Meet The Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
From our leadership to our counselors, we have made it our mission to create an experience that serves the community and helps enrich lives. Welcome to Aurora!
Co-Founder, Operations Director
Cheryl Ferris
Having worked in corporate operations and mental health for over 15 years, Cheryl Ferris is our operations and business director. Cheryl helms the day-to-day operations and finance-related issues to ensure efficiency within our practice and impeccable service to our clients.
Co-Founder, Clinical Director
Noel Avitabile
Noel Avitabile, LCSW is the clinical director of Aurora Counseling Services. With over 15 years experience in child welfare and family support, Noel brings a strong, effective and strength-based approach to both her staff and clients. Noel is an educator teaching at Wagner College.
​
Our Therapists
Kimberly Rendeiro, LCSW
Kimberly works with a variety of at risk populations including those who are developmentally disabled.Her specialities range from working with victims of Domestic Violence, post incarceration, and Deluth batterers accountability. With over 23 years experience, She is equipped to handle cases including anger, childhood trauma, learning disabilities, foster care and more.
Taylor Ahern, LCSW
Taylor is a graduate of Fordham University
with a Masters degree in Social Work and has been with Aurora since 2020. She works with children, adults, couples and families. She is one of our therapists that supervises court ordered reunification visits and Deluth batterers accountability.Taylor helps clients see their full potential and creates a safe space for them to grow and work through their issues.
Ariana Sottile, LMSW
Ariana works with a variety of clients and concerns including adults, children, families, eating disorders and issues with sexuality and gender. She also specializes in working with individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma. Ariana is a graduate of The College of Staten Island with a Masters degree in Social Work.
Jean Coniglione, LMSW
Jean has over 30+ years of experience as a counselor helping individuals, couples, and families along the way.She not only works in many specialties but runs groups for subjects such as parenting, anger, grief and more. In her career Jean uses a trauma sensitive approach which is used to treat many issues including PTSD, addiction and individuals in our World Trade Center coalition.
Maria Herrera, LMHC
Maria is a bilingual Spanish-speaking counselor who works with those who are dealing with cultural trauma related to issues including immigration and displacement. Her specialties include parent education, children's needs, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, and depression.
​
Greg Buonocore, LMSW
Greg has been with Aurora Counseling for a few years working with many different individuals, with a speciality with children. He works with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD and verbal/non-verbal communication. He also sees clients who are young individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
​
Karen Factor, LMSW
Karen is our bilingual Hebrew-speaking therapist who works with specialty cases including court-mandated family therapy and reunification visits. Her specialties include depression, PTSD, anxiety, anxiety, grief counseling, and other trauma related needs.
​
Daniel Comparato, LMSW
Daniel is passionate about helping people on their mental health journey. He enjoys working with individuals at any age, specializing in anxiety, depression and trauma. He utilizes a mindfulness-based approach incorporating powerful coping techniques to help them achieve their peace.
​
Joseph Gherman, LMSW
​
Sonya Richardson, MHC-LP
Sonya graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. She has a background of over 20+ years in clinical and administrative health organizations. She works with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. Her desire is to uplift, encourage, and inspire each client to become the best version of themselves.
Belinda, MHC-LP
Belinda is one of our bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist serving clients who speak English and Spanish. With a robust set of skills in counseling and training as a school psychologist, Belinda helps clients deal with a variety of issues like anxiety, depression, anger and more.
Karen Lopez, Therapist