OUR PRACTICE
We stand by your side problem solving. We’re interactive, compassionate & nonjudgmental. We provide the guidance, you provide the motivation.
You are the ultimate agent of change in your life!
OUR THERAPISTS
EWN therapists have expertise in effective treatment utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Solution, Supportive, Mindfulness or Trauma based therapy.
Elvira G. Aletta, PhD, Founder & CEO
Executive & Personal Coaching, Individual & Relationship Counseling
Life gave Dr. Aletta the opportunity to know what it’s like to hurt physically and emotionally. After an episode of serious depression in her mid-twenties, Dr. Aletta was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that relapsed throughout her adulthood. While treatable, the cure was often as hard to bear as the disease. Later she was diagnosed with scleroderma, another chronic illness.
Throughout, Dr. Aletta battled with anxiety. Despite all this, Dr. Aletta wants you to know, you can learn to engage in life again on your terms.
Good therapy helped Dr. Aletta. She knows good therapy can help you. That’s why she created Explore What’s Next.
Today Dr. Aletta enjoys mentoring the EWN therapists, focusing on coaching and psychotherapy clients, writing and speaking. She is proud and confident that Explore What’s Next can provide you with therapists who will help you regain a sense of safety, control and joy.
716.634.2600 | draletta@explorewhatsnext.com
Kate Keating Maleski, LCSW-R, Manager Buffalo Office
Individual & Relationship Counseling, EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, Teens & Adults
In her calm, engaging manner, Kate listens and develops a plan with you to address the problems at hand. Kate’s approach expresses respectful sensitivity to your needs. If you’re feeling hopeless, Kate assures you there is a way.
Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief or betrayal, Kate is here to offer confident guidance to help you feel whole again. She also provides therapy and counseling to couples and families who have trouble relating because of a lack of trust.
Kate leads the successful Girls In Charge, groups for teen girls who are bullied, have low self-esteem and feel like “I just don’t belong.” If you know a teen looking for a safe, empathic, judgment-free place to heal and grow strong, contact Kate.
716.880.5689 | kate@explorewhatsnext.com
Kayla Czysz, LMSW
Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Identity, Relationships, Stress, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness/Disability, Depression, Trauma, LGBTQIA+
We are living in turbulent times. Life can easily feel overwhelming and burdening. With her warm and uplifting style, Kayla can support you in enhancing presence, connectedness, and inner resources to weather life’s storms and to integrate more joy and ease.
Life transitions, relationships, self-worth and compassion, managing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and identity development are all issues Kayla can support you through. She specializes in working with people who are experiencing grief and loss, in all of their forms.
Kayla utilizes a holistic approach that is sensitive to the many and complex identities and social contexts that shape each individual’s experience; she is committed to providing culturally responsive care, in a space that is inclusive and affirming of all people.
Contact Kayla today to schedule a free initial consultation! She works with individuals ages 18+.
716.302.5545 | kayla@explorewhatsnext.com
Chris Sova, Ph.D.
Individual & Relationship Counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Teens & Adults , Trauma, Men’s Mental Health, Athletes, College Students
Chris knows that you are reading this now because, even though you want to feel better, think better, and do better, you are not sure how. There is no shame in not being able to solve a problem when you are doing the best you can with what you have. In fact, it’s brave to make the effort and to reach out for help. We cannot navigate and build our lives if we do not have the right map or the tools we need.
With a compassionate and understanding approach, Chris will help you see how you have been doing your best but also why you are feeling stuck. He will work with you to feel safe and valued while you learn to understand and value yourself. Chris will share his expertise to help you find your own answers to who you want to be and how to get there.
Chris works with individuals ages 13 and older and couples. If you want to learn more about how he can
help, please contact him to schedule a free consultation.
716.634.2600 | drsova@explorewhatsnext.com
Stephanie Massara-Polyanchenko, LMHC
Grief/loss, Transitions, Depression, Anxiety, Life and Personal Coaching
Life can throw you sudden and unexpected challenges. Stéphanie understands the difficulties surrounding change and the anxiety that occurs over an unknown future. The process of grief can be associated with any kind of loss: a job, relationship, the loss of a pet, or most painfully, a loved one. Stéphanie knows that the closing of one door may lead to the opening of another. You may not ever forget the loss, but she can help you to move forward.
