Meet Our Staff!
Melissa Rivera Marano, Psy.D.
Melissa Rivera Marano, Psy.D. obtained both her Masters and Doctorate degrees from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. Dr. Rivera Marano has provided assessment and therapy services as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2001. During her career she has worked as an administrator of a youth based community organization and program researcher. She is an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University teaching graduate students Cognitive Assessment and Learning Disability. She also co-teaches an Intro to Clinical and School Psychology undergraduate course.Dr. Rivera Marano is on the Medical Staff of Monmouth Medical Center working with the Regional Newborn Extension Program. Dr. Rivera Marano is also published.
As a private practitioner Dr. Rivera Marano provides clinical services to children through adults. Her clinical specialties include treatment of Anxiety Disorders using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach along with validated techniques that are individualized to each patient. Incorporation of mind-body understanding and techniques are integrated into the work with patients. Dr. Rivera Marano’s assessment services include neuropsychological assessment, pre-surgical assessment for bariatric surgery, psychological evaluation and forensic evaluation. She also provides psychological assessment and treatment for individuals involved in immigration proceedings, workers compensation and auto Injury.
Dr. Rivera Marano is a former Board Trustee on NAMI NJ and the New Jersey Psychological Association Foundation of New Jersey. Dr. Rivera Marano is an active member of the Latino Psychological Association of New Jersey, National Latino Psychological Association and New Jersey Psychological Association.
Rebecca Edelsberg, Psy.D.
Dr. Edelsberg’s clinical work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy and helping her clients develop self-awareness and insight towards the behavior, mind, and body connection. Dr. Edelsberg believes in a collaborative approach to therapy to form a working relationship to build inner strength. She believes in collaborating with multidisciplinary providers when needed. Dr. Edelsberg also has a large interest in exercise, the mind-body connection, and how physical activity improves cognition.
Dr. Edelsberg received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Rhode Island, her Masters of Science in Education in School Psychology from Long Island University, and completed her doctorate in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Rebecca is a Certified School Psychologist in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. During her doctoral training, Dr. Edelsberg received extensive training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for emotion regulation, Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Neuropsychological Assessment, and practicum experiences in Neuropsychological based interventions for the schools. Dr. Edelsberg completed her Pre-Doctoral Training in the Piscataway Township School District and was a member of the Child Study Team. Dr. Edelsberg has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in schools, psychological assessments, assessments for learning disabilities, and executive function assessments and interventions. She also has a large interest in research on how physical activity improves executive functions in children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Irina Stuchinsky, LCSW, CMHIMP, INHC
Irina Stuchinsky is an Integrative Psychotherapist who combines specialties in psychotherapy and nutrition in her private practice. Mrs. Stuchinsky is dedicated to guiding individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, poor sleep, disordered eating, and low self-esteem to significantly reduce or eliminate their pain and suffering, regain confidence and achieve life balance using an integrative, whole-body, trauma-informed approach.
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Mrs. Stuchinsky empowers her patients to heal from past trauma, build positive mindset and regain balance. She provides her patients with practical tools and strategies to incorporate mindfulness, nutritious foods they love, and healthy habits into their life so that they can be reassured to have a healthy appetite, sound sleep, and sustainable happiness!
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Mrs. Stuchinsky holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgian Court University, a Masters in Social Work from Monmouth University, certificates in Mental Health Integrative Medicine from the Mental Health Integrative Medicine Institute and Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). Mrs. Stuchinsky has over 10 years of experience working in various healthcare settings, including hospital emergency department, private practice, healthcare administration, and residential facility for adults with complex medical, psychiatric, and developmental disabilities. Mrs. Stuchinsky is interested in gut/brain connection, inflammation and microbiome. In her free time Mrs. Stuchinsky enjoys reading, nature walks, and travel with her family.
Miriam Ayoub, Psy. D.
Dr. Ayoub obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and her Doctor of Psychology degrees from Chestnut Hill College. Throughout her doctoral education and clinical practicums, Dr. Ayoub has experience providing therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Ayoub completed her pre-doctoral internship at WellSpan Philhaven Hospital working in various treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. She has experience in working with grief/bereavement, and conducted a qualitative study for her doctoral dissertation on the factors that impact Egyptians' grieving experiences. Dr. Ayoub also has a particular interest in assessment services and has provided comprehensive evaluations including personality, educational, and neuropsychological assessments in general outpatient, college counseling, and inpatient settings.
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Dr. Ayoub believes it is essential to work collaboratively with each individual in order to build a strong therapeutic alliance and provide appropriate interventions that are tailored to every person's unique needs. She practices with a multiculturally informed and integrative approach to treatment using psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, strengths-based, and mindfulness techniques.
Yvette Roche Muniz, Psy. D.
