Ariel Hurley, LCSW, MSSW, MPH has worked with Parallax Center since 2018, initially as a part-time clinician, and since May 2021, as the Clinical Director. She is a New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Ariel earned her Master’s degree in Public Health, specializing in Sociomedical Sciences, from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University Medical Center. She also earned her Master of Science in Social Work degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and is a field instructor for its Advanced Clinical Practice students. She has a strong clinical background in providing direct services to individuals with substance use disorders; acute and prolonged or complex trauma; issues around intimacy and relationships; as well as the LGBTQ+ population. She is Parallax Center’s LGBTQ Liaison to the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports and is tasked with ensuring the delivery of affirmative services for all LGBTQ+ individuals receiving care.

In her previous role as the New York and New Jersey Technology Transfer Specialist for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Opioid Response Network, Ms. Hurley coordinated comprehensive technical assistance initiatives designed to build organizational, staff, and individual capacities to apply evidence-based practices in order to meet locally identified needs related to the opioid epidemic. This work frequently included specific emphasis on the intersection between criminal justice and health care systems, schools and substance use prevention coalitions, harm reduction services and behavioral health treatment, and more.

Dr. Alexandra Fingesten: Compassionate Medical Director and Dedicated Practitioner

Since 2002, Dr. Alexandra Fingesten has held the esteemed position of Medical Director at Parallax Center, overseeing all medical services, including psychiatric and withdrawal treatments. With a wealth of experience, she brings expertise and compassion to her role. Dr. Fingesten also maintains her thriving Internal Medicine practice.

Before joining Parallax Center, Dr. Fingesten served as a medical doctor at a major medical center and as an Attending Physician at Bellevue Hospital. Her commitment to advancing medical knowledge is demonstrated through her involvement in various research studies and publications.

Dr. Fingesten earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Health Science Center at Brooklyn, SUNY. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a Geriatric Fellowship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, showcasing her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Fingesten plays a pivotal role in providing exceptional care at Parallax Center.

Zoë Sheinberg: Social Worker at Parallax Center

Meet Zoë Sheinberg, LCSW, one of our Social Workers at Parallax Center. Zoë is the Assistant Clinical Director and Service Director at Parallax Center, Inc., overseeing our outpatient detoxification and outpatient rehabilitation programs. She has been with Parallax since 2017, when she began as a Social Work Graduate school intern. After having such a positive experience during her internship at Parallax, Zoë completed the Seminar in Field Instruction “SIFI” in 2020. Since then, she has supervised Social Work Graduate student interns at Parallax. Zoë is intensely interested in psychopharmacology, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment and works closely with the medical team, labs, and medication representatives.

Something about Zoë:

I am a prominent New York Rangers fan and love to go to games at the Garden whenever possible. I am also an obsessed “Auntie” to my 2 yr. old nephew who inspires me every day.

Vidushi Saxena: Compassionate Clinical Coordinator

Vidushi is a valued member of the Parallax team, currently serving as the Clinical Coordinator for the 822 continuing care program. Her journey with the company began in 2020 as a graduate social work intern, and she has since grown in her role, taking on various responsibilities. With a solid background in mental health care dating back to 2018, Vidushi has gained experience in diverse areas such as workplace mental health, grassroots mental health programs, and substance use.

As a licensed master of social work, Vidushi brings professional expertise in mental health, having worked in both the United States and India. Her dedication to helping others shines through in her compassionate approach to patient care and commitment to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Vidushi has a zest for life. She embraces culinary exploration, always seeking out new cuisines and restaurants. Her adventurous spirit extends to a love for travel, where she eagerly immerses herself in new cultures and experiences. Additionally, she finds joy in running, reading, and has set herself the ambitious goal of reading at least 24 books this year.

With her multifaceted passions and genuine dedication to making a positive impact, Vidushi is an invaluable asset to the Parallax team and the individuals they serve.

Nola Caslin: Intake Coordinator at Parallax Center

Nola Caslin has a background in medical social work since 2019. She started as a medical social work intern in New York City hospitals before joining Parallax Center as the Intake Coordinator. She brings expertise in overseeing detoxification and continuing care programs, and as a SIFI-certified supervisor, she guides MSW graduate student interns.

Nola's passion for the substance use population grew during her time in general medicine, advocacy work for COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant, and a criminal defense law firm.

Outside of work, Nola finds solace in writing poetry and attending spoken word events, recognizing the therapeutic power of mental health and storytelling.

Holden LaPadula : Admissions Coordinator

Holden LaPadula, is the Admissions Coordinator at Parallax Center, where he combines a strong background in health, psychology and clinical care to support individuals in recovery. He earned his bachelor's in psychology from Binghamton University in 2020, with a minor in Health and Wellness Studies and recognition for “Distinguished Independent Work in Psychology.” Holden worked with OASAS to examined substance use patterns and related consequences among New York college students, with a focus on differences by sexual orientation.

Holden has worked in substance use treatment since 2020 and has volunteered in suicide and crisis response since 2019, notably serving as a supervisor for the nonprofit hotline IMAlive. He brings a data-informed, compassionate approach to his role—grounded in both research and direct service.

Outside of work, Holden is a third-generation tree farmer and saxophonist who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. He relaxes by crocheting to nerdy podcasts and going for late-night runs.

