The Clinicians
At Village Counseling Services we are a diverse group of independent professionally licensed and board certified practitioners. To learn more about our backgrounds please read our brief biographies listed here:
Elizabeth Alberts | Charles Atzert | Elise Classen | Jennifer DiTrapani | Felice Fasano | Sean Fitzmaurice | Laura Gever | Sari Harris | Candace Ibrahim | Gary Levine | Janet McCulloch | Joanne Pawelko | Kristina Rago-Solomita | Kaitlyn Rodgers | Kathy Ryan | Melissa Slappey | Barbara Stewart | Megan Kuhn Sullivan
Elizabeth Alberts, MSW, LCSW
Director
Elizabeth Alberts is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founding director of Village Counseling Services. Elizabeth brings both an informed and heart-centered voice to the nature and meaning of healing. She approaches mental health treatment with the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives, to cultivate what is best within them and to enhance their experiences of love, work and play.
Elizabeth works with adults challenged with mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD and relationship conflict. Elizabeth is trained and experienced across disciplines and draws on insights from not only the various areas of psychology, but also the sciences of cognition, consciousness, philosophy, social and cultural theory, integral health theories and practices, poetry, literature, the arts, and the world's spiritual and wisdom traditions.
Specific trainings and expertise include evidence-based techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a leading-edge trauma treatment in which she is certified level II trained; intensive and extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an acceptance-based cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness at its core; Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which combines the ideas of cognitive therapy and meditative practices; Prolonged Exposure (PE) which utilizes education, breathing and safe real and imaginal exposure to traumatic events that are at the core of a symptom; and has completed her externship with Sue Johnson, EdD in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), an intervention based on the scientific study of adult love and bonding processes in couples, and is designed to address distress in the intimate relationships of adults.
Prior to her work as a psychotherapist, Elizabeth worked in film and theater. Her extensive travels and love of indigenous cultures inform her work today. With over 25 years of clinical practice experience, Elizabeth has provided services to a vast number of clients in her role as Director for three residential/outpatient mental health facilities. In addition, she has provided over eight years of crisis assessment and treatment to New Jersey and Pennsylvania hospital patients and was instrumental in designing and implementing a national model treatment/vocational housing project for ending chronic homelessness through employment and housing.
Elizabeth is an experienced Board Certified Clinical Supervisor and trainer of mental health professionals. In addition to her role as Director of Village Counseling Services, she provides clinical consultation and counseling to the faculty and staff of Princeton University and clinical supervision to the Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey, who provide treatment to licensed healthcare and other professionals in recovery from impairing medical conditions and illnesses.
Elizabeth is a full member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the National Association of Social Workers, Friends of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, the Institute of Authentic Process Healing, the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, the Association of Transpersonal Psychology, the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Emotionally Focused Therapy Center of New Jersey and a Founding Member of the Society of Shamanic Practitioners.
Charlie Atzert, MS, LSW
Psychotherapist
Charlie Atzert is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Stockton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Stockton University.
Charlie has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years in a variety of positions. Prior to becoming a therapist, Charlie worked in both adult and children residential group homes, provided case management services in the community for at-risk clients, facilitated groups at an adult partial care program, and was an assistant director at a supportive housing program. Charlie utilizes cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques to help his clients improve mood regulation and counter the negative self-talk that can be a common occurrence in our daily lives. Charlie provides individual therapy for adolescents and adults and has experience providing help with depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, and communication difficulties.
Charlie utilizes his past experiences working with clients in a variety of settings to inform treatment that best fits the needs of each client.
Elise Classen, MSW, LSW, MASCL
Psychotherapist
Elise Classen is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University, a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
Before joining Village Counseling Services, Elise worked for a Life Plan Community, where she assessed and provided residents with emotional support and other social services based on their unique needs. She partnered with residents and their families to develop care plans to support the residents' well-being as they adjusted to life transitions such as aging, loss, chronic health concerns, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression. Elise uses a variety of counseling approaches informed by Lifespan Development, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior, and Psychodynamic (talk) theories. Elise specializes in supporting clients through grief and loss.
Prior to entering the counseling profession, Elise had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry where she held leadership roles and mentored teams to achieve their professional and personal goals. During this time, Elise was a member of the Compliance and Ethics Committee and a Women's Leadership Team. She has also volunteered in her community as a facilitator of personal-growth support groups and with Ability Tree NJ to come alongside individuals and families affected by physical and mental health conditions. Additionally, Elise is a member of the National Social Workers Association.
Elise is thankful that she can utilize the experience and expertise she has acquired to help clients reach their full potential. She has a passion for partnering with others and, using her warm and encouraging approach, she hopes to help clients overcome obstacles and develop their strengths toward living a peaceful and purpose-filled life.