Stéphanie also has a passion for helping those experiencing depression, anxiety, and daily life challenges through her empathetic, open and non-judgmental kindness. Through Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Schema Therapy Stephanie creates a safe and positive place to work together to find hope for the future.
Stéphanie works with young adults into late adulthood, from age eight and up. Contact Stéfie to discuss how you can take the first step toward your goals.
stephanie@explorewhatsnext.com | 216.952.7476
Nicole Brown, LCSW
Pre- & Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Parenting, Adults, LGBTQ
Becoming a parent is a time of great vulnerability. If you’ve recently had a baby and are feeling overwhelmed, worried, sad or numb, Nicole wants you to know that you are not alone. Postpartum Depression/Anxiety affects approximately 1 in 7 women and is the most common complication of childbirth.
An expert in Perinatal Mental Health and Maternal Wellness, and the mother of three young children, Nicole understands the need for a space that is safe, non-judgemental, and nurturing during this time of distress. She brings intelligence, curiosity, compassion, and humor to her work. When you meet with Nicole, your voice will be heard, and together, you will work to understand what’s troubling you. You will identify your unique strengths and learn new skills to help you cope and recover. Postpartum Depression is a very treatable illness. You can feel better.
Nicole also loves working with adults, seventeen years old on up. She has great passion for helping people to feel more confident, resilient and strong. Call Nicole today.
917.674.6742 | nicole@explorewhatsnext.com
Christine Muffaletto, LCSW
Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Eating/Weight issues, Tweens, Teens, Young Adults, & Adults.
Christine understands what it’s like when you’re trying your hardest and an invisible hand is holding you back. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, or stupid, or unworthy of good things—it just means you could use some help. It helps to connect with someone who knows that your stories are worth listening to. Christine will hear your story. She’s a great listener.
Christine is easy-going, friendly, empathetic, non-judgmental. She’s funny and real in a down to earth way. She loves working with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults to help them move through those difficult life transitions where a person can feel lost.
With Christine’s guidance and encouragement you can take the first step to a happier, healthier life.
716.430.4611 | christine@explorewhatsnext.com
Emily K. Becker, LCSW-R, Manager Amherst Office
Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Relationships, Eating/weight issues
Trouble feeling joy or connection? Do you feel sad, tired, or even just numb? Would you like to learn new ways to cope with unhelpful thoughts and feelings, and remove the obstacles that stand between you and your goals?
Emily works with you to create a safe space to explore the patterns and habits in your life that stop you from meeting your full potential. Together you can identify avenues of change and forge a path that leads to increased well-being.
Emily strongly believes that it’s the strength of the relationship you will create together that generates meaningful change. She will fit the therapeutic model you choose, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, to suit your needs. Emily strives to greet each session with a curious mind, an open heart, and a wish to hear your story.
716.400.1605 | emily@explorewhatsnext.com
Askar Mehdi, M.D.
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry, ADD, ODD, Anxiety & Depression Evaluation & Treatment.
Board certified in both General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Askar Mehdi is qualified to provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation followed by compassionate treatment combined with medication and psychosocial intervention.
Dr. Mehdi has a deep understanding of the challenges families face to help a child or adolescent who is suffering emotional distress. He knows that everyone involved is in need of professional guidance and support. Dr. Mehdi cares for range of people from pre-K children four years old and up, adolescents, emerging adults and adults. His expertise is in evaluating and treating children and adolescents going through a difficult phase of psychological development. Common, struggling with school performance and defiant behaviors at home as well as anxiety, depression and strengthening relationships in the family.
With kindness and his calm, deliberate manner, Dr. Mehdi combines his medical expertise with a holistic view of the child and their environment. He takes a collaborative approach with his patients and their families to understand the situation as a whole rather than just treating a piece of it.
