Our Staff - Growth Development Services

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: drgaryaltheim@excelgds.org

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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: tcuevas@excelgds.org

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Lenishemarie Lopez

Program Coordinator

Lenishemarie Lopez coordinates GDS’ youth programming 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 as Program Coordinator 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: llopez@excelgds.org

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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: zadams@excelgds.org

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Boo Boafo

Health and Wellness/Activity Specialist

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Email: boo@moreofthisandlessofthat.com

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Molly Felth

Development Associate

Molly Felth serves as Development Associate at GDS, playing a significant role in fundraising and writing grant proposals to support youth programming.

Email: mfelth@excelgds.org

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Julia Chait

Youth Worker/Community Advocate

Julia Chait, recently earned a BA in Psychology and will continue her interest in Psychology, mental health, and supporting youth as she attends graduate school this upcoming year to pursue a Ph.D. in School Psychology.

Email: jchait@excelgds.org

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Sheila Oranch

Leadership and Communication/Activity Specialist

Email: sheila@coppertoppe.com

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Stephanie Rivera

Youth Advocate Intern

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Email: stephrivera@excelgds.org

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Nathan Wakhloo

Social Justice Advocate

Marc is a senior at Sarah Lawrence with a focus on Latin-American history and Law. His focus lies in historical research and practicing critical thinking, and to one day work as a criminal defense attorney for marginalized communities.

Email: nwakhloo@excelgds.org

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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.

Dr Gary Altheim 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. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Growth and Development Services (GDS), a nonprofit organization that services elders and youth. He also has extensive experience working with seniors and elders with dementia. After discovering the healing power of music in caregiving for his mom with Alzheimer’s Disease, he created an intergenerational music program namesake, Youth Engaging Seniors (YES), to bring life and connection to elders with dementia and caregivers suffering from the burdens of living with a loved one with dementia.

In 2018, Dr. Altheim was a finalist for Child Mind Institute’s Annual Change Maker Awards and was featured in Parents Magazine for his work addressing the burdens of family instability, violence, mental health, and learning disabilities. He has a plethora of experience in conducting workshops, consulting, and training corporations, nonprofits and assisted living facilities in creating effective environments and tools to work with clients, staff, and caregivers. He developed a leadership development model (The Reah Your Potential Model) to empower individuals and groups to team build, bond, and reach their full potential!

Theonyl Cuevas 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.

Throughout her career, Theonyl has provided clinical services and administrative oversight in the fields of HIV/AIDS and addiction treatment programs. In the past 10 years, she has conducted on-site program monitoring and clinical quality management reviews through her consulting services. Currently, she provides clinical services at LifeStance in Carmel NY. As an enthusiastic mental health professional, Theonyl is committed to improving service delivery and enhancing the therapeutic experience in the field of mental health.

Zadie Adams 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. At GDS Zadie has led the Leadership Development Program, mentored youth from the programs individually, and advocated to community stakeholders for increased betterment resources in Washington Heights, Inwood, and the Bronx. With a devotion to the environment and sustainability, she also works to increase awareness about environmental hazards in lower income communities.

Molly Felth serves as Development Associate at GDS, playing a significant role in fundraising and writing grant proposals to support youth programming. She has helped GDS diversify funding sources and support its wellness and mental health efforts in the community. She is a graduate of UMass Amherst and Yale University's Writers' Workshop. Her favorite category in Trivial Pursuit is Arts & Literature.

Julie Chait Julia Chait, recently earned a BA in Psychology and will continue her interest in Psychology, mental health, and supporting youth as she attends graduate school this upcoming year to pursue a Ph.D. in School Psychology. Julia has been volunteering at GDS since 2021 as a Youth Worker/Mental Health Advocate. She co-led a group of 15 inner-city youth through counseling, wellness workshops, and education, helping the youth to foster teamwork and communication skills, as well as assist in interview preparation and resume building. She also works to promote and support GDS' community advocacy campaign. Julia and Dr. Gary created the Healthy Mind Series, intended to provide the community with mental health awareness, education, support, counseling, and tools to cope and find professional help. She is a dedicated and avid worker here at GDS.

Sheila Oranch has had a variety of occupations in many industries. Experiences have included professional secretary, office manager, executive director of administration, marketing manager, registered investment advisor, and wealth management consultant. Sheila is currently co-owner and manager in three enterprises: Coppertoppe Inn & Retreat, Aurental Technology Services, and A Loving Experience coaching and wellness support. Sheila is an experienced public speaker, trainer, and personal life coach, and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Writing, gardening, cooking, and feeding people are her favorite art forms.

Nathan Wakhloo Marc is a senior at Sarah Lawrence with a focus on Latin-American history and Law. His focus lies in historical research and practicing critical thinking, and to one day work as a criminal defense attorney for marginalized communities. Nathan spends his time working as a community advocacy intern in Growth and Development Services where he has discovered the importance behind the processes of advocacy. Nathan is proud to be a part of the GDS team, and the positive impact he can have on the marginalized communities of New York.