WHO WE ARE

We are a group of professionals with years of experience in the treatment of anxieties and phobias.   All of us have been on staff at the Anxiety & Phobia Centers at White Plains and St. Vincent’s Hospitals, White Plains, New York.  We have helped hundreds overcome their fear of flying.  We have the expertise–you have the opportunity to learn how to fly fearlessly.

Meet our Staff

Judy Chessa, LMSW

Judy is a licensed social worker, who has over 30 years’ experience in the treatment of phobias and anxieties. She was the director of the Anxiety & Phobia Treatment Center in White Plains for 28 years.  Her main focus has been on helping those with phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. “I found help for my phobias (including flying) more than 30 years ago via the White Plains Anxiety and Phobia Center.  There was a time I would not fly at all, but with the education and therapy I received at the Center, I am now happy to fly anywhere—even alone. I wish this success for you!”

Barbara Bonder

I became a counselor at The Anxiety and Phobia Center at White Plains Hospital over 30 years ago, after recovering from agoraphobia.  I used CBT and exposure therapy in my recovery and have used the same methods for my clients.  I have experience working with various phobias, including flying. Our program goal is to help you fly with confidence and no longer fear flying. I am proud of what I have achieved and I know we can help you achieve success also.

Anne Lian

I started at the Anxiety and Phobia Center in 2007 attending phobia workshops and focusing on CBT and exposure therapy methods to overcome phobias.  Since I had been claustrophobic, I had a personal understanding of how phobias can affect our lives.  With my training, I have now worked in all the Freedom to Fly workshops and many others including health anxiety disorder and OCD.  I have seen so many fearful flyers become future flyers—I hope to see you at the airport!

Patty Vaughn, RN

Patty has been an anxiety and phobia counselor for 13 years working in freedom to fly programs and in the phobia and health anxiety workshops. She is also a registered nurse counselor and educator and facilitates support groups for cancer patients with anxiety. Because of her extensive professional experience, Patty understands how destructive negative catastrophic thinking can be on daily quality of life.  She will bring that leadership to the next flying fearlessly workshop.