716-634-2600 | info@explorewhatsnext.com
Michelle Woogen, Psy.D.
Anxiety, Trauma, Chronic Medical Conditions
Life stressors come in all shapes and sizes. Some stressors are obvious, such as relationship struggles, significant medical conditions, or the loss of a loved one. Some stressors are not obvious at all; the kind that might present as anxiety, depression or anger and originate from experiences that can be difficult to discuss or remember. However, when safely processed with Dr. Woogen, a dedicated and skilled professional, those memories and experiences become much less painful and powerful.
No matter your current stressor, Dr. Woogen would be honored to sit down with you to identify what the two of you can do together to make the changes necessary for you to live a life you value.
Dr. Woogen invites you to reach out and set up a free and confidential consultation with her, after which you can personally decide your preferred next steps. She looks forward to hearing from you!
716.268.3068 | drwoogen@explorewhatsnext.com
Warren Keller, Ph.D.
For over thirty years, Dr. Keller’s work with children and families has been highly esteemed by attorneys, physicians, professional colleagues, parents, and teachers in Western New York and beyond.
Dr. Keller’s expertise focuses on the evaluation and treatment of the social, emotional and behavioral issues that children experience. He has presented his research on ADHD, learning disorders, and central auditory processing disorders locally, nationally, and internationally. A special interest of Dr. Keller’s is performing early neutral evaluations so that parental custody and access issues might be determined without Court intervention. Dr. Keller is on the roster of court-appointed Parenting Coordinators in the Eighth Judicial District of New York State.
The professionals of Explore What’s Next are the fortunate recipients of Dr. Keller’s expert consultation and guidance to better serve the children, parents, and families of Western New York!
716.634.2600 | info@explorewhatsnext.com
Overwhelmed? Anxious? Not enjoying where you are in your self, work or relationships?
OUR PRACTICE
We stand by your side problem solving. We’re interactive, compassionate & nonjudgmental. We provide the guidance, you provide the motivation.
You are the ultimate agent of change in your life!
OUR THERAPISTS
EWN therapists have expertise in effective treatment utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Solution, Supportive, Mindfulness or Trauma based therapy.
Elvira G. Aletta, PhD, Founder & CEO
Executive & Personal Coaching, Individual & Relationship Counseling
Life gave Dr. Aletta the opportunity to know what it’s like to hurt physically and emotionally. After an episode of serious depression in her mid-twenties, Dr. Aletta was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that relapsed throughout her adulthood. While treatable, the cure was often as hard to bear as the disease. Later she was diagnosed with scleroderma, another chronic illness.
Throughout, Dr. Aletta battled with anxiety. Despite all this, Dr. Aletta wants you to know, you can learn to engage in life again on your terms.
Good therapy helped Dr. Aletta. She knows good therapy can help you. That’s why she created Explore What’s Next.
Today Dr. Aletta enjoys mentoring the EWN therapists, focusing on coaching and psychotherapy clients, writing and speaking. She is proud and confident that Explore What’s Next can provide you with therapists who will help you regain a sense of safety, control and joy.
716.634.2600 | draletta@explorewhatsnext.com
Kate Keating Maleski, LCSW-R, Manager Buffalo Office
Individual & Relationship Counseling, EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, Teens & Adults
In her calm, engaging manner, Kate listens and develops a plan with you to address the problems at hand. Kate’s approach expresses respectful sensitivity to your needs. If you’re feeling hopeless, Kate assures you there is a way.
Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief or betrayal, Kate is here to offer confident guidance to help you feel whole again. She also provides therapy and counseling to couples and families who have trouble relating because of a lack of trust.
Kate leads the successful Girls In Charge, groups for teen girls who are bullied, have low self-esteem and feel like “I just don’t belong.” If you know a teen looking for a safe, empathic, judgment-free place to heal and grow strong, contact Kate.
716.880.5689 | kate@explorewhatsnext.com
Chris Sova, Ph.D.
