Meet The Team

Amanda Wood-Cocozziello is the Founder and Owner of Peace of Mind Mental Health Counseling Staten Island and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. She opened her practice with a clear mission: to support individuals across Staten Island and New York City as they navigate their mental health journeys, to normalize therapy, and to help even one person feel better about themselves and the world they live in. Amanda believes that seeking support is a strength and is deeply committed to making therapy accessible, relatable, and meaningful.

Prior to opening her private practice, Amanda gained extensive clinical experience working in hospital settings, providing treatment in intensive day treatment programs as well as outpatient programs. During her time as a graduate student, she also served as a clinical research assistant in Guyana, South America, participating in a study assessing suicide and depression in children and adolescents. These experiences shaped her compassionate, culturally aware, and insight-oriented approach to care.

Amanda’s therapeutic work focuses on helping clients gain deeper insight into their relationships, heal from trauma, and work through codependency patterns. She practices from a person-centered perspective while incorporating key components of psychodynamic therapy, helping clients build meaningful connections between past experiences and present struggles. Amanda has a particular passion for working with first responders and their families, recognizing the unique emotional demands and challenges that come with these roles.

Dedicated to fostering a warm, empathetic, and authentic therapeutic relationship, Amanda creates a safe and accepting space where clients can show up as their true selves. She encourages clients to pause the external chaos, turn inward, and learn how to prioritize their needs, values, and emotional well-being.

Reach out to Amanda if you are seeking support, growth, and are looking for some“Peace of Mind.”

Vannesa Mancero is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York and the practices Clinical Supervisor, with over 10 years of experience as a mental health clinician. She has a strong passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults, and is deeply committed to supporting emotional growth across the lifespan. Vannesa believes in the importance of early intervention, recognizing that providing children and teens with effective tools to understand and manage their emotions early on can help reduce challenges later in adulthood.

Vannesa understands that, as parents, it can sometimes be difficult to understand why children behave or feel the way they do, especially when children themselves struggle to communicate their emotions. When working with children, she utilizes play therapy to help them feel comfortable expressing their experiences in developmentally appropriate and meaningful ways. Her therapeutic work focuses on helping clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions while developing healthy, adaptive ways to express themselves.

In addition to working with children and young people, Vannesa also provides therapy to parents who may be navigating challenges related to parenting styles, family dynamics, or adjusting to parenthood. As a Clinical Supervisor, she brings a supportive, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to mentoring clinicians, fostering both professional growth and clinical confidence.

Reach out to Vannesa if you or your child are seeking support, guidance, and are looking for some “Peace of Mind.”

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Andrew Wakschal is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. He believes that therapy is a collaborative process in which clients and therapist work together to navigate life’s challenges. Andrew understands that life can often feel overwhelming, unfair, or even scary, and he uses this understanding as a foundation to empower clients to gain greater control over their thoughts and emotions in order to live more fulfilling lives.

Andrew brings a warm, empathetic presence to his work and often incorporates humor and metaphors to make the therapeutic experience feel more approachable and relatable. His therapeutic focus is on working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationship concerns. Andrew also has a strong passion for working with law enforcement professionals and first responders, recognizing the unique stressors and demands placed on individuals in these roles.

Andrew believes that while people may experience similar struggles, each individual’s experience is unique, making it essential to meet clients where they are. His approach to therapy is individualized and collaborative, while incorporating key components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change negative thinking patterns.

Reach out to Andrew if you are seeking support, growth, and are looking for some “Peace of Mind.”

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Danielle Narducci is a Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit Holder in the state of New York, practicing under supervision as required by NYSED. She is passionate about working with children, teens, and adults, supporting individuals as they navigate the challenges and obstacles they may encounter throughout their lives. Danielle believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams, while also understanding that life can present barriers along the way. Danielle provides a safe, accepting, empathetic, and trustworthy therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. When working with Danielle, individuals are guided toward gaining greater insight into their thoughts and emotions while developing self-awareness and a sense of control over their internal experiences. Her approach is compassionate, integrative, and flexible, allowing her to meet each client where they are and tailor treatment to their unique needs and lived experiences.

Danielle has a strong passion for working with children and adolescents, creating a nurturing and age-appropriate space for young clients to explore their emotions and build resilience. In addition, she is especially passionate about supporting young women who are struggling with body image concerns, self-esteem challenges, and disordered eating. Danielle helps clients develop a healthier relationship with themselves while fostering confidence, self-acceptance, and emotional growth.

Using empowerment-based techniques, Danielle supports clients in moving forward in their life journey, helping them work toward their dreams and aspirations. 

