Our Counselors

Amelia Peverada, LPC

Philosophy of Care

My name is Amelia Peverada and I am an LPC in NJ. I graduated from Monmouth University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I also have a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I focused on treating addictions with both degrees. I have worked with a variety of populations from juvenile offenders to adults in outpatient settings. My experience has highlighted the importance of being warm and providing unconditional positive regard for those I work with.

I have a passion for helping people. I believe that therapy is a personal process and not a "one size fits all" approach. I believe it's important to create a safe space where you are comfortable sharing and don't feel judged. Sometimes we struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, or anger and we need help finding ways to cope. Sometimes life just gets complicated. Whatever the obstacle may be, I am here to help you regain your sense of strength and control. I use a variety of approaches based on the individual need/concern, such as CBT, DBT and motivational interviewing.

I look forward to working with you as you navigate this next chapter of your life!

Education

Masters in Mental Health Counseling
Monmouth University

Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Anger Management

Chani Goode, Supervisee in Social Work

Philosophy of Care 

Chani Goode is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with a wide range of experience in  working with individuals and groups of all ages who seek help with social and emotional awareness,  relationships, parenting, existential anxiety and other mental health issues. She is professional,  empathic, and supportive of individuals from all walks of life. She completed her Bachelor of Sciences and Master of Education at Mercy college and a Master of Social Work at Rutgers University.  

Chani utilizes collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches to  therapy, always maintaining the creativity, flexibility, and professionalism necessary to meet the needs  of every unique individual, couple, and group.  

Chani seeks to establish a warm, caring, and genuine relationship with you in order to assist in building  your strengths, meeting your goals, and living the meaningful and rewarding life you value and desire.  

Education 

Master of Social Work
Rutgers University 

Specialties 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Personality Disorders 
• Stress Management  
• Self Esteem 
• Existential Issues 
• Relationship Issues 
• Parenting Issues

Charles Graff, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Hey there! My name is Charles, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 7 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned both my Bachelor and Masters Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. I have done counseling in quite a few different areas, such as working in outpatient mental health facilities, doing in-home therapy, nursing homes, and even working as a high school counselor.

I enjoy working with people of all ages, and have had a phenomenal experience working with young adults, adults and the geriatric population. As for what kind of therapy I do, I tend to utilize evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as enjoy incorporating Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and Grounding Techniques, to name a few.

My goal is always to do whatever I can to make your life more bearable and easier to manage than it was yesterday. As such, I have worked hard to develop a proficiency in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, anger management, stress, mood disorders, college life and a variety of other mental health challenges.

I have a passion for helping others. I’m always looking to learn new techniques and treatment modalities to better serve my clients and to help you reach your version of that better tomorrow. “Try and do better today than you did yesterday”. Sometimes that is the best someone can hope to do, and it is as good of a start as any. So please, let me help you make that day, today. Let’s get started!

Education

Masters Degree in Social Work
Rutgers University

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADD/ADHD
• Anger Management
• Stress
• Mood Disorders

Chedva Berger, Supervisee in Social Work

Philosophy of Care

Chedva Berger is a Licensed Social Worker who has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across a spectrum of diverse cultural backgrounds. She has assisted her clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, familial and relational conflict, addiction, and life transitions. Her myriad of experiences gives her a deep understanding of human experience and provides her with much compassion. She completed her Bachelors in Arts and Sciences at Excelsior University and graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University.  

Chedva utilizes an eclectic approach in order to tailor her practice to best match your individual needs, resulting in the most effective positive changes. Some of the various therapeutic modalities she uses are:  strength-based therapy, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, exposure therapy (ERP), and mindfulness-based therapy.

Chedva seeks to establish an understanding and safe space to help you identify those thoughts and feelings that are holding you back from living the meaningful life you desire. While you may not be able to change your past, you can change your future. If you are unsure about therapy, give it a try, you and your future deserve it!

Education

Rutgers University
Masters in Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Familial and relationship conflicts
• Addiction
• Life transitions

Clarice Perdomo, LPC

**Offers Services in English and Spanish

Philosophy of Care

Clarice Perdomo graduated with a Master’s in Professional Counseling/ Education Specialist (Ed. S.) degree from Seton Hall University and has her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey. Clarice has worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with different life challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger. Clarice is bilingual and has experience working with Spanish-speaking clients and families. 

