Compassionate,
Culturally Attuned,
Trauma- Informed
Therapy.
About The Practice
Dandelion Root Mental Health Counseling was created as a space where women can show up fully as themselves, be it messy, hopeful, exhausted, determined, and know they will be met with care, understanding, and respect for the wisdom they carry from their roots.
Our philosophy is simple: healing is not linear, and growth often starts in small, quiet moments. Just like the dandelion root, often overlooked but deeply grounded, our work helps you reconnect to the resilience already within you, supported by both deep, cultural knowledge and present-moment tools.
Our mission is to support adult women of diverse backgrounds in navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, motherhood, and infertility. Whether you are balancing caregiving, yearning to become a mother, carrying generational expectations, or just not feeling consent in your life, this is a space where your story and lineage are honored and change can bloom.
We serve adult women of all ages who are ready to integrate your inherent wisdom with modern therapeutic practices, heal from past wounds, and feel more rooted in themselves. Therapy at Dandelion Root is collaborative and tailored to your unique journey, supporting both personal and generational growth.
This practice is not just a service, it’s a sanctuary. We work from an anti-racist, feminist, decolonizing lens because our liberation is tied to our healing. Therapy here is warm, affirming, and collaborative. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up and we’ll meet you where you are.
About
Stephanie Pagan, LMHC-D
Founder and Therapist
I became a therapist because I deeply value the power of healing that happens when someone feels truly seen, supported, and honored in their full story, including the legacies and wisdom passed down through generations.
I am trained as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I’ve supported clients across a range of settings, including YAI, Parallax Center, and Montefiore Medical Center, and have experience in direct care, clinical supervision, and program development. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting BIPOC folks navigating a variety issues including substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, ADHD, and the challenges of motherhood, pregnancy, or the longing to become a mother. I bring particular care to honoring ancestral and cultural wisdom in therapy, recognizing how our family histories and cultural roots shape our present experiences and resilience.
My approach is collaborative, warm, and grounded in both evidence-based practices and holistic care. I integrate somatic work, mindfulness, CBT and DBT-informed strategies with a commitment to holding space for each client’s cultural background, ancestral knowledge, and lived experience. As a Latin therapist, I value creating space for women of color to explore their stories in ways that honor their roots, resilience, and identity.
At the heart of my work are my values: compassion, authenticity, empowerment, and the belief that healing should be accessible, affirming, and culturally grounded. Therapy with me, and in this practice, is not about “fixing” you, it’s about reconnecting with your inner strength, honoring the guidance of your lineage, and moving toward a life that feels more grounded, balanced, and aligned with who you are.
Meet the rest of the Team!
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Yudermy Blanco
Therapist
Therapy is a sacred space.
It’s where you can pause, breathe, and begin finding a truth that is defined by you. My purpose is to hold that space with compassion and curiosity—so you can explore your roots, heal deeply, and create a version of yourself that feels authentic.I am a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit and clinical experience at Montefiore Medical Center. I specialize in supporting individuals through addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, and relationship challenges, with a strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, women’s issues, and multicultural concerns.
My approach is integrative and client-centered, blending evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy with a humanistic lens. I also draw on trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and Internal Family Systems to meet you where you are. Outside of traditional therapy, I infuse my passion for creative writing and ancestral healing—guiding you to rediscover your voice and connect with the strength of your roots.
I believe in interlacing the stories and patterns passed down through generations—honoring your heritage while gently breaking cycles that no longer serve you. Together, we’ll create a safe space for meaningful exploration, building resilience, and embracing transformation. This is your journey, and it begins with defining who you are—on your own terms.
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Lorena Allen
Therapist
Lorena Allen, LMHC-D, is a licensed mental health counselor with over a decade of experience supporting children, families, and individuals through evidence-based, compassionate care. She currently works as a school-based clinician with the Long Island Consultation Center and also maintains a private practice. Her career has spanned roles in family therapy, trauma treatment, forensic interviewing, and program leadership, with specialized training in CBT, MDFT, EMDR, DBT, MI, and CFTSI.
Beyond her professional work, Ms. Allen is a proud mother to her 17-year-old daughter and a devoted pet owner of two dogs, two cats, two turtles, and two fish. She enjoys gardening (despite not having much of a green thumb!) and is passionate about reading and exploring holistic approaches to care.
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Stephenie Perez
Therapist
Stephenie Perez, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with extensive experience in substance use treatment, clinical supervision, and program coordination. She began her career in substance abuse treatment in the south Bronx
Stephenie went on to build a diverse portfolio of roles across the mental health and substance use fields, contributing her clinical expertise to multiple programs and populations.
A committed advocate for high-quality, person-centered care. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Adelphi University, earned in 2014. She obtained her LCSW in 2021. She specializes in MI and ACT techniques while utilizing a trauma informed approach.