Therapists

Kimarie Knowles,
LCSW-R

(she / her / hers)

I believe that even in the most difficult times of life, people have an amazing capacity to grow, learn, connect, love, and find meaning and purpose. This can be balanced with the more uncomfortable feelings that come along with illness, survivorship, loss, caregiving and change. I offer a non-judgemental and empathic therapeutic space where we will work together to find this balance.

  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington D.C. and Tennessee. I have worked in the field of psycho-oncology and mental health for over 16 years and have extensive clinical understanding of the needs of patients and caregivers throughout the disease continuum, from initial diagnosis, through treatment, to end of life, survivorship, recurrence, chronic illness, bereavement and life transitions.

    I completed advanced training programs in cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, complicated grief therapy, and meaning-centered psychotherapy. I have published academic papers and presented on topics such as coping with chronic cancer, survivor guilt, fear of cancer recurrence, dating after treatment, and grief, loss and bereavement. 

    In addition to my therapy practice, I have taught courses in the MSW (Masters in Social Work) programs at Fordham University and New York University.

Tashi Ridley,
LCSW

(she / her / hers)

Therapy can help you to harness your strengths and develop additional skills to cope with illness and change. At a time when you might feel disoriented, stuck or uncertain about how to move forward, I can work with you to explore any potential barriers and identify pathways for growth. To facilitate your navigation, I strive to create an environment that feels safe and free from judgment, where you can feel seen and heard. 

  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Vermont, South Carolina, and Washington D.C. and honed my skills while working with patients, families and caregivers grappling with cancer and other medical issues. With experience in a variety of settings from private practice to hospitals and palliative care centers, I am adept at supporting individuals, couples, families and health care providers on the issues that arise over the trajectory of illness.

    I have experience with a wide range of approaches and completed advanced training in couples and family therapy, clinical assessment and diagnosis, trauma-informed clinical practice, palliative care, and complicated grief therapy. My publication and presentation areas include coping with chronic cancer, supporting patients and families in intensive care units, providing psychosocial assistance for terminally ill patients and their families, and the impact of beliefs and expectations at end of life. 

Charlotte Ference,
LCSW

(she / her / hers)

The relationship between therapist and client can serve as a restorative space for processing and holding space for the variety of emotions that arise after a health diagnosis, caregiving journey, or recent loss.  Understanding how your coping mechanisms affect your mood, your relationships, and your ability to ground yourself allows you to move more comfortably in an ever complicated world.

  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, and graduated Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work in 2019. I began my career working with patients, families and caregivers navigating chronic illness and bereavement. I am passionate about working with patients and families during each chapter of illness, and ensuring that they have access to emotional support. I have worked in nonprofit and hospital settings, with a focus in chronic and metastatic illness.