Meet our Clinical Team

Clinical Team Leaders

Tova Brody, LCSW

Tova Brody, LCSW

Clinical Director

Tova Brody is a graduate of the Rutgers University School of Social Work. She treats clients coping with anxiety, depression, challenging relationships, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, and trauma. Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other modalities, Tova utilizes an eclectic approach to help clients build emotional resilience and meet their individual needs.

  • Individual and family therapy
  • Adolescents and adults
  • Specialty: Anxiety, depression, challenging relationships, and trauma
Rachel Dale, PsyD

Rachel Dale, PsyD

Clinical Director of Project SARAH

Dr. Dale is a clinical psychologist who received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from William James College (formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology) as well as a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Northeastern University. Dr. Dale’s dissertation focused on the intergenerational transmission of trauma and resilience among adult grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. Additionally, she has assisted with research regarding perinatal mood disorders.

Dr. Dale has received training in psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and cognitive-behavioral therapies and has worked with individuals across the lifespan. Specifically, Dr. Dale has received in-depth training in dialectical behavioral therapy and TF-CBT. Dr. Dale has experience conducting psychological testing and assessment and sees the value in empowering individuals to learn more about their cognitive and emotional profiles to assist in leading fulfilling and successful lives. Dr. Dale has trained and worked in diverse settings including a day treatment program, outpatient community health clinic, school-based clinics, and most recently before coming to JFS, as a clinical supervisor in the mental health department of a foster care agency. In her most recent work she has focused on providing evidenced based psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents and families as well as clinical supervision to a team of therapists. In her role at the foster care agency she received an Excellence in Practice Award from New York City’s Administration of Children’s Services.

Tali Friedman, LCSW

Tali Friedman, LCSW

Children's Mental Health Team Leader

Education: Master of Social Work from Hunter College

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Social Skills, Emotion Regulation

Population: Children and Adolescents

Modalities: CBT, IFS, Social-Emotional Learning, The Nurtured Heart Approach

Personal Statement: My goal is to support and empower clients in order to facilitate change in behaviors, develop coping skills to enhance their emotional well-being, to increase their self-awareness, and to create more meaningful interpersonal relationships.

Sarala Katz, LCSW, PMH-C

Sarala Katz, LCSW, PMH-C

Clinician, Senior Services Coordinator

Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LCSW, PMH-C

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Perinatal Loss

Population: Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Modalities: CBT, Strength based approach

Personal Statement: I am passionate about helping my clients maximize their potential through personal strengths, social and community networks, and using practical strategies to modify challenging behaviors.

Zipora Levi, LCSW

Zipora Levi, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Education: Masters of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Challenging Relationships

Population: Adults

Modalities: Trauma Informed Focus and pull from CBT and IFS interventions

Personal Statement: I partner with my clients to help them achieve healthy interpersonal relationships, self awareness, and creative positive changes in their lives.

Anne Marie Ramos, LCSW

Anne Marie Ramos, LCSW

Senior Clinical Supervisor

Anne Marie Ramos has worked for over 35 years as a clinical social worker and supervisor for families and children. As a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor, Anne Marie uses her extensive background to provide a skills training class on the use of play therapy in a family setting with children and adolescents. Through her work in mental health and other community settings, as well as current research, Anne Marie found that incorporating caregivers in a dynamic way in treatment sessions improved client outcomes and satisfaction. She presents on this topic nationally and is the author of several publications on this subject. At JFS, Anne Marie is the Director of Children’s Services, as well as the Clinical Coordinator of PALS (Domestic Violence Program) for children, which is run in conjunction with the Passaic County Women’s Center.

  • Child, adolescent, and family therapy
  • Specialty: play therapy
  • Director of Children’s Services
  • PALS Clinical Coordinator
Carmit Schmutter, MSW

Carmit Schmutter, MSW

Director, Clinical Case Management (Somaich Achim)

Carmit graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. from Yeshiva University and Summa Cum Laude with an MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She has worked with a variety of populations including geriatrics, minorities, and inpatient psychiatric clients. She has provided extensive advocacy and support on behalf of many local families. In addition to supervising the Somaich Achim Community Case Management Program, Carmit is a member of the agency’s Leadership Team, partakes in Project SARAH programs, and supports the JFS Resource Center. Carmit has served on several Jewish Family Service committees and is instrumental in coordinating events, providing grants, and making government and community resources readily available for agency clients.

