Our Team

Joshua Cortes is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Cortes Counseling. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Child/Family and Parenting Therapist, and Couples/Marriage Counselor who supports his team of clinicians and the communities we serve.​

Josh is from the Bronx, NY, and in his free time he enjoys studying Psychology, Psychiatry, Language, Religion, Philosophy, Cosmology, Physics, Astrophysics, and Metaphysics. For hobbies, he participates in mixed martial arts, boxing, making music, and is also a former competitive bodybuilder. He also creates therapeutic long-form virtual content on YouTube to provide his psychological and psychiatric findings in his research.

Tenaj is a Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer at Cortes Counseling. She oversees the day-to-day operations, logistics, and leads the administrative team. She is in charge of developing and cascading the organization's strategy/mission statement to staff she oversees, and implementing appropriate rewards/recognition and coaching or corrective practices to align personnel with company goals; planning by prioritizing customer, employee, and organizational requirements; maintaining and monitoring staffing, levels, knowledge-skills-attributes (KSA), expectations, and motivation to fulfill organizational requirements; and driving performance measures for the operation (including a consideration of efficiency versus effectiveness), often in the form of dashboards convenient for review of high-level key indicators. Tenaj is highly motivated and strives to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere to help find the best support for all clients' needs. She is passionate about furthering the reach of Cortes Counseling and is continuing to help spread the word on mental health awareness.

Millie is a Co-Founder and the Chief Security Officer at Cortes Counseling. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to protect our organization's personnel, physical assets, and information technology systems. She oversees both physical security and cybersecurity, managing risks, mitigating threats, and ensuring regulatory compliance. She is a mix of several different dog breeds, primarily consisting of Chow Chow and American Pitbull Terrier, with a little Alaskan Husky and German Shepherd. Millie loves to sit next to clients, receive pets, and will even give the occasional hug when needed. She is well-loved in the office for her affectionate and gentle personality. She is fully vaccinated and trained. Millie comes to Joshua Cortes's sessions. If you are not comfortable with dogs, she can be placed in her dog crate, and/or telehealth sessions are available.​

​Jordon is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

Jordon Brown is a Licensed Master Social Worker who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, authenticity, and practical support. He believes meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and genuine connection.

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Jordon has experience providing individual, family, and crisis counseling in home-based, school, community, and outpatient settings. Throughout his career, he has worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, trauma, emotional dysregulation, family conflict, and life transitions. His approach is rooted in trauma-informed, client-centered care and focuses on helping clients build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and create lasting, meaningful change.​

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He earned both his Bachelor of Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and his Master of Social Work from Sacred Heart University. He has completed specialized training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), threat assessment, and ethical clinical documentation. He remains committed to ongoing professional development so he can continue providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

Outside of the therapy office, Jordon serves as a youth basketball coach and mentor, where he helps young athletes develop confidence, resilience, leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. That same strengths-based approach carries into his clinical work, where he enjoys helping clients recognize their own abilities and discover that they are often stronger than they realize.​

​Catarina is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

"Hello, my name is Catarina! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker who received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut. I am bilingual in English and Portuguese. I have had the experience of working with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, refugees, and individuals experiencing homelessness. I am passionate about creating a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I am motivated to see my clients grow and make positive progress, while also being there to support them through the moments when progress may feel challenging. My goal is to meet each client where they are and walk alongside them throughout their therapeutic journey."

Molly is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

Hi, I’m Molly, a licensed social worker specializing in mental health, substance use, and geriatric care. I believe healing begins with feeling truly seen and heard. My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can show up just as you are and feel supported through life’s challenges. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, major life transitions, and the complexities that can come with aging. With empathy and a strengths-based approach, I support clients in building resilience, rediscovering their inner strengths, and moving toward meaningful, lasting change. I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their voice, confidence, and sense of hope.

Joshua is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

"Hello everyone! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a primary career focus in mental health and therapeutic services. What I love most about this type of work is simple: the moment a client tells me they feel relief after finally having the space to say what they have been carrying. Additionally, every time that I'm told that I am helping someone in any way, it reminds me why I chose this career path. 

I practice through a person-in-environment lens, which means I look at the whole picture, the social, cultural, and environmental factors and social determinants of health that shape someone's daily life, not just the symptoms in front of me. I am trained in DSM-5 assessment and diagnosis and in evidence-based approaches including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and I work to help every client exercise self-determination in their own care.

Resourceful, resilient, and an advocate at heart, I am always looking to grow as a clinician and am excited to work with you!"

Rachel is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

Rachel is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a Master of Science in Clinical Social Work from Boston University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. ​She brings over 8 years of experience in education, philanthropy, and behavioral health, and is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families create meaningful change in their lives.

