MEET THE TEAM

  • Alison Quispe has over fifteen years of experience as a mental health professional. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, providing private psychotherapy to couples, families, and individuals. Alison received her Master’s in Psychological Services from Kean University. She was also a Professor of Psychology at Bergen Community College. Alison serves as one of Stellar’s clinical supervisors for pre-clinical and clinical therapists. She specializes in anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Alison strives to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for her clients to find the relief they need.

  • MaryAnne is a trauma-informed LCSW with over 30 years of experience in the field. She has worked with those effected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and adoption issues. MaryAnne specializes in anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, domestic violence, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and stress. She has extensive experience working with addiction and can see clients who are currently in recovery. MaryAnne works from a psychodynamic, strength-based, holistic approach. She received her Master’s of Social Services from Bryn Mawr College and is a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University.

  • Staela has over 25 years of experience helping people and their families find solutions. She offers a nonjudgmental, down to earth style that will ease you into the process of therapy. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, loss or the complex family issues that result from addiction, Staela can help you to learn to cope and find hope through CBT and mindfulness techniques. She is eager to help empower you to find solutions, supports and to explore barriers that may be preventing you from reaching your goals.

    Staela has extensive experience in family therapy, grief and loss, couples counseling and substance use disorders. As a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, she specializes in helping individuals and families cope with the loss and despair of loving someone with a substance use disorder.

  • Allyson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work. She provides evidence-based therapy for children, teens, and adults. Creating an inviting, non-judgmental space is Allyson’s first priority with clients. She strives to create a collaborative space using a patient-centered and holistic approach.

    Allyson has had the opportunity to provide care in IOP/PHP programs, school, and medical settings. This array of experiences has fostered her ability to understand clients through a multi-disciplinary lens and draw upon a multitude of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Psychodynamic, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

    Allyson offers a non-judgmental and warm space where you or your child can feel comfortable speaking freely. She provides after school and work hours to accommodate busy schedules.

  • Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Kean University. She sees clients of all ages and backgrounds. Lisa appreciates working with motivated and insightful individuals who are wanting to work on how their past experiences impact their present. She realizes this often requires building trust, and respects progressing at your own pace.

  • Mildred is a Licensed Associate Counselor and earned her Master’s of Social Service from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She strives to create an environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and heard in order to promote growth and healing within the therapeutic process. Mildred specializes in self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, and relationship issues. She has step by step plans to help her clients learn how to trust themselves and others. Mildred loves teaching people that solutions to their problems do exist.

  • Laura is a warm and compassionate counselor who received her master’s degree in K-12 school counseling from NYU. She recently returned to further her education and obtained an advanced counseling certificate (LPC). Laura has experience working in both inner-city and suburban schools. She specializes in supporting adolescents during periods of significant change - whether physical, emotional, social, or academic. She believes that effective counseling approaches can help support emotional well-being and adjustment. Laura utilizes techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and solutions-focused brief therapy to help clients identify negative patterns and develop effective strategies for growth and resilience.

  • Marissa is a Licensed Social Worker and earned her Master’s of Social Work at Rutgers University. She is passionate about advocacy, psychoeducation, and ending the stigma around mental health. Marissa has experience with crisis intervention as well as providing individual, family and group therapy. She specializes in anxiety, depression, and self esteem. Marissa uses an authentic and empathetic approach to help guide her clients toward their goals and the positive change that they are seeking. Marissa helps her clients work towards understanding their emotions, improving self-esteem and self-worth, learning and practicing new coping skills, and more.

  • Kerry is a Licensed Social Worker who has been in the mental health & counseling field for over a decade. She has a wide array of experience from working with adults who have severe mental health diagnoses, individuals with chronic medical conditions, as well as children and adolescents within the community who are in crisis. Over the years, Kerry has helped individuals understand and cope with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, and many other diagnoses. She aims to provide a safe space to anyone who she is working with. Her philosophy is to meet others where they are and help uplift them to where they want to be using therapeutic strategies that meet their individual needs.

  • Lainie is a warm and compassionate psychotherapist who received her Master’s in professional counseling from Walden University. She is committed to staying current with her field's latest trends and developments, ensuring that her patients receive the most effective therapeutic practices possible. Lainie can help with life transitions, career changes, relationship issues, stress management, anxiety, and parenting. She encourages her patients to express themselves freely. Lainie guides her patients through their journey to recovery, empowering them to gain better control over their lives. She thrives when working with individuals and small groups, and also enjoys working with couples and families. Lainie believes self-awareness is a superpower, and when you can learn to truly love and appreciate yourself, you can achieve great things.

  • Kerline is a Licensed Social Worker who knows that life can sometimes be challenging causing depression, anxiety or other distressing mental health issues. Her desire is to be of assistance to those affected by these challenges with tools and resources. Kerline is here to provide some insight, tools, and support. She utilizes a strength-based as well as solution focused approach while providing a non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable sharing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and play therapy also yield positive outcomes with those Kerline works with. She commonly sees clients for ADHD and depression.

  • Morgan is a Licensed Social Worker and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. She strives to maintain a caring, friendly, and empathetic relationship with her clients, ensuring they express themselves freely. After understanding her clients’ unique concerns, needs, and goals, Morgan prepares individualized treatment plans. She combines various evidence-based therapies to help them progress on their healing journey. Morgan stays updated on mental health trends, research, and advancements to provide the best possible care for her clients.

