OUR TEAM

Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Christina Nicole Smith, Owner & Founder, LMHC, LPC

Licensed Locations: NY, NJ, FL and MA

Christina Nicole Smith

Christina Nicole Smith is the founder and esteemed owner of Resilient Pathways Mental Health Counseling. As a graduate of New York University’s Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program, Christina brings several years of experience in working with both adults and children across a wide range of disorders. With expertise in grief, anxiety, depression, and stress management. Under her leadership, Resilient Pathways has emerged as a beacon of healing and support, assisting clients in navigating all walks of life, such as relationship struggles, anxiety, grief, and more, while addressing the enduring impacts of trauma and emotional abuse. 

With a commitment to fostering resilience, Christina employs a therapeutic approach tailored to helping clients surmount life’s obstacles. She the focus’ is on creating a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where individuals can delve deeply into self-exploration and healing. Christina believes that everyone has the inherent ability to rebound from hardship and cultivate a fulfilling life, a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the practice.

At Resilient Pathways, Christina and the dedicated team are committed to walking alongside clients on their journey, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Whether individuals are navigating the complexities of lifes challenges, grief, relationships, managing anxiety or depression, or overcoming the scars of past abuse, Christina provides compassionate guidance to help them build resilience and forge a path to a joyous, meaningful life.

Samantha Fredericks, MHC-LP

Samantha Fredericks

Samantha is a compassionate and dedicated mental health counselor committed to helping you overcome challenges and create a life of healing and growth. In 2023, she earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from New York University, where she cultivated the skills and knowledge to guide individuals through life’s most difficult moments.

Samantha specializes in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches are designed to help you process emotional pain, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Samantha’s practice is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and respect for your unique experiences. She is deeply committed to providing an affirming and inclusive space for individuals from all walks of life, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Together, you will work on setting achievable goals, fostering self-compassion, and building resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

Taking the first step toward therapy is a courageous decision, and Samantha is here to support you every step of the way, to help you discover your strength and create the fulfilling life you deserve!

Maria Allen, MHC-LP

Maria Allen

Maria Allen, is a compassionate mental health therapist, who graduated from CUNY Brooklyn College. She has experience working with individuals of all ages, primarily working with children, teens, and young adults. With specialties in OCD and other anxiety-based disorders, trauma/PTSD and depression, Maria offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals navigating these challenges and other difficult life experiences.

Blending a variety of therapeutic modalities, Maria takes a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and expressive arts therapy. For clients struggling with OCD and anxiety disorders, she incorporates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a gold-standard treatment designed to help individuals break free from obsessive fears and compulsions.
Maria’s therapeutic style is warm, authentic, and rooted in genuine interest.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to shared exploration, viewing therapy as a partnership where the client’s strengths and insights are central to the process. She believes growth comes through curiosity and the courage to explore new paths forward at your pace. Maria supports clients in aligning with their values, helping them build a life that reflects what is truly important to them. She is here every step of the way, celebrating the victories and supporting through the challenges.

Maria feels truly grateful for the opportunity to witness her clients’ milestones and hear their unique stories, and she looks forward to connecting with you!

Thomas Oriol, MHC-LP

Thomas Oriol
Thomas is a dedicated mental health counselor who graduated from The College of Staten Island with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With a limited permit in mental health counseling, Thomas specializes in trauma, intimate partner violence, and providing support to the LGBTQ+ community. He works with both young adults and adults, creating a therapeutic space that is safe, open, and free of judgment.

Thomas takes a client-centered approach to therapy, focusing on the individual as a whole—mind, body, and spirit. His practice integrates various therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, tailoring the approach to best suit each client’s unique needs. This holistic and personalized approach aims to empower clients, helping them embrace their inner strengths and supporting them in their healing journeys.

With a background in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and working within non-profit organizations, Thomas is deeply committed to creating a compassionate and understanding space where individuals can explore their unique experiences and begin their healing process. His approach is centered on partnering with clients as they face life’s challenges, guiding them toward greater emotional resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth.

In his free time, Thomas enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, connecting with nature! Thomas is also working on a future publication of research examining women’s experiences of oppression and Post Traumatic Stress. 

Healing begins with support. My mission is to help individuals grow, thrive, and navigate life with confidence.

Christina Nicole Smith

Owner & Founder, LMHC, LPC