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Rachel’s approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, advocacy, and respect for each client’s unique journey. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and behavior change psychology to support clients in overcoming challenges, building coping skills, and fostering self-advocacy. Her background in human development, counseling, and coaching allows her to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel both supported and empowered.

​Dedicated to serving vulnerable populations and promoting social change, Rachel is committed to walking alongside her clients as they navigate life’s transitions, challenges, and opportunities for growth. She is flexible, adaptable, and deeply motivated to help others achieve positive outcomes in their mental health and overall well-being.

Ana is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

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Charlie is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

Charlie Leahey, LMSW, is a warm and compassionate therapist who meets clients exactly where they are. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work from Sacred Heart University. Charlie works with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting those navigating borderline personality disorder, relationship challenges, suicidal ideation, trauma, and the unique emotional and life experiences many women face.

Charlie combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and emotion focused approaches to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for growth and healing. As a certified DBT therapist, she incorporates these skills thoughtfully into her work with clients. For those who wish to include their faith in therapy, she offers a respectful, faith integrated approach tailored to each individual’s comfort level, inspired by the message of hope in Jeremiah 29:11.

She brings creativity and gentle humor into the therapeutic process, helping clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they move through life at their own pace.

Outside of the therapy room, Charlie enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading her Bible, and spending time in nature.

Lauren is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.​

"I have been working in the social services field since 2021 and have dedicated my career to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based care. My passion lies in helping people discover their strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.​

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology in 2020 before pursuing my Master of Social Work, allowing me to develop a well-rounded understanding of the complex relationship between mental health, substance use, trauma, and the systems that impact people’s lives. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and am currently working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).​

Throughout my career, I have worked with adults across a variety of settings, including substance use treatment, mental health care, crisis services, medication-assisted treatment, and private practice. These experiences have given me the opportunity to support individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, addiction, and co-occurring mental health concerns.​

My approach to therapy is collaborative, person-centered, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Together, we will identify your goals, build upon your existing strengths, and develop practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges both inside and outside of the therapy room. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, strengths-based interventions, mindfulness, and psychoeducation to meet clients where they are in their journey.

Judith is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

"I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Master Social Worker with a passion for supporting individuals through trauma, life transitions, and healing. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, abuse, family conflict, relationship conflict, and complex trauma. I also have extensive experience with justice-involved individuals, including juveniles and adults reentering the community after incarceration.

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My clinical approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive. I utilize evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, to help clients build resilience and move forward with confidence.

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I hold a Master of Social Work from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. My work experience has spanned child welfare, immigrant family support, legal systems, and community-based care for underserved populations. I’m committed to creating a safe, affirming space where every client feels heard, respected, and empowered."

Mayra is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

"Hi, my name is Mayra and I'm a licensed master social worker (LMSW). I have 10 years of experience working with children and families. I received my Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University. 

I believe therapy is a space where you can pause, feel heard, and begin to make sense of the experiences that have shaped you. My therapeutic style is warm, inclusive, and based on the idea that you are the expert on your own experience. I utilize an integrative approach to care, drawing from Mindfulness-Based interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to meet the unique needs of each person. My goal is to provide a safe, non judgemental space where you feel understood." 

JB is an APRN and provides Psychotropic Prescriptions and Medication Management for clients with UHC, Optum, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Carelon, ConnectiCare, Tricare, and Aetna insurance; JB is a referral source for Cortes Counseling. JB offers personalized, high-quality treatment that isn’t possible at larger practices. He offers medication management within the frame that it is just one of many possible tools in mental health treatment.

Meet Luna Hajjar — young, wild, and powered entirely by sunshine and snacks.

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This mixed-breed bundle of chaos and charm spends her days bouncing between full-speed zoomies and dramatic sunbathing sessions like she pays the electric bill. If there’s a patch of sunlight, Luna is in it… preferably upside down.

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Her hobbies include:
• Turning every room into a playground
• Flopping into sun puddles like a sleepy little lizard
• Expert-level begging for human food (with award-winning puppy eyes)

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Luna lives life at two speeds: 100 mph or completely melted into the floor.

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She brings nonstop fun, a little bit of mischief, and a whole lot of love wherever she goes—and yes, she absolutely believes every snack belongs to her.

Forever the baby, forever the sunshine.

Nelson is a DNP/APRN and provides Psychotropic Prescriptions and Medication Management for clients with Medicare, Medicaid/Husky, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, UHC, and Humana/Tricare insurance; he is the owner of Blues and Blahs and is a referral source for Cortes Counseling. He is a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. He also completed his advanced nursing degrees at Duke University and Fairfield University. 

