THE FAMILY CENTER
In addition to our thriving law practice since 1988, the Family Center offers comprehensive services for people going through divorce, custody, and family transitions. The services include parent and divorce coaching, psychological, special needs children, financial, real estate, business, and health issues. The Family Center also provides educational programs and support groups.
THE FAMILY TEAM
It takes a village to go through a divorce or family transitions. The Family Team will utilize their skills and wisdom to meet your specific needs in a caring manner.
Meet the Family Team:
I. Financial
Arcadia Wealth Management
Certified Financial Planner
(631) 549-5400
walter@arcadiawm.com and allie@arcadiawm.com
Arcadia Wealth Management is a family owned and operated business led by father-daughter team Walter and Allie Wisniewski. They follow a team-based approach when providing quality financial services and advice. They work closely with their clients to help them realize their passions and visions while achieving a safe and secure financial future.
Certified Financial Planner
(631) 549-5400
walter@arcadiawm.com and allie@arcadiawm.com
Arcadia Wealth Management is a family owned and operated business led by father-daughter team Walter and Allie Wisniewski. They follow a team-based approach when providing quality financial services and advice. They work closely with their clients to help them realize their passions and visions while achieving a safe and secure financial future.
Lee Slater, EA, MBA, CFP, CDFA
Tax Preparer and Financial Planner
(917) 974-64
Leeslater@sprintmail.com
Lee Slater has a large tax practice and prepares tax returns for individuals and small businesses. He is an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the IRS, and has received additional training in IRS problem resolution. Since 1998, Mr. Slater has been planning and providing financial options for those in the divorce process. Mr. Slater is associated with Arcadia Wealth Management to help individuals live the best life possible with the financial resources they have.
Tax Preparer and Financial Planner
(917) 974-64
Leeslater@sprintmail.com
Lee Slater has a large tax practice and prepares tax returns for individuals and small businesses. He is an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the IRS, and has received additional training in IRS problem resolution. Since 1998, Mr. Slater has been planning and providing financial options for those in the divorce process. Mr. Slater is associated with Arcadia Wealth Management to help individuals live the best life possible with the financial resources they have.
Cindy Thompson, MBA, CDFA
Financial Advisor
(914) 906-2919
cindy@divorceplanningsolutions.com
Armed with the purpose to demystify financial aspects of the divorce process, with an MBA from Harvard and extensive experience, Ms. Thompson helps individuals and couples understand the immediate and long term financial implications of their divorce. Assistance in the preparation of statements of net worth, budgets, and financial analysis of documents and decisions are a few examples of issues she helps clients examine.
Financial Advisor
(914) 906-2919
cindy@divorceplanningsolutions.com
Armed with the purpose to demystify financial aspects of the divorce process, with an MBA from Harvard and extensive experience, Ms. Thompson helps individuals and couples understand the immediate and long term financial implications of their divorce. Assistance in the preparation of statements of net worth, budgets, and financial analysis of documents and decisions are a few examples of issues she helps clients examine.
Lissa Benton
Property & Casualty Broker
(917) 453-1694
Lissamb2000@yahoo.com
Lissa Benton utilizes her combination of experience and professionalism to provide you with a variety of products and services to meet your insurance and financial needs. She services individuals and businesses with life, disability, long-term care, workers compensation or umbrella insurance. Ms. Benton promises a new level of attention, insight, and capability.
Property & Casualty Broker
(917) 453-1694
Lissamb2000@yahoo.com
Lissa Benton utilizes her combination of experience and professionalism to provide you with a variety of products and services to meet your insurance and financial needs. She services individuals and businesses with life, disability, long-term care, workers compensation or umbrella insurance. Ms. Benton promises a new level of attention, insight, and capability.
Rob Goldstein
US Legal Network
631-656-3370
rob@uslegalnetwork.org
Rob has been helping businesses and consumers with debt and credit related issues for over 25 years. Over the years, prominent attorneys and CPAs have referred clients to Rob. He is schooled in bankruptcy law and he is highly regarded for his insight into real estate workouts, mortgage modifications, and financial crisis resolution.
