NYACP NEWS ~ May 2026

Volume 7, Issue 5

In this Issue

President's Message
NYACP Board of Directors
Member Spotlights
NYACP Pods
Support Groups for Collaborative Practice (SGCP)
Committees

MESSAGE FROM OUR 2026 NYACP PRESIDENT

By Ellen Jancko-Baken

As we move through the spring and into summer, I am so encouraged by the momentum building across the NYACP. 

This season has been a wonderful reflection of the work we began through our strategic planning process, creating more opportunities for connection, strengthening collaborative practice statewide, and engaging members in meaningful ways. From our recent Town Hall and spring networking opportunities to our ongoing POD meetings and working group development, it is clear that the NYACP is moving forward with energy and purpose.

A major highlight this season is our Basic Collaborative Interdisciplinary Training (BCIT) starting today, May 15–16. This is an exciting and important moment for NYACP. BCIT is one of the most impactful ways we can grow collaborative practice in New York, welcome new professionals into the work, and support consistency and excellence across disciplines. We are especially thrilled to welcome the Tampa Bay Collaborative Trainers to lead this year’s program. 

This training is a powerful example of our strategic plan in action, expanding awareness, strengthening accessibility, supporting shared best practices, and building a stronger statewide collaborative community.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay involved: attend an event, join a POD meeting, participate in a working group, and help spread the word about BCIT. There is real excitement building, and I am grateful to be part of it with all of you.

Thank you for your continued support of NYACP and for all you do to advance collaborative practice.

Ellen Jancko-Baken
President, NYACP

 NYACP Board of Directors

From the NYACP Board

The NYACP Board of Directors meets every two months on the second Thursday to advance programming that supports and strengthens your Collaborative practice. Through a range of educational, networking, and social opportunities, our focus remains on keeping you connected, engaged, and professionally supported.

Each Board member actively contributes by serving on or leading a committee, working together to develop programming that is both meaningful and accessible. We are committed to creating opportunities that align with your professional needs and schedule.

Following our Fall 2025 Board retreat and strategic planning session, NYACP has also launched several working groups to further our mission and expand our impact. More updates will be shared soon—we look forward to continuing this work together.

Our Major Focus for 2026:
Strengthen Visibility, Increase Accessibility, Advance Consistency, Expand Reach

Our Major Focus for 2027-2029:
Expansion & Recognition

Working Groups:

Public Awareness Jackie Caputo (Chair) - The first meeting took place on May 6th via Zoom at 12:30 pm.  It will be a recurring meeting every first Wednesday of the month, and we welcome any members who are interested in working with us to increase public awareness and understanding of our organization and Collaborative Practice.  The next meeting is June 3 at 12:30 via zoom. Anyone interested in joining, please reach out to the Chair for the zoom link. The goal of this group is to raise public awareness of Collaborative practice to the level of mediation, so that it is widely recognized and requested as the premier process option for families facing the complexities of divorce.  Please join us in this important, long-term mission to reshape divorce in New York so that we can help as many families as possible to reorganize with the support and respect they deserve.    

Affordability & Accessibility Catherine Canade’, Marcos Fernandez (Co-Chairs)

Consistent Protocols Ivan Alter (Attorney Chair), Randy Heller (Mental Health Chair), Nancy Kaye (Financial Chair) The Protocols Committee met in early April. Our first initiatives included reviewing and updating the “Collaborative Map”, developing and providing unified forms for professionals to adapt to their practice, and discussing ways to encourage the essential use of the neutrals. Your ideas and participation are welcome. Please join us! Look out for upcoming meetings. 

Statewide/National Reach Kathleen Donelli and Tony Marcus (Co- Chairs). This group held our first meeting on April 17th. We had a great turnout and a very productive conversation. 

Inclusion & Integration Melissa Goodstein and Ellen Jancko-Baken (Co-Chairs).

INTRODUCING THE ADVANCED SEAL OF EXCELLENCE

We’re excited to announce a new initiative—NYACP’s Advanced Seal of Excellence. This upcoming program will give members the opportunity to earn recognition for advanced training, experience, and leadership in Collaborative Practice.

