Meet Our Team

Donna earned a BS in psychology from the University of Maryland and an MSW from New York University. She has worked extensively, conducted research and written published articles on child welfare and trauma.

After years of experience working for the NYU Child Studies Lab, Audrey Hepburn Children's House, Children's Aid & Family Services, Bergen County Family Guidance, and Sage Day Schools, Donna founded Connect Counseling & Wellness in 2012 with the mission of providing treatment based on the person-in-environment model and geared toward helping patients improve their overall (physical, emotional and spiritual) well-being.

Donna is a mother and a cancer survivor committed to helping others become their best selves.

Jessica has always been interested in meeting new people, hearing their stories and helping them achieve their goals. She received her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University, following an undergraduate degree in Literature. She has been working with New Jersey’s most vulnerable children and adults since 2000 and while she continues to do so, she also began her clinical work in 2012. She understands the importance of developing a strong therapeutic alliance and partnering with people to help them use their current skills and strengths to meet their own treatment goals and develop even stronger abilities to resolve past conflicts and better manage current stressors.  Jessica has experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has worked with children and adults with various concerns.  Jessica is also passionate about providing support to LBGT youth their families, as well as adults.

Megan received her master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University, following an undergraduate degree in English Education and a certificate in Child Advocacy and Policy. Her growing involvement and advocacy for the mental health field, holistic and compassionate treatment, and comprehensive community resources inspired her to become a licensed therapist. Megan is passionate about providing an open, accepting, client-centered approach while utilizing both traditional and creative modalities to meet the needs and preferences of her clients. While the majority of her work has been with adolescents and young adults, Megan has worked with clients from all walks of life, of all ages, and with various concerns and treatment goals. Let Megan be on your team throughout your journey toward positive change and growth!

Lauren is a graduate of New York University where she earned her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness. Prior to her education at NYU, Lauren obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Manhattan College. Lauren has experience in community counseling working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and groups. While she is well-versed in several therapeutic approaches including psychodynamic psychotherapy, internal family systems therapy and DBT, Lauren is our resident specialist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. To this end, Lauren has helped her clients with a range of problems from OCD, social anxiety and depression to self-esteem issues and improving family dynamics...all while providing empathetic positive regard.

Lindsay earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Brandeis University in 2009.  She subsequently earned her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2011.  Lindsay is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) whose extensive background and experience in both mental health facilities and schools enables her to provide her clients with a consistent level of high quality, compassionate care.  She has helped children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families manage a wide range of mental and behavioral health challenges, including those related to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. 

Joy received her Masters in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey and her DBT
Foundational Training through Behavior Tech, LLC. She is passionate about helping clients live
their best lives by leveraging their strengths and overcoming their challenges. Joy has helped
individuals and families overcome the emotional struggles involved in dealing with long-term
health challenges and chronic disorders. She focuses on helping clients succeed in coping with
anxiety, depression, personality disorder, and bipolar diagnosis.

Joy came into social work after a career in video production and nonprofit adventures. In 1998
Joy co-founded the non-profit The Young Survival Coalition which strengthens the community,
addresses the unique needs, amplifies the voice, and improves the quality of life of young adults
affected by breast cancer. Joy sits on the Integration Panel of the Department of Defense Breast
Cancer Research Program as a consumer advocate. Joy has served on the CDC Advisory
Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women and various panels for the Institute of Medicine.
She helps clients define their goals, analyze their patterns and behaviors, cultivate and use their
advocacy voice, and take action to improve the quality of their life.

Raina earned her BA in Psychology from Rutgers University and her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University. Raina has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults with a variety of concerns and treatment goals. She also has experience from her work on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which involved connecting with people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and mental health concerns. While Raina enjoys using Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic lenses in therapy, she is also committed to catering treatment to the needs of the client. Raina aims to provide an empathetic, open, and judgement-free safe space for clients of all ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexualities to grow towards their goals. In her free time she enjoys video games, TV/film, quality time with loved ones, and reading.