Corinne Alba, LMHC, CASAC, CPP
Project Director of Bridges
Associate Director of YES Community Counseling Center
Email: calba@yesccc.org
Corinne Alba is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Professional. She obtained her Masters Degree in Counseling from Long Island University and has been working at YES Community Counseling Center since 2007. As the Associate Director of Community, Outreach and Training she works with local communities, schools, coalitions, and businesses to provide outreach and education. Corinne facilitates the training and education programs and oversees the Federal Grant Programs awarded to the agency to support prevention, treatment and recovery efforts to address substance use.
Caryn Sawyer, Psy.D.
Grant Coordinator
Email: csawyer@yesccc.org
Dr. Caryn Sawyer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who earned her doctorate at the Ferkauf School of Psychology. She attended Lehigh University for her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She has extensive experience conducting psychotherapy in a broad range of settings including hospital and health care facilities, college counseling and private practice. She has a strong background is substance abuse prevention, grant oversite, administration and health and wellness programming. Dr. Sawyer is excited to work as the Grant Coordinator for the BRIDGES team to support young adults in meeting their full potential.
Michelle Lavoie, LCSW-R
Young Adult Support Coordinator
Email: mlavoie@yesccc.org
Michelle Lavoie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University and her Bachelor’s Degree from the University at Albany. Michelle has been working in the field since 2006 and has extensive clinical experience working with adults, families and children focusing on their overall mental health and wellbeing. Michelle is excited to lead the BRIDGES Team and work collaboratively with young adults to support their individual goals.
Karla Sanchez, MSW
Bilingual Social Worker
Email: ksanchez@yesccc.org
Karla is a Masters Level Social Worker who studied at Stony Brook University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Karla is bilingual in English and Spanish. Karla’s experience includes working with families and children providing case management, counseling and family work. Karla is very excited to be a part of the BRIDGES team and provide a familiar face to the community while assisting young adults to make positive life changes.
Dawn Carroll CPNP, PMHS
Nurse Practitioner
Email: dcarroll@yesccc.org
Dawn is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatric Adolescent and Young Adult primary care. She received her Master’s degree as an NP at Molloy. Dawn went on to receive additional certification as a Pediatric/Young Adult Mental Health Specialist. Dawn is committed to improving access to mental health services and medication management in the community.
Khrystyna Nykolyn, MSW
Young Adult Social Worker
Email: knykolyn@yesccc.org
Khrystyna is a Master’s level Social Worker with a concentration in Families, Youth, and Transition into Adulthood from Stony Brook University. She has clinical experience working with young adults and families to collaboratively achieve personal goals by fostering a sense of agency. Khrystyna focuses on identifying strengths, helping clients cope with stress, overcoming barriers, and connecting to additional support services. Khrystyna is dedicated to empowering individuals to make better choices for improved life outcomes. Bilingual in English and Ukrainian, Khrystyna is passionate about connecting with and supporting young adults and is excited to be part of the BRIDGES team.
Larry Kirschner, RN, MS
​Medical Consultant
Email: lkirschner@yesccc.org
Larry is an RN who earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from LIU. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Binghamton University, and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from SUNY Broome. Larry's experience includes extensive critical and behavioral health care as well as substance dependence work in both in and outpatient settings. Larry is committed to providing medical support and education, and supporting recovery for our clients.
Direct Service Facilitator
Valeria Rosales holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from SUNY Old Westbury and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University. Her academic background provides a strong foundation in the field. Valeria has experience in preventing substance misuse among adolescents. Fluent in both English and Spanish, her bilingual skills enhance her ability to connect with and support diverse populations. As the Direct Service Facilitator, she is responsible for scheduling appointments, conducting discovery calls, and guiding participants in our Bridges Program throughout their journey.
Valeria Rosales
Lee Rudin, MSW
Young Adult Social Worker
Email: lrudin@yesccc.org
Lee Rudin earned their Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. During Lee’s time at Adelphi, they had the opportunity to participate in the IDEATE Fellowship. The fellowship afforded them a broad variety of experiences in interdisciplinary behavioral health care, with a focus on treatment modalities and topics relating to children, adolescents, and young adults. Lee enjoys supporting people who are working through major life changes, and aiding people who are working through issues that hold them back from being the best version of themselves.​​
Dasha Benitez, LSW
Young Adult Social Worker
Email: DBenitez@yesccc.org.
Dasha Benitez is a compassionate, bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed social worker with over eight years of experience supporting children and families, particularly in refugee and reunification settings. She has a strong background in case management and case coordination. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Stony Brook University. Her diverse internship experience includes work in an elementary school, homelessness support services, and private therapy practice. She is passionate about trauma-informed care and client empowerment. is excited to be part of the BRIDGES program, where she will support teens and young adults in the community.
Cristian Farias, BS
Young Adult Counseling Intern
Email: lrudin@yesccc.org
Cristian is an intern pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling at St. John’s University. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Stony Brook University. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Cristian has experience working in crisis intervention and empowering college students in achieving their academic and personal goals. As part of the BRIDGES team, Cristian is dedicated to supporting the mental health of young adults in his community.​​