A big thank-you to Kathleen Donelli, Marcos Fernandez, Randy Heller, and Steve Kaplan for their work in developing this program which will be rolled in this Spring!

BYLAWS UPDATE

A dedicated task force—Alan Dubow, Randy Heller, Anthony Markus, and Larry Rothbard—has completed an update of the NYACP bylaws, which will be available on the website.

 MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

NYACP welcomes our new members. 
Please look out for them and welcome them to our community!

Sloan Post, LCSW, PMH-C . I am Sloan Post, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and owner of Westchester Parent & Child Therapy. I specialize in perinatal mental health, postpartum support, maternal mental health, parenting challenges, family transitions, trauma, and supporting young adults, teens, tweens, and young child-parent relationships. My work is centered on helping individuals and families navigate the emotional impact of fertility concerns, pregnancy and postpartum, anxiety, depression, OCD, parenting stress, grief and loss, and life changes such as separation or divorce. I work closely with clients to explore their inner experiences, reflect on patterns, and nurture parent-child and family connections. 

I work extensively with parents, helping them develop confidence, build nurturing parent-child relationships, and navigate the many challenges of raising young children, tweens, teens, and young adults. I work with young children-parent dyads, supporting attachment, communication, and emotional regulation, and I help parents reflect on the parent they want to become. Across all ages, my work includes helping families strengthen connections, navigate developmental and behavioral challenges, process past trauma, and foster healthy communication.

In addition to my work with parents and young children, I provide support for tweens, teens, and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. This includes emotional regulation, coping with OCD, anxiety, and depression, managing life transitions, navigating school and academic pressures, and developing healthy relationships with peers and family. I focus on helping these young individuals better understand themselves, process past experiences, and develop the skills and confidence to make choices that align with their values and goals

I support clients in person in White Plains, NY and virtually across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Florida. Wherever you are in life, I am honored to help you navigate this meaningful and transformative chapter.

Daniel Schwartz, LMFT is a Harvard-educated, seasoned licensed marriage and family therapist who brings a calm, sophisticated, and deeply relational approach to the collaborative divorce process. He works effectively with individuals, couples, and families facing separation and other major transitions, helping them move through emotionally charged circumstances with less conflict, greater perspective, and stronger capacity for constructive decision making.

With deep experience serving complex ultra-high-net-worth families, Daniel is especially well suited for interdisciplinary collaborative divorce teams. His work is grounded in substantial expertise in family systems, complex relationship dynamics, conflict reduction, and emotional regulation under stress. He helps clients and professional teams stay grounded when conversations become difficult, fosters more productive communication, and supports families in moving away from blame and escalation toward clarity, respect, and forward movement.

His active involvement in the collaborative family law communities of both New York and Florida reflects a strong commitment to this model of practice. Guided by respected leaders in the field, including Dr. Randy Heller, Daniel has developed an approach that emphasizes dignity, trauma-informed facilitation, child-centered planning, thoughtful problem solving, and the preservation of workable family relationships after divorce. He also brings significant experience working with high-profile and celebrity clients.

For collaborative attorneys and financial experts seeking a mental health neutral with steadiness, emotional insight, and strong process awareness, Daniel offers a rare combination of clinical depth and collaborative sensibility, along with decades of experience working with multigenerational family business owners and global international families. He understands that successful collaborative outcomes require not only sound legal and financial planning, but also the ability to help clients manage emotion, communicate effectively, and remain engaged in a respectful process. His presence supports durable agreements and a healthier transition for the family and the collaborative team.

Maxine Park, Esq.,  has been a matrimonial and family law attorney in New York City for over 20 years. With substantial experience in complex cases requiring extensive discovery, motion practice, trials and appeals, she expanded her practice to incorporate mediation and collaborative law in search of better options for her potential clients. Informed by her years spent in court, Maxine is committed to helping parties avoid the fraught script of the litigation model and to guiding them towards well-crafted personalized agreements through the mediated and collaborative forums.Maxine earned her J.D. from USC Gould School of Law in Los Angeles and is licensed to practice law in New York and California.

