Patricia – a creative arts therapist, and recent graduate from New York University with a Masters in Drama Therapy – has a wealth of experience in applied theatre and drama therapy groups. As a Latina psychotherapist, she offers bilingual care in English and Spanish. Her research focus at NYU was on providing drama therapy for individuals with visible differences, drawing from her personal experience as someone born with a port wine stain birthmark.

Patricia has facilitated drama therapy groups with organizations like the Vascular Birthmark Foundation and La Crème Angels Foundation. Her diverse experience spans all age groups, from children to seniors. In Mendoza, Argentina, she worked with the foster care system, conducting group therapy sessions for young girls in local homes.

Currently, Patricia is dedicated to the Child Center of NY in Queens, where she provides care to children and families. Her approach includes creative methods such as drama, play, and dance therapy for children, while also offering psychoeducation and parenting skills to families. She specializes in helping clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and trauma healing. Patricia’s therapy approach is person-centered, and she tailors sessions to individual client needs and preferences, incorporating drama therapy and creative elements as necessary.

Dr. Riklin graduated from Fordham University with a PhD in clinical psychology in June 2022. He is currently a Pediatric Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

Dr. Riklin was born with Crouzon syndrome – a very rare craniofacial diagnosis that manifests as a facial difference – and has undergone 25 surgeries to date. His own personal experiences have solidified his interest in working as a clinical psychologist with pediatric patients and their families as they navigate various medical and mental health needs.

His research has focused on the psychosocial needs of youth with medical conditions (more specifically, craniofacial conditions) and determining efficacious psychotherapeutic interventions for these populations, with a current focus on the psychosocial needs of youth with craniofacial conditions and determining effective psychosocial interventions for this population.

Dr. Riklin shares, “I have been working with myFace as the Adolescent Support Group facilitator since 2011, and am grateful to be part of such a wonderful organization that provides support, resources, and assistance to those within the craniofacial community. I am continuously impressed by the members of this group and  learn so much from them regarding resilience, strength, and commitment. I am excited to meet others who are looking to join, and explore and share their experiences and feelings in a safe, nonjudgmental space!

As Director of Family Programs at myFace, Dina Zuckerberg brings her life experience of growing up with a craniofacial difference to the programs she helps implement for the individuals and families myFace serves.  She was born with a cleft lip, a hearing loss in both ears and no vision in her left eye.  She has had several surgeries and was teased and excluded growing up.  It wasn’t until she was in her early twenties and joined a support group for teens and adults with facial differences that she saw the incredible value of being part of a community of people who could understand what she was going through.

Dina created  the Adult Support Group when she joined myFace in 2014 because she wants everyone with a facial difference to know that they have a voice and they are not alone on this journey.

Dina shares, “In this group, members share their own stories, their fears, concerns and accomplishments.  With the support of the group, they are empowered to pursue their goals, establish relationships and help others.  It is amazing to witness the transformation that takes place as they discover their power.

Dr. Stock-Landis has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 1995, with broad experience in clinical, administrative, and academic settings. In addition to being born with a craniofacial difference herself (Goldenhar Syndrome), she also has a son who was born with cleft lip and palate.

She specializes in CBT, CBT-I, DBT, CPT and MI therapeutic methodologies and embraces the scientist practitioner model. She has training and experience in behavioral medicine and substance-use treatment, as well as experience working with adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Her broad range of training, personal life experiences, compassion, and empathy make her the perfect candidate to lead the myFace Parent Support Group and Prenatal Support Group.

Dr. Stock-Landis shares, “I am honored to work with myFace, a dynamic organization that works tirelessly to provide resources and support to the facial difference community. In my role as support group facilitator, I hope to continue the tradition of creating a safe, supportive environment where support group members can share their experiences and explore them, while tapping into the resources that others who have “been there, done that,” can offer.  I look forward to helping support group members as they begin their journey with an open heart and a listening ear.

Dr. Stock-Landis has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 1995, with broad experience in clinical, administrative, and academic settings. In addition to being born with a craniofacial difference herself (Goldenhar Syndrome), she also has a son who was born with cleft lip and palate.

She specializes in CBT, CBT-I, DBT, CPT and MI therapeutic methodologies and embraces the scientist practitioner model. She has training and experience in behavioral medicine and substance-use treatment, as well as experience working with adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Her broad range of training, personal life experiences, compassion, and empathy make her the perfect candidate to lead the myFace Parent Support Group and Prenatal Support Group.

Dr. Stock-Landis shares, “I am honored to work with myFace, a dynamic organization that works tirelessly to provide resources and support to the facial difference community. In my role as support group facilitator, I hope to continue the tradition of creating a safe, supportive environment where support group members can share their experiences and explore them, while tapping into the resources that others who have “been there, done that,” can offer.  I look forward to helping support group members as they begin their journey with an open heart and a listening ear.

Anastatia Fabris es una trabajadora social clínica licenciada con 20 años de experiencia trabajando con adultos con enfermedades crónicas, problemas de salud mental coexistentes, discapacidad y VIH. Actualmente es psicoterapeuta en práctica privada y es la propietaria/fundadora de The Mind Wellness Connection. Su práctica se especializa en adultos que lidian con TEPT (trastornos de estrés postraumático), depresión, ansiedad, transiciones de vida y enfermedades crónicas.

Anastatia utiliza varias modalidades de tratamiento, incluida la terapia cognitiva conductual, ACT, entrevistas motivacionales, terapia informada de atención plena y terapia psicodinámica. Tiene certificaciones adicionales en el tratamiento de trauma y actualmente se está capacitando como terapeuta EMDR.

El Grupo de Apoyo para Padres brinda un espacio para la conexión, la resonancia y un sentido de comunidad y pertenencia. A través de la dinámica de grupo, los miembros saben que no están solos. Aunque sus experiencias específicas pueden variar, ellos pueden motivarse, tranquilizarse unos a otros y afirmar que tienen la fuerza, el coraje y la resiliencia para enfrentar sus desafíos con esperanza y optimismo.

Anastatia comparte, “Realmente es un honor tener espacio para un grupo tan increíble de padres valientes, ingeniosos y cariñosos.

Anastatia Fabris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience working with adults with chronic illness, coexisting mental health issues, disability, and HIV. She’s currently a psychotherapist in private practice and is the owner/founder of The Mind Wellness Connection. Her practice specializes in adults dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions and chronic illness.

Anastatia uses various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Informed Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. She has additional certifications in Trauma Treatment, and is currently training as an EMDR Therapist.

The Support Group for Spanish Speaking Parents provides a space for connection, resonance and a felt sense of community and belonging. Through the group dynamic, members know they are not alone. Though their specific experiences may vary, group members are able to motivate, reassure each other, and affirm that they have the strength, courage and resilience to face their challenges with hope and optimism.

Anastatia shares, “It really is an honor to hold space for such an amazing group of brave, resourceful and nurturing parents.”