NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING ASSOCIATES - Key Persons

Dr. Darren Caffery has been with Neuropsychology & Counseling Associates for over 25 years, and has extensive clinical experience in neuropsychological and cognitive assessment with a wide variety of clinical populations. Dr. Caffery has experience in the assessment of those with post-concussion syndrome, post-traumatic stress, ADD/ADHD, dementia, and a number of other psychiatric and neurological conditions. Dr. Caffery completed clinical practicums in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, where he gained neuropsychological testing experience on the acute care trauma and rehabilitation units. He also completed another clinical practicum at Shoreline Behavioral Health Center in Toms River, NJ, with rotations in geriatric and neuropsychiatric assessment and intervention. Dr. Caffery completed his predoctoral clinical internship at Pollack Mental Health Services at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ, where he co-facilitated Dual Diagnosis and court-ordered Anger Management groups, and also had clinical rotations in psychiatric emergency screening, and substance abuse assessment, intervention, and programming. He has presented numerous original research studies involving the validity and reliability of neuropsychological tests at conferences of the American Psychological Association, the International Neuropsychological Society, and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Dr. Caffery earned his B.A. in Psychology from Stockton University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Dr. Caffery incorporates mindfulness of body/mind/spirit into his daily professional practice with his clients and recharges his own body, mind, and spirit in nature. He is an avid sea kayaker, and over the years, has logged over 1000 nautical miles in his kayak.

Dr. Grace Zambelli is a New Jersey Licensed Psychologist with over thirty years experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She is a Certified School Psychologist and a Board Certified Art Therapist. She has an extensive background in helping individuals cope with grief, trauma, loss and medical related illnesses. She has worked as a child study member in public schools and as a clinical advisor and school psychologist in a state approved private school for behaviorally disturbed students. Dr. Zambelli received her Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology from Seton Hall University in 1981. She developed some of the first Child and Family Bereavement programs in the state of New Jersey at Riverview Medical Center, Hospice Inc. (formerly in Montclair, NJ) and Hackensack Medical Center. She has authored several training manuals and book chapters about setting up bereavement programs for families. She provides workshops and trainings to other mental health professionals in this area. Dr. Zambelli specializes in the use of creative arts and cognitive behavioral based interventions to help children, adolescents, adults and family cope with various mental health problems and adjustment issues. She has wide range experience in treating anxiety, mood and behavior disorders. She helps individuals identify their unique treatment needs and then works with her patients to achieve realistic, relevant coping skills that aim to ameliorate their distress and improve their quality of life. Dr. Zambelli is available to conduct psychological testing for school and learning problems, psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery and other psychological assessments. She also provides clinical supervision for health care professionals.

Job Titles:

• Licensed Psychologist - NJ Lic 3186 New Jersey Psychological Association ( Forensic Committee ) APA DIV. 47 ( Sport and Performance Psychology )

Dr. Edward Franzoni is an Ivy League educated, (Bachelor of Science, Cornell University, Master's Degree, Columbia University), licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Franzoni, who received his Ph.D. from Fordham University, trained at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J. and also served as Clinical Director at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, N.J., (both are now Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Barnabas Heath), prior to entering into private practice. His excellent training, coupled with his many years of experience, enable him to competently and professionally

Howard Mangel, Ed.D. is an experienced Counseling Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, who provides psychological consultations, evaluations and therapy to older teens and adults over 18 years old. He tests and treats people with a variety of brain-related conditions, such as Traumatic Brain Injuries, particularly Post-Concussion Syndrome and mild TBI. As well, he provides consultation and Neuropsychological evaluations of patients referred due to suspected dementias, and cognitive impairments due to brain aneurysms, Multiple Sclerosis, effects of chemotherapy on thinking and memory (sometimes called "chemobrain"), among others. His experience in psychological treatment spans several specialties, such as work in college counseling centers; inpatient and outpatient medical rehabilitation centers in Edison and Lawrenceville; and private practice. He has consulted for the state division of vocational rehabilitation as well. Dr. Mangel provides psychological consultation and individual treatment for anxiety, depression, stress management and adjustment issues. Dr. Mangel earned a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University. He has been active in professional organizations as a member and Past President of the NJ Neuropsychological Society; the Conference committee of the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ; and the NJ Psychological Association's legislative action committee. He has also been a clinical supervisor of graduate students in psychology at Rutgers Graduate School of Professional Psychology, as well as providing Post-Doctoral supervision.