Sharon Zwickler, LCSW

Sharon Zwickler, LCSW

Director of Intake

Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Worker

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Trauma and Marriage Therapy

Population: Adolescents and Adults

Modalities: IFS and EFT

Personal Statement: My goal is to help clients process trauma and live satisfying and meaningful lives.

Psychology

Noam Joel, PsyD

Noam Joel, PsyD

Director of Quality and Compliance

Dr. Joel is a clinical psychologist who received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from Yeshiva University where he also received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He has trained and worked in both hospital and outpatient community mental health settings, focusing on individuals across the span of adulthood, from emerging adults to older adults. Dr. Joel’s therapeutic approach encompasses a diverse range of evidence-based modalities, including cognitive, insight-oriented, and experiential interventions. Dr. Joel assists individuals in recognizing and reshaping patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior that may contribute to difficulties in their lives. His ultimate goal is to empower his clients to cultivate a flexible mindset, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.

Chana Krupka, PhD

Chana Krupka, PhD

Staff Psychologist

Education: PhD in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University

Licensure: PhD

Specialization: Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Substance Abuse

Population: Adolescents, Adults, Couples

Modalities: Psychodynamic, Problem-solving, Relational, and CBT

Personal Statement:

Zahava Pianko, MS Ed, NCSP

Zahava Pianko, MS Ed, NCSP

School Psychologist Consultant
Zahava is a nationally certified school psychologist with the Secaucus Public School District. She received her training from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College, earning a master’s in education with an advanced certificate in school psychology. Zahava previously worked at NYU during the summers in their specialized program for children with behavioral difficulties. She has a passion for advocating for children’s needs and providing them with everything they need for a successful school experience. She runs a variety of counseling sessions and social skills groups for children in both the regular education and special education programs. Zahava also started a therapy dog program in her public school district, the first of its kind in the state, utilizing police therapy dogs as well.
Devorah Wechsler, PhD

Devorah Wechsler, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Devorah Wechsler specializes in providing comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological assessments, intervention and intervention plans, and consultations for schools, teachers, therapists, and parents. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) from Saybrook University and she holds a Master’s in psychology from Saybrook University and a master’s in reading literacy from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her undergraduate studies in special education.

Devorah has devoted over a decade of her career to the educational world at her private practice in Toronto, Canada providing evaluations, individualized remediation, psychotherapeutic treatment, and consultations. She completed her internship at a medical clinic in Manhattan, NY, expanding her focus to evaluate and treat patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury and memory-related disorders. She is currently pursuing her postdoctoral hours toward New Jersey licensure with JFS.

Psychiatry

Cheryl Blumenfrucht, APN

Cheryl Blumenfrucht, APN

Psychiatric Services

Cheryl is a devoted psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience in providing compassionate care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on the person as a whole, Cheryl specializes in treating and diagnosing a diverse range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, PTSD, OCD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and thought disorders.

Utilizing a patient-centered approach, Cheryl emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity in her practice. Each session is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual, incorporating both medication management, psychiatric evaluations and therapeutic techniques. Cheryl fosters an environment of open communication and shared decision-making, encouraging patients to actively participate in their treatment journey by sharing their concerns, preferences, and aspirations to co-create personalized care plans.
Sharon Katz, APN

Sharon Katz, APN

Psychiatric Services

Sharon has a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, NJ, and is a certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Sharon has been providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals with psychiatric and mental health conditions for over 36 years. Over the course of her career, she has gained extensive experience in conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, and prescribing medications. Her clinical approach emphasizes holistic care, integrating both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions to address the unique needs of each patient.

In previous roles, Sharon had the opportunity to work with diverse populations, including adults and adolescents, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care.

Michelle Grant, APN

Michelle Grant, APN

Psychiatric Services

Michelle Grant is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she earned her Master of Science degree in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. She has been in the mental health field for over ten years and has experience in a variety of clinical settings. Ms. Grant is also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the New Jersey State Nurses Association.

  • Psychiatric evaluations
  • Medication management

Clinical Staff

Alexander (Yitzy) Adler, LCSW

Alexander (Yitzy) Adler, LCSW

Clinician

Education: Masters of Social Work from Long Island University

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Sex Addiction, Marital Therapy, Family Therapy

Population: Older Adolescents, Adults, Families and Couples

Modalities: ACT, EFT, EMDR, IFS Family Systems, Somatic Interventions

Personal Statement: I aim to help my clients live a life aligned with their higher values no matter what their current challenges may be.

