At 1st Step Counseling, our dedicated clinical team is at the heart of our mission to empower and uplift individuals and families. With diverse expertise in mental health, wellness, and community care, our clinicians provide compassionate, culturally responsive, and evidence-based support tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.Our team is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where every individual can heal, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s through therapy, workshops, or community outreach, our clinical staff works tirelessly to ensure accessible and equitable care for all, with a special focus on supporting BIPOC communities and those facing financial or systemic barriers.Together, we’re breaking down barriers and building bridges to better mental health and well-being.Learn more about our team and services

Dr. Tanya Henderson

Tanya Henderson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor 2 with more than 12 years of behavioral health experience with a focus on family systems and addictions. Tanya earned her Doctorate in education (EdD) from St. John Fisher College, studying Executive Leadership. Tanya is well-versed in solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavior therapy. Tanya has demonstrated her competency in leading the community as a compassionate, tenacious, and transparent leader. Tanya’s primary mission is to break down barriers, and generational traumas for families and individuals of the BIPOC community through supportive healing.

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Anger Management

Unresolved Grief

Queer Issues

Women Issues

Drug & Alcohol Issues

Trauma-related Issues

Anxiety Issues

Therapeutic Techniques

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- Harm Reduction – Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Person-Centered Therapy

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Women Issues

Unresolved Grief

Family Issues

Trauma-related Issues

Anxiety Issues

Therapeutic Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)- Person-Centered Therapy

Dacia McBean

Dacia McBean is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 8 years of clinical experience with a focus on women’s issues and community advocacy. Dacia provides clinical support for families and individuals dealing with new diagnoses. Dacia is well-versed in mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma & stress-related disorder. Dacia is highly skilled in dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focus cognitive behavior therapy, and strength-based therapy. Dacia’s mission is to fight against any form of discrimination, oppression, and social injustices that may be affecting anyone.

Suzanne Odom

Suzanne Odom is a Licensed Social Worker and has a School Social Work Certification with more than 8 years of experience in the field of Social Work. Suzanne has experience in servicing individuals from different age groups, from the geriatric population to adolescent, young children and infant. Her clinical experience includes, individual, family and group therapy. Suzanne is passionate about supporting and empowering our adolescent and young adults who may be suffering from trauma related, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, family issues, relationship issues, and school and work conflict. Suzanne’s treatment modalities are not limited to, but I use Psychodynamic Therapy, (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and (DBT)Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Her approach is very client-centered and strength-based.

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Behavior Modification

Women Issues

Adolescent Issues

Trauma-related Issues

Anxiety Issues

Therapeutic Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Men Issues

Behavior Modification

Adolescent Issues

Trauma-related Issues

Anxiety Issues

Therapeutic Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Dr. Joseph A. Twumasi-Ankrah

Dr. Joseph A. Twumasi-Ankrah, Ph.D. LMSW is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the College of St. Rose in Albany, N.Y. He graduated with his Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Administration and Leadership Doctoral Program. Joseph is a licensed master social worker with years of practice experience addressing the mental health needs of urban and rural at-risk populations who deal with trauma, depression and anxiety. Previously, Joseph was the social work site director for a NYC social work nonprofit organization based in low-performing NYC public schools which provided mental health services to students dealing with various mental, behavioral, and emotional health challenges. With a teaching / research interest centering around diversity, child welfare, social justice, and school social work, Joseph strongly believes in providing the appropriate support services for the overall growth of each individual within society.

Dr. Veneilya Harden

Dr. Veneilya Harden received her Doctorate of Education and Executive Leadership in August of 2020 from St. John Fisher University and her Masters in Counseling in Community Psychology with a Forensic Mental Health Certificate from The Sage Colleges in 2015. Dr. Harden was also appointed to The New York State Office of Mental through former Governor Cuomo’s Excelsior Fellowship Initiative, where she has maintained her employment for the past seven years, formerly in the Bureau of Child in Adult State Operations, where she served as the Civil Re-integration liaison for 6 of the Psychiatric facilities. Dr. Harden currently works in the Bureau of Housings Homeless and Support Unit and the Statewide Domestic Violence Liaison for OMH. Dr. Harden serves actively in the Capital Region community on the Albany Community Police Review Board as Vice Chair and Police liaison, Peer Reviewer for the ACA Journal and Project Associate with the Mclean Group focusing on Education, Leadership, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Dr. Harden’s work is centered around advocacy, changing the historical narrative, and creating space, equity, education, and policing disparities.

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Women Issues

Anger Management

Trauma-related Issues

Anxiety Issues

Family Issues

Therapeutic Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Men Issues

Behavior Modification

Adolescent Issues

Anger Management

Drug & Alcohol Issues

Trauma-related Issues

Anxiety Issues

Therapeutic Techniques

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 

Nicolas Mojica

Nicolas is a Licensed Master Social Worker based in the Albany/Capital Region area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Siena College and a Master’s in Social Work from SUNY Albany’s School of Social Welfare. With over a decade of experience, Nicolas has dedicated his career to supporting children, adolescents, and young adults in various settings, including schools, mentorship programs, counseling programs, and private practice.

Nicolas incorporates motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques into his work. He firmly believes that clients are the experts in their lives and focuses on empowering them to make decisions, build skills, and navigate daily challenges. With a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach, Nicolas is committed to helping clients take charge of their personal growth and well-being journey.