Our Therapists
A Freeman's Place Counseling has a number of talented therapists that have an extensive range of clinical expertise to meet the needs of potential clients. Our therapists specialize in multiple therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Client Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and a list of other therapeutic approaches.
Brittany Milien, LPC
Therapist
Brittany Milien is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in treating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and grief. As a student of life and purpose, Brittany Milien has committed to ever-increasing her capacity to radically accept beauty while still acknowledging pain’s reality. Brittany refuses to live on a polarized spectrum where life is categorized by flawless beauty or confounding pain. Instead, she postures herself in reflection each day that she may become a healer for herself and others. Brittany promises to recognize the complexities in your story echoing of all too familiar beauty and pain. Through individual, couples, or group counseling with adults, adolescents/teenagers (14 to 19), and preteens/tweens (11 to 13), Brittany would love the opportunity to expand your perspective using an integrative approach combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. If you are willing to commit to this journey, Brittany would be delighted to move forward together.
Watasha “Tasha” Young, LPC
Therapist
Watasha “Tasha” Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation from Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nyack College. She has been in the mental health field for over 10 years, gaining experience in various settings. Watasha specializes in working with adults who have challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem; in addition, she has experience working with children (6 to 10) adjusting to life circumstances. Her counseling technique is best described as an individualized approach (i.e., using techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Person-Centered) because each person’s process looks different, and one size does not fit all. Watasha believes that you know yourself best, which is why she believes in meeting you where you are and providing you with the tools needed to begin healing and maintain your healing.
Jennifer Pineles, LAC
Therapist
Jennifer Pineles is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She has experience providing individual, couples, and group therapy for young adults, adults, and elders. Specifically, she is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, and grief. Jennifer has provided mental health care in hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and day programs. Some of the treatment modalities Jennifer uses are cognitive therapy (CT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic. She believes that establishing a safe space for clients to discuss their most personal issues is key for effective therapy. Jennifer considers it a privilege to help you work through life‘s trials and tribulations and to obtain peace of mind.
Nafisah Mahmoud, LAC
Therapist
Nafisah Mahmoud is a Licensed Associate Counselor who helps adults heal from past traumas, learn coping skills to manage daily stress, and maintain a sense of balance in their lives. Her goal is to amplify the voice of her clients and what they’ve experienced, allowing them to feel heard and cared for. Upon receiving her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, Nafisah adopted a holistic, person-centered approach grounded in mindfulness and meditation. Nafisah also provides psychoeducation through numerous programs and panels, working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in the Black community and other communities of color. In her spare time, Nafisah enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family, and candle-making!
Nafisah is deeply humbled by the opportunity to work with individuals of all backgrounds, as she is empathetic, passionate, and dedicated to her work. She wants every individual to know that they are invaluable, they are worthy, and they were created for a reason, even if they don’t know what that reason is just yet. Nafisah believes that the journey to healing is a process that helps unearth our potential and further develops the gift within to be a better version of our true selves. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, Nafisah is here to help support and guide you through that process.
Ruth Churak, LCSW
Therapist
Ruth Churak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked with toddlers, children (6 to 10), preteens, teens, adults, and elders (65+). Ruth has experience in treating ADHD, anxiety, anger management, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and women’s issues. A few of the treatment approaches Ruth uses are Cognitive Behavioral-Therapy (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), Psychoanalytic, Art Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Ruth focuses on the strengths of her clients within a family/cultural system and helps individuals clarify their goals using different techniques along the therapy journey. She makes her clients feel less anxious when exploring painful and difficult subjects.
Tracity Gordon James, LSW
Therapist
Tracity Gordon James is a Licensed Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field. Tracity has a diverse background working with individuals, families, groups, and also in the community. She has worked in the Passaic County school district as a counselor to students struggling with interpersonal problems and academic barriers, at substance abuse treatment facilities, in inpatient and outpatient facilities helping individuals maintain sobriety, and has experience providing in-home therapy to individuals and their families. Tracity has expertise working with adults and teens who struggle with substance use, trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and dual diagnosis. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as she believes that it's a good approach used to make the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Tracity believes it's important to have a person-centered approach and strives to address problems on an individual basis while providing tools unique to the person served.