Reach out to Danielle if you or your child are seeking support, growth, and looking for some “Peace of Mind.”

Christine O’Neill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New York with many years of experience helping individuals of all ages gain deeper insight into themselves and better understand the symptoms they may be experiencing. She is passionate about supporting individuals who are struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and family conflict.

Christine recognizes that while clients may share similar challenges, each person’s story and experience are unique. For this reason, she practices from a person-centered approach to treatment, tailoring therapy to meet each client’s specific needs and goals. Throughout her career, Christine has worked with individuals, groups, and families, as well as with military members and veterans, and she brings an informed and compassionate understanding of the complexities surrounding these experiences.

Clients working with Christine often report an improved sense of self, greater clarity about their lives, and a renewed sense of hope for the future. She is committed to creating a supportive, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel heard and empowered.

Reach out to Christine if you are looking for support, insight and some "Peace of Mind." 

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

Jacquelyn Kempton is Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit Holder in the State of New York under supervision as required by NYSED. Jacquelyn is a warm, empathetic clinician who utilizes a person-centered, integrative approach to therapy. Her work is grounded in a psychodynamic framework and thoughtfully incorporates Human Design to support deeper self-understanding and personal alignment. Jacquelyn works with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Jacquelyn has a strong passion for helping individuals who feel disconnected from their purpose or are seeking a clearer understanding of themselves. She believes that every individual has a story worth being told and heard. In her work with clients, Jacquelyn helps individuals connect the dots between their past lived experiences and present-day symptoms, fostering insight, healing, and growth. She offers a judgment-free, safe space where clients can feel supported in being vulnerable with their thoughts and emotions. Jacquelyn emphasizes empowerment, encouraging clients to make their own choices, find their voice, and build confidence in their inner wisdom. Her therapeutic approach is integrative in nature, while drawing on key components of psychodynamic treatment to help clients explore patterns, deepen self-awareness, and create meaningful change. Reach out to Jacquelyn if you or your child are looking for some “Peace of Mind”.

​

​

​

​

Gia Iacono is a Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit Holder in the State of New York under supervision as required by NYSED. She has a strong passion for helping children who experience behavioral challenges and difficulties with emotional regulation, utilizing play therapy as a developmentally appropriate and effective approach to treatment. Gia also enjoys working with adults, supporting individuals as they navigate personal challenges and life stressors they may be facing.

Gia believes that growth is a lifelong process and that we are constantly learning new things about ourselves. When working with Gia, clients are supported in developing practical, realistic skills that can be effectively used in their day-to-day lives. She provides a trustworthy, warm, inviting, and safe therapeutic environment, ensuring that each client feels supported and cared for throughout their therapy experience.

Gia utilizes empowerment-based techniques to help clients identify their strengths and build confidence, allowing them to become the best version of themselves. Her therapeutic framework is rooted in a person-centered approach while incorporating key components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic techniques. This integrative style allows clients to address current symptoms while also healing underlying root causes. Reach out to Gia if you or your child are seeking support, growth, and looking for some "Peace of Mind.”

Ericka Derose is a Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit Holder in the State of New York under supervision as required by NYSED. Ericka has a strong passion for working with children in today’s society. She understands that the world children are growing up in can be especially challenging and that many are struggling developmentally, emotionally, and socially. Ericka is deeply attuned to the unique stressors children face and is committed to supporting them in ways that feel safe, engaging, and age appropriate.

When working with children, Ericka utilizes play therapy to help them express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in ways that feel natural and accessible to them. She also works with adolescents who may be struggling with identity development, bullying, self-worth, and self-esteem. Ericka provides a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where teens feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore who they are.

Ericka’s approach is compassionate and client-centered, focusing on helping young people build emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence as they navigate life’s challenges. Reach out to Ericka if you or your child are seeking support, growth, and some "Peace of Mind." 

Nicole Damiani is a Mental Health Counselor Intern currently receiving her Masters Degree at CUNY College of Staten Island Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program working under supervision required by NYSED. She has a strong passion for helping individuals grow, heal, and better understand themselves. She works with children, teens, and adults, utilizing an integrative approach that is tailored to each client’s unique needs and experiences. She believes that our past experiences shape who we are and that meaningful learning and growth come from understanding our own lived experiences. Nicole has experience working with adults who are battling addiction and those who are in recovery, and she approaches this work with compassion, patience, and respect. She also enjoys supporting individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, and trauma. Her work focuses on helping clients develop insight, emotional awareness, and practical coping skills to support long-term healing.

She offers a supportive, nonjudgmental, and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace. Reach out to Nicole if you or your child are seeking support, growth and are looking for some "Peace of Mind."