She believes that therapy is much more than applying clinical principles and methods, it is building a therapeutic relationship with clients centered on empathy and unconditional positive regard enabling healing and growth.

Whether you’re struggling with personal, professional, or familial issues, Clarice works to empower and guide each client towards wellness while accommodating to each person’s needs. Clarice offers a growth promoting environment, in which clients feel comfortable to open up about their inner-most thoughts and feelings. 

Education

Seton Hall University
Master’s in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Anger Management

Claudette Blake, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Claudette L. Blake, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.  Mrs. Blake specializes in providing psychiatric diagnosis, assessments, psychotherapy and treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and self-esteem management. Her education includes a Post Masters Certificate as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Rivier University and a Master of Science in Nursing specialization in Clinical Nursing Management from Kean University.  Claudette has clinical nursing experience in home care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, acute care settings, correctional health, oncology, psychiatric emergency screening and health management leadership.  Claudette’s acquired knowledge and dedication in nursing leadership as an Assessment Coordinator, Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nursing and Health Service Administrator earned her multiple accreditations and deficiency free surveys from both state and federal monitoring agencies.

Claudette is here for you during your time of need.  You can trust and feel safe with her when you are most vulnerable.  She is empathetic, compassionate, caring and easy to talk to. Mrs. Blake diversified and unique nursing background has enriched her clinical skills perspective.  She has dedicated more than 24 years of her nursing career providing services to those most vulnerable, the elderly, incarcerated, grieving parents, oncology and mental health patients.  

Claudette Blake brings a humanistic philosophy of holistic management in the treatment for the mind and body, while incorporating psychotherapy and evidence-base therapies for individualized, personalized, comprehensive care to improve the lives of those she service. 

Education

Kean University
Master of Nursing

Specialties

• Grief
• Bipolar
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management
• Impulse Management
• Personality Disorder 
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Medication Management and Psychotherapy

Elizabeth Siegel, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Elizabeth Siegel is a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the social work field since 2012. She has a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. Elizabeth has a plethora of experiences working with people of all ages, gender identities, and sexual orientations in their homes, communities, as well as in office settings and long term care facilities. In particular, Elizabeth has a passion for doing clinical work with seniors, the LGBT community, and those with chronic illness and/or disabilities. She particularly enjoys helping individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one. Additionally, she has helped individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress management, and low self-esteem. She also has unique experience providing trauma informed therapy to Holocaust Survivors and their adult children.

Whatever the need of the client, I pride myself in being able to meet you “where you are at” and adapt. My goal is to empower my clients to feel confident in their decisions and be more comfortable with the uncomfortable.  I see my clients as individuals with unique needs and will never treat two therapy clients identically. I also respect that your goals may change throughout our time together. Together, we will better understand what has caused your pain and outline a path toward healing. I incorporate a variety of techniques with my clients, including helping you challenge and replace upsetting thoughts, non judgment, validation, deep breathing, and supportive confrontation when appropriate. Not all techniques work for all clients. Let us figure out together the best path toward healing, advancement, and acceptance for you!

Education

Masters Degree in Social Work
Rutgers University

Specialties

• Clinical work with Seniors
• LGBTQIA
• Chronic Illness
• Grief
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Stress Management

Lauren Garvey, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Lauren Garvey is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LPC-A) and certified Brain Injury Specialist (BIS). Lauren has broadened her therapeutic techniques to assist teens and adults who are seeking help with their depression, anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, and difficult life transitions. Lauren offers a space to unleash difficult emotions and process them in a therapeutic manner.

Lauren received her Master's degree in Clinical & Counseling Psychology. She began her career working with those with traumatic brain injuries and intellectual/developmental disabilities by utilizing strategies to help them with cognitive rehabilitation and life skills training. Lauren will meet with the client where they are at and will implement a plan to help them meet their personalized goals. By having an eclectic background, she is able to deliver different forms of therapeutic techniques that have been found to be most effective in treatment.

Lauren welcomes all clients with a warm invitation to find a deeper connection within themselves and make a positive change in life. As a modern therapist, Lauren brings an eclectic background and a down-to-earth view on how to navigate life's most difficult struggles. Partner with her to start an individualized treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Education

William Paterson University
Master's in Clinical & Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Coping Skills
• Life Transitions
• Relationships

Lauren Methven, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Lauren Methven is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) who has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years. She specializes in providing services to clients who are struggling with mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, PTSD, depression, chronic stress, and anxiety.