Elise Classen, MSW, LSW, MASCL
Psychotherapist
Elise Classen is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University, a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
Before joining Village Counseling Services, Elise worked for a Life Plan Community, where she assessed and provided residents with emotional support and other social services based on their unique needs. She partnered with residents and their families to develop care plans to support the residents' well-being as they adjusted to life transitions such as aging, loss, chronic health concerns, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression. Elise uses a variety of counseling approaches informed by Lifespan Development, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior, and Psychodynamic (talk) theories. Elise specializes in supporting clients through grief and loss.
Prior to entering the counseling profession, Elise had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry where she held leadership roles and mentored teams to achieve their professional and personal goals. During this time, Elise was a member of the Compliance and Ethics Committee and a Women's Leadership Team. She has also volunteered in her community as a facilitator of personal-growth support groups and with Ability Tree NJ to come alongside individuals and families affected by physical and mental health conditions. Additionally, Elise is a member of the National Social Workers Association.
Elise is thankful that she can utilize the experience and expertise she has acquired to help clients reach their full potential. She has a passion for partnering with others and, using her warm and encouraging approach, she hopes to help clients overcome obstacles and develop their strengths toward living a peaceful and purpose-filled life.
Jennifer DiTrapani, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Jennifer DiTrapani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Jennifer worked at The Buckeye Ranch, an agency that serves at-risk children and their families in Columbus, Ohio. Jennifer has extensive experience working with families and adolescents and is trained in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. Having also worked in community-based programs providing individual and family therapy, Jennifer has excellent assessment and diagnostic skills which allow her to develop individualized treatment approaches for her clients.
Jennifer is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and facilitates weekly DBT Skills Training groups and is a vital part of our DBT team. In addition, she uses a strengths-based approach to therapy, empowering clients to identify their own strengths to help accomplish their treatment goals. She enjoys getting to know her clients and creating a safe and trusting environment to promote healing.
Jennifer DiTrapani, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Jennifer DiTrapani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Jennifer worked at The Buckeye Ranch, an agency that serves at-risk children and their families in Columbus, Ohio. Jennifer has extensive experience working with families and adolescents and is trained in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. Having also worked in community-based programs providing individual and family therapy, Jennifer has excellent assessment and diagnostic skills which allow her to develop individualized treatment approaches for her clients.
Jennifer is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and facilitates weekly DBT Skills Training groups and is a vital part of our DBT team. In addition, she uses a strengths-based approach to therapy, empowering clients to identify their own strengths to help accomplish their treatment goals. She enjoys getting to know her clients and creating a safe and trusting environment to promote healing.
Felice Fasano, M.Ed, MA, LPC
Psychotherapist
Felice Fasano is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Counseling Education from Kean University, a Master's of Education degree from Rutgers University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Literature from Binghamton University.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Felice worked in partial hospital, intensive outpatient and partial care programs where she provided individual and group psychotherapy to young adults, adults and seniors coping with thought, mood and substance use disorders. Felice has extensive experience working with individuals who are dually diagnosed (i.e. those suffering from both mood and substance abuse disorders) and has conducted family education and support group sessions. Felice also facilitated a wide array of psychoeducational groups, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, communication skills, coping strategies, relapse prevention, pet therapy, and healthy mind and body. Felice utilizes a counseling approach informed by CBT, DBT and Motivational Interviewing theories and practice. In addition, she incorporates DBT Skills Training when working with individuals.
Before entering the counseling field, Felice had a successful career with a large multinational firm where she held a variety of roles in management, training and education, and Human Resources, including a position in an Executive Center of Excellence with a focus on leadership and professional development. With a desire to put her values and passion for helping people reach their full potential into practice, Felice transitioned to a new career in professional counseling. Felice welcomed this opportunity to encourage and assist individuals, as they contemplate and engage in positive change processes that remove obstacles for success and promote new, healthier ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
Before entering the counseling field, Felice had a successful career with a large multinational firm where she held a variety of roles in management, training and education, and Human Resources, including a position in an Executive Center of Excellence with a focus on leadership and professional development. With a desire to put her values and passion for helping people reach their full potential into practice, Felice transitioned to a new career in professional counseling. Felice welcomed this opportunity to encourage and assist individuals, as they contemplate and engage in positive change processes that remove obstacles for success and promote new, healthier ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
Sean Fitzmaurice, MA, LAC, NCC
Psychotherapist
Sean Fitzmaurice is a licensed associate counselor with a master's degree in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health, and Addictions from The College of New Jersey.
