Our Team

Our Clinicians


Jacqueline Powell, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Director, Bilingual

As a professional psychotherapist I offer counseling, support and empowerment, and help you to navigate through the most challenging times in your life. If you experience stress, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, unstable relationships, or just want to feel fulfilled, empowered, or happier in any area of your life, I am here for you. I carefully guide you to obtain necessary coping skills to achieve your personal goals and emotional stability in all areas of your life.

Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies with a minor in psychology and completed the Child Advocacy certificate program all from Montclair State University.

Masters of Social Work degree from New York University (NYU) I am a member of the National Association of Social Worker. A certified school Social Worker. Currently licensed as a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey.

My background includes working with children, adolescents, adults and families in a variety of clinical settings including public schools, community mental health and in-home therapy. I have worked with individuals/families from all religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, who come from all different walks of life.

My approach is integrative, collaborative and active in focusing on the issues identified. My experiences within the field have taught me about diversity, culture, intricate family systems, how environment and biology play a role in how we learn, function, and behave.

Mi objetivo, en esta relación, es proporcionar orientación que destaque sus fortalezas que lo ayudarán a lo largo de su progreso. Usted es la clave del éxito y la motivación para alcanzar sus objetivos y metas. Agradezco sus comentarios para que sea una parte integral durante esta relación terapéutica. Entiendo que la persona que mejor te conoce eres tú. Mientras trabajamos juntos para alcanzar sus objetivos, trabajaré con usted de manera sincera, práctica y sin prejuicios.

Si desea hacer una breve consulta telefónica, para determinar si encajaría bien no dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo. Por favor, deje un mensaje ya que puedo estar en sesión.


Erika Repoli, MSW, LSW

Clinician

Erika obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Felician College in Lodi, NJ. After graduating, she went to pursue her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. She has her License in Social Work in the State of New Jersey. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

As a practicing Social Worker, Erika incorporates mindfulness into her practice, while utilizing CBT and DBT skills to guide individuals towards their goal. Erika has experience working with individuals with major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and other mood disorders as well as working with individuals with various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. By providing individuals with a safe and secure environment, Erika's approach is to meet clients where they are and provide them with the coping skills to improve their emotional well-being.


Veronica A. Martinez, LSW

Bilingual Clinician

Hello! My name is Veronica, I am a licensed social worker in the state of New Jersey. I am a self-reliant individual with a genuine passion in supporting individuals and families deal with special life circumstances. As a clinician, I show patience, respect, compassion, empathy, and possess excellent people and communication skills.

I have a lot of experience working with families and caregivers of children with special needs. I’m myself a parent of teen-ager with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); could relate to the stressors, obstacles, worries, discrimination, and the additional roles and responsibilities placed on individuals of children with special needs and/or mental health issues. I could help my clients improve their outcomes, aiming to help them lead full and fruitful lives.

My educational background includes a Master of Social Work degree from New York University (NYU). A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in public administration from Rutgers University. An associate degree in Human Services/Pre-Social Work from Hudson County Community College.

One of my approaches to help my clients is the utilization of the strength’s perspective. This approach allows clients to focus on their abilities, talents, and resources instead of their problems and deficits. I also incorporate cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness within my practice. More importantly, I personalize my approaches to address my client’s needs.

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, It’s about learning to dance in the rain”
Vivian Greene


Denese Duran, LSW

Bi-lingual Clinician

Hi! My name is Denese Duran I graduated from Kean University with a Masters in Social Work in 2021, holding a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Berkeley College, Certified Alcohol and Drug counseling certificate, and Human Service Career certificate.

I am a Bilingual Licensed Social Worker in the state of NJ. My background consists of Behavior Assistant and IIC with families and children with mental health disorders. I have also worked with co-occurring mental health in Intensive Outpatient facilities with populations within the Boarding Homes, Homeless shelters, Youth Facilities, and Substance abuse facilities. I have treated disorders like Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Autism Spectrum, and Post Traumatic Disorders.

