The Thriving Wellness Center was created with you in mind.
But, here’s a little bit about us.
Meet Leila
Leila A. Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP
Clinical Director, Thriving Wellness Center
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.
Leila serves as a lecturer at Columbia University and Rutgers University, covering a range of topics, including Trauma, Human Behavior, and Advanced Clinical Topics.
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. Amanda is dedicated to helping people realize their potential and achieve lasting positive change. With a background and training in both psychotherapy and performance consulting, Amanda’s client work integrates evidence-based clinical and coaching interventions with insights from the fields of positive psychology, personality science, and neuroscience. Amanda specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and professional difficulties. Amanda supports adults and teens on the path toward resilience, strengthened relationships, and functioning.
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. With a passion for fostering independence, Caroline has successfully guided both children and adults in developing crucial skills related to self-care, socialization, and mental wellness. Her diverse professional background has equipped her with a unique blend of therapeutic approaches, making her a versatile and empathetic practitioner. Beyond her clinical work, Caroline extends her impact as a speaker and host at conferences centered around Autism. Her enthusiasm for education extends from social skills to intriguing topics like dinosaurs, showcasing her ability to engage and enlighten audiences.
Meet Rufus
Therapy Dog, Thriving Wellness Center
Hey guys, I’m Rufus. But you can call me Rue. I used to live in the Bronx before my mom rescued me from an animal shelter, and thank goodness for that. They think I’m about 10, but you know what they say about age… To tell you the truth, I don’t feel a day over 7. I’m a certified therapy dog. Mom said I passed my exams with flying colors! When I’m not focusing on my work, I love playing ball and eating treats. I’m pretty well-traveled too. I’ve already visited 12 states. Can’t make any promises but maybe I’ll see you around the Zoom sometime.
Our Pledge to You
We entered this profession with a mission to make a positive impact and establish a haven of safety and support. We understand the profound responsibility that comes with our authority, and we approach it with utmost seriousness.
In our commitment to creating a more inclusive and empathetic practice, and to prevent re-traumatizing individuals who have faced discrimination, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and the neurodiverse community, we pledge to uphold the following ongoing initiatives:
We ensure that all our staff members receive ongoing training and education to enhance their understanding of the various expressions of neurodiversity within different communities. This includes awareness of masking and camouflaging of symptoms, all while respecting and validating the challenges and traumas associated with neurodiversity.
We are committed to extending our treatment and providing information to historically underserved populations, addressing their unique needs, and fostering a more inclusive environment.
We actively promote diversity within our staff, aiming to reflect the rich diversity of our patient community. This diversity ensures that our team can better understand and serve the unique needs of each patient.
We regularly engage with authors, scientists, and educators from various communities to broaden our perspectives and knowledge. This helps us stay informed about the latest developments in neurodiversity and related fields..
Content Review: We maintain a continual review process for all our content, including our website, presentation materials, and social media platforms. Our aim is to ensure that our language and messaging are free from stigmatizing or problematic elements, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.
Through these ongoing initiatives, we strive to create a practice that not only acknowledges the diverse experiences of neurodiversity but actively embraces and supports them. Our commitment is to build a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive community within our practice and beyond.
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
