Dr. Vaccaro's Philosophy

EDUCATION:

-Psy.D., School-Community Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY  

Dissertation: A Resilience Perspective on Well-Being Variables of Family Caregivers 

 -Masters of Science (M.S.), Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 

Thesis: A Review of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Models: Effects, Limitations, 

and Future Directions 

-Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549  

Honors Thesis: The Effect of an Exposure Based Procedure on Rejection Sensitivity 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

-Texas State Licensed Psychologist, License #33956 

-Advanced Certificate in School Psychology         

-Divorce and Family Mediation, NYS       

ACADEMIC HONORS:

-NYASP Student Liaison, Nominated by Dr. Robert Motta, Hofstra Psy.D. Program Director 

-Psi-Chi International Honor Society 

-Provost Scholar

PUBLICATIONS & BLOGS:

-Ferri, C. “Nurturing Healthy Boundaries A Guide To Harmonious Family Relationships”    

https://www.heritagecounseling.net/blogs/nurturing-healthy-boundaries-a-guide-to-harmonious-family-relationships

-Ferri, C. “Autism Testing Your Questions Answered By Dr Casey Ferri Psyd”.     

https://www.heritagecounseling.net/blogs/autism-testing-your-questions-answered-by-dr-casey-ferri-psyd

-Ferri, C. “Treating OCD in Therapy”. Heritage Counseling

https://www.heritagecounseling.net/blogs/treating-ocd-in-therapy

-Ferri, C. ”Resilience in Relationships“ Heritage Counseling       

https://www.heritagecounseling.net/blogs/resilience-in-relationships

-Ferri, C. “How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Your Relationships”. Heritage Counseling  

https://www.heritagecounseling.net/blogs/how-to-set-healthy-boundaries-in-your-relationships 

-Ferri, C. & Gordon J. “There are 7 C’s of Resilience, and one of them is Connection”. TLC-VR. 

https://tlcvirtualresiliency.com/2021/07/21/there-are-7-cs-of-resilience-and-one-of-them-is-connection 

-Amatenstein, S. (2021). Balancing Relationships: When We Care Too Much About Our Clients.    

Casey Ferri (Eds.), Psycom Pro, Clinician Lifestyle and Practice. Web Journal.  

-Weisner, L. & Castrovilla, S. (2019). Own a Pet, Save Two Lives. Casey Ferri (Eds.),  

10 Steps to Finding Happy: A Guide to Permanent Satisfaction (p 55-60). Last Syllable Books. 

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:

Heritage Counseling and Consulting, Plano/Dallas, TX 

Licensed Clinical Psychologist 

-Develop and manage treatment plans for children, adolescents, adults and families 

-Provide comprehensive psychological, psychoeducational, behavioral and developmental diagnostic evaluations to children and adults. Provide extensive recommendations.

-Provide individual, family, couples, and group therapies

-Collaborate with other treatment team members regarding patients’ progress through interdisciplinary team meetings, record review, and informal discussions

-Provide consultation services and presentations to professionals, hospitals, organizations, schools, or agencies

Campus Mental Health Services, Farmingdale State College, State University of New York  

Intern Psychologist

-Conduct detailed intake evaluations followed by individual and group therapy sessions using CBT techniques & Provide clinical diagnoses based on DSM-IV criteria and ICD-10 codes. 

-Administer and score social-emotional psychometric test batteries such as the PHQ, BDI, BAI, BHS, SAS, etc. 

-Provide consultation, assessment, intervention, supervision and research to meet the health and psychological needs of the clients.

Restorative Solutions, Robert Goldberg, JD., Psy.D., Commack, NY     

-Assist the attending Psychologist/Attorney in writing psychological forensic evaluation reports to aid the court systems towards making a decision regarding high-conflict custody cases and fitness to parent
-Transcribe client interviews to ensure an accurate psychological representation of character and intentions
-Provide data collection for forensic evaluation reports

Nassau BOCES Seamen Neck Middle School, Levittown NY 

Intern Psychologist 

-Provide individualized and group counseling sessions to special education students with varying emotional, developmental and behavioral disorders

-Develop and monitor FBAs and BIPs

-Maintain detailed data and progress tracking of goals, counseling logs, records

-Conduct classroom push-in’s on Self-Regulation curriculum, 3x each per 6 classrooms

-Collaborate with staff, parents and districts regarding behavioral data and progress on goals

-Provide psychological and academic re-evaluations for special education students

-Present triennial evaluations and counseling progress at CSE meetings

Tender Loving Care Virtual Resilience, Commack, NY       

Curriculum Development 

-Content and Curriculum Development, Virtual Workshop Co-Facilitation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Virtual Assistant Concierge.

