Hudson Valley TransForum

Antonia Barba, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience providing trauma focused mental health support, professional training, and program leadership. She is the founder of Inform Transform, where she provides training and consultation for mental health and social service providers and organizations focused on trauma-informed practice with LGBTQ+ youth and their families, traumatic loss and crisis response, peer support with transition aged youth, supporting survivors of child sex trafficking, and preventing burnout among helping professionals. Antonia is a consultant with the Family Acceptance Project where she trains on their family support model to prevent health risks, strengthen families and build healthy futures for LGBTQ+ and gender diverse youth. 
 
Antonia has presented locally and nationally about affirming care for LGBTQ+ and gender diverse youth, and is a long-time member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and co-founder & co-chair of their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Collaborative Group where she is a frequent collaborator on the development of culturally grounded tools and resources to promote prevention, healing and recovery from trauma and stress for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. She is passionate about transforming the way we think about and provide mental health services, and excited to be engaged in work that honors and centers the lived experiences of youth and families.

Anna Correa (she/her) is originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and is a graduate of Emerson College’s master's degree program in Theatre Education. Anna currently works with the American String Teachers Association as the Director of Membership and Student Activities, and as a founding board member of the Trans Repertory Theater. Anna has worked with various communities across the country in her travels. As a member of the Hudson Valley Community, seeing the multiculturalism and diversity that abounds, Anna is excited to join the conversation the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is investing in by hosting the 2025 Hudson Valley TransForum.

Julia De Persia, Esq. (she/her) is the Deputy Director of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission. She focuses her work at the Commission and her legal career on public service and advancing equity in housing, employment, public accommodations, and other human rights. In her previous role as a Supervising Attorney with the New York City Department of Education (DOE), she oversaw a range of legal cases and drafted policies and regulations in areas such as gender equity, school and workplace safety, and disability accommodations. Prior to the DOE, Julia was the Associate Title IX Officer at Harvard University where she advised and trained a network of University Title IX Coordinators.

Sharon “Shay Michelle” Drapeau (she/her) is a bestselling author, multi-passionate coach, and founder of She Breathes Life™ and The Crown Collection. Her work sits at the intersection of emotional wellness, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Whether she is guiding creative entrepreneurs to build businesses rooted in purpose, coaching women healing from toxic relationships, or helping LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults connect more deeply with their authenticity, her mission is the same: create safe, soul-nourishing spaces where women and femmes feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

With 10+ years of experience curating coaching programs, workshops, and memberships, she has built an ecosystem of offerings—from the Writers On The Sound for emerging authors and writers, to the Settling Boundaries Like a Queen Challenge for boundary-setting, to my storytelling workshops like Letters to My Emotions. My frameworks—like the B.R.E.A.D. Morning Routine and S.E.E.D. Emotional Awareness—blend practical tools with soulful reflection, making personal growth accessible, transformative, and fun.  

She is also the “Badass Bougie Auntie” in your corner—the one who’ll cheer you on, keep it real, and remind you that you deserve to lead, create, and live without apology.

Dr. Jason Elyaguov (he/him) is a fellowship-trained reconstructive urologist who is passionate about expanding gender-affirming surgical care in Westchester. He currently serves as the Section Chief of Reconstructive Urology and Urologic Trauma at Westchester Medical Center as well as the Assistant Program Director of the Urology Residency Program at New York Medical College.

Dr. Rebecca Glassman (she/her) is a primary care physician with a focus in the primary care of patients living with HIV and those at risk of HIV. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and earned her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine.  She went on to complete her medical residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), where she was a member of the inaugural HIV primary care track, and served as a Primary Care Chief Medical Resident in 2014.  From 2015-2020, she was a primary care physician based in the ambulatory practice Healthcare Associates at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and managed patients living with HIV. She additionally served as the Assistant Director of the Primary Care Track for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at BIDMC.  She was the regional primary investigator for the New England Aids Education and Training Center grant, focusing on multidisciplinary HIV education, and through this grant funding, annually updated and published in print and online a nationally disseminated manual on the primary care management of patients living with HIV.  She also was the supervising physician for a Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Program.

At Westchester Medical Center, she is the medical director of the Ally Care Center, providing comprehensive medical care and wrap around services to patients with HIV and patients at risk for HIV. This clinic is an inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to receive general primary care, including gender affirming hormone therapy. Dr Glassman continues to serve as a clinician educator, training medical students, internal medicine residents, and fellows, in addition to her multidisciplinary team. 

became a rabbi in order to share the transformational power of Jewish living and learning with contemporary Jews. He is passionate about making the depths of Jewish tradition speak to contemporary realities, and building purpose-driven spiritual community.   

Rabbi Goldberg has served Congregation KTI since 2018 and is actively involved in every aspect of the synagogue, including the Early Childhood Program, our religious education program (including teaching our 7th graders), adult education, interfaith and civic partnerships, lifecycle events and worship.

Laura Haynes (she/her) is a Vice President and LPL Financial Advisor at Webster Investments with 25 years of experience working with individuals and families on their unique financial & investment needs, goals and circumstances.  Prior experience in international finance and business development structuring and financing infrastructure related projects.  Educated with an MBA from NYU and a Chemical Engineering degree from Manhattan College.  She thanks all the wonderful people she’s met at previous TransForums where she discovered her true self - Laura!  Together we make ourselves, and our world a better place.

