Stacey Nicholas is the owner and director of Inner Light Counseling. Stacey received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2008 and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2011. Previously to Inner Light, Stacey has experience in a variety of clinical settings, clinical supervision, and treatment of adolescents and adults.
Stacey has specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Nurtured Heart, Trauma-focused treatment, Structural Family Therapy, and substance use disorders.
Stacey’s work is based on the idea that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to success in therapy. The goal of her work is to use that relationship to help clients break free of unhealthy patterns they have developed due to their own past or the pain of early relationships.
Eileen Walton is a Board Certified Professional Counselor. She received the distinction as a testament to her professional excellence from the American Psychotherapy Association in May 2008. Eileen has been a therapist at Inner Light Counseling Center since 2006. In her practice, Eileen specializes in individual and couples counseling. She employs an eclectic approach utilizing numerous psychodynamic techniques, which aim at healing developmental wounds. Eileen is certified in Reiki and Journey process. She is also certified in Psychological First Aid and Traumatic Incident Intervention. Additionally, Eileen is certified in Advanced Post Traumatic Stress Management and is an active member of the Essex County Traumatic Loss Coalition. Eileen has extensive experience in dealing with a variety of childhood and adolescent issues.
Chris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with mental health for over eleven years. She is experienced and prepared to work with all varieties of mental. emotional, and relational challenges, including severe mental illness. She has particular familiarity in working with psychological trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, spirituality, aging, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. She pairs her firm grounding in spirituality with modern evidenced-based techniques for optimal healing and growth. With an eagerness to learn and grow, herself, she has attended the following trainings and certifications among others
Certificate in Aging and Health at Rutgers University
Professional Coach at the Co-Active Training Institute
Advanced Shamanic Healing at Foundation for Shamanic Studies
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the Professional Education Studies Institute (PESI)
MDMA-Assisted Therapist Training at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)(*Chris will not be practicing psychedelic assisted therapy until FDA approval is complete.)
Chris practices at our Somerville facility for in–person sessions. She also connects with clients through safe and private video telehealth sessions.
Tammy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters Degree in Counseling from Kean University.
Tammy is experienced in both intensive outpatient, partial care settings, and individual counseling in a private outpatient setting.
Tammy has worked with children, adolescents and adults, couples and families. The variety of issues she has experience with includes depression, anxiety , anger, addictions, crisis intervention, crisis assessments, suicidal ideation, grief and loss.
Tammy utilizes a variety of approaches including CBT, mindfulness, solution focused, nurtured heart approach and psychodynamic therapy. In addition, she maintains continued education in an effort to provide each client with the best therapeutic approach and wisdom to help them reach their goals. Counseling those reaching out for help is her passion; she believes that the counseling process will provide empowerment and a successful completion of each individuals goals.
Tim Lowe is a Licensed Professional Counselor that came to Inner Light Counseling with over five years of experience providing counseling to adolescents and adults. Tim uses a variety of client-centered techniques, including Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness skills with a Humanistic approach.
Tim offers a space to explore existential crises, men’s issues, body image, depression, anxiety, and difficulty with self-worth; teaching how to care less about what others think. Tim works with his clients to learn to think for themselves using humor and love.
“Since most therapists aren’t men, I feel honored and privileged to be a healthy role model for many of my clients. It’s taken me time to better understand my emotions and be more expressive. Now it’s your time. Lets take your power back.”
“The most convincing sign that someone is living their best life is their lack of desire to show the world that they’re living their best life. Your best life won’t seek validation.”
Nancy Brooks graduated from The College of St Elizabeth in1992 with a degree in Psychology. She received her MSW from New York University: The Ehrenkranz School of Social Work in 1994. She worked with both the adolescent and adult population in California and Florida, while obtaining her licensure. She is currently a LCSW in the state of NJ.
