About
About Me
For as long as I can remember, I was the person my friends would go to when they needed advice. In college, I could often be found on the dorm floor late into the night, talking things out with someone in distress.
They knew me for being nonjudgmental, caring, and available to help. I originally started as a business major and soon realized I found those classes dry and dull – not my alley. Before I knew it, the psychology classes that were supposed to be electives were drawing me in.
After a long dialogue with one of my professors, I soon realized that studying psychology and helping others was the path destined for me. I enrolled in a social work school and soon realized that becoming a clinical social worker and psychotherapist was a natural fit.
The ability to use my empathy, natural inclination to help, and intuition, combined with my professional training, have proven to be immensely rewarding and result in client growth and development.
I bring over 25 years of diverse experience and training in mental health to my private practice in Nutley, NJ.
My practice specializes in women’s issues such as postpartum depression, motherhood, single women, dating, anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and support during life transitions.
Being a working professional, wife, and mother myself, I am especially attuned to women’s unique needs. I am dedicated to empowering women who struggle with balance and fulfillment in these demanding roles.
Education and Career…
My Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology is from the University of Delaware. I then took a gap year and enrolled in a volunteer program in Israel. That was followed by completing my Master’s in Social Work at Wurzweiler School of Social Work.
I earned my Master’s while working full time at the New York Association for New Americans in a unique scholarship opportunity to gain professional experience as I worked my way through graduate school.
For over eight years, I worked in various agency and non-profit settings gaining experience in immigration, domestic violence, foster care, and mental health clinics.
I was on the front lines working with the Red Cross after the Twin Towers collapsed, helping to clinically debrief the police, firefighters, and the essential workers. I continued to work with Project Liberty in outreach efforts to educate the local communities about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I have post-graduate training in Family Systems and Marital Counseling from Neve Family Clinic and advanced training in the areas of marriage counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma, PTSD, and postpartum depression.
As I was expecting my first child, I left my role as Program Director of a Psychiatric Day Program to begin my private practice in 2008.
Starting a practice was both nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. Not only did it provide the flexibility that I needed as a working mother, but it also gave me the ability to meet all sorts of exciting and unique people like you. I genuinely feel that each client I work with has allowed me to learn and grow as well.
My personal time…
My husband is my biggest supporter and my three amazing, spunky kids keep me on my toes. I love cooking and entertaining. Even though I don’t get as much time as I would like, I enjoy all aspects of the outdoors, from hiking to relaxing at the beach.
A Little More About Me
While it was never front and center in my private practice until recently, my Jewish identity has always been an integral part of who I am. It shapes every aspect of my life: how I raise my children, what inspires my commitment to helping others and serving the community, and even how I run my kitchen. I have an extensive Jewish education, which was further enriched by a transformative two years of living and studying in Israel post Master’s. This deepened my understanding of Jewish values—compassion, justice, judging favorably, and community—guiding how I connect with others and navigate the world. Judaism is my grounding, my purpose, and my source of joy.
When the world turned upside down for all Jews on October 7, 2023, it was a moment that deeply impacted me. Just as I’ve done at other critical points in my life, I felt compelled—driven by a sense of responsibility and purpose—to respond. Out of that moment of inspiration, Kesher Shalom Projects was born.
Kesher Shalom Projects focuses on addressing the psychological impact of antisemitism and its traumatic ripple effects on individuals, families, and entire communities. The initiative was created to provide education, support, and professional development for both the Jewish community and our allies. Our mission is to foster resilience, promote understanding, and provide people with tools to counter hate and heal in meaningful ways.
To learn more about KSP www.keshershalom.com
And just like on that fateful morning when the towers collapsed, and I called my parents to tell them I was heading down towards Ground Zero with the Red Cross…
My father echoed the famous words of Rabbi Hillel
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
And precisely, that is how I choose to live my life.
I’m so glad you’re here.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I’m honored you’re here and that you’re taking the time to read about my work. I respect your courage to reach out and your desire to work toward self-improvement.