We're dedicated to instilling hope through the use of evidence-based interventions.
Our practice is designed to meet the needs of the members of our community by offering a variety of therapists with diverse backgrounds and specialties. It is our goal to match clients with a therapist that fits their needs.
Meet
Felicia Horne, LCSW
Owner and Founder
Felicia Horne (LCSW) is the Owner and Founder of Hope Therapeutic Services. Felicia is trained in various evidence-based practices of trauma informed treatment, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, ARC (Attachment Self-Regulation and Competence) as well as certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Felicia holds a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Additionally, Felicia, serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Partners for Health Foundation. Felicia is also a clinical consultant for local community organizations.
Read More About Felicia
Felicia Horne (LCSW) is the Owner and Founder of Hope Therapeutic Services. Felicia is trained in various evidence-based practices of trauma informed treatment, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, ARC (Attachment Self-Regulation and Competence) as well as certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Felicia holds a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Additionally, Felicia, serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Partners for Health Foundation. Felicia is also a clinical consultant for local community organizations.
Felicia believes that all of therapy is built on a foundation of hope. From such a foundation, combined with proper techniques and the desire to perform the self-compassion work an individual or family can begin to heal. This inspired the founding and development of Hope Therapeutic Services.
HOPE was birthed from a passion and commitment to help communities find healing through the power of developing their own internal and external resources. This passion includes supporting culturally inclusive policies and practices which combats mental health stigmas that hinder black and brown communities from taking steps of seeking therapeutic help.
As founder and owner of Hope Therapeutic Services, she has created a service provider which has successfully served thousands of clients since 2016. Hope Therapeutic Services has a growing team of diverse mental health professionals providing both office-based therapy, school-based services, and in-community therapy within the state of New Jersey.
Felicia is also the founder of Hope Lives Here Inc. a 501(c)(3). Hope Lives Here is a mentoring and social development extension of Hope Therapeutic Services.
Felicia Horne (LCSW) is the Owner and Founder of Hope Therapeutic Services. Felicia is trained in various evidence-based practices of trauma informed treatment, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, ARC (Attachment Self-Regulation and Competence) as well as certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Felicia holds a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Additionally, Felicia, serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Partners for Health Foundation. Felicia is also a clinical consultant for local community organizations.
Felicia believes that all of therapy is built on a foundation of hope. From such a foundation, combined with proper techniques and the desire to perform the self-compassion work an individual or family can begin to heal. This inspired the founding and development of Hope Therapeutic Services.
HOPE was birthed from a passion and commitment to help communities find healing through the power of developing their own internal and external resources. This passion includes supporting culturally inclusive policies and practices which combats mental health stigmas that hinder black and brown communities from taking steps of seeking therapeutic help.
As founder and owner of Hope Therapeutic Services, she has created a service provider which has successfully served thousands of clients since 2016. Hope Therapeutic Services has a growing team of diverse mental health professionals providing both office-based therapy, school-based services, and in-community therapy within the state of New Jersey.
Felicia is also the founder of Hope Lives Here Inc. a 501(c)(3). Hope Lives Here is a mentoring and social development extension of Hope Therapeutic Services.
Meet Our Team
OPERATIONS TEAM
Konniesha Moulton
Innovation and Leadership
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Konniesha M. Moulton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has more than 10 years of experience working within the child welfare system and the Children's System Of Care. Her roles included in-home therapeutic treatment, out of home placement facilities, juvenile justice and community resource agencies. Konniesha has created new program initiatives to support ongoing support for families and children within the community. During her career she trained in various trauma informed and promising practices models, including Attachment Self-Regulation and Competence (ARC), ARC GROW, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) , Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) and the Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma for Adolescents (ITCT-A). She has collaborated with various agencies to provide training in trauma such as: The NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency, created and provided the National Child Traumatic Stress Network “Child Welfare Trauma Toolkit” to staff in the local offices. She is passionate about working with children and families as well as teaching educational and best practices to clinicians and paraprofessionals working with individuals impacted by trauma.
Kristine Brown
Clinical Director
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Kristine Brown, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Her passion and dedication to provide high quality, authentic, trauma informed clinical support to others is exemplified through a decade of experience providing in-home counseling to individuals of various ages and family counseling. Though Kristine worked in a wide range of areas, her focus has been supporting youth and families who experienced complex traumas to engender hope and provide tools while experiencing involvement with child protective services (DCP&P), anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, abuse, grief and loss, PTSD, family communication issues, and the manifestation through behavioral issues.
