Meet the Staff

Paula Levine, Ph.D.

The dynamic relationship with each patient is, for me, the essence and the cornerstone of good therapy.  Only when my patients come to know that I will always listen, understand, and champion them, do they feel comfortable, confident, and secure in my ability to make a difference in their lives.  Although relational and psychodynamic in my approach, my modalities include deep muscle relaxation, hypnosis, mindfulness and meditation, interactive guided imagery, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and, most importantly, cognitive–behavioral techniques.

Committed to the tenets of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and the notion that "man is disturbed not by things but by his view of things,"  I demonstrate the principles of CBT to all of my patients, and teach them the many different ways to challenge their irrational and self-destructive thinking patterns.  Changes in thinking lead to changes in feeling; anxiety, depression, confusion, guilt and self-doubt diminish, patients experience increased self-esteem, and feel happier, more in control of their lives, and more optimistic about the future.

I am fortunate to have specialized in two specific treatment areas anxiety disorders and eating disorders.  Because of these specialties, I have had the privilege of treating hundreds of patients over the years with an approach specifically tailored to their disorder, along with treatment tools and techniques that I know will lead to a successful outcome.  From generalized anxiety disorders such as Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, to more specific diagnoses such as Fear of Flying, Tricholtilomania, Fear of Death, and Hypochondria, my patients feel confident knowing that they are in the hands of an expert.  My interest in anxiety disorders began with my Ph. D. dissertation on agoraphobia, opening the doors of Agoraphobia Resource Center in 1977, and my involvement with the national American Anxiety Disorders Association (AADA.)

I am also very involved in the treatment of eating disorders, as a clinician, supervisor, writer, national speaker, and founder of the two largest eating disorder organizations in our country, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), and the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED).  I am a past president of NEDA, and served on its board for many years, as well as on the editorial board of The Journal of Eating Disorders and Prevention.  My work with anorexic, bulimic, and binge-eating disordered patients and their families has been the most challenging and rewarding in my career to date.  Collaboration with the dedicated pediatricians, physicians and psychiatrists in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, has been professionally stimulating and gratifying.

In 1983, I opened Anorexia and Bulimia Resource Center, which, along with Agoraphobia Resource Center, has become part of Miami Counseling and Resource Center (MCRC.)  As Director Emeritus at MCRC, I am still very involved in the practice, and see a broad spectrum of patients who come through our doors, not only those with eating or anxiety disorders, but also individuals and couples suffering from depression, grief, marital difficulties, parent-child issues, obesity, and the long-term effects of trauma, particularly sexual abuse.  I have recently begun to work two days per week in my Coconut Grove office, so patients now have a choice of the Gables or the Grove.

For consultation, I can be reached via e-mail at paulalevine at mindspring.com, 305-448-8325, ext 122, or 305-606-4017.  You can also find me editing our new MCRC feature, Paula’s FAQ (frequently asked questions.)  If you send me a question, we might very well publish it and answer it online.

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Susan Scholz-Rubin, Ph.D.

As a result of her many years as a psychologist, Dr. Susan Scholz-Rubin has concluded that relationships of all kinds are both our greatest gifts and our most intense challenges.  She helps patients (individuals, couples, and families) resolve their relationship difficulties by developing a deeper understanding of their childhood issues, by identifying and breaking self-destructive patterns, by teaching conflict resolution techniques, and by developing a deep sense of self-love and self-esteem.  All of these insights and changes allow for a greater acceptance of self and others and an openness to giving and receiving love.

When working with couples, Dr. Scholz-Rubin's preference is for them to maintain rather than discard their committed relationships.  That decision necessitates hard work, letting go of defensiveness and resentment, and a willingness to listen to the needs and requests of each other.  Marital infidelity often provides the greatest challenge, and many couples are successful at rebuilding their shattered dreams or creating new ones.

Nonetheless, sometimes marital hopes end in separation or divorce, and a state of tragic tension often develops.  In 1992, Dr. Scholz-Rubin opened the Divorce and Family Counseling Center where individuals and couples can explore either rebuilding their relationships or giving serious consideration to ending them.  The cost of divorce is both emotional and financial, deeply touching all members of the family; therefore, Dr. Scholz-Rubin assists divorcing couples in open and cooperative communication.  In 1981, she became a divorce and family mediator.  Mediation is a task-oriented process focused on settling the many issues that arise when one home divides into two.  Issues such as distribution of financial assets, child support, spousal support, and how each parent spends time with children are decided in a cooperative, respectful and creative atmosphere.  Divorce mediation is a positive alternative to the often destructive adversarial system.

