Justin Kahn, Owner, LPC, NCC, SAC, ACS
We can all benefit from talking to a therapist! Someone who can listen objectively without judgment and help us work through life’s difficult issues. My name is Justin Kahn, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have many years of experience and success helping adolescents and families cope with stress as well as learn new ways to communicate and manage their emotions. I also provide services for adults who are looking for a non-judgmental, objective ear to listen and help create positive changes in their lives.
I provide a genuine and safe place for my clients and utilize an integrative therapeutic approach that is client-centered. It may be difficult to get a good idea of what a therapist has to offer simply by browsing through profiles so please don’t hesitate to give us a call to learn more.
Robert Guiliano, LPC
Practice Manager
Robert is a Licensed Professional Counselor and received his undergraduate degree in psychology with a concentration in forensics from Stockton College. He went on to receive his MS in mental health counseling from Monmouth University. Robert has spent the majority of his career working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families across multiple settings. Robert has a depth of knowledge working with issues including depression, anxiety, difficulties with emotional regulation, suicidal ideation, and self-injurious behaviors. Robert primarily utilizes a combination of both DBT and CBT skills to enhance a client’s sense of control in their life. In his free time, Robert enjoys spending time outside doing anything from gardening to exercising.
Stacilynn Waldman, Administrative Assistant
Stacilynn has a strong background in the mental health field, having worked as an Early Intervention therapist since 2004. She loves working with children, focusing on those with special needs. Stacilynn is a mom of boy/girl twins. She loves snuggling with her dogs, going to the beach and traveling with her fiancé.
Christine Papaleo, Administrative Assistant
Christine comes to us with experience in human resources, payroll and as an Administrative Assistant. Christine, most recently, took time off to devote to raising her two daughters, ages 12 and 10. Christine enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, reading, cooking, going to the beach and is an avid fan of soccer.
Lauren Ravitz, Administrative Assistant
Lauren comes to us with experience in billing, payroll and as an administrative assistant. Lauren and her husband have two daughters, ages 15 and 13, as well as an energetic mini goldendoodle. Lauren enjoys reading, traveling and watching her daughters soccer, basketball, and dance teams compete.
Lori Amison, LPC, SAC, NCC, ACS
Clinical Director
Lori has her Masters Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey and is certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Student Assistance Counselor (SAC).
Lori has over 25 years of experience working with those struggling with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADD, behavioral issues and substance abuse. She works with school age children through adults and also offers couples counseling.
Katie Munger, LPC, ACS
Clinical Director
Katie has been a therapist since 2011 and a clinical supervisor since 2019. She graduated from Rider University in 2010 and has worked in various levels of care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient settings. She has experience providing group and individual therapy and works with older adolescents and adults. Katie has been DBT foundational trained and uses skills training in sessions as needed. She works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, pregnancy and postpartum adjustment, substance use, PTSD, and anger. Together, you will work on acceptance and change.
Caren Castaldo, LPC, SAC
Caren Castaldo is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 35 years of educational and leadership experience. Caren received her undergraduate degree from Monmouth University and her Master’s Degree and Student Assistance Counselor certificate from the College of New Jersey. She has extensive experience working with youth/adolescents and their families. She specializes in a variety of mental health issues including stress management, anxiety, trauma, depression, behavioral and anger management, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, substance abuse and LGBT issues. Caren’s goal is to help you find your potential and live a healthy and productive life.
Alison Locklear, LCSW, CEDS
Alison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She is experienced working with clients of varying ages, gender identity, race, culture, socioeconomic status, physical ability and sexual orientation. She currently works as a Senior Eating Disorders Therapist at an inpatient facility and has experience working with individuals and their supports through all levels of care.
Although Alison has a background working with all types of eating disorders, she specializes in individuals struggling with disordered eating with co-occurring obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) and those struggling with strong perfectionist/over-controlled tendencies that interfere with quality of life. Alison has specialized training in Exposure Response and Prevention (ERP) for OCD, Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Ecopsychology.
Alison received her Masters Degree in Social Work through New York University and earned a second Masters in Environmental Studies through the University of Pennsylvania with an individualized focus in Ecopsychology. She is trauma informed and also has experience in infertility, perinatal mental health, grief and sexual violence.
