We are the New York MFT Network (NYMFTN), an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Followed by:
Promoting common professional interests of marriage and family therapists.
Representing marriage and family therapy as a mental health profession to the public and before governmental bodies.
Establishing and maintaining professional standards in marriage and family therapy education, training, and practice.
Cooperating with other organizations and agencies in furtherance of the profession.
Providing meetings, clinical sessions, publications, research in the field, and other relevant activities to support the above.
Our Mission
The Leadership Team
The Leadership Team for NYMFTN The 2021 Leadership team for NYMFTN is a strong volunteer group working to ensure our profession of Marriage and Family Therapy grows and prospers in New York State. The Board is made up of Student Members, Associate Members, Allied Members, Affiliate Members, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.
Chair-Elect
Co-Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Aramis Grant
Yonit Lerner Ofan
Amber Massey
Rebeca Brau Martinez
Celestine Henry
Emma Daily
ROSEMARY POWELL, MS, LMFT
Rosemary Powell is the owner of Comfort Circle MFT. Comfort Circle is a Virtual Private Practice that was established in 2020, at the rise of COVID-19. The impact COVID-19 had on families and individuals cannot be overemphasized, Rosemary saw a problem and was dedicated to solving this problem with her expertise. EDUCATION: St. Joseph’s University, New York B.S.- Healthcare Management 2013 Long Island University, Brooklyn M.S.- Marriage and Family Therapy 2017 AFFILIATIONS: AAMFT Clinical Fellow NYMFTN Leadership NYC Certified Minority Women Business Owner Rosemary Powell is the owner of Comfort Circle MFT. Comfort Circle is a Virtual Private Practice that was established in 2020, at the rise of COVID-19. The impact COVID-19 had on families and individuals cannot be overemphasized, Rosemary saw a problem and was dedicated to solving this problem with her expertise. She transitioned into full private practice and never looked back since then. Rosemary is a New Yorker. She was born and raised in the New York City Public Houses of South Jamaica, Queens by her Jamaican immigrant parents during one of NYC’s darkest times, the crack epidemic. With over eight years of experience working for several non-profits, Rosemary gained relevant skills and experience in program development, budgeting, family therapy, group therapy, parenting workshops, and event planning. Rosemary is devoted to continuing to live and work by her motto of connecting with others while building community. Contact Information Rosemary Powell, MS, LMFT Comfort Circle MFT www.comfortcirclemft.com comfortcirclemft@gmail.com P:516-545-0151 F:631-251-5625 NYC Certified Minority Women Business Enterprise
Ina Qema, LAMFT
Ina Qema is a LAMFT in NY where her work focuses more around couples and families. She is the co-chair for NYMFTN,an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which advances the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy. Ina Qema is a LAMFT in NY where her work focuses more around couples and families. She is the co-chair for NYMFTN,an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which advances the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy. Ina is a member of Global Rapid Response Team for Disaster Shock, an international humanitarian relief organization dedicated to providing resources to children and families affected by disaster-related stress. Ina is originally from Albania and her growth in this field has been inspired from the desire to want to make a change in her community. Ina has been working in the past two years empowering Albanian women to prioritize self and build healthier relationships in families or couples. On 2023 Ina was recognized as the 11th in a nomination of 40 under 40 in Albania. This year, August 2024, she is invited to speak for the 2nd time at the annual Oxford Symposium Conference.
Elzbieta Farys, MFT
Elzbieta Farys is a second-year Marriage and Family Therapy student at Yeshiva University. Born and raised in Poland, the dream of becoming a therapist led her to a bachelor’s degree at King’s College London, and now a Master’s in New York. Immigrating twice gave Elzbieta a unique life perspective and cultural sensitivity, which she utilizes in her clinical work. Her interest in Marriage and Family Therapy came from personal observations of the significance of family in the healing processes, systems in treating individuals, and interpersonal communication in relationships. Elzbieta leans toward psychodynamic approaches but her goal is to keep expanding her therapeutic toolset to provide the best quality of therapy tailored to each person’s needs. Currently, Elzbieta interns at the Metropolitan Center for Mental Health and the Parnes Clinic.
