to be a part of the healing and restorative work of God in the lives of others is palpable. She desires to help individuals, couples, families, and groups build resilience and thrive in every aspect of their lives. Genesis is interested in working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, relationship issues, and trauma-related issues.
Genesis is a second-generation Hispanic American, born in Puerto Rico (making Spanish her native language) but raised in the vibrant city of New York most of her life. Genesis is a Christian Believer who loves serving in her church in the children’s, young adults, and worship ministries. She loves the Lord and believes that integrating the Christian faith in counseling brings immense healing benefits through God’s love and truth.
Amelia Cunard, MFT
Counseling Resident
Amelia Cunard is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide while serving as the Children’s Program Director at her local church. With over 12 years of experience supporting children and families, she is deeply committed to walking alongside them through all seasons of life.
Amelia brings empathy, insight, and practical tools to her work, with the goal of strengthening relationships and helping individuals, couples, parents, and children thrive—both emotionally and spiritually. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients can experience healing, deeper connection, and resilience.
Having lived in four different countries, Amelia brings a strong multicultural perspective to her practice. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exploring the city on foot, and trying new cuisines—simple pleasures that keep her grounded and inspired.
Cindy Joyce, MFT
Counseling Resident
Cindy is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. Her goal is to help individuals and couples overcome challenges that interfere with daily life and overall well-being.
In her work, Cindy creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can openly share their struggles and hopes. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, an attentive listener, well-organized, and deeply committed to supporting individuals and families.
Rooted in her belief that faith can heal, Cindy is especially passionate about serving the Latino community—particularly individuals and couples who are non-English speaking. Recognizing the shortage of culturally and linguistically relevant counseling resources, she aims to make a meaningful impact by bringing compassionate, accessible care to those who need it most.
Sara Tekle, MPA
Operations Manager
Sara has a Master in Public Administration (MPA) and administrative experience in higher education and the private and nonprofit (local and international) sectors. She is drawn to organizations that are mission driven, like HeartMatters NYC, where she provides administrative support in service to multicultural New Yorkers seeking counseling, working alongside HeartMatters’ competent, compassionate clinicians.
She is particularly invested in seeing communities of color access quality mental health care.
Sara was born to Eritrean parents and spent the formative years of her life in Kenya. She grew up attending the Orthodox Tewahedo Church and seeking a home church in New York City.