Alex Lewack (they/he) is a longtime volunteer at The LOFT and facilitator of the Young Adult Transgender peer support group at The LOFT.  They hold their Bachelor’s Degree in Gender Studies and Psychology from SUNY Purchase and their Associate’s Degree in Psychology from SUNY WCC.  Alex is well known for being awarded for their LGBTQ+ activism and leadership, being a pillar in the Westchester LGBTQ+ community, and for being Westchester Pride’s 2020 Homecoming Queer.

Rev. Danielle Lindstrom (she/her)’s ministry is joy based, enthusiastic, and engaged, and emphasizes the importance of multigenerational relationships. She graduated from Boston University School of Theology in 2017 and was ordained in Michigan following a one year parish and campus internship in Davis, CA. Following her time in Michigan, she spent three years in Racine, WI. She has the honor of being the settled minister at Community UU Congregation at White Plains since 2023

Dr. Jimmy Luckman (he/him) has worked in higher education for six years, working at a variety of institutions across the country focusing on new student orientation, first-year experience, and identity centers. Dr. Luckman currently serves as a director of the LGBTQA+ Center at Pace University at both the New York City and Pleasantville campuses since January 2025. Dr. Luckman’s research interests include LGBTQ+ sense of belonging, wellness, and leadership development. Luckman graduated with his doctorate in executive leadership from St. John Fisher University, as his dissertation focused on LGBTQ+ Center directors’ ability to process, implement, and utilize LGBTQ+ campus climate assessments. Dr. Luckman continuously engages in LGBTQA+ spaces in higher education, as he serves as the Praxis Coordinator for the Coalition of Sexuality and Gender Identities (CSGI) through ACPA and was the finalist for the 2024 Promising New Professional from the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals. Luckman continues to present and share knowledge focusing on queer joy and resilience through his involvement with PrideWorks (Finding queer joy)  and the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals (The art of coalition building: Addressing loneliness and sustaining change). Luckman was honored as the Lavender Alumni Keynote Speaker at the 2025 LAvender Graduation Celebration at SUN Brockport. As a white queer cisgender male, Luckman strives to empower all members of the LGBTQA+ community and amplifies voices that are often marginalized, eased, or intentionally ignored within the LGBTQA+ community.

Solasta "Sol" McIntyre (he/him) is a licensed somatic psychotherapist and cross-disciplinary artist. His work is rooted in the belief that transforming yourself transforms the world, and the more people who are connected to their authentic self, the more able they are to contribute their unique skills, talents and essence to the collective good. Their private practice Sit With Sol Therapy helps queer, trans and neurodivergent folks heal from complex trauma, as well as non-monogamous couples and groups to have more harmonious relationships. He received his Master's in Somatic Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, and holds certificates as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Clinical Trauma Professional (Level 1), Yoga teacher and Reiki healer (level 2). He also runs a coaching practice and community called Full & Plenty Joy. When not in healer mode, Sol dedicates his free time to his artistic passions such as writing, drag and film. He is a lifelong professionally trained dancer who came to this work after recovering from an eating disorder and discovering embodiment.

Sam Merkt (they/she) is a parent, full-spectrum doula, community organizer, artist, and educator. They are the Community Trainer at My Sisters’ Place coordinating violence prevention initiatives with youth in Westchester and the Bronx. They received their BA in Individualized Studies at New York University and their MSc in City Design and Social Science from the London School of Economics. They have been working with survivors of domestic violence of all ages for over 10 years.

Niko Nunes (he/him), a trans and gay man, is majoring in Art and minoring in psychology at Pace University and is in his last year. In the future ,he would like to be a mental health counselor and focus on gender and sexuality. He is currently interning at the LGBTQA+ Center at Pace university under the learning development section, where he is creating trans and ally workshops, and helping enhance the development of SafeZone training. He centers his work with joy and love because of his struggles growing up as a queer person in the immigrant community.

has been a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 2000, of St. Paul’s in Rye Brook since 2010. "Pastor Jim" has actively collaborated with colleagues of various faiths for local service projects and interfaith encounters for local congregations and their youth. He has led interfaith programs to educate and advocate around issues of discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community and others

Gina Pellici (she/her) is a sex-positive LCSW working with individuals who are queer, TGNCNB, non-monogamous and/or disabled. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, thinking about the way systems impact our mental health is a key part of the way I work. She believes in deconstructing the parts of therapy that could potentially be harmful to clients of marginalized identities. She is constantly educating herself in order to improve and be more informed, and encourage my clients to do the same when they are wanting to engage in that work

Eleanor Rice (Ellie, she/her) is Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center and a passionate advocate for transgender youth and their families. Drawing on her experience as the parent of two transgender adult children (20 and 21) who embarked on very different gender journeys, Eleanor offers insights grounded in real-world understanding. Her work focuses on equipping parents and caregivers with the tools to create loving, affirming, and supportive environments for gender-expansive young people.

grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but has lived in the tri State area for the last 22 years. Kelly completed her Masters of Divinity in 2004 from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2018, Kelly graduated with her Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School. She was ordained in 2007 and has been the Sr. Minister of Scarsdale Congregational Church since January 29, 2018.  Kelly resides in Scarsdale with her husband Jon and their two sons Sammy and Simon and their dogs, Steven and Chewie. She is active at the local, Conference, and national levels of her denomination, the United Church of Christ.