Kimberly Harris, MFT
Kimberly is a Marriage and Family Therapist, possessing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She thrives in aiding adolescents, adults, and families by harnessing evidence-based practices and person-centered treatment modalities. Furthermore, she has experience working with a wide variety of people across different cultures and backgrounds, effectively dealing with mental health symptoms such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Therapy should foster an environment of safety and facilitate healing.
Aramis Grant
Aramis Grant is a first-year MFT student at Iona University. She has a strong professional background in the fields of education and talent acquisition. Aramis is a dedicated leader and learner who is actively developing her skills within the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Aramis received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz and her master’s degree from Pace University. After realizing her passion for supporting relationships, direct-impact work, and personal development, Aramis decided to work toward her second master’s degree at Iona. Aramis is a certified matchmaker and relationship enthusiast. She is a proud New Yorker, who was born and raised in The Bronx.
Yonit Lerner Ofan
Yonit Lerner Ofan chose a second career and is in the middle of her second master degree. Currently in the MFT program at Hofstra University. Yonit has an MA in Dance Education and has over 35 years teaching experience in dance, for children and adults. In addition Yonit has four adult children and has been married for over 31 years. Her life experience as a mother, partner, teacher and a volunteer on a crises line- all led her to wanting to become a therapist, and help people with their crises and pain, finding their path and greatness. In her free time, Yonit enjoys dancing, reading, traveling and creating with ceramics.
Amber Massey
Amber Massey is a Hofstra University first-year Marriage and Family Therapy student. Atlanta, Georgia is where she was born and raised. She went on to get a bachelor’s degree in Information Science & E-Society as well as a master’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Arizona. Amber is deeply committed to reestablishing the foundation of family among people of color. She wants to assist couples and families deepen their bonds and gain a better knowledge of themselves. She likes reading, improving her yoga practice, and spending quality time with friends in her leisure time.
Rebeca Brau Martinez
I am a Native Spanish speaking, Mexican American woman with a strong set of relational skills and extensive experience sitting with people. I have lived in eight different cities throughout three different countries, which has given me a multicultural sensitivity and it taught me how to quickly adapt to and thrive in many diverse environments. For over nine years as a teacher, I have helped people to manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and to develop confidence and compassion. My clients share their personal struggles and vulnerabilities with me, and I help them to find new perspectives and coping strategies. These experiences have made me a better listener and communicator, and they have helped me to develop resilience and fortitude while staying present, self-aware, and calm. I am committed to creating a meaningful impact by working collaboratively with others, and to help clients to strengthen their relationships through reflection and understanding.
Celestine Henry
Celestine (Celest) Henry is a first- year Marriage and Family Therapy student studying at Syracuse University. Celest earned her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences (B.S.) and Psychology (B.A.). She is interested in understanding the life cycles within a family system. As well as exploring intimacy within in the couple/ family dynamic to create or rebuild connection between its members. Celest is currently working at as a teacher at Bernice M. Wright Daycare that teaches children through play-based activities.
Emma daily
Emma Daily is a first-year MFT student at Yeshiva University. She studied Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies as an undergrad at Kenyon College. While there, she worked as a Sexual Misconduct Advisor, a student representative of the counseling center who was available to the student body for fully confidential support and advocacy regarding sexual misconduct, the Title IX policy, intimate partner violence, and gender- or sexual-based discrimination. After graduating, Emma spent 3 years working as the Client Services Coordinator at the Behavioral Psych Studio, a private group psychology practice on the Upper West Side specializing in adherent, comprehensive DBT and CBT. She conducted phone screen intake interviews with all potential clients, getting the opportunity to speak with a wide variety of individuals and families struggling with a myriad of issues. This work sparked her interest in working with adolescents struggling with self-harm and suicidal ideation, and incorporating a systemic approach to therapy for adolescents and their families. Emma is also interested in continuing to work with survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and providing these services to marginalized and historically underserved communities and populations.Furthermore, she has experience working with a wide variety of people across different cultures and backgrounds, effectively dealing with mental health symptoms such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Therapy should foster an environment of safety and facilitate healing.
