Our Story

As a therapist, I firmly believe in our innate ability to discover H.O.P.E. - Healing, Opportunity, Purpose, and Empowerment. My vision for humanity is to uncover our intrinsic value and realize the lives we need, want, and deserve! My greatest aspiration is for individuals to recognize their inherent self-worth, nurturing the capacity for self-love, self-nurture, and self-respect.

My understanding of human behavior stems from acknowledging our survival instincts; we're driven to do whatever it takes to endure, whether it's adaptive or maladaptive. Our efforts to aid ourselves, while they may lead to coping mechanisms that are harmful to ourselves and others, demonstrate remarkable survival tactics.

Once we've delved into the underlying hurt we endured and addressed it on physical, spiritual, and emotional levels, our shame and pain no longer imprison us. This liberation allows us to embrace our lives, passions, talents, and ultimately ourselves!

My extensive training, including Somatic Intervention by Ricki Bernstein, LMSW, SEP,  Progressive Counting and Flash by Dr. Ricky Greenwald, and certification as a Certified Trauma Professional from the International Trauma Training Institute, equips me with a clinical understanding concerning trauma.

Healing from trauma often resembles performing open-heart surgery without the safety of a contained, sterile environment. This realization prompted me to become a recognized Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Trainer. DBT provides high-quality surgical care essential for trauma recovery.

With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Beck Institute and certifications in Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid, I'm fully equipped to offer comprehensive support.

Leading individuals from dark, tumultuous places to tranquil oases fills me with immense joy. I eagerly anticipate offering you the care and support needed as we embark on a therapy journey towards thriving!

As a seasoned therapist with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Kean University, Union, New Jersey, and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, I have honed my expertise in fostering growth and transformation across diverse settings. My education has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of human behavior and address the multifaceted needs of individuals and communities as a therapist.

Certifications

- Certified Trauma Professional

- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Trainer

- Psychological First Aid

- Mental Health First Aid

Professional Trainings

I am deeply committed to continuous learning and growth, recognizing that each new insight and skill acquired allows me to better serve individuals on their journey towards healing and well-being. The specialized trainings I have pursued include:

- Somatic Intervention

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

- Positive Psychology

- Nurtured Heart Approach

- Sand Play Therapy

- Progressive Counting

- Flash

With a commitment to ongoing learning in mental health and professional development, I continuously seek opportunities to expand my knowledge base and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field of mental health and social work. This dedication allows me to provide the highest quality of care and support to individuals on their journey towards healing and well-being.

Director of Events, Programming, and Marketing, NY, NJ, AZ, and CA 2007 - Present Freelance Director of Events, Programming, and Marketing 

▪ Masterfully orchestrates week-long hotel retreats, social gatherings, and vibrant synagogue programs. 

▪ Demonstrates exceptional leadership in managing a diverse team and multifaceted operations, encompassing marketing, advertising, social media, website management, outreach, budgeting, program development, scheduling, contract negotiations, decor selection, and administrative tasks. 

Tomchei Shabbos of LA - Touch of Kindness, Inc., CA 2023 - 2024 Director of Development and Special Projects & Executive Assistant 

▪ Skilled grant writer, adept at crafting compelling proposals that resonate with grant-making entities and lead to successful funding outcomes. 

▪ Seasoned marketing campaign coordinator, dedicated to creating and executing campaigns that raise awareness. 

▪ Efficiently managed executive director's schedule, calendar, and meetings. 

▪ Directed various facets of special projects, such as innovative food distribution and mental health initiatives. 

Director and Consultant, NY and NJ 2015 - 2020 Director of and Consultant for Nonprofits, Agencies and Facilities in the Mental Health and Social Service arenas 

▪ Skillfully articulated the mission, vision, and programmatic goals, providing expert direction and guidance. 

▪ Spearheaded strategic program planning implementing best-practice and evidence-based standards. 

Hope Street Treatment, USA, Temp. April 2020 - December 2020 Director of a Mental Health and Addiction Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient Program 

▪ Developed and implemented streamlined, cost-effective policies and procedures for all domains within the company: clinical, fiscal, admissions, administrative, compliance, billing, marketing, and outreach. 

