Dawn M. Raffa, Ph.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder/Director
Dr. Raffa is Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes with children and families. She received her Ph.D in clinical psychology from Walden University, attended graduate school at Rutgers University earning a Masters of Social Work and earned her B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from Rutgers University, Douglass College. Dr. Raffa has been a licensed therapist since 2000 and is a member of the New Jersey Psychological Association, Mercer County Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, Academy of Cognitive Therapy, New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Her 18 year work history includes working as an in home family therapist and an outpatient therapist in private group practices in Northern and Central New Jersey. Dr. Raffa received specialized training in structural family therapy from the Minuchin Center for the Family in New York, NY and from the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center. In addition, she trained at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, PA to become a certified diplomate of cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Raffa conducts psychological, ADHD and psychoeducational evaluations and is certified in biofeedback. She attended 40 hours of Divorce Mediation training at the Center for Mediation and Training in New York, NY and 16 hours of Collaborative Law Training to become a parent coordinator, child specialist and divorce coach and she served as a collaborating investigator on one of the task forces for the DSM-V. In addition to her background working with children/adolescents, adults, families and couples, she has a knowledge of school social work, neuropsychological testing, cognitive retraining and pain management with personal injury clients. Dr. Raffa employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to assist patients children, adolescents, adults, couples and families and her area of expertise is in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders and childhood disorders. She specializes with women and children and incorportates a combination of technique, humor and empathy when working with her all of her clients. Dr. Raffa employs CBT, ACT and mindfulness techniques to assist patients with reframing their dysfunctional beliefs and changing their self defeating behaviors. Additionally, Dr. Raffa supervises doctoral candidates, post doctoral residents and clinical staff in the practice. Dr. Raffa employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Ecosystemic Family Therapy (ESFT).
Tara Calafiore, Psy.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Calafiore is a licensed clinical Psychoologist providing services at both our Pennington and Marlton locations. She received her Psy.D. in Combined and Integrated Clinical and School Psychology from Kean University. Dr. Calafiore has experience working with client across the lifespan and in a variety of setting including; inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, schools and traditional outpatient facilities. She recently completed her per doctoral Internship at Linden Oaks Hospital in Illinois working with children, adolescent, and their families where she specialized in helping clients to transition successfully back into their lives. Dr. Calafiore has expertise in providing evidenced-based treatment to children, adolescent, adults, and families and has received specific training in the acceptance and commitment therapies and mindfulness interventions. Dr. Calafiore’s treatment approach emphasizes behavioral change in the service of her clients’ stated goals. She has given presentations on evidenced based treatments and practices at the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) and the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) conferences. Dr. Calafiore is currently licensed as a School Psychologist and is working towards her clinical licensure.
Marion Bergman, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Marion has over 35 years experience helping individuals, couples and families resolve relationship difficulties, problem-solve and adjust to life altering challenges. Marion holds an MS W from Rutgers University, is licensed in NJ, PA and NY at advanced practice levels. Marion has also provided training, counseling and case management services to foster/adoptive families, refugees, autistic spectrum disordered individuals. She has served home care patients with chronic illness such as MS, cancer, Lupus; and assisted with geriatric concerns. Marion’s main modes of practice are family systems and cognitive behavioral therapy.
S. Maria Giordano, LCSW, LMFT, ACSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
The therapeutic experience is an important healing process and different for everyone. Maria guides clients through their personal process encouraging self-awareness and empowerment. Her clinical orientation and style of practice is psychodynamic and holistic (mind, body, spirit). It includes but is not limited to Jungian theory where wholeness is worked toward by the integration of the past and present. She believes this process gives people an opportunity to learn healthier coping skills through insight and other wellness practices. A client can understand how past unresolved hurts, angers, disappointments, and losses affect their experiences and behaviors in the present. Maria's clinical practice includes work with individuals, groups, couples and families . She has an eclectic background which includes counseling needs related to relationships, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, separation and divorce, and other life adjustment/transition concerns., such as aging. Special interest includes Women’s Health and Wellness ,and issues related to women growing older, especially those within the Baby Boomer Generation. Her experience spans 30+ years in a variety of mental health settings as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Maria holds a Certification with the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and was inducted into the Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society. Maria is a graduate of Seton Hall University and Rutgers, The State University and have been an Adjunct Faculty at Seton Hall University for the past 20 years where she teaches Social Science courses and works with Student Athletes.