Sean utilizes a client-centered, non-judgmental approach to counseling and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior informed therapy and mindfulness techniques to challenge an individual’s negative beliefs about themselves. He is highly skilled at addressing mental health needs while simultaneously addressing the difficulties that occur in daily life settings, such as home, school and work.
Sean’s clients learn to manage their intense emotions of anger, anxiety, and shame, reduce overwhelming feelings in social situations, develop the skills that enable them to read social cues, reduce food and sensory vulnerabilities, increase interests, and reduce rigid thinking patterns that make it difficult to build relationships with others. They also develop skills that assist with increasing their ability to self-advocate, regulate their emotion, develop cognitive flexibility, and access effective problem solving. In addition, Sean is an experienced facilitator of dialogues that foster a greater understanding and connection between clients and their family members or other support systems. Sean specializes in supporting clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or have related symptoms.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Sean worked specifically with middle school and high school students in a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program setting. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, a National Certified Counselor and a member of Sigma Chi Iota, the International Counseling Honor Society.
Sean utilizes a client-centered, non-judgmental approach to counseling and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior informed therapy and mindfulness techniques to challenge an individual’s negative beliefs about themselves. He is highly skilled at addressing mental health needs while simultaneously addressing the difficulties that occur in daily life settings, such as home, school and work.
Sean’s clients learn to manage their intense emotions of anger, anxiety, and shame, reduce overwhelming feelings in social situations, develop the skills that enable them to read social cues, reduce food and sensory vulnerabilities, increase interests, and reduce rigid thinking patterns that make it difficult to build relationships with others. They also develop skills that assist with increasing their ability to self-advocate, regulate their emotion, develop cognitive flexibility, and access effective problem solving. In addition, Sean is an experienced facilitator of dialogues that foster a greater understanding and connection between clients and their family members or other support systems. Sean specializes in supporting clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or have related symptoms.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Sean worked specifically with middle school and high school students in a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program setting. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, a National Certified Counselor and a member of Sigma Chi Iota, the International Counseling Honor Society.
Laura K. Gever, MA, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Laura Gever is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master's degree from Rutgers School of Social Work, a Master's degree in Education from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Laura worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and correctional institutions where she facilitated adolescent groups, provided private ADD support and research and provided community-based health and wellness counseling. She also taught sexual health education workshops to college students and provided guidance and support at the Elizabeth Blackwell Clinic in Philadelphia.
Laura believes that her ability to form trusting relationships with her clients is at the heart of her psychotherapy work. Laura also appreciates working with children, adolescents, adults and families who suffer with depression, anxiety, addiction, ADD and chronic health issues.
Sari Harris, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Sari Harris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with her Master's of Social Work degree from Monmouth University in NJ and her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Sari has experience working with clients across the life span. She works with adults experiencing issues with, but not limited to, anxiety, anger, depression, grief, pre/postpartum, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, psychotic disorders, OCD and PTSD. She also has experience working with children and adolescents, age three and up, with a range of struggles, such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, ADHD, bullying, familial issues, PTSD, trauma, grief, school issues, social skills and relationship issues. When working with children and adolescents, she encourages parents and guardians to be a part of the treatment process.
Sari is trained in crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is the Co-Coordinator of our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program, facilitates weekly DBT Skills Training groups, and provides clinical supervision to our DBT Team. In addition, she incorporates DBT Skills Training when working with individuals.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Sari worked as a clinical therapist in an acute therapist setting for adolescent females at the Strategic Behavioral Center in North Carolina. She also worked at Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare and SERV Behavioral Health Systems here in New Jersey prior to her relocation to North Carolina.
Candace Ibrahim, APN, PMHNP-C
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Candace Ibrahim is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree from Wilkes University and a Baccalaureate degree from University of Delaware.
Candace has 23 years of nursing experience, including medical/surgical, pediatric, maternal/newborn, neonatal intensive care unit and mental health nursing. Candace was trained at Penn Medicine Behavioral Health and currently works there in their acute partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program. She works with men, women and young adults at Penn Medicine Princeton House, providing care in multiple tracks such as psychiatric, emotional regulation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), trauma, and addiction.
Candace believes in working together with the client to help them live their best life possible. She counts on her many years of working with patients in diverse settings to assimilate a course of care that best meets each client’s unique needs.
Janet McCulloch, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Janet McCulloch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her master’s degree from Rutgers University in Clinical Social Work with a minor in Addiction Studies.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Janet worked for the Hunterdon Hospital Hospice Program. She is a Certified Grief and Loss Specialist and provided comprehensive bereavement services and psychotherapy to hospice patients and their families.
