Meet the Team
Our team strives to be on the forefront of trauma informed LGBTQQIP2SA+ care
Dr. Megan O'Meara
LMFT, Master CASAC, PhD
Director
she/they
Megan is a sex-positive, trauma informed, queer clinician who specializes in working with gender, sexuality, trauma, anxiety, body image/diet trauma, internalized capitalism, fat positive & pleasure positive sex therapy, mood disorders, family and romantic partnerships, substance use, and has worked extensively with adolescents. She believes in a client-centered, empowering, integrative approach to therapy that focuses on safety and the deconstruction and decolonization of the parts of therapy that have been historically harmful to clients of marginalized identities. Her style is inclusive of trauma-focused modalities, queer and feminist theories, and focuses on exploration of social structures of oppression and inequality. Megan has received additional training in trauma, gender & sexuality, and substance use & behavioral addictions. She is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Master CASAC, and is a certified equine therapist.
Megan has openings on her caseload.
Rich Cali
MHC
he/him
Rich is a graduate of the Counseling and Community Psychology program at the Russell Sage College in Albany. He received his Master’s Degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2015 but decided he wanted to return to school for a second Master’s to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2020. He has a passion for working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and seeks to work with people, in individual or group settings, and explore the ways that societal and familial structures influence individuals’ mental health. Additionally, he is interested in taking a trauma-informed approach, attempting to carefully understand the ways that trauma influences individuals on multiple levels. In his free time, he loves competing at Magic: the Gathering tournaments, spending time with friends and family, and listening to podcasts.
Rich has openings on his caseload.
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Rion Heroux
MA, CASAC-T
Independent Contractor
he/him
Rion is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul where he earned his Master of Arts degree in Forensic Behavioral Health. Before graduate school, Rion attended SUNY Empire State College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with a concentration in Criminology. Rion attended Harvard Business School where he earned an academic certificate in the specialized areas of Management and Leadership. Currently, Rion is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) and working toward the completion of his CASAC credential.
Rion has 10+ years of experience working in the mental health and substance abuse fields. His employment history consists of providing individual and group therapy for an intensive, outpatient substance abuse recovery center; a mental health clinician for a nonprofit organization; and manager of an Intimate Partner and Family Violence Program. Rion uses evidence-based treatment modalities inclusive of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy, and positive psychology. His foci are advocacy, equality, and diversity for marginalized populations specific to LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Latinx communities.
Avvri Rathsack
LMSW
they/them
Julian is a third-year graduate student at Syracuse University who specializes in working with relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and loss. He is particularly interested in the ways that shame, fear, and grief impact our lives and relationships. Julian is passionate about Rainbow Access Initiative’s mission of expanding access to high quality mental health care to the LGBTQIA+ community and is dedicated to making his sessions a safe space where all of his clients can be heard, seen and understood. Working from a trauma-informed, sex-positive, anti-oppressive stance he seeks to meet his clients where they are while creating an environment of warmth, connection, and curiosity in his sessions. Julian draws from a number of therapeutic modalities depending on his client’s needs, but his approach always centers on his belief in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship and his attention to the ways in which larger social structures shape our experience of day-to-day life. In his free time Julian enjoys hiking, cooking and going to the movies.
Avvri has openings on their caseload and specializes in recovery services.
Meet Our Interns
Supervised by Dr. O'Meara, our interns are committed to serving the LGBTQQIP2SA+ community.
Julian Ramis
Marriage & Family Therapy Intern
he/him
Julian is a third-year graduate student at Syracuse University who specializes in working with relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and loss. He is particularly interested in the ways that shame, fear, and grief impact our lives and relationships. Julian is passionate about Rainbow Access Initiative’s mission of expanding access to high quality mental health care to the LGBTQIA+ community and is dedicated to making his sessions a safe space where all of his clients can be heard, seen and understood. Working from a trauma-informed, sex-positive, anti-oppressive stance he seeks to meet his clients where they are while creating an environment of warmth, connection, and curiosity in his sessions. Julian draws from a number of therapeutic modalities depending on his client’s needs, but his approach always centers on his belief in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship and his attention to the ways in which larger social structures shape our experience of day-to-day life. In his free time Julian enjoys hiking, cooking and going to the movies.
Julian has openings on his caseload and specializes in couple, partner, and family therapy.