Dr. Susan Scholz-Rubin also serves as a Parenting Coordinator for the 11th Circuit Court, Family Division. Parenting Coordinators work with divorcing or post-divorce high conflict families to facilitate the resolution of disputes between parents, and to protect the children from the damage resulting from prolonged and intense levels of animosity.

Dr. Scholz-Rubin is the original founder of the Women's Resource and Counseling Center (WRCC).  Incorporated in 1977, WRCC has become a special place where women of all ages come for counseling and support as they continue to balance and reshape their lives.  The important relationships in women's lives are recognized so that parents, partners, siblings, and children are included in therapy when appropriate.

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Nancy Fink, LMHC

Ms. Fink has vast experience with a wide variety of couple issues - marital, pre-marital, gay and lesbian.  She has extensive experience in assisting families who are striving to avoid the pitfalls of divorce.  She has helped many couples improve their level of marital satisfaction, reconnect and heal painful trust issues arising from infidelity and other betrayals.  As a consultant to the Dade County Family Courts for the past 15 years, she has conducted more than 50 custody investigations.  She is registered with the Dade County Family Courts as a Parenting Coordinator and is experienced in working with high-conflict divorcing and divorced families.

Ms. Fink also specializes in treating adults and adolescents struggling with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and emotional eating.  She helps her patients to understand the dynamics of their eating disorder symptoms and aids them in finding healthier thinking patterns and coping mechanisms.

Ms. Fink has a strong interest in self-esteem issues and has run a women's self-esteem group for nine years.  She created and ran a group to help women overcome co-dependency.  She has also worked with both men and women in eating disorder groups and assertiveness training workshops. 

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Kevin Scholz, Psy.D.

Dr. Scholz provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy for a variety of presenting problems, life struggles, and relationship issues.  He especially enjoys the rewarding work of assisting couples with the often difficult, but frequently satisfying tasks of navigating their relationships.  He has a particular specialty with issues surrounding affairs and emotional and/or sexual infidelity.  He understands the "roller coaster ride" individuals and couples experience when there has been a breach of trust, and can offer insights into the emotions, doubts and concerns of both the hurt partner and the unfaithful partner.  As a certified family and divorce mediator, Dr. Scholz can also skillfully guide families and individuals through the turbulent and emotion filled time following the decision to divorce.

In addition, Dr. Scholz specializes in the treatment of women and men with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating.  He is socially active in local efforts to bring about improved levels of eating disorder awareness, and stays abreast of the latest eating disorder research and treatment strategies while working closely as a member of a multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment team.  Dr. Scholz brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm and compassion to the field of eating disorder prevention and treatment, and to the field of psychology as a whole.

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Margaret M. Via, LCSW

Her practice has evolved over time into a specialization in grief and loss.  Grief and loss covers a broad spectrum, from the loss of a loved one, to death, to other losses.  Most depressions occur as the result of some kind of personal loss.  Each year of her practice, she has continued to receive extensive training in the treatment of grief and loss.

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Jennifer Pankow-Martinez, LMHC

Ms. Pankow-Martinez specializes in the treatment of women with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating.  She has extensive training and experience at nationally recognized eating disorder treatment centers, including the Renfrew Center of Florida, in Coconut Creek, Florida.  She was the former Director of the Day Treatment Program and the Intensive Outpatient Program for eating disorders at the Renfrew Center of Miami.  In addition, she participates in eating disorder advocacy at the local and national levels and is co-chairperson of the Miami-Dade National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Committee.

In addition to her work in the field of eating disorders, she also provides individual, family, and group psychotherapy for those struggling with a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship difficulties.  Ms. Pankow-Martinez is also Level I trained and certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a treatment method used to heal symptoms of trauma as well as other emotional conditions.  She utilizes this method to complement work being done with current clients.

Ms. Pankow-Martinez particularly enjoys the challenge of working with couples and in her experience she has come to see that being a successful couple means reaching a delicate balance between taking our partners needs and desires into consideration while at the same time not forgetting our own individual needs and desires.  Her goal is to work compassionately, non-judgmentally and collaboratively with the couple, creating a safe place for the couple to risk new ways of relating to each other, listening to each other and expressing thoughts and feelings with each other, ultimately leading to new possibilities and solutions to their problems.

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Amy Jaffe, M.S., R.D., L.D.

Amy Jaffe is a nationally registered, state licensed nutrition professional.  She has been practicing in the field of nutrition for over 20 years, specializing in eating disorders and weight-related issues in children, adolescents and adults.