Additionally, Janet worked as a primary therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health’s partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and partial care programs. She provided individual and group psychotherapy and has expertise in working with individuals with a dual diagnosis and those who have experienced trauma and in need of crisis intervention.
Janet has trained in a variety of clinical approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, ARCGROW Trauma Informed Therapy, and Nurtured Heart. Janet can be heard speaking on a wide variety of mental health topics as a regularly invited guest on local radio stations. With her diverse clinical background, Janet utilizes her expertise to assist clients in reaching their therapeutic goals.
Gary Levine, MSW, LPC, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Gary Levine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Professional Counselor. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, as well as a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University-Camden.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Gary worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and managing the vocational rehabilitation unit at Harbor House in Patterson, NJ. He also provided emergency mental health services at St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as crisis intervention services to youth and their families, during his time as part of Helene Fuld Hospital’s crisis team in their startup program, Youth Emergency Services (YES).
Gary has 30 years of experience at the Poplar Guidance Clinic, a satellite program of John F. Kennedy CMHC, located in north central Philadelphia, during which he became skilled at implementing evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to a clinically and ethnically diverse clientele. Gary also provided supportive mental health services to Health Center #6, the city health center where the Poplar Clinic was housed, offering assessments, recommendations and referrals for medical patients. Additionally, Gary worked at the Comprehensive Psychological and Wellness Center in Forked River, NJ.
Gary continues to use evidence-based approaches in therapy with children, adults, couples and families. Gary offers a collaborative approach to therapy, recognizing the client’s expertise regarding themselves. In a safe and supportive environment, Gary encourages his clients to achieve their potential through effective skill building, while respecting the strengths each client brings to the relationship.
Joanne Pawelko, MS, LPC, NCC
Psychotherapist
Joanne Pawelko is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University's Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and a Master's degree in Literature from DePaul University. She joined Village Counseling Services in 2011.
Joanne is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and facilitates weekly DBT skills training groups as part of the DBT treatment team. Joanne's treatment emphasis is on the role of mindfulness and its use in the treatment of depression, anxiety and associated disorders in children, adolescents and adults.
Joanne is trained in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which combines the ideas of cognitive therapy and meditative practices in a way that helps prevent depression relapse and lessen anxiety. She facilitates MBCT as well as the weekly Mindfulness Meditation Practice Group.
She has additional training in Polyvagal Theory, play therapy, ADHD/ADD, meditation and Sandtray Therapy, which helps integrate memories, emotions and traumas hidden in the unconscious mind.
Joanne began working with individuals and families in 2009 at All Access Mental Health. She has advanced training and experience working with families who find themselves in the supportive care-taking role of a family member suffering with mental illness, including children (and adult children) of parents with mental illness. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, a National Certified Counselor and a member of Sigma Chi Iota, the International Counseling Honor Society.
Megan Kuhn Sullivan, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Marist College and earned her Master’s degree from Rutgers University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
With over a decade of experience in the field, Megan has worked with a broad range of clients. She began her career working with children with developmental disabilities and their families. Megan has worked in psychiatric crisis and is trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention. Megan has years of experience providing outpatient services to individuals, families, groups, and couples of all ages. Most recently, Megan has worked in a program for children and adolescents with mental health issues.
Megan is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her experience has provided her with a broad range of skills, allowing her to assist clients in meeting their individualized goals. She empowers clients by using a strength-based approach.
Megan is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor.
Kristina D. Rago-Solomita, MSW, LCSW, CEC
Psychotherapist and Personal Coach
Kristina Rago-Solomita is a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Life Coach. She brings nearly 10 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families to her practice. Kristina is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and is the Co-Coordinator of our DBT Program at Village Counseling Services. She facilitates the DBT Family Skills group and works with families to better understand and support their family members in DBT treatment. Kristina provides individual and weekly adolescent DBT Skills Training groups and is a vital member of the DBT consultation team.
Kristina also has over 6 years of experience as a teacher in both private and public education and has worked in local and state government as a Program Coordinator. As a Certified Life Coach, she helps individuals reach their potential to achieve personal, academic and career goals.
She specializes in helping adults and adolescents suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and out-of-control emotions. She is also skilled at helping youth and their families open the lines of communication and improve family dynamics.
Additionally, Kristina has been trained in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which combines the ideas of cognitive therapy and meditative practices, and facilitates weekly MBCT groups. She has also completed her externship with Sue Johnson, EdD in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), an intervention based on the scientific study of adult love and bonding processes in couples, designed to address distress in the intimate relationships of adults.
