Rachel M. Feldman, LCSW

I began my journey supporting children as a young adult, working at an Empowered Learning Center in New Jersey. After graduating from Union College, cum laude, I became a substitute teacher at both mainstream and special education schools. This experience helped me realize my passion for helping others and inspired me to apply to graduate school for social work. I earned my Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University School of Social Work (CSSW) and had the unique opportunity to have three internships over the two years of schooling. I first interned at Yachad as a vocational counselor wherein I supported young adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities at various worksites. Second, I interned at The Moriah School as a classroom assistant providing therapy and behavior interventions for children. Lastly, I interned at the Veterans Affairs Hospital on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit where I conducted psychosocial evaluations, coordinated discharges, created and ran a caregivers support group, and provided Teletherapy and in-person psychotherapy for veterans and their caregivers. During and after graduate school, I used my extensive background as an equestrian to become a PATH Certified horseback riding instructor for children with disabilities at Flying Manes. I began working at YAI Center for Specialty Therapy as a bilingual psychotherapist in 2016. I continue to work at YAI and specialize in working with children, parents, and families impacted by Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. While working at YAI, I decided to simultaneously pursue certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I currently attend Hunter College as a candidate for an Advanced Certificate in ABA and will be eligible to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) following the completion of this program and a board-certified exam. I move forward in my journey to best support children, adolescents, and families through training, webinars, conferences, and continuing education.