NORTH JERSEY HEALTH & WELLNESS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Patient Coordinator and Administrative Assistant

Allyson Gallo earned her Masters of Social Work from Montclair State University and is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker. Allyson has also worked in a school system and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. At North Jersey Health and Wellness, Allyson conducts biopsychosocial assessment and develops treatment plans for patients. She uses a combination of skills to understand the patient's needs to connect them with a therapist that is best suited for them.

Job Titles:

• Licensed Medical Esthetician, Licensed Medical Assistant / Read More / Read Bio

Hi, my name is Ana M. Guzman and I am a Licensed Medical Esthetician, I began my career first as a Certified Medical Assistant, in 2010, since then I have attended too many additional courses in the medical field and have obtained many educational training and experience in the science of the skin and it's required care to keep it healthy. I believe an esthetics industry offers an ongoing learning experience and keeping up with available knowledge is key to being the best esthetician possible. My passion for skin care makes my job enjoyable experience each day I work. I believe that investing in our skin is an investment that last a lifetime.

Job Titles:

• Certified School Counselor
• Master of Arts, Clinical Counseling Licensed Associate Counselor Certified NJ School Counselor

No matter your past or current circumstances, you deserve to feel listened to and understood. We all present different stories, challenges, and goals. With an eclectic and person-centered approach, Carly will work with you to utilize the best therapeutic strategies for your unique needs. With both personal and professional understanding, Carly is here to provide warmth and empathy, while working with you to recognize your own strengths. Carly will help guide you towards your personal journey of emotional wellness. Carly holds a Master of Arts in clinical counseling from Centenary University. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a Certified School Counselor. Carly is a proud advocate for mental health. She has worked in family support organizations, as a school counselor, as a school-based mental health clinician, and in clinical counseling settings. Carly has experience working with individuals of all ages and abilities. In her personal life, Carly enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs, Cleo, Ginny, and Charlie. She enjoys traveling, jogging, and reading. Currently, she provides telehealth video-chat sessions and when in office, Carly works at our Florham Park and Ramsey locations.

Job Titles:

• Behavioral Health Manager
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Christina Romeo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Masters of Social Work from Ramapo College. Christina specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with addictions, and children and teens. Christina's clinical areas of interest include working with marginalized populations to promote acceptance, diversity, and self worth. She believes that the journey of self understanding and acceptance is highly individual and tailors each session to focus on the person and their environment. Christina's other focus is working with children and families to better understand and cope with issues of anxiety and depression. She is well trained in using evidenced-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, to improve life conditions and reduce negative thoughts and experiences. Christina uses a combination of techniques and skills to connect with her clients and foster trust in the therapeutic setting. Building strong rapport allows her to understand the unique needs of those she sees for counseling. Christina believes that every person has numerous strengths and she uses those to empower her clients to grow in ways that promote internal healing and allow them to be their authentic selves.

Christina is originally from New Hampshire, but moved to Manhattan to attend New York University, New School University, and Hunter College where she got a B.A. in Psychology, a BSN in nursing, and a double masters in psychology and psychiatry. Christina is board certified to treat psychiatric issues throughout the life span, from children through the geriatric population. Christina began her career at the Manhattan VA where she worked on a med surg/psychiatric floor, treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. After 7 years at the VA, Christina and her family moved to New Jersey and she began work at Children's Aid and Family Services in the group homes, treating children, ages 5-21, who had been removed from their home due to trauma and neglect. She worked with the DCPP, school district, and group home treatment teams as well. While working for Children's Aid, Christina also worked per diem at CarePlus NJ. She eventually moved there full time and took over the CSC and CHRP program, which focused on first break psychotic episodes and children at clinical high risk for developing psychosis and other psychiatric disorders. Christina also worked in the outpatient department treating ADHD, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder. In her free time, Christina enjoys reading, kickboxing, practicing yoga, and spending time with her husband, children, and friends.

Job Titles:

• Physicians Assistant

Job Titles:

• Clinical Social Worker

Dan is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor who earned his Masters of Social Work from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He also earned an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Dan is also a career changer with an extensive marketing career with Fortune 500 companies. Dan has worked with clients in substance abuse and recovery as well as clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorders, adjustment issues and relationship challenges. He also has extensive experience working in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient programs with diverse clients and various mental health challenges. Dan takes a psychodynamic approach with clients and will also utilize CBT.

