Meet the Team

Amy Frisch

Amy Frisch, LCSWR, is a psychotherapist and the founder of It's a Girl Thing!  Amy specializes in issues of

  • adolescence, and has developed a dynamic, creative, and unique private practice over the past 20 years. 

    The Weekend Retreat is one of Amy’s favorite programs because it allows her to connect with young women in a more relaxed setting.  "We create a true sense of family."  

    Amy is a fan of being near the ocean, scuba diving, and new adventures. She loves a good challenge, appreciates a funny joke, and cherishes down time with her family. She holds firmly to the belief that most of life’s problems look a little less intimidating after a good run.  

    Amy received her MSW from Fordham University way way back in 1994!

Casey Dederick

Casey is a Licensed Social worker, earning her Masters degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. Casey is

  • the lead co-facilitator of our “Beyond the Label” expressive arts support group. When she's not working, you can find her volunteering at the Walden Humane Society. She enjoys photography, spending time with family, a good joke, and connecting with friends.

    This retreat is something that is near and dear to her heart. In high school, Casey joined It’s A Girl Thing! expressive arts group for support during her teens years.  "The love and guidance provided by this group allowed me to blossom into the woman I am now: fearless and healthy."

Siobhan DuPont

Siobhan DuPont (she/her) is an intern at IGT who is earning her master's in Clinical Mental Health

  • Counseling from New Paltz in May 2026. She gained ample experience working with youth from all different backgrounds at after school programs at community centers in high school. After earning her undergraduate degree from SUNY New Paltz in 2018, she worked as a youth advocatefor a non-profit in Kingston. Siobhan believes it is essential to cultivate healthy self-esteem in kids and young adults. She loves working with youth to strengthen their sense of self and develop healthy coping skills for the challenges that come with life. She embraces an integrative approach and is thrilled to be part of IGT. In her free time, Siobhan loves to travel, lift weights, and spend time with her family and younger siblings. 



Sara Reinhertz

Sara (she/her) is a Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit (MHC-LP) who received her Masters in

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist University. Originally from Westchester, NY, she completed her undergraduate degree at SUNY New Paltz, and is eager to give back to the New Paltz community. Sara has experience working with adults with substance abuse and college students navigating social and emotional challenges.
    Sara’s approach is holistic and client-centered; she aims to empower each client with a safe space to find themselves and reach their fullest potential. In her free time, Sara can be found caring for her many plants or exploring hiking spots around the Hudson Valley. 

Franny Hertz

Franny Hertz, MS. ED, LMSW, is a licensed Social Worker and a licensed teacher who received her MSW from  

  •   Columbia University and her MS. ED from Bank Street College of Education. She also holds a BA in Psychology from William Smith College. She is a firm believer in the importance of open and honest communication. She understands that strong relationships require work and that includes the individual, their families, and community.  

    Franny comes to the IGT team with a background as a family service coordinator and special education teacher.   She has extensive experience tailoring the psychological,  educational or vocational needs of each individual.

    Franny enjoys working one-on-one with clients to help them recognize their strengths and gain self-confidence to overcome challenges. In addition, Franny appreciates the collaborative aspect of group work and the support that groups can provide for their members.  

    As a therapist, Franny draws upon her experience designing, coordinating, and implementing a range of positive affirmation education programs. She uses a variety of humanistic approaches/ techniques to customize the needs of each individual, utilizing art and games, and learning new methods to help clients overcome challenges.

    When not at work, Franny enjoys outdoor recreation and nature, particularly hiking, camping, gardening, reading, and nature drawing.  She also loves spending quality time with her family and friends, including her special furry friend Marlowe, a red labrador retriever.

Amy Colón

Amy Colón is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Adelphi University. She believes that

  • each person is the expert of their own life, and her role as a therapist is to help individuals uncover the inner wisdom they already possess to navigate challenges.

    Amy sees people as inherently resilient, creative, and capable, even when life’s struggles make it difficult to access those strengths. In a world that can often feel harsh and unpredictable, she provides a safe, compassionate space where clients can reconnect with their inner brilliance and develop healthier ways to cope.

    Her therapeutic approach incorporates play therapy, expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices to promote healing and personal growth. Whether clients are experiencing emotional pain, stress, or life transitions, Amy supports them in exploring new paths toward relief, resilience, and self-discovery.