US Legal Network
631-656-3370
rob@uslegalnetwork.org
Rob has been helping businesses and consumers with debt and credit related issues for over 25 years. Over the years, prominent attorneys and CPAs have referred clients to Rob. He is schooled in bankruptcy law and he is highly regarded for his insight into real estate workouts, mortgage modifications, and financial crisis resolution.
John Olivieri
Investigator
(718) 720-6813 and (646)523-8783
piolivieri@aol.com
John Olivieri is President of Olivieri Investigations. Mr. Olivieri specializes in financial investigation, surveillance and service of legal documents in matrimonial and family offense cases. Olivieri Investigations gets to the truth of the matter. John is a former N.Y.P.D. Detective Lieutenant with over 22 years of investigative experience.
Investigator
(718) 720-6813 and (646)523-8783
piolivieri@aol.com
John Olivieri is President of Olivieri Investigations. Mr. Olivieri specializes in financial investigation, surveillance and service of legal documents in matrimonial and family offense cases. Olivieri Investigations gets to the truth of the matter. John is a former N.Y.P.D. Detective Lieutenant with over 22 years of investigative experience.
Ellen M. DeSarno, CFP
(212) 541-1833
ellen.desarno@axa-advisors.com
Ellen M. DeSarno is an experienced registered representative who offers securities, annuity products, and insurance products through AXA Advisors, LLC. She is also a member of FINRA and SIPC.
(212) 541-1833
ellen.desarno@axa-advisors.com
Ellen M. DeSarno is an experienced registered representative who offers securities, annuity products, and insurance products through AXA Advisors, LLC. She is also a member of FINRA and SIPC.
Nina Kaufman
(212) 808-7210
nina@askthebusinesslawyer.com
Nina Kaufman is a small business champion-not just your ordinary business attorney. Forbes Magazine calls Kaufman "One of the 25 Most Influential Women Tweeting about Entrepreneurship." The U.S. Small Business Administration named her their regional Women in Business Champion of the Year. In over 15 years in business, Kaufman has helped thousands of entrepreneurs in the generation of hundreds of millions of dollars. As a trusted thought leader, Kaufman reaches over 2 million readers each month on Entrepreneur.com. Her focus is on helping marketing, training, and consulting companies get the legal and strategic foundation they need to grow, scale, and eventually sell.
(212) 808-7210
nina@askthebusinesslawyer.com
Nina Kaufman is a small business champion-not just your ordinary business attorney. Forbes Magazine calls Kaufman "One of the 25 Most Influential Women Tweeting about Entrepreneurship." The U.S. Small Business Administration named her their regional Women in Business Champion of the Year. In over 15 years in business, Kaufman has helped thousands of entrepreneurs in the generation of hundreds of millions of dollars. As a trusted thought leader, Kaufman reaches over 2 million readers each month on Entrepreneur.com. Her focus is on helping marketing, training, and consulting companies get the legal and strategic foundation they need to grow, scale, and eventually sell.
II. Mental Health Services
Gary Ahlskog, Ph.d.,
NYS Certified Psychologist
(212) 371-0271
gary@pipeline.com
garyahlskog.com
Dr. Ahlskog's decades of clinical experience include working with individuals or couples seeking to repair a marriage, or end it cleanly and minimize distress. His work as a master hypnotist offers help for sleep problems, addictions, weight, and fears.
NYS Certified Psychologist
(212) 371-0271
gary@pipeline.com
garyahlskog.com
Dr. Ahlskog's decades of clinical experience include working with individuals or couples seeking to repair a marriage, or end it cleanly and minimize distress. His work as a master hypnotist offers help for sleep problems, addictions, weight, and fears.
