Donald E. Merriman, Ph.D.
Dr. Merriman is a Licensed Psychologist (New York License No. 019642) specializing in individual and group counseling for children, adolescents and young adults. He earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, School Psychology Specialization from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Dr. Merriman also holds Master of Science in Education and Advanced Certificate in School Psychology degrees from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. Additionally, he holds Permanent Certifications as a School Psychologist in New York and New Jersey, and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Dr. Merriman has over fifteen years of experience as a clinician working with a broad spectrum of clients. Areas of special training and expertise include working with individuals with anxiety, depression, AD/HD, oppositional/defiant behavior, developmental disabilities, academic difficulties, peer related issues; providing parent training; and conducting psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations.
With regard to evaluations, Dr. Merriman is highly trained in a variety of psychological, neuropsychological, social/emotional, and educational assessment procedures. He has particular expertise in diagnosing learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and AD/HD, and helping parents understand the unique learning needs of their child. Dr. Merriman is well versed in the laws and regulations that govern special education and Section 504, and can assist parents in obtaining services, if warranted, for their child.
Dr. Merriman is also a full time School Psychologist at Pequenakonck Elementary School (North Salem School District), a position he has held since 2014. Prior to working in North Salem, he was a School Psychologist at Mahopac Middle School for six years (2008 to 2014) and a School Psychologist in the Ardsley Union Free School District for four years (2004 to 2008). Dr. Merriman has experience working with students who have a wide range of disabilities and has worked with specialized school based programs for emotionally fragile middle and high school aged students. He also have experience working with students who have developmental disabilities.
Additionally, Dr. Merriman was formerly an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University Hudson Graduate Center and Mercy College. He taught courses in research methods, ethics and professional issues for counselors, assessment, and consultation.
As a researcher, Dr. Merriman's focus has been on evaluating interventions to improve the homework completion of students with AD/HD and learning disabilities. Recent studies include:
Dr. Merriman has over fifteen years of experience as a clinician working with a broad spectrum of clients. Areas of special training and expertise include working with individuals with anxiety, depression, AD/HD, oppositional/defiant behavior, developmental disabilities, academic difficulties, peer related issues; providing parent training; and conducting psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations.
With regard to evaluations, Dr. Merriman is highly trained in a variety of psychological, neuropsychological, social/emotional, and educational assessment procedures. He has particular expertise in diagnosing learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and AD/HD, and helping parents understand the unique learning needs of their child. Dr. Merriman is well versed in the laws and regulations that govern special education and Section 504, and can assist parents in obtaining services, if warranted, for their child.
Dr. Merriman is also a full time School Psychologist at Pequenakonck Elementary School (North Salem School District), a position he has held since 2014. Prior to working in North Salem, he was a School Psychologist at Mahopac Middle School for six years (2008 to 2014) and a School Psychologist in the Ardsley Union Free School District for four years (2004 to 2008). Dr. Merriman has experience working with students who have a wide range of disabilities and has worked with specialized school based programs for emotionally fragile middle and high school aged students. He also have experience working with students who have developmental disabilities.
Additionally, Dr. Merriman was formerly an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University Hudson Graduate Center and Mercy College. He taught courses in research methods, ethics and professional issues for counselors, assessment, and consultation.
As a researcher, Dr. Merriman's focus has been on evaluating interventions to improve the homework completion of students with AD/HD and learning disabilities. Recent studies include:
Valerie Trefny, LCSW-R
Valerie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified child and adolescent psychotherapist and a certified school social worker. She has 20 years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults. Valerie’s easy manner, open nature and clinical knowledge creates a trusting partnership to assist clients in creating positive change. Her approach to counseling allows clients to identify their emotional weight and let it go. She is both energetic and goal-oriented with a genuine passion for client centered mental health care.
Valerie received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in 2001. She went on to complete a certificate in child and adolescent psychotherapy from the Westchester Institute for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, in Rye, New York. Valerie is trained in a variety of techniques; she feels that blending counseling techniques to suit each individuals’ needs is essential to achieve the best results in therapy.
Valerie received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in 2001. She went on to complete a certificate in child and adolescent psychotherapy from the Westchester Institute for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, in Rye, New York. Valerie is trained in a variety of techniques; she feels that blending counseling techniques to suit each individuals’ needs is essential to achieve the best results in therapy.
