Meet Our Healthcare Professionals
Jay Lawrence Friedman, M.D.
Owner and Managing Member (at NJ and NY offices)
Jay Lawrence Friedman, M.D. is the owner of the practice. He has Manhattan offices at 310 West 72nd Street in the Upper West Side and at 440 East 79th Street in the Upper East Side. He is also the owner and managing member of Tenafly Psychiatric Associates, L.L.C. in Tenafly, New Jersey. Dr. Friedman graduated from Princeton University. He is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He completed an internship in internal medicine at a Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons Program and he completed his residency in Psychiatry at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School as Chief Resident. His fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry was at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Friedman is appointed to the Medical Staff of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Click to Read More About Dr. Friedman.
Margaret E. Cummins, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Margaret Cummins is a certified advanced practice clinical nurse who specializes in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing, with prescriptive privileges. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hunter College in New York City. She completed her Master's degree in nursing from Hunter College, as well, and subsequently became a Ph.D. candidate in nursing theory and research at NYU. She has extensive experience in treating geriatric patients and has been in practice for over 25 years.
Arrifa N. Santana, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Arrifa N. Santana, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queens College, Queens, New York. Arrifa completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, at Molloy College, Rockville Centre, New York. She has a post-master's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification from Wilkes University, Pennsylvania. She also has a background in Family Medicine with experience as a Bone Marrow Transplant Nurse Practitioner and this experience makes her sensitive to the relationships between a patient’s other medical issues and their psychiatric and memory care needs. Arrifa provides compassionate care utilizing a holistic approach and focuses on developing mutual trust in building therapeutic relationships.
Mera Marie Keh, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mera Marie Keh, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She gained her Master’s Degree and completed her PMHNP from Walden University in Minnesota. Prior to becoming an APRN, PMHNP-BC Mera was a nurse for 19 years with her focus on Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry for many years. Mera has also gained outstanding experience from different departments in the health care system, including in ICU, Wound Care, Medical-Surgical area, and the Emergency Department. As a nurse practitioner, she believes in a holistic approach to mental illness by putting the patient at the center of the treatment plan, addressing individuality, and providing culturally informed mental health care in all populations. Her experience enables her to consider the whole mind and body situation of her patients. Mera is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Kevin Xuereb, MSN, MSEd, ACCNS-AG, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (in NJ and at affiliated NY practice)
Kevin Xuereb MSN, MSEd, ACCNS-AG, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Kevin earned his Masters in Counseling Education from Long Island University, and his Master in Nursing from Gonzaga University. Kevin has also earned two Post Masters certifications in his educational career. Kevin earned a certification as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse specialist from Molloy University and a Post-Masters certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Rocky Mountain University School of Health Professions. Kevin has over 18 years of nursing experience. Kevin has worked as a nurse leader and advanced practice nurse at various New York Presbyterian campuses. In addition to being a PMHNP-BC Kevin has extensive critical trauma and burn center experience. Working in these highly stressful environments has given him a unique insight into mind/body connection to trauma and its effects throughout the lifespan. Kevin provides a compassionate and focused holistic mental health approach to best treat his patients while building strong therapeutic relationships.
Diana Pekisheva, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Diana Pekisheva is a dedicated Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner who obtained her advanced nurse practitioner degree at Walden
University, where she honed her skills and knowledge in providing comprehensive
mental health care. With a focus on working with individuals with dementia, she
has developed a deep understanding of their unique needs and challenges. She also
worked at a large trauma center as a nurse on a surgical- neuro ICU where her
diagnostic skills, coupled with her compassionate patient care, have contributed to
excellent patient outcomes. Through her compassionate approach and evidence-
based practice, she strives to improve quality of life for her patients and their
families. She is committed to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-
date on the latest advancements in psychiatric care. Her goal is to make a positive
impact in the lives of her patients through personalized and holistic treatment.
Wai Ying (Jenny) Chan, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (at affiliated NY Practice)
Wai Ying (Jenny) Chan, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree from Stony Brook University and a
Bachelor’s degree in nursing from NYU. With over six years of experience in treating adults and geriatric populations, Jenny specializes in
personalized treatment to achieve optimal mental health and enhance well-being through a multicultural and holistic approach. Jenny specializes
in providing compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to individual needs. She strives to balance the use of psychiatric medications with a
focus on improving the overall quality of life for her patients. Her approach emphasizes plans that address emotional and social aspects of life.
Jenny is experienced with the challenges of balancing dual cultural identities and integrating these perspectives into daily life.
Andrew Alm, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (at affiliated NY Practice)
Andrew Alm, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a dedicated board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Pace University.
With more than a decade of experience in the field of psychiatry, he has cultivated a strong clinical foundation in treating a wide range of mental illnesses.
Andrew is deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care through a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach. He places great emphasis on
fostering therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, and collaboration, and he tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of every individual.
Throughout his career, Andrew has worked in diverse settings. This breadth of experience has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of the complex challenges
faced by individuals and he remains passionate about supporting his patients on their journey toward improved mental wellness and resilience.
Janet Soff, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Janet Soff MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her first post masters FNP primary care
training from Monmouth University in New Jersey and she received her second post masters specialty in Psychiatry from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barr,
Pennsylvania. Janet earned Her master's in leadership and management at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Janet has over 15 years of
experience in nursing. She adopts a traditional medication approach while advocating for natural treatments such as diet, exercise and stress management.
She has interconnectedness of the mind, body and spirit promoting a holistic view. Her extensive experience in the emergency room has promoted a strong
understanding of the relationship between mental and physical health enabling her to offer comprehensive and holistic individualized care. She is also an
active member that is involved with the American nurse credentialing center (ANCC).
Melissa Lillien, LCSW
Providing multiple modalities of therapy (in New Jersey and at affiliated New York practice).
Melissa Lillien has a Masters Degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and New Jersey with over 10 years of experience. As a psychotherapist, Melissa is available to empower you to overcome obstacles and reach your personal goals using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions. She provides compassionate counseling and support and has experience with the geriatric population as well as with patients of all ages. Melissa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the NEFESH – International Network.