Having a core belief in object relations theory and psychodynamic therapy, through years of practice, she expanded to a multi-model approach when helping others heal. She found that her psychodynamic background aligned perfectly with the Eastern and Spiritual philosophies that came to resonate with her. She includes elements of psychodynamic therapy Gestalt, CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness practice in her life, and her work with others. Nancy currently works with the adult population. She has an interest in helping others heal inner wounds, while helping them navigate and improve their relationships with others.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I returned to school to obtain my bachelor's in Social Work after volunteering and then being employed as a Court Appointed Special Advocate working with foster children in Essex County. I earned my Bachelor Degree In Social Work at Kean University with advanced standing. I interned at Integrity House, a substance abuse treatment facility working with adolescents and with New Jersey's child protective services now called the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). After graduating from Kean, I worked with DCPP within the investigation unit for 5 years and then within the adoption unit for a year. The experience was invaluable and the work was immensely rewarding allowing me to see people at their most vulnerable leaving me to want to better understand and work with people on a deeper level. Trauma, pain, and choices made in a vulnerable state can be improved upon. I know no one needs to suffer needlessly and I love working with people toward change.
I received my Masters in Social Work at Rutgers University. I continued to work at DCPP and began work at United Family and Children's Society to earn my clinical license. I received my LCSW in October 2012 and became EMDR trained in 2018. There is no one size fits all with therapeutic work and learning is on-going. My approach is eclectic with a strong emphasis on CBT, while integrating psychoanalysis, ACT, Mindfulness, DBT, and EMDR therapies. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Currently I am working through telehealth.
Marisa Juliano is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Art Therapist, National Certified Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Caldwell University. She has experience working with adolescents and adults in various clinical settings, focusing on depression, anxiety, OCD, interpersonal and family conflicts, disordered thinking and eating behaviors, and social and emotional difficulties related to disabilities or mental illness. Marisa brings to us her experience from working within the hospital system, education system, rehabilitation services, residential treatment, as well as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. She works with her client's by looking at them as a whole person, understanding the need to take into account all dimensions of wellness. She understands that each person has their unique circumstances, ways in which they respond, react and cope with stressors, and their own environments which impact their well-being. Marisa utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches in an eclectic manner, including a psychodynamically and DBT informed treatment model, working to creatively bring in Art Therapy into the process. When Marisa is not working, she is traveling around trying new restaurants in the area, spending time with her cats, or getting creative through art making or photography.
Cinthya received her master's degree in clinical counseling from Caldwell University in 2018. While in her graduate program, she interned at a domestic violence program in Morristown, NJ where she led groups and conducted intakes. Cinthya has experience working with individuals of all ages in intensive outpatient, IIC and outpatient therapy settings. In these settings, she has provided individual, family and group therapy in which she has discovered working with clients as young as 6 years old to over 65 years old has been able to provide a range of experiences and knowledge.
Cinthya also has received training in TF-CBT to help individuals under the age of the 18 with trauma
Cinthya is a mental health advocate in and out of her work to help be a voice for those who may feel stuck. She believes therapy is the first step to help create change while also meeting the client where they are to ensure they feel safe, understood and heard. Cinthya utilizes a combination of approaches and evidence-based practices to help a client reach their full potential and goals
Caitlin Kenny earned a Master’s of Social Work degree with honors and a clinical concentration. As an undergraduate, Caitlin earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies. Caitlin is a licensed social worker and certified brain injury specialist.
In addition to mental health, Caitlin has studied topics such as gender, LGBTQ+ issues, dynamics of domestic violence, and the psychological/social impact of chronic illness/disability. Caitlin began her career working with people who have limitations related to cognitive and physical abilities. She seeks to empower her clients while utilizing a variety of techniques from approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness stress reduction.
"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain." ― Vivian Greene
Marina Burachek is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Marina came to Inner Light Counseling after dedicating ten years to the nonprofit sector working with homeless families and incarcerated individuals. Marina enjoys helping individuals overcome issues with substance use disorders, grief, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. Marina is particularly passionate about assisting her clients with challenges transitioning to different stages of life and helping couples improve communication. Marina has experience working with individuals who have experienced significant trauma, adoptees, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Marina also enjoys working with adolescents on self esteem, body positivity, and peer conflict. “We live in a time when science is validating what humans have known throughout the ages; that compassion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our well-being, resilience, and survival.” -Roshi Joan Halifax
Rachel is a Licensed Social Worker. She graduated with her Master's degree in Social Work from Rutgers University with a clinical concentration. She received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Rachel's areas of specialty include trauma, conflict, grief, stress, anxiety and depression. The populations that Rachel specializes in include children, adolescents and young adults.
She draws from such therapeutic modalities as Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
Rachel works with each person on an individualized basis, utilizing the best approach for each. She is deeply committed to helping them heal and grow.