Kristina graduated from Rutgers University School of Social Work with a Master's degree in Social Work and completed a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at the State University of New York at Oneonta. Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Kristina worked for Isles, an award winning, non-profit, community development and environmental organization, founded by the students and faculty of Princeton University, with a mission to foster self-reliant families in healthy, sustainable communities. She also holds a TESOL certification (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and is experienced in teaching English as a Second Language to adults, children and families in public schools and private organizations.
Kaitlyn Rodgers, LAC
Psychotherapist
Kaitlyn Rodgers is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Kaitlyn received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Pennsylvania Western University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania. While receiving her master’s degree, Kaitlyn was inducted into Chi Sigma Iota, the International Counseling Honor Society. She is also a member of the American Counseling Association.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Kaitlyn was a Cognitive Re-Training Specialist for clients with Traumatic Brain Injuries and spinal cord injuries. She completed her internship in intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs and has experience as a Case Manager and Group Facilitator for a Partial Care program.
Kaitlyn enjoys working with a wide range of clients including individuals, couples, and families. Her approach to counseling is eclectic; she tailors client sessions to fit the needs, values, and beliefs of the clients she is working with. Kaitlyn is trained in CBT, DBT, Gestalt therapy, Person-Centered therapy, and group therapy. Using a non-judgmental and comprehensive approach, Kaitlyn guides clients through their personalized journey and provides motivation to reach their goals. She enjoys implementing mindfulness and skill-building to achieve the outcomes clients seek.
Kathy Ryan, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Kathy Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master’s degree from West Virginia University, with degrees in Research and Clinical Psychology. Kathy has strong and results-oriented supervisory skills, and extensive clinical experience with over 25 years in practice as a psychotherapist working with adolescents, adults, families and couples.
Kathy provides clinical supervision and consultation for the therapists as part of the support services provided by Village Counseling Services. She is an experienced, Board Certified Clinical Supervisor for mental health professionals, and a Certified Direct Practice Supervisor for student interns. Prior to providing consulting at Village Counseling Services, she was a Direct Practice Supervisor of master’s level students for New York University, Monmouth University and Rutgers University, and an Adjunct Field Instructor for Rutgers University School of Social Work.
Kathy draws on many years of experience and advanced training in multiple, varied therapeutic orientations to encourage the development of professional confidence and competence, and to ensure high standards of professional practice.
In addition to her work as a clinical supervisor, Kathy maintains a private practice in Pennington, NJ and has advanced training and experience as a certified Level II Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma recovery, and a Certified Imago Relationship therapist for working with couples and families. She is an active leader and member of various peer supervision groups for advanced mental health clinicians. She is a full member of the National Association of Social Workers, and former chair of the Mercer County Unit of the New Jersey Chapter.
Melissa Slappey, MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Melissa Slappey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland.
Melissa believes in a client-centered approach, based on empathy, support, non-judgement and client self-determination. She aims to hold the space for her clients while empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. Melissa helps facilitate transformation through assisting clients in improving their self-esteem, emotion regulation and communication patterns, as well as challenging cognitive distortions and enhancing their strengths. Melissa holds an emphasis on a holistic view and encourages clients to make changes in all areas of mind, body and environment. Melissa builds strong alliances with her clients, tailoring an intervention approach specific to each client and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and facilitates weekly DBT Skills Training groups as part of our DBT program.
Prior to joining Village Counseling Services, Melissa worked with a diverse selection of clients in a variety of programs. Most recently, Melissa worked with adolescents in a partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient setting. She worked to help stabilize and promote recovery through providing coping skills and improving communication within their families. Melissa also has experience working with youth and families in crisis in mobile response, where she gained a calm and empowering approach in dealing with crisis situations. Since working with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, Melissa uses a trauma-informed approach in her practice.
Barbara Stewart, MSW, LCSW Psychotherapist Barbara Stewart is a licensed clinical social worker who brings multiple experiences as a multi- dimensional educator and psychotherapist. She supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, adults with depression, anxiety, cancer, and stroke complications. Her passion is helping teens and their families transition through the myriad of challenges in adulthood.
She received a BA in Early Childhood and an MA in Business from Webster University in St. Louis. Barbara continued graduate education at Saint Louis University obtaining an MSW. Barbara's early training includes courses taught at the Devereau Schools and McGill University. Barbara's work experiences include founding a non-profit early childhood program where she was Executive Director for twelve years. She was then recruited to serve as Deputy Director of Missouri's Department of Mental Health to assist in developing a program that would provide ABA services statewide to all families. Additionally, she worked as a Psychotherapist in private practice and developed and facilitated support groups for an agency. Her therapeutic approaches include Dialectical Behavior-informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. She believes in the change process and adapts her approach for each client's individual needs. |