Professional Memberships: New York State Bar Association (Family Law Section); New York 

Women’s Bar Association (Matrimonial and Family Law Committee); Brooklyn Bar Association (Family Law Section); Asian American Bar Association of New York; New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (Member of the Court Relations Committee and Board of Directors; Co-chair of the Education Committee).

Dr. Emily Upshur is a licensed clinical psychologist and the President and Co-Founder of Upshur Bren Psychology Group in Pelham, NY. She brings over 20 years of experience across public and private settings, providing integrative psychodynamic and evidence-based care for women, children, and families.

With advanced training in divorce mediation through the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, Dr. Upshur brings a nuanced understanding of the emotional, relational, and practical complexities of separation. She works with individuals, couples, children, and families to navigate divorce with less conflict, greater clarity, and a strong focus on children’s well-being and long-term family functioning.

NYACP is well represented at the Annual Conference of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM), April 29-May 1. Our members continue to collaborate with fellow professionals dedicated to advancing thoughtful, effective, and client-centered approaches to dispute resolution.

Shout-outs go to:

Control, Coercion, and Consent: Rethinking Domestic Violence in Mediation
Speaker: Adam Halper, Esq. Moderator: Kristen Lyndaker, Esq. 

Speaker: Randy J. Heller, PhD, LLMFT, LMHC 
Creating Calm: Mediating Through Impasse to Foster Peace and Progress

And…

Addressing the Needs of the Child in Mediation:
An Interdisciplinary Conversation on Practical Tools, Ethical Boundaries and Professional Roles

Twists, Turns & Takeaways: Improving Divorce Outcomes Through Tax Awareness
Speaker- Jay Mota, MAFF®,CDFA®, CFP®, CQS®, ChFC®, WMCP®
Introducer: Kenneth J. Novenstern, Esq.

The Centered Mediator: Mindfulness Tools to Preserve Energy, Reduce Reactivity & Cultivate Grounded Communication - Moderator: Lara Traum, Esq.

Cybersecurity & AI: What Mediators and Attorneys Need to Do Now - Speaker: Alla Roytberg, Esq. 

What's Happening in the Room? Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices into Family Mediation - Moderator: Amy Carron Day, Esq.

 

Mediating in the Face of Financial Betrayal - Speakers: Ivy H. Menchel, CFP®, CDFA®, CBEC®, WFAA®, and Andrea Vacca, Esq.

 

 NYACP PODS

POD Meetings are monthly. Please check the full calendar on our website for topics, dates and times. PODS, which meet monthly via a virtual format, make this opportunity accessible to all of our members regardless of where you reside. To look back at previous POD Presentations visit the Video Library. That said, PODS are a wonderful way to learn, grow, and develop relationships with your fellow Collaborative Colleagues. Looking forward to seeing all of you taking advantage of this great member benefit. Thank you to all of our Pod leaders!

 NEW YORK CITY POD

Closing Real Estate Loopholes in the Collaborative Divorce Process – Two Part series – March/April  - Presenters: Alla Roytberg, Esq. and Ivy Menchel, CFP®, CDFA®, CBEC® - Real estate decisions in divorce—whether selling a shared home or transferring ownership to one partner—are rarely straightforward. These choices often involve both complex financial considerations and significant emotional weight. In this program, collaborative professionals explored how to design a clear, practical real estate decision-making framework that minimizes risk, addresses common pitfalls, and supports clients through emotionally charged transitions. Participants engaged in an interactive discussion on this topic.

 NORTHERN WESTCHESTER POD

The NW Pod meets the third Wednesday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM for informal discussions and presentations to support our collaborative practices.

In our February meeting, Andrew Blizard provided an overview of Moving Forward. This Hudson Valley-based program, operated by licensed mental health clinicians, combines junk removal with emotional support for families dealing with excess clutter or life transitions such as divorce and loss of mobility.

Our meetings on March 18th and April 15th, led by Alan Dubow and Melissa Goodstein, featured a roundtable discussion on the updated Maintenance and Child Support income caps and their impact on collaborative cases.