Courtney Bearns, LSW
Therapist
Courtney Bearns is a Licensed Social Worker with experience working with clients of all ages, from children to seniors, both in outpatient clinics and in-home settings. Strongly centered in evidence-based practice, Courtney works to find methods that best fit her clients’ individual needs, providing trauma-informed care grounded in theories including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and the interpersonal process.
Courtney is LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming of different identities, cultures, and religions. She also has a Ph.D. in social psychology, with a research emphasis on social inequality and prejudice, using this background to help her clients explore the structural forces that can impact mental health. Knowing that many people are nervous about therapy, Courtney’s most important goal is for her clients to feel safe, comfortable, and understood. Courtney loves exploring her clients’ strengths and special interests and using them to help motivate the therapeutic process.
Jalen Washington, MFT, LPC
Therapist
Jalen Washington is a specialist in Marriage and Family Therapy and received his Masters with Distinction from Capella University after studying at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for undergraduate studies. He specializes in Strategic Therapy and Structural Family Therapy while utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy in individual and couple sessions. Jalen is a client-focused therapist who puts his voice in the background. With a unique style, Jalen mixes personality, humor, and sensitivity into each session while understanding needs on an individual basis. Jalen has worked in a multitude of locations in Brooklyn, New York, Dallas, Texas, and throughout New Jersey. He has worked at different levels in substance abuse facilities, domestic violence refuge institutions, and psychiatric units both outpatient and inpatient over the span of 8 years. Jalen has worked exclusively with adolescents and men of color as he feels they are the underserved areas of mental health. Jalen enjoys speaking to the community about the need for mental health treatment and ensuring quality care for those regardless of their income or background.
The goal of therapy is often misconstrued. It is not only to resolve a conflict or find an answer but to make a connection. Jalen believes that the client drives the car of therapy while he is in the passenger seat ensuring the ride is comfortable, the music is right and hazards or incomplete bridges are avoided. The brain and body should be aligned; therapy does just that. There does not always need to be a problem to go to therapy, the same way a car can use an oil change or detailing before a long drive. It is hard to deal with emotional issues on your own, but more difficult to address and face them in therapy or even ask for help. This is a judgment-free zone and a safe place for all people regardless of sexual orientation, race, creed, or identity.
Crystal Jones, LAC
Therapist
Crystal Jones is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She received her Masters of Distinction from Nyack College in Mental Health Counseling. She has worked at Mount Sinai / St. Luke’s Addiction Institute with elders, adults, and young adults who struggle with substance use, trauma, grief, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Crystal can help individuals with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma events, and childhood trauma.
Crystal believes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, and Person-Centered approaches are useful in helping her clients through their healing process. She believes maintaining her authenticity and honesty will help the client feel safe with what they share and feel they are truly being heard. Crystal understands that each person is unique, and involving a client in the process is the best way to help them evolve into the best person they can be.
Jody Friedman, LSW
Intensive In-Community (IIC) Therapist
Jody Friedman is a Licensed Social Worker with a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. She specializes in social work with at-risk youths and their families. Her seven-plus years of experience include working in psychiatric inpatient and outpatient facilities, intensive in-home services, private practice therapeutic services, resettlement services for refugees and asylum-seekers, and nonclinical bereavement services.
Jody’s goal is to provide a relationship through which clients can embody genuity, uncover insights into their inner workings and surrounding environment, and mindfully practice the lifestyle oriented toward their desired outcomes. She has carefully crafted an open, grateful, curious, light, and respectful approach to all client backgrounds, presentations, perspectives, concerns, and hopes. Her work is client-centered and strength-based, tailoring Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Narrative, Attachment-Based, and Trauma-Informed Therapy, as well as, Motivational Interviewing and Reality Theory to each client.
She believes clarity, growth, and peace come from accepting, nurturing, and learning from the true self and its needs. Jody also believes that every client wields power over their ultimate life story through a simple duality: radically accepting nature's undeniable forces and courageously adjusting their more malleable circumstances.
Sofya Andemicael-Mayevskiy, LSW
Therapist
Sofya Andemicael-Mayevskiy is a Licensed Social Worker with a comprehensive background in public health, holding a B.S. in Public Health along with graduate degrees in both public health and social work. With over four years of experience in the field, Sofya is deeply passionate about helping individuals and families navigate their unique challenges.
