About Us
Inwood Family Guidance is staffed with a licensed psychologist as well as Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and interns.
Michelle A. Bell, Psy.D.
Michelle A. Bell, Psy.D. is a bilingual (English/Spanish), bi-cultural, licensed psychologist with a specialty in the area of family systems and family-of-origin focused family therapy. In addition to her focus working with children and families Dr. Bell’s background in school psychology and as a middle school and high school Spanish language teacher enables her to address the educational, developmental, and psychological factors that impact families and individuals. Dr. Bell has been working for over twenty years helping families figure out how they can work better together to achieve their goals.
Prior to opening IFG Dr. Bell worked at Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and NYC Family Court.
In addition to her work in those organizations, she has worked as a consulting psychologist for various community organizations including SUNY Optometric Center-Learning Disabilities Unit, Alianza Dominicana, and local pre-schools and middle schools. Dr. Bell is also an APA (American Psychological Association) Representative to the United Nations in NYC with a focus on advocacy for children and families in migration.
Sasha Parulis, LMHC
Sasha Parulis is a licensed, bilingual (English/Spanish) Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, adolescents and their families with a variety of presentations, since graduating with an M.S from Manhattan College in Mental Health Counseling. She incorporates a person-centered approach to treatment, utilizing unconditional positive regard, empathy and compassion in her systems-focused work. Sasha uses her active listening skills, patience, empathic nature, and ability to listen for nonverbal cues to meet a client where they are and assist them as they navigate the many systems (home, school, work) that impact their life. In addition, Sasha brings over 13 years of professional experience in the field of TV/Film production, currently producing a documentary about a boxing coach in Hawaii training and mentoring at-risk youth. She has worked under the supervision of Dr Bell since 2017.
Nikiesha Kirkpatrick, LMFT
Nikiesha Kirkpatrick is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in Nyack, NY. She received her B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Behavior Disorders, and Ed.M. in Deaf Education from Columbia University in New York, NY.
She is a certified Special Education Teacher and has worked with deaf children with severe/multiple disabilities and their families for over 13 years. Nikiesha has direct experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various capacities: as an Educator, Dance Instructor, certified American Sign Language Interpreter, and Marriage and Family Therapist.
Her passion is to see individuals, couples, and families thrive and have healthy relationships. She has worked under the supervision of Dr. Bell since 2014.
Alyssa Wynn, LCSW
Alyssa Wynn, LCSW is a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical social worker that brings 14 years of experience working in the Washington Heights/Inwood community. Alyssa has a deep understanding of the many cultures that comprise the community and incorporates this understanding into her clinical practice. Alyssa works with adults, children and families to adopt effective coping strategies and communication methods to optimize interpersonal growth.
Alyssa specializes in the treatment of trauma and PTSD with a certification in STAIR/NST treatment, an evidence based treatment for trauma survivors, and training in TF-CBT, a trauma focused therapy for children. Alyssa’s clinical expertise also includes a certification in Problem Solving Treatment, an evidence based treatment for depressed adult populations. Alyssa integrates other evidence based treatment models into her practice that include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and motivational interviewing.
María Beatriz Alvarez, Ph.D. LCSW-R
María Beatriz Alvarez, Ph.D., LCSW-R is a bilingual (English/Spanish), multi-cultural, licensed clinical social worker with psychotherapy privileges. She obtained her doctoral degree at New York University, Silver School of Social Work where she also served as adjunct faculty. She has presented at numerous conferences in the United States and abroad.
As a clinician, Dr. Alvarez has more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in school, hospital, and community settings. She has trained in Family Systems, Narrative, Expressive, and Trauma-focused psychotherapy approaches. During the last 14 years, she has also worked with adults as a life and professional coach.
Prior to joining IFG, Dr. Alvarez was the Director of the Department of Social Work and Care Coordination at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian.
In addition to her clinical and leadership work, Dr. Alvarez has translated the “SOS Help for Parents” and “SOS Help with Emotions” books into Spanish. She has published on the topics of immigration and human trafficking and had guest appearances in Telemundo NBCUniversal as a consultant on family topics.
Dr. Alvarez volunteers at Starfish International, a non-profit organization with a focus on education and community development in The Gambia, West Africa, where she serves as Director of Innovation and Design.
Brianna Remache
Brianna Remache is the office Administrative Assistant. She is currently an undergraduate student pursing a degree in Chemistry at Manhattan College. She is on a pre-med track with the goal of attending medical school. Recognizing the influence her own family dynamic and cultural background has had on her upbringing she hopes to specialize in Family Medicine. When not in school or working hard to keep the office running smoothly, Brianna enjoys playing volleyball, trying new recipes, reading historical fiction novels, and watching Netflix.