NEW YORK, NY, December 19, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- George Michael Cuesta, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by nearly 50 years of dedicated service, education and community engagement, Dr. Cuesta has led a distinguished career in clinical psychology and neuropsychology. Also an expert in Buddhist studies and devoted learner, he has served as an education volunteer at Shantideva Meditation Center in Brooklyn since 2008 — including service on its board from 2010 to 2017 — through which he teaches courses and educates numerous students on best Buddhism and meditation practices. His passion for Buddhism began when he visited a temple in the northwestern region of Thailand during a family wedding trip; the serenity of the temple and its monks and nuns struck a chord with him as he connected with their practical, down-to-earth philosophies.

In 2025, Dr. Cuesta served as a clinical neuropsychologist at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan. His international work reflected his passion for providing exceptional care and allowed him to engage in community service initiatives such as providing mental healthcare in Thimphu, exemplifying his commitment to helping others through everything he does.

From 2021 to 2022, Dr. Cuesta was a licensed clinical psychologist with the United States Air Force at Alconbury in England, where he leveraged his adaptability and expertise to deliver psychological services and cognitive behavioral therapy to active duty service members. Prior to that, he contributed as a clinical neuropsychologist at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in New York City, where he provided specialized care for veterans and advanced the field of psychotherapy through his clinical acumen.

Dr. Cuesta's tenure with the Department of Veterans Affairs also included the dual roles of Supervisory Psychologist and Director of the Manhattan Vet Center Program. In these capacities, he led teams dedicated to supporting veterans' mental health and rehabilitation needs in the wake of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.

From 1999 to 2010, Dr. Cuesta was the Director of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York, overseeing comprehensive programs that improved patient outcomes and providing comprehensive teaching, mentorship and supervision for psychology practicum students and postdoctoral fellows.

Gaining valuable early experience in serving veterans through clinical assessments and treatments, Dr. Cuesta was a staff neuropsychologist at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn from 1997 to 1999 after completing a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. His foundational training also included internships at the University of California and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, as well as an earlier role as a counseling psychologist with the Veterans Benefits Administration's Vocational Rehabilitation & Counseling Division.

Outside of his teaching and hospital roles, Dr. Cuesta's career is equally notable for the breadth and impact of his military service. He served as Captain in the Medical Service Corps of the United States Army Reserve from 1999 to 2004, including deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Earlier, he was a commissioned officer — rising from Second Lieutenant to Captain — in the United States Army on active duty from 1978 to 1985, with assignments at Fort McClellan in Alabama, Fort Myer in Virginia and postings in Augsburg and Garmisch, Germany.

Dr. Cuesta's exemplary service saw him recognized through numerous military honors, including two National Defense Service Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Meritorious Service Medal. Additionally, he was presented with the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Much of Dr. Cuesta's professional trajectory stems from his equally impressive academic achievements. He earned a Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies from Maitripa College, returning to school in 2022 after his enduring interest in Buddhism was sparked nearly 15 years earlier. Earlier on, he completed a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center in California in 1997 after earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University-San Francisco Bay in 1995.

Dedicated to the ideals of lifelong learning, Dr. Cuesta obtained a Master of Education in counseling from Boston University in Massachusetts in 1985 and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1978. He also completed internships at the University of California and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, further solidifying his foundation in psychology.

To augment his knowledge and credentials, Dr. Cuesta holds several certifications that underscore his commitment to professional excellence. He has been licensed as a psychologist by The University of the State of New York Education Department Office of the Professions since 1996 and holds graduate certificates in Teaching and Learning Strategies for Higher Education from Harvard University as well as in Disability Studies from the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Dr. Cuesta attributes much of his success to the early influence of his parents — his mother's patience, kindness and wisdom, along with his father's perseverance and determination — as well as the guidance of numerous teachers and mentors who generously shared their knowledge throughout his educational endeavors. Though he initially pursued a military career out of respect for his father's legacy as a New York City Police Department officer and Marine Corps veteran, he discovered his true calling after taking the Strong Interest Inventory assessment and enrolling in a class on clinical psychology.

To share his expertise and remain engaged with advancements within his field, Dr. Cuesta is professionally affiliated with the American Psychological Association, the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychological Society. He has also contributed a wealth of scholarly articles to advance discussions on brain injuries, cognitive impairment and dementia, with his works appearing in influential publications such as Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology and Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.

Beyond his professional and writing endeavors, Dr. Cuesta has also demonstrated significant civic involvement through volunteer work with Meals on Wheels in Portland from 2022 to 2024. An avid world traveler throughout his life, he continues to take great fulfillment in practicing Buddhism, studying Buddhist philosophy, visiting temples around the world and exploring new destinations and cultures.

Looking to the future, Dr. Cuesta intends to continue serving others by specializing further in psychological services for elderly populations while maintaining volunteer leadership roles at Shantideva Meditation Center. He also plans to divide his time between New York City and Portugal after securing a D7 visa, continuing his lifelong journey defined by compassion, continuous learning and service to those in need across world cultures.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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