The Roots Of Loneliness Medical Review Board
Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of our research and content is our highest priority.

Trust. It’s the very foundation on which The Roots Of Loneliness Project is built.

In fact, we feel that the LAST thing you should ever do is wonder if what you are reading is accurate or medically relevant.

Whether you’re resonating with an article about feeling lonely after the loss of a loved one, or reading one of our research studies or surveys on loneliness, our first priority even before writing our first sentence is ensuring medical correctness and integrity.

Upholding this mission means that:

  • All content is researched, fact-checked, vetted, and reviewed for medical accuracy by one or more members of our medical review board.
  • Information is sourced from trustworthy publishers and medical publications.
  • Medically peer-reviewed studies and research are utilized whenever possible.
  • Articles are updated on a frequent and regular basis as new, credible information becomes available.

To help us ensure this vision, we also invite you to please contact us if you feel any of the information on our site is inaccurate or needs review. 

Read our full medical disclaimer below.

MEET OUR TEAM

LCSW, PMH-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello, my name is Elyse Rella Rubio.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C) practicing in New York. I have a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Sociology from Fordham University.

I also have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International.

My passions are supporting and empowering my clients as they cope with and adapt to transitions in their lives, especially those related to pregnancy and motherhood.

When I am not providing therapy or helping The Roots Of Loneliness, I am busy chasing after my three sons, connecting with my husband, enjoying time with my family and friends, and squeezing in time to practice restorative self-care.

LCSW
Psychotherapist

Hello, my name is Marija Marinkovic.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York City for 7+ years. I obtained a Master's Degree in clinical social work from Fordham University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Montclair State University. I also have a background in music and obtained a bachelor's degree in music performance with a concentration in flute.

I have always been fascinated with the brain. My career as a social worker initially took off in the medical field, working for the Mount Sinai Health System in the Brain Injury Department and multiple sclerosis practice for the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Icahn School of Medicine.

I later moved on to private practice as a psychotherapist and currently treat clients with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and chronic illness.

In my free time, I enjoy playing music and baking layered cakes.

PhD, Psychology
Psychologist

Hello, my name is Christie Hartman.

I'm a psychologist, author, and coach who specializes in helping people have awesome relationships. I have an M.A. in clinical psychology and my Ph.D. – both from the University of Colorado – is in behavioral genetics, which is the study of the genetic underpinnings of behavior.

I've worked on research projects that examine developmental disability, ADHD, criminal behavior, and addiction.

In my post-science career, I've focused on relationships: how to find the right person, what makes a relationship work, and why they fail. I’ve also written 5 dating advice books on the subject.

Believe it or not, science can explain a certain amount of behavior regarding love, sex, and relationships, and I enjoy exploring those topics.

LCSW, PMH-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello, my name is Elyse Rella Rubio.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C) practicing in New York. I have a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Sociology from Fordham University.

I also have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International.

My passions are supporting and empowering my clients as they cope with and adapt to transitions in their lives, especially those related to pregnancy and motherhood.

When I am not providing therapy or helping The Roots Of Loneliness, I am busy chasing after my three sons, connecting with my husband, enjoying time with my family and friends, and squeezing in time to practice restorative self-care.

PhD, Psychology
Psychologist

Hello, my name is Christie Hartman.

I'm a psychologist, author, and coach who specializes in helping people have awesome relationships. I have an M.A. in clinical psychology and my Ph.D. – both from the University of Colorado – is in behavioral genetics, which is the study of the genetic underpinnings of behavior.

I've worked on research projects that examine developmental disability, ADHD, criminal behavior, and addiction.

In my post-science career, I've focused on relationships: how to find the right person, what makes a relationship work, and why they fail. I’ve also written 5 dating advice books on the subject.

Believe it or not, science can explain a certain amount of behavior regarding love, sex, and relationships, and I enjoy exploring those topics.

LCSW
Psychotherapist

Hello, my name is Marija Marinkovic.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York City for 7+ years. I obtained a Master's Degree in clinical social work from Fordham University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Montclair State University. I also have a background in music and obtained a bachelor's degree in music performance with a concentration in flute.

I have always been fascinated with the brain. My career as a social worker initially took off in the medical field, working for the Mount Sinai Health System in the Brain Injury Department and multiple sclerosis practice for the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Icahn School of Medicine.

I later moved on to private practice as a psychotherapist and currently treat clients with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and chronic illness.

In my free time, I enjoy playing music and baking layered cakes.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician if you have health questions or concerns. Although we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee is made to that effect.