Yissel graduated from Boston University with her bachelors of arts degree in psychology. As a kindergarten teacher at a Boston inner-city charter school, she felt compelled to fill the gap in addressing children’s mental health and coping skills, so she pursued her master of science degree in mental health counseling at Manhattan College. Yissel has experience working with children, teens, young adults, and their families to address concerns including anxiety, depression, and psychosocial stressors. Her approach is based on the wellness model, which focuses on highlighting patients’ strengths to optimize healthy lifestyles.