• Home
  • Health
  • A Tribute and a Transition at The Counseling Center

A Tribute and a Transition at The Counseling Center

By Ellen Edwards, Board of The Counseling Center

Dec. 9, 2020: Last July, The Counseling Center of Bronxville received difficult news: Clinical Director Dr. Jane Benjamin was facing a serious illness which would require extensive treatment and care.  She went on indefinite leave that summer; as of November 1st she has formally stepped down. Virgil Roberson, Executive Director, announces the appointment of widely admired, longtime staff member Dr. Jennifer Naparstek Klein as Clinical Director.

The Counseling Center is fortunate to have Dr. Benjamin’s help in navigating this transition, and the chance to honor her wishes and needs, while continuing its important work to provide an essential service to the Bronxville community and beyond.

Dr. Benjamin asked to share these words with the community: “After a second brain surgery for brain cancer in September of this year, it became clear to me that I have to figure out how I need to spend my time.  I am blessed to have a colleague like Dr. Jen Klein to step in for me and to be the Clinical Director that TCC deserves to have moving forward.”

Dr. Benjamin has been a valued staff member at The Counseling Center since 1996, providing psychotherapy to countless individuals—teens, young adults and older adults.  She is cherished by her colleagues at The Counseling Center, past and present board chairs and members, and, of course, by her many clients over the years.  Whether in board meetings or counseling sessions, Dr. Benjamin brought a calmness and clarity to each situation, contributing to wiser decisions and more positive outcomes.

A skilled writer, Dr. Benjamin is known for her many articles published in My Hometown Bronxville, including “Quarantine: Challenges and Silver Linings,” and “Is It the Holiday Blues or Something More?”. Many of these are available at counselingcenter.org. 

Dr. Benjamin was particularly thrilled to work with her niece Mary Gatta, Ph.D., Sociology Professor at the City University of New York, on a blog post called, “Masks in the Covid-19 Era,” which appeared in Psychology Today.  She was also cited in “How to Refeather Your Empty Nest,” by Kaya Laterman, in the December 15, 2019 issue of The New York Times.

In a moving, heartfelt Retirement Tribute for Dr. Benjamin held by The Counseling Center via Zoom on November 18, 2020, and attended by 46 people, Dr. Benjamin’s colleagues praised her superlative skills as a clinician as well as her intelligence, warmth, compassion, sharp wit, and occasional off-color comments.  Said Dr. Jennifer Klein, “That combination is disarming, and it gives the space to be vulnerable and to be heard and understood, and to laugh or cry with Jane, whatever is needed at that moment.”

Current chair of the board of The Counseling Center, Carol Godfrey, mentioned Dr. Benjamin’s “uncanny ability to cut to the core of an issue” and her “unparalleled communications skills,”  as well as her city-chic wardrobe, passion for SoulCycle, and the joy she found in being a mother. She added, “[Jane’s] care for the staff, her dedication to her patients, have been instrumental in making The Counseling Center a special place.”

Past board chairs Richard Pink and Rosanne Welshimer both spoke.  Richard Pink called Dr. Benjamin “one of the brightest, the warmest, most energetic, most loyal, and most professional people that I have ever known or worked with.” He added, “Jane, you personify everything The Counseling Center has stood for, over your 25 years. We will carry on…with your example and inspiration.”

Rosanne Welshimer has long been impressed by Dr. Benjamin’s listening skills. “Your listening makes one feel like they’re wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket, incredibly safe, held tight in confidence, never about to be judged, and so, welcome to verbally unleash whatever one needs to upon you.  And when the talking is over and the blanket is removed, your next words confirm the comfort, and also enable the speaker to go forward…always unburdened.”

Past Executive Director Jim Walkup noted her compassion and dedication to her patients, what he called her “careful delineation of the dynamics” of her relationship with each patient, and her openness to brainstorming for ideas on what would most benefit that individual.

Catherine Nicholas, past Clinical Director, also mentioned grateful clients who found a success with Jane that had eluded them in previous clinical relationships.  She said, “You listen without rushing to fix or advise, therefore people can find their way.” She ended with, “My life is enriched by your presence in it.”

