Our Team

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

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.​

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.

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 six 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.

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." 

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."

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! ​

Lauren is one of our Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

"Hi my name is Lauren and I’m a licensed social worker with both my Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. I’ve spent the past five years working with individuals navigating a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and parental or family issues. In my private practice, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. I use a collaborative, strengths-based approach and draw on evidence-based practices to support each person’s unique goals and journey toward healing."

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.

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.

Ashley is one of our Clinically Licensed Therapists at Cortes Counseling.

"As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, heal from emotional wounds, and foster meaningful personal growth. I employ a strengths-based approach, believing in meeting each client where they are, honoring their unique story, and working together to identify goals and pathways that foster deeper self-awareness, emotional resilience, and lasting, positive change. 

 I support clients through the use of evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care. "

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. Chip is fully vaccinated, trained, and often joins sessions with Ashley Olsen. 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.​

Nelson is a DNP/APRN and provides Psychotropic Prescriptions and Medication Management for clients with Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana insurances; 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. 

Melissa and her team are the billing staff at Cortes Counseling. She handles all inquiries related to billing, insurance verification, and the financial components for clients within Cortes Counseling. Her team specializes in serving mental health, offering credentialing, billing, and consulting services. Her team ensures our clients maintain full access to billing and full transparency. We understand the importance of what our clients do; providing comfort and healing to those we serve. That's why we strive to support our clients and help them focus on their goals.

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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.