Meet the Team
Laura Feiss, LCSW
Laura Feiss received her MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work and has 25 years of experience working with children and families. Laura brings a calm, creative approach and strong clinical lens to Kids Together. Laura’s integrative practice draws on mindfulness, art and movement, social learning, play, and cognitive behavioral strategies within the framework of appreciating the needs of the whole child. Her ranging modalities are incorporated into her groups, individual therapy, parent consultation, and collaboration with outside professionals upon request.
Early in her career, Laura worked with bereaving families and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges where group work was a large focus in supporting this population.
Dia DeAngelis, LCSW
Dia received her MSW from New York University Silver School of Social Work. During graduate level training she provided crisis intervention services, family and individual counseling, and group work for children and adolescents. For the past 6 years, Dia has worked as a school social worker which has provided her with a unique insight into navigating the public school system. She provides individual and group counseling to children and adolescents eligible for Special Education and Related Services. Dia also provides support and assistance to parents, teachers and administrators to ensure that the academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs of the students are being met.
In private practice, Dia facilitates social skills groups for children and adolescents with behavioral and school challenges, family conflict, depression, anxiety, and socialization and peer relationship issues. She also provides individual counseling to children, adolescents and families.
Eva Buggy, LCSW
Eva Buggy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2019. She worked for a year providing crisis intervention services for children ages 3-21, before working full time as an elementary School Social Worker. In the school setting, Eva works with children with a variety of different diagnoses, including anxiety, ADHD, and ASD, who qualify for school-based counseling as part of their IEP.
At Kids Together, Eva works with youth individually and in groups to address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She utilizes a range of modalities blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques with mindfulness, play, art, and a strengths-based perspective to build self-esteem and motivation for children with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Eva's strong focus on the development of a trusting relationship with children works to create a normalized therapeutic environment where children can feel confident building coping strategies and working towards their goals.
Julia Portnoff
Julia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her MSW from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. For over six years, she has worked as an elementary school social worker, supporting children who are experiencing ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and challenges related to emotional regulation.
Julia takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach, partnering with children and families to address social, emotional, and behavioral needs. She draws from a range of evidence-based practices—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, play-based interventions, and Collaborative & Proactive Solutions—to create a supportive environment tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Building strong, trusting relationships is at the heart of Julia’s work. She places great emphasis on rapport and connection, helping children feel safe, supported, and empowered as they work toward meaningful social emotional growth.
Debbie Otner
Debbie Otner is a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist and received her Masters in Communication Disorders from Montclair State University in 2013. She has 9 years of experience working with children and families, primarily in Early Intervention. She has also treated school aged children and adults individually and in group settings, with a variety of communication disorders. Debbie views social skills through a speech and language lens and is able to provide guidance on ways to work on pragmatic language skills which can greatly improve a child's ability to connect with their peers. the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.