Job Titles:

• Speech Language Pathologist

Jenna is a Speech Language Pathologist certified by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, licensed in New Jersey and Connecticut. Jenna holds a Master's of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Sacred Heart University. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. As a Speech Language Pathologist at Neuropsychology & Counseling Associates, Jenna provides evaluations and therapy for autism, articulation, language, fluency, pragmatic social skills, cognition, auditory processing, and augmentative alternative communication (AAC). Jenna has a strong passion for conducting social skills groups, working with the geriatric population, and working with children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. In addition to working at Neuropsychology & Counseling Associates, Jenna works at a premier public school district in New Jersey providing services to school-aged students. Her past work experience includes working for the public schools at elementary, middle, and high school levels, early intervention, and private practice work in which she provided services to children and adults with a variety of communication challenges. Her goal as an SLP is to provide individualized intervention plans based on the client's functional communication needs. Jenna currently resides in Metuchen, New Jersey. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, interior design, health and nutrition, and going to the beach.

Job Titles:

• Clinical Social Worker
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with varied experience working in diverse settings. She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from Lehigh University and her master's degree in social work from the University of Maryland. Jessica has worked with children, families, and adults in home and community-based programs. She also has hospital experience, working with adults facing both acute and chronic illness as well as organ transplant recipients. Prior to joining Neuropsychology & Counseling Associates in 2021, Jessica worked as a case manager and rehab therapist in a community-based psychiatry program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. She later worked as a home-based clinician and clinical supervisor for an early intervention program serving young children and their families in Massachusetts. Most recently she was a part of a multidisciplinary team at Massachusetts General Hospital where she worked with adults with end-stage liver and kidney disease who were awaiting organ transplants. Jessica is a compassionate professional who values working collaboratively with clients towards their individualized goals in therapy.

Kathleen Manalio is an individual, family, and group Psychotherapist who holds a BA in Psychology, Sociology, and Mediation, and a Clinical Master of Social Work Degree both from Rutgers University. Kathleen was honored in the NJ State House as a part of the All USA Academic Team for achievement and community volunteer work with children with cancer, foster families, and literacy programs. Kathleen's background includes the development of a Rubric, by which she scored children's Social Emotional Learning skills; this enabled teachers to create a positive, engaging learning environment. Subsequently, she developed Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for Rutgers University, to be utilized in public schools. In addition to working with children, adolescents, and adults, Kathleen has taught parenting skills, and has spearheaded addiction education workshops with an emphasis on the family meal. Kathleen is a trained facilitator for Rainbows for all Children, which assists children navigate grief, and heal from loss, and Strengthening Families, a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strengthening program for high-risk and general population families. Kathleen had served as a Board Trustee for eight years with Ocean Partnership for Children, Inc., serving on the Community Development and Corporate Compliance committees, and as Treasurer. Kathleen currently works with adults and utilizes a relaxed, strength based, collaborative, and goal oriented treatment approach, which integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Interpersonal Process, Structural Family, and Psychodynamic theories.

Dr. Heptig is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist who completed his Master's and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His dissertation focused on elucidating factors that contribute to the underreporting of mTBIs in high school sports.