Kristine also has 6 years of experience providing direct support to those who have developmental disabilities (DD) and encouraged independence in a residential setting, as well as also worked as a NJ certified Mental Health Screener in a psychiatric emergency room setting where critical assessments, especially suicidal assessments, were regularly completed.
In addition, Kristine has experience initiating a pilot counseling program at a high school in Newark, NJ, which provided individual and group counseling to the students, as was support to the teachers and staff, in the classroom and out. Currently Kristine manages a supportive housing program which gives parents with a history of homelessness, substance use and a mental health diagnosis the opportunity to have stable housing for their children who otherwise may have been removed from their care or if already in a placement, adopted.
Kristine is thrilled to continue to live her dream of helping others by supporting other Clinicians in their growth and work with supporting others. Kristine takes the time to form a meaningful connection with everyone, as each person is the expert in their own lives, and the best tool any Clinician has is their selves. She recognizes how clinical supervision presents the opportunity for a parallel process where clinicians in turn can demonstrate the same dynamics when working with others.
Amanda Schaller
LCSW, Clinical Manager
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Amanda Schaller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 15+ years working in a helping role. She began working with at-risk youth in residential settings, which then led to an established career within the Children’s System of Care in a care management and supervisory capacity. Amanda completed her Master’s of Social Work degree in 2018 from Fordham University and has worked in a clinical role with individuals experiencing a vast range of needs including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, challenging family dynamics, self-esteem, stress management, as well as dual-diagnoses including substance abuse and mental illness, youth, adolescents and adults with complex traumas, and individuals with intellectual and developmental needs throughout diverse settings.
Amanda is a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and specializes in Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Family Systems, while utilizing holistic healing and mindfulness methods such as breathwork stretching, affirmations, humor, and guided meditation. Amanda has an especially deep passion assisting individuals with navigating their own journeys of Grief and Loss in both the individual and peer group spaces. Amanda engages with a non-judgmental, relatable, and compassionate approach while understanding the unique and sensitive needs grieving individuals may be experiencing.
Amanda is committed to guiding others to a place of health, happiness, and healing by creating a space for reflection to enhance personal tools that can be used to work through conflict, maladaptive thoughts, and trauma.
Amanda is currently unable to accept new clients.
Please click the button below to join Amanda's waitlist.
Ayana Ainyette
LSW, Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives
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Ayana Ainyette is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. Her experience includes medical social work specifically with chronic kidney disease as well as chronic illness. Ayana has worked at Rutgers University School of Social Work as a counselor for college students aging out of DCP&P as well as a liaison for students in their social work field placement.
In addition Ayana has worked within the Child Welfare System (DCP&P) in Maryland, collaborating with parents/guardians, schools and other essential members of a client's team. Furthermore Ayana also has experience providing in-home counseling to individuals of various ages.
Ayana has worked primarily with clients that have depression, anxiety, trauma and utilizes Strengths based and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Mindfulness in addition to other therapeutic techniques.
Ayana enjoys working with various backgrounds including teens, young adults, families and the geriatric population and desires to have a collaborative therapeutic process with her clients. Ayana strives to create a welcoming environment where clients feel safe and comfortable to share how they are feeling.
Ayana is currently unable to accept new clients.
Please click the button below to join Ayana's waitlist.
THERAPISTS
Alexandria Riley
LPC
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Alexandria Riley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children, families, and individuals. Over the last 10 years Alex’s work has focused on providing clinical assessments and intensive in-home individual and family therapy for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Her skills focus on treating clients with a variety of symptoms related to foster care placement and adjustment, complex trauma, neglect, family crisis and stabilization, anger management, grief, depression, parenting skills, anxiety, and relational issues. Alex’s skills include clinical training using the Attachment, Self- Regulation and Competency framework (ARC model), Motivational Interviewing, as well as utilizing play and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Alex has extended her professional knowledge as the Clinical Supervisor at Hope Therapeutic Services, offering therapeutic support and clinical skills training for IIC service providers and therapists. Alex’s goal is to create a warm, empathic and supportive environment where clients’ strengths are used to foster hope and motivation toward achieving their goals.
