Dr.
Vanessa Gourdine, Director,
is a licensed clinical psychologist and Advanced Practice Nurse with prescriptive authority. She received her Doctor of Psychology degree from Rutgers University, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. She is a certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, providing a specialty in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. She is a certified addictions specialist and certified employee assistance professional. Multiple specialties allow her to practice a broad range of psychological applications in the community as well as in the corporate sector.
Dr. Gourdine has extensive experience providing psychotherapy services to children, adolescents and adults. She received post graduate education in psychoanalysis and play therapy. She has many years experience treating a broad range of concerns that include, but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, stress, ADD/ADHD, relationship issues, low self esteem, health promotion, disease management and performance problems. She utilizes a holistic approach that integrates medical/biological health with psychological and emotional functioning. She prescribes medication when necessary. She has additional training in relationship enhancement and marital therapy. She assesses psychological health in the context of lifestyle practices and overall health. She provides a safe environment to explore all personal issues utilizing an in-depth, insight oriented approach that allows for long term personal growth.
Dr. Gourdine has extensive experience providing consultation to management on performance and employee behavior. She has coached many executives from Fortune 500 companies. She has developed a model to facilitate behavior change and has applied the model in executive and life coaching. In addition, she has provided employee testing and assessment for promotion and succession planning. She has developed programs with applications in the business world for success, such as negotiation skills, leadership, behavioral interviewing and work behavior. She has developed the Induction Process-a proprietary approach to initiating therapy with the team at STA.
Dr.
Linda Mack, Assistant Director,
is a clinical psychologist with a background in crisis management
as well as behavior modification. She treats adolescents
as well as adults with a specialty in assessment and evaluation
of anxiety and depressive disorder. She utilizes an individualized
treatment approach based on the concerns and needs presented. In addition, Linda has
extensive experience working with gay/lesbian populations.
Dr.
Cynthia Orosy-Fildes, Assistant Director,
is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in
treating children and families. She heads our child and
family program and has designed for STA various treatment
approaches for children especially those affected by attention
deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Additional areas
of expertise for Cindy include anxiety, depression, physical
abuse, sexual abuse, parenting skills and gender issues.
She heads STA's parenting skills program.
Dr. Miller James, Assistant Director
, is a licensed clinical
psychologist with extensive experience treating anxiety and
depressive disorders in children, adolescents and adults.
Dr. James received his doctorate from the Union Institute and
University in Cincinnati, Ohio and has completed internships
at the Yale Psychiatric Institute’s Woman’s Trauma Program, and
The New Haven Post Traumatic Stress Center. For ten years Dr.
James served as the Supervisor for the Creative Arts Therapies
at the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Yale University
Clinical Campus. Dr. James has specialized training and experience
in the forensic evaluation and treatment of child abuse and he has
published several articles on the treatment of PTSD.
In working with children and adults, Dr. James utilizes a
therapeutic approach which includes cognitive behavioral,
humanistic, psychodynamic and interpersonal psychotherapy.
He has extensive experience with child centered play therapy
and the creative arts therapies including drama, art and
poetry. Dr. James incorporates mindfulness meditation
practice in his approach to stress management and resilience
training for children and adults.
Dr.
Richard Drew,
is a clinical psychologist with additional training in school
psychology. He has 20 years of experience with specialized
training in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger's
Disorder, Anxiety disorders and chronic behavior problems.
He is well trained to provide services to adults and children with depression,
anxiety and problems of adjustment.
Jennnifer Barry, LCSW
is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Masters of Social Work with specialized
training in addictive disorders from Fordham University. She has extensive experience in
treating mood disorders, addictive disorders and dual disorders and women's issues using a
cognitive behavior therapy approach. She runs STA's women's group which focuses on self-esteem
and relationships. She specializes in treating adolescents and adults.
Kathleen O'Mahony is a licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in individual and couples therapy. Kate offers a direct and genuine approach with in a supportive environment to help people identify their dysfunctional patterns of behaviors that contribute to the difficulties in our lives. Kate is dedicated to providing the most effective therapeutic services in a safe caring and empathic environment, but believes that while an understanding of the past is essential, positive change occurs in the present. Kate will help clients gain a greater sense of control over their difficult thoughts and feelings and promote flexibility in how clients respond to the obstacles in their lives. Kate has been practicing in various mental health facilities as a clinician and supervisor for 9 years. She holds a post graduate certificate in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and has completed several training workshops on anger and aggression. Kate specialized in low self esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, grief and loss, stress, personal issues, anger management and infertility counseling. Kate provides services for Adults and children over the age of 10.
Polina Levitt, LPC
is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She was trained in several psychotherapeutic approaches including Adlerian psychology. She specializes in the short term and effective treatments for depression and anxiety in children, adolescents and adults. Polina is fluent in Russian and English, enjoys working with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and is knowledgeable in the process of acculturation after a move from a foreign country. She provides a comfortable environment which allows clients to feel safe and gives them the ability to more openly talk about their problems and struggles. Polina also has a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh and imparts a joy for living to her clients.
Dr. Esha Khoshnu, MD
is a board certified psychiatrist. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and
bipolar disorder. She utilizes medication and psychotherapy to treat her patients.
Estelle Janiec holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is licensed in the state of New Jersey as a Professional Counselor. She has many years of experience providing psychotherapy from traditional approaches including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and interpersonal models. She focuses a particular approach based on the needs of the client. Each model has specific benefits and the benefits can be tailored to the developing issues and needs in the therapeutic process. Dr. Janiec supplements these traditional approaches with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) from the newly emerging paradigm of Energy Psychology for those clients who are specifically seeking an alternative therapy.