Tova Alster

Tova Alster

Co-op Manager

Volunteering at JFS for seven years in various capacities introduced Tova to the wonderful opportunities that children, adults and seniors in the community depend upon JFS for.  With her background in education and eldercare, Tova employs patience and understanding in providing support for the needs of others. Her managerial experience and organizational skills enhance the smooth operation of the Co-op.   

Tova’s enthusiasm and creativity make the Co-op an exciting place for both shoppers and volunteers. Please come and visit! 

Yael Baldinger, LSW

Yael Baldinger, LSW

Project SARAH Director of Outreach and Education

Education: Master of Social Work from Columbia University

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Trauma

Population: Adult Women

Modalities: CBT, ACT

Personal Statement: My goal is to empower individuals by collaborating with them to discover their own path towards growth.

Dr. Stacey Butler, LCSW

Dr. Stacey Butler, LCSW

Clinical Care Supervisor
Dr. Stacey Butler has her Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Gratz College. Her dissertation focused on identification and management of children with varied learning needs within supplemental education in the Reform Jewish community. She completed additional graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania (MSW) and Gratz College (MJCS, MJEd, MJS).
Dr. Butler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in both non-profit and for-profit organizations and medical settings, providing services primarily for adult and geriatric populations. She has experience working in acute hospitals, long term care settings, and state hospital systems, as well as with with SPMI (Serious and Persistent Mentally Ill) and Co-Occurring diagnoses.
Her clinical passion is to support each person on their journey towards stability, to be present with people, and to provide inroads to improved skills and understanding.

Shaina Bodenheim, LSW

On-site Coordinator, Club Sequoia

Shaina Bodenheim graduated from NYU’s School of Social Work, with a concentration on issues pertaining to the geriatric population. Before joining Jewish Family Service as the on-site coordinator of the Club SEQUOIA, Mrs. Bodenheim completed training in the areas of dementia and cognitive impairment, with experience coordinating regular social gatherings and events for seniors.

Nancy Cohen, MSW

Case Manager

Nancy is a graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, where she earned her Master’s degree in social work. She brings over 20 years of Case Management experience in a wide variety of settings. Nancy has a background in medical social work, as well as extensive experience in medical insurance and hospital discharge planning. As a certified SHIP counselor, Nancy works closely with the Passaic County Board of Social Services. She works with clients who are in crisis, and assists them with applying for government and community resources. Responsible with supervising the Support Coordinators at JFS, Nancy ensures the delivery of supports and services to the intellectual and developmentally disabled population that are enrolled with the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Nancy has led several workshops for individuals with chronic medical or mental health conditions, and participates in ongoing meetings with government and community agencies throughout New Jersey.

Yael Davidovics, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work, Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Loss, Relationships, Relationship to Self

Population: Adults

Modalities: CBT

Personal Statement: My goal is to help clients see themselves in a different light, so they can approach the world around them in a different way. 

Aliza Dubin-Isaacs, BA, CH, CC

Sequoia Program Assistant

As the Program Assistant and Fitness Instructor at Sequoia Wellness Center, Aliza facilitates weekly exercise and “stretch, movement and meditation” classes for participants. Aliza is passionate about helping others, particularly in the field of geriatrics, and loves working and connecting with the Sequoia members.

In addition to her role at JFS, Aliza operates a private hypno-coaching practice, where she works with clients to create positive change in their lives by helping them recognize and overcome self-limiting beliefs and perceptions that may be holding them back from embracing their own inner strengths and fully expressing themselves. She specializes in inner child healing, weight loss, stress management, mindfulness, eliminating bad habits, overcoming phobias, and creating an overall sense of healthy self image from the inside out. Aliza earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and is a certified hypnotist (National Guild of Hypnotists) and health and wellness coach (Life Purpose Institute).

Aliza is also an experienced fitness instructor and continues to facilitate various types of fitness classes within the community and at other community centers in New Jersey. She believes in integrating a holistic approach and mind-body connection to her instruction.

With her love of singing and inspiring others, Aliza and her husband enjoy doing musical performances at various senior facilities throughout New Jersey. It has been a highlight for her to sing at Sequoia for special programs. She has written and produced two full length albums titled Hey Little Girl and I Believe.

