About Us
Paula Zuffante, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
Dr. Zuffante obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus in neuroscience from Boston College. She earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a neuropsychology specialization from the University of Florida at Gainesville. She went on to complete a clinical internship in pediatric and adult neuropsychology at Brown University's Clinical Psychology Training Consortium and a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Before relocating to the Capital Region, Dr. Zuffante played an integral role in establishing the Pediatric Neuropsychology Program at Schneider Children's Hospital in Long Island, serving as clinician, researcher, and educator. Her research primarily explored neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI) and executive functions. Dr. Zuffante founded Children's Neuropsychological Services, PLLC, in 2002 and expanded the scope of her practice by starting Neuropsychological Consulting Services in 2024. She is board certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), with a subspeciality certification in pediatric neuropsychology. In her professional practice, Dr. Zuffante provides services for individuals of all ages with neurological and developmental conditions. She thoroughly integrates medical and educational histories into her evaluations to gain a complete understanding of each client's needs. Her dedication extends to collaborating with educational and healthcare professionals, providing specialized training, and supporting legal cases with forensic neuropsychology expertise. Additionally, Dr. Zuffante actively contributes to the field by serving on the New York State Association of Neuropsychology's Pediatric Interests and Professional Affairs Committee. She reviews practice samples for the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, provides ad hoc peer reviews for neuropsychology research journals, and supervises clinical interns and postdoctoral fellows.
Emily Berkowitz, Psy.D.
Dr. Berkowitz obtained her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Binghamton, majoring in psychology and applied behavioral analysis. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) from William James College, focusing on treating children and their families. She completed her APA internship at the Brenner Center Assessment & Consultation Center and Youth & Family Psychotherapy Services in Newton, MA. Her postdoctoral training in clinical psychology was completed at Mindwell in Albany, NY, and at Children's Neuropsychological Services, PLLC, under the supervision of Paula Zuffante, PhD. Dr. Berkowitz has expertise in evaluating autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, and comorbid mental health concerns. She offers thorough evaluations, consults with schools and outpatient providers, and helps families facing developmental, behavioral, and emotional issues using evidence-based interventions. Dr. Berkowitz employs a flexible and comprehensive approach to conducting evaluations and prioritizes spending time with families during feedback appointments to ensure they leave with a strong understanding of the results and confidence in the continuation of care and appropriate next steps. Additionally, Dr. Berkowitz provides professional development for school staff and parents on school refusal, behavioral challenges, and other psychological needs using evidence-based interventions. She also offers parent training groups and provides interventions for executive function support and school refusal. Dr. Berkowitz has worked in a wide range of settings with individuals across the lifespan. She collaborates with parents to address various behavioral concerns in young children, including disruptive behaviors (noncompliance/tantrums, verbal/physical aggression), anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Morgan D. Marruso, Psy.D.
Consultant
Morgan Marruso, PsyD, obtained her bachelor's degree at the University at Albany, majoring in psychology. She earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences and a doctorate (PsyD) in clinical psychology, with a focus in neuropsychology, from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Dr. Marruso completed an APA-accredited internship through Immaculata University in Pennsylvania at Bancroft Neurorehabilitation in Southern New Jersey, an outpatient and residential treatment facility for individuals with acquired and traumatic brain injuries; and in the Student Health Services Center at Rutgers University. She completed a two-year postdoctoral residency training at Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut's Medical Rehabilitation and Behavioral Services. She has worked in hospital and rehabilitation settings providing evaluations, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy, and contributing to treatment planning. Dr. Marruso is a lifespan neuropsychologist, with expertise in assisting children and adults across a wide range of neurodevelopmental, neurological, medical, psychiatric, and behavioral conditions. She conducts comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, consults with families, physicians, and educational institutions, and formulates individualized recommendations and referrals based on her findings. In addition to her work with NCS, Dr. Marruso is on staff at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, where she engages in both inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations and participates in the hospital's multidisciplinary team to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Lorin Williams, Psy.D.
Consultant
Dr. Williams obtained her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Binghamton, majoring in psychology and biology. She earned a doctorate (PsyD) in clinical psychology with a focus on neuropsychological and psychological assessment from William James College. She completed an APA internship at Mount Sinai Medical School at Elmhurst Hospital in New York, and a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in lifespan clinical neuropsychology at the Texas Medical School in Houston. She contributed to a multidisciplinary team on an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, completing pre- and post-surgical evaluations with children and adults. She also worked in the Children’s Learning Institute and the Neurocognitive Disorders Clinic, conducting outpatient neuropsychological evaluations of individuals with a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, learning disorders, and dementia. Dr. Williams is a lifespan neuropsychologist who has been a licensed psychologist in New York State since 2015. She has expertise in evaluating children and adults with neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions, and/or learning difficulties. She conducts evaluations in both English and Spanish. Her comprehensive evaluations involve direct communication with families, schools, physicians, and other treatment providers. She observes students in the classroom setting and participates in meetings with school special education committees as needed. She provides individualized recommendations to improve learning, school performance, and daily life. In addition to her work at NCS, Dr. Williams consults with Children’s Neuropsychological Services and other healthcare and nursing home facilities. She also teaches at Mohawk Valley Community College and SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Her research has focused on leveraging technology to help students learn, engage, and be more successful in school. Dr. Williams is an active member of several regional, national, and international associations, including the Psychological Association of Northeastern New York (PANNY), where she serves as the Secretary to the Board, the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA), and the International Neuropsychological Society (INS).
