About the Team at Learning Insights
Dr. Lenore Strocchia-Rivera, Psychologist
As its Founder and Director, Dr. Rivera brings to the practice more than 25 years of clinical experience garnered in a wide variety of settings, including public and private schools, hospitals, residential treatment centers, Head Start, and Family Court. For 11 years, she was the Clinical Director of a nationally recognized early childhood program. In addition, over the years she has been a respected researcher and college professor in the fields of cognitive psychology, learning, instruction, and psychological assessment. Dr. Rivera most recently taught assessment to graduate students at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Drawing from her extensive experience in evidence-based treatment and her personal philosophy of focusing on strengths, Dr. Rivera works with you to identify strategies and resources that support your individual goals. Her approach is outlined in a chapter on Strength-Based Assessment in D. Crenshaw’s (2010) book, Reverence in the Healing Process: Honoring Strengths without Trivializing Suffering.
Dr. Rivera’s professional approach is consistent with her high level of expertise: you can expect to be treated warmly, fairly, and with complete respect for your concerns and privacy. Dr. Rivera’s personal goal is to provide thoughtful and meaningful conclusions that make sense to you so that you can effectively advocate for yourself or your loved one.
Dr. Rivera is a Past President and former Board Member of the Hudson Valley Psychological Association, as well as a longstanding member of the New York State Psychological Association. She is also a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.
For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/lenoresrivera.
Linda Tafapolsky, Psy. D., Psychologist
As
a licensed psychologist since 1987, Linda Tafapolsky, Psy.D.
joined Learning Insights to help individuals and families
experience personal growth by way of an in-depth assessment
process.
Prior to joining Learning Insights, Dr. Tafapolsky has spent many years working in private practice, outpatient mental health, and residential treatment. She has extensive experience assessing children in Early Intervention and with children receiving Special Educational services.
Dr. Tafapolsky believes that as parents come to a fuller understanding of their child’s temperament, skills and needs, they can provide more supportive, effective help to their child. They can also advocate more powerfully on behalf of their child with schools and health systems.
Dr. Tafapolsky also has extensive experience working with seniors, helping them deal with issues related to transition, loss, illness, and memory concerns. She is interested in helping individuals of all ages come to a better understanding of themselves and their abilities.
Dr. Tafapolsky holds an A. B. degree from Princeton University and a Psy. D. degree in clinical psychology from Hahnemann University.
Dr. Tafapolsky is a past Board Member of the Hudson Valley Psychological Association and a member of the American Psychological Association. In her spare time, she enjoys tai chi, live music, and volunteering in her community.
Cheryl Engel, Ph.D., Psychologist
Dr.
Cheryl Engel, a member of the American Psychological
Association, is a 2001 graduate of the Combined Clinical and
School Psychology Program at Hofstra University. Since that
time, she has worked in clinics, public and private schools;
presently, she holds full-time employment as Head of the
Clinical Department at a day school for children ages 3 to
12 with autism spectrum disorder. This experience, along
with her own personal experience of parenting a child on the
autism spectrum, makes her passionate and dedicated in
helping families understand and cope with this condition. At
Learning Insights, she is available to perform autism
diagnostic assessments and to consult with families
regarding educational and treatment options. Outside of
work, she enjoys spending time with her children where she
is actively involved in their scouting, dance, and soccer
endeavors.