Job Titles:

• Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage

Neal has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1991. He has forty years of clinical experience working children adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practice. He most recently worked with a pediatric neurodevelopmental population at RWJ/Barnabas Children's Specialized Hospital and has also provided individual, couples, and family therapy services at Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare. Neal received his Master's Degree in Educational Psychology at Rutgers University and subsequently completed a Specialist Degree in Counseling Psychology at Seton Hall University. He is trained in Systems Psychotherapy which focuses on the social context in which symptoms develop. He also employs Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. In addition to his expertise working with couples and families, he also enjoys working with individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. He employs Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-based techniques, focusing on client's strengths and the implementation of stress management techniques. Neal is a Clinical Member of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and has served on their Local Board. He also has experience implementing substance abuse and suicide prevention programs in New Jersey School Systems.

Dr. Perez is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist who completed his Master's and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology as well as completed a second Master's in Clinical Psychology with a specialization on Latino/a at Montclair State University.

I'm a Nurse Practitioner with a variety of experience including but not limited to outpatient/inpatient psychiatry, emergency medicine and cardiology.

Job Titles:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rick Hadley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with seventeen years' experiences in psychotherapy. He graduated from Stockton College with a Bachelor's degree and was awarded his Masters in Social Work from Temple University in 1995. Rick is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and a provider with most major insurance companies. Rick's client population includes adults, couples, children ages six and up, and families. His clinical experience includes working with mood and anxiety disorders, couples' issues, family counseling, and has also worked with substance abuse issues. Rich implements the use of support, stress management, cognitive and coping/communications skills, and development strategies. Rick is a native of Ocean County, New Jersey, and is happily married with one child.

Job Titles:

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - BC
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Rob Bishop is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, adjustment disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Rob received his degree from Monmouth University. He also holds a degree in Biology and graduate level training in Molecular Biology. He tries to stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatments in treating mental illnesses. Rob is a firm believer in treating the client as a "whole--mind, body, and spirit." His strength is listening to the client and treating the appropriate symptoms, rather than just labeling one with a diagnosis. His philosophy is to have the client be an active participant in their treatment to gain a sense of empowerment and independence. He is a firm believer in therapy in conjunction with medication. Rob is married and has 2 sons and a dog. He is an avid Star Wars and Star Trek fan. He enjoys going to conventions, reading, sculpting, and painting.

Sherry obtained her undergraduate degree in social work and completed advanced standing program in Masters of Social Work from Hunter College in NYC. She has over 15 years' experience working with diverse populations from children to older adults. She has worked in an array of settings including elementary school, psychiatric hospital, home care, physical rehabilitation hospital, and nursing home. Her specialty is treating mood and anxiety disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy, and especially likes to incorporate deep breathing exercises and guided meditation to help relieve symptoms. She has been successful in working with students who experience test anxiety, patients coping with chronic pain, and residents facing loss of independence in a nursing home. In addition to individual counseling, she also enjoys group work. She has experience with leading a social skills group for children, co-leading a stroke survivor support group, and leading a support group for residents with depression in a nursing home. Sherry also received her supervisory certificate in order to supervise LSWs to become LCSWs. She is determined to help her clients reach their maximum potential mental health in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Job Titles:

• Psy. D Neuropsychologist ( Former ) Chief of Psychology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

After earning his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida Tech., Dr. Ted Batlas received his Neuropsychology Fellowship training at JFK Medical Center. He is an Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, at Seton Hall-Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, and a Clinical Instructor, Dept. of Psychiatry, at Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine. For 14 years, he served as the Chief of Psychology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and as the Director of Neuropsychology for the Meridian Neuroscience line, as well as Neuropsychology Intern supervisor at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He has served as a consultant for the New Jersey Brain Injury Alliance and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He had previously taught at the College of New Jersey and has served as a supervisor for students at many of the local universities. He is the Director of Neuropsychology and Counseling Associates, LLC-one of the largest private behavioral health practices in the state of New Jersey. Neuropsychology & Counseling Associates, LLC, is a multidisciplinary practice with two offices in Monmouth and Ocean counties.