Job Titles:

• Founder
• Medical Director
• Owner

Derek B. Berberian is the lead medical doctor and the founder/ medical director of North Jersey Health & Wellness, LLC, which he founded in 2015. Dr. Berberian is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology, and specializes in adolescent, adult, and geriatric communities with several office locations across New Jersey. Dr. Berberian's philosophy is that medical care is constantly evolving and there is not one general "best path" for every patient. He takes a natural and holistic approach to each and every patient's individual needs, focusing on medical history and comfort level, where the patient's "mind is at the heart of the matter." When necessary, treatment options include medicine management and his practice offers customized therapy including, but not limited to, nutrition management, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic needs. Dr. Berberian is highly regarded for his thoroughness, clear communication, availability to patients, and depth of care. Derek Berberian, MD was honored as a finalist in 201 Magazine's Bergen's Best Medical Practice 2021. Derek Berberian, MD completed his residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and his Bachelor of Science at Syracuse University. He has clinical affiliations with Holy Name Hospital, Hackensack Medical Center, Valley Hospital, and Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center. Dr. Berberian's specialties within behavioral health include mood disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, post-combat trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, post-concussive syndrome, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment, dementia, binge eating disorder, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. As a New Jersey native, Derek Berberian, MD is a strong believer in giving back to the community that helped him become the physician and man he is today. He is Vice President of The Pit Crew, a New Jersey-based charitable organization that assists veterans when they return home from serving our country. Dr. Berberian is the school physician for Northern Highlands Regional High School, as well as a Platinum Sponsor of the Allendale Foundation for Educational Excellence (AFEE), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding grants that enrich the Allendale Public School System. Dr. Berberian also works with several other school districts for neuropsychiatric evaluations and medical clearances. Dr. Berberian is very dedicated to first responders and has a large patient base of police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. Additionally, North Jersey Health & Wellness is a sponsor and consultant for the New Jersey Suicide Prevention Chapter. Derek B. Berberian is the lead medical doctor and owner of North Jersey Health & Wellness, LLC, which he founded in 2015. Dr. Berberian is board-certified in psychiatry and specializes in adolescent, adult, and geriatric communities with several office locations across New Jersey. Dr. Berberian's philosophy is that medical care is constantly evolving and there is not one general "best path" for every patient. He takes a natural and holistic approach to each and every patient's individual needs, focusing on medical histories and comfort levels, where the patient's "mind is at the heart of the matter." When necessary, treatment options include medicine management and his practice offers…

Dianna Yphantides is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University and is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Dianna specializes in substance use and mental health counseling for patients of all ages and stages. Her goal is to provide patients with a safe space to open up and be vulnerable in order to achieve their psychotherapy treatment goals and heal. Dianna has also worked in a school system (in a child study team) AND an intensive outpatient/ partial hospitalization practice. Dianna takes a person-centered approach in order to meet and exceed client needs, and enjoys using dialectical behavioral therapy, visualization, and mindfulness approaches with patients. She also enjoys utilizing vast coping skills and tools in order to help patients grow and to foster their own recovery journeys on their way to personal wellness.

Job Titles:

• Social Worker in New Jersey

Donna Dolan-Czuj is a licensed Social Worker in New Jersey (LSW) and a certified bereavement support group specialist. She received her Master's in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey and is currently pursuing clinical licensure. Donna has a passion for helping others navigate the difficult times in their life and that, combined with her bereavement support experience, has led Donna to specialize in working with several populations. These include adults and teens struggling with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, PTSD/Trauma, relationship issues and with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized populations. Donna is experienced in using several modalities, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and psychodynamics. Her treatment approach focuses on using a strengths-based perspective and empowerment approach in a collaborative, client-focused therapeutic environment and working with each individual toward solutions that will enhance their quality of life, encourage a positive sense of self and guide them on a journey of hope and healing.

Gabrielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and holds a certificate in Clinical Social Work Supervision. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and her graduate degree from Rutgers University, and has been in the field of Mental Health for over 10 years. Gabrielle specializes in working with adults of all ages who struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse/ behavioral modification. Prior to working at North Jersey Health and Wellness, Gabrielle served as the Clinical Director at a Detox and Residential Substance Abuse treatment program, where she helped open the program's inpatient levels of care, and oversaw all clinical operations. Before becoming a Clinical Director, Gabrielle worked as a Primary Therapist in multiple settings, helping hundreds of individuals reclaim their lives and become the most authentic and emotionally sound versions of themselves. Gabrielle is skilled in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help with immediate symptom management, as well as uncover and change long term thinking patterns. Gabrielle works from a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective, incorporating Motivational Interviewing and Person Centered Therapy. She strongly believes that each person can grow into the best versions of themselves and develop a more authentic sense of self, provided they are given the proper guidance and forum to do so. She strives to build genuine and meaningful relationships with her patients, and believes in the therapeutic rapport as the most powerful vehicle for healing.