-Support the Workshop Facilitators to co-lead dynamic workshops for groups

-Develop a mastery of the content and curriculum.

-Scope, design, and develop curriculum content that is engaging and informative for human service professional users.

-Develop assessment tools for outcome evaluations, i.e., business needs-assessments, process and onboarding assessments, resiliency outcomes, satisfaction and follow up assessments

Plainview Old-Bethpage High School, Plainview, NY   

Intern Psychologist 

-Present testing and counseling outcome at CSE conferences 

-Provide IQ testing for annual reviews and triennials

-Conduct counseling sessions with non-mandated student cases

-Collaborate with staff members and parents regarding students’ needs

Child and Family Trauma Institute, Hempstead, NY 

Intern Psychologist 

-Offer therapeutic services to children and families suffering from traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress

-Provide CBT and exposure therapy to work through different forms of PTSD

-Collaborate on cases with other professionals and supervisor

Divorce and Family Mediation Clinic, Hempstead, NY   

Intern Psychologist

-Supervisor: Paul Meller, Ph.D. & Theresa Ombres, J.D.

-Alternative Dispute Resolution: 40 hours Basic Training in Divorce Mediation completed

-Obtained certification as a New York State family mediator

Psychological Evaluation Research Counseling Center (PERCC), Hempstead, NY

Intern Psychologist

-Provide Diagnostic evaluations and psychological services to adults, adolescents, children

-Test diverse individuals who are having behavioral, emotional, learning, or adjustment problems

-Administer full psychological evaluations and intelligence assessments along with biographical data review, in interpretive conference and written report.

-Provide active, short-term treatment

Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, Hempstead, NY 

Intern Psychologist 

-Meet with individual clients and conduct positive psychology counseling interventions

-Work on acceptance, mindfulness, being present, and automatic negative thoughts with clients

Institute for Family and Forensic Psychology, Hempstead, NY  

Intern Psychologist 

-Meet with individual clients and families for family therapy, PCIT, and therapeutic visitation

-Develop individualized parenting programs

-Conduct at-home site visits and drop-ins on families still requiring supervision and intervention

-Attend initial conferences and best practice meetings at Nassau Family Court, Hempstead, NY.

-Provide recommendations and summary letters to be referred to in court proceedings

Plainedge High School, Plainedge, NY

Intern Psychologist 

-Meet individually with mandated and non-mandated students with both 504 and IEP counseling requirements. 

-Conduct FBA/BIP interventions through data collection and plan implementation

-Facilitate a weekly social-skills counseling group 

-Facilitate peer mediation and conflict resolution 

-Observe and report on classroom settings and individual students (inclusion, self-contained, Gen. Ed., life skills)

-Assist in life skills program and attend trips in the community for hands-on learning

-Attend CSE, CPSE, and informant conference meetings and annual reviews 

Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group, Great Neck, NY 

Co-Facilitator

-Assist with modules on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness

Independent Support Services, Oceanside, NY 

Support Staff/Job Coach

-Provide adaptive and emotional support for individuals on the Autism spectrum through work in the community and at home

-Familiarize the individual with diverse situations (i.e. safety, doing laundry, paying for food, etc)

-Teach coping strategies for anxiety related situations

-Assist with preparing individuals for a work environment and guide them to complete tasks

-Work on everyday life skills (i.e. eye contact, greetings, hygiene, work attire)

Long Island Crisis Center, Bellmore NY    

Counselors Assistant

-Assist counselors with emergency procedures such as phone traces, drug IDs

-Finding resources and other information as requested

-Overall assistance to counselors on hotlines such as suicide, drug, Children for Hope. domestic violence, etc. 

Queens Mental Health Court, Kew Gardens, NY

Intern

-Research effective forms of individual treatment for those who committed crime due to mental health struggles

-Report back to Hon. Judge Hirsh and officials with findings, input, and questions

Hofstra University Saltzman Center, ASD Group, Hempstead, NY      

Mentor/Member

-Model appropriate social skills for group members on the spectrum

-Participate in group activities

Women’s Specialty Care, NYU-Winthrop Associates, Valley Stream, NY   

Researcher

-Examine doctor/patient communication strategies during exams for an individual research project. Research used past and current findings to report on doctor/patient relationships.

