Secret Garden

Our Social Workers & Counseling Team

Our caring team (bios below) are here to support you in healing from your traumatic experience. Our goal is to guide you to become emotionally stronger and to form healthy relationships.

We are experts when it comes to the intersection of disability and domestic violence.  We are sensitive to the unique issues that a person with a disability faces when in an unhealthy relationship, and have years of experience related to safety planning, and overcoming barriers to seeking services.

Our Deaf Services team members have expertise in addressing  the dynamics of power and control and the cycles of abuse that occur, as well as the anxiety, depression, and PTSD that can result from experiencing domestic violence.

Our Legal Services Team

Our team is particularly sensitive to the needs of domestic violence survivors with disabilities. (Of note: parents with disabilities have a higher rate of child welfare cases, in part because abusers use the survivor’s disability against them.)

Our Case Managers & Housing Specialists

Our team can help with the nuts and bolts of how to apply for housing, what you are eligible for and more. Our housing specialist can assist you with the applications and link you to realtors. The team can also help with the steps to apply for food stamps and rental and cash assistance.

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Our Sexual Assault Services 

BFL provides trauma-informed sexual assault services in an accessible, disability- and Deaf-friendly environment. Direct services include intake and assessment, individual sexual assault trauma counseling and advocacy, such as ensuring access to law enforcement, court, City agencies and other service environments, and making appropriate external referrals. While weekly counseling will be recommended, BFL recognizes the obstacles survivors with disabilities and survivors who are Deaf experience, and will engage with them at the pace and frequency that is best for them.

Our Occupational Therapy Team

Our Occupational Therapy team offer weekly workshops using “mindfulness exercises” to help survivors manage daily needs, address money budgeting, problem-solving, coping skills and leisure activities. There are also group workshops for yoga and meditation “to help your Mind, Body and Soul be one in feeling calm and serenity.”

Erika Calderon, LCSW  (English/Spanish Speaking) is the Program Director at Barrier Free Living’s Secret Garden program, where she provides trauma counseling to domestic violence survivors with disabilities. She is a a bilingual Spanish Speaking Social Worker with 12 years of experience working with individuals, children and families as an agent of support and guidance. She can provide a safe place to have a “real talk” and open discussions of all factors that impact “who we are and what we do; as a person of color with cultural awareness and sensitivity.” Erika states:  “Everyone’s journey looks different and how you become empowered, is within you; let’s discover it together”.  Erika enjoys dancing, kickboxing, movies and cooking. Instagram: @erikabrooklynpsych

Nana Osei, LMSW (English, Fanti & Twi) is the Assistant Program Director and Social Worker at Barrier Free Living Secret Garden, where she provides trauma counseling and supportive services for individuals who have been impacted by Domestic Violence and have a disability.  Nana has 17 years of experience in social services, working with adults, youth, and families.   The Secret Garden program allows for a judgment-free environment and thrives on providing services showing integrity, dignity, and passion for one’s well-being.  Nana will work alongside you to form a partnership that supports your healing, by way of helping lift heavy weight from your shoulders, find hope, and discover a new vision for your future!
Nana enjoys cooking and loves trying different dishes from around the world.

Lucrecia (Lucy) Ayala LMSW (English/Spanish Speaking) is the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator at Barrier Free Living Secret Garden, where she provides counseling and supportive services for individuals who have been impacted by sexual trauma.

Lucy has 10 years experience in social services, working with adults, youth and families and is dedicated to providing a safe, sex-positive space in order to support survivors on their journey of healing. Many people who experience sexual trauma often face stigma and isolation; her goal in this program is to show others they are not alone and deserve love and support. Lucy loves art,
movies, gaming, and outdoor activities, and loves spending time with her family and senior dog, Sophie.
We touched base with Lucy to find out what drew her to the work, and what she hopes to achieve in this new program. Read our interview with Lucy.

Antoine Varona Case Manager

“Hey my name is Antoine Varona, I’ve been in this field of human services for over 7 years. I’ve worked with every population possible in the field of human services. I graduated from MCNY College. I love the career I decided to pursue and helping individuals in need is my priority.”

The Administrative Assistant for Secret Garden has provided support to the program’s staff and clients for close to a decade. She enjoys “helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.” Outside of work, her favorite activities are traveling, learning languages, listening to music and watching foreign TV series/films.

Other Secret Garden Team Members

• Belinda Mercado, Case Manager
• Danya Bailey, Social Worker
• Clarice Gomes, Case Manager
• Elora Silver, LMSW, DV Counselor
• Suzanne Rothman, LMSW, DV Counselor