The Heart Behind the Work.
Meet Leila
Leila Ann, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP
Clinical Director, Thriving Wellness Center
“There’s something wrong with me—I’m not like everyone else, and I feel so alone.” These words, often spoken by women I’ve worked with, reflect a deep sense of disconnection, frequently rooted in undiagnosed or misdiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My passion for helping individuals navigate these challenges, particularly women, has driven me to continually refine my clinical skills, to provide tailored, compassionate care for those on the spectrum.
Leila specializes in working with individuals with autism, particularly those who are late-diagnosed or have complex presentations. She serves as a lecturer at Columbia University and Rutgers University, covering a range of topics, including Trauma, Human Behavior, and Advanced Clinical Topics. Leila's expertise in autism has also led her to consult with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and large organizations on diversity and inclusion initiatives for neurodivergent people.
Leila holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Columbia University and a Master of Biomedical Science (MBS) degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey. She has authored several journal publications and has been a featured speaker at national professional conferences.
Outside of her professional commitments, Leila enjoys activities such as cooking, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, and participating in group fitness classes.
Meet Dr. Amanda
Amanda Piccolino, Ph.D, LMSW
Therapist, Thriving Wellness Center
Dr. Piccolino specializes in supporting neurodiverse individuals and couples, particularly those who are late-diagnosed autistic and/or ADHD. Her practice is focused on helping clients better understand the nature of their unique brains, guiding them to identify and harness their innate strengths while managing the vulnerabilities that often accompany them. Dr. Piccolino believes strongly that living in harmony with the brain that nature intended can lead to a more positive sense of self and, ultimately, a life that is more authentic, meaningful, and free.
Dr. Piccolino primarily uses an Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, incorporating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and coaching. Since trauma often plays a significant role in the lives of neurodivergent individuals, she also integrates body-based healing modalities when appropriate to address trauma stored in the body. These methods, informed by emerging neuroscience, facilitate a deeper level of healing and reconnection to the present moment.
Throughout their sessions, clients can expect a nonjudgmental space, where compassionate listening is balanced with constructive feedback and a deep respect for the results they’re hoping to achieve.
Meet Caroline
Caroline Dunn, LMSW
Therapist, Thriving Wellness Center
Caroline is passionate about empowering individuals with neurodiversity to live fulfilling lives and achieve their dreams. She has successfully guided children and adults in developing crucial skills related to self-care, socialization, and mental wellness.
Caroline firmly believes that therapy should match the client, not vice versa. Her focus is to find out what therapeutic approach works with each person, combining and adapting these tactics to fit each unique individual best. Caroline borrows elements from multiple disciplines including mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). To make sessions more engaging and meaningful for each client, Caroline incorporates personal interests into the work to help better connect and illustrate therapeutic concepts.
Caroline has been a licensed social worker since 2015 and holds a Master's Degree from the Silberman School of Social Work. She has a passion for working with people who are neurodiverse and developmentally disabled to support them in achieving their goals. Caroline has also spoken at and hosted conferences focused on Autism and enjoys educating others on topics ranging from social skills to dinosaurs.
Meet Katie
Katie Cooper, MFT-LP
Therapist, Thriving Wellness Center
Katie is deeply committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming, personalized care for autistic and ADHD adults and adolescents, as well as those who identify as neurodivergent in other ways. Her work centers on helping clients develop greater self-understanding, build more meaningful relationships, and implement practical, sustainable strategies for navigating everyday life. She offers individual and couples therapy, along with coaching tailored to support the diverse goals and lived experiences of neurodivergent clients.
Katie approaches her work with warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for the uniqueness of each brain. She creates a nonjudgmental, collaborative space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their identities and challenges. Her integrative approach draws from psychodynamic theory and evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Katie carefully adapts each session to align with her clients’ individual needs, strengths, sensory profiles, and executive functioning styles. Her practice is grounded in both trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care.
Katie earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology with Distinction from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and holds certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Level One Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In addition to her therapy practice, she provides academic counseling to students experiencing disability-related learning barriers at Pratt Institute.
In Loving Memory of Rufus
Rufus was our beloved therapy dog and a constant presence at Thriving Wellness Center for nearly 12 years. Adopted from the ACC in Harlem, he defied every expectation. Once overlooked because of his breed, he became a source of comfort, laughter, and healing for so many.
His calm, grounding energy helped clients feel safe and at ease, and his gentle companionship often spoke louder than words. Rufus inspired others to open their hearts to rescue dogs like him, showing that love and connection transcend the past.
He was deeply loved and is profoundly missed. We carry his spirit with us in the work we continue to do.
Thank you for trusting that we can help you make your life a more fulfilling, satisfying, and happy existence.
What People Are Saying
“It has been truly helpful working with Leila. She is warm, compassionate and easy to talk to. When I meet with her I feel truly heard. She is super insightful and has helped me come to many important realizations. She is always non-judgmental and open. I am grateful to have found her.”
— Mary Kinsberg, Google Review
“I just have to say, I really appreciate working with you as it's allowed me to learn more about myself - I'm looking forward to continuing this journey and learning more to grow and develop into a better version of myself one day. Thank you so much.
— Client receiving therapy
“Having worked with Leila for many years, I can say with the utmost confidence that she is a passionate, caring, well-trained, and knowledgeable therapist who helps her patients through a variety of personal and interpersonal struggles and challenges. I recommend all my family members and friends seeking counseling to see her.”
— Dr. Franco, Google Review