Noa Feldman, LSW

Clinician
Education: Master of Social Work from Long Island University
Licensure: LSW
Specialization: Anxiety and depression
Population: ​Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Personal Statement: My goal is to support clients in reconnecting with their sense of inherent value and personal strengths to build resilience, emotional well-being, and a meaningful life.
Donna Frederickson, LPAT, ATR-BC

Donna Frederickson, LPAT, ATR-BC

Art Therapist

Education: Master of Arts (Clinical Art Therapy) from C.W. Post, Long Island University

Licensure: LPAT, ATR-BC

Specialization: Clinical Art Therapy, Trauma, DV, Anxiety, Women’s Groups, Social Skills Training, Anger Management

Population: Youth/Adolescents, Families, Adult Women

Modalities: Clinical Art Therapy, TF-CBT, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT, Psychodrama, Play Therapy, Women’s Groups, Neurosensory Art Interventions

Personal Statement: By using a creative process, along with applied psychological theories, my goal is to facilitate clients to broaden their critical thinking skills; foster self-awareness and self-care; build emotional resilience, reduce/resolve conflicts and anxiety, and improve communication capabilities—all with the objective of inner growth and healing.

Toni Freni, MS, BC-DTR

Dance Therapist

Education: Master level Dance/Movement Therapist from Hunter College, NY

Licensure: BC-ADTR

Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma, body/mind approaches, relaxation

Population: Adults, Children, Families

Modalities: Creative Arts Therapy, DBT, Dance/Movement Therapy, Body/Mind Approaches, Stress-Reduction

Personal Statement: I bring over 35 years of clinical experience to my work, with a strong focus on stress-reduction, empowerment, goal-directed and creative interventions with an emphasis on client’s strengths and agency.

Rossana Gallegos-Veliz, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Montclair State University

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Grief Work, Self-Esteem Issues, and Life Transitions

Population: Adult Women

Modalities: CBT, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based, Mindfulness

Personal Statement: As a first-generation Latina, I am dedicated to understanding the intricacies of navigating multiple cultural identities. My mission is to empower individuals through empathetic and culturally sensitive care, supporting clients on their path to healing and personal growth.

Evan Genachowski, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression

Population: Adolescents, Adults

Modalities: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT

Personal Statement: My goal is to empower clients to discover, embrace, and love who they are, while providing the tools and support necessary to overcome life’s challenges. A deep belief in each person can help to unlock their full capabilities and achieve personal growth and fulfillment. I am committed to creating a safe space where people can explore their strengths, build resilience, and develop the confidence to create meaningful change in their lives.

Ruthi Glaser, LSW

Clinician

Education: BA in Psychology from Stern YU, Masters from Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Trauma

Population: Adults and adolescents

Modalities: CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-based approaches

Personal Statement: I maintain a warm and supportive space for clients to work through their emotions and experiences, and empower them to reach their goals while providing resources and support from their community.

Gitty Goldberg, BCCC

Clinical Chaplain
Gitty completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) working in Pascack Valley Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center. As a Clinical Chaplain, Gitty approaches each individual as a “living human document” – a cherished soul who is a whole world and is an evolving story.  She applies a client-centered approach offering unconditional regard, grace, and compassion.  Gitty employs the “ministry of presence” which entails attentive listening, bearing witness, meaning-making and journeying alongside her clients.
Favorite quote:When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, G-d is the electricity that surges between them.” -Martin Buber

Naomi Goldman, RN, LAMFT

Clinician

Education: Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University

Licensure: LAMFT

Specialization: Couple’s counseling and Family therapy

Population: Adults and all ages of family unit

Modalities: Structural Family Therapy, CBT, EFT

Personal Statement: I am passionate about helping couples and families navigate the challenges they face and fostering improved relationships, whether in a marriage, a family or even with oneself.

Moshe Groman, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Sara Schenirer/Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Relationships

Population: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples

Modalities: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Child-centered Play Therapy, EFT

Personal Statement: For me, therapy is a healing process that evolves through gradual self-discovery. I help my clients to feel all of their feelings, say anything and everything, and to bring their entire self into the therapy room. The process is the progress; together we journey to a better place.

Cara Harmon, LCSW

Cara Harmon, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Education: Master of Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and other trauma; anxiety; depression

Population: Adults

Modalities: IFS, EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Personal Statement: Starting from the first conversation, I prioritize building a safe therapeutic relationship. This sets the ground work for collaboration and a shared understanding of what progress means for each client. — whether it’s moving past stuck spots, healing from trauma, finding hope after loss, or changing behavior patterns.