Stephanie Hertel
Social Work Intern
she/her
Stephanie is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University at Albany, specializing in supporting clients with their sexuality, identity, relationships, and connection to self / others. She has an affinity for working with individuals feeling afflicted by societal / familial expectations and has a particular passion for supporting individuals around relational issues- including communication skills, intimacy, sex and sexuality, kink, non-traditional relationships, familial strains, and coping with symptoms of anxiety. With attention to social structures of oppression and inequality, Stephanie is committed to inclusive, trauma-informed, patient-centered therapy, and social justice advocacy. Identifying as queer herself, she is dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community and is excited to be a part of the RAI team. She creates a warm, judgment-free environment where her clients feel seen, empowered, and can safely explore / gain insight. Believing in a collaborative process, Stephanie’s approach is based on transparency, curiosity, compassion, and trust. In her free time, some of the things she enjoys are gardening, sailing, roller skating, and live music.
Stephanie has openings on her caseload.
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Kiara Maher
Mental Health Counselor Intern
she/her
Kiara is a third-year graduate student in the Counseling and Community Psychology program at Russell Sage College. She is also part of the Forensic Mental Health program and has a passion for looking at how different systems affect people's lived experiences and ways to empower individuals. Before attending graduate school, Kiara received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. She has an interest in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals in individual and group settings and providing care that is culturally responsive as well as trauma informed. Kiara uses different theoretical modalities but her main approach is validating clients and building a positive therapeutic alliance that allows for collaboration and open communication. During her free time, Kiara enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.
Kiara has openings on her caseload.
Anders Iaconelli
Social Work Intern
they/them
Anders is a graduate student with University at Albany's School of Social Welfare program. Driven by a passion for social justice and a desire to assist their community as a bisexual agender trans-masc individual, they returned to school in their 30's to pursue an education in mental health. They work from a trauma-informed position and have a goal to work directly with others in the LGBTQIA+ community, with the goal to bring healing and community through nature with Horticultural Therapy. They may be seen around town with a large bag of foraged plant materials during all seasons.
Anders has openings on their caseload.
Meet the Board of Directors
Experts in Competent Care
Courtney D'Allaird MBA
Treasurer
They, Them, Theirs
Yi Zhou MSW
Secretary
She Her Hers
Acey Mercer LMSW
He. Him, His
Dr. Jennifer Castellani
She, Her, Hers
Acey A. Mercer, LMSW is a graduate of the University at Albany School of Social Welfare, where he obtained his Master’s in Social Work. Prior to graduate school Acey studied at Radboud Universiteit in the Netherlands where his academic focus was in Gender and Sexuality Studies. These foci ignited Acey’s passion to further explore and examine human behavior, relationships and the dynamics of class, race, ability, gender and sexuality. These motivating factors drew Acey to pursue social work and ultimately to become a licensed psychotherapist and educator. Acey is currently Practice Manager at Choices Counseling & Consulting in Albany, NY where he oversees clinical referrals and is responsible for the overall daily operations. He is also a Clinician at Choices and counsels clients exploring gender identity and expression. He works primarily with youth and their families as they navigate questions and challenges related to the social, legal and medical aspects of gender transition. Acey’s clinical lens gives a strong compliment to the professional education services he delivers as Senior Consultant of the Training Institute for Gender, Relationships, Identity, and Sexuality (TIGRIS). Acey specializes in providing clinical training and policy development as it relates to best serving transgender and nonbinary populations in medical, mental health and educational institutions. Acey is excited to be on the Board of Directors and to utilize his professional background to contribute to the charitable and educational mission and vision of Rainbow Access Initiative (RAI)!
Acey Mercer, LMSW
Board President
he/him
Acey A. Mercer, LMSW is a graduate of the University at Albany School of Social Welfare, where he obtained his Master’s in Social Work. Prior to graduate school Acey studied at Radboud University in the Netherlands where his academic focus was in Gender and Sexuality Studies. These foci ignited Acey’s passion to further explore and examine human behavior, relationships and the dynamics of class, race, ability, gender and sexuality. These motivating factors drew Acey to pursue social work and ultimately to become a licensed psychotherapist and educator. Acey is a Clinician at Choices Counseling & Consulting in Albany, NY and works primarily with youth and their families as they navigate questions and challenges related to the social, legal and medical aspects of gender transition. Acey’s clinical lens gives a strong compliment to the professional education services he delivers as Senior Consultant of the Training Institute for Gender, Relationships, Identity, and Sexuality (TIGRIS). Acey specializes in providing clinical training and policy development as it relates to best serving transgender and nonbinary populations in medical, mental health and educational institutions. Acey is also a lecturer at the University at Albany for Counseling Psychology and Social Welfare graduate students. Acey is excited to be on the Board of Directors and to utilize his professional background to contribute to the charitable and educational mission and vision of RAI!
