Marlene Sotelo-Dynega, PsyD, ABSNP
NYS Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Marlene Sotelo-Dynega is a New York State Licensed Psychologist (#018444). She obtained her Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Iona University in 2001 and her Doctorate in School Psychology from St. John’s University in 2007. In 2011, Dr. Sotelo-Dynega achieved Diplomate status from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP) after receiving additional training in this specialized area.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sotelo-Dynega has worked with children and their families in various roles. She has served as a New York State Certified Bilingual (Spanish/English) School Psychologist, providing psychological services from nursery through high school. Additionally, she has worked in a private practice setting, offering services to children and their families. Since 2007, Dr. Sotelo-Dynega has been involved in directing, supervising, and teaching psychologists in training at St. John’s University. She has actively engaged in research and scholarly activities, publishing and presenting her work in peer-reviewed journals, books, and national professional conventions. Dr. Sotelo-Dynega also holds leadership positions in professional organizations and regularly provides professional development and consultation services to practitioners and educators.
Dr. Sotelo-Dynega specializes in a school-focused, neuropsychological assessment approach. This approach involves integrating neuropsychological and educational principles in the assessment and intervention processes for infants, children, and adolescents. Its goal is to facilitate learning and behavior within the school and family systems (Miller, DeFina, & Lang, 2004). Through her research and expertise in learning disability identification, Dr. Sotelo-Dynega has earned tenure and developed a national reputation. She has also created a specialized training program on school-focused neuropsychological assessment for doctoral students at St. John’s University.
Francyne Zeltser, PsyD
Clinical Director of Mental Health & Testing Services; Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychologist; Certified School Psychologist
Dr. Francyne Zeltser is a New York State Licensed Psychologist (#020690) and an experienced clinician specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health. As the Clinical Director of Mental Health and Testing Services, she leads a team of licensed psychologists, neuropsychologists, and psychotherapists who provide comprehensive counseling and assessment services. She also oversees the psychology externship, internship, and postdoctoral fellowship training programs, which emphasize hands-on learning, professional development, and supervision.
Dr. Zeltser earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Binghamton University and completed her graduate training at St. John’s University. She completed the CPD accredited training for professionals for supporting PDA children through PDA North America. In addition to her clinical roles, she serves as an adjunct professor and has been featured in various media outlets, including Parents.com, CNBC.com, womansday.com, Care.com, The Bump, and Today.com. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Zeltser takes great pride in her roles as a wife and mother of two boys.
Dr. Zeltser offers a range of psychotherapy and assessment services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), parent management training (PMT), and psychological, psychoeducational, autism, and guardianship evaluations. Her expertise includes child and adolescent development, behavior management, effective parenting strategies, educational interventions and advocacy, and the treatment of anxiety through direct psychotherapy and the SPACE intervention. She also conducts psychological, psychoeducational, autism, developmental, and guardianship evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Zeltser provides support with toilet and sleep training and offers short-term consultation services to address issues that impact family functioning.
Her clinical practice focuses on treating anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, conduct and disruptive behaviors, parenting challenges, and school-related issues, as well as difficulties adapting to changes, life transitions, and adjustment challenges. Dr. Zeltser utilizes a supportive, problem-solving approach to help patients develop adaptive strategies for managing life’s challenges and achieving both short- and long-term goals. She works with patients to improve focus, social skills, time management, reduce negative emotions, build a growth mindset, resolve conflicts, and get organized. Her integrative, evidence-based approach ensures high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