Paloma Amar, PsyD, LPC, MFT
Many of us spend our energy caring for others and their needs and little time caring for ourselves. It is difficult to take time out for ourselves. Going into therapy is a way of caring for ourselves. Having the courage to own our story, have self-empathy, and care for ourselves is a path to healing and growth. Growth and self-care are at the core of Paloma’s approach to therapy. Paloma has been a practicing clinician for over 30 years, approaching the therapeutic relationship as a partnership between herself and her clients. Paloma uses a strength perspective that promotes positivity and hope for the purpose of reaching the individual’s desired goals. Her approach is person-centered and strength-based, noting that painful experiences can be used to promote growth and move her clients towards a more fulfilling life. Paloma’s major areas of counseling experience include:
Depression,
Adoption,
Women’s issues,
Bariatric surgery readiness evaluation,
Bariatric pre- and post-operative intervention to ensure success,
Anxiety,
Self-esteem,
Assertiveness,
Problem-solving,
Grief and loss,
Adjustment reactions,
Couples counseling, and
Family therapy.
Paloma holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Barbara Paquette, LPC, LCADC
Barbara is dually licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is licensed in NJ and PA. Barbara has almost 10 years’ experience assisting adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, drug and alcohol problems, borderline personality disorders, and history of trauma including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Barbara’s approach is client centered focusing on each person’s individualized needs. She utilizes a combination of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused techniques to assist clients to achieve personal goals. Barbara is also trained in EMDR and is currently working towards becoming EMDR certified.
Michelle Spies, LCSW
Michelle (pronouns she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University with a clinical concentration in LGBTQ+ and gender studies. Michelle utilizes a person-centered, collaborative, and compassionate approach to help guide clients in achieving their goals. She has experience working with clients coping with depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ stressors, life stressors, transitional challenges, and adjusting to and managing change. Michelle utilizes a combination of psychotherapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness techniques, strengths perspective, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy that will help clients establish a secure sense of self and allow for acceptance and change.
Miriam Egan, LPC
Miriam is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentrating in Substance Use from the College of New Jersey and Masters of Education degree in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University. Miriam has experience working at the community level of care with children, adolescents, couples and families, and groups. Miriam utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing interventions to assist clients in developing coping skills by raising their consciousness of self.
Rachel Perry, LAC
Rachel is a Licensed Associate Counselor who earned her Masters in Counseling Services from Rider University. Rachel understands that her clients are the experts of their lives and, for that reason, aligns with a person-centered, collaborative and grounded approach to counseling. This enables Rachel to help support her clients as they work to reach their goals and build lives worth living. Rachel has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with struggles including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, life transitions, Grief & Loss, Eating Disorders & disordered eating habits, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and those just looking for someone to listen. Rachel has experience working with children, teens, young adults and adults. From completing internships in Hopewell Valley Regional School Distract to working in an outpatient practice, Rachel works hard to bring her truest and most knowledgeable self to every session.
Rachel is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Board Certified Life and Career Coach (BCC), Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor (CIEC) and 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (500-RYT).
Stephanie Luna, LAC, MCFCT, NCC
Stephanie takes a nonjudgmental and empathetic approach towards clients in creating a sense of belonging while tailoring sessions so that their goals include what is special about them. She believes collaboration, connection, and humor (lots of humor) are key to therapeutic success and moves at a pace that is right for the client. Stephanie typically employs a systemic and strengths-based approach while pulling therapy models such as Bowen, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, and DBT. She is trained in diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism.
Stephanie is a Licensed Associate Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. She received her BA from Rider University and her MA in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling and Therapy (MCFCT) from The College of New Jersey. She has experience working with young adults, adolescents, couples, and families. Every client of hers is valued and accepted.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys playing video games, traveling, and going to music shows. She hopes to revisit playing the violin one day and take lessons!
Kelly Yutz, LCSW
Kelly Yutz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her undergraduate Psychology degree from Drew University and her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. Kelly has years of experience working with adolescents and families, young adults, and adults across multiple settings including inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient treatment. Kelly uses a very warm and compassionate approach in building a therapeutic relationship to best support her clients in reaching their treatment goals. Kelly primarily works with clients who are working on; depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anger management, self-esteem, self-injury, suicidal ideations, and life transitions. Kelly uses numerous therapeutic interventions including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Person-Centered, Strengths Based, and Solution Focused.