Sofya's approach is rooted in empathy and a commitment to understanding each client's story and background, recognizing that everyone has specific needs. She utilizes an intersectional approach to address these needs and foster a supportive environment for her clients. Specializing in trauma and PTSD, depression, self-esteem, body image, family relationships, school issues, addiction, and working with LGBTQIA+ teens and adults among others, Sofya works with individuals across the lifespan.
As a mental health therapist, Sofya focuses on person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-focused approaches. She believes in collaborating with her clients to identify their needs, strengths, and goals, empowering them to become their best selves. Sofya looks forward to meeting each client and supporting them on their healing journey.
Michael “Mickey” Maffei, LSW
Therapist
Michael "Mickey" Maffei is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master's Degree from Rutgers University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Kean University. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma, he offers personalized treatment plans rooted in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), and Motivational Interviewing. These approaches help clients challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and build emotional resilience. Mickey’s client-centered approach creates a safe, nurturing environment where individuals feel genuinely heard and understood. He values the trust clients place in him and considers it a privilege to listen to their stories.
Before becoming a therapist, Mickey worked various manual labor jobs and performed as a musician while navigating his way through college. It was through this work that he developed a deep appreciation for human connection and became aware of the silent struggles people face every day. His experiences inspired him to be an advocate for those whose voices often go unheard, shaping his holistic approach to mental health care. By incorporating diverse life experiences into his practice, Mickey helps clients address the unique challenges that shape their lives.
Mickey is dedicated to helping clients harness their strengths, build on their resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth. He believes that perfection isn’t the goal—progress and self-improvement are what truly matter. Mickey works best with clients who are ready to make positive changes, even if they’re unsure where to begin. He invites those ready to take the next step to reach out and explore how they can work together toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Manasa Magesh, MSW Intern
Intern
Manasa Magesh is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University and is pursuing her master’s in social work from Rutgers as well. Manasa is currently in her second year and has her framework in practical theories, cultural competencies, diversity, behavior and environment, and clinical assessments and diagnosis. Her goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice therapy for underrepresented communities. She has previous experience working with children till the age of 21 at the Middlesex CMO. Manasa would like to work with a wide range of ages, upon completion of her degree. She focuses on a strength-based approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in addition to working towards finding the technique that works best for the client. Manasa is enthusiastic in working with a diverse group of clients, in various settings and helping them move forward in their path.
Ryan Hanna, Counseling Intern
Intern
Ryan Hanna is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling and has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from Kean University. Ryan is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling from Pillar College. Ryan has worked for years as a Life Coach working with clients on a variety of issues ranging from romantic relationships to self-esteem issues. Ryan Hanna is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling and holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from Kean University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling from Pillar College. With extensive experience as a Life Coach, Ryan has assisted clients in addressing a wide range of issues, including romantic relationships and self-esteem challenges. He employs Life Coaching, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Solution-Focused approaches to facilitate his clients' healing journeys. Ryan is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel genuinely heard and understood, emphasizing authenticity, honesty, and straightforward communication.
Kimberly Hopkins, MSW Intern
Intern
Kimberly Hopkins is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Kim is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Upon completion of her degree, Kim would like to earn her license in social work (LSW) and work in the clinical aspect of social work. She has previous experience as a behavioral technician, providing ABA therapy to children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has also gained experience as an intake coordinator at a nonprofit that radically supports children who've been adopted or are in foster care and their families. She is deeply committed to helping others and empowering individuals to identify and harness their unique strengths. Her focus is to be a stronghold for those facing various challenges, offering unwavering support and guidance to help them navigate difficult times. She believes everyone deserves to be valued and heard and strives to create a safe space for individuals to express themselves.
Myrta Maldonado, MSW Intern
Intern
Myrta J. Maldonado is an intern at A Freeman’s Place Counseling. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from Seton Hall University. Her coursework includes theory, psychopathology, behavior and environment, family and group counseling, cultural competencies, aging, and substance use. Myrta’s goal is to provide therapeutic services as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Myrta currently works as a Mental Health Counselor at Carrier Clinic in Belle Meade, NJ where she provides direct care to patients experiencing psychological and substance use issues. Her responsibilities include meeting with patients to help address needs during their stay and running daily group meetings. Myrta also has experience working with hospice patients and their families. Upon completion of her Master’s degree, Myrta hopes to work as a therapist in a private clinic.
