Our Professional Staff
Our professional staff includes licensed, highly trained, experienced clinical psychologists, school psychologists and clinical social workers. They are active members of their state and national associations, and continually participate in advanced post-graduate seminars and educational forums.
Roberta R. Fallig, Ph.D.
Dr. Roberta R. Fallig is Clinical and Executive Director of Psychological Associates of North Jersey, LLC. She is a licensed psychologist in both New York and New Jersey, and has over 20 years of experience providing individual, couples and family counseling to children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Fallig is a member of the professional attending staff at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Fallig completed her doctoral work in Psychology at Hofstra University, after graduating with honors from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and earning a Masters degree in Psychology from The New School For Social Research in New York City. She then went on to complete a 3 year post-doctoral training in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickenson University in Teaneck, NJ. In addition, she has specialized post-doctoral training in marriage and family counseling, psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, eating disorders, trauma and child abuse, and stress management.
Dr. Fallig has presented many community sponsored talks in Warren, Morris and Union Counties on topics ranging from ADD/ADHD through CHADD, Eating Disorders, Anxiety and Depression in Adults, Issues of Adolescence etc and is a frequent guest expert on local radio and in newspapers. Dr. Fallig has been a consulting school psychologist in Morris and Essex County schools, and continues to provide clinical supervision to masters and doctoral level therapists. Dr. Fallig is also a Partner with Springfield Psychological Associates,LLP, a group practice of psychologists with offices in Warren, Morris and Union County, New Jersey. In addition to Hackettstown, Dr.Fallig sees patients in her Springfield office, located in Union County, New Jersey. She is a member of a variety of professional organizations, including the New Jersey Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, and Eating Disorders Association of New Jersey.
Sarah Amador, Ph.D.
Dr. Sarah Amador is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults and families experiencing a range of issues. She primarily utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach in therapy while building a relationship with her clients. In addition to individual and family therapy, Dr. Amador leads groups for children that focus on areas such as bullying, anger management, and social skills.
Dr. Amador earned her Masters and Doctorate in Psychology at Hofstra University. She is a certified school psychologist and can provide school consultation services, psychological testing, parent education and training, and functional behavioral assessments. Dr. Amador is a member of a variety of professional organizations, including New Jersey Psychological Association and American Psychological Association.
Dr. Amador has expertise in the following area: Mood Disorders, Anxiety, OCD, Specific Phobias, ADD/ADHD, Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities Depression and Relational difficulties.
Sandra Carlisle, Psy.D.
Dr. Sandra Carlisle is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist with over twenty years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She has had opportunities to develop her skills in working with diverse populations of youth within a variety of settings including a partial care hospital setting, intensive in-home community services, schools, and in providing outpatient services in private practice. Dr. Carlisle has a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from New York University and a Doctoral Degree in School/Clinical Child Psychology from Pace University. She is a member of the New Jersey Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.
Dr. Carlisle has experience in working with youth experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and developmental disabilities. Therapeutic interventions are individualized based on the unique needs of the youth and family. She has experience in utilizing cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and play based approaches in working with youth. She also considers parent training and education as an important component of the intervention, particularly in her work with younger children.
Annmarie Crispino, LCSW
Annmarie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience working with individuals and couples in a variety of settings. Annmarie is creative, compassionate and has a welcoming style of psychotherapy that encourages every patient to work towards and attain their goals and dreams. She is focused and attuned to the patient’s needs and will be able to create a safe and positive environment. Annmarie believes that every person can reach their potential, strive towards their goals, heal from their past and obtain happiness by learning how to be present in their lives while learning how to be insightful about oneself and gain empowerment.
Annmarie is a solution-based psychotherapist with specialties that include trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, relationship problems and self-esteem. Annmarie has 8 years of experience working with victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, as well as experience working with the perpetrators of domestic abuse. Annmarie is currently enrolled in a Certificate program in Trauma Response and Crisis Intervention at Rutgers University.
