DIAGNOSTIC AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR

Dr. Gilbert is an Associate Professor and core faculty member in the Psy.D. School/Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University and a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology and serves as the Founding Director of the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Hofstra University. In her role as Founding Director, Dr. Gilbert has served as a consultant to multiple autism centers, guiding their design, development, and implementation of evidence-based services.

Dr. Gilbert specializes in developmental disabilities, with particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders across the lifespan, from early childhood identification through adulthood. Her clinical expertise is in comprehensive diagnostic differential evaluations and encompasses autism diagnosis and assessment utilizing evidence-based measures such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, individual therapy with high-functioning children, adolescents, and adults with ASD, and early intervention approaches including prelinguistic and language interventions, particularly Milieu Communication Therapy. Dr. Gilbert has received extensive training in a variety of evidence based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Gilbert has expertise in evidence-based individual therapy for individuals of all ages and also specializes in the assessment and treatment of comorbid conditions such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, ADHD, and OCD. She emphasizes family-centered care with comprehensive support services and parent training programs.

Dr. Gilbert teaches doctoral-level courses including Advanced Developmental Theory, Psychopathology of the Emotionally Disturbed Child, Exceptional Child, Assessment and Intervention Strategies, Intellectual and Vocational Assessment, and Clinical Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has sponsored well over 60 doctoral dissertations and has chaired and worked on countless dissertation committees. She mentors practicum, internship, and externship students in empirically validated clinical practice. Her current research is focused on developing a comprehensive assessment measure for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults. Her broader research interests include language and behavior interventions, special needs assessment, parent training and support, and evidence-based communication interventions. Dr. Gilbert has published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Perspectives on Language Learning and Education, and has contributed chapters to the AAPI Textbook of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Sage’s Handbook of Developmental Disorders. She has presented her research at national and international conferences.

Dr. Gilbert has held clinical and academic positions at leading institutions, including the Yale Child Study Center as a consulting clinical psychologist, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in their Teaching and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders program as an Assistant Professor, and the Susan Gray School at Vanderbilt University where she worked as an early interventionist, special education teacher, and infant/parent program specialist. She has also worked as a school psychologist within the Rockville Centre School District on Long Island, NY, and she currently serves as a behavioral consultant for school districts throughout the region.  Dr. Gilbert has been a consultant psychologist with the Molloy Autism Center, the Greenwich Autism Program, and the YAI National Institute for People with Developmental Disabilities. Early in her career, Dr. Gilbert contributed to research teams at the John F. Kennedy Center at Vanderbilt University, specializing in behavior and language intervention studies. Dr. Gilbert maintains a private practice in which she conducts comprehensive differential diagnostic evaluations and provides a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions to individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other mental health needs. In her practice, she works with individuals and couples, serving clients across the lifespan including children, adolescents, and adults.

Dr. Gilbert has provided expert consultation on autism-related topics for television, documentaries, and news venues. Dr. Gilbert has been featured in HBO’s Expecting Amy and Netflix’s Room to Move, both addressing later in life autism diagnoses, served as an ASD expert consultant for the television series Life & Beth, and provided voiceover narration for the off-Broadway theatrical dance piece, Is it Thursday Yet?, which was created, choreographed, and danced by Jenn Freeman and chronicles her transformative journey following her late in life autism spectrum disorder diagnosis by Dr. Gilbert.

Throughout her career, Dr. Gilbert’s greatest fulfillment has come from serving individuals with autism and celebrating their unique strengths and contributions. Dr. Gilbert remains steadfastly committed to advancing understanding, acceptance, and full inclusion of autistic individuals in all aspects of life.

Jordyn Blaustein, MS, is a third-year PsyD student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University and a psychology extern at Child Mind Institute. She provided comprehensive mental health and learning evaluations free of cost to children and families. Jordyn also assists with feedback reports and sessions with clients, while also providing individualized recommendations and referrals if warranted. Jordyn currently trains at Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she conducts evaluations and works with individual clients, groups, and parents. Her previous experience includes school-based training in the Brentwood and Farmingdale districts. She is passionate about providing equitable access to mental health resources for children and families.

Julia Masler, MS, is a second-year doctoral student in Hofstra University’s School-Community Psychology PsyD program. She currently trains in the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she provides individual and group services for children and adults with ASD, and conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations. She also trains in the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, delivering therapeutic services that integrate evidence-based approaches, including CBT, REBT, and positive psychology interventions. Additionally, Julia currently is a practicum student at Albany Avenue Elementary school, where she supports students’ academic, social, and emotional functioning within the school setting. Julia is deeply committed to working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and is passionate about providing individualized, strengths-based care that promotes self-efficacy, flourishing, and meaningful growth.