Lauren earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Trauma and Crisis from Walden University. She also has experience working in residential, outpatient, and private practice settings. Throughout the course of Lauren's career in the mental health field, she has found that one of her strengths is being able to connect with clients and build a strong rapport. Lauren finds that utilizing active listening while providing empathy and support is key in developing a strong therapeutic relationship.

Lauren knows that starting therapy can feel scary and uncertain. It isn't easy to open up to a new person and explore things that have been bothering you or things that have affected your life. However, she's here to help you navigate through these things at your pace. Lauren believes that you already possess the skills to work through these issues, but it's her job to help you strengthen those skills and provide you with additional support.

Education

Walden University
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Trauma and Crisis

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Coping Skills
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD

Lindsay Dunnells, LCSW, LCADC

Philosophy of Care

Lindsay Dunnells is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both NJ and NY, as well as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in NJ who has worked in the behavioral health field with a focus on substance use disorders, anger and stress management, anxiety and depression, and healthy relationships since graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2007.

Lindsay employs an eclectic, solutions focused approach to working with individuals based on their presenting needs, including cognitive, dialectical, and rational emotive behavior therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychotherapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Lindsay strives to create an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and comfortable to share openly, cultivate self-awareness, and develop self-efficacy applying tools developed to achieve their goals.

Education

Columbia University

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Panic
• Depression
• CBT
• DBT
• Anger Management

Michael Enwere, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Michael Enwere is a licensed nurse practitioner in the state of New Jersey who has seven years’ experience treating adults and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Robert Morris University and received his Masters of psychiatric nurse practitioner from Walden university. 

Michael has an extinguished professional as a licensed nurse practitioner in the state of New Jersey who has seven years’ experience treating adults and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Robert Morris University and received his Masters of psychiatric nurse practitioner from Walden university. 

Michael has an extinguished professional experience and has also pursued complementary and alternative therapeutic modalities for personal health. He seeks to establish a caring relationship with you in order to help you actualize your strengths and desires. Michael has a compassion for trauma and mental health, and he is devoted to serve those in need of faith based mental health care.

Michael has a humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both mind and body, and an abiding commitment to individualized and comprehensive care for patients. He is devoted to ensuring the longevity of her patients’ health and developing long-lasting relationships with them. He takes her time to understand symptoms and give correct diagnoses to ensure the continued health and safety of all his patients.

Education

Walden university
Masters of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

• ADHD
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• Borderline personality disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Self injury

Miriam Toledano, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Miriam is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has experience treating adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and many other mental health conditions. Miriam is a caring and compassionate person who works diligently to provide education on the best possible treatment options and plans, including medication and non medication options.

Miriam completed her master's degree at Rowan University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and worked at Cooper University Hospital for the past 7 years caring for patients in the hospital setting. Miriam provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management with special attention to individual needs using a holistic approach with a focus on mind and body. She believes that the best outcomes are those that are built on a foundation of trust and authenticity between patient and provider.

Miriam's goal is to develop an individualized treatment plan and help guide you on your mental health journey.

Education

Rowan University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Sleep or Insomnia
• Stress

Perl Kahn, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Perl Kahn is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey with several years of experience working with adult and senior-aged individuals, couples, and families to aid them in meeting their goals and managing their challenges, which often include processing trauma and anxiety, parenting difficulties, grief, undeveloped conflict resolution skills, ADHD, and relationship dysfunction.

Perl graduated with a master’s in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University of Nebraska. She believes that loneliness lies at the center of much of our emotional anguish. By working together with Perl she'll help you to heal the parts that suffered alone and strengthen the whole self through achievement and joy. Her clients find sessions to be both profoundly meaningful and enjoyable. Laughter, music, pets, and nature are all invited into sessions with Perl.

She wants you to know that no dream is too great to achieve or too small to be worth the attention. Perl welcomes any questions or concerns you may have and looks forward to embarking on your journey together. Perl excels in helping her clients create safe and supportive spaces in therapy and inside of themselves, where they can be at home, heard, and seen.

