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.

Contact Dr. Rivera


Cheryl Engel, Ph.D., Psychologist

Cheryl Engel, Psy. D.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.

Contact Dr. Engel


Psychologist Highland and Saratoga NY | 845-532-1575