Meet our Clinical Team
Clinical Team Leaders
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Tova Brody, LCSWClinical Director
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Rachel Dale, PsyDClinical Director of Project SARAH
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Tali Friedman, LSWChildren's Mental Health Team Leader
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Anne Marie Ramos, LCSWDirector of Children’s Services, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor
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Pearl Ricklis, LCSWDirector, Geriatric and Holocaust Survivor Services
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Carmit Schmutter, MSWDirector, Clinical Case Management (Somaich Achim)
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Sharon Zwickler, LCSWDirector of Intake
Tova Brody, LCSW
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
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, LSW
Education: Master of Social Work from Hunter College
Licensure: LSW
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.
Anne Marie Ramos, LCSW
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
Pearl Ricklis, LCSW
Education: Masters of Social Work from Columbia University
Licensure: LCSW
Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relationship Issues, Family Disconnection, Holocaust Survivor background
Population: Adults
Modalities: Psychodynamic therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Caring for mind and body
Personal Statement: My goal is to meet clients where they are, and help them to progress towards their goals, with warmth and understanding.
Carmit Schmutter, MSW
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
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.
Psychiatry
Cheryl Blumenfrucht, APN
Cheryl is a devoted psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience in providing compassionate care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on holistic wellness, Cheryl specializes in treating and diagnosing a diverse range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, PTSD, 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 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.
Michelle Grant, APN
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
Rabbinic Liaison
Rabbi Berel Leiner
Rabbi Berel Leiner is the Rabbinical Liaison for Project SARAH, the agency’s domestic violence services program. He is a talmid of Rav Pam, ZT”L and has over 30 years of experience in chinuch. As founder of South Shore High School and Yeshiva Ateres Yaacov in the Five Town, Rav Leiner has demonstrated expertise in building programs from the bottom up. Rav Leiner has also served as Menahel of Elite High School in Brooklyn, Menahel of Yeshiva Toras Emes in Brooklyn, and Principal of Yeshivas Beis Hillel in Passaic, NJ. In addition to his vast experience in school settings, Rav Leiner served for nearly two decades as Head Counselor of major summer camps, where he is responsible for the wellbeing of hundreds of campers and staff. Rav Leiner is especially committed to the development and implementation of creative curricula that bring together a traditional religious and secular education. His unique ability to direct, guide and inspire students, staff and families alike makes Rav Leiner an asset and welcome addition to Project SARAH and JFS.
Vocational Consultant
Chaim Solomon
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.
Psychology
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Noam Joel, PsyDDirector of Quality and Compliance
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Chana Krupka, PhDStaff Psychologist
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Zahava Pianko, MS Ed, NCSPSchool Psychologist Consultant
Noam Joel, PsyD
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
Zahava Pianko, MS Ed, NCSP
Clinical Staff
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Yael Baldinger, LSWClinician
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Lyndsay Blashka, LSWClinician
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Shaina Bodenheim, LSWOn-site Coordinator, Club Sequoia
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Nancy Cohen, MSWCase Manager
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Sibel Doko, BACase Manager
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Donna Frederickson, LPAT, ATR-BCArt Therapist
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Toni Freni, MS, BC-DTRArt Therapist
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Rossana Gallegos-Veliz, LSWClinician
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Naomi Goldman, RN, LAMFTClinician
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Moshe Groman, LSWClinician
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Cara Harmon, LCSWClinical Supervisor
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Sarala Katz, LSWClinician, Assistant Director of Senior Services
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Sari Katz, LSWClinician
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Anna Kirshblum, LCSWClinical Supervisor
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Chaim Laufer, LSWClinician
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Dawn Lax, LSWClinician
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Abril Lazaro, LCSWClinician
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Adina Lehrfield, LCSWClinical Outreach Coordinator
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Zipora Levi, LCSWClinical Supervisor
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Melissa Lopez, LSWClinician
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Jen McLean, LPC, NCCClinician
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Yehuda E. Morrison, LPC, CSATClinician
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Natividad Padierna, LSWClinician
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Esther Pesah, LSWClinician
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Jenny Psaki, LSWClinician
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Peter Schessler, LCSWClinical Supervisor
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Rebecca Schochet, LSWClinical Case Manager
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Naftoli Sobel, LCSWClinician
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Hannah Toran, LSWClinician
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Rivky Volovik, LSWClinician
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Paige Weintraub, LCSWClinician
Yael Baldinger, LSW
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.
Lyndsay Blashka, LSW
Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Worker
Licensure: LSW
Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Marital Relationships
Population: Adult Women and Couples
Modalities: CBT, IFS, RLT Marital Therapy
Personal Statement: My goal is to empower clients through self discovery, enabling improved relationships with the self and with others.
Shaina Bodenheim, LSW
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
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.