Education

Bellevue University
Master's in Clinical Counseling

Specialties

• ADHD
• Grief
• Parenting
• Sexual Abuse
• Trauma and PTSD

Robin Carlock, Supervisee in Social Work

Philosophy of Care

Robin Carlock is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who specializes in treating addiction, mental health symptoms, trauma/post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), life transitions, women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ or other sexuality issues in adolescents, teens, and adults. In Robin’s career, she has worked with individuals, couples, and families providing clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions.

Robin completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Monmouth University. She anticipates becoming a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in May 2022. Robin is also problem gambling certified. She is empathic and provides a safe space to explore sensitive topics. She encourages her clients to exercise their creativity, personal beliefs, and cultural practices for the best success rates. Robin traveled abroad and stayed in Spain for some time, which helped her gain skills in cultural competence, and she has integrated this into her style.

Robin hopes to create a therapeutic relationship that makes you feel safe within sessions and to assist in reaching your goals. Two of her top priorities are maintaining confidentiality and providing a nonjudgmental space for you to vent about any and all subjects. Robin utilizes multiple modalities of evidenced-based practices to provide the best care. Her therapeutic style consists of strength-based, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology. She promotes a client-centered and holistic approach to incorporate the mind and body into treatment. Robin believes that therapy is a place for growth and patience for yourself to see the growth to happen.

Education

Monmouth University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Addictions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Life Transitions
• Sex Therapy
• Sexual Orientation/ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
• Trauma and PTSD
• Women’s Issues

Sharon Reid, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Sharon Reid practice as a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, licensed in the State of New Jersey.  She completed a master’s degree in Nursing Education at Thomas Edison State University, New Jersey and a Post Master’s as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University, Pa.

Sharon comes with over 15 years of mental health experience working in a variety of settings which includes inpatient and outpatient settings.  Sharon is highly committed to the well being of her patients.  She has provided care to clients with Depression, Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder, Bipolar and other mood disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Insomnia disorder, Co-occurring disorders and substance use disorders.

Sharon’s approach is to meet you where you are and to include you as a partner in your own mental health care.  Our telepsychiatry services are conducted virtually via a HIPPA-compliant platform.  This can be accessed from the comfort and safety of your home using a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Education

Thomas Edison State University
Masters Degree in Nursing Education

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 
• Bipolar Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Sharon Ryan, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Sharon Ryan is a Licensed Associate Counselor and Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor with a passion for client-centered care. After completing her MEd in Counseling at William Paterson University, she worked for several years as a counselor for The Renfrew Center, working with adolescent and adult clients presenting with eating and weight disorders, depression, anxiety, and other co-morbidities.

Sharon returned to school to continue her education and gain more experience with other populations, training in play therapy, sand tray therapy, LGBTQIA issues, sexuality, grief counseling, and whole-person health and wellness. Her focus is on holistic therapy, addressing the individual in terms of their mind, body, and spirit, which is helpful for children, teens, and adults of all ages.

Mental health is essential to physical health, not an extraneous element of it. Sharon says she wants to learn as much about the whole human being as possible in order to provide the best care. Sometimes it can be difficult to talk about personal issues that are affecting your life — children, teens, and adults all feel this way! So if you feel like you need to talk to someone for direction, support, or to just try to figure out a challenging situation, you can find that with Sharon in a safe, judgment-free environment. She looks forward to working with you!

Education

William Paterson University
Master's in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Eating Disorders
• Grief
• Health Monitor
• Self Esteem
• Sexual Orientation / Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

Toby Arnold, Supervisee in Social Work

Philosophy of Care

Toby is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with a wide range of experience helping children, families, and adults to manage mental health challenges like addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, and familial and relational conflict.

Toby completed her bachelor’s degree at Concordia College and her Master of Social Work at Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She has worked in both in-home and clinical settings with various cultures and lifestyles. The basis of Toby’s work is that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to mental health treatment.

Toby aims to create a safe space for her clients so they can feel understood and begin to heal. She utilizes a wide range of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as well as client-centered, family systems, strength-based, and solution-focused therapy. Toby also has experience working with children using child-centered play therapy and sand tray therapy. Through a wide range of modalities and her genuine care, Toby looks forward to helping you live every day to its fullest.

Education

Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Family Conflict
• Relationships
• Self-Esteem