Her clinical practice includes 8 years at Miami Children's Hospital, nutritionist at the Aventura Children's Center, consultant for the Eating Disorders Program at the Jewish Community Service and four years at the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders in Coral Gables.  In addition, she has consulted at the Oliver-Pyatt Treatment Center for Eatiang Disorders in South Miami.  Amy was a professor at Florida International University in the department of Dietetics and Nutrition for 18 years, teaching Nutrition Counseling and directing the graduate Dietetic Internship Program.  She co-authored the textbook used in college curricula titled "Nutrition Counseling and Communication Skills" to train dietetics students in the art and science of nutrition counseling.

Amy maintains an active role in the nutrition community and has served as President of the Miami Dietetic Association, with several elected board positions on the Florida Dietetic Association.  She has provided numerous presentations and interviews locally and nationally, on the radio, TV, newspaper and print media on topics related to dieting, eating disorders and weight management.  She also participates in advocacy for prevention and education regarding eating disorders at the local and national levels and is the co-chairperson of the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Committee in Miami Dade County.

Honors include Greater Miami Dietitian of the Year, Distinguished Dietitian, National Outstanding Dietetics Educator, American Dietetic Association and she was a peer reviewer for Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

She currently enjoys an active private practice at Miami Counseling and Resource Center and specializes in weight management issues and in the treatment of children, women and men with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating.  She works closely as a member of a multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment team.

"My approach is highly individualized, holistic, and my style is to collaborate with patients, rather than dictate to them, using a non-diet approach and philosophy."

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Gladys Perez, LMHC, NCC

Ms. Perez is bilingual (English and Spanish), culturally sensitive, and her goals are to empower clients, help them discover their strengths and resources, and assist them in achieving their desired level of functioning working from a constructivist perspective.

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David Sandrow, Ph.D.

In addition to counseling, Dr. Sandrow provides psychological evaluations and testing for learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia or reading, writing, math, and other processing deficits), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD), developmental delays, emotional or behavioral problems, and IQ or gifted placement.  He works with both children and adolescents to help guide them in their academic careers and provides to the parents and teachers the appropriate recommendations, diagnoses, and accommodations.  Please feel free to contact the office or Dr. Sandrow directly for further information at DSandrow@miamicounseling.com.

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Teri Robiou-Krischer, LCSW

Mrs. Robiou-Krischer's treatment modality is fueled by the belief that the most important part of a child's life is his/her family. As a result, she works closely with parents and other family members in order to provide their child with the best support.  She also works closely with the child's school system, meeting and consulting with teachers as needed.  Mrs. Robiou-Krischer also has training and experience in working with female, adolescent victims of sexual abuse, helping them work through feelings of anger, and assisting them in developing healthy relationships in the future.  Mrs. Robiou-Krischer also enjoys working with couples, individuals, and the elderly. Her other areas of interest include feminist psychology, health psychology (HIV, cancer), the integration of spirituality and mental health, and multicultural issues.  She has facilitated workshops and trainings on topics such as, depression, stress management, improving communication between parents and the school system, and coping with a family member who has Alzheimer's disease.

Mrs. Robio-Krischer is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Psychological Association (APA), and APA's Committee on Ethnic and Minority Issues.  Mrs. Robiou-Krischer obtained her Master's degree in clinical social work from Boston College in 1996.  She is presently completing her Ph. D in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and is conducting research on the impact of spirituality on depression and social support in Latinas.

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Carina Esteban, Psy.D.

Dr. Carina Esteban, who was raised in Miami, is a licensed Psychologist in Florida and California.  Dr. Esteban earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida International University, and her Master's degree and Doctorate in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Fresno.  Dr. Esteban completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Oregon's Counseling Center and her postdoctoral Multicultural fellowship at the University of Houston's Counseling and Psychological Services Center.

Dr. Esteban provides individual, couples, and group psychotherapy.  She has extensive experience and interest in providing clinical services to individuals of diverse populations (ethnicity/race, religion/spiritual practices, sexual orientation, ability, and size).  She has treated a variety of issues including depression/mood disorders, anxiety disorders, women's issues, eating disorders/body image issues, interpersonal concerns (relationships, friendships, family), adjustment issues (career/job, school, marriage, acculturation), and identity development/issues (cultural, sexual, value formation/clarification).  Dr. Esteban works from a multidisciplinary treatment team approach and often collaborates, when warranted, with other professionals including, nutritionists, physicians, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists in order to provide the highest quality services possible.  Dr. Esteban has a strong commitment to the field of Psychology and brings much warmth and compassion to her work.  Additionally, Dr. Esteban is bilingual/bicultural and conducts therapy in English as well as Spanish.