Dr. Muniz has been in the field for over 20 years providing services to children preschool age through high school. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University in 1990 and continued her graduate work at Hosftra University, where she completed a combined Masters/Doctoral Program in School Psychology and Clinical Psychology in 1995. Dr. Muniz is a Certified School Psychologist both in NY and NJ and is also a Licensed Psychologist in both states. Prior to moving to NJ, Yvette worked with the K-12 population in the Board of Education public schools in New York, as well as Early Intervention. Being bilingual in Spanish, she conducted both monolingual and bilingual psychological evaluations for the school assessment teams, as well as, bilingual assessments and case management at multiple child development centers. She was associate professor at the Rose F Kennedy Center, part of Albert Einstein College of Medicine for 8 years. In addition, she practiced privately and provided psychotherapy to adults and children in NYC. After getting married in 2000, Dr. Muniz moved to New Jersey in 2001, where she has been and continues to be a consultant on the Child Study Team in West Windsor Plainsboro School District for 13 years, conducting assessments, case managing, and providing counseling services to students K-12.
Currently, she is part of the Child Study Team at the Princeton Charter School as the School Psychologist and is also an evaluator for Princeton Center for Educational Assessments, providing private psychological evaluations for school support and special education services, second opinions or college accommodations. Dr. Muniz continues to practice providing psychotherapy via telehealth and in person to adults residing in rehab and/or long-term facilities. Dr. Muniz lives in East Windsor with her husband and 3 daughters, ages 20, 17, and 14. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, reading, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. The family also has 2 exotic sugar glider pets, Thor and Chocolate, that are also known as, "flying squirrels." They are turning 7 this October, and are a big part of the Muniz family!
Laura Atehortúa, Psy. D.
Dr. Laura Atehortúa is a New Jersey and New York certified school psychologist, holding a Doctorate of Psychology and a Master of Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). Dr. Atehortúa works with adolescents and adults, focusing on areas such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders related to family dynamics, and romantic and interpersonal relationships. She is dedicated to helping clients build meaningful connections and strengthen communication skills.
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In addition to therapy, Dr. Atehortúa conducts psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities. She guides clients and their families toward a clearer understanding of diagnoses, creating personalized plans to support growth, well-being, and successful navigation of the educational system.
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Dr. Atehortúa’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, personable, and client-centered, emphasizing an integrative, holistic focus on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul. She incorporates interpersonal therapy and other evidence-based practices to empower clients in their healing journeys. Known for her comforting and culturally sensitive style, Dr. Atehortúa aims to create a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable discovering their authentic selves.
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Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Atehortúa is able to connect with and support a diverse range of clients.
Paola Marin- Rivera, Psy. D.
Dr. Paola Marin-Rivera (she/her/ella) obtained both her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University.
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Dr. Marin-Rivera is a Bilingual (English/Spanish) clinician. As a Deputy Director in a nonprofit agency, she works with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault survivors. During her career and years of training, she has worked mainly with children, adolescents, couples, and adults. As part of her doctoral thesis, she developed a CBT Clinical Handbook for parents and caregivers to manage and cope with their LGBT Children's gender identity self-disclosure. She completed her internship at NYU Langone at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center where she gained experience working with complex trauma, PTSD, immigrants, intimate partner violence, anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, and ADHD. She is currently pursuing training in EMDR. Dr. Marin-Rivera has formally presented for the New Jersey Psychological Association and the New Jersey Coalition of Sexual Assault regarding Intimate Partner Violence, Diversity, Inclusion, and Complex Trauma Interventions.
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Dr. Marin-Rivera will be completing her post-doctoral at MRM Psychological Testing and Clinical Services. She will be providing clinical psychological services including individual therapy, couple’s therapy, and testing. Dr. Marin-Rivera believes in advocating and serving others in their unique individual journey of healing while achieving the best version of themselves.
Lena Gilman, LCSW, RYT, MS.ED, CRM
“Our duty in this world is to find and develop our individual talents and gifts, our responsibility in this world is to give them away” Pablo Picasso.
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Lena Gilman is a Licensed Social Worker LCSW, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), Reiki practitioner, artist, art teacher, photographer, and certified school social worker. A former member of the child study team in the East Brunswick public schools, Lena currently works with children, young adults, teens, families and couples as a therapist in our practice.
Lena has been working with children and families for over 20 years, and holds a Masters’ of Social Work from Rutgers University as well as a Masters’ degree in Education, from Wagner College, Staten Island, NY. As a certified art teacher with 12 years teaching experience, Lena worked in a middle school within the NYC department of Education middle school, where she was prompted to embrace her empathy and intuitive nature, and sought to understand how to better support our children and communities. In completing her second Masters’ degree Lena has refined her expertise in strengths based and solution focused therapies, with a therapeutic Cognitive behavioral persuasion, with a flair for mindfulness. Lena has completed clinical internships in school based youth services and Old Bridge public schools, as well as an art therapy internship with geriatric population through Pratt institute, NY.