Sibel Doko, BA
Sibel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology through William Paterson University and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Social Work at Montclair State University. She is looking forward to gaining experience in Case Management, and hopes to continue on her path in helping families across New Jersey!
Donna Frederickson, LPAT, ATR-BC
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
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
Naomi Goldman, RN, LAMFT
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
Education: Master of Social Work from Sara Schenirer/Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Licensure: LSW
Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Relationships
Population: Children, Adolescents, Adults
Modalities: Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Child-centered Play Therapy
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
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.
Sarala Katz, LSW
Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Licensure: LSW
Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Grief
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.
Sari Katz, LSW
Sari Katz received her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and currently holds a NJ social work license. After graduating, she worked in a nursing home and a dialysis center, gaining experience working with the geriatric population and multiple medical settings. Sari is a Case Manager and Support Coordinator at JFS, and provides supportive counseling, psycho-education, and different concrete resources to her clients and their families to meet their various needs. Sari’s goal is that her genuine care for her clients will help them gain self-confidence that will ultimately empower them to make positive changes in their lives in order to succeed.
Anna Kirshblum, LCSW
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.
Chaim Laufer, LSW
Education: Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler
Licensure: LSW, LMSW
Population: Individuals, Couples, Families and Groups
Modalities: Psychodynamic approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques and Psychoeducation
Personal Statement: I work with clients to help them identify the issues that they are facing and understand how those issues impact their lives. I partner with my clients to set goals towards developing skills such as acceptance, alternative perspectives, behavioral changes and insight as a path to living a more meaningful and pleasant life.
Dawn Lax, LSW
Dawn received her MSW from Rutgers University and is certified in CBT from Beck Institute. She has experience working in non-profit organizations and in school settings, helping students improve their social skills and coaching parents. Dawn provides individual therapy for children and adults, as well as families, women’s health and parenting.
Abril Lazaro, LCSW
Bio coming soon
Adina Lehrfield, LCSW
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.
Zipora Levi, LCSW
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.
Melissa Lopez, LSW
Education: Master of Social Work from Montclair State University
Licensure: LSW
Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Self Esteem, Codependency, Relationship Difficulties
Population: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families
Modalities: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Strength-Based Approach, and Mindfulness Techniques
Personal Statement: As a first-generation Latina, I bring a rich understanding of cultural diversity and a dedicated focus on cultural competency to my practice, I am committed to assisting individuals in finding healing, personal growth, and empowerment in their lives. Additionally, I possess expertise in intergenerational trauma and inner child work, powerful modalities for addressing deep-rooted wounds and supporting the healing process. My dedication lies in helping clients develop effective coping skills, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate resilience to navigate life’s challenges. As a Latina therapist, I am fluent in both Spanish and English, facilitating effective communication and providing support to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Currently doing online and in person sessions.
Jen McLean, LPC, NCC
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.
Yehuda E. Morrison, LPC, CSAT
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
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
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.
Jenny Psaki, LSW
Education: Master of Social Work with a Minor in Law from Columbia U, a BFA & BA (Theatre & Psychology) from NYU, Divorce & Family Mediator Training from Rutgers U, and a Qualified ASL Interpreter Certificate from the College of Staten Island
Licensure: LSW (LCSW pending)
Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Special Education and ADHD, Gender and Sexuality, Family Court-Related Issues
Population: Teens, Adults, Seniors – Individuals, Couples and Parent/Child
Modalities: Psychodrama, Positive Psychology, Creative & Expressive Art Therapies, Strengths-Based CBT and DBT Skills Work
Personal Statement: I firmly it’s possible to change and/or heal one’s self or family through strength-based, mindful work; with compassionate exploration, humor and creative ‘play’ – whenever possible.
Peter Schessler, LCSW
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 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
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.
Hannah Toran, LSW
Hannah is a graduate from Rutgers University School of Social Work and has an extensive background in supporting children and families. With warmth and empathy, Hannah fosters a nurturing space for clients to process emotions and achieve their goals throughout different life stages. Hannah utilizes a trauma-informed approach and incorporates CBT, DBT, and interpersonal psychotherapy when working with clients. A recent member of the Project SARAH team, Hannah focuses on supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse by referring and linking clients to resources and community support.
Rivky Volovik, LSW
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.
Paige Weintraub, LCSW
Paige graduated from Stern YU with BA in development psychology in 2016, and received her MSW from Kean University in 2018. She has experience working with adolescents, adults and hospital patients. Paige enjoys working with adolescents and children, helping them navigate school and personal relationships. She is trained in The Nurtured Heart Approach, and uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including CBT, mindfulness and a strengths-based approach. Paige is involved with Project SARAH and coordinates many school trainings including the Child Safety Program for young children, and the Internet Safety Program for middle school students.