Dr. Esteban is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Latina(o) Psychological Association (NLPA).  Moreover, Dr. Esteban has presented at state and national conferences on topics such as group therapy, Latinas and body image issues, and Sizism.

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Judith Castro-Golden, M.D.

She completed a pediatric residency in 1994 and a psychiatry residency in 1998 at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami.  During her last year of training, she was Chief Resident of Psychiatry.

She joined the University of Miami School of Medicine faculty in 1999.  She has been Medical Director of the Partial Hospitalization and Day Treatment Programs at Jackson Memorial Hospital.  Since 2002, she was Medical Director of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinics at Jackson Memorial Hospital, as well as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine.

She has been involved in Psychiatry Residency Education since 1999, and has participated in numerous committees.  Some of these committees have included: Clinical Cabinet for the University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Cabinet for Mental Health Jackson Memorial Hospital, Mental Health Clinical Quality Committee, Psychotherapy Advisory Committee, and Psychiatry Forensic Fellowship Selection Committee.

Dr. Castro-Golden was born in Cuba and at the age of one immigrated to the United States with her family.  She spent her early childhood in the Northeast, subsequently moving to Miami as a teenager.  She is married and has 2 children.  She is bilingual and has the expertise to treat a diverse patient population.  Her interest lies in psychopharmacology, depression, anxiety, and family issues.  She is extremely pleased to be joining our practice.

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Ernesto Felipe, LMHC

In his work as a Mental Health Counselor, Ernesto has enjoyed working with couples, families and children, addressing interpersonal issues and guiding them through the challenges and the demands related to having a family and raising children in the 21^st Century.  He has also worked closely with individuals recovering from addictions and has developed an expertise in confronting anger management problems.  In summary, Ernesto's areas of specialization are:

• children, family, and adult counseling
• couples and marriage counseling
• school counseling
• addictions
• anger management

Mr. Felipe is also a school counselor (9-12 grades), experienced in providing assistance to students, parents and teachers with educational and counseling concerns within the school settings; he introduces them to educational programs that foster healthy decision making.  He is an energetic and committed individual who puts into his work a great deal of compassion and dedication and who keeps abreast of the latest research and most current treatment strategies.  

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Mercy S. Reyes, Psy.D., LMFT

In addition to her formal education, Dr. Reyes has worked in various agencies of the South Florida community including The Children's Psychiatric Center, The Mailman Center for Child Development, AYUDA Family Empowerment Program, The CHARLEE Program, and the University of Miami's Department of Psychology.

Although Dr. Reyes treats individuals, couples, and families from childhood into late adulthood, she especially enjoys working with children and adolescents.  Her particular areas of interest include play therapy, trauma and sexual abuse survivors, bereavement and terminal illness, spirituality, infertility, spinal cord injuries, self-injurious behaviors, and marital and family issues.

Dr. Reyes offers therapeutic services in both English and Spanish.  She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Miami Association for Christian Counselors. 

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Aida Flores, LMHC, NCC

Her specialties include assessment and treatment for depression, anxiety, behavior problems, adjustment issues, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance abuse, addiction problems, and workplace related problems.  In addition, Ms. Flores brings experience working with military personnel and their families.

Ms. Flores has over 15 years of clinical experience providing individual, group, family, and couples therapy.  She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and she has extensive experience in multi-cultural counseling.  She has a client-centered, insight-oriented and supportive approach, and her goal is to empower clients and help them focus on their strengths.

Ms. Flores has conducted training in diverse topics such as parenting, play therapy, conflict-resolution, interpersonal communication, stress management, problem-solving, assertiveness, and anger management.  She has provided expert consultations to employees and managers regarding a variety of workplace performance issues.

Ms. Flores earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tampa University in Tampa and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. 

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Diana Antia, M.D.

Dr. Antia is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist.  She is board certified in Adult psychiatry and board eligible in Child and Adolescent psychiatry.  She completed her Child and Adolescent psychiatry fellowship from Jackson Memorial Hospital / University of Miami School of Medicine, where she was the chief fellow during her second year.  She did her Adult psychiatry residency at Temple University in Philadelphia.  She has presented workshops and posters on "Metabolic Screening of patients on Antipsychotic medications: Development of A Quality Improvement Program In an Urban Training Clinic" at the American Psychiatric Association and the Institute of Psychiatric services.

She treats a variety of age groups ranging from 3yrs old to 90 and is comfortable with a variety of issues ranging from (but not limited to) ADHD, depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, grief, and behavioral issues.  She uses a variety of techniques ranging from Psychodynamic, Cognitive behavioral and supportive therapy to psychopharmacology.

"Every individual experiences the world in their own unique way and must be treated as such."

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