Learn more about our team members

Michael L. Birnbaum, MD

Co-Program Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Birnbaum has dedicated his career to early intervention as exemplified by his professional experience, grant support, and publication record. He has had significant first-hand experience in state state-of-the-art clinical trials involving individuals with psychiatric disorders. Dr. Birnbaum is actively exploring the role of social media and digital platforms in pathways to care for adolescents and young adults with serious mental illnesses, as well as the utility of social media and the Internet as vehicles for timely identification, outreach, engagement, and care for youth with mental illness. He is additionally leading several other research projects at The Zucker Hillside Hospital exploring effective and ethical integration of digital interventions and resources into clinical care. 

Chantel Garrett

Co-Program Director, Strong 365 Founding Director

Chantel Garrett founded Strong 365, a nonprofit project of One Mind, to ensure that more people get the right kind of help and support for mental health concerns earlier – when it matters most. As supporter and advocate for her brother who lives with schizophrenia, Chantel’s work merges a personal passion with her professional background as a seasoned corporate marketer to drive radical change in the way we view mental health and how we access care.

Chantel earned a B.S. in Applied Economics from the University of San Francisco, and is currently working toward a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Washington. She and her husband are raising two daughters while keeping track of a dog, cat and chickens, and attempting to grow things in their backyard. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and can be found @Chantel and on LinkedIn.

Nicole Germano, MA, LMSW

Behavioral Therapist 

Nicole is a licensed master social worker and psychotherapist for Northwell Health in the state of New York. She specializes in supporting teens and young adults who are coping with mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In partnership with Strong 365 and OnTrackNY, Nicole aims to provide a safe, reliable way for young people and their allies — family members and close friends — to get information and support. Adept at assessment and referrals, she is typically the first point of contact for participants in the early intervention program. Prior to joining Northwell in 2017, Nicole held varied positions related to mental health (including in the areas of substance use, homelessness, and the criminal justice system), all of which contribute to her holistic, compassionate, and personalized approach to care. She holds master’s degrees in social work and forensic psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.



Kira Fox

Care Navigator

Kira Fox is a student in her third-year at Barnard College, where she studies Psychology. Kira is a research assistant as she conducts interviews and works on data analysis. Kira is interested in going into the field of psychology and has a passion for mental health awareness. In her free time, Kira is the health and wellness chair of two student organizations at Barnard College and volunteers for Chai Lifeline, where she helps children with chronic illnesses. Kira is also a certified yoga instructor, and loves doing yoga with friends and clients in training sessions.

Cynthia Lee, DO

Care Navigator



Danny Sosa

Peer Specialist 

Danny Sosa is a certified peer specialist in the early intervention programs for teens and young adults offered by OnTrackNY and Northwell Health. As a former participant, Danny knows the programs inside and out. He draws on his personal journey of recovery to support youth who are currently coping with mental health challenges. “I wanted to share my experience if at all it would help other people get through the tough parts,” he says. Danny routinely strives to combat fears and stigmas, encourage meaningful connections, and build community through one-on-one conversations and group activities (such as games and movie nights). Prior to joining the clinical team in 2018, he worked as a grocery clerk as well as for his family’s import/export business. Danny holds a peer specialist certification from the New York State Office of Mental Health, and he offers assistance to participants and their families in English and Spanish.