Our Team

If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact through your therapeutic work and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team, we encourage you to submit your resumes to office@safe-therapy.org for consideration. Join us in our mission to provide compassionate and effective mental health services to those in need within our community. We look forward to welcoming individuals who share our vision and values to be a part of our growing and dedicated team.

Nina Kaufmans is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor in the state of New Jersey, specializing in the treatment of adults struggling with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma. Additionally, Nina is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in counseling education and supervision, further enhancing her expertise and knowledge in the field. Nina’s approach to treatment focuses on evidence-based methods with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), blended with psychodynamic, mindfulness, and somatic processing-oriented approaches to provide a comprehensive and holistic therapeutic experience for her clients.

Loris Murdock-Johnson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience in providing individual treatment with medication management. She earned her master’s degree from Drexel University and her Bachelor’s from The College of New Jersey, TCNJ. She has over 40 years of nursing experience in acute setting, medical/surgical, subacute/rehabilitation, long term care, psychiatric inpatient, outpatient and individual settings as an RN and APN. Some positions held throughout her career include RN staff nurse, Assistant Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing, Facility Educator, and APN preceptor for students from Wilkes, Kane and Rutgers University. Delivering exceptional services is her main priority.

Mary earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Rutgers University. Mary utilizes an evidence-based approach combining elements from CBT, DBT, complex trauma treatment, mindfulness-based healing, internal family systems, and person-centered psychotherapy.

Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey with clinical experience working in community non-profit, private practice, in-home, and helpline settings. Melissa utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach in order to offer clients an accepting and nonjudgmental environment to facilitate their healing journey. Melissa practices with an eclectic orientation, drawing from psychodynamic and attachment theories to help clients change patterns of behaviors and relationships that may no longer be serving them while striving to empower clients in building their coping repertoire and resilience to best navigate life’s challenges. Melissa practices with an eclectic orientation, drawing from psychodynamic and attachment theories.

Elena is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), School Counselor, and Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) in the state of New Jersey. She earned her Master’s in Counselor Education from The College of New Jersey. Elena’s person-centered treatment approach emphasizes meeting clients where they are at in their life journey and utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities based on their needs and strengths. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Cathy is a Licensed Associate Counselor in the state of New Jersey, with a Masters’s degree in Psychology and an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling Services. Cathy’s experience includes working with teens, college students, and adults, believing that in every stage of life there is hope and help for those who are hurting. Using an eclectic approach that includes tools from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cathy works with clients to identify their core values and the therapy goals that will help them resolve their challenges and move toward a life of fulfillment and meaning.

Seema is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), and has experience working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, aging, cultural issues, work/occupational issues, and marital/relationship issues. She understands the impact that identity, diversity, religion, and culture can have on a person, their worldview, and their relationships. Having trained in biomedical sciences, Seema appreciates the role that heredity, upbringing, and home environments play in our lives but firmly believes that people can and do change. Her therapeutic approach focuses on relational psychodynamics, attachment theory, CBT, and mindfulness. She encourages clients to be curious about their emotions so they can better understand and empower themselves to improve their lives.

Melissa Amico is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey. Melissa earned her Master’s of Social Work from Rutgers University in NJ and completed her undergraduate education at Muhlenberg College in PA. Melissa has clinical experience working with adults and adolescents with a variety of mental health issues, with a focus in PTSD treatment. Melissa’s goal in therapy is to help clients achieve their individual goals in a safe and supportive environment. Melissa prioritizes taking a non-judgmental stance in therapy and believes we are all doing the best we can at any given moment; balancing acceptance of self and making changes. Melissa utilizes evidence-based modalities; utilizing elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness practice, self compassion skill building, psychoeducation, and psychodynamic interventions.

Anthony Martino is a Licensed Associate Counselor in the state of New Jersey with advanced training in trauma-informed care. He has previous experience treating children, adolescents and adults with a variety of individual, comorbid and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. This includes experience working with individuals in psychiatric crises, when their symptoms are at their most severe. From a foundation in rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), Anthony’s approach to treatment emphasizes unconditional self-acceptance and acknowledges the multifaceted factors that influence our lives, particularly family systems. Anthony places a strong emphasis on collaboration and client empowerment, as well as the importance of mindfulness in reducing stress and coping with difficult situations.