Annmarie is a graduate of Rutgers University and obtained a Certificate in Violence Against Women and Children.
Alyssa Danzo, LPC, NCC
Alyssa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She is also a National Certified Counselor and has close to 5 years of experience working with SUD/mental health issues with adolescents and adults. Alyssa creates a comfortable and welcoming environment in order for clients to reach their desired goals.
Suzanne Dowd, LCSW
Suzanne Dowd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Board Certified Diplomate with 20 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, adults and families in outpatient mental health, school and private practice settings. She is certified as a NJ School Social Worker, certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Suzanne received her MSW from the Rutger’s University School of Social Work. Her previous professional experience includes working for an adolescent outpatient mental health facility, and local school districts, where she provided individual and group counseling as well as parent education and training.
Kelly Efchak, LAC, LCADC
Kelly has been working in behavioral health services for over 10 years, and is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). She obtained her BA in Psychology and MA in Counselor Education from Kean University.
Donna Etkins, LCSW
Donna Etkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience counseling individual adults and couples in private practice settings. Donna received her Masters in Social Work from The University of Maryland School of Social Work. She has had extensive post graduate training in the field of addictions and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Her other specialties include the areas of depression, anxiety and marital issues.
Eric Finn, MA, LPC
Eric is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with 21 years post-Masters degree experience providing mental health services to adolescents, families, and adults.
Eric focuses on a cognitive approach to psychotherapy, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic techniques to empower his clients to make the changes they desire. He has worked at various levels of the mental health spectrum, including individual psychotherapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospital Programs, giving him experience with a wide variety of mental health issues. He specializes in individual and group work, addressing issues including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, and family/relationship issues. Eric has received training in Structural Family Therapy, and believes in taking a systemic approach to family and many behavioral issues.
Eric obtained his MA in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has also competed doctoral level coursework at Teachers College, Columbia University. Eric has served as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson, where he has taught Abnormal Psychology and Sports Psychology.
Jamie Grosslicht, LPC, LCADC
Jamie Grosslicht is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 10 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families with depression, anxiety, substance use and bipolar disorder. She creates a safe and welcoming environment in order to help her clients reach their goals. Jamie believes in a holistic and strength based approach to counseling and draws from a variety of clinical theories with a focus on a mindfulness approach.
Jamie earned her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. She is certified as a clinical trauma specialist and is accredited as a clinical supervisor. Jamie specializes in working with individuals and their families experiencing behavioral issues, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and depression as well as codependency issues.
Rebekah Hazekamp, MA, LPC
Rebekah is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York. She has close to 10 years of experience providing mental health services to children, adolescents, families , couples and adults.
Rebekah takes a strengths-based approach in her work and primarily utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Every client is different, however, and treatment is always tailored to meet the goals and needs of each individual and/or family. Rebekah specializes in behavioral issues, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, self-harm, ADHD, relationship issues, and parenting and co-parenting challenges. In addition to her work in private practice, Rebekah has experience working with families and teens in home-based and outpatient settings as well as in hospital and residential settings.
Rebekah obtained her BA from the University of Evansville in Indiana, and she earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the Alliance Graduate School of Counseling at Nyack College in New York.
Katie Hughes, LPC
Katie Hughes, a Licensed Professional Counselor, has worked in the mental health field for about 10 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as well as her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University of Maryland.
Her experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. These settings include inpatient, outpatient, and in the home environments. Katie’s has helped individuals and families in an array of areas including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, grief and loss, interpersonal issues, parental and family issues, and substance abuse. Katie adapts her therapeutic style for the benefit of the individual’s and family’s needs. She often utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Therapy, the Nurtured Heart Approach, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Katie believes that therapy is an exceptional tool to facilitate individuals working toward positive growth. To that end, she enjoys helping guide individuals in discovering their strengths that can lead to increasing self-awareness, insight, and self-confidence.