Individual & Relationship Counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Teens & Adults , Trauma, Men’s Mental Health, Athletes, College Students
Chris knows that you are reading this now because, even though you want to feel better, think better, and do better, you are not sure how. There is no shame in not being able to solve a problem when you are doing the best you can with what you have. In fact, it’s brave to make the effort and to reach out for help. We cannot navigate and build our lives if we do not have the right map or the tools we need.
With a compassionate and understanding approach, Chris will help you see how you have been doing your best but also why you are feeling stuck. He will work with you to feel safe and valued while you learn to understand and value yourself. Chris will share his expertise to help you find your own answers to who you want to be and how to get there.
Chris works with individuals ages 13 and older and couples. If you want to learn more about how he can
help, please contact him to schedule a free consultation.
716.634.2600 | drsova@explorewhatsnext.com
Nicole Brown, LCSW
Pre- & Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Parenting, Adults, LGBTQ
Becoming a parent is a time of great vulnerability. If you’ve recently had a baby and are feeling overwhelmed, worried, sad or numb, Nicole wants you to know that you are not alone. Postpartum Depression/Anxiety affects approximately 1 in 7 women and is the most common complication of childbirth.
An expert in Perinatal Mental Health and Maternal Wellness, and the mother of three young children, Nicole understands the need for a space that is safe, non-judgemental, and nurturing during this time of distress. She brings intelligence, curiosity, compassion, and humor to her work. When you meet with Nicole, your voice will be heard, and together, you will work to understand what’s troubling you. You will identify your unique strengths and learn new skills to help you cope and recover. Postpartum Depression is a very treatable illness. You can feel better.
Nicole also loves working with adults, seventeen years old on up. She has great passion for helping people to feel more confident, resilient and strong. Call Nicole today.
917.674.6742 | nicole@explorewhatsnext.com
Christine Muffaletto, LCSW
Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Eating/Weight issues, Tweens, Teens, Young Adults, & Adults
Christine understands what it’s like when you’re trying your hardest and an invisible hand is holding you back. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, or stupid, or unworthy of good things—it just means you could use some help. It helps to connect with someone who knows that your stories are worth listening to. Christine will hear your story. She’s a great listener.
Christine is easy-going, friendly, empathetic, non-judgmental. She’s funny and real in a down to earth way. She loves working with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults to help them move through those difficult life transitions where a person can feel lost.
With Christine’s guidance and encouragement you can take the first step to a happier, healthier life.
716.430.4611 | christine@explorewhatsnext.com
Emily K. Becker,LCSW-R, Manager Amherst Office
Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Relationships, Eating/weight issues
Trouble feeling joy or connection? Do you feel sad, tired, or even just numb? Would you like to learn new ways to cope with unhelpful thoughts and feelings, and remove the obstacles that stand between you and your goals?
Emily works with you to create a safe space to explore the patterns and habits in your life that stop you from meeting your full potential. Together you can identify avenues of change and forge a path that leads to increased well-being.
Emily strongly believes that it’s the strength of the relationship you will create together that generates meaningful change. She will fit the therapeutic model you choose, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, to suit your needs. Emily strives to greet each session with a curious mind, an open heart, and a wish to hear your story.
716.400.1605 | emily@exlplorewhatsnext.com
Askar Mehdi, M.D.
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry, ADD, ODD, Anxiety & Depression Evaluation & Treatment
Board certified in both General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Askar Mehdi is qualified to provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation followed by compassionate treatment combined with medication and psychosocial intervention.
Dr. Mehdi has a deep understanding of the challenges families face to help a child or adolescent who is suffering emotional distress. He knows that everyone involved is in need of professional guidance and support. Dr. Mehdi cares for range of people from pre-K children four years old and up, adolescents, emerging adults and adults. His expertise is in evaluating and treating children and adolescents going through a difficult phase of psychological development. Common, struggling with school performance and defiant behaviors at home as well as anxiety, depression and strengthening relationships in the family.
With kindness and his calm, deliberate manner, Dr. Mehdi combines his medical expertise with a holistic view of the child and their environment. He takes a collaborative approach with his patients and their families to understand the situation as a whole rather than just treating a piece of it.