Dr. Janiec believes that no matter what the approach, the basis of all psychological healing is the establishment of a warm, supportive and collaborative relationship in which client and therapist work together for the benefit of the client. Dr. Janiec is particularly interested in exploring how development of a spiritual side can enhance the life and personal growth of the clients with whom she works. Dr. Janiec also values and has a background in the performing arts and enjoys integrating expressive art techniques into her psychotherapeutic work. Dr. Janiec works with adults for individual and couples counseling and with adolescents for individual counseling. She strongly believes in joy, laughter and the value of knowing and sharing who we truly are.
Teresa Reitz is a licensed clinical social worker, (LCSW) who graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters of Social Work. She has extensive experience with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and loss. Her specialty experiences include working with children and adults with terminal illnesses, working as a behavioral consultant, and working with individuals who have experienced abuse. Ms. Reitz has specialized training in various play therapy approaches and is currently working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist through the Association for Play Therapy and obtaining her certificate in Thanatology through the Association for Death Education in Counseling. Ms. Reitz utilizes a prescriptive play therapy approach when treating youngsters in order to best match presenting symptoms with an effective treatment modality in which the child or adolescent feels comfortable and safe. Finding the right approach to best meet the needs of the individual is Ms. Reitz's approach in working with clients of all ages. Ms. Reitz has developed and facilitated various grief and loss programs for both children and adults who experienced the death of a loved one through murder, suicide, illness, etc… Ms. Reitz, provides an atmosphere of sensitivity, warmth, acceptance, and safety to help individuals resolve issues along their life journey.
Susan Leahy-Mulroe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works with individuals, couples and families as they encounter issues that are difficult for them. Drawing from diverse therapeutic models, Susan collaborates with her clients as they cope with and adjust to challenging situations. To ease expressions of anxiety and depression, Susan encourages and guides clients to assist them as they move toward a more positive emotional place. Clients gain an expanded understanding of themselves and their circumstances, and develop enhanced coping skills as they attain desired changes.
Susan has been practicing social work for fifteen years, and she works with adults and children over the age of ten years old. Her educational background includes a Master of Social Work degree, post-graduate coursework, and post-graduate clinical training. Susan holds certificates in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Couples Communication and Adoption Services. Her special interests are relationship and family issues.
Rebecca Sassaman-Roman, LPC - Rebecca is a licensed professional counselor. She was trained in psychoanalytic and existential psychotherapy treatment modalities while earning a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her training included utilizing deeper insights into the self and relationships of the adolescents and adults who are in psychotherapeutic treatment with her. In addition, she encourages clients to move towards more independent thinking and decision-making, in order to promote a sense of life fulfillment. She completed a second Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (a CUNY school). She also holds a certificate as a police trainer, with which she has taught cadets and "seasoned" officers at the Passaic County Police Academy.
She has a background in crisis management and behavioral modification therapy and has worked extensively with young children afflicted with autism. She specializes in forensic evaluations and treatment, especially bariatric evaluations, and covers both pre-&post-surgical issues. Rebecca also specializes in the treatment of mood disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, she is a clinically certified forensic counselor with specialty training in forensic assessment and evaluation, domestic violence counseling, fitness for duty evaluations, and return to work evaluations. The course material and officer testing was designed and written by Mrs. Sassaman-Roman and covered de-escalation techniques, compassion for special needs populations, and safe handling of violent persons. She is currently completing the design of a bariatric program within STA, which will include group psychoeducational sessions focusing on issues affecting clients both before and after surgery, as well as pre-surgical evaluations.
Shoshana Kaufman, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Masters degree from New York University. She continues to advance her education and clinical training, pursuing a certification in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. While Shoshana has extensive experience working with trauma survivors and victims of abuse, she also treats adults, children and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, marital discord and substance abuse. Shoshana utilizes an eclectic approach while paying specific attention to conflict-resolution.
Dr.
Arthur Meinzer,
is a psychologist who has 25 years of experience and was
trained in traditional approaches including analysis.
He heads STA's quality of life program which is dedicated
to assisting those who are seeking a more gratifying and
fulfilling life. He allows for the psychotherapeutic process
to unfold in its time and provides his clients with a safe,
warm and supportive environment to explore all issues whether
they be general questions about one's direction in life
or specific problems such as anxiety. He is well rounded
in his ability to relate to all people, but primarily focuses
on treating adults. (PPO Network - NYC)
Network
Providers
Susan
Sterngold,
LCSW, CADC is a licensed clinical social worker and certified
alcohol and drug counselor. She has extensive experience
providing a range of services to the addicted population
and in the modalities of individual, family and group. She
has experience providing assessments, case management and
referral as required. In addition to her extensive training
and experience in the field of addictions, Susan has provided
services for children and families. She was trained at Family
Institute of Westchester in the Bowenian Model of Family
Therapy.
Dr.
Dante Mercurio,
is a neuropsychologist with specialized training in the
assessment and treatment of children and adults with a variety
of neurological and clinical concerns.
Our CORE team provides services at our offices in
Hackensack, Ramsey and Edgewater.
STA utilizes a local area network of psychologists who
are trained and have extensive experience in clinical and
neuropsychology. They are skilled at Neuropsychological testing
and are located in Caldwell and Oakland.
There are additional providers through a Preferred Provider
network who have been invited to join our organization after
they have passed the credentialing process. Coverage through
our PPO network is throughout New Jersey, and parts of
Connecticut, New York and Eastern Pennsylvania.