Yosef Kaminetsky, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, OCD

Population: Children, Adolescents, Adults

Modalities: CBT, DBT, Child-Centered Play Therapy

Personal Statement:My goal is to create a supportive and empathic environment where clients can learn effective coping strategies tailored to their individual challenges and foster resiliency within clients.

Sari Katz, LSW

Sari Katz, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, and Grief

Population: Adults, Seniors

Modalities: Integrative Therapy and Psychodynamic

Personal Statement: My goal is to empower clients to be successful in making positive changes in their lives through helping them navigate and learning how to use the skills they need in order to achieve their individualized goals.

Leah Klein, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social work from Rutgers University

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Phobias, Depression

Population: Children, Adolescents, Parents and Adult Women

Modalities: CBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT

Personal Statement: My goal is to empower children, individuals, and families to overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential through compassionate support fostering resilience and positive change.

Anna Kirshblum, LCSW

Anna Kirshblum, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Education: Master of Social Work from Columbia University

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Bereavement, Infertility issues

Population: Adults

Modalities: Integrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, Somatic Interventions

Personal Statement: I help people navigate the inevitable transitions and challenges in life and gain the tools to lead a healthy life.

Chaya Sarah Kost, LPC

Clinician

Education: Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University

Licensure: LPC

Certifications: Creative Journal Expressive Arts Master Instructor ™

Specialization: Relational challenges, Low self-esteem, Adjustment difficulties, Anxiety, Depression, Familial stress, ADHD, PTSD

Population: Children, Teens, Adults

Modalities: CBT, DBT, ACT, CPT, psychodynamic theory, somatic awareness, incorporation of creative art techniques for symptom relief

Personal Statement: I strive to provide an atmosphere of safety, compassion and openness allowing my clients the space they need to reflect, process, heal and thrive.

Dawn Lax, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Rutgers University

Licensure: MSW

Specialization: Anxiety, OCD, Phobias, Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, Depression

Population: Children, Adolescents, Parents and Adult Women

Modalities: CBT, ACT, Exposure Therapy, Play Therapy, Social Skills Training

Personal Statement: My goal is to provide a caring and compassionate space where clients can develop healthy coping skills for their unique set of circumstances and challenges.

Abril Lazaro, LCSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Rutgers University

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Sexual and Domestic Violence

Population: Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Modalities: CBT

Personal Statement: My goal is to empower each individual by guiding them along the journey of personal growth and change.

Adina Lehrfield, LCSW

Clinical Outreach Coordinator

Education: Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Geriatrics

Population: Adolescents, Adults and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Modalities: Crisis Intervention, Strength-Based Model and Problem Solving

Personal Statement: As Clinical Outreach Coordinator, I am looking forward to addressing the concrete and mental health needs of my clients.

Basya Malka Levit

Clinical Care Coordinator

Basya Malka graduated with a BS in Psychology from Brooklyn College. Her goal is to empower survivors of domestic violence by identifying their needs, advocate for them and help them access the resources and support they need.

Jen McLean, LPC, NCC

Jen McLean, LPC, NCC

Clinician

Jen graduated with an MS in Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis on addiction treatment and prevention. She has experience working with children, adolescents and families, and help clients deal with anxiety, depression and family challenges. Using interpersonal CBT and other evidence-based treatments, Jen adds compassion and warmth to help empower her clients to foster change in a positive way.

Michelle Mendelson, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master’s  degree of Social Work from New York University School of Social Work 

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Trauma, C-PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship challenges

Population: Adolescents, Adult Women, Couples

Modalities: Trauma focused modalities, EMDR, EFT, CBT, and a strength based perspective for all modalities

Personal Statement: My goal as therapist is create a warm, safe environment where my clients can work on developing the skills and tools necessary to achieve their goals. Through the therapeutic relationship, my clients talk, feel heard, and learn to process the emotions and feelings that are blocking them from the healing and growth they desire.  

Yehuda E. Morrison, LPC, CSAT

Yehuda E. Morrison, LPC, CSAT

Clinician

Education: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Touro College

Licensure: LPC, EMDR Certified, CSAT

Specialization: Sex Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/C-PTSD, Dissociative Disorders, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Attachment Wounds

Population: 18+

Modalities: EMDR, CSAT, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Ego State Interventions, Trauma Focused, Attachment Based

Personal Statement: Along with a nonjudgmental/humanistic approach, I facilitate a safe therapeutic space to build a positive connection with the goal of helping you overcome overwhelming feelings and begin your healing journey.

