Gary Altheim, Psy D
Executive Director/Director of Programs
Dr. Gary Altheim is a New York State licensed Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience in working therapeutically with emotionally challenged children, young adults, seniors, and families.
Email: [email protected]
Theonyl Cuevas, LCSW
Program Administrator/Quality Improvement Consultant
Theonyl A. Cuevas, LCSW, has over 20 years of experience in providing quality therapeutic services to children, families, and adults. In 2010, she joined the GDS team to work directly with the teens and families and improve overall program performance.
Email: [email protected]
Lenishemarie Lopez
Program Coordinator
Lenishemarie Lopez coordinates GDS’ programming and visual brand with a particular interest in youth wellness, mental health, and addressing adversity through the arts. As an alumna of Camp Excel and GDS, she returned to help the next generation reach their potential – just as GDS has helped her in the past. Lenishemarie contributes to GDS with her ability to organize and delegate, lead youth programs, and train youth to work with seniors in the community.
Email: [email protected]
Zadie Adams
Community Liaison
Zadie graduated with a degree of Global Public Health and Social Work from NYU. She is dedicated to creating a more equitable environment by expanding access to educational and mental health services.
Email: [email protected]
Sheila Oranch
Leadership and Communication/Activity Specialist
Sheila Oranch has had a variety of occupations in many industries. Experiences have included professional secretary, office manager, executive director of administration, marketing manager, investment advisor
Email: [email protected]
Boo Boafo
Health and Wellness/Activity Specialist
In 2000, a personal challenge with sciatica introduced me to the healing power of Yoga. Within a week, I experienced relief, igniting a lasting passion for holistic health. This transformation deepened my curiosity about nutrition, leading me to adopt a whole food, plant-based lifestyle in 2003. It also inspired me to pursue certifications in traditional, trauma-informed, and children’s yoga, as well as plant-based nutrition and Thai bodywork. Transitioning from a corporate career in real estate, these practices have brought profound balance to my life.
Today, I am dedicated to sharing these modalities and knowledge—whether through private client work, corporate wellness programs, or global retreats as a yoga/movement facilitator, health educator, activity specialist and keynote speaker. My mission is to empower others to find balance in body, and mind, seamlessly integrating wellness into daily life.
Locally, I engage with the community and non-profits, promoting mindful movement and nutrition. Through self-care, tools and techniques, I encourage students to carry the lessons from the mat into their lives, planting the seed that wellness is not any one thing, it’s everything—a consistent, daily practice that becomes the essence of who we are, one breath, one movement, one bite at a time.
Email: [email protected]
Briana Trinidad
Community Outreach Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Mercedes Marte
Youth Worker
Ohave and Nehri
Therapy Dogs
Ohave means love and Nehri means light. Ohave is 14 years old and a Champion Labrador Retriever. Nehri is 12 years old, a beautiful rescue dog who is a Labrador and shepherd mix. Nehri and Ohave work with the youth and staff bringing love and light to our program and team.