Valerie has over ten years of experience as a social worker; she has worked with individuals of all ages from diverse populations in residential care, day habilitation, community-based care, corrections, and private practice. In addition to being a Psychotherapist at Synergy Counseling Associates parttime, she also works as a Project Coordinator fulltime. She provides in-person office-based appointments, however she is able to offer telehealth appointments as needed.

Valerie graduated with honors from both Hudson Valley Community College with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services and SUNY Albany with her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. She then received her Master of Social Work—MACRO Concentration degree from SUNY Albany after completing their Advanced Standing graduate program.  

Valerie has a very calming nature about her which allows individuals to feel comfortable opening up about sensitive and personal matters. Her strong ability to provide supportive and empathetic counseling aids in the development of her therapeutic relationships. She uses a person-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused approach while incorporating attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, trauma-informed care, gender-affirming care, and skill building. Her passion is to help individuals overcome unhealthy relationship patterns, heal from trauma and grief, gain insight, improve their mindset, and build their level of self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-compassion. In essence, she strives to help others be their “best self.”

In her spare time, Valerie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, exercising, reading, exploring nature, traveling, and watching movies.