Office Staff
NICOLE CHUMSKY
CEO & Founder
Nicole Chumsky is the CEO and Founder of Be Embodied, LLC, a holistic mental health and mindfulness practice supporting individuals in living more embodied, mindful, and meaningful lives. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor and experienced yoga and mindfulness instructor, her work weaves together counseling, movement, and trauma-informed care to support the whole person. Nicole believes that healing is most sustainable when both clients and practitioners feel supported, resourced, and valued.
Under her leadership, Be Embodied offers therapy, workshops, yoga and meditation, and a personalized provider-matching model within a culture rooted in clarity, compassion, and balance. She remains deeply committed to expanding access to trauma-informed care and creating spaces where people can truly thrive.
RICH CHUMSKY
CFO
MELANIE CHANDLER
Executive Assistant
Melanie is our longest serving tribe member and has been greeting each and every one of our patients with a warm smile since 2017. Melanie is our Assistant Office Manager and is one of your primary points of contact at both of our locations.
Melanie is a loving wife, dedicated mother of one and passionate dog owner. She loves working our front desk at Be Embodied because she loves helping people. Melanie is always open to taking your calls and answering all of your questions; or even just a call to say hello!
Vanessa Redwing
Operations Manager
Meet our Operations Manager at Be Embodied, who oversees daily operations and customer service for clients at both our Kenmore and Williamsville locations.
Vanessa has a daily mindfulness practice that is woven into her mental, physical & spiritual wellness. Her practices include yoga, qigong, meditation, breathwork, energy work and sound healings. Vanessa has developed a combination of these modalities as tools for wellness, which she leads in private and group sessions.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Science, both her theses concentrated on Environmental Monitoring. She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, YTT200, Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, Breath of Gold Breathwork Facilitator and Level II Sound Healing Practitioner.
Tiffany
Receptionist
Tiffany joined the Be Embodied team as a Receptionist in November 2023.
Tiffany values family and making a positive difference in people’s lives. She values honesty and integrity in her actions and relationships with others.
With fairness and hard work, she likes to go above and beyond.
Sarah Westphal
Receptionist
Sarah has her bachelor’s degree in history from the University at Buffalo, where she is currently attending classes to become a mental health counselor. She believes that, with the right support, everyone is capable of growing stronger and more confident and comfortable with themselves.
Sarah and her husband recently moved back to Buffalo with their dog and are eager to become more active community members in the city they chose as their home.
Elise Kellner
Receptionist
Elise is a dedicated professional who values harmony, collaboration, and mutual respect. As a proud mom to a very active growing boy, she brings patience, care, and a solutions-oriented mindset to her work. Elise appreciates being part of a team that prioritizes mental well-being, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. Outside the office, she enjoys time with her family, painting, hiking, practicing yoga, and cheering on the softball field. She believes that nature and movement are essential for recharging and showing up with focus, energy, and a positive attitude.
Tiffany
Receptionist
Tiffany joined the Be Embodied team as a Receptionist in November 2023.
Tiffany values family and making a positive difference in people’s lives. She values honesty and integrity in her actions and relationships with others.
With fairness and hard work, she likes to go above and beyond.
Nadera Akther
Receptionist
Nadera Akther is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Buffalo state University. She’s Passionate about technology and creativity, with a strong interest in photography. Outside of Academics, Nadera Loves traveling, trying new foods, and meeting new people. She finds joy in connecting with others and sharing meaningful experiences that broaden her perspective.“
Kahlil Johnson
Front Staff Team Lead
Kahlil is a Buffalo native who is excited about working to help eliminate the stigma around mental health. Kahlil has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University at Buffalo.
Kahlil is a loving husband and dog owner who enjoys movies, sports, travel, and trivia. He is glad to have found himself in the right place, at the right time in his life.
Shannon
Receptionist
Shannon joined the Be Embodied team as a receptionist in June 2024 and knows this is exactly where she is meant to be.
As a Certified Transformational Health and Life Coach with degrees in psychology and health promotion, Shannon believes strongly in the integration of all aspects of health for holistic healing. Shannon is also in the process of going back to school to become a therapist.
Shannon’s personal health practices are foundational guideposts to her life. She loves to guide and empower others on their individual journeys.