Marlee Schwartz, Ph.D.
Dr. Marlee Schwartz is a New York State licensed child and adolescent psychologist as well as a certified school psychologist. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from McGill University and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Fordham University. In addition to working for the practice, Dr. Schwartz is presently employed as a full-time school psychologist in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.
Dr. Schwartz has expertise working with children and adolescents with varying disorders and challenges, including but not limited to generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, deficits in executive functioning, and autism spectrum disorder. She also specializes in working with children and adolescents who struggle with peer relationships and social skills. Dr. Schwartz is trained in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She uses an individualized approach when working with her clients, which focuses on the development of skills and behavioral change. Dr. Schwartz values the role of the family in the therapy process and seeks to work collaboratively with the child’s support network.
Dr. Schwartz also specializes in psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessment. She has extensive experience assessing and diagnosing mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Schwartz helps educate parents on the specific needs of their child and tailors recommendations for treatment and intervention. As a school psychologist, Dr. Schwartz possesses a deep understanding of the impact of various disorders on school functioning.
Dr. Schwartz has expertise working with children and adolescents with varying disorders and challenges, including but not limited to generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, deficits in executive functioning, and autism spectrum disorder. She also specializes in working with children and adolescents who struggle with peer relationships and social skills. Dr. Schwartz is trained in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She uses an individualized approach when working with her clients, which focuses on the development of skills and behavioral change. Dr. Schwartz values the role of the family in the therapy process and seeks to work collaboratively with the child’s support network.
Dr. Schwartz also specializes in psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessment. She has extensive experience assessing and diagnosing mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Schwartz helps educate parents on the specific needs of their child and tailors recommendations for treatment and intervention. As a school psychologist, Dr. Schwartz possesses a deep understanding of the impact of various disorders on school functioning.
Megan Brenner, LCSW
Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Certified School Social Worker. She has over 13 years of experience in the social service field, serving children, adolescents, and adults. Megan received her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University in 2014 and currently works in a local area high school serving students in grades 9-12. She has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and collaborates with Columbia University anxiety and related disorders program for the benefit of her clients. Megan has also presented on the effectiveness of DBT in school settings as seen on the Channel 12 News - Westchester segment aired in 2019.
Megan views the therapeutic relationship as one of the most important parts of therapy. She prioritizes the creation of a trusting environment and provides clinical knowledge from multiple therapeutic techniques to her clients. Megan empowers her clients to become aware of their strengths, challenges, and therapeutic goals so that they can continue to be on the path to self growth.
Brittany Bucceri
Brittany is a doctoral candidate at Fordham University studying school psychology, obtaining her Ph.D. in May 2024. She has experience servicing children and their families at a variety of locations, including NewYork-Presbyterian, Montefiore Medical Center, private therapeutic schools, and public schools in the Bronx and Westchester. Through these experiences, she has gained skills in psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessment as well as counseling interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Focused Play Therapy. Brittany uses an individualized approach to each of the clients to best suit their needs and optimize their behavioral and emotional growth.
At Merriman Psychological Services, PLLC, Brittany currently serves as a Psychology Intern, conducting both therapy and psychoeducational assessments. She is also the intake and billing coordinator.
At Merriman Psychological Services, PLLC, Brittany currently serves as a Psychology Intern, conducting both therapy and psychoeducational assessments. She is also the intake and billing coordinator.
SCOTT M. TREFNY, LMHC, LPC
Scott graduated with a Master's degree in Psychology from City University, New York, before completing his Master's of Community Mental Health from Western Connecticut State University. Scott has spent his career in the mental health field in a variety of different roles. He spent over a decade providing in-patient and outpatient counseling to individuals, couples and families with identified affective disorders, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse issues. He then transitioned to private practice where he expanded his skill set by working with adolescents and adults struggling with social, emotional, relationship and psychiatric issues.
Scott believes that by learning how to build a healthier relationship with ourselves, we can build stronger, happier relationships with our families, friends and coworkers. He works with his clients from a strength-based, relational direct approach to help them find clarity, healing and peace of mind.
Scott has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Scott believes that by learning how to build a healthier relationship with ourselves, we can build stronger, happier relationships with our families, friends and coworkers. He works with his clients from a strength-based, relational direct approach to help them find clarity, healing and peace of mind.
Scott has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.