Suzanne Gross, LAC
Suzanne is a Licensed Associate Counselor and National Certified Counselor who received her Masters degree from Rider University. Suzanne works under the supervision of Kathleen Lee, LPC, LCADC, ACS. Suzanne has experience working with adults and their families. Suzanne has worked at the partial hospital/intensive outpatient level of care with those struggling with emotion regulation, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem and stress. Suzanne believes in a compassion-focused, collaborative approach that helps to empower others to take steps towards their goals and living their best life. Her therapeutic approach includes, but is not limited to, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness. Suzanne has been, and continues to be a passionate advocate for those struggling with mental health as well as their loved ones.
Christina Mercado, LPC, NCC, SAC
Christina is certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and
Student Assistance Counselor. Christina completed her undergraduate degree at Kean
University and Master’s degree from Monmouth University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling,
with a specialization in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Christina has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults using various theoretical models and techniques to meet each client’s unique needs. She has a person centered approach in her clinical work and utilizes techniques such as DBT, CBT, and
Motivational Interviewing. She is experienced with working with a broad range of presenting
problems such as substance abuse, personality disorders, trauma, self-harm, depression,
anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. Christina feels building a rapport with her clients is an important part of the therapeutic process. She utilizes an empathetic and non-judgmental approach in order to create a safe space where her client’s can feel seen and heard.
Aubri Kaufman, LAC
Aubri (she/her/hers) is a trauma-informed Licensed Associate Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider University and is trained in EMDR. She is currently under the supervision of Clinical Supervisor, Kathleen Lee. Aubri has experience working with diverse clients from childhood through adulthood.
Aubri believes each person is the expert of their own life, and she enjoys collaborating with clients on their unique journeys towards growth, healing, and self-acceptance. She approaches care through a person-centered lens, creating a supportive and comforting space. She has worked with clients experiencing a myriad of concerns, including self-esteem, substance use / abuse, anxiety and depression, trauma, grief, disordered eating, interpersonal issues, life adjustments, and stress management through it all.
She spends most of her free time outside, tending her chickens, goats, and honeybees.
Karly Vanbrunt, LAC
Karly VanBrunt is a Licensed Associate Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling both from Rider University. Karly has professional experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings ranging from inpatient treatment to outpatient treatment who experience a wide variety of difficulties and diagnoses including but not limited to anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, personality disorders, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and more.
Karly combines effective evidence based practices with an eclectic therapeutic philosophy because she believes each person deserves an individualized approach to their treatment in which they feel they can take back control of their healing process and growth.
Karly’s philosophy is to work with each client to develop a therapeutic relationship in which you work together to uncover the underlying roots of a problem while simultaneously providing you with coping skills and strategies tailored to your individual needs and goals in an empathetic and compassionate manner.
Leighann Carl, LPC, CAGCS
LeighAnn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a certification as an Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist. LeighAnn obtained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Rider University in 2010 and went on to explore career opportunities before returning to school in 2016. She gained her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider University in 2019. Prior to returning to school, she spent 5 years working in the Autism community directly with children, adults, and family members. She would like to continue this passion to help caregivers of those with a developmental diagnosis.
After receiving her Masters LeighAnn worked for a non-profit in Trenton, NJ for 3.5 years as an Outpatient Therapist. She worked directly with clients facing poverty, substance use, trauma, grief, anxiety and at times, involvement with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency among many other dynamics. LeighAnn provides an open and safe environment combined with her compassion and understanding. She is proud to be an ally for the LGBTQ+ Community. Collaborating with the client on treatment plan goals they feel they are ready to explore while utilizing techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-centered therapy and mindfulness.
When not working LeighAnn likes to spend time doing arts and crafts or relaxing with her various animals inside and outside: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and quails.
Dawn Ruane, LAC
Dawn is a Licensed Associate Counselor under the supervision of Ashley Schaffer, LPC, ACS. Dawn earned her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. Dawn illustrates that each individual child is distinct with their own paramount story, acknowledging that children should be understood, embraced and celebrated. She is passionate about assisting children and their families, all while supporting the notion of helping to make the world a brighter place, while introducing new and positive levels of understanding for families. Dawn has experience using evidence-based practices and person-centered treatment modalities as well as helping clients strengthen their social, emotional, and executive skills.
Diane Rottkamp, LCSW, LCADC
It takes courage and commitment to seek therapy. Diane meets that with appreciation and respect, gratefully bringing her 30 years of experience. She uniquely values each person that she helps, providing group, individual, couples, and family therapies. Diane successfully uses many techniques to creatively assist you in your goals. She mindfully paces this work as you are ready. Diane treats all areas of mental health, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, mood issues, and addiction-related issues in all life situations.