Cheryl Lazarus, CLC, CPC
Certified Divorce Coach and Relationship Specialist
(917) 838-3648
transitionscl@aol.com
Cheryl Lazarus helps people navigate through the challenges of divorce and that of building a new life. Specialties: Handling emotions as they relate to divorce decisions, dealing with a soon-to-be-ex, action plans for moving forward, dating and new relationships. Cheryl also offers divorce and relationship coaching, support groups, and seminars.
Certified Divorce Coach and Relationship Specialist
(917) 838-3648
transitionscl@aol.com
Cheryl Lazarus helps people navigate through the challenges of divorce and that of building a new life. Specialties: Handling emotions as they relate to divorce decisions, dealing with a soon-to-be-ex, action plans for moving forward, dating and new relationships. Cheryl also offers divorce and relationship coaching, support groups, and seminars.
Jill Glist, MA
Founder and President, Lambent Services
(212) 979-8700
jill@lambentservices.com
www.lambentservices.com
Lambent Services is a boutique staffing company that provides part-time personal assistants to help individuals who don't have enough time to get everything done. Our clients include those at different stages in the divorce process who need help with associated tasks: organizing financial documents, finding and furnishing a new home, communicating with the spouse and other affiliates, and providing customized support wholly dedicated to the client's specific needs. Jill is a graduate of Yale University and NYU's Clinical Psychology program (MA), and has built a NYC pool of 50 assistants that are carefully selected based on education, personality, and highly developed interpersonal skills.
Founder and President, Lambent Services
(212) 979-8700
jill@lambentservices.com
www.lambentservices.com
Lambent Services is a boutique staffing company that provides part-time personal assistants to help individuals who don't have enough time to get everything done. Our clients include those at different stages in the divorce process who need help with associated tasks: organizing financial documents, finding and furnishing a new home, communicating with the spouse and other affiliates, and providing customized support wholly dedicated to the client's specific needs. Jill is a graduate of Yale University and NYU's Clinical Psychology program (MA), and has built a NYC pool of 50 assistants that are carefully selected based on education, personality, and highly developed interpersonal skills.
Bela Rud, LCSW-R
Child Therapist
(347) 765-0713
belarud7@gmail.com
Bela is a N.Y.S. licensed psychotherapist with almost two decades of experience successfully working with children, adolescents and adults. She uses a holistic approach to help clients get through difficult changes in their family's life, overcome depression, anxiety, and other issues. Her process involves mindfulness and meditation, as well as energy psychology and implementation of art therapy with both children and adults.
Child Therapist
(347) 765-0713
belarud7@gmail.com
Bela is a N.Y.S. licensed psychotherapist with almost two decades of experience successfully working with children, adolescents and adults. She uses a holistic approach to help clients get through difficult changes in their family's life, overcome depression, anxiety, and other issues. Her process involves mindfulness and meditation, as well as energy psychology and implementation of art therapy with both children and adults.
Miriam Jochnowitz, MA
Parent Coach and Educator
(646) 808-5355
miriam@thesingularparent.com
Miriam Jochnowitz provides coaching for individual parents, family sessions, as well as classes, to help parents communicate with their children through difficult transitions. Miriam assists children in coping with the hurdles of divorce and family separation.
Parent Coach and Educator
(646) 808-5355
miriam@thesingularparent.com
Miriam Jochnowitz provides coaching for individual parents, family sessions, as well as classes, to help parents communicate with their children through difficult transitions. Miriam assists children in coping with the hurdles of divorce and family separation.
Cirstin Conneely
New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker
646-504-8124
cirstin@msn.com
Cirstin is a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents. She helps children and teens navigate and adapt to major life transitions, including divorce. Cirstin also facilitates transition support groups for all ages.
New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker
646-504-8124
cirstin@msn.com
Cirstin is a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents. She helps children and teens navigate and adapt to major life transitions, including divorce. Cirstin also facilitates transition support groups for all ages.
Christa Murphy
718-213-5635
clm.muir@gmail.com
Christa Murphy, LCSW is a psychotherapist who offers counseling for children, adults and couples. Her areas of specialization include: post-divorce counseling, working with children who have special needs and family therapy. Ms. Murphy received her MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work where she received a certificate for work with children, adolescents and families. She has a private practice in Long Island City and she has previously worked for Child Center of New York and Birch Family Services. She has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health services.