Kelsey Devery
LCSW
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Kelsey Devery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Kelsey is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults to help them overcome life’s challenges and become the best version of themselves. Kelsey can acknowledge that young people are in a unique, formative stage of their lives in which they are exploring their identities and establishing their individual perspective about how they relate to the world. In work with clients, Kelsey likes to exercise a growth mindset and believe that all individuals are capable of change, development, and resilience regardless of the adversity, trauma, or psychosocial stressors they may have faced in their lives. As a social worker, she has spent her career working in urban and low-income areas, primarily with clients who are part of marginalized or underserved communities, and she is committed to providing culturally-competent care to all people, while advocating for systemic change, justice, and equality in our society. As a therapist, Kelsey utilizes a multi-dynamic approach, combining aspects of various therapeutic modalities and interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based interventions, Attachment theory, Family-systems theory, and Trauma-informed care.
Monique Roumo
LCSW
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Monique M. Roumo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to assisting clients in addressing a myriad of life challenges. She received her undergraduate degree from UMASS/Boston, and a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College School of Social Work. Monique has a worked with children, families and collaterals within field of Child Welfare for over 15 years in various capacities, where her focus was clinical studies including residential counseling, supervised therapeutic visitation to in-community crisis intervention. Monique has collaborated with Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P) in piloting initiatives such as Family Team Meetings, and Focus of Supervision with staff within CP&P (NJ). She draws on various modalities and treatment models such as Attachment Self-Regulation and Competence (ARC), ARC GROW, Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART), CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, etc. Monique’s expertise rests in helping clients successfully navigate challenges such as: complex trauma-experiences, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, depression, abuse and neglect, grief/loss, self-esteem, acculturation, LGBTQ etc. Through intentional collaboration, Monique works to increase efficacy and HOPE within clients.
Valencia Henry
LCSW
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Valencia Henry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 10 years of experience working with adults, children and adolescents in education, the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Valencia received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Kean University School of Social Work. After becoming licensed, Valencia has been working with mental health agencies and the Children's System of Care to provide crisis intervention therapy, individual and family therapy to youth and families both in the in-home and outpatient settings. She is a certified school Social Worker, a certified domestic violence advocate, and is trained in the Nurtured Heart Approach. Valencia is passionate about serving the community and enjoys the work she does with children, adults and families. Valencia utilizes her vast experience to implement CBT, Solution Focused and Strengths-Based approaches to the treatment of children, families, and individuals. Her goal is to help her clients maximize all internal and external resources to achieve their greatest potential.
Chyna Glover
LSW
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Chyna Lynn Glover is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
Chyna’s message to you:
If you find yourself reading this, I want to congratulate you for taking one of the bravest steps of your life, and that includes prioritizing your mental health. Any step that will mold and shape you towards self-awareness, true authenticity, and emotional wholeness, will be one of the greatest steps you take to date.
As a Social Worker, I have experience working with children, families, adults and the gereatric population. My clinical areas of focus include; Anxiety, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Grief, Trauma, Family - Relationships, Career Conflicts, Life Transitions, and working with First Responders (EMT’s, Police Officer’s, Child Welfare Worker, Fire Fighters, etc) As your clinician, I am here to let you know, you are not alone on your journey. You are the executive of your own life experience. Show me where you are on your journey and I will meet you! Through utilizing an Unconditional Positive Regard Approach, I stand firm on the foundation of creating a safe and non-judgemental environment, while assisting to guide you through the therapeutic process of authentically putting the puzzle pieces of your life together. My therapeutic style of marrying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with an Unconditional Positive Regard Approach, produces a deep nurturing, warm and down to earth environment for you to reveal the layers of your heart and meet your individual goals. I look forward to walking along the journey with you!
Fajr Salaam-Goodwin
LSW
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Fajr Salaam-Goodwin is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
Fajr's message to you:
I look forward to partnering with you to create a safe environment that promotes healing and self-awareness so that you have the ability to step into your growth. Every individual can benefit from therapy, therefore, I applaud you for taking the step towards improved mental health. As a social worker, I have gained an abundance of experience over the years working with youth, adults, and families. My passion is to work with those who are facing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, family-child conflicts, and working on enhancing personal relationships. As a clinician, my goal is to help you develop tools that will assist in reaching your full potential and assist you through the journey of life, which can be difficult at times. Individualizing and tailoring each session, I utilize many approaches and techniques to ensure that your needs are met. I look forward to creating that safe haven for you.
