Navesink Counseling Associates Clinicians

Alicia Erickson Zink, LCSW (managing partner) provides mental health counseling to individuals, couples and families. With an expertise in family therapy, Ms. Zink creates an empathetic, warm and supportive environment that promotes healing and growth. Individual, couples and group therapy areas include parenting, marriage, adolescence, self-harm, suicide, grief and bereavement, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, domestic abuse and LGBT.  With over 10 years counseling experience, Ms. Zink began her career as the Pediatric Intensive Care Social Worker at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. In this role, Ms. Zink was responsible for providing direct clinical services through assessment, counseling, resources, and education services to pediatric patients and their guardians. While there, Ms. Zink expanded support services for the unit to include a Family Support Group and through collaboration with Bravery Hearts, initiated a bead program for congenital heart and heart transplant patients.  Additionally, Ms. Zink has worked with the Family Service League in Montclair providing mental health counseling to individuals across the lifespan, couples and families in a unique setting designed from a family systems perspective including videotape and one-way mirror supervision. She also served as a school social worker in Maplewood Middle School where she provided individual counseling to students, co-facilitated social skills groups, collaborated with multi-disciplinary team of faculty, administrators and guided staff on Individualized Education Plans (IEP). She is credited with developing an anti-bullying research initiative at the school including an ongoing that resulted in the creation of an anti-bullying program within the school. Ms. Zink also currently works at Trinity Hall High School in Tinton Falls, NJ as the School Counselor.  Ms. Zink earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in 2005 specializing in Advanced Clinical Practice in Family, Youth and Children’s Services. An active member within her community, she has volunteered for the Junior League of Monmouth County for numerous years where she also served on the State Public Affairs Committee advocating for legislation on Human Trafficking laws in New Jersey. She also held the positions of Community Planning Chair where she responsible for the young girls empowerment program as well as the Community Director of the Board. Ms. Zink lives in Atlantic Highlands NJ, is married with three children, and enjoys traveling, cooking, and Crossfit. 

Podcast

"Anxiety", Gush Podcast, Jersey Girls Productions, February 23, 2018.

Publications

Zink, A. (2005). Adoptive Homes and the Meaning of Family: Implications for Gay and Lesbian Prospective Parents.  Journal of Student Social Work of Columbia University, 3(1), p. 52-60.

Presentations & Panels

 "Community Conversation on Suicide Awareness", Junior League of Monmouth County, Rumson, NJ, September 2014.

Kristin M. Newland, LCSW (managing partner) provides mental health counseling for individuals, couples and groups. She offers clients a safe, non-judgmental space to work through issues that may be interfering with social, work or school life. Clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions,  relationship issues, self-esteem or school related issues typically find that the therapeutic process can be life changing. Kristin works with children, adolescents and adults.  Kristin began working in the field in 2000 and has experience working at Somerset Medical Center on the Eating Disorders Unit.  Her role there as a clinician included assessment, family, individual and group therapy, as well as referral to step-down treatment upon discharge. Kristin has also worked in a variety of NJ public school districts. In this role, she provided both individual and group therapy to students, developed Individual Education Programs and facilitated social skills groups. Kristin is credited with acquiring new social skills curriculums within these schools and creating peer-buddy programs for students with disabilities to have more opportunities to interact with their non-disabled peers, especially during unstructured times such as lunch, recess and extracurricular activities. Kristin has also advocated for students to participate in both in-district or specialized out of district programs depending on the student's need.  Kristin earned her Masters Degree in Social Work, with a Clinical Concentration, from Rutgers University. Kristin is married with two step-daughters. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, working out, cooking, sewing and spending time with her family, friends, and Chihuahua. 

Dr. Varma is a child and Adolescent psychiatrist trained at Rutgers New Jersey Medical school and Board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. She has been in practice for over 10 years and specializes in medication treatments for ADHD, Oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Autism spectrum disorder and tic disorders. She pursues a working alliance with families, schools, therapists, and pediatricians, including the review of prior assessments, as the basis of the treatment plans. Her approach begins with a thorough diagnosis and then formulates a plan that includes medications, psychotherapy, diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, lab work and other lifestyle modifications to provide an individual treatment plan for each of her patients. As the relationship with her patients and their family evolve, she strives to understand the presenting issues and concerns to better cater to her patients needs.

To contact Dr. Varma to make an appointment, please click on the link- http://provider.kareo.com/dr-deepti-varma

Frank Janks is a Licensed Associate Counselor who recognizes the importance of forming a productive, therapeutic alliance with clients in a safe space to encourage growth and positive change. Drawing from a variety of theoretical approaches, Frank has experience assisting with life challenges such as depression, anxiety, family relationship difficulty, and grief issues. Frank holds a masters degree in counseling from Montclair State University. There, as a graduate assistant, he contributed to faculty published research, presented at state and national conferences, and served as an Associate Editor of the Exemplar newsletter published by Chi Sigma Iota the international counseling honor society. Frank has been a high school counselor since 2011. In his free time Frank enjoys reading, playing instruments, cooking, camping, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Lauren Sullivan is a graduate of Montclair State University with an MA in Clinical Counseling. She has experience providing individual, group and family counseling.  Most recently, Lauren is a clinician at a child and adolescent partial hospitalization program.  She has experience providing clinical services for a variety of needs including ADHD, ODD, depression, anxiety, family conflict, trauma, grief, adoption related concerns and academic, relationship and life stress.  Lauren also has experience with family crisis, child welfare and developmental related concerns. Lauren strives to set a comfortable space for each person to grow and self-reflect while encompassing a variety of approaches to help children and adults achieve their treatment goals and ultimately, a higher level of satisfaction with their life and with themselves.  Lauren’s perspective on counseling is that everyone can benefit from counseling services at some point in their life as it helps regular people with their regular life occurrences.  Lauren enjoys spending time at the shore, with animals, baking and practicing yoga.

Raphael Fredric Samson, LPC, LCADC provides psychotherapy to a wide array of clients using an eclectic counseling approach. Utilizing evidenced based and client centered modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing all from a multicultural perspective. Raphael honed his craft in adolescent, adult and family psychotherapy at the Millhill Child