Tracey Swain, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tracey Swain is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience. Tracey obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech and then went on to pursue her Masters in Social Work at Rutgers University. Tracey has experience managing a group home for dual diagnosed adolescents and teens, has worked with youth in treatment foster care, residential placements, teen moms, and has provided intensive in home therapy to youth and families ages 4 – 21. While working in programs and in the home, Tracey has had the opportunity to provide individual, group, and family therapy, to a variety of diverse groups and populations. Tracey’s work within the community has afforded her the opportunity to learn about and make many connections with community organizations. Tracey enjoys using play, art and talk therapy to engage children and adolescents. Tracey works well to engage teenagers using current events and cognitive behavioral therapy. She has extensive experience treating youth with ADHD, ODD, depression, spectrum disorders/PDD, anxiety, anger management, social skills, life skills, and effective communication skills. Tracey has also worked with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief. Tracey’s laid back approach works well to ease new patients in therapy and she is able to build rapport easily.
Susan Niznik, Ed.S, LPC
Doctoral Resident, Licensed Professional Counselor, School Psychologist
Ellen Runyon, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ellen obtained her undergraduate degree from Centenary University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and President of Beta Beta Beta Honor Society. Ellen continued her education and obtained her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work graduating with High Honors and a Life Member of Phi Alpha Honor Society.
Ellen has worked in the medical profession in various capacities for over 30years. Ellen has been an avid volunteer with organizations such as the Rotary Club, and as an EMT since 1982. Ellen has a strong understanding of PTSD as it relates to working in the EMS field. Ellen is a Disaster Relief Crisis Counselor with NJ OEMS. Ellen holds certifications for DV counseling, and Crisis Counseling.
Ellen has worked with clients ranging in ages 4-Late Adulthood. Ellen provides individual, couples, and family counseling for a range of emotional and behavioral circumstances including mental health conditions that are acute or chronic. Mental Health Conditions may include; EMS with PTSD, personal conflict, abuse recovery, trauma, relationship or family struggles, parenting, anger management, crisis management, partner conflict, adolescent conflict, behavior modification, anxiety, depression, school conflict including bullying, and understanding geriatric conflict or needs.
Ellen incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Reflective Listening Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and other evidence-based interventions as needed.
Ellen believes her clients each can reach self actualization, and be empowered to lead a positive and healthy life. Therapy with Ellen is conducted in a safe environment where clients can feel relaxed while exploring their future goals and success.
Lyn Watson, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Lyn Watson is a licensed social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Many of the children she has seen have been identified as struggling with anxiety, attention, hyperactivity, defiance, self-esteem, depression, and trauma. She also works with adults to manage life transitions, difficulties in relationships, and the challenges of parenthood. Using various modalities, Lyn's focus in therapy is to help individuals and families recognize their own strengths and develop bonds that promote a positive sense of well- being.
Lyn graduated from Rutgers University with a Master's degree in Social Work. Her experience includes multiple years of working in community residential and college counseling settings. She has worked with a wide range of diverse populations and in recent years has focused on assisting women, children, and families with recognizing their full potential using a person- centered approach to therapy.
Dr. Ashley Matz
Post-Doctoral Resident
Dr. Matz is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University's Schreyer Honors College with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Gender Studies. She received a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, along with a Master's of Education from Widener University and completed an internship at AIDS Care Group. Dr. Matz developed an integrative theoretical framework, conceptualizing from a psychodynamic point of view, while including cognitive behavioral techniques.
She approaches clients from a relational and insight oriented standpoint, believing that both the relationship the client has with him or herself, along with the relationship established between therapist and client, are integral aspects of treatment and progress. Dr. Matz has experience working with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, substance use, relationship / couples, LGBT and women's health.
Katie Bartolucci, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Katie Bartolucci is a Licensed Social Worker who has treated clients in the mental health field for more than a decade. She focuses on supporting individuals and families so that they may identify and work towards achievable goals. She recognizes the importance of developing a positive perception of self in order to develop and maintain fulfilling relationships. Katie values each person’s unique strengths and, when appropriate, seeks to collaborate with all parts of an individual’s support system in order to ensure the best possible resources and care.
She has worked extensively in crisis settings, and understands the importance of creating a safe therapeutic relationship to work through life challenges that bring her clients into treatment. Her clinical interests include working with children, families, those struggling with addiction, and women’s issues, including the intersection between health and mental health as well as post-partum depression and anxiety.
Her educational background includes a B.S. in Administration of Community Resources and Disabilities Studies from the University of Delaware and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Katie has also contributed to a PTSD study on accidental injuries at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has treated children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Katie sees patients in the Pennington and Philadelphia locations.