Myrta’s journey to become a therapist is guided by her desire to help others feel seen, heard, and supported. She is passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle, self-exploration, and discovering ways to improve mental health and overall wellness to enhance the lives of others.
Vanessa Morales, LSW
Therapist
Vanessa Morales is a Licensed Social Worker with a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. With extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults, she specializes in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, neurodivergence, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma.
Utilizing a blend of interventions informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and somatic therapy, Vanessa strives to provide an affirming, client-centered environment where individuals feel empowered while exploring their challenges, developing coping strategies, and working toward growth and healing.
Vanessa is dedicated to holding space for each client’s unique experiences, helping them navigate adversities with the reassurance that they are not alone. Through collaborative work, she supports clients in recognizing their resilience so they can confidently pursue their paths forward.
Oluwadamilola Jinadu, LAC
Therapist
Oluwadamilola Jinadu is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical & Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University. Oluwadamilola specializes in trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and multicultural counseling, with expertise in CBT, trauma-informed care, and interventions for children, teens, and young adults. She offers individual and group therapy, helping clients develop coping skills, manage emotions, and address specific needs like anger management and sexual abuse recovery. Her goal is to provide a nurturing and safe environment where you or your child can feel safe to explore these emotions and develop effective coping strategies. Oluwadamilola understands the complexities that individuals face and how overwhelming life can feel for children, teens, and young adults facing trauma, anxiety, or behavioral challenges. Whether individually or in a group setting, Oluwadamilola is here to support you on the path to healing and growth.
Haley Bialek, LAC, ATR-P
Therapist
Haley Bialek is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in Art Therapy from Caldwell University. She has experience in individual and group counseling and has worked with diverse populations, including teens, adults, and seniors. She has worked in various levels of treatment, such as residential facilities, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient practices.
Haley focuses on helping individuals navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. By integrating creative expression into her therapeutic practice, she provides clients with unique avenues for self-exploration and healing. Her therapeutic approach includes a combination of Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and creative arts, allowing her to tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of each client. Haley aims to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, empowering them to develop resilience and achieve personal growth. Her primary goal is to guide clients toward discovering their strengths and fostering a balanced, fulfilling life.
Brynn Doherty, LSW
Therapist
Brynn Doherty is a Licensed Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Social Work, both from Rutgers University. Brynn believes one of the best ways to promote well-being is to address the unique mental health needs of each client and meet clients where they are. Empathy, compassion, and empowerment are some of the most important components she believes a therapist can have. Brynn utilizes CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapeutic methods with children, preteens, teens, young adults, and adults to help them learn how to change unhelpful thinking patterns and improve their coping skills and relationships. She has a special interest in helping children and teens by using creative interventions to address anxiety, depression, stress, behavioral issues, executive functioning issues, anger management, school issues, social skill issues, and low self-esteem. Brynn is excited to meet with you and work together to best serve your needs!
Debbie “Nina” Gomez, LSW
Therapist (Bilingual)
Debbie “Nina” Gomez is a bilingual Licensed Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience working with women, children, and families. Nina earned her MSW at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Having found her calling to serve her community early on in life, she has committed her professional career to building environments where individuals feel seen and valued. Maintaining an open mind, a safe place for genuineness, and working towards an accepting and supportive relationship, are the cornerstones of her approach.
Versed in Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Person-Centered, and Trauma Informed Care, Nina focuses her skills on assisting individuals in the context of their day-to-day successes. Nina values empathy and curiosity as the foundation for connecting to and guiding individuals to reach their fullest potential. Nina is dedicated to knowing, supporting, and valuing the individual spirit and drive that every person brings to the table. Nina has worked with survivors of domestic abuse, physical abuse & neglect, substance abuse, loss, trauma, and familial conflicts. Why, you may ask? Nina’s why, is people and showing them that they matter. Every unique soul deserves to know that their presence in this world is important. In the dark days, we need a guide to light the way. Nina looks forward to walking by your side on this journey of self-discovery, self-actualization, and a brighter path.
