*Holds a NJ K-12 School Counselor certification *Member of Postpartum Support International

What problem do you strive to overcome?

The journey through life is filled with ups and downs, joys and struggles. The path to beginning therapy can feel daunting and can sometimes stop us in our tracks, unsure of what to do next. My hope is to demystify therapy and remind people that support is out there, we are not meant to go it alone. I approach each person with openness and curiosity, tailoring the process to honor their story, strengths, and challenges. By creating a safe and supportive space grounded in empathy, I strive to help clients feel truly seen and understood so they can move toward meaningful change with greater ease and confidence.

Experience:

Jess is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling and certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). She has experience providing therapy in both private practice and school settings and works with clients across the lifespan, from children through adulthood, with a special love for supporting teens and adults. Jess has a passion for helping clients navigate infertility, pregnancy, postpartum adjustments, and loss. Her work often focuses on anxiety, OCD, and the mind–body connection, with an emphasis on nervous system regulation. As an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor, Jess offers a supportive space to explore identity and how it shapes each person’s unique experience.

Client Focus: Children (ages 8+), teens, adults, perinatal

Types of therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, somatic and nervous system regulation skills

Issues: Anxiety/panic, OCD, life transitions, attachment/relationships, perinatal mental health (infertility, loss, pregnancy, postpartum), identity exploration

More than just my work:

“Vulnerability is not weakness. It is our most accurate measure of courage.” – Dr. Brené Brown

I feel the greatest sense of ease when I am spending time with my loved ones (especially my partner and our 2 cats!), reading a good book, doing yoga, or working on a creative project!

*Holds a NJ K-12 School Counselor certification *Member of Postpartum Support International What... Read More

Ashley is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where she completed a specialization in Art Therapy. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals across the lifespan in individual, group, and family settings. Ashley has supported clients navigating challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, aphasia, depression, domestic violence, and trauma.

Her therapeutic approach is rooted in a client-centered, humanistic framework and guided by cultural humility. She prioritizes building a collaborative relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Before becoming a counselor, Ashley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and spent several years working as an educator. Her background in the arts and education continues to inform her creative and flexible approach to therapy.

Ashley believes that therapy works best when clients have an active voice in their healing process. She creates a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward change. Her sessions often incorporate creative expression, mindfulness, and evidence-based strategies tailored to each individual.

Ashley is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counsel... Read More

Dr. Alexander Fertig brings nearly thirty years of experience in education and psychology, having worked in a variety of roles including teacher, adjunct professor, special education coordinator, and school psychologist. He earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008 and has dedicated his professional life to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of children and adolescents.

Currently serving as the Coordinator of Special Education at Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools, Dr. Fertig’s approach is thoughtful, compassionate, and collaborative. He works closely with individuals and families to better understand challenges, build on strengths, and develop practical strategies that foster growth, resilience, and lasting success.

Dr. Alexander Fertig brings nearly thirty years of experience in education and psychology, having... Read More

Olivia’s goal is to empower her clients to explore their strengths and develop tools to create lasting change in their lives. Olivia is a Licensed Associate Counselor who earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has experience working with individuals who are impacted by stress, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.

Olivia uses a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy and believes that the therapeutic relationship is key to healing. Olivia works closely with her clients to tailor her therapeutic approach so that it meets the client’s unique needs and goals; she is passionate about her clients having an active role in their mental health journey. Olivia is committed to cultivating a warm, unbiased and supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and personal growth.

Olivia’s goal is to empower her clients to explore their strengths and develop tools to create la... Read More

I conduct comprehensive evaluations, which provide information about a child/adolescent’s strengths, weaknesses and current level of functioning. Using the testing results, I develop meaningful recommendations and suggest helpful interventions and accommodations.

Through the evaluation process, my goal is to identify a child’s learning learning profile and determine what that child needs to be successful. I also hope to empower parents so they can become advocates for their children.

I received my Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the Graduate Center at CUNY, and I earned a Masters Degree in School Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University. Prior to joining Mental Wellness Montclair, I worked for over fifteen years as an elementary school psychologist in Westchester County, New York.

I conduct comprehensive evaluations, which provide information about a child/adolescent’s strengt... Read More

As a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), I am passionate about teaching therapeutic tools and skills to help those looking for guidance and support as they experience the ebb and flow of life. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients, with an emphasis on empathy, relatability, transparency, and growth. I seek to understand the different ways in which every individual views the world and how that might influence overall wellbeing, mental health, relationships, and other aspects of daily living. I have had the opportunity to help clients explore and navigate dynamics such as family, society, culture, and faith — with a focus on values and boundaries. I enjoy utilizing a diverse range of treatment modalities — from cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and psychoeducation — to art, music, and play therapy.

I have experience working with clients of all ages, but find myself particularly inclined to working with children and adolescents. I work to create a safe and trustworthy space, where they can feel seen and heard. Whether it is reinforcing healthy behaviors or encouraging positive affirmations for self-esteem, my approach with younger clients is to be intentional and meet them where they are. My goal is to highlight their strengths, and to embrace their unique personalities and interests.

As a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), I am passionate about teaching therapeutic tools and ski... Read More

Name: Kendra Shumway

Title: Licensed Psychotherapist

Credentials: MSW, LSW

Sometimes the catalyst for pursuing therapy is external: a difficult relationship, a trauma or loss, a life transition. Other times the catalyst is internal: persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, or struggling to make healthy changes. Whatever the reason, seeking help can often feel like an additional stressor during an already tumultuous time.

My goal is to build relationships with my clients that lighten the load of these difficult times and support them in accessing their own innate capacity for growth and healing. I believe this capacity exists in each of us, is intact and accessible to us throughout our lives, and that the “symptoms” that bring us to therapy can actually guide us toward solutions. My role is to partner with my clients as they become curious about their experiences, and to support them in becoming attuned to the wisdom of their own bodies and minds.

I work with children and adults of all ages, drawing from a variety of approaches including internal family systems and play-based therapy.

Name: Kendra Shumway Title: Licensed Psychotherapist Credentials: MSW, LSW Sometimes the catal... Read More

Through life we encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming, especially for our children. That’s where I come in – to offer compassionate support and guidance to empower children and families to navigate life’s challenges. I am a dedicated Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) specializing in empowering children through art therapy, play therapy, and a person-centered approach. With a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University and over two years of supervised experience, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities of child and family therapy work.

My mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where children facing challenges such as divorce, anxiety, grief, ADHD, and anger can thrive. I believe in supporting the entire family unit. We explore effective parenting techniques, communication skills, and methods that foster a nurturing and supportive environment at home.

Drawing from my diverse experience working with clients aged 5 to 65, I approach each therapeutic journey with warmth, compassion, and thus tailored interventions. Together we will navigate life’s obstacles, cultivate resilience, and foster growth.

Through life we encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming, especially for our children. Tha... Read More