Our therapists

Psychotherapist | Team Lead | Hazlet

Samantha is a warm, compassionate and understanding psychotherapist. She creates a safe and comfortable space for her clients to experience the magic of therapy. 

Samantha is dedicated to cultivating a deep connection with her clients that nurtures self-exploration and growth. She provides a positive, strengths-based approach, incorporating mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies. Her goal is to support her clients to live their best lives and be their favorite version of themselves. 

Working with children, teens and adults, and practicing individual, family and couples’ counseling, Samantha works closely with her clients toward achieving the goals they set for themselves. Samantha is passionate about the work she does, as this is her life-calling. She stays with her clients every step of the way in their therapeutic journey to self-actualization. Her hope is always to elevate her clients’ experience of themselves and the world. 

Graduating from Monmouth University with a bachelor's degree in social work and attaining a master's degree from Monmouth University in Social Work, Samantha is a well trained professional and valued asset to LEAF by Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy. 

Reach out to Samantha directly via phone or text at 732-947-4767

Email: SCiparis@leafpsych.com

Psychotherapist | Little Silver 

Katarina is a sincere, compassionate, and kindhearted psychotherapist. She creates a soothing and secure space, where her clients can feel comfortable to be their authentic selves. Throughout the therapeutic journey, Katarina considers it to be a privilege and an honor to accompany clients on one, while she believes in always offering them a positive regard and guidance alongside of them through collaboration, in order for her clients to grow and to fulfill their own potential as individuals, as well as valuing themselves and their lives.  

Practicing individual, couples, and family therapy with adolescents and adults, Katarina utilizes integrative approaches through aspects of evidence-based treatment, such as dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused care, mindfulness-based therapy, humanistic therapy, energy psychology, and strength-based therapy, all of which allows her clients to be the primary focus of the helping process. 

Graduating from Monmouth University with an undergraduate and graduate degree in Social Work, Katarina has gained substantial clinical and advocacy experience that has further shaped her into a driven, insightful, and empathetic clinician. 

Reach out to Katarina directly via phone or text at 732-947-4076. 

Email:  kgrimaldi@leafpsych.com

Psychotherapist |  Little Silver

Julia is an insightful, non-judgmental, and reflective psychotherapist. Julia creates an environment that is the most conducive for her clients. By building trusting relationships and using evidence-based practices, each session feels comfortable, safe and supportive. 

Julia believes self-awareness is the first step towards an expanded level of consciousness, establishing a deeper understanding and compassion for self. She ensures treatment is collaborative between the client and herself to help individuals live happier and healthier by overcoming struggles life may bring. This line of work comes naturally to Julia; thus, she dedicates her career to improving the lives of others by thinking outside the box. 

Julia utilizes eclectic therapy, an approach that adapts to each client's unique needs, which can involve various treatment methods and a combination of therapeutic tools to be most effective for the individual. Julia is familiar with working with all ages while practicing individual, family, and couples counseling.

After graduating from Marist College with a bachelor’s in Social Work and earning a Master’s in Social Work from Seton Hall University, Julia’s care is creative and impressionable.

Reach out to Julia Sgro directly via phone or text at  732-947-4858

Email: JSgro@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Sea Girt
Kate brings a wealth of experience and commitment to facilitate healing through trauma-informed care. Her professional journey is rooted in the belief that true well-being extends beyond traditional therapeutic modalities, emphasizing a holistic and integrative approach.

One distinctive aspect of Kate’s therapeutic approach is the integration of somatic, body-based interventions. These interventions assist clients in learning how to connect their feelings to the sensations they experience in their bodies. Somatic therapies develop stronger self-awareness and coping skills to manage the challenges that come with life. This approach empowers clients to reconnect with their bodies, fostering resilience and promoting lasting healing.

In addition to general therapeutic practices with adults, couples, and children, Kate specializes in maternal mental health. Here, she creates a safe space to help mothers navigate the complexities of infertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum challenges, and the broader spectrum of maternal well-being. Kate integrates evidence-based therapies with a holistic approach, fostering healing and resilience in her clients as they embark on the transformative journey of motherhood.

Graduating with her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from the University of Oklahoma and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, Kate is a collaborative and inclusive therapist.

Reach out to Kate directly via phone or text at  732-947-4117

Email: KWilliams@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Hazlet

Megan is an empathetic, compassionate, flexible, and supportive psychotherapist. She believes in cultivating an open and safe environment for her clients to express themselves. Megan has always believed in the importance and benefits of therapy as we continue to grow as individuals. She understands each therapeutic path is individualized and is respectful of her each of her client’s journey's. 