We invite you to join us for our next meeting. If you have suggestions for future topics or presenters, please contact Melissa Goodstein or Alan Dubow.

 LONG ISLAND POD

“Don’t worry, you just calm down now and I’ll take care of everything.” Nora Marcus and Teresa Ombres led a discussion on how much our clients need to feel understood, not just advised, during one of the most difficult times in their lives, and us as professionals need to understand the emotional and practical complexities of separation and divorce on our clients.

We discussed the old style of divorce, evoking how attorneys treated their clients and  “I’ll take care of you” approach.  Were clients less traumatized and how were they after the agreement was signed? In the collaborative process, are they less traumatized, more knowledgeable, are they really okay?  Should we probe? What signs should we look for? Should there be a follow up?

The discussion was lively with examples of what has occurred during our collaborative and mediation client meetings and how we might restructure the process to address these issues.

 NYACP SUPPORT GROUPS

Northern Westchester Support Group – The NW SGCP Group has been meeting since September 2011 and meets on the third Wednesday every other month from 5:30 to 6:30. NYACP established these groups for the purpose of refining members’ collaborative practice skills through group discussion, self-reflection, feedback, acquired insight with group participation. Confidentiality and attendance are required to encourage consistency and the building of trust. The members of the NW SGCP group led by Melissa Goodstein include Ellen Jancko- Baken, Tony Markus, Kenneth Novenstern, Meg Sussman, Michelle Lewis, Alan Dubow, Lydia Milone, Margaretha Gravett, Ivan Alter, Lili Vasileff. If you are interested in joining a SGCP group, please contact NYACP’s executive director Sarah Sheehan.

Mental Health Support Group - Facilitated by Jeffrey Steiger and Bob Raymond, the Mental Health Support Group continues to grow alongside NYACP’s expanding community of Family Specialists. Meeting quarterly on Tuesday mornings from 8:00–9:00 a.m., this group provides a supportive space for members to share insights, exchange experiences, and collaboratively work through both challenging and successful cases. These sessions foster meaningful connection and professional growth, strengthening relationships across the community. Participation is open to NYACP members only. Please watch for upcoming announcements with details about the next meeting.

Welcoming Diversity in Culture and Practice Support Group - meets the 4th Tuesday of every other month from 5:30 to 6:30 PM

Field Trip to Tenement Museum on April 21, 2026

 NYACP COMMITTEES – All are welcome – Please join a committee. We need YOU!

NYACP TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The NYACP Training and Education Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month, bringing together a dedicated group of professionals committed to advancing the quality and reach of NYACP’s educational programming. Through a thoughtful blend of in-person and virtual offerings, the committee designs and delivers monthly trainings that support the continued growth and excellence of collaborative practitioners.

Co-chaired by Anthony Markus and Melissa Goodstein, the committee includes Kenneth Novenstern, Ivan Alter, Alan Dubow, Kathleen Donelli, Michael McLaughlin, Michael Kislin, Katherine Miller, Randy Heller, Jay Motta, and Meg Sussman. Together, they developed an interdisciplinary Collaborative training and refresher designed to introduce fresh perspectives and practical insights, led by trainers from the Tampa Bay Collaborative.

This multi-day program is taking place starting today May 15–16 at Tarrytown House Estate. The program will began with a networking happy hour on May 14 at 6:00 p.m., featuring an open bar and an opportunity to connect with colleagues across disciplines. The IACP President-Elect, Jonetta Kapusta-Dorogi was able to join us and be in attendance.

The BCIT training sessions will run May 15, and 16, offering participants a valuable opportunity to deepen their skills, exchange ideas, and strengthen their collaborative practice within a dynamic learning environment.
The training will be held at:

TARRYTOWN HOUSE
49 E Sunnyside Ln, Tarrytown, NY 10591

 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The NYACP Membership Committee is comprised of Barbara Bel, Catherine Canade, Jacqueline Caputo, Stacy Collins, Ariella Deutsch, Marcos Fernandez, Shara Goldfarb, Adam Halper, Randy Heller, Nancy Kaye, Michael Kislin, Michelle Lewis, Stephen Linker, and Teresa Ombres.