Heidi Kolman, LCSW
Heidi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the mental health field for over 16 years. She has experience in doing individual and family therapy in Outpatient Mental Health agencies, Day Treatment as part of a Rape Crisis Team, and in treatment and prevention programs, including those for children who experienced sexual abuse.
Heidi received her Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York. In addition, she has taken post graduate coursework at the New School For Social Work in New York City. One of her areas of specialty includes Play Therapy with children, and the management of emotional distress.
Carissa Krapf, Psy.D.
Dr. Carissa Krapf is a licensed clinical psychologist with almost ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a clinical setting.
She specializes in emotionally dysregulated youth and has experience working with diverse populations at all levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and in-home/community-based services. She is very familiar with neuropsychological testing and school advocacy. Prior to her formal clinical training, Dr. Krapf studied child development, educational/learning strategies, and behavioral techniques. She enjoys collaborating with parents to develop their skills for better communication with their children. Dr. Krapf has also spent several years working individually with adults to support them in meeting their personal goals. Specialties include ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and parenting/advocacy issues.
Dr. Krapf uses dialectical behavior therapy to guide cognitive restructuring and skill building in the areas of emotion regulation and effective communication. Attachment styles are considered with a trauma-informed lens so that each client has an individualized treatment plan with interventions chosen for them specifically. Play therapy strategies are incorporated for younger clients to create a safe and fun environment where trust can grow.
Dr. Krapf attended Antioch University New England where she earned her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She is a member of the New Jersey Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
Polina Levit, LPC
Polina Levit is a Licensed Professional Counselor with almost 20 years of experience in outpatient settings providing psychotherapeutic services for children, adolescents and adults. Polina strives to provide an environment that helps her clients feel comfortable and secure, a space that lends itself to working through and resolving life’s issues. Polina has been trained in a number of psychotherapeutic approaches and is generally goal oriented, believing that every person has the opportunity to make changes, enhance relationships, and improve quality of life.
Polina received her BA from the University of Minnesota and earned her Masters of Arts in Psychotherapy and Counseling from Alfred Adler Graduate School. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression in children, adolescents and adults, as well as in relationship issues, trauma, acculturation, life transitions, and childhood and adolescent issues.
Joan Milani MA,LPC
Joan Milani is a New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience, providing individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
Ms. Milani received her MA, in Counseling Psychology at The College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ and Post -graduate training /Traumatic Loss/Suicide Prevention Postvention from the University of Medicine and Dentistry- University Behavioral Healthcare, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ.
Ms Milani has been a member of the American Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, as well as Advisory Board Member, Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology, College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ.
She has provided psycho-educational support services and trainings as Co-founder and co-author of Families’ GOALS (Going On After Loss ) Project, training manual and video producing support services to communities nationwide in the aftermath of the events of 9/11/2001, including children, families, school districts, firefighters and first responders.
Ms. Milani primarily provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, as well as many other presenting issues. Ms. Milani also specializes in sudden and tragic loss with children, adolescents and adults.
Allison Reynolds, LCSW
Allison Reynolds is a Licensed Clinical Social worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. She started in the field over 10 years ago and has worked with a variety of populations and presenting concerns. Allison has a background in family therapy as well as individual therapy, working in the community, in-office, and online to provide services. She is strongly influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family systems, and trauma-informed modalities. She recently earned a certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Allison’s ability to connect with others to provide a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere has helped many people achieve their goals in therapy. Her experience includes working with presenting concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and other mood and personality disorders as well as issues in parenting, substance abuse, relationships, and stress management. She believes making a strong therapeutic alliance and providing effective, evidence-based techniques is the key to thriving in therapy.
Joyce Spiegel, MSSW, LCSW
Joyce Spiegel comes to PANJ with a wealth of experience acquired during her more than 30 year career. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Social Work, she holds a Master of Science in Social Work, is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and holds an advanced license to practice in the state of New Jersey. Joyce is a New Jersey Certified School Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Her orientation draws from many schools of thought and synthesizes numerous psychotherapy modalities.
