Meet our Team
Christopher McDermott, Clinical Resident
Christopher McDermott is a pre-licensed graduate student at Alfred University, where he is pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is currently completing his graduate internship under the clinical supervision of Sowania Germain, LMHC-D, PMH-C.
For the past 20 years, Christopher has worked in education—beginning as a middle and high school English teacher and currently as a school counselor. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with students and families to support both academic and personal development. Those experiences have deepened his skill for listening, understanding, and building genuine connections.
Christopher’s path has been guided not only by his professional experiences, but also by his strong Christian faith. Grounded in faith and led by a heart for people, Christopher is committed to offering encouragement, hope, and care with others as they pursue healing and growth. He is an instructor and small group leader at his local church and has discovered a calling to help develop men committed to a life of servant leadership.
Christopher completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at Fordham University and continued his education at Lehman College in school counseling. Each step along the way has affirmed his calling to serve in a more meaningful and personal way and he’s excited to continue that work in the field of mental health counseling.
Skyler Tuminelli, Clinical Resident
Skyler is a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adelphi University and is currently completing her internship under the supervision of Sowania Germain, LMHC, PMH-C. She is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth.
Skyler brings a warm, compassionate, and collaborative presence to her work. She draws from CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches, while also valuing the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing.
She is particularly interested in working with issues related to trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, and identity, and strives to help clients feel both supported and empowered as they reconnect with themselves and move toward meaningful change.
In her personal time, Skyler enjoys engaging in creative activities and spending time with her family and her dog, Meadow.
Afrah. K, Clinical Resident
Afrah is a Mental Health Counseling intern currently earning her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Adelphi University. She is passionate about creating a supportive, and genuine space where clients feel comfortable being fully themselves.
Afrah is especially interested in trauma-informed work and is drawn to a psychodynamic approach that helps clients better understand themselves, their relationships, and the deeper emotional patterns that shape their lives. She also incorporates CBT and DBT-based skills to help clients build coping tools, emotional awareness, and healthier ways of navigating stress and difficult emotions.
She believes therapy should feel human and collaborative. She wants to provide a space where clients feel heard, respected, and never judged. Afrah also values somatic work and understands the strong connection between the mind and body, especially when it comes to stress, trauma, anxiety, and even emotional overwhelm.
As a multilingual clinician fluent in English and Bengali, Afrah is passionate about working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her graduate training has included multicultural counseling and cultural issues in mental health, along with a study abroad experience to Europe through her counseling program that deepened her understanding of culture, and human connection across different communities and lived experiences.
Afrah hopes to help clients feel more connected to themselves, more secure in their relationships, and more confident in their ability to heal and grow.
“Healing begins when your story is finally held with care.”
Kaye Lawas, Administrative Assistant
Kaye Lawas serves as the Administrative Assistant to Sowania Germain, supporting the daily administrative operations of the practice and helping ensure a smooth, organized, and welcoming experience for clients.
She assists with communication, scheduling, coordination, and administrative tasks with professionalism, efficiency, and care. Kaye is committed to providing dependable support behind the scenes and contributing to a positive and client-centered environment.
Kaye supports the practice through:
Client communication and administrative coordination
Scheduling and calendar management
Email correspondence and follow-up support
Organizing outreach and administrative tasks
Helping create a smooth and welcoming client experience