Sub-Working Groups

Growing the Collaborative Circle (GCC)
The mission of the Growing the Collaborative Circle (GCC) is to expand relationships with organizations outside of NYACP that share an interest in our work. The GCC also collaborates with professionals across the community through social and networking events. Additional details will be shared in the near future.

Events Working Group
The Events Working Group organizes a variety of programs designed to foster connection and strengthen relationships among members. In addition to ongoing events, the group coordinates monthly “Collaborative Connection” lunches in Long Island, New York City, and Westchester, providing members with opportunities to engage in a more intimate setting. The committee is currently planning a follow-up event to the advanced training in Domestic Violence (Cyberstalking) scheduled for June 11, 2026.

Mentorship Program
The NYACP Mentorship Program, led by Shara Goldfarb and Teresa Ombres, is actively underway.

This program offers meaningful benefits to both mentors and mentees. Experienced practitioners often find that mentoring provides fresh perspectives and encourages reflection on their own practice. Newer collaborative practitioners gain valuable insights, support, and a welcoming introduction to the collaborative community.

Participants are encouraged to attend collaborative meetings and events, which are known for their collegial, inclusive, and supportive environment. The program is designed to help members feel connected and engaged, while strengthening their skills and confidence in collaborative practice.

Each spring, mentors and mentees are invited to attend an in-person gathering featuring light refreshments—an opportunity to share experiences and build relationships in a relaxed setting. For more information or to participate, please contact Teresa Ombres or Shara Goldfarb.

NEW – MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
To support the continued growth and retention of our membership, NYACP has implemented a Buddy Program. Upon approval of a new member’s application, they are paired with a Board Member who will personally welcome them to the organization.

The assigned Board Member will:

• Reach out via email with a welcome message

• Offer to schedule a virtual meeting

• Provide guidance on navigating the NYACP website

• Explain available member benefits

• Answer questions about collaborative practice

This initiative ensures that new members feel supported, informed, and well-equipped to engage with the organization from the outset.

NEW - MODEST MEANS COMMITTEE
Offering a modest means program is important for the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals.  The Flat Fee (formerly Streamlined) Collaborative Working Group will be working with professionals from all three disciplines to come up with NYACP protocols and best practices over the coming months. Catherine Canadé, Randy Heller, and Sallie Mullins-Thompson are co-chairing the working group.

NYACP Collaborative Connection Lunches. 
Expand your professional network and strengthen relationships within the collaborative community by joining NYACP’s bi-monthly Collaborative Connection gatherings. Hosted in Westchester, Long Island, and Manhattan, these small-group meetups—limited to eight participants—offer a relaxed setting for lunch, coffee, or after-work drinks.

These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow collaborative professionals, exchange insights, and build meaningful relationships both personally and professionally. Invitations are distributed by the NYACP office, and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis for each scheduled date and location.

RECENT EVENTS

SPLIT VIEWING – Ellen Bruno in NYC – April 23rd

Ellen Bruno shared the story behind her documentary, created years ago to capture the lived experiences of children navigating their parents’ divorce. A decade later, those same children were revisited—offering a powerful look at how they’re doing now, what they needed then, and whether those needs were truly met. The screening sparked a lively discussion, inviting reflection on audience reactions and challenging us, as Collaborative professionals, to consider how we can more intentionally bring children’s voices into the room. Participants also enjoyed breaking bread together and connecting! It was a meaningful night that left us all inspired.

 

The NYACP Newsletter is more than an update on organizational activities—it is an open invitation for members to engage, contribute, and strengthen their Collaborative relationships and professional practices. We encourage you to share updates about your work, initiatives, and successes. Submissions and inquiries can be sent to Randy Heller at [email protected].

The NYACP Newsletter is intended to inform you not only about what is going on in your organization. It is an invitation and opportunity for our members to get involved as you strengthen your Collaborative relationships and your practice. Please send information about you, your practice, your activities, and your success to Randy Heller.

[email protected]