Lena is a strong proponent of a psycho-educational approach and looks to increase mindfulness, reduce emotional reactivity and improve social emotional and interpersonal function collaboratively with clients. Lena works diligently to increase awareness, understanding and optimal support through environmental and personal assimilation. Compelled to understand, support and promote emotional, and physical well-being Lena works therapeutically combining art, body based and complementary modalities to foster self-discovery & awareness. Lena’s studies include art therapy, play therapy, loss and bereavement, developmental disabilities, attention deficit disorders and ASD. Lena has experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, mood disorders, as well as learning disabilities. Lena Independently researches mindfulness, holistic health and aromatherapy. Lena advocates improved quality of life through increased executive function while supporting families and individuals through learning styles, strengths and behavioral interventions as assessed by client need.
Ashley Berman, LSW
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Joseph Campbell
Ashley Berman is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of New Jersey. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Georgian Court University and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Ashley has clinical experience working in psychiatric emergency services within a hospital setting, as well as internship experiences working on an inpatient psychiatric unit and at an addiction treatment center. Working in these various settings has allowed her to gain experience working with individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, behavioral challenges, and mood disorders.
Throughout Ashley’s professional career, she has experience working with a diverse population, including children, adolescents, and adults. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths Perspective, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy. She provides a safe and warm environment, where each patient feels seen, heard, and validated all while gaining the skills necessary to flourish.
Helizhabeth Cruz, Psy.D.
Dr. Helizhabeth Helidalia Cabrera Cruz is a daughter of immigrants who proudly identifies with her Dominican roots. While she has held many roles over the years, she has been serving as a Bilingual Psychologist in an urban school district since 2017. In that role, she works with recently arrived immigrant and refugee students and their families in a counseling-based role. Dr. Cruz recently obtained a Doctorate in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her research revolved around increasing immigrant and refugee parent engagement in schools. This is something she is very passionate about. She will be completing her post-doctoral hours at MRM Psychological Testing and Clinical Services, where she will be administering psychological measures and counseling with a Cognitive-Behavioral approach in English and Spanish.
Dr. Cruz also holds an Educational Specialist Degree (Master’s plus 30 credits) from Rider University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from New Jersey City University. She has held various roles within the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists (NJASP) and is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as well as the New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA). Dr. Cruz tries to use a positive attitude to encourage young girls and families of color to keep working toward their dreams one day at a time. She strives to provide a safe, calm, and warm environment and evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of every patient to help them achieve their goals. In her free time, she tries to enjoy a slow life with her husband and their two boys.
Erin L. Herman, Psy.D.
Erin earned a Bachelors degree from Muhlenberg College, where she
majored in psychology and received her elementary teaching certification.
She went on to obtain her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in school
psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional
Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University. She is a licensed psychologist in
the state of New Jersey, as well as a certified school psychologist.
Additionally, Erin is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
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She has over a decade of experience assisting school-aged children and
young adults in recognizing their potential and identifying ways to help
them realize it. She is trauma informed and helps individuals in the areas of
coping skills, goal setting, self-regulation, accountability, mood and anxiety
disorders, self-esteem, social issues, executive functioning, and learning
difficulties. Additionally, she has worked with individuals with autism
spectrum disorders in many different settings. Erin also specializes in
psychological assessments, from which she can derive meaningful
academic, behavioral, and social emotional interventions. She is well-versed
in special education and crisis intervention.
While Erin utilizes an eclectic approach in helping clients, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) does heavily influence her treatment outlook.
Additionally, she believes that taking a strength-based approach when
working with clients of all ages will result in the most growth. Erin
incorporates psychoeducation for both clients and their families, as
appropriate. She aims to work collaboratively with her clients to create a
space where they can learn, grow, and be the best version of themselves.
Shannon Ziccardi, LSW
Shannon Ziccardi is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of New Jersey and certified school social worker. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Monmouth University and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Shannon currently works full time as a preschool intervention social worker and has over 10 years as
a child study team member working with students from ages 3-21 with attention deficit disorders, oppositional defiant disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Shannon has additional clinical experience working with adolescents and young adults ages 11-21 in both an out of district special education school and residential setting which has allowed her to gain
experience working with individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, behavioral challenges and mood disorders. Shannon works collaboratively with families and utilizes a strengths based and Cognitive behavioral approach along with play therapy techniques to improve awareness, build interpersonal skills such as executive functioning and self-regulation to improve overall social emotional well being and reach
their full potential.