Kathy Rivera serves as executive director and CEO for North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, a children’s mental health organization that focuses on bringing hope and healing to young people struggling with a wide range of emotional challenges.

Rivera, who took on the leadership role at the guidance center in June 2021, has been successfully managing the operations of the agency during the unprecedented mental health crisis that was brought on by the pandemic. Over the last few years, there has been an epidemic of anxiety, depression and fear among children and teens.

Rivera, who earned her Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College of the City University of New York and her Master of Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work, has 22 years of experience as a social worker, along with expertise in management. Her deep knowledge of clinical treatment, mental health policy and agency operations provides profound insights and perspective on the ever-changing landscape of mental health.

At North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Rivera leads a team of highly trained psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors and family advocates, all with expertise and experience in working with children and families. The professionals develop specialized treatment plans for children and their families and employ a team approach to ensure that each child receives appropriate care and is monitored for risk and danger. The guidance center is based in Roslyn Heights, with additional locations in Manhasset and Westbury.