Richard Shoup, former Executive Director, elicited chuckles by describing a therapist who might be more interested in Jungian metaphors and intellectual theories, whereas, he said, “Jane actually wanted to help people! She engages with people right where they are, challenging them when necessary, and also inspiring them to do better.”  He called her a magnificent human being.

Dr. Dina Nunziato, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Sarah Lawrence College, described the many clinical referrals she made to Dr. Benjamin over the years. “I’d say, ‘Call Dr. Jane Benjamin, she’s the best there is. Jane will help.’  And she did.”  She is confident that the relationship Dr. Benjamin fostered between The Counseling Center and Sarah Lawrence College will remain strong.

Dr. Joyce Vastola, School Psychologist at the Bronxville Schools, praised Dr. Benjamin’s courage in taking on challenging clinical cases among young adults and added, “We honor the light in you, and we honor your divine grace.”

Staff members of The Counseling Center then read excerpts from Dr. Benjamin’s writing on a variety of subjects.

Finally, current Executive Director Virgil Roberson described the close relationship he and Dr. Benjamin have shared, joking that they were a “professional marriage.”  “We’d banter, we would riff, we would make fun, we would kid, we had each other’s back. Even so, when I got remarried a couple of years ago, I asked Jane, even though it was not a traditional marriage, I said ‘Jane, will you be my best woman and sit beside me at my reception?’ and she did; she made that work.”

He went on, “She is the leader we love, the incredible clinician, spouse, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, colleague. Every which way, Jane Benjamin has helped us to be better people and I feel grateful and honored that all of these years I was able to work with her and know her in such a clear way.”

Newly appointed Clinical Director Jennifer Naparstek Klein joined The Counseling Center in 2001.  She specializes in child and adolescent psychology, family systems, and young adult and adult psychotherapy.  Like Dr. Benjamin and all of the staff at The Counseling Center, Dr. Klein has built strong relationships within the community, having worked with organizations such as the Bronxville Schools, Fordham Preparatory School, Sarah Lawrence College, other academic institutions, and many medical and psychiatric practitioners in the area.  Dr. Klein has also written numerous articles, such as “Coronavirus Anxiety: Facing the Unprecedented,” which are available at counselingcenter.org.

Everyone at The Counseling Center, and many in the surrounding community, wish to express our overflowing gratitude to Dr. Jane Benjamin for her many vital contributions and years of outstanding service.  She is much in our thoughts and hearts.  We also feel incredibly fortunate, and thankful, for Dr. Jennifer Klein as she begins to fill the role of Clinical Director at The Counseling Center.

 

Photo courtesy The Counseling Center

 

 

 

 

 

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.

Health Directory

Assisted Living Facilities

Sunrise Senior Living

500 North Columbus Avenue
Mount Vernon, New York 10552
914-667-5660

www.sunriseseniorliving.com


The Osborn

101 Theall Road
Rye, New York 10580
914-921-2200

Bereavement

The Bereavement Center of Westchester

670 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, New York 10707 
(914) 787-6158

Chemical Dependency Services

The Maxwell Institute

The Maxwell Institute of St. Vincent's Westchester offers outpatient chemical dependency treatment and education services for adults, adolescents and their families. Treatment includes individual and group psychotherapy, couples counseling, and psychiatric evaluation and medication management when indicated. The Institute welcomes individuals and family members who are experiencing marital and/or work-related distress as a result of alcoholism and other forms of chemical dependency.

The Maxwell Institute also offers community education services through its programs in drug and alcohol prevention in the schools. For persons wishing to become credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors (CASACS) in New York State, the "Maxtrain" program provides the 350 classroom education hours that are an important part of the credentialing requirements.

The Maxwell Institute is grateful for the support of The Community Fund of Bronxville-Eastchester-Tuckahoe.

92 Yonkers Ave
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
(914) 337-6033

www.stvincentswestchester.org/maxwell

Counseling Services

Counseling Center

Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
Director: Virgil Roberson

The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road Bronxville,
New York 10708
914-793-3388

Dentists

Dr. Henry A. Blom

10 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-1157


alt

Bronxville Dental Care

Jenny A.  Kanganis, D.D.S.