Nicole Mare is a third-year doctoral student in the Hofstra University School and Community Psychology PsyD Program and serves as a clinic coordinator for the ASD Clinic. She holds a BA in Dance and Psychology, an MA in Dance Education, and an MS in School and Community Psychology. Nicole’s primary clinical interests include working with individuals on the autism spectrum and individuals with eating disorders. She is trained in CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, FBT, SPACE, and in administering the ADOS. Her therapeutic approach focuses on addressing clients’ needs within family, peer, and school contexts. Nicole incorporates visuals, play, music, and movement into her sessions to best meet the unique needs of each client.

Lindsay Uffer, MS is a third-year PsyD student in the School-Community Psychology program at Hofstra University. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, graduating with a dual Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Public Health, reflecting her early commitment to both clinical practice and population-level mental health. She serves as a clinic coordinator at the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she conducts comprehensive evaluations, leads individual and social skills therapy groups, co-facilitates the parent support group, completes intakes, and provides peer mentorship and clinical support.Lindsay is also a psychology extern at the Bio Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, NY, where she works with children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ERP, and ACT to treat OCD, BDD, and related disorders. Her prior experience includes school-based clinical training across diverse age groups in the Wantagh Union Free School District and Levittown Union Free School District. She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to build resilience, self-confidence, and meaningful personal growth.

Olivia Galante, MS, is a second-year doctoral student in Hofstra’s School-Community Psychology PsyD program. She graduated from Hofstra University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with minors in Spanish and Community Health. During her time at Hofstra, Olivia serves as a doctoral trainee at the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she conducts diagnostic evaluations and co-leads social skills groups. Additionally, Olivia serves as a therapist for the Institute for Family Forensic Psychology (IFFP), where she works with children and families undergoing reorganizations. She is passionate about helping individuals and families reach their fullest potential.

Madisen Baralis, MS, is a second-level PsyD student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University. She currently trains in the ASD Clinic, where she supports clients in developing social-communication and adaptive functioning skills. Madisen is also a member of the Forensic Clinic, working with individuals presenting with a broad range of concerns, including trauma-related difficulties, anxiety and ADHD. In addition, she works full time as a school psychologist, collaborating with children and adolescents to support their social-emotional well-being and conducting psychoeducational evaluations.

Adira is a first year doctoral student at Hofstra’s School- Community PsyD program and a clinician at the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders. She currently provides therapy to children and adolescents on the autism spectrum using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework, tailoring interventions to each individual’s strengths and needs. Adira supports her clients in areas such as anxiety management, cognitive flexibility, coping with frustration, self-advocacy, and building independence across school and home settings. Outside of the clinic, Adira is a practicum student at North Shore Middle School, where she provides counseling services to students and administers intellectual and achievement assessments under supervision. Adira is passionate about helping individuals of all ages strive to be there best selves through compassionate, evidence-based care that builds confidence and resilience.

Ethan Eisenberg, MS, is a first-year PsyD student in Hofstra’s PsyD program in School-Community Psychology. Ethan currently trains in two clinics at Hofstra — namely, the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, where he conducts 1-on-1, strengths-based therapy using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs), and most recently, the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where he will soon begin co-leading a social skills group. Ethan is also a practicum student at Eastern Suffolk BOCES. He is passionate about helping students of all ages and ability-levels realize their strengths and reach their full potential.

Michael Biscardi, MS, is a second-year PsyD.student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University. He works with adults using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based interventions to address social communication, perspective-taking, emotional identification and regulation, relationship building, teamwork, collaboration, and coping skills. Michael currently trains at Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where he provides individual therapy and co-leads adult social skills groups. His previous experience includes school-based training in the Farmingdale School District, and he is currently completing training in the Levittown School District. Michael is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports such as volleyball and basketball, and spending time with his labradoodle, Barklee.

Chloe Caraballo is a first-year doctoral student in Hofstra University’s School-Community PsyD Program and a clinician at the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders. She works with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of developmental and behavioral needs. Chloe utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, implementing interventions that include social skills training, behavior regulation strategies, communication development, fostering meaningful relationships, and promoting independence in daily functioning. Her clinical approach emphasizes strengths-based, individualized care tailored to each client’s unique profile and goals. Outside of the clinic, Chloe is a practicum student at Roslyn Heights Elementary School, where she supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral development within the school setting. She is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, develop essential life skills, and reach their full potential. Chloe is committed to empowering clients and students to lead fulfilling, balanced, and happy lives.

