The Thriving Wellness Center was created with you in mind.

But, here’s a little bit about us.

Meet Leila

Leila A. Ostad, LCSW, MBS, ADHD-CCSP

Clinical Director, Thriving Wellness Center

“There’s something wrong with me—I’m not like everyone else, and I feel so alone.” These words, often spoken by women I’ve worked with, reflect a deep sense of disconnection, frequently rooted in undiagnosed or misdiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My passion for helping individuals navigate these challenges, particularly women, has driven me to continually refine my clinical skills, to provide tailored, compassionate care for those on the spectrum.

Leila specializes in working with individuals with autism, particularly those who are late-diagnosed or have complex presentations. She serves as a lecturer at Columbia University and Rutgers University, covering a range of topics, including Trauma, Human Behavior, and Advanced Clinical Topics. Leila's expertise in autism has also led her to consult with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and large organizations on diversity and inclusion initiatives for neurodivergent people.

Leila holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Columbia University and a Master of Biomedical Science (MBS) degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey. She has authored several journal publications and has been a featured speaker at national professional conferences.

Outside of her professional commitments, Leila enjoys activities such as cooking, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, and participating in group fitness classes.

Meet Dr. Amanda

Amanda Piccolino, Ph.D, LMSW

Therapist, Thriving Wellness Center

Dr. Piccolino specializes in supporting neurodiverse individuals and couples, particularly those who are late-diagnosed autistic and/or ADHD. Her practice is focused on helping clients better understand the nature of their unique brains, guiding them to identify and harness their innate strengths while managing the vulnerabilities that often accompany them. Dr. Piccolino believes strongly that living in harmony with the brain that nature intended can lead to a more positive sense of self and, ultimately, a life that is more authentic, meaningful, and free.

Dr. Piccolino primarily uses an Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, incorporating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and coaching. Since trauma often plays a significant role in the lives of neurodivergent individuals, she also integrates body-based healing modalities when appropriate to address trauma stored in the body. These methods, informed by emerging neuroscience, facilitate a deeper level of healing and reconnection to the present moment.

Throughout their sessions, clients can expect a nonjudgmental space, where compassionate listening is balanced with constructive feedback and a deep respect for the results they’re hoping to achieve.

Meet Caroline

Caroline Dunn, LMSW

Therapist, Thriving Wellness Center

Caroline is passionate about empowering individuals with neurodiversity to live fulfilling lives and achieve their dreams. She has successfully guided children and adults in developing crucial skills related to self-care, socialization, and mental wellness. 

Caroline firmly believes that therapy should match the client, not vice versa. Her focus is to find out what therapeutic approach works with each person, combining and adapting these tactics to fit each unique individual best. Caroline borrows elements from multiple disciplines including mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). To make sessions more engaging and meaningful for each client, Caroline incorporates personal interests into the work to help better connect and illustrate therapeutic concepts. 

Caroline has been a licensed social worker since 2015 and holds a Master's Degree from the Silberman School of Social Work. She has a passion for working with people who are neurodiverse and developmentally disabled to support them in achieving their goals. Caroline has also spoken at and hosted conferences focused on Autism and enjoys educating others on topics ranging from social skills to dinosaurs.

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Meet Rufus

Therapy Dog, Thriving Wellness Center

Hey guys, I’m Rufus. But you can call me Rue. I used to live in the Bronx before my mom rescued me from an animal shelter, and thank goodness for that. They think I’m about 10, but you know what they say about age… To tell you the truth, I don’t feel a day over 7. I’m a certified therapy dog. Mom said I passed my exams with flying colors! When I’m not focusing on my work, I love playing ball and eating treats. I’m pretty well-traveled too. I’ve already visited 12 states. Can’t make any promises but maybe I’ll see you around the Zoom sometime.

Our Pledge to You

We entered this profession with a mission to make a positive impact and establish a haven of safety and support. We understand the profound responsibility that comes with our authority, and we approach it with utmost seriousness.

In our commitment to creating a more inclusive and empathetic practice, and to prevent re-traumatizing individuals who have faced discrimination, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and the neurodiverse community, we pledge to uphold the following ongoing initiatives:

  • We ensure that all our staff members receive ongoing training and education to enhance their understanding of the various expressions of neurodiversity within different communities. This includes awareness of masking and camouflaging of symptoms, all while respecting and validating the challenges and traumas associated with neurodiversity.

  • We are committed to extending our treatment and providing information to historically underserved populations, addressing their unique needs, and fostering a more inclusive environment.

  • We actively promote diversity within our staff, aiming to reflect the rich diversity of our patient community. This diversity ensures that our team can better understand and serve the unique needs of each patient.

  • We regularly engage with authors, scientists, and educators from various communities to broaden our perspectives and knowledge. This helps us stay informed about the latest developments in neurodiversity and related fields..

  • Content Review: We maintain a continual review process for all our content, including our website, presentation materials, and social media platforms. Our aim is to ensure that our language and messaging are free from stigmatizing or problematic elements, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.

    Through these ongoing initiatives, we strive to create a practice that not only acknowledges the diverse experiences of neurodiversity but actively embraces and supports them. Our commitment is to build a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive community within our practice and beyond.

Thank you for trusting that we can help you make your life a more fulfilling, satisfying, and happy existence.

What People Are Saying

 

“It has been truly helpful working with Leila. She is warm, compassionate and easy to talk to. When I meet with her I feel truly heard. She is super insightful and has helped me come to many important realizations. She is always non-judgmental and open. I am grateful to have found her.”

— Mary Kinsberg, Google Review

“I just have to say, I really appreciate working with you as it's allowed me to learn more about myself - I'm looking forward to continuing this journey and learning more to grow and develop into a better version of myself one day. Thank you so much. 

— Client receiving therapy

“Having worked with Leila for many years, I can say with the utmost confidence that she is a passionate, caring, well-trained, and knowledgeable therapist who helps her patients through a variety of personal and interpersonal struggles and challenges. I recommend all my family members and friends seeking counseling to see her.”

— Dr. Franco, Google Review