Crow Reyes (they/them) is a neuro-queer, non-binary, trans educator, macro social worker, artist, and poet. They are interested in spaces where education, activism, art, & healing intersect. Their mission is to (co)create transformative experiences that nurture care & fuel collective liberation. Crow believes in queer and trans joy as a form of decolonization. They are passionate about the power of play, divergent-thinking, trouble-making & care outside of institutions.

Jyoni Tetsuro Shuler (shey/they) is a biracial, transfeminine & trilingual nonprofit professional who possesses multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of advocacy and research, holistic wellness promotion, and social justice advocacy. She strives to engender equitable outcomes for diverse populations using an intersectional and inclusive paradigm. 
 
Jyoni serves as the Director of Programming at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, where they lead the team of program managers coordinating and implementing the diverse programmatic offerings of the organization, including: 50+ social & support groups, youth & senior-specific programs, community outreach efforts, volunteers, cultural competency trainings, and Trans Support of the Hudson Valley.  
 
She holds a BA Honors in Psychology (Georgetown University), a MSc in Sustainable Tourism Management (European Master in Tourism Management), and a Certification in Integrative Health Coaching (Duke University Integrative Medicine). Decolonization, anti-racism, systems dismantling, radical self-care, and collective liberation are key tenants of her life & work.

Jess Vecchiarelli (she/her) is the founder of The Aligned Path, a platform offering retreats, workshops, and 1:1 support that help people regulate their nervous systems, reduce stress, and reconnect with themselves. Through mindfulness, grounding practices, and embodied leadership, Jess creates experiences that bring clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. 
 
Her events invite participants to pause, reflect, and restore their energy so they can return to daily life with greater balance and joy. From community wellness gatherings to professional development for schools and organizations to women’s day retreats, Jess meets people where they are and helps them access the tools they need to thrive. 
 
Before founding The Aligned Path, Jess built a 20+ year career in strategic communications and marketing. At Mastercard, she led global engagement strategies, executive alignment, and brand storytelling that fueled business growth. She also served in roles at the Westchester District Attorney’s Office, The Summit School at Nyack, and the American Museum of Natural History, where she crafted narratives that drove connection and change. 
 
As the leader of Ossining for Fair Funding, Jess championed community advocacy that secured historic increases in state aid for schools and advanced educational equity. Rooted in both strategy and soul work, Jess blends corporate expertise with mindfulness and restorative practices to guide individuals and organizations toward sustainable wellbeing and purposeful growth.

Shepard Verbas (they/he) is the Fair Housing Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, where they focus on engaging the local community in human rights and fair housing conversations through educational workshops and community events. In their previous role as Director of Programs and Services at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, Shepard helped to expand and diversify the center’s programming, events, and professional training services. Shepard has spoken at trainings and panels for local and national organizations, and has been a keynote speaker for GLSEN Lower Hudson Valley and The LOFT LGBTQ+ Center.

Nicole Tarpey (she/they) is a legacy planning and estate administration attorney in Westchester County focusing on middle class families and small businesses. She helps folks with wills, trusts, probate proceedings, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney. Nic is particularly interested in ensuring the stability of LGBTQ+ and middle class families through thoughtful legal strategy.

Jay Tyler (they/he) is a queer trans masculine humanist and a big fan of the Hudson Valley. He is currently the Manager of Youth Education and Prevention at My Sisters’ Place. A 2020 graduate of the Masters in Professional Studies in Humanistic/Multicultural Education program at SUNY New Paltz, their personal educational philosophy and approach is focused primarily on making it accessible to everyone. When he is not working, Jay enjoys spending time with his children Charlie the cat and Mason the pug and going on hikes with his friends. Jay is also a foodie and is always scoping out and going on adventures to new places to eat as well as trying out new recipes to share with his partner and family.

is the rabbi at Woodlands Community Temple in Greenburgh, NY. She was ordained at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion where she also earned a Masters of Hebrew Literature and a Certificate in Jewish Education: Specializing in Adolescents and Emerging Adults. She grew up in Westfield, NJ and attended Tufts University. She and her husband, Mark, have two kids - ages 12 and 9 - as well as an adopted dog named Lucky.

Damian Zumaya (he/him), a queer trans man, is a senior at Pace University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. He currently works at the LGBTQA+ center at Pace University as a student assistant, assisting in welcoming students and programming for the Pace queer community. During the 2025 Lavender Graduation Ceremony, he was presented with the Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Non-Binary/Ally Leadership Award for his advocacy efforts of creating programming initiatives for trans college students such as weekly Trans Lounge affinity space and Trans Day of Visibility. As an emerging leader in the field, he is committed to helping queer and trans youth build resilience and thrive as their authentic selves, even after facing extreme challenges.