Her mission is to create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere for her clients to address identified challenges while recognizing their strengths. Megan utilizes a person-centered and strengths-based approach, focusing on the individual and their goals. Megan incorporates motivational interviewing, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies into sessions to assist her clients in meeting their goals and needs.

Megan has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families of various cultural backgrounds.

Megan graduated from Centenary College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work before completing her Master’s degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. 

Reach out to Megan directly via phone or text at 732-947-4097 

Email: MKelly@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Sea Girt

Compassionate and dedicated, Heather draws on strong listening skills and empathy to create a calm and safe environment in order to meet clients where they are and to empower them to be the experts in their own lives. Combining traditional talk therapy with motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices and cognitive behavioral techniques, Heather supports her clients in navigating through their presenting concerns.

After working as a family law attorney for over 20 years, Heather received her MSW in Clinical Practice with Families and Children. During her time as an attorney, Heather focused her practice on resolving issues related to domestic violence restraining orders, custody, parenting time, alienation and reunification and divorce. Heather is also a certified court mediator and has been trained in the collaborative law process. 

With this experience, Heather brings a specialized knowledge to her social work practice where she hopes to help couples and individuals who may find themselves entrenched in the court process work through the emotional toll such an experience takes on a person’s mental health. Heather also has experience in treating adolescents, adults, seniors and couples from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, life transitions, adverse life experiences, and trauma, as well as other more extensive mental health illnesses.

Although Heather no longer practices law, she welcomes attorneys and/or individuals to reach out to her should they be in need of a parenting coordinator, custody/parenting time mediation, co-parenting counseling, or alienation and reunification therapy.  

After graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS degree in Criminology, Heather attended St. Joseph’s University where she received a MS degree also in Criminology. Thereafter, Heather received her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law and concluded her education at Monmouth University, where she received her Master’s in Social Work.

Reach out to Heather directly via phone or text at  732-947-4147

Email: HMartin@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Hazlet

With two decades of experience in the helping profession, Holly is a skilled psychotherapist who specializes in providing supportive encouragement to help clients discover inner peace and self-confidence by recognizing their true desires and needs. She focuses on effective communication, establishing healthy boundaries, and stress management.

Known for her down to earth, sincere, caring, and compassionate approach, Holly tailors her methods to suit each client's unique needs. She is proficient in assisting individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, postpartum challenges, parenting struggles and more. 

Employing a psychodynamic approach, Holly helps clients address trauma and uncover the impact of family dynamics and past experiences on their unconscious thoughts, perceptions, relationship patterns, and behaviors.

Through the integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing techniques, Holly challenges clients' perspectives, encourages behavioral changes, and fosters improved self-assurance.Holly's professionalism and openness creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable addressing life's challenges. She specializes in working with couples, families, adults, and adolescents.

Holly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child, Family, Social Service from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana, and a Master of Social Work Degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Her extensive education and competence ensures effective therapeutic care for her clients.

Reach out to Holly directly via phone or text at  732-947-4417

Email: HRobichaux@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Little Silver | Sea Girt | Hazlet

Anissa is a genuine, open and accepting psychotherapist. She brings significant life experience and authenticity to the therapeutic environment and understands the courage it takes to come to therapy.

Anissa believes that happiness is a journey and she is supportive, listens without judgment and helps clients find strength and tenacity along the way. Anissa approaches change with integrity, consistency and intentionality. Her warmth and humility foster feelings of peace, balance and safety.

Using various evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy and motivational interviewing, Anissa adapts her style and technique to fit the client’s needs and through the use of psychoeducation, ensures the process is collaborative and the client understands and embraces the magic of therapy. Anissa works with teens, adults, couples and families.

Anissa graduated from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She earned a master’s degree in labor and employee relations at Rutgers University before later completing her master’s degree in clinical counseling at The College of New Jersey.

Reach out to Anissa directly via phone or text at 732-947-4147  

Email: AKurtz@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist | Little Silver | Sea Girt | Hazlet

By nature, Vanina is a highly compassionate psychotherapist, whose deeply rooted love for helping others fosters an empathetic, nonjudgmental environment conducive to authentic self-exploration. In understanding that therapy can feel overwhelming and intimidating for some, Vanina uses a gestalt approach to ensure her clients feel unconditional acceptance in tapping into their most vulnerable self. Her reflective, listening and observational skills ensures her clients always feel heard, seen and supported throughout their healing journey. Vanina is a native Spanish speaking therapist, experienced working with individuals of all ages, practicing individual, family and couples counseling. 