Arlene Istar Lev, LCSW-R,
CASAC II, CSTS
Board Vice President
she/her
Arlene (Ari) Istar Lev LCSW-R, CASAC, CST is a social worker, family therapist, educator, and activist who has been serving the LGBTQ community for over 30 years. She is the Founder and Board President for Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc., and also serves as the Clinical Supervisor for our interns. She is committed to providing accessible, affordable, culturally sensitive therapy for LGBTQ individuals, families and communities. Ari is an international lecturer on issues related to sex and gender, and has taught in many colleges and universities, including the University at Albany, School of Social Welfare where she is the Project Director of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Project (SOGI). She has served as a committee member of World Professional Association for Transgender 7th revision the Standards of Care which has revolutionized the medical and mental health treatment of transgender people worldwide. She is also a Credentialed Alcoholism Counselor and a Certified Sex Therapist (ASSECT). Ari has been writing about LGBTQ health for many years, and has authored three books: The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide, Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines for Working with Gender-Variant People and their Families, winner of the APA (Division 44) Distinguished Book Award, 2006, and the brand new Families in Transition: Parent Perspectives on Raising Gender Diverse Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults (with Andrew Gottlieb, Ed).
Jeremy Boyce, LMHC
Board Secretary
he/him
Jeremy Boyce is a licensed psychotherapist, with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Albany, and a Bachelor’s in Biology and Psychology from SUNY Geneseo. Jeremy has worked in various settings within the mental health, substance use, and healthcare industries, including a counselor at an elementary school, clinician and teacher at a community mental health program for adults with severe mental illness, living skills trainer at a home care practice with individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and various outpatient clinics. For the past several years, Jeremy has worked at CDPHP, a local health insurance company, where he provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention trainings, and oversees the Behavioral Health Access Center, which assists members in locating mental health and substance use providers and resources. In his clinical work, Jeremy specializes in children, families, and trauma-informed care, and holds a certificate as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional through the International Trauma Training Institute. Jeremy joined the Rainbow Access Initiative Board of Directives in the Summer of 2019, and is excited to assist in its ongoing growth. Jeremy enjoys running, traveling, cooking (and eating) food, and playing piano.
Marina Franchild
Board Treasurer
she/her
Marina Franchild worked as a Mechanical Engineer and Deputy Project Manager. For the past ten years she has provided strategic financial planning for a small business, and has tutored high school mathematics, physics and chemistry, the latter also on an advance placement college level. In addition, Marina has worked as a volunteer mentor for: Schenectady Working Group on Girls; and as a volunteer pre-college math instructor/tutor at Greene Correctional Facility. Since 2005 Marina has been the Co-Commissioner of a citizens’ group overseeing Park District #2 in Niskayuna to maintain an 8 acre green space.
Brian Farr, CASAC, M.S. Ed.
Board Member
he/him
Brian Farr is employed as a Professor/Coordinator of the Chemical Dependency Program at Hudson Valley Community College and is the owner of First Step Counseling and Consultation. Previously he worked as a Per Diem CASAC/Group Counselor at St. Peter’s Addiction and Recovery Center (SPARC). Brian has extensive experience working as a substance abuse counselor and advocating for changes in existing laws around medical access and care for all.
Teri Wilhelm
Board Member
she/her
For the past eleven years and currently, Teri Wilhelm has held the adjunct position of Mathematics Instructor at SUNY Adirondack College and, until recently, for five years had been a member of the diversity committee, a co-adviser for the student PRIDE/SAGA club and the college transgender liaison with the Hudson/Mohawk Planned Parenthood Center. All throughout that time, Teri had the pleasure of working with young adults in various situations concerning academics, personal health and development, and adjusting to many challenges of living as a Trans/GNCNB or a LGBQ person within the larger cisgender, heterosexual community. Teri has lifelong experience as an activist/advocate for Union representation, political action and advocacy for acceptance, self-esteem and the long-deserved respect of transgender students and adults through her association with GLSEN Upstate, Equality NY and her employment with the Albany Damien Center, MPower Program as the TGNC Employment Navigator.