I am a very supportive and compassionate woman who practices from a Strength-based perspective with all clients. My approach is Client-Centered with a focus on CBT-based practices to utilize mindfulness and affirmations to develop confidence in the therapeutic process. I have knowledge working with diverse populations considering cultural competency at all times.

I am here to collaborate with you on your objectives and assist you with your therapeutic journey.


Priscilla Mota, MSW, LSW

Bi-lingual Clinician

Hello, my name is Priscilla Mota, and I am a first-generation American born to Dominican parents. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of New York City, my experience as a bi-lingual Latinx prepared me for the many challenges of navigating different spaces while maintaining my own identity. I am a Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey. I attended the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York City to receive my Master’s in social work. I have spent the last 15 years working to mobilize and empower my community members to become active in the change they want to see in their lives. My experience working with children, teenagers, and adults has led me to a career in therapy and has prepared me to work with people living with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. I like to meet clients where they are by providing tools to help empower them during their journey to wellness.


May De La Cruz, BA,MA-MHC, LAC

Bi-lingual Clinician

Allow me to meet you where you are in the process of "figuring it all out". I am passionate about helping clients find themselves and see things from a better and different perspective. I want clients to understand their emotions and where they are coming from. I work with clients to apply healthy ways of coping with their stress, thoughts and feelings. I love to help clients decode the root of what causes the emotions, learn to take better care of themselves and get a better grip of life and make choices that suits their needs and soul. The ultimate goal is to live your best life despite the circumstances. Also, you want to be proud of who you see in the mirror every day.

I am licensed in the state of New Jersey as a Licensed Associate Counselor. I received a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University (NYU). Also, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

I promote the need to reduce the stigma of therapy in the African American and Latinx community. I advocate the need of providing counseling to men as well. Also, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults that had different therapeutic needs such as for depression, anxiety, heartbreaks/divorce, panic attacks, grief, relationship & family issues, trauma and for life functionality purposes to say the least. I have offered counseling to assess their current condition, needs, strengths, and weaknesses.

My therapeutic approach is based on the individual and family needs. I may utilize different approaches such as Mindfulness-based therapy, Strength-based therapy, CBT, DBT, Motivational-based therapy and but not limited to Emotion-focused therapy.

Coming to therapy is the fist step that will lead you to "focus on your enlightenment".

Embrace the journey!!!!


Karina Mena, LSW

Clinician

My name is Karina Mena. I am a licensed social worker in New Jersey. I earned my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University. Subsequently, I obtained my master's degree in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City.

I have experience providing counseling to children and adolescents in a variety of settings, both within the community and in schools. In my most recent role as an intensive in-community clinician, I provided therapeutic services to children and their caregivers. Utilizing a strengths-based perspective, I have successfully assisted clients and their families in reaching their fullest potential by giving them the tools necessary to process and manage challenging emotions and life transitions.

To achieve the best possible outcomes, I empower and educate my clients to assist them in developing coping skills to address their mental health needs. My approach involves collaborative work with clients to enhance their overall quality of life.

I offer emotional support and guidance to my clients dealing with adjustment issues and significant life changes. In addition to employing a strengths-based approach, I integrate other treatment modalities, including CBT and DBT. I am here to assist you in identifying your desired goals and recognizing your own resilience.


Jennifer LaMarca, LSW

Clinician

Hi! My name is Jennifer Muñoz, and I am a Licensed Social Worker in NJ and NY. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a double minor in Criminology and Substance Use Disorders from Ramapo College of New Jersey. I also received my Master's degree in Social Work from Ramapo College. As a therapist, my goal is to provide clients with a safe space to feel comfortable and empowered to work towards their personal goals. I use a person centered and strength-based approach in therapy and focus on my client's individual needs and aspirations.

Throughout my career I have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health, corrections, and hospitals. I have worked with individuals with substance use disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I utilize CBT/DBT and mindfulness within my practice and tailor my approach based on my client's needs.


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