Vanina is dedicated to helping individuals suffering with Greif and Loss, Complex Traumas, such as childhood physical and sexual abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Vanina’s approach to resolving Complex Trauma uses evidenced based treatments such as Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Schema therapy and Trauma Informed therapy with a bottom-up approach. Vanina understands trauma lies within the body and uses body-focused, better known as somatic therapies, to explore dysregulated feelings, sensations and automatic survival responses to foster safety and reconnection with one’s body. Using cognitive approaches, associated with speaking, thinking, self-regulation, and emotional awareness- Vanina works alongside her clients to better manage triggers and distress, build coping skills and obtain resilience and lasting healing. 

Vanina is both passionate and experienced working with maternal mental health, understanding the intricacies of pregnancy, infertility, pregnancy loss, child birth, post-partum and the journey of motherhood. Vanina also specializes with Compulsive disorders, such as OCD, Intrusive thinking, Hoarding, Excoriation Disorder (skin picking), and Trichotillomania (hair pulling). Stress and trauma can trigger these brain-based behaviors that can feel isolating and hinder self-esteem, relationships and everyday activities. Vanina uses practices like Mindfulness Meditation and Exposure and Response Prevention to build stress management skills and manage stressors without compulsive responses. 

Vanina holds a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers School of Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker. 

Reach out to Vanina directly via phone or text at 732-947-4191   

Email: VRimoli@LeafPsych.com

Psychotherapist Trainee | Little Silver | Sea Girt | Hazlet

Kevin brings a unique perspective to his role as a psychotherapist, combining extensive corporate experience with a deep commitment to mental health and personal growth. His distinctive approach blends empathy with practical support, guiding individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges, and toward greater self-discovery and well-being.

Before transitioning into mental health, Kevin built a successful career as a corporate finance executive, holding senior Investment Banking roles with global firms like J.P. Morgan. His experience leading complex M&A and capital raising assignments provides him with an in-depth understanding of high-pressure environments and the challenges professionals face in balancing career demands with personal well-being.

As the Latino son of a single immigrant mother, Kevin is particularly attuned to the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in Spanish, he is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care to both English and Spanish speaking clients, honoring each person’s unique perspectives and experiences.

Kevin works with adolescents, adults, and couples, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, and compulsive behaviors. He is also committed to helping clients enhance their personal and professional relationships. His integrative approach draws on evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and psychodynamic principles.

Kevin is a Master of Social Work (MSW) candidate at Columbia University's School of Social Work, specializing in Advanced Clinical Practice with a focus on Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities. He holds an MBA from Harvard University and a BA in Economics with a minor in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.

Reach out to Kevin directly via phone or text at 732-947-4157

Email: krollag@leafpsych.com

Psychotherapist Trainee | Sea Girt 

Nikki’s calm and authentic energy creates a safe space for clients to come as they are without judgement. She is a strong advocate for normalizing and creating awareness surrounding mental wellness, believing that everyone can benefit from being truly heard.

With a client-centered focus, Nikki brings an eclectic perspective on her therapeutic approach, intuitively shifting to what resonates with the client. She believes therapy is a dedicated collaboration between client and therapist to explore and grow, helping others seek peace, and hone in their strengths and intuition.  

Although Nikki well-versed in trauma-informed practices, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MB-SR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the expressive arts; Nikki believes creativity can be found in the therapeutic process. She carries an openness in session for clients to express what they need and brings the neuroscience of the mind/body connection into sessions when welcomed. 

Nikki works with age groups ranging from teenagers to adults, helping others navigate and process concerns of anxiety, depression, addiction, codependency, ADHD, PTSD, C-PTSD, and career counseling.

Nikki has a BA in communications from Stockton University. After traveling to over a dozen countries and living out of state, she left her job at the Perez Art Museum in Miami to pursue freelance writing. This career change eventually lead her to her original passion of helping others. After attending classes at Broward College for psychology, Nikki is now a clinical counseling graduate candidate at Kean University acquiring her hours for her LAC. 

Nikki is certified in Trauma-Informed CBT, trauma informed yoga practices, and in teaching mindfulness. She is a published writer and continues to write poetry for herself and others. Nikki is a philanthropist and supporter of creating awareness around self-harm and suicide prevention

Reach out to Nikki directly via phone or text at 732-947-4181

Email: NNordquist@leafpsych.com