Guy N. Minoli, D.D.S.

Since 1994, Dr. Kanganis and Dr. Minoli of Bronxville Dental Care have been leaders in the dental community, providing exceptional dentistry to generations of Bronxville families. They have a long history of excellence and have earned a reputation built on trust, compassion, and dedication. Drs. Kanganis and Minoli believe in a conservative, holistic, and minimally invasive approach to dentistry. Bronxville Dental Care welcomes patients of all ages and offers a comprehensive range of services, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry, implants, and pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kanganis especially loves treating children. As a mother herself of two recent Bronxville High School grads, she understands the importance of helping children to feel comfortable during their visits, while earning their trust and teaching them to become active participants in their oral health.

20 Studio Arcade

Bronxville, New York 10708

(914) 337-6536 
www.bronxvilledentalcare.com


Dr. Anthony Fiore

44 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3863


Dr. Quentin M. Murphy

77 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-1004


Scarsdale Pediatric Dental

777 Post Rd.
Scarsdale, NY 10583-5000 
Phone: 914. 472. 9090 
http://www.scarsdalepediatricdental.com/


Dr. Michael J. Vitale

1 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8430

Dermatology

Dr. Lesa Kelly

77 Quaker Ridge Road
New Rochelle, New York
914-637-2663


Dr. Neil Goldberg

77 Pondfield Road Ste 2
Bronxville, New York 10708

Ear, Nose, and Throat

Dr. Mark Fox

ENT and Allergy Associates
1 Elm Street
Tuckahoe, New York 10707

Home Care

Lawrence Home Care of Westchester

670 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, NY 10707
(914) 787-6158
www.lawrencehomecare.org

Hospice

Jansen Hospice and Pallative Care

670 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
(914) 787-6158

Hospitals

NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital

In July 2014, Lawrence Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital established a new relationship aimed at enhancing care, improving access and lowering health care costs for residents of Bronxville and surrounding communities in Westchester County. Lawrence was renamed NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital.

Lawrence Hospital Center was founded in 1909 and is a 291-bed acute care facility with over 1100 employees and 400 physicians. It provides emergency care to approximately 35,000 individuals every year.   It became a designated New York State Stroke Center in 2006.  Its physicians provide expertise in virtually every area of medical specialty and include over 100 primary care physicians. And, Lawrence delivers about 2000 babies every year in the home-like setting of newly designed Labor and Delivery recovery rooms.

Outpatient services include diagnostic testing and laboratory services, ambulatory surgery options, and rehabilitation and sports medicine services. The Hospital has a Women`s Imaging Center where female patients receive diagnostic services in a private setting. Outpatient physical therapy, lymphedema therapy, speech and occupational therapy services are provided both on-site at the Hospital and at Lawrence`s satellite center, The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, in Scarsdale.

The Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Hospital is fully licensed by the New York State Department of Health. Lawrence`s laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

55 Palmer Avenue
914-787-1000 (main number)

Internal Medicine Physicians

Dr. Anne Galloway

77 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-4986


Dr. Kerrianne Page

14 Studio Arcade
914-779-9066


Dr. Raymond Chow

700 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, New York

Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Dr. Polly Kanganis

4 Studio Arcade, Bronxville, NY 10708
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-9441


Dr. Thomas J. Rubeo Jr. MD
Bronxville Women's Care, Pllc
One Pondfield Road, Suite 302
Bronxville, NY 10708

Orthodontists

Dr. Patricia Halloran

55 Park Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-1239


Dr. Joseph Ciccio

1 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708

Orthopedics

Dr. Peter Rizzo

77 Pondfield Road
914-337-1118


Dr. Michael Elia

1 Stone Place
Bronxville, New York 10708

Pediatrics

Westchester Health Pediatrics (formerly Children’s Medical Practice of Bronxville)
1 Elm Street
Tuckahoe, New York 10707
914-337-7474


Scarsdale Pediatric Associates
2 Overhill Road Suite 220
Scarsdale, New York 10580
914-725-0800


Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
495 Central Avenue
Scarsdale, New York

Health Recent Articles

Newsletter

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.

The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.