-Report findings on how doctor/patient relations can be enhanced or inhibited through different techniques and communication styles

Horseability, Westbury, NY         

Volunteer

-Assist children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities with riding horses safely for rehabilitation purposes

-Provide emotional support to families struggling with their loved ones as well as physical stability to individuals on horses as to keep them safe enough to ride

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

Doctoral Dissertation, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY  

-Explore the role that internal coping mechanisms (i.e. self-efficacy, optimism) and external coping mechanisms (i.e. preparedness, social connectedness, lifestyle behaviors) have on informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

-Examine COVID-19 stress as a moderator to coping variables

-Use a path analytic model to analyze how the coping mechanisms contribute to the outcome variable well-being. 

Masters Thesis, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY       

-Discuss Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) and risk factors associated with non-implementation

-Review research conducted across multiple school districts in New York State. 

-Gather results through public data as well as local district School Psychologists

-Compare prevalence rates of in-school and out-of-school suspensions in schools that have PBIS in place to districts which did not use PBIS. 

-Analyze the type of PBIS implemented in schools

-Gather information regarding teacher perceptions of students, others’ views of school climate as well as additional outcome data on demographics, academic success, etc.

Bio-Behavioral Institute, Great Neck, NY     

Research Assistant

-Collect, enter and analyze data for research studies

-Create proposals and protocols for research projects to be approved by IRB

-Examine clients with obsessive compulsive and related disorders on various topics 

-Conduct literature previews and write abstracts and treatment summaries

-Present research at local conferences

Honors Thesis, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY   

-Conduct and analyze a multi-pronged exposure study 

-Obtain IRB approval for human subjects’ research 

-Complete consenting and debriefing process

-Responsible for data tracking and storage

-Write and defend thesis at a committee of faculty members

INVOLVEMENT:

Institute for Family Forensic Psychology, Hempstead, NY  

Clinic Coordinator/Court Liaison             

-Conduct clinic intake interviews and screen potential clients 

-Organize and oversee peer supervision meetings 

-Respond to Nassau County Family Court referrals 

-Send monthly updates to court personnel, as needed

-Interact directly with Law Secretaries for Nassau Family Court

-Outsource clinic phone calls to the proper supervisors and interns, or respond as needed

-Maintain professional relationship with Nassau County Family Court referrals 

-Filter appropriate docket case files

NYASP  (New York Association of School Psychologists)      

Student Liaison

-Serve as the link of communication between NYASP, the Student Representatives, and the School Psychology Graduate students at their respective programs

-Disseminate valuable information regarding changes in the School Psychology field and NYASP, NYASP events and conferences, graduate student scholarships, opportunities, and professional development.

Consultation In Psychology Psy.D. Course, Hofstra University 

Teaching Assistant 

-Professor: Paul Meller, PhD

-Assist students in understanding course material 

-Provide secretarial and organizational assistance to the professor

-Assist students with research papers and proposals

-Assist with community outreach project

Student Psy.D. Association at Hofstra (SPAH)    

Secretary

-Record, publish and report the minutes of club/organization meetings

-Assist the president with the dissemination of club matters to members/public

-Organize fundraising during COVID-19 crisis

-Keep historical records from the past to aid in transitions/continuity

Association Nationale di Carabinieri (Italian Police Association,) Yonkers, NY 

Event Coordinator

-Attend relevant parades and organization meetings to spread knowledge and promote the association 

-Provide secretarial services 

-Coordinate event development (i.e. tables, food, venue, guest list)

-Fundraise and gather companies to promote and sponsor the event 

-Organize award ceremony

One Million Steps for OCD Walk, Great Neck, NY  

Organizer/Volunteer

-Find and organize walk location for NY chapter 

-Raise money through local organizations and community resources

-Assist with planning and preparation before and the day of the walk

-Organize walk registration procedures and maintain check in/donations

Psi-Chi International Honor Society for Psychology, Hofstra University 

President/Member

-Review applicant information

-Organize club meetings and events

-Manage and speak at the annual induction ceremony

Psychology Club, Hofstra University

Vice President

-Oversee actions of board and club members; work with Psi-Chi to review member applications

-Accept assignments presented by president

-Organize, raise money and attend community events such as The Out Of Darkness Walk

RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS/CONFERENCES:

Ferri, C. (August 2022). Flaws in Eyewitness Testimony. Presented at The International Academy of Law and Mental Health Conference, Lyon, France.

Ferri, C. (August 2022).  A study on the Psychological Impact on Caregivers of COVID-19 Patients. Presented at The International Academy of Law and Mental Health Conference, Lyon, France.

Ferri, C., Herman, K. & Harrison, E. (May 2021). Finding Resilience After IPV For Women. Presented at Hofstra University.

Ferri, C. (December 2020). Flaws in Eyewitness Testimony. Presented at Hofstra University. Submitted to IALMH 2021.

Ferri, C. (November 2020). PICA. Presented at Hofstra University.