George Williams
LSW
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George Williams is a licensed social worker (LSW) who received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Widener University. Throughout his career, he has provided direct care services to children and adults in various residential, school, correctional, and hospital facilities. George enjoys working with individuals that have various challenges including but not limited to legal issues, gang involvement/at-risk, trauma, mental health, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. George's goal as a therapist, is to empower individuals and support their wellness needs. Individuals will be supported through various treatment modalities that are person centered and strength based.
Robyn Banker
LPC
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Robyn Banker is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has worked in the field of mental health for the past 11 years treating a wide variety of concerns. Robyn has worked in outpatient and non-profit settings providing clinical care to children, adolescents, adults, and families using various evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused treatment models, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques, among others. Additionally, Robyn has experience with behavioral interventions for children and adolescents, including support for parents. Robyn works from a person-centered, solution-focused, strengths-based approach and is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space to help her clients become their best selves.
Robyn believes that all individuals have the capacity to make positive changes in their lives and takes particular care to build a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. Robyn understands that every individual is unique and caters her therapeutic approach to each client's needs and goals, working collaboratively with her clients to ensure that she is providing the best care possible. Robyn's areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, anger management, trauma, family systems, parenting, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem, OCD, and LGBTQIA+ issues, among others
Dianna Kissi
LSW
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Dianna Kissi MSW, LSW is a licensed social worker (LSW) who is passionate about helping people to see hope in their situation. She aims to let her clients know that there today does not have to be their tomorrow. Dianna obtained her Master of social work degree at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, where she also attained her Addictions Counseling Training (ACT) certificate. Dianna is trained in CBT, psychodynamic theory, motivational interviewing as well as other psychotherapeutic treatment modalities. During the 6 years of her social work career, she has had the privilege of working with a variety of populations including individuals with disabilities, individuals with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, adults, and teenagers. When it comes to mental illness, Dianna believes in taking a strength-based approach. Most recently, Dianna worked in a community clinic where she not only provided therapeutic services to her clients but also assisted low income individuals and families in attaining housing, and other necessities, organized community events and workshops, and provided information and support for attaining government resources. Dianna also specializes in couples and family therapy and the facilitation of psychotherapeutic groups. Dianna believes that what she does is not only her profession but is a calling where she gets to partner with others to help them overcoming their circumstances and achieving fulfillment in their lives.
Rimona Kroll-Hornung
LSW
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Rimona Kroll-Hornung is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who utilizes a collaborative approach encompassing a holistic, culturally sensitive, and strength based therapeutic modality.
Rimona feels the human being is creative, and active, and has the capacity to overcome hardships, pain and despair. She hopes to empower others and help them bring enhanced meaning to their lives through personal growth. Rimona works with teens, adults and couples, and specializes in the following areas: Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Adjustment to Illness, Relationship difficulties, Trauma Experiences, Women’s Issues and Parenting Challenges.
Michelle Wingate
LSW
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Michelle Wingate is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and earned her graduate degree from Rutgers University. Her area of specialty includes an emphasis on addictive behaviors.
Michelle has dedicated her career to working with marginalized populations to create sustainable change, such as with youth and families under Children’s System of Care (CSOC), in residential programs for individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and with veterans and first responders (VFR).
Michelle understands that life is complex and messy, and is passionate about assisting clients with sorting through the chaos together to enjoy brighter days.
Michelle’s goal is to decrease the stigma of seeking support to help clients understand how beneficial therapeutic sessions with an objective clinician can truly be.
Rachael Ekenezar
LPC, Group Practice Therapist
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Rachael Ekenezar is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 10+ years of experience working with adolescents, families and adults. Rachael received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kean University. She has a wide range of experience utilizing CBT, parent coaching, goal setting and more with clients of all age groups. Her areas of speciality include emotional dysregulation, anxiety, goal setting, self-esteem and family issues. One of the main approaches she values is collaborating with the clients to aid them in achieving their goals and tailoring her therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each client.
Cristina Nicolau
LAC
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Cristina is licensed through the state of New Jersey as a Licensed Associate Counselor. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from St. Peter’s University and later earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Kean University. She is also a certified Yoga Therapist through the school of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.