Rebekka Dill, BA, is a first-year PsyD student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University and a psychology intern at Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. Rebekka currently trains at Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she sees clients, under supervision, in both individual and group led settings. She also participates in Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Her previous experience includes an undergraduate internship at Valley Behavioral Health, where she worked alongside a BCBA to implement treatment and education strategies to students with autism spectrum disorder. She is passionate about assisting students with autism spectrum disorder to develop the skills necessary to navigate affective and behavioral challenges.

Marina Karahalios, MS, is a second year PsyD student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University. She is a student therapist within the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she works closely with children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum. In this role, she conducts comprehensive evaluations, co-leads social skills groups, and provides individual psychotherapy targeting emotional identification and regulation, cognitive restructuring, effective communication, and social reciprocity. In addition, Marina currently trains at the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, where she provides psychotherapy to adults using CBT, DBT, REBT, and positive psychology informed interventions to address a range of presenting concerns. She has also completed school-based training within the Lawrence and Valley Stream school districts, where she learned to conduct school-based counseling sessions, administer and analyze psychological assessments, and engage in consultation with multidisciplinary teams. Marina is passionate about helping individuals flourish and is committed to promoting their overall well-being.

Juliette Alfarone, MS, is a second-year PsyD student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University and is also obtaining her advanced certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a student clinician in Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she conducts evaluations, works individually with children and adolescents using Mileu Communication Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and co-leads a social skills group for High School/College aged boys as well as a parent support group. She is also a psychology trainee in the Psychological Evaluation, Research, and Counseling Clinic where she conducts full comprehensive psychological evaluations. Additionally, Juliette is currently a practicum student at Farmingdale High School where she works with students to help them thrive across their emotional and academic domains. In the previous year, she was a practicum student at North Shore Middle School. Juliette is passionate about providing targeted, individualized, evidence-based care to support children and adolescents with ASD and related conditions in strengthening their communication, social skills, and overall wellbeing emotional well-being.

Amberleigh Verhagen, MS, is a third-year doctoral student in the Hofstra School–Community PsyD.program at Hofstra University. She currently serves as Co-Coordinator of the Family Forensic Institute at Hofstra,where she works collaboratively with families involved in the court system, supporting communication and connection, while navigating legal processes with care and compassion. She is also a clinician in the Positive Psychology for Emerging Adults Clinic, where she works with young adults to build resilience, meaning, and psychological flexibility. Amberleigh has prior experience working with elementary school–aged children at Charles Campagne Elementary School and Willow Road Elementary School, where she provided school-based support, testing services, and intervention. Currently, Amberleigh works at Mount Sinai South Nassau Mental Health Clinic, conducting therapy and offering support to individuals navigating complex psychological needs. Amberleigh is trained in evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and positive psychology interventions with psychoanalytic infusion, as well as comprehensive training in diagnostic evaluations. She is particularly passionate about fostering empathy within therapeutic relationships and is conducting research examining ways to increase empathy through psychotherapy. Amberleigh is deeply committed to supporting individuals with diverse neurodivergent profiles. She strives to help clients thrive across academic, social, emotional, and vocational domains by building on strengths, promoting self-understanding, and creating supportive, affirming environments.

Mary Kate Ryan, MS, is a third-year PsyD student in both the School-Community Psychology and the Advanced Certificate in ABA Programs at Hofstra University. She is one of the clinic coordinators of the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders on Hofstra’s campus. Within the clinic, she conducts evaluations and leads individual and social skills therapy groups. Mary Kate is additionally a psychology extern at the Child Mind Institute’s Autism Center. In this setting, she works with children, adolescents, and adults using CBT, ERP, DBT, ABA, and ACT to treat autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring diagnoses. Additionally, she performs comprehensive diagnostic and autism-specific evaluations. Her previous experience also includes school-based training in the Half Hollow Hills and Valley Stream school districts. She is passionate about helping individuals utilize strength-based approaches to flourish in all aspects of life.

Hannah is a first year doctoral student at Hofstra’s School-Community PsyD program and a clinician at the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults . She currently serves as a clinician for children and adults providing therapeutic support for individuals across the autism spectrum. Hannah utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, to help clients build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen social functioning. Beyond the Clinic, Hannah is a practicum student at Hempstead High School where she provides individual and group counseling services and conducts functional behavioral assessments. Hannah enjoys working with families and is passionate about helping them navigate life’s challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth and triumph.