Paloma is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

Paloma Castro offers a calm and steady presence that helps clients feel safe even when their internal world feels turbulent. Her approach to therapy is deeply attuned and intentional, focusing on clarity, meaning, and sustainable change rather than quick fixes. With a unique professional background that combines clinical social work with extensive experience in corporate risk analysis, Paloma pairs deep psychological insight with a highly structured focus on problem-solving. She views therapy as a collaborative partnership where clients can safely unpack life’s challenges and reclaim their personal agency. 

Paloma holds a Master of Social Work from Bridgewater State University, where she received advanced training in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices. She also earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Global Studies, which shaped her culturally adaptive worldview. Paloma is fluent in both English and Portuguese and has lived and worked internationally, allowing her to connect authentically with individuals from all walks of life. Her therapeutic toolkit is integrative and precise, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, and Trauma-Informed care to meet the unique needs and readiness for change of each client. 

Outside of her clinical work, Paloma finds balance through intentionality and simplicity. She is an avid traveler who has spent time in Japan and China, and she even speaks some Korean. On her free days, she enjoys starting her morning with a cup of coffee before tending to her garden or going for long walks in nature. Her personal philosophy is guided by the mantra, & "The only way out is through," reflecting her belief that resilience is built by actively facing and processing life’s challenges with endurance and purpose.

Melissa Trinci and her team at Trinci Consulting Services oversee billing operations for Cortes Counseling. The Trinci team handles inquiries related to billing, insurance verification, and financial matters. Her team specializes in serving mental health practices by offering credentialing, billing, and consulting services, allowing Cortes Counseling to focus on what matters most: offering comfort, healing, and support to the clients we serve.​

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Trinci Consulting Services Website:

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https://www.trinciconsulting.com/

Meet JD Zentek-Hajjar — senior citizen, professional snack inspector, and full-time neighborhood alarm system.

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This distinguished Jack Russell Terrier has spent years perfecting the art of barking at absolutely everything (and sometimes nothing). If it moves, breathes, or exists… JD has something to say about it.

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His hobbies include:
• Politely (but persistently) begging for human food
• Treating every meal that isn’t his as a personal betrayal
• Carrying around his beloved teddy like it’s an emotional support CEO

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Don’t let his age fool you—JD still runs the house, enforces strict snack-sharing policies, and keeps everyone on schedule with his vocal reminders.

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Legend has it he once heard a leaf fall three houses away… and handled it.

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Most importantly, JD is deeply loved (and slightly spoiled) by his mom and dad 

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10/10 good boy. Would bark again.

Meet Oreo! She is a lovable polydactyl tuxedo cat, which means she has extra toes! She belongs to our COO, Tenaj Cortes. From time to time she makes special visits to the office and clients may get the chance to spend some time with Oreo! ​

Meet Layla! She is a proud member of Cortes Counseling’s office security team.

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Layla is a gentle and well trained therapy dog who brings comfort and calm to the therapeutic space. As a retired service animal, she has a strong foundation in obedience and a natural ability to sense when someone may need extra support. Layla enjoys treats, pets, and quietly sitting alongside clients, offering a soothing presence during sessions.

She’s also a bit of a goofball at heart, full of personality and charm, and loves showing off her tricks when the timing is right. Her playful side often brings lightness and smiles, helping clients feel more relaxed and at ease.

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With her calm demeanor, affectionate nature, and cheerful spirit, Layla helps create a warm, welcoming environment where clients can feel supported and grounded.

Meet Chip! She is a rescued Havana rabbit and a proud member of Cortes Counseling’s office security team. With her gentle temperament and curious spirit, Chip brings a touch of comfort and joy to the therapy space. She loves to binky, zoom around the office, and will happily accept pets and treats. If you are not comfortable with bunnies, Chip can relax in her playpen during your visit, or you can opt for a telehealth session instead.​

Freud is an Austrian neurologist and the founder of Psychoanalysis, a clinical method for evaluating and treating pathologies seen as originating from conflicts in the psyche, through dialogue between patient and psychoanalyst, and the distinctive theory of mind and human agency derived from it.

Sigmund is a Board Advisor of Cortes Counseling. He is highly committed to the mental health field and will aid Cortes Counseling in scaling the organization appropriately. 

Jung is a Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychologist who founded the school of analytical psychology. A prolific author of over twenty books, illustrator, and correspondent, Jung is a complex and convoluted academic, best known for his concept of archetypes. Alongside contemporaries Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler, Jung is one of the most influential psychologists of the early 20th century and has fostered not only scholarship but also popular interest; Jung is also the Chief Advisor of Cortes Counseling. He is highly committed to the mental health field and will aid Cortes Counseling in scaling the organization appropriately.