    Amy also has a deep love of nature and finds immense joy in the somatic practice of Noyes Rhythm, which she has studied, taught and danced in for over 30 years. This movement practice profoundly influences her personal and professional life, fostering a sense of balance, embodiment, and connection.


AriadnA Funes-Montaldo

Ari (she/her) is a Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit (MHC-LP) who

  •  received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist University. Ari is originally from Argentina but grew up in Newburgh, NY. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and hopes to utilize her skills with the Hispanic community. Ari has clinical experience working with adults in substance use and college age students. She worked as a paraprofessional in an elementary school and is excited to continue working with adolescences at IGT. In her free time Ari enjoys reading, doing puzzles and spending time with her friends and family.


ROSE Guillermo

Rose (she/they) is a Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit (MHC-LP) who received their Masters degree

  • in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist College. Rose is from the Bronx and Washington Heights and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Rose has clinical experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, substance use, youth involved in the criminal justice system, and individuals with complex trauma. Rose’s therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and non-judemental. She loves working with youth and their families, the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as individuals of various cultural backgrounds. Her goal is to destigmatize mental health care for all, but especially for the Latinx community. In her free time, Rose loves to spend time with loved ones, try new foods, go to Broadway shows, dancing, and enjoys astrology.

Maria Scarangella

In May 2023, I graduated with my Master’s of Social Work from SUNY Albany. I got my Social Work License and

  • joined It’s A Girl Thing!+ in the summer of 2024. I am really excited to be a therapist and focus more on mental and emotional health!

    I was pretty angry growing up. Typical story...Rebellious, misunderstood. I was always "in trouble" but never understood why, and certainly never given the tools to do better. My behavior, like so many other teenagers, was due to an unfortunate lack of coping skills, and adults who didn't know any better. As an adult, I ended up with a passionate empathy for the “bad” kids.

    When I found myself working with Justice-Involved youth, I knew I had found my way. Finally, something made sense, and I recognized what I wished I had gotten when I was a kid: Patience and compassion, instead of shame and judgment and, of course, the tools to do better next time…I spent 10 years doing Restorative Justice and Case Management work with Adolescents in Ulster County.

    I also trained as a Circle Keeper and held hundreds of Talking Circles with people of all age ranges.

    In my spare time I like to nerd out over Astrology and Sci-Fi/Fantasy franchises, play on the floor with my daughter and cat and brew the occasional potion.


ryan Damon

Hi! I’m Ryan (she/her), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). I earned my Master of Social Work degree

  • from Hunter College and have experience working in inpatient psychiatric and partial hospitalization (PHP) settings, where I facilitated Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills groups for adolescents and young adults.

    My approach to therapy is grounded in DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe therapy should be a place where clients feel deeply accepted while also feeling empowered to grow. Together, we’ll work to better understand patterns that may no longer be serving you, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful change. I approach my work through a feminist lens, provide LGBTQ+ affirming care, and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves.

    Outside of therapy, I am a yoga teacher who loves spending time outdoors, camping, making art, caring for my plants, and being around animals. These experiences remind me of the importance of mindfulness, creativity, connection, and finding moments of joy in every day life.


Jackie Nemeth

Jackie graduated with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, and holds

  • a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. She is currently a member of the American Counseling Association and the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. Jackie is a proud member of Delta Alpha Pi, the honor society for high achieving academic individuals with disabilities. 

    Before joining IGT, Jackie spent 2 years working with the local suicide and crisis hotline, finding this work to be her niche. She completed her internship at a Children and Family therapy agency, working with children and adolescents, and providing individual, group, and family therapy. Jackie has worked with children, adults, and families in settings such as group homes, residential facilities, foster care, and in clinic. 

    In her free time, Jackie can be found photographing Victorian era architecture and hiking in the west coast National Parks with her husband. She has 3 cats who all wish they could come with her to IGT!

Michelle arroyo

Meet Michelle! Michelle Arroyo (she/her) is a bilingual Master of Social Work (MSW) student at University at

  • Albany. She works as Family Advocate for a Head Start program in Dutchess County, where she supports children and families through advocacy, resource connection, and family engagement.

    Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts from SUNY New Paltz and has developed a strong passion for working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds. She uses a strengths-based approach in her work, recognizing the importance of building on each individual’s existing abilities to foster confidence, resilience, and long-term growth. Michelle is excited to continue developing her clinical skills while creating a supportive space that empowers girls to navigate life’s challenges. In her free time, Michelle enjoys crafting, traveling, doing Zumba, and spending time with her dog.