  • Marcus is a Licensed Associate Counselor and earned his Master’s in Counseling from Capella University. He believes that life should be about living and not just surviving. Marcus also believes that placing a strong focus on yourself, whether that be physically or mentally, can ensure a more positive and confident approach to many of life's challenges. He has experience utilizing tenets and skills rooted in Person-Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, as well as Solution Focused Therapy. Marcus frequently works with men, women, and adolescents dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.

  • Gail is a compassionate psychotherapist who is currently practicing under the guidance of a licensed practitioner. She is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate emotional and mental health challenges. As a Licensed Social Worker, Gail’s practice emphasizes fostering a safe and empathetic environment for her clients, helping them work toward personal growth and improved well-being. Her approach reflects a commitment to tailored care and meaningful therapeutic connections that encourage positive change.

  • Samia is a Licensed Associate Counselor and has earned her M. Ed in Higher Education and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health. She is also currently a doctoral student. Samia has integrated cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, and trauma-informed care practices into her work. Her approach to therapy is informed by a multicultural lens that acknowledges how our stories are shaped by social influences, including our families, cultural and religious communities, and other social systems. Samia aims to provide a safe space for women of color by considering global perspectives and challenging oppressive systems. She is also inclusive of women of color with intersecting minority identities, such as those who are LGBTQ+ and Muslim. Samia specializes in pregnancy, prenatal & postpartum, trauma & PTSD, racial identity, and women’s issues.

  • Olivia is a Licensed Social Worker and graduated with her Master’s of Social Work from Rutgers University. She has experience working with children and adults with intellectual, learning, and physical disabilities. Olivia has also facilitated groups focusing on topics of substance abuse treatment, female empowerment, job readiness, and communication.

  • Jillian is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and earned her Master’s from Northwestern University. She has worked with a diverse client base handling a multitude of presenting problems across differing populations. Jillian works with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, coping with the stress of every day life or going through transitional life periods. Additionally, she works with couples and families to help them navigate through difficult times.

  • Emily is a Licensed Associate Counselor and earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She has experience as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor for individuals, couples, and groups. Emily has worked with clients for addiction, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, and trauma. She has also specialized in working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Megan is an experienced psychotherapist and Licensed Associate Counselor. She earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Kean University. Megan consistently ensures positive, lasting health outcomes through high-quality care. She listens to her clients' concerns, explains their conditions, and develops customized treatment plans to meet their needs, goals, and preferences. Megan frequently sees clients for ADHD and depression.

  • Nemesis is an experienced Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling from Messiah University. She can diagnose and treat various mental and emotional health issues. Nemesis listens to each client's concerns and provides suitable treatment options.  She consistently provides high-quality therapy and counseling, leading to positive and lasting health outcomes. Nemesis also keeps up with recent developments in her field to provide clients with the most appropriate care.

  • Alessia is a Licensed Social Worker and earned her Master’s of Social Work from Walden University. She also has a certification from NJ Victim’s Assistance Academy at Rutgers University. Alessia has extensive experience working with children and families.

  • Melissa is a Licensed Associate Counselor and earned her Master’s in Counseling from Northeastern University. She can diagnose and treat various mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. Melissa commonly sees clients for ADHD and depression.

  • Ronald is a Licensed Associate Counselor.

  • Annaliese is a Licensed Social Worker and graduated from Fordham Graduate School of Social Service with a Master’s of Social Work. She has experience as a social worker in various schools, including Montclair High School.

  • Mia is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working under the supervision of Sara Benjamin. She graduated from Touro University, Graduate School of Education (GSE)—Manhattan Campus, with a master's degree in counseling. Mia provides compassionate mental health support to people dealing with emotional unrest in Upper Montclair and Montclair, NJ. She believes in listening to each individual and curating a partnership to maintain and improve their lifelong health. Mia also helps her clients to develop effective coping mechanisms to manage challenges. She aims to help people achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives.

  • As a Licensed Associate Counselor with a multicultural background, Adam recognizes the importance of seeking a culturally-sensitive therapist. He provides a culturally competent and inclusive environment which promotes growth and mental well-being.

    Adam’s therapeutic approach is rooted in the core philosophies of Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He uses a holistic approach, combining the core elements of several modalities and using them appropriately with what each client needs. Adam frequently sees clients for depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

    Adam is native and fluent in Arabic and English. He has a deep understanding of Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures. Adam obtained his master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

  • Michaelle earned her master's degree in counseling from Montclair State University. Since then, she has been committed to helping communities receive mental health support. Michaelle listens to her patients' concerns, explains their conditions, and helps them to select an appropriate treatment plan.

  • As a counselor intern, Caroline is dedicated to learning the best ways to support clients and offer a collaborative, empathic space for them to achieve their therapeutic goals. She uses a client-centered and psychodynamic approach to provide clients with a safe place to explore their life struggles. Caroline works with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or life adjustments.

  • Questions: stellarcounseling@stellarcounselingservices.com

  • Questions: stellarcounseling@stellarcounselingservices.com