Joyce has worked with diverse populations in varied settings. These include, but are not limited to mental health centers, hospitals, schools, day treatment programs, industry/employee assistance programs, child and adolescent outpatient psychiatric treatment facilities, adolescent and adult substance abuse treatment programs, and youth services bureaus.
Specialties include working with adolescents and young adults and their families, work with people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors and other addictions/compulsive behaviors. Further areas of expertise include work with new parents, with people navigating life-stage transitions, and with those experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.
Debbi Stavis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Certified Diplomat who has been providing mental health services over 20 years. She obtained her BA in Psychology from George Washington University and her MSW from Rutgers University. She is a Certified School Social Worker and is an accredited member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Debbi has almost 10 years of experience working in New Jersey school systems as a Student Assistance Counselor. Her previous experience also includes counseling adolescents and their families in an intensive outpatient chemical dependency unit. The bulk of her experience is in private practice, offering individual , family and group psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and families. Her areas of specialty include working with adolescents and young adults with a range of issues from peer pressure, to depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse. With those teens and adults suffering with substance abuse/dependency issues, Debbi provides services from assessment through recovery and aftercare, and also specializes in working with children and adult children of addicts.
Jay Sweifach, D.SW, LCSW
Dr. Jay Sweifach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in both individual, group and family therapy. He was educated and trained at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where he received both a master’s and doctoral degree in Social Work. He is an Associate Professor on the faculty of Wurzweiler at Yeshiva University in NYC. Dr. Sweifach has been practicing for over ten years, working with children, adolescents and adults. He specializes in areas including interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, social skills, adolescent development, depression, anxiety, life transition adjustment, spiritual awareness and sexual identity/sexuality issues.
Dr. Sweifach has an extensive list of authored and coauthored papers which have been published in leading social work and interdisciplinary journals. He has presented at academic conferences both nationally and internationally on topics including domestic violence, social work education, ethics, sex education and volunteerism.
Debra A. Turitz, LCSW
Debra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been helping individuals, groups and families for over twenty years. Debra was educated and trained at the New York City Wurzeiler School of Social Work where she received her Master’s degree. She went on for additional post maser’s training at Hunter College, the Institute for Rational Emotive therapy and the Heathstone Institute. She obtained her BA from Rutger’s University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Debra primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work.
Debra has received several national awards for her work in the development of programs and services in New Jersey. She specializes in interpersonal issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, loss/grief, senior adult care management, family caregiver support and co-dependency. She takes a supportive and pro-active approach to her work, helping to empower individuals, groups and families to actively problem solve.
Michaella Vagelatos, LCSW
Michaella Vagelatos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both New York and New Jersey. Michaella received her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and graduate degree from Adelphi University. Michaella has experience in various practice settings such as inpatient psychiatric, private practice and outpatient substance abuse facility with a large mental health component. She has worked with adolescents, 12 to 18, and adults into older age.
Michaella works to help build self-awareness within our own behaviors. Michaella strives to create a therapeutic environment with an objective approach. Michaella takes a strength-based method in her work and primarily utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to connect how our thoughts shape our actions. Michaella will assist in breaking down challenging emotions, experiences and past traumas that have been shifting our lives and decision making. While working with individuals, couples and families the ultimate goal is to improve emotional regulation and well-being.
Jamie Walsh, LCSW
Jamie Walsh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing mental health services for close to 10 years. She obtained her BSW from Ramapo College of New Jersey and her MSW from Fordham University in New York.
The majority of Jamie’s experience is in treating adolescents, young adults and their families, both individually and in groups. Jamie’s specialty has been in working with individuals and their families experiencing a wide range of issues, including behavioral issues, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, ADHD, co-dependency and bipolar disorder. She has experience working in private practice settings, as well as outpatient substance abuse treatment programs and residential adolescent facilities. Jamie is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
The right therapist makes all the difference in the world!