718-213-5635
clm.muir@gmail.com
Christa Murphy, LCSW is a psychotherapist who offers counseling for children, adults and couples. Her areas of specialization include: post-divorce counseling, working with children who have special needs and family therapy. Ms. Murphy received her MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work where she received a certificate for work with children, adolescents and families. She has a private practice in Long Island City and she has previously worked for Child Center of New York and Birch Family Services. She has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health services.
Christine Rhodes, MS, HC, BCHHP
Health Coach and Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
(917) 974-6292
chr208@earthlink.net
Ms. Rhodes combines her study of current nutritional theories in the integrative health field with a solid grounding in traditional nutrition and medical science. Ms. Rhodes specializes in making sense of the often conflicting information and focuses on designing a personalized regiment. She works with individuals and groups who want to lose weight, relieve stress, and explore age-related issues.
Health Coach and Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
(917) 974-6292
chr208@earthlink.net
Ms. Rhodes combines her study of current nutritional theories in the integrative health field with a solid grounding in traditional nutrition and medical science. Ms. Rhodes specializes in making sense of the often conflicting information and focuses on designing a personalized regiment. She works with individuals and groups who want to lose weight, relieve stress, and explore age-related issues.
Valerie Stammelman
Special Needs Children Consultant
(516)697-2454
valtalks@aol.com
Navigating, supporting and advocating is Valerie’s expertise for parents of special needs children with the school system and government agencies. She created various programs paving the way for special needs families. Valerie holds a masters degree in education from New York University, as well as being a parent of a special needs daughter.
Special Needs Children Consultant
(516)697-2454
valtalks@aol.com
Navigating, supporting and advocating is Valerie’s expertise for parents of special needs children with the school system and government agencies. She created various programs paving the way for special needs families. Valerie holds a masters degree in education from New York University, as well as being a parent of a special needs daughter.
III. Real Estate, Wills, and Immigration
Ene Crooks
Business, Estate and Real Estate Attorney
(718) 237-8919 ext 203
ecrooks@hotmail.com
Ene Crooks is a Columbia Law School graduate, proficient at estate planning, wills, guardianship, business formation and commercial transactions. Ms. Crooks is also adept at purchases and sale of residential and commercial property, and foreclosures.
Business, Estate and Real Estate Attorney
(718) 237-8919 ext 203
ecrooks@hotmail.com
Ene Crooks is a Columbia Law School graduate, proficient at estate planning, wills, guardianship, business formation and commercial transactions. Ms. Crooks is also adept at purchases and sale of residential and commercial property, and foreclosures.
Beatrice Lesser
Real Estate Litigator
(212) 935-3131
bl@gdblaw.com
Partner at Gallet Dryer & Berkey; Ms. Lesser is adept at representing cooperative and condo buildings as well as individual owners. Admitted to the New York Bar since 1981, Beatrice has successfully represented the prevailing party at the appellate level and in numerous published opinions.
Real Estate Litigator
(212) 935-3131
bl@gdblaw.com
Partner at Gallet Dryer & Berkey; Ms. Lesser is adept at representing cooperative and condo buildings as well as individual owners. Admitted to the New York Bar since 1981, Beatrice has successfully represented the prevailing party at the appellate level and in numerous published opinions.
Saleem S. Rizvi, Esq.
Immigration Attorney
(212)732-4336
rizvi@rizvilaw.com
Saleem Rizvi is an experienced attorney with over 24 years of experience specializing in immigration law. Mr. Rizvi is a well-regarded author, television host, and commentator on legal and international affairs. Due to Mr. Rizvi’s understanding of American society and his extensive interaction with the South Asian Diaspora for over 30 years, he has developed a unique perspective on multifaceted issues faced by immigrant communities.
