About the Growing Minds Psychology Team
At Growing Minds, we believe every child and family deserves care that is personalized, connected, and rooted in evidence-based practices. As a small, collaborative team, we work closely together to provide seamless support across both therapy and evaluations—so families get the care they need without extra stress, time, or cost.
What Sets Us Apart
We’re a small, dedicated team of clinicians who truly value collaboration. Because we work closely together, families benefit from seamless support across both evaluations and treatment—without the extra time or cost of navigating multiple providers. Our boutique practice offers a warm, welcoming feel where parents and children feel known, cared for, and supported every step of the way. We combine the expertise of a larger clinic with the personal attention of a close-knit team, making care more connected and effective for every family we serve.
Meet Our Team Members
Carly Mayer, PsyD
Director of Clinical Services, Co-Founder
Dr. Carly Mayer is a clinical child psychologist specializing in disruptive behavior, anxiety, and selective mutism. She is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where families feel both encouraged and challenged to grow. Using a hands-on, goal-focused approach, she helps children and parents set meaningful goals and achieve lasting change step by step. With extensive training in evidence-based assessment and treatment of childhood disorders, Dr. Carly integrates her expertise in child development with close collaboration from families and schools. She also partners with educators to create more effective learning environments. Dr. Carly earned her PsyD in School Psychology from St. John’s University and BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She is a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and PCIT-SM (for Selective Mutism) Within-Agency Trainer, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) provider, and has extensive clinical experience through her fellowship and leadership at Kurtz Psychology Consulting, PC. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys Pilates, dinners with friends, and family time in Central Park with her two children and therapy dog, Remi.
Matthew Pagirsky, PsyD
Director of Neuropsychology & Training, Co-Founder
Dr. Matthew Pagirsky is a pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and young adults with learning differences and school-related challenges. He is committed to ensuring families feel supported and understood throughout the evaluation process, emphasizing that assessment is just the first step toward lasting growth. His recommendations are individualized, evidence-based, and designed to be practical within both home and school settings, and he provides ongoing consultation, advocacy, and treatment to help children succeed academically and emotionally. Dr. Matt earned his PsyD in School Psychology from St. John’s University and his BA in Psychology and Journalism from SUNY Albany, and completed advanced neuropsychology training at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYU Langone Medical Center, and Mount Sinai Hospital. He has held leadership and teaching roles including Director of Training & Education and Senior Upper School Psychologist at The Quad Preparatory School, Staff Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute, and adjunct faculty and supervisory positions. Outside of his clinical work, he enjoys discovering new music, reading historical fiction, running through Central Park, and spending time at the Natural History Museum with his son, daughter, and family dog.
Brooke Catanzaro, PsyD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Brooke Catanzaro is a pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and young adults with learning differences, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, executive functioning challenges, language-based learning disorders, and co-occurring anxiety or emotional regulation concerns. She approaches assessment as a collaborative and supportive process, identifying each child’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities and translating findings into clear, practical, and individualized recommendations. Dr. Brooke works closely with families and schools to support IEP and 504 planning and ongoing developmental transitions, and she has particular expertise in selective mutism and the interaction between attention, emotion regulation, and academic functioning. She earned her PsyD in School Psychology from St. John’s University and completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants (CBC). Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking Pilates classes, baking with her son, and going to the beach.
Julia Winfrey, PsyD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Julia Winfrey is a pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and young adults with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning differences, language-based learning disorders, executive functioning challenges, and co-occurring anxiety and mood concerns. She approaches assessment with a holistic, strengths-based approach, aiming to understand the unique strengths and needs of each child and striving to provide findings and individualized recommendations in a way that is accessible, supportive, and empowering for families. Dr. Julia also works closely with families and schools to support IEP and 504 planning, and she has particular expertise in educational advocacy. She earned her PsyD in School Psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University and her BS in Psychology from Lehigh University. She completed her predoctoral internship at NYU Langone Medical Center's Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, and her postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)/New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH). Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, drawing, and being with friends and family.
Diana Charlop, PsyD
Staff Psychologist
Dr. Diana Charlop is a clinical child psychologist specializing in therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults managing anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavioral challenges, and executive functioning difficulties. She provides therapy, diagnostic assessment, and parenting support using evidence-based practices rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and her training includes Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and PCIT for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). Dr. Diana earned her PsyD in School-Community Psychology from Hofstra University and her BA in Vocal Performance and Medicine, Health and Society from Vanderbilt University, and gained clinical experience through training at the Child Mind Institute, North Shore School District, and The Churchill School & Center. She is committed to tailoring treatment to each child and family’s unique needs, with an emphasis on empathy, collaboration, and growth. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys running, experimenting with new recipes, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends.
Sarah Swerdin, PsyD
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Sarah Swerdin is a clinical child psychologist with specialized training in evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, selective mutism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as disruptive behavior disorders. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and PCIT Adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). Dr. Sarah earned her PsyD in School Psychology at St. John's University and completed her training in both school and outpatient mental health settings, including the St. John's Center for Psychological Services, the Child Mind Institute (Anxiety Disorders Center), and Robert Louis Stevenson School, a therapeutic high school. Dr. Sarah is passionate about adapting evidence-based interventions to meet the strengths of children and their families. She strives to use a warm and collaborative approach to help children reach their goals and meet their fullest potential. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys running in Central Park, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends.
Racquel Jagid
Clinical Psychometrist
Racquel Jagid is a Clinical Psychometrist at Growing Minds Psychology, where she supports the neuropsychology team throughout the assessment process. She graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Business. Racquel has experience working with children across clinical, research, and recreational settings and has particular interests in pediatric neuropsychology and early intervention. During her time at Emory, she worked in the Dilks Lab conducting research focused on child development and visual processing. She also completed a clinical practicum at the Marcus Autism Center. In her free time, Racquel enjoys live music, hikes with her black lab Jax, and discovering new sushi spots with family and friends.
Talia Colden, BS
Clinical Psychometrist
Talia Colden is a Clinical Psychometrist at Growing Minds Psychology who began her time at the practice as an Administrative Assistant, where she welcomed families and developed a deep appreciation for the diverse needs of those we serve. Inspired by this experience and her longstanding interest in child development and neurological disorders, she transitioned into a clinical role, where she now supports our neuropsychological assessment team. Talia earned her BS in Psychology and Human Physiology from the University of Oregon and gained additional experience as a research assistant at the University of Oregon/Oregon Health & Science University, a teaching assistant at the University of Oregon, and a legal assistant at Kerns Law P.C. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog, working out, and watching college sports—especially cheering for the Oregon Ducks.
Aadhya Mysore, BS
Administrative Assistant
Aadhya Mysore is the Administrative Assistant at Growing Minds Psychology, where she serves as a liaison between clinicians, families, and patients. With a background in Psychological & Brain Sciences from The George Washington University and experience in social psychology research and applied behavior analysis, she is committed to supporting high-quality, individualized care. Aadhya has a strong interest in integrative medicine and values the practice’s mission of compassionate, evidence-based treatment for developmental and neuropsychological disorders. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, discovering new restaurants, crocheting, and reading.
Remi
Therapy Assist Dog
Remi is a 10-year-old Cockapoo who often works alongside Dr. Mayer and Dr. Pagirsky. She is affectionate, playful, and helps create a warm, trusting environment for children and families. Remi’s gentle presence supports children in building relationship skills, sharing feelings, and developing emotional and physical awareness. She has experience working with both anxious and behaviorally challenged children. Her involvement in treatment is considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on each child’s goals.