Pathway to Wellness Team

Lisa Corleto, LCSW

Director

Lisa Corleto, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is a brand new addition to SILO. She is a compassionate and dedicated professional with several years of experience supporting the community through a variety of roles, including treating incarcerated women on Riker’s Island, supervising a family clinic that specialized in mental health and substance abuse, as well as supporting the city on it’s new Mental Health Response Unit. Through her empathetic approach and comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed care, Lisa has empowered countless community members and advocated for improved access to quality mental healthcare.

Additionally, she has completed the Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI), which enables her to support master’s level interns. Lisa is dedicated to support budding clinicians in the field and offer them a space to learn and grow in their careers.

With a foundation built on evidence-based practices and ongoing professional development, Lisa ensures that her therapeutic interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual she serves. Her expertise extends to diverse populations, including those navigating complex trauma, substance abuse, and severe mental illness through use of an eclectic, culturally competent approach drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Strengths Based Practices.

Beyond her clinical work, Lisa is committed to advocacy and community outreach, striving to raise awareness about the impact of trauma and the importance of accessible mental health support. She is known for her collaborative spirit, often partnering with local organizations and support networks to enhance resources for all.

Amy Menditto, LMSW

Assistant Director

Amy Menditto began her career at Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO) in December of 2015 as a Transition Specialist for Open Doors. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Certified Field Supervisor for college level social work student interns (SiFi certified). Since beginning her career at SILO, Amy worked closely with the SILO leadership team to successfully implemented, executed, and directed many programs such as Open Doors, Project Maria, Opportunity Youth Career Exploration and Access (OYCEA), Disabilities Vaccine Access Opportunity (DVAO), Assistive Technology Evaluations program, and NY Connects. As the NY Connects Director, Amy created a Housing and Long-Term Service and Supports Community Resource Database. She helped implement and supervised the growth of SILO's food pantry, a holiday food drive to assist many families in need, and various socialization groups such as drum therapy. In addition, Amy has been involved with many stakeholder's advisory board committees.

With a passion for helping others, she is committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based interventions. By incorporating a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and solution-focused approaches, Amy tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. As the Assistant Director of Pathway to Wellness Counseling Center, Amy is looking forward to this new milestone in her career.

Susan M. Trees, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Susan is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned her master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing in 2017. While working at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in 2010, Susan developed a passion for psychiatry and mental health. Susan has a range of experience working in inpatient/outpatient settings treating diverse populations across the life span. Her experience includes treating intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals (“Intellectability Recognized Provider in IDD Healthcare”), severely and persistently mentally ill population, young adults in college, individuals incarcerated, occupants in women’s shelters, and individuals engaged in substance/

alcohol abuse treatment. Susan is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who exhibits resilience, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to healing. Through her expertise, compassion, and advocacy, she continues to make a profound difference in the lives of those grappling with mental health challenges, embodying the essence of care and compassion in the field of psychiatric nursing.

Karen Nelson

Administrative Assistant

In 1997, Karen began her journey in health care. She spent 25 years as a receptionist in a community health center working with multiple family practice and pediatric providers. As the first person patients encountered upon entering the office, Karen engaged with a diversified population daily and was an asset to the practice and patient care. Karen eventually moved into the behavioral health side of the practice, where she found her true calling. Karen found ways to expand the care she provided to behavioral health patients. She was diligent with scheduling appointments, assisting individuals access the food pantry, assisting the psychiatry provider with obtaining prior authorizations for much needed medication treatment, and recording /reporting lab values critical for care. Karen also attained an additional skill as a Certified Professional Coder. Karen’s talents were recognized, and she was awarded “Rising Star” designation and given the title of behavioral health manager. Karen continues helping people by working part-time at a homeless shelter.