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Sobeyda Valle-Ellis, LCSW

Director

Sobeyda is a Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience navigating the intricate intersections of culture, trauma, relationships and Christian spirituality. As a certified EFT Couples Therapist and Level 2 AEDP Therapist, she brings both specialized expertise and cultural attunement to her therapy approach and role as Director of HeartMatters NYC Counseling. 

As a 1.5 generation Latina who grew up in NYC immigrant neighborhoods, Sobeyda understands first hand the complexity of holding multiple identities and navigating multiple worlds—the cultural agility required to move fluidly back and forth between contexts, while learning to hold and honor differences and notice areas for growth. She is passionate about working with individuals and couples who experienced being the “first” and “only”in their families. 

Married to David, a Pastor, Sobeyda is part of a multiracial couple who raised four multiracial children in a home where navigating multiple identities was a part of daily life. She brings both professional insight and lived experience to her practice, skillfully holding space for the ways multiracial identity experiences, trauma, and attachments shape our most intimate relationships and sense of self. She is an avid cyclist.

  • 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

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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.

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Rachel Gerena, MFT

Therapy Associate

Rachel is a Therapy Associate who earned her Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) from Touro University Worldwide. At the heart of Rachel’s work is a deep belief that healing happens through connection. She strives to create a space where clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. A space where all parts of their story are welcome. Rachel brings warmth, care, and collaboration into every session. She works alongside clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and more.. helping them to build trust in themselves and their capacity for change. 

Currently training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Rachel integrates this approach to gently support clients in exploring their emotions, uncovering resilience, and fostering self-compassion. She is also a Certified Rape Crisis Counselor and has volunteered with the DOVE Program, supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Inclusive and client-centered, Rachel is passionate about walking beside each person as they move toward a greater authenticity, connection, and emotional well-being. 

Rachel is a nondenominational Christian who regularly serves on the worship team at her church as well as with the children's ministry. 

  • Education

    • Masters of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy through Touro University Worldwide. 2021

    License & Affiliation

    • NY State Limited permit. Member of the AAMFT.

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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.

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Madeleine Childers, LMSW

Therapy Associate

Madeleine earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and has specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Her approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. She is committed to meeting clients where they are and supporting them on their journey toward healing and growth. Madeleine often works with individuals navigating self-esteem issues, complex relationships, life transitions, and trauma recovery.

Outside of her clinical work, she is active in her interdenominational church, serving on the worship team—a passion that began in the “2-year-old choir” at her childhood church and continues to be a meaningful part of her life.

  • Education:

    • Madeleine holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University

    License & Certification:

    • LMSW in NY State. She is a candidate for a License in Clinical Social Work.

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Cynthia Pai, LMSW

Therapy Associate

Cynthia earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Social Work there. She has also completed specialized training in couples and family therapy at the Ackerman Institute for the Family.

Grounded in her Christian faith, Cynthia is passionate about walking alongside clients in their healing journeys. She provides relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive therapy. Cynthia is a second-generation Korean-American and often works to support couples and families as they navigate cultural identity, intergenerational dynamics, and life transitions.

Cynthia lives in New York City with her husband, their three teenage children, and their family dog. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends and is actively involved in her local community and church.

  • Education:

    • MSW, Fordham University; PhD Candidate in Social Work, Fordham University

    License & Certification:

    • LMSW in NY State. She is a candidate for a License in Clinical Social Work.

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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

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Mathew Apolinaris, MFT

Therapy Associate

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate dedicated to helping couples and families move past old patterns and into connectedness. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space for your healing journey. I believe that deep, lasting change happens through authentic connection, and I bring a warm, insight-focused approach to our sessions.

I help couples and families navigate complex issues, repair emotional wounds, and foster stronger bonds. I have experience with clients struggling with relationship conflict, managing anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Our time together will tap into your innate strengths and explore how you can actively shape your story. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward holistic well-being.


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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.

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Joanna Thomas, LMSW

Therapy Associate

Joanna holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Silberman School at Hunter College and is licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey. She is known for her warm, friendly, and thoughtful presence, and she strives to bring authenticity and collaboration into each therapeutic relationship. Joanna has a strong foundation in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. She enjoys helping clients engage their emotions in ways that foster deeper insight, self-compassion, and resilience. 

In addition to her clinical work, Joanna has over a decade of experience as a spiritual director and holds a Master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Fordham University. She serves as a prayer minister at her church and enjoys preaching and leading retreats. Joanna lives in Manhattan.

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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.