Ferri, C. (May 2020). Eyewitness Interviewing for Law Enforcement. Presented at Hofstra University.

Ferri, C. (May 2020). Cross Cultural Gender Inequalities. Presented at Hofstra University. 

Ferri, C. (May 2019). Interventions for Students with Vision Impairment. Presented at Hofstra University.

Ferri, C. (December 2018). Interventions for Children with Vision Impairment. Presented at Hofstra University.

Ferri, C. (December 2018). Overvalued Ideation and Ambivalence in Counseling. Presented at Hofstra University.

Neziroglu, F., Ferri, C., Bonasera, B., Sydali, D. & Curcio, D. (November 2018). Computer 

Assessments of Misperceptions in Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Presented at the 52nd Annual ABCT Convention, Washington, DC.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C. & Lewis, N. (August, 2018). Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Engaging Reluctant Patients with BDD. Presented at APA Conference, San Francisco, CA. 

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C. & Lewis, N. (August, 2018). Engagement and Motivation in CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Presented at APA Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Lewis, N & Salihoglu, A. (June 2018). Treating Related Disorders-I: Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Workshop presented at the Advanced BTTI Conference, Brooklyn, New York.

Ferri, C. (May 2018). The Effect of an Exposure Based Procedure on Rejection Sensitivity. Presented at Hofstra  University Undergraduate Research Day. Hofstra University, Hempstead NY. 

Ferri, C. (May 2018.) Mental Illness & Veterans. Presented as a final project in Hofstra Health Science Dome. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. 

Ferri, C., Bonasera, B., & Lewis, N. (May 2018). Disgust in Hoarding. Presented at the 31st Annual Conference on the Teaching of Psychology, Farmingdale State College, Farmingdale, NY.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Lewis, N. (April 2018) Complex Forms of OCD: Olfactory Reference Syndrome. Workshop presented at the 38th annual conference of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Washington, DC. 

Ferri, C., Bonasera, B., Ciccarello, A., Neziroglu, F. (December 2017). The Mediating Role of Shame in Teasing and Life Quality in OCD. Presented at the Psychology Club Research Day. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.

Ferri, C. (December 2017). Infant Development in the Eyes of Piaget and Erickson. Research Presentation in Hofstra Health Science Dome, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. 

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., & Ciccarello, A. (October 2017). Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Exposure, Attentional training, Relapse Prevention. Advanced Forum presented at the Behavior Therapy Training Institute, 

Boston, MA. 

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., & Ciccarello, A. (October 2017). Engagement and Motivation in CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Advanced Forum presented at the Behavior Therapy Training Institute, Boston, MA.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Ciccarello, A., & Knee, N. (September 2017). New Developments in Body Dysmorphic Disorder Disorder. Symposium presented at the 47th Congress of EABCT, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Ciccarello, A., & Knee, N. (September 2017). CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Workshop presented at the 47th Congress of EABCT, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Ciccarello, A., & Knee, N. (September 2017). Anger and Body Dysmorphic Disorder: The Forgotten Emotion. Symposium presented at the 47th Congress of EABCT, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Ciccarello, A., & Knee, N. (September 2017). Good Practices in The Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Plenary presented at the 47th Congress of EABCT, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Knee, N., Ciccarello, A. & Ferri, C. (July 2017). OCD and Mindfulness. Lecture represented at 24th Annual Conference of the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, San Francisco, CA. 

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Knee, N. & Ciccarello, A. (July 2017). Pediatric OCD. Lecture represented at 24th Annual Conference of the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, San Francisco, CA. 

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Ferri, C., Knee, N. & Ciccarello, A. (July 2017). OCD Underrepresentation in Minority Groups. Lecture represented at 24th Annual Conference of the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, San Francisco, CA. 

Neziroglu, F., Bonasera, B., Knee, N., Ferri, C. Ciccarello, A. & Curcio, D. (July 2017). Olfactory Reference Syndrome. Lecture represented at 24th Annual Conference of the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, San Francisco, CA.

Ferri, C., Lamberti, V. (March 2017) How to Manage Stress in College. Presented at Community Health Conference, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. 

Ferri, C. (December 2016.) Psychological Factors Effecting Patient Compliance and Satisfaction in a Doctoral Setting. Presented at Undergraduate Research Day, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. 

Ferri, C., Krowiak, A. (December 2016). The Effects of Uniqueness on an Introvert’s and Extrovert’s Happiness. Lecture presented at Research Seminar Student Conference, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.

Ferri, C., Ranno, M. (May 2015). Non-Prescription Adderall Abuse among College Students: Motives, Justifications, and Patterns. Lecture presented at Research Methods conference, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.