Natividad Padierna, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Montclair State University

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Loss/Grief, Identity Issues, Interpersonal Challenges, Parent/Child Dynamics and DV

Population: Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Modalities: CBT and Individualized/Family Support Interventions -English and Spanish

Personal Statement: My goal is to utilize a culturally sensitive trauma-informed family centered practice to help empower and increase resiliency among individuals of all ages. I firmly believe in the importance of building strong therapeutic bonds which encourage personal growth, healing, and recovery.

Esther Pesah, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master’s of Science in Education from Touro University and Masters of Social Work from WNMU School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, ADHD, Effective Parenting, Depression and Trauma

Population: Children, Adolescents and Adult Women

Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and other Psycho-dynamic theories

Personal Statement: My goal is to work with each client to identify and highlight their individual strengths and tailor an approach specific to them to help them build emotional health and resilience.

Itaty Vasquez-Rodriguez

PALS Case Manager

Itaty Vasquez-Rodriguez is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Berkeley College, class of 2019. She began her career as a social worker for the Board of Social Services in Warren County, where she developed a strong passion for advocating on behalf of vulnerable individuals and families. With a deep commitment to helping others, Itaty thrives in roles that allow her to support and uplift those who may not have a voice. Her work is driven by empathy, resilience, and an unwavering belief in equity and justice for all.

Robyn Rozwaski, LCSW

Clinician

Education: Master’s degree from The Columbia School of Social Work

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, challenging relationships

Population: Women

Modalities: Trauma informed modalities, Somatic IFS, EMDR

Personal Statement: With patience and critical emotional space, I provide a neutral place for women to understand, manage, and attune to their experiences.

Peter Schessler, LCSW

Peter Schessler, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Education: Master of Social Service, Fordham University School of Social Service

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: All diagnostic entities excluding active psychotic and addictive conditions

Population: Adult Men and Women

Modalities: Psychodynamically Informed Individual and Group Psychotherapy, Flexible Applied

Personal Statement: I help patients work through emotional and psychological impediments toward improved functioning.

Rebecca Schochet, LSW

Rebecca Schochet, LSW

Clinical Case Manager

Rebecca has over a decade of experience in the helping profession, and wears multiple hats at JFS. As a vital member of our Case Management team, Rebecca works with struggling families to assess and prioritize their needs, develop a collaborative service plan, and assist in accessing a range of services designed to stabilize family function. She also helps clients with all insurance related matters and assists them in applying for insurance either through NJ Family Care of GetCovered NJ.

Naftoli Sobel, LCSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Rutgers University

Licensure: LCSW

Specialization: Trauma, Couples, Families, Anxiety, Depression

Population: Adults, Couples, Families

Modalities: IFS, EFT, Gestalt, Paradoxical Interventions

Personal Statement: My aim is to help clients boost their self-esteem and find relief from stressors by creating a supportive environment characterized by warmth, empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. I also incorporate ‘out-of-the-box’ interventions and humor to help clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Rivky Volovik, LSW

Clinician

Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma

Population: Adult Women

Modalities: CBT, EMDR, IFS, Motivational Interviewing

Personal Statement: I provide an understanding, empathic and safe environment to support you and partner with you on your journey, highlighting your strengths to help meet your goals.

Shoshie Wasserman, LSW

Clinician

Education: Touro Graduate School of Social Work 

Licensure: LSW

Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Trauma, Low Self-esteem, Challenging Relationships

Population: Adolescents and adults

Modalities: Psychodynamic, CBT, Motivational Interviewing

Personal Statement: My goal is to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space to support clients to process and manage their emotions, develop insight and self awareness, and empower them to make healthy choices.

Vocational Consultant

Chaim Solomon

Vocational Consultant

Chaim started his career in 2006 by developing and growing a pre-vocational and supportive employment program for individuals with developmental disabilities in Monsey. In 2020, he shifted his focus to become an executive recruiter, assisting candidates in securing employment and aiding businesses in finding skilled employees.

Now joining Jewish Family Services, Chaim brings with him a vast network of businesses in the local community and soft skills to obtain employment. He offers services in resume writing, career coaching, interview preparation, and business networking.