Immigration Attorney
(212)732-4336
rizvi@rizvilaw.com
Saleem Rizvi is an experienced attorney with over 24 years of experience specializing in immigration law. Mr. Rizvi is a well-regarded author, television host, and commentator on legal and international affairs. Due to Mr. Rizvi’s understanding of American society and his extensive interaction with the South Asian Diaspora for over 30 years, he has developed a unique perspective on multifaceted issues faced by immigrant communities.
Arlyne Wishner
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson/Downtown Specialist
(917) 345-9647
arlynew@mynewyorkapts.com
Arylene Wishner is a long time resident of the Financial District. Ms. Wishner specializes in renting commercial and residential properties. She has extensive community involvement and has developed excellent relationships with owners and clients.
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson/Downtown Specialist
(917) 345-9647
arlynew@mynewyorkapts.com
Arylene Wishner is a long time resident of the Financial District. Ms. Wishner specializes in renting commercial and residential properties. She has extensive community involvement and has developed excellent relationships with owners and clients.
Sonya Weisshappel
Founder & President, Seriatim, Inc.
sonya@seriatim.net
www.seriatim.net
212-877-3267
Sonya has been a professional organizer and move manager in New York City for more than twenty years. She founded her company, Seriatim, Inc., in 1999, and since that time has helped hundreds of clients in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, and elsewhere find wellness and harmony during major life transitions. Her team of bonded and insured professionals offer premier de-clutter, paper management, relocation & renovation management, and digital inventory services. Sonya and her team also lend their expertise as efficiency strategists for commercial manufacturers, focusing on the analysis and design of workflows and processes within an organization.
Founder & President, Seriatim, Inc.
sonya@seriatim.net
www.seriatim.net
212-877-3267
Sonya has been a professional organizer and move manager in New York City for more than twenty years. She founded her company, Seriatim, Inc., in 1999, and since that time has helped hundreds of clients in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, and elsewhere find wellness and harmony during major life transitions. Her team of bonded and insured professionals offer premier de-clutter, paper management, relocation & renovation management, and digital inventory services. Sonya and her team also lend their expertise as efficiency strategists for commercial manufacturers, focusing on the analysis and design of workflows and processes within an organization.
Sara Klar
Interior Designer
(718) 609-1371
skl@verizon.net
Sara Klar is an accomplished interior designer utilizing 25 years of expertise to create interiors of beauty, function, individuality and serenity. Working closely with her residential and commercial clients, she undertakes projects large and small. Regardless of budget, Sara employs her unique vision finding design solutions that promote peaceful, communicative living for powerful new beginnings.
Interior Designer
(718) 609-1371
skl@verizon.net
Sara Klar is an accomplished interior designer utilizing 25 years of expertise to create interiors of beauty, function, individuality and serenity. Working closely with her residential and commercial clients, she undertakes projects large and small. Regardless of budget, Sara employs her unique vision finding design solutions that promote peaceful, communicative living for powerful new beginnings.
IV. Nonprofit
Art Helping Life, Inc.
Tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization
(917) 723-1163
sherri@sherridonovan.com
Art Helping Life, Inc. is devoted to aiding low-income children with environmental, cultural, and language programs. Currently, AHL is building a community center for children in Senegal and sponsoring a yearly cultural trip. To make a tax-exempt donation: checks payable to Art Helping Life, Inc. and mail to 7 Dey Street, Suite 400, New York, New York 10007.
Tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization
(917) 723-1163
sherri@sherridonovan.com
Art Helping Life, Inc. is devoted to aiding low-income children with environmental, cultural, and language programs. Currently, AHL is building a community center for children in Senegal and sponsoring a yearly cultural trip. To make a tax-exempt donation: checks payable to Art Helping Life, Inc. and mail to 7 Dey Street, Suite 400, New York, New York 10007.
Sherri Donovan & Associates, P.C.
Counselor-At-Law
305 Broadway, Suite 555
New York, N.Y. 10007
sherri@sherridonovan.com
212-431-9076
Cell Phone: (917) 723-1163
Contact Form