NEST was co-founded by Dr. Allyson Hentel-Koplin and Dr. Annette Zygmunt
NEST was co-founded by Dr. Allyson Hentel-Koplin and Dr. Annette Zygmunt, who first connected while pursuing advanced training in the School Neuropsychology Post-Graduate Certification Program through the American Board of School Neuropsychology. Drawing on our specialized education and extensive experience in both schools and hospital clinics, we established NEST to deliver comprehensive, strength-based neuropsychological assessments and treatment plans.
Our philosophy centers on creating recommendations that are tailored to each child’s unique learning profile, emphasizing their strengths while addressing specific needs. We are committed to providing clear, actionable feedback and practical interventions that truly make a difference in a child’s daily life. Our combination of expertise and dedication sets NEST apart as a trusted resource for families and professionals..
Dr. Allyson Hentel-Koplin is a New York State-licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families in New York City. She is an adjunct professor at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and is IFS (Internal Family Systems) Level 1 Certified. Dr. Hentel-Koplin received her BA from Colgate University and earned her MA and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University. She completed her clinical internship at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine, Child/Adult Track, and holds a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology from the American Board of School Neuropsychology.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hentel-Koplin has developed a specialty in working with children, adolescents, and families, with a focus on developmental, learning, and social-emotional concerns. She draws from a broad range of evidence-based treatment modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems, to provide efficient and effective care tailored to each individual.
In her private practice, Dr. Hentel-Koplin offers psychotherapy, psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations, parent guidance, school consultation, and social skills groups. She is deeply committed to collaborating with families and schools to foster environments where children and teens can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Dr. Hentel-Koplin’s experience includes working for the Educational Review Bureau, where she conducted early childhood admission assessments and consulted with leading preschools and independent schools throughout New York City. She also served for ten years as a school psychologist at the Horace Mann School, providing psychological assessment, intervention, program development, and support for students and families.
As a mother of three daughters, Dr. Hentel-Koplin understands firsthand the joys and challenges of raising children in New York City. She brings empathy, real-world insight, and a collaborative spirit to her work, helping families navigate developmental transitions and school choices with confidence.
Dr. Annette Zygmunt is a New York State-licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center. She also holds a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology from the American Board of School Neuropsychology.
Dr. Zygmunt earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. After completing her doctorate, Dr. Zygmunt enrolled in the Columbia University Parent-Infant Psychotherapy Program (PIP) where she received extensive training in early childhood development and assessment as well as parent-infant psychotherapy. For the last fifteen years, Dr. Zygmunt has continued to hone her expertise in early childhood (ages 0 to 5) clinical work. Since 2008 she has served as the head psychologist at the Columbia University Medical Center’s Neonatal Follow-Up program where she has provided assessments and parent-infant treatment to children born extremely premature and with a variety of genetic and medical complications. She also has over a decade of experience as an early childhood psychologist for the New York City Early Intervention Program and the Committee for Preschool Special Education.
At Columbia, Dr. Zygmunt has also been involved in research assessing the long-term impact of various medical issues on children’s cognitive and academic functioning. In this capacity, she has conducted comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations of school aged children and adolescents with a variety of learning, language, attention/executive function, and developmental disabilities. Her evaluations include assessment of social-emotional functioning and co-occurring psychiatric concerns. Dr. Zygmunt’s work includes the provision of recommendations for families and educators in implementing academic, social, and behavioral interventions for the children who have been evaluated.
Dr. Zygmunt has developed a sub-specialty of working with adopted children and has also completed a postdoctoral training in Adoption Therapy at Hunter College.
Dr. Zygmunt lives and works in New York City with her husband, two daughters and a parti poodle!