She brings 12 years of experience working as a School Counselor, both in a private and public school setting. She also brings 2 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence in workforce development, empowering them to get back on their feet while learning not to depend on their abusers.
Cristina has experience working with pre-teens, teens, and individual adults struggling with a range of concerns. She is a believer in the mind-body connection, offering clients tools that help heal both the physical and cognitive manifestations of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges. Some treatment modalities that Cristina specializes in include but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Yoga Therapy.
Anna Kelly
LCSW, LCADC
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Anna Kelly is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with over eight years of experience in the treatment of a range of clinical conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment disorders, as well as more challenging diagnoses in the spectrum of mood, personality, and substance use disorders. Additional areas of specialization include pre-surgical psychological evaluations, immigration, and professional fatigue and burnout. Thanks to many years of extensive training and diverse experience, Anna has excelled at integrating a broad range of psychotherapeutic modalities that are tailored to the needs of her clients and has succeeded in providing evidence-based therapy at different levels of care, across all populations.
Anna is active in the teaching community and supervises therapy graduate students across the tri-state area. She has led treatment team meetings, state regulatory and quality assurance conferences, and workshops in conducting assessments and treatment planning. Additionally, Anna is co-founder and board member of a non-profit organization that raises money for children with cerebral palsy.
Anna believes in emotional healing as a transformative process of repair and recovery in mind, body and spirit resulting in positive change, self-actualization, and personal fulfilment. Her goal is to create safe environment that nurtures psychological healing, where clients can focus on developing a stronger sense of self-awareness, enhancing communication skills, and improving interpersonal relationships.
Sandy Alzubi
LSW
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Sandy Alzubi is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) earning a degree in Social Work from Hunter College and a degree in Child Advocacy from Montclair State University. Sandy is a fully bilingual (English/Spanish) bicultural Latina therapist that uses a person centered and mindfulness-based approach in her practice. Sandy brings 20 years of experience of working as a School Social Worker. Her vast experience in working with children, adolescents and families gives her a unique perspective on issues that directly impact their lives.
Sandy holds a clinical certificate from NJITP and received advanced training in the mental health treatment of children and adolescents. In addition, she holds a clinical certificate in Bowen family systems theory from Rutgers University. Some of the areas she specializes in are life adjustment issues, cultural adaptation issues, anxiety, and grief and loss. Her work with teens revolves around pregnancy prevention, peer relationships, and self-esteem. An area of special interest for her is working and advocating for the needs of special needs children.
By working with Sandy through a collaborative approach you will find a supportive, affirming, and non-judgmental space where your own unique experience and inner strengths will shape and guide your life journey so you can become the person you are uniquely meant to be.
Rachel Altounian
LAC, Therapist/ Clinical Intake Coordinator
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Rachel Altounian is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) committed to working collaboratively with her clients to improve self-acceptance, clarify the path they are walking, and cope with the unique difficulties they experience. She received a Master of Science from Capella University, where she absorbed the impact of nonjudgment and positive regard in therapeutic spaces. Her work focuses on existentialism and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. She believes in the potential that comes from empowering clients and the influence that self-actualization can have, both personally and globally. Rachel supports and empowers her clients to pursue their most authentic and fulfilled lives.
Rachel's areas of specialty include working with adolescents and adults on conflicts that may arise involving life transitions, LGBTQ identity, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, ADHD, grief, and relationship difficulties. She enjoys providing unconditional support for clients as they work through the highs and lows of life. When not counseling, Rachel writes and plays music, runs, spends time with loved ones, and crochets.
"As I actualize, I uncover" - Martin Buber, I and Thou
Josbeth Jean
LSW, Intensive In-Community Therapist /
Group Practice Therapist
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Josbeth Jean is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who speaks conversational Creole and is passionate about guiding children, adolescents, and families through life's ups and downs.
With a Master's degree from Rutgers University, she has developed a client-centered approach that emphasizes empowerment and collaboration. Josbeth believes individuals already hold the answers to their questions; her role is to help uncover and understand them through a collaborative process.
Josbeth has experience supporting students' emotional and social well-being, as well as extensive knowledge in collaborating with schools, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), and partial hospitalization programs. Her specialties include working with children, adolescents, and adults on challenges such as ADHD, grief, trauma, conflict resolution, and transitions.
