Jewel Barboza got her start as a Psychiatric R.N. after graduating from Westchester Community College’s School of Nursing in 2009. She worked at Stony Lodge Hospital for several years until the hospital’s closure. She quickly landed a new position at at Four Winds Hospital, and began her R.N.-to-B.S.N. program, which she completed at Empire State College. Once she finished her B.S.N., she went to work right away on her Master’s Degree, with the strong desire to become a mental health prescriber. She achieved her goal upon graduating from Stony Brook University in 2016 with a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing with a specialty of Psychiatric Mental Health.

After Stony Brook, Jewel was promoted immediately from RN to NP at Four Winds. During the last several years, Jewel has also worked with Family Services of Westchester as a prescriber, as well as Westchester Community College as an adjunct professor in the School of Nursing.

Jewel is licensed as an RN and NP in both CT and NY, and is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Jewel is originally from Sleepy Hollow, NY and currently resides in Litchfield County, CT with her family. She is a die-hard New York Rangers fan and devoted season ticket holder, and enjoys live music of all genres, especially heavy metal! Some of her favorite bands include: Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, Nothing More, and Wage War. She has also devoted time to helping out with The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester, NY and takes an active interest in mental health initiatives and research.

Jewel’s dream has always been to open her own practice and she is now realizing that dream with the introduction of Strength Of The Mind Psychiatry!

Education:

Stony Brook University - M.S. Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health) - 2016

SUNY Empire State College - B.S. Nursing (2013)

SUNY Westchester Community College - A.S. Nursing (2009)

Work Experience:

Private Practice - Danbury, CT

Private Practice - Mahopac, NY

Four Winds Hospital - Cross River, NY

Family Services of Westchester - Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

SUNY Westchester Community College - Valhalla, NY

Stony Lodge Hospital - Ossining, NY

Credentials:

Licensed Nurse Practitioner in New York and Connecticut

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center

Hi, my name is Simone Lawrence. I have been a nurse for the past 14 years and have been working as the Director of Nursing in a Group Home/Residential setting for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Working in community health has opened my eyes  to the need for mental health providers which is why I decided to return to Pace University to pursue my degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I recently graduated and am excited to join Strength of the Mind! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to working with you all. Thank you. 

Education:

Pace University - M.S. Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health) - 2023

Credentials:

Licensed Nurse Practitioner in New York

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center 

Hi! My name is Alejandra Brito. I've been a registered nurse for nearly six years now. I finished my Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree at Pace University about a year ago, and I am extremely happy to join the Strength of the Mind team. My desire to raise mental health awareness has guided my work path, and I am excited to continue making a good contribution in this field. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, particularly my dogs, and practicing self-care. I am devoted to providing excellent treatment and look forward to working with you.

Education:

Pace University - M.S. Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health) - 2023

Chamberlain University - B.S. Nursing (2018)

Lehman College - B.A - Major in Sociology and Minor in Psychology (2015) 

Credentials:

Licensed Nurse Practitioner in New York

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center 

Hi, I’m Kristie. I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who’s passionate about helping people feel heard, supported, and understood. I know how heavy life can feel at times, and my goal is to create a safe, comfortable space where you can openly share what you’re going through without fear of judgment. I believe mental health care works best when it’s collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to you as a whole person. I’m so excited to be joining the Strength of the Mind Psychiatry team and to support individuals and families in our community on their mental health journey. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I spent nine years working in the Emergency Department at Westchester Medical Center. That experience shaped who I am as a provider — it taught me the importance of compassion, quick thinking, and listening when people are facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives. When I’m not at work, you can usually find me cheering on the New York Mets, spending time outdoors, baking something sweet, or enjoying quality time with my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of your care, and I look forward to supporting you every step of the way. 

Education:

Mount Saint Mary College- Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (2025) 

Dominican College- MS Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)

 2022 Mount Saint Mary College- BS (Nursing) 2014 

Credentials:

Licensed Nurse Practitioner in New York 

Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Sharon and Jewel met by chance during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their fierce love for the New York Rangers hockey team lead them to an online fans group, where their friendship began and has blossomed ever since.

Sharon has over 20 years of administrative experience, and we are fortunate to have her as a part of the team.

Now residing in Daytona Beach, Fl, Sharon is an essential part of the Strength Of The Mind Psychiatry team!