OUR THERAPISTS
Laura Gattuso, LPC ACS
Psychotherapist & CoOwner of Human First Counseling Services
Laura earned a Master's Degree after graduating from Centenary University in 2014. She has had extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults in various settings, including Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, school counseling settings, group homes, and traditional outpatient settings. Laura has utilized professional therapeutic techniques to assist clients coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, personality disorders, body-image struggles, eating disorders, self-harm, self-esteem, grief/loss, and difficult life transitions. The necessity of establishing trust and respect between the counselor and client is paramount to successful therapy. Laura's main goal is, therefore, to provide a safe environment where clients can feel safe to share, learn, heal, and grow. Laura's 10 years of experience have reinforced her belief that the most effective therapy relies on providing a comfortable environment while also tailoring professional therapeutic techniques to the unique needs of each individual.
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are." -Carl Jung
Laura Gattuso, LPC ACS
Renata Rybalova, LPC ACS
Psychotherapist & CoOwner of Human First Counseling Services
Renata graduated with a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University in 2012 and has gained professional experience over 10 years working in various mental health settings, including partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient, intensive-in-community, and group practice outpatient settings. Renata's clients range from young adults to elderly populations, navigating challenges at every phase of life. Leading with an empathetic, strength-based approach to psychotherapy that incorporates Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Techniques with a psychodynamic approach, Renata supports her clients in finding their individual way to personal growth through life's challenges. Renata's areas of expertise include working with Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Personality Disorders, Trauma, Grief/Loss, Family System Dynamics, Complex Life Transitions through the Life Cycle, self-esteem, body image, Women's Issues, and LGBTQ.
"Even the smallest shift in perspective can bring about the greatest healing"-Joshua Kai
Renata Rybalova, LPC ACS
Katherine Gannon, LPC
Psychotherapist
Katherine earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2019. Katherine believes in a strengths-based approach-using your existing strengths to support your goals. Are you struggling with an adjustment period in your life? Do you want an increase in support? Or maybe you are looking to learn more about yourself. Katherine's experience can support you to clear the fog together and reclaim your power and your life. Katherine's years of experience include working with adolescents and college students in adjustment periods in a school setting, working with individuals in an Inpatient Detox Center, and working in a traditional outpatient setting. This includes working with individuals of all ages who are experiencing life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, parenting challenges, narcissistic abuse recovery, sexual issues, cancer patients, and survivors, as well as career counseling. Taking the first step to start therapy takes much courage. If you had therapy in the past, beginning again takes courage as well. Therapy is a safe space where you can learn more about yourself and work toward goals with the support of a non-judgmental and genuine professional.
Katherine Gannon, LPC
Jackie Meringer, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey. She earned her Master's degree from Fordham University School of Social Work. Jackie has 7 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds. Jackie has extensive experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families facing various challenges and needs, including depression and anxiety, behavioral and self-regulation issues (impulse control and oppositional defiance), ADD/ADHD, family conflict, and parenting difficulties. Additionally, Jackie has frequently worked with individuals who have experienced sexual, physical, and emotional trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, as well as mental health challenges. Jackie utilizes a cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems approach to therapy, incorporating various interventions such as mindfulness and motivational interviewing, as well as various forms of art and play, to address and fit the unique needs of each individual client. Jackie believes that a good rapport, a strong alliance, and trust in the therapeutic relationship are the foundations that help facilitate change. Jackie approaches her work with genuine empathy and a good sense of humor, creating an enriching therapeutic experience.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Suess, The Lorax
Jackie Meringer, LCSW
Leia Fontana, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Leia graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2011. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst following board certification from Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology in 2013. Leia has over 10 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, primarily within a school setting. Collaboration with mental health professionals in various settings, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient programs. Leia also has extensive experience in working with individuals with developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Leia utilizes therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, de-escalation strategies, and behavior modification programs to assist clients in coping with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, school refusal, self-esteem issues, and adjustment to difficult life transitions. Providing a safe space and developing a strong therapeutic relationship are critical components of effective therapy. Leia is compassionate and takes on a holistic, client-centered approach. She assists clients in developing meaningful goals while providing the strategies and support to achieve them.
Leia Fontana, LCSW
Kristin Whitehouse, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Kristin has extensive experience working with clients in a variety of settings. Kristin uses an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to meet the needs of the individual. Kristin has a background in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Kristin utilizes approaches based on cognitive behavioral, trauma, and solution-focused therapy and has experience in treating mood disorders, trauma, grief, OCD, end-of-life, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. With compassion, a strong therapeutic alliance, and a sense of humor, Kristin creates a safe, judgment-free space for every client to explore, express, and grow.
"Start where you are. Use What you have. Do what you can" - Arthur Ashe
Kristin Whitehouse, LCSW
Justina Welch, LAC
Psychotherapist
Justina is a New Jersey Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Counseling from Centenary University. Justina has experience working with children, teens, and young adults, treating a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, attachment and adjustment disorders, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), grief/loss, and overall life stressors. Justina takes an eclectic approach to treatment, using techniques and strategies from a variety of theoretical frameworks. Justina is passionate about creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment for each client and is committed to empowering clients through positive and supportive services.
"Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - Christopher Robin
Justina Welch, LAC
MacGyver
Office Greeter
MacGyver earned his Best Boy Degree and has lots of experience in enthusiastically welcoming new and familiar friends to the office. MacGyver specializes in giving kisses, getting treats, asking for belly rubs, and just being handsome. MacGyver will make sure you have the best visit every time.
"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog" M.K. Clinton
MacGyver