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
Background
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
Background
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.
Alex Bellantuano, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Background
Dr. Alex Bellantuano is a bilingual (English and Italian) pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and young adults with learning differences, autism, ADHD, nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), and co-occurring anxiety and mood concerns. He approaches each evaluation as a process of discovering a child’s unique learning profile, offering recommendations that are individualized, evidence-based, and practical, and views evaluation as a collaborative process to ensure families feel understood and supported from start to finish. His work extends beyond diagnosis, as he continues to provide guidance through school collaboration, provider coordination, and advocacy. Dr. Alex earned his PhD in School Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and his BA in Psychology from Hunter College, and completed his internship at Andrus Children’s Center and postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at the Child Mind Institute, where he later served as a Staff Clinical Neuropsychologist. Outside of his clinical work, he enjoys painting, playing board games, building LEGO sets with his son, learning about space, and dancing with his daughter.
Diana Charlop, PsyD
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Background
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.
Molly Jacobi, BA
Clinical Extern
Background
Molly Jacobi is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology PsyD program at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University and a clinical extern at Growing Minds Psychology. She is passionate about supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and draws on both clinical training and school-based experience to help families navigate the education system, access appropriate resources, and foster children’s growth. Molly earned her BA in Psychology from Binghamton University and has gained clinical experience as a student clinician at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic and as a student evaluator at the Rutgers Center for Psychological Services, as well as through practicum training in Jersey City Public Schools. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her cat.
Rina Schulberg
Clinical Extern
Background
Rina Schulberg is a doctoral candidate in the School-Clinical Psychology program at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and a clinical extern at Growing Minds. She provides both therapy and neuropsychological services under the supervision of Dr. Mayer and Dr. Pagirsky and believes in building strong therapeutic relationships to tailor interventions and assessments to each child’s needs. Rina earned her BA in Psychology from Columbia University and her BA in Jewish History from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and has gained experience as a school psychology extern in the Ardsley Union Free School District, a teaching assistant in cognitive and psychoeducational assessment at Ferkauf, and a high school grade level dean at The Leffell School. She strives to make the process of seeking care supportive and approachable, with clear communication as a priority. Outside of her training, she enjoys trying new recipes, watching the Mets, and exploring New York City’s museums.
Talia Colden, BS
Clinical Psychometrist
Background
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
Background
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
Background
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.