716-634-2600 | info@explorewhatsnext.com
Stephanie Massara-Polyanchenko, LMHC
Stephanie Massara-Polyanchenko, MHC-P
Grief/loss, Transitions, Depression, Anxiety, Life and Personal Coaching
Life can throw you sudden and unexpected challenges. Stéphanie understands the difficulties surrounding change and the anxiety that occurs over an unknown future. The process of grief can be associated with any kind of loss: a job, relationship, the loss of a pet, or most painfully, a loved one. Stéphanie knows that the closing of one door may lead to the opening of another. You may not ever forget the loss, but she can help you to move forward.
Stéphanie also has a passion for helping those experiencing depression, anxiety, and daily life challenges through her empathetic, open and non-judgmental kindness. Through Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Schema Therapy Stephanie creates a safe and positive place to work together to find hope for the future.
Stéphanie works with young adults into late adulthood, from age 14 and up. Contact Stefie to discuss how you can take the first step toward your goals.
stephanie@explorewhatsnext.com | 216.952.7476
Michelle Woogen, Psy.D.
Anxiety, Trauma, Chronic Medical Conditions
Life stressors come in all shapes and sizes. Some stressors are obvious, such as relationship struggles, significant medical conditions, or the loss of a loved one. Some stressors are not obvious at all; the kind that might present as anxiety, depression or anger and originate from experiences that can be difficult to discuss or remember. However, when safely processed with Dr. Woogen, a dedicated and skilled professional, those memories and experiences become much less painful and powerful.
No matter your current stressor, Dr. Woogen would be honored to sit down with you to identify what the two of you can do together to make the changes necessary for you to live a life you value.
Dr. Woogen invites you to reach out and set up a free and confidential consultation with her, after which you can personally decide your preferred next steps. She looks forward to hearing from you!
716.268.3068 | drwoogen@explorewhatsnext.com
Kayla Czysz, LMSW
Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Identity, Relationships, Stress, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness/Disability, Depression, Trauma, LGBTQIA+
We are living in turbulent times. Life can easily feel overwhelming and burdening. With her warm and uplifting style, Kayla can support you in enhancing presence, connectedness, and inner resources to weather life’s storms and to integrate more joy and ease.
Life transitions, relationships, self-worth and compassion, managing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and identity development are all issues Kayla can support you through. She specializes in working with people who are experiencing grief and loss, in all of their forms.
Kayla utilizes a holistic approach that is sensitive to the many and complex identities and social contexts that shape each individual’s experience; she is committed to providing culturally responsive care, in a space that is inclusive and affirming of all people.
Contact Kayla today to schedule a free initial consultation! She works with individuals ages 18+.
716.302.5545 | kayla@explorewhatsnext.com
Warren Keller, Ph.D.
For over thirty years, Dr. Keller’s work with children and families has been highly esteemed by attorneys, physicians, professional colleagues, parents, and teachers in Western New York and beyond.
Dr. Keller’s expertise focuses on the evaluation and treatment of the social, emotional and behavioral issues that children experience. He has presented his research on ADHD, learning disorders, and central auditory processing disorders locally, nationally, and internationally. A special interest of Dr. Keller’s is performing early neutral evaluations so that parental custody and access issues might be determined without Court intervention. Dr. Keller is on the roster of court-appointed Parenting Coordinators in the Eighth Judicial District of New York State.
The professionals of Explore What’s Next are the fortunate recipients of Dr. Keller’s expert consultation and guidance to better serve the children, parents, and families of Western New York!
716.634.2600 | info@explorewhatsnext.com
Overwhelmed? Anxious? Not enjoying where you are in your self, work or relationships?
A special thank you to the SmackSmog Team for the redesign of our Website. SmackSmog is an Internet Marketing and Development team that specializes in helping businesses from Los Angeles to New York create a strong presence on the internet. Patti Ring from SmackSmog was key in developing the design, layout and style of our website. Steve O’Bryan was key in creating the Content Marketing and Online Strategies for our website and Social Media presence. Contact SmackSmog for all your branding and marketing needs.