Meet Our Team

Donna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Social Work from NYU. She has conducted research and is published in studies on parent/child interactions. She also has extensive experience in the areas of trauma/attachment issues, relationship issues, grief, and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other therapeutic modalities. 

Having honored her expertise through tenures at the NYU Child Studies Lab, Audrey Hepburn Children’s House, Children’s Aid & Family Services, Bergen County Family Guidance, and Sage Day Schools, Donna established Connect Counseling & Wellness in 2012. Driven by the ethos of the person-in-environment model, her practice is committed to facilitating holistic improvements in patients’ overall well-being, encompassing body, mind, and soul. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Donna, a mother and cancer survivor, remains steadfastly dedicated to empowering clients on their journey towards becoming the best version of themselves.

Jessica earned her Master's in Social Work from Fordham University subsequent to completing her undergraduate studies in Literature. Since the year 2000, she has dedicated her professional endeavors to serving New Jersey's most vulnerable populations, encompassing both children and adults. While maintaining her commitment to this cause, she embarked on her clinical journey in 2012. Jessica possesses a profound interest in fostering interpersonal connections, eliciting narratives, and facilitating the achievement of personal aspirations. 

Recognizing the importance of cultivating strong therapeutic relationships, Jessica is adept at collaboratively assisting individuals in leveraging their existing competencies and strengths to pursue their treatment objectives. Her approach involves empowering clients to effectively address past adversities and navigate present challenges with enhanced resilience. With proficiency in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), she has adeptly supported individuals across diverse age groups with a spectrum of concerns.

Beyond her clinical practice, Jessica harbors a passionate dedication to providing inclusive support to LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and adult individuals alike. She enjoys spending her free time with her dog and going on hikes.

Martha is a licensed social worker and dedicated school counselor with a B.A. in Education and a B.S. in Psychology from Drew University, along with a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. Fluent in both English and Polish, she provides sessions in both languages. Martha brings extensive experience and focus on working with children, teens, and adults using a genuine, empathetic approach that integrates a deep curiosity and a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities.

Specializing in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Intensive In-Community, and Behavioral Assistant methodologies, Martha is committed to creating a compassionate, non-judgmental environment. Her approach centers on the resilience and self-empowerment of her clients, fostering collaboration and self-discovery to help them strengthen their relationships with themselves and others. Martha’s work promotes holistic well-being across mind, body, and spirit by sparking motivation and supporting transformative change. She tailors each client experience connecting mind-body through her interests in ayurvedic yoga and nutrition in combination with psychotherapy.

Raina graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and subsequently obtained her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University. With a comprehensive background, Raina has cultivated her expertise working with children, adolescents, and young adults across various concerns and treatment objectives. Additionally, her involvement with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has equipped her with valuable experience in engaging individuals of diverse ages, cultural backgrounds, and mental health needs.

While Raina finds value in employing Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic approaches in therapy, she remains steadfastly committed to tailoring treatment modalities to suit the unique needs of each client. Central to her practice is the provision of an empathetic, non-judgmental, and inclusive therapeutic environment, welcoming individuals of all ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations to embark on their journey toward personal growth and goal attainment. Outside of her professional pursuits, Raina enjoys leisure activities such as video games, TV/film, spending quality time with loved ones, and reading.

Ashley is a dedicated professional with a strong educational background and extensive experience in the field of social work. She graduated from Lafayette College in 2011 with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies, before furthering her education at Columbia University School of Social Work, where she earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2017. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Ashley has honed her skills in assisting individuals, groups, families, and couples facing a spectrum of challenges and diagnoses.

Throughout her career, Ashley has demonstrated her commitment to supporting individuals of all ages through various mental health agencies and educational settings. Her expertise spans from managing anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties to addressing more complex issues such as autism, ADHD, OCD, and relationship challenges. Ashley is dedicated to creating a nurturing and affirming therapeutic environment for her clients, where they can feel supported and empowered. Outside of her professional endeavors, Ashley finds joy in baking, reading, crafting, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Julia received her BA in Psychology from Montclair State University and her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She is certified in Crisis and Resilience and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Julia utilizes eclectic therapy, an approach that adapts to each client's unique needs, which can involve various treatment methods and a combination of therapeutic tools to be most effective for the individual. Julia is familiar with working with all ages while practicing individual, group, and family therapy.

Julia has cultivated a passion for journeying with her clients as they embark on self-discovery by creating an environment that is the most conducive for her clients.  Julia aims to create an empathetic, empowering, and judgment-free space for all her clients by building trusting relationships and using evidence-based practices. When not working, you can find Julia playing with her Frenchie, teaching herself to cook, playing tennis, spending quality time with loved ones, and going for walks on the beach. 

Joy holds a Master's 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 sat on the Integration Panel of the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program as a consumer advocate and served on the CDC Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women along with 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 lives. In her free time, Joy enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, kayaking,  paddle boarding, and spending time with her Border Collie.

Samantha is a dedicated counselor with a diverse background in both visual arts and mental health counseling. After earning her BFA in Photography and Video from the School of Visual Arts in 2017, she pursued her passion for helping others by completing her Masters of Science in Educational Counseling at Monmouth University in 2022. Samantha's professional journey has led her to her current role as a School Counselor and Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC), where she channels her expertise to support adolescents in navigating life's challenges. 

Samantha firmly believes in providing a safe and healing environment for people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations. With a focus on cultivating empathy and curiosity, Samantha's approach is eclectic and supportive, tailored to each individual's unique journey toward healing and growth. She values building respectful relationships with clients. Outside of her professional endeavors, Samantha finds joy in photography, art, cooking, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Katie holds a Doctorate in Leadership along with Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology, Educational Administration, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her career began in education, where she served as a teacher, consultant, and middle school principal before transitioning into the mental health field. Drawing from her rich background in leadership and education, Katie brings a unique perspective to her clinical work, supporting individuals across the lifespan. She utilizes a person-centered approach, integrating cognitive-behavioral and existential therapies to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, cancer diagnoses, and the social-emotional development of children and adolescents. Katie's therapeutic style is collaborative and compassionate, rooted in the belief that healing begins when clients feel truly seen and heard.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys traveling with her son, creating pottery, exploring nature, reading, and continuously deepening her understanding of mental health and personal growth. 

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

They specialize in treats, naps, cuddles, and kisses. They are hypoallergenic and very friendly!

Tiffany, a dedicated healthcare professional, holds a BBA in Health Services Management and a minor in Coding from Berkeley College, along with an Associate degree from the same institution. Certified as a Professional Coder (CPC) by the AAPC and as a Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) by the NHA, she ensures compliance with regulations in mental health facilities across New York and New Jersey. Implementing billing procedure improvements, Tiffany prioritizes therapeutic endeavors, aiming to create an administrative obstacle-free healing environment. 

Outside of work, she enjoys literature, particularly true crime and suspense, drawing inspiration from her role as a devoted mother of two, driving her to excel both personally and professionally.