Job Titles:

• Dietitian

With a diverse client list that includes adults, children, and athletes, Heather is dedicated to helping every client reach their health and nutrition goals. As a Registered Dietitian, she is trained to assess each client's needs and build a specific plan to fit their nutritional goals and lifestyle. This tailored approach ensures each client knows the steps to succeed - and live a longer, healthier life. Heather has been a practicing dietitian since 2005, after studying at Hunter College in NYC and completing a Master of Science in Nutrition Education and Food Science from Montclair State University where she is currently an Adjunct Nutrition Professor.

Job Titles:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jennifer Lamaj is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience treating adults. Working several years for a prestigious addiction treatment agency, Jenn has had exposure not only to substance use and recovery, but also individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship strain, and communication issues, to name just a few. Feedback for Jenn is often that individuals feel "seen," "heard," and "cared for" in her presence. She provides a compassion-centered approach and meets each patient where they are in their current stage of life. Jenn uses a variety of interventions including cognitive, behavioral, and relational-based therapies.

Job Titles:

• LSW, LCADC, SAC, School Social Worker / Read More / Read Bio

Jennifer Zimmermann has been a Bergen County resident her whole life. She graduated with a BSW from Rutgers University. She received her master's degree in Social Work from New York University, which fueled her passion for becoming a change agent on a macro level. She began her career in clinical settings, where she worked in mental health and substance organizations supporting adolescents and their families throughout New Jersey. In 2019, she was appointed to the Ramsey Municipal Alliance, where she gained most of her experience and worked within the community to enhance mental health and substance abuse awareness. In September 2020, she will serve as the Student Assistance Coordinator at Pascack Hills High School and lead the same efforts and serve her students and families. Jennifer believes in community and working together to promote wellness and unity. Jennifer's primary focus is family and adolescent counseling, including marriage counseling. She specializes in group therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivation Enhancement Therapy, and Family-based approaches such as Brief Strategic Therapy, Family Behavioral Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, and Multidimensional Family Therapy.

Kori is originally from Oregon and attended Oregon State University. Kori graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ as a Physician Assistant where she completed 3/10 rotations in psychiatry. In addition to obtaining her physician assistant training, she also received her Master's in Medical Science with a focus in bioethics. After graduation, Kori went to work in psychiatry, helping to assist in the opening of Oasis Behavioral Health in Chandler, Arizona, where she assisted in medical director duties as her supervising physician was the medical director of the facility. While opening the hospital, she trained students, staff, and incoming residents as well as served on the Quality Council, Medical Records Committee, Credentialing Committee, and Committee on Medical Services. Kori is also licensed for outpatient detox and SUBOXONE® maintenance. She spent a year working in interventional pain management and is knowledgeable in chronic pain conditions. She has worked closely with the Ryan White Foundation and state Drug Courts, as well as the VA in Arizona. Kori has been trained in child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry. She also has certifications for co-occurring disorders (substance abuse and mental health). Kori specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and patients with chronic illnesses, as well as substance abuse disorders. In 2018 Kori Anderson was awarded Best in Medicine by the American Health Council. Kori was also awarded NJ Favorite Kids' Docs in 2021 by New Jersey Family for her outstanding work with adolescents and children. In her free time, Kori enjoys spending time with her friends and family, practicing yoga and meditation, and staying involved with and volunteering for charity organizations, especially the New Jersey Sharing Network to help spread awareness about organ donation. Kori was a pioneer in Spravato administration, beginning in 2018 shortly after it was released. She was invited to participate in a round table to help expand the use and has done several talks to help promote awareness of this treatment method for treatment resistant depression. Kori also worked with Janssen to help create a protocol for Spravato administration during a pandemic to allow for administration to patients during COVID. Most Recently in 2021, Kori was recognized for her charity work with the NJ Sharing Network.

Job Titles:

• New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lorayne Coneys is a therapist whose clients describe as "easy and comfortable to talk with" as they share their life stories and challenges. She fully acknowledges the courage and insight that it takes to enter therapy. "It takes a lot of strength to come and share your most personal issues, and you want to feel at home with the person you choose to talk with." Lorayne is a New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an eclectic background of experience and training. In addition to providing counseling and therapy to clients, her training as a personal coach has allowed her to ask powerful questions when helping you find your answers. She has worked with clients for over twenty years, yet her curiosity and genuine interest in you is fresh. Lorayne believes that therapy is a partnering between you and her, as she holds you accountable for reaching your goals in a nonjudgmental and encouraging way. "Together, we create the best conditions for action to happen." She is aware that you are the expert on yourself as you go through the exploration of becoming unstuck. The bottom line is change - it is powerful and energizing to be in the presence of personal change. Have you ever had a therapist ask you, "How, specifically, do you make yourself feel anxious (depressed, angry, or any other mood state)?" Lorayne has been trained in helping you identify how you make your emotions happen, which helps in breaking patterns that keep you stuck. When you believe that emotions just happen to you, you can feel like the victim of an emotional state. Lorayne offers homework assignments that allow you to work on your goals until the next session. She also shows that therapy can be an enjoyable, interactive process between you and your therapist. Call for an appointment!