Linda is a Licensed Social Worker who has been a therapist at Inner Light Counseling since 2019. She graduated with her Master's degree in Social Work from Rutgers University with a clinical concentration. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Special Education from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania.
Linda utilizes a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness techniques.
She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment. Creating a comfortable environment and building trust with her clients is very important to Linda. She believes that the therapeutic connection is paramount in the success of her clients. Her area of specialties include anxiety, depression, PTSD, childhood trauma, crisis intervention and Postpartum Depression. Linda also has a vast experience working with sexual abuse survivors.
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne, Author & Poet
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney
Anna is a Licensed Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work from Centenary University and her Master’s of Social Work from Fordham University. Anna has worked with families in low income situations, homeless, the elderly community, parents, children and adolescents.
Anna is a certified Behavioral Assistant and Parenting Coach. She is trained in the Nurtured Heart Approach, adolescents with substance use dependency, multicultural therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Anna has given seminars on the Enough Abuse program, preventing sexual abuse. She also volunteers at various assisted living facilities.
Samantha is a Licensed Social Worker who received her Bachelors Degree from The University of Connecticut as a Psychology Major. She went on to earn her Masters in Social Work from Boston College. Samantha started her career working with at risk adolescents in New Jersey. After receiving her masters, she also began working with adults struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Samantha has experience working with clients of all ages struggling with such issues as trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. In addition, she has a specialization in alcohol and substance abuse.
Samantha strongly believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship. She focuses on a strength based approach in working with clients. She includes evidence based practices such as CBT, mindfulness, supportive psychotherapy and motivational interviewing to help her clients heal and grow as individuals. Samantha is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for clients to work towards and achieve their personal goals.
Latoya Ewing, is a Licensed Social Worker, is a part-time therapist for Inner Light Counseling, LLC. She earned her Master of Social Work from the School of Social Work, Rutgers University in 2015. Latoya is trained in Anger Management and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has worked in settings such as an in-jail treatment facility, public school, and intensive in-community services with a clientele ranging from adults, teens, adolescents, and those differently abled.
A major focus of her work has been developing healthy coping strategies, managing emotional & behavioral responses, reducing stress, and empowering clients. Latoya has worked with many different issues such as substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, anger, stress, crisis intervention, social skills, and behavior. She provides both in-person and virtual sessions.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Caitlin Kondroski is a Licensed Social Worker and received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University with a clinical concentration and specialization in Protecting Child and Adolescent Wellbeing. She received her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Kean University. Caitlin works with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, life-transitions, and familial issues.
Caitlin utilizes a variety of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Nurtured Heart, and mindfulness.
Caitlin is passionate about providing a safe and validating environment for her clients. Building a trusting and supportive rapport is paramount to her work. Caitlin is experienced in clinical settings ranging from in-home, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and school. Additionally, Caitlin has experience working with individuals who struggle with suicidality, substance use, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“You cannot change what you are, only what you do.” - Philip Pullman
Debra Crossman is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker who earned her Master’s in Social Work with a clinical concentration from Rutgers University in 2024. Her journey in mental health began with a Master’s in Educational Psychology in 2002 and a BA in Psychology in 1998, both from New Jersey City University.
With over 20 years of experience in various mental health settings, Debra has passionately advocated for individuals impacted by disabilities, mental health challenges, and financial insecurity. She specializes in supporting individuals and families through life transitions, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Debra utilizes a trauma informed and client centered approach. Through this approach Debra is committed to providing clients with an individualized approach to work on the treatment goals most important to their personal growth and ensuring they feel safe and comfortable during the therapeutic journey. Her warm, empathetic style invites clients to explore their paths to healing and fulfillment with confidence.
Catina is a native of New York City. She completed her education in South Carolina
where she attended Columbia College undergraduate program and the University of
South Carolina where she obtained her Master of Social Work Degree in 2010. Her
practice is dedicated to everyday people affected by the disabling effects of a mental
health disorder. She uses a person-centered approach to address specific needs. She
describes her style as direct, polite, respectful and caring. She is skilled and very
flexible in utilizing therapeutic techniques in an uncomplicated, highly effective manner
to attain her goal for clients to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to form a
therapeutic alliance. Catina received her clinical license in 2013. She has been an
approved supervisor since 2018 and presently practices here in the state of New Jersey.