▪ Managed and oversaw the day-to-day operations as well as executed strategic plans. 

▪ Built a collaborative, cohesive, nurturing culture and empowered the 50+ team members to succeed. 

The Sarah Gluck Respite Program, Lakewood, New Jersey 2013 - 2017 Co-Founder and Co-Director of a Nonprofit Organization

▪ Developed, designed, and implemented a respite program to service patients in hospitals throughout New Jersey. 

▪ Authored a comprehensive volunteer training manual, which served as the official manual for the service provider. 

Evolve Treatment Center, Brooklyn, New York 2016 - 2017 Director of a Sober Living Home 

▪ Developed comprehensive programming and structure; crafted the Staff Handbook and Participant Manual. 

▪ Recruited and supervised a team of seven staff members and conducted weekly team meetings. 

▪ Facilitated meditation groups and weekly meetings and organized therapeutic and recreational activities. 

▪ Provided counseling to participants, managed psychiatric and medical crises, and oversaw medication compliance. 

Miryam's House, Project Extreme, Brooklyn, New York 2014 - 2016 Founder and Director of a Transitional Living Residence 

▪ Created and established this residence; integrated therapeutic, social, spiritual, and recreational elements. 

▪ Oversaw day-to-day operations, managed staff, and cultivated strong relationships with external service providers. 

▪ Provided counseling and support, managed psychiatric and medical crises, and ensured medication compliance. 

Bnot Chaya Academy, Yahalom High School, Aish Lapidot; NY and NJ 2008 - 2014 

Director of Extra-Curricular Programming and Teacher in Alternative High Schools 2 

▪ Developed comprehensive programming, projects, special events and engaging recreational activitiesfor students. 

▪ Facilitated educational curricula and group therapy sessions, catering to at-risk students.  

THRIVE! Mental Health, Lakewood, New Jersey 2024-Present Operator and Therapist 

• Facilitates weekly groups such as Creative Expression, Sand Play Therapy, and Chronic Pain Support. 

• Provides individual therapy for individuals with trauma histories, mental health disorders and dissociative disorders.  

Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Lakewood, New Jersey 2014 - 2015; 2018 Therapist in the Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient Program, and Intensive In-Community Services ▪ Proficiently provided individual and group therapy to teenagers, adults, and families across various levels of care. 

▪ Skillfully administered therapeutic interventions, fostering a supportive and healing environment for clients. 

Project Extreme, Bricelyn, Minnesota 2010 - 2017 Social Worker/Assistant Head Counselor/Dir. of Food Services for an organization servicing at-risk youth. 

▪ Efficiently managed overall operations, overseeing excursions, activities, and food services, and providing effective leadership to a team of ten dedicated staff members. 

▪ Skillfully conducted individual and group therapy sessions, placing a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of at-risk youth, and diligently ensured medication compliance. 

Rachel's Place, Brooklyn, New York 2013 - 2014 Behavioral Health Counselor in a Transitional Independent Living Program 

▪ Provided compassionate care and support to homeless teenagers with complex trauma histories, mental health conditions, and substance use diagnoses, effectively addressing their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

The Special Children’s Center, Lakewood, New Jersey 2002 - 2013 Volunteer for the Respite Center; Direct Support Staff in a Group Residence

▪ Overnight staff member for children, teenagers, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

▪ Taught the participants daily living skills and addressed their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

Invited Talks 2014 - Present 

▪ Chazkeinu: Periodically addresses a hotline providing support to women facing mental health challenges. 

▪ M.A.S.K. Family Matters Radio Show: Contributed to raising mental health awareness. 

▪ Therapy Talk Radio Show: Engaged in discussions on trauma, its implications, and available treatments. 

▪ Neshamos: Designed and delivered comprehensive training for mental health crisis hotline volunteers. 

▪ Aneinu: Supported mothers of at-risk youth through a talk titled "Out of Reach, Yet Close at Heart."