Amber Scalera is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the State of New Jersey. Her clinical interests and areas of expertise include working with individuals with complex trauma and a wide range of mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders struggling with emotion dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, self-injurious behaviors, and low self-esteem. Amber uses a client-centered, trauma-informed approach with a broad range of evidence-based interventions to meet the individual needs of each client and incorporates evidence-based techniques from

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Solution-focused Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) help clients explore, recognize, and foster change.

Allyson is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey. Allyson helps clients of all ages struggling with issues such as emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, and body image concerns make sustainable change in their lives. Allyson practices from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective, meeting each individual where they are on their unique journey. Allyson’s approach to counseling includes evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness skills. She is dedicated to providing the best possible quality of care by leading with passion, empathy, and kindness.

Patrick Foran, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey, has dedicated his expertise to working with adults aged 18 and above. His extensive experience in various programs has honed his proficiency in employing evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-compassion techniques, dialectical behavioral therapy skills, mindfulness, relaxation skills, and interpersonal therapy. Patrick’s compassionate and client-centered approach, coupled with his commitment to ongoing professional development, ensures that individuals receive personalized and effective care tailored to their unique needs.

Ariana is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in New Jersey who received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University. Ariana has clinical experience with PHP/IOP, and her focus has been working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Drawing from evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT, Ariana helps clients develop practical skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve communication. She also integrates elements of psychodynamic therapy to explore deeper patterns and understand the underlying dynamics contributing to current difficulties. Ariana is passionate about helping clients cultivate resilience, foster meaningful connections, and lead fulfilling lives.

Emily is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey, and she is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Emily earned her Master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from Messiah University, which is a CACREP-accredited program known for its rigorous academic standards. Emily provides an individualized approach with a warm and empathic style, seeking to build a solid therapeutic relationship by integrating Family Systems Therapy with evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, Emily is experienced in perinatal mental health and faith-based counseling, which allows her to cater to a broad spectrum of client needs and offer support in various aspects of their lives. With her extensive training and compassionate approach, Emily is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their personal and relational goals.

Tina’s formal yoga training is in the popular Hatha, Ashtanga, and Iyengar yoga styles, and she is a certified yoga teacher trainer with the International Yoga Alliance. Tina holds advanced degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Teaching and Curriculum Development (MA), and Marriage, Family, and Systems Therapy (MFT). This diverse academic background enriches her teaching and therapeutic practices.

She is also actively engaged in ongoing clinical research, employing the benefits of yoga and meditation to mitigate the clinical characteristics of Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Addictions, Autism, Pain Management, Behavioral Issues, Suicidal Ideation, and severe Mental and Physical Trauma. This research is essential in exploring and validating the therapeutic potential of yoga and meditation in addressing these complex conditions.

Catherine is an undergraduate senior at New York University, where she is double majoring in psychology and sociology. She is deeply passionate about researching and supporting disadvantaged groups, dedicating her academic and extracurricular efforts to this cause. After graduating, Catherine aims to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. in psychotherapy to further her expertise and impact in the field. She is dedicated to supporting the Safe Place team in delivering excellent service to our community members, bringing her knowledge, empathy, and commitment to every project she undertakes. Catherine’s enthusiasm for her work and her genuine desire to make a difference shine through in all that she does.

Janet is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and holds an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College. With over 20 years in the corporate world, she understands how toxic work cultures can harm mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and burnout. Janet uses a client-centered approach, blending psychodynamic therapy, CBT, existentialism, family systems, and mindfulness to help clients manage stress.
As a first-generation Taiwanese American who has lived in the US, Asia, and Europe, Janet offers a global perspective and culturally sensitive care. She is skilled in holistic practices like Reiki and Qigong, integrating mind, body, and spirit. Janet humorously calls herself an “aspiring human,” believing that with humor, patience, and teamwork, we can all master the art of being human together.

Our Team

Nina Kaufmans

Loris Murdock-Johnson

Mary Kindig

Melissa Garaffa

Elena Primost

Catherine Brown

Seema Dhindaw

Melissa Amico

Anthony Martino

Amber Scalera

Allyson Hern

Patrick Foran

Ariana Giambanco

Emily Tosten

Tina LeMar

Catherine Howard

Janet Roche

Liza Iznyuk