Jacques Nir: Chief Operating Officer

Jacques Nir, LCSW, SIFI is the CEO of Parallax Center for their (816) outpatient medical withdrawal services and (822) outpatient treatment program. Jacques Nir, LCSW is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work and continues his relationship with CUSSW as adjunct professor. Mr. Nir has 19 years of social services management experience in Substance Abuse and Mental Health programs. Mr. Nir formally held the position of COO at a large social service agency in New York, in which he managed, marketed, improved, and developed a MAT program for three 822 clinics. Amongst his leadership roles, he was the Director of a large mental health clinic. He perceives Mental Health and Substance Abuse as linear treatment that needs to be viewed through a pendulum lens.

Madeline Kendal : Intake Specialist

Meet Madeline Kendall, LMSW! Maddie grew up in Texas and graduated with a B.A. in psychology and neuroscience from Rice University. After graduating college, she then relocated to New York City to pursue a Master's degree, and graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work with an MSW. Maddie started her internship with Parallax in Fall 2021, and then joined the team full-time after graduating for a position as an Intake Specialist. In her spare time, Maddie loves to spend time outside with her friends (and their pets), try new foods and recipes, rock climb, and go to concerts. In the future, Maddie looks forward to exploring ways of incorporating animal assisted therapy into addiction and mental health treatment.

Paige Graning

Paige Graning, LMSW, is an Intake Coordinator at Parallax. She is passionate about providing compassionate, client-centered care in the field of addiction and mental health. In her role, Paige works closely with clinicians and medical providers to support individuals at the start of their treatment journey. She also sees clients for individual counseling, helping them build the foundation for lasting recovery and emotional well-being.

Christina Nerone

Christina is a Licensed Master Social Worker at the Parallax Center, where she conducts intakes, provides individual therapy, and collaborates closely with the medical team to support clients in outpatient detox and rehab. She brings warmth, curiosity, and a client-centered approach to every interaction, helping clients feel safe, supported, and empowered in their recovery journey. Christina is passionate about creating a space where people feel genuinely cared for—because healing starts with connection.

Rachel Philbrick

Rachel is a Registered Nurse who joined Parallax in 2023 and specializes in substance abuse and addiction recovery. With 3 years of nursing experience Rachel has a deep commitment to providing compassionate, evidence based care to individuals navigating the challenges of substance abuse disorders.

Pix Pendragon: Registered Nurse

Pix Pendragon is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years of experience in Nursing and over 5 years of experience in Substance Abuse. He is passionate about patient care and an advocate for all who wish to better themselves. He is currently studying to get his doctorate in Nursing in order to better serve the communities he serves.

Alexis Acca, LMSW: Detox Clinical Supervisor

Alexis joined Parallax in 2023. With two years of experience at the organization and a strong background in social work, she currently serves as the Clinical Supervisor for the Detox program. In her role, Alexis meets individually with clients to welcome them into the detox process. She follows each case closely, ensuring continuity of care both during and after detox, and works collaboratively with the broader clinical and medical team to support long-term recovery. Alexis is committed to ensuring clients feel supported from their very first step in treatment.

Colin Scull, MSW

A clinician at Parallax who conducts one-on-one and group counselling sessions, he just graduated from Columbia University in June 2025 with his Masters in Social Work and is joining us after interning here for the past year. Over the course of his career, Colin has worked in many different environments, such as with developmentally disabled children, individuals living in supportive housing, and has prior experience with those being treated for substance use disorders. He values trauma-informed practice that highlights compassion, validation, and exploration, and looks to further specialize in DBT and ACT as his experience grows.

Dianne Etienne, CRPA

Dianne is a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate with hands-on experience supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders. She is passionate about peer support that fosters empowerment, connection, and long-term healing. Dianne takes a strengths-based approach, working closely with individuals in accessing vital resources, building meaningful relationships, and engaging in collaborative care. She prioritizes respect, validation, and trust, meeting each person where they are and honoring their lived experiences.

Colin Scull, MS-I: Counselor

A clinician at Parallax who conducts one-on-one and group counselling sessions, he just graduated from Columbia University in June 2025 with his Masters in Social Work and is joining us after interning here for the past year. Over the course of his career, Colin has worked in many different environments, such as with developmentally disabled children, individuals living in supportive housing, and has prior experience with those being treated for substance use disorders. He values trauma-informed practice that highlights compassion, validation, and exploration, and looks to further specialize in DBT and ACT as his experience grows.

June Stiller: Weekend/Holiday Front Desk Admin

In March 2019, I joined the Parallax Center as a weekend/Holiday receptionist—a meaningful opportunity, as my father passed away from alcoholism when I was 11. Working in a place that helps those struggling with addiction has been personally rewarding. I’m grateful to be part of a compassionate team and hope to offer comfort to the patients we serve. In my free time, I enjoy the company of my beloved Chihuahua, Pumpkin.

Christopher Mirabal, CASAC-T

CASAC-T and Master's of Science in Education (TESOL) from SUNY Fredonia. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Waynesburg University (expected date of completion: May 2027). My therapeutic competencies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trained from the Beck Institute) and Spiritual Counseling.

Jessica Ortiz: Front Desk Admin

Jessica brings strong experience in administrative support and client services. She is highly skilled in managing daily front desk operations, including appointment scheduling, client intake, insurance verification, and coordination with clinical staff. Her attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills help ensure the front office runs efficiently, enabling clinical teams to focus on delivering quality care.

Stephanie Roesser, RN: Nursing Supervisor

Stephanie joined the Parallax team in 2020 as a staff nurse and, with over five years of experience in Addiction Medicine, now serves as the Nursing Supervisor for all individuals across Parallax’s programs. Passionate about holistic medical care, Stephanie is dedicated to balancing both the physical and mental health needs of those she serves. She is committed to empowering individuals on their journey of sobriety by offering Telehealth services, providing flexibility for clients to maintain a healthy work/life balance alongside their recovery.