Job Titles:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lorin McKane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)/ psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience. She graduated with honors from Monmouth University earning degrees in Psychology (BA in Psychology- magna cum laude), and an MSW (Masters of Social Work). She was inducted in the academic honor society while she was receiving her MSW degree. Lorin has been described by past clients as being calming, personable, enthusiastic, and empathetic. The highest compliment that she receives is that her clients say they "look forward to therapy" and they are eager to return for more sessions with her. She actively collaborates with clients to help them with their therapeutic goals, and to provide them the best individualized care. Lorin provides psychotherapy services to adults, adolescents, and children. She has a diverse background having provided past services for individuals of all ages with a range of psychological concerns, and in a variety of settings. She uses an eclectic array of therapeutic techniques depending on the needs of the individual, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths Perspective Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She helps clients with a variety of issues, although her areas of clinical interest include but are not limited to: Anger management, anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, domestic violence trauma, and stress management.

MaryAnn is an experienced, licensed clinical social worker with a passion for helping others overcome adversity. Utilizing a strength-based approach, MaryAnn possesses a demonstrated history of working with Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorders, grief, and family dynamic challenges. Whilst she has experience working with people of all ages, her current focus is within the range of adolescence through adulthood for either individual psychotherapy or couple's counseling. MaryAnn is able to provide services in English and Spanish.

Nicholas Fiorito holds an MDiv from Harvard and is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). He is well-versed in utilizing client-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-centered techniques, and DBT skills in group, individual, and family contexts and has practiced these interventions and modalities in the OP and IOP levels of care over the course of his career in therapy. Prior to becoming a counselor, Nicholas taught yoga, tai-chi, and did personal training in the health and wellness industry, eventually managing yoga studios and owning his own CrossFit. This experience gives him the ability to integrate the supplemental modalities of yoga, qigong, mindfulness, meditation, somatic awareness, and physical fitness into his patients' therapeutic process. His expertise in integrative spirituality and meaning making add another dimension to his therapeutic offerings, which helps facilitate clients in their cultivation of self-compassion, insight, and creating substantive and lasting internal change.

Job Titles:

• Social Worker

Rachel Agnello is a licensed social worker (LSW) working towards obtaining her LCSW. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Rachel strongly believes in the power of therapy and is passionate about helping her clients live their best lives. Rachel specializes in working with children and adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral struggles. Rachel recognizes that each individual has a unique set of needs and believes in using a variety of interventions to meet those needs including (but not limited to) CBT, mindfulness training, structural family therapy, and play-therapy techniques. Rachel ensures that her clients will feel safe, accepted, and empowered during the treatment process by developing a strong therapeutic relationship in a friendly atmosphere. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with family, taking walks, and going to the beach.

Everyday life can be stressful and cause anxiety, making people feel unsure of themselves and life's decisions. Traumatic experiences can exacerbate these feelings. Shannon's passion is helping clients gain tools to not only sort through difficult times, but to know themselves better for an improved quality of life. No single approach fits everyone, so Shannon is able to use many modalities such as interpersonal therapy, behavioral action, family systems, and psychodynamics, to name a few. Shannon McLaughlin is a 2004 Master's graduate of New York University and, currently, an LSW. She works with adults, couples, and families. In addition to her work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and volunteering in local schools.

Vinson is an NCCPA board certified Physician Assistant licensed in New Jersey and Connecticut. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University. After graduation, Vinson began his career in psychiatry, working for several years in Yale New Haven Health at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut, both managing severely ill patients in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit and providing psychiatric consulting services for patients receiving medical treatment in the hospital. He also worked in a geriatric psychiatric unit with a focus on dementia patients and had worked in the Emergency Department managing patients referred with psychiatric emergencies. Vinson later returned to New Jersey and formulated further experience in psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center. Vinson set forth to apply his clinical knowledge and skills in outpatient practice with adults and adolescents. In addition, he spent time managing patients in an intense outpatient program for patients recently hospitalized and those battling substance abuse.