Josebeth loves helping people discover their strengths, witnessing clients' growth and transformation, and she finds immense joy in building strong, supportive relationships with those she serves.
When she is not working, Josbeth loves spending time with her family and traveling to new places.
Favorite Quote: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou
Nick Cousar
MSW, Behavioral Assistant / Group Facilitator
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Nick embarked on his academic journey at Delaware State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English. This educational foundation provided him with a rich understanding of communication and language—an asset he would later integrate into his work in mental health.
In 2022, Nick's pursuit of deeper knowledge and skills led him to Montclair State University, where he obtained his Master of Social Work degree. This pivotal step equipped him with the tools and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of mental health care with compassion and professionalism.
For over 14 years, Nick has immersed himself in the mental health field, gaining invaluable experience in a variety of roles. His diverse background has honed his ability to adapt to different contexts and effectively meet the needs of those he serves.
Nick's passion for working with youth and families shines through in his professional endeavors. Trained in The Council for Boys and Young Men, Active Parenting, Cultural Humility, and ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency), Nick possesses a comprehensive skill set tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young people and their families.
What truly sets Nick apart is his genuine commitment to prioritizing the needs of the youth he serves. Known for his ability to establish rapport and cultivate healthy therapeutic relationships, Nick's approach is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and a deep understanding of adolescent development.
In his practice, Nick consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the voices of youth are heard and respected. By fostering an environment of trust and open communication, he empowers his clients to explore their emotions, navigate life's challenges, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Elise Pajot-Keiler
Mentor
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Elise Pajot-Keiler is passionate about advocacy and supporting individuals and families with a focus on the strengths and gifts they already possess. She cares deeply about social advocacy and connecting families to the support they need to be successful.
Elise is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring new cultures, cuisines, farmers markets and thrift stores. "The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food." - Dean Ornish
Celine Tardy
LSW
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Celine Tardy is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who graduated from Columbia School of Social Work (CUSSW) in 2013.
Throughout her social work career, in both clinical community and acute care settings, she has provided strength-based clinical interventions to support the diverse needs of individuals, particularly adults, adolescents, and families. She has offered empathetic support including long and short-term psychotherapy, case management, and advocacy. These various roles gave her experience working with clients who experienced a large range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
While working in these roles, Celine was able to show a strong capacity to build rapport with clients and prioritize the specific needs of each individual. Celine applies various clinical skills such as intentional engagement, active listening, empathy and collaboration to establish goals and support individuals in need. She is well-versed in a variety of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Nafeesahn Clinton (Nafessa)
LSW
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Nafeesahn Clinton (Nafessa) is a Licensed Social Worker, who holds a NJ School Social Worker Certification, and is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health with a Concentration in Gerontology, and later decided to further her education, by obtaining a Master's in Social Work from Kean University. Nafessa has a passion for working with youth, adults, and families, and has 20 years of experience servicing this population in different capacities. Her specialization is in areas such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem, family/relationship conflict, and adjustment disorder. She utilizes a strength-based approach which focuses on one’s individual’s strengths, knowledge, and abilities. This approach also recognizes that people are resilient and capable of change, growth, and learning.
Nafessa can always be heard telling people to be good to themselves, and her favorite quote is “she believed that she could, so she did” by R. S. Grey.
Shawnequa Moore
LSW
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Shawnequa Moore is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with over 13 years of dedicated service as a Family Service Worker for Essex County, specializing in supporting individuals in need of public assistance. In 2019, Shawnequa shifted her career trajectory by pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University and in 2021 began working as a School Social Worker.
Shawnequa's passion for therapy led her to work as an Intensive In-Community (IIC) worker, and in 2023, she began providing student support services to assist with their emotional, social and prevention needs. Shawnequa is deeply committed to helping youth and adolescents navigate their emotions and develop the skills necessary to thrive independently. Her experience encompasses supporting individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and ADHD by utilizing cognitive reconstruction techniques, Motivational Interviewing as well as Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). Additionally, Shawnequa has experience in assisting youth with grief, suicide prevention, and safety planning.
Shawnequa encourages young people to focus on what they can control and to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. She believes that empathy is her greatest strength, and she strives to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where youth feel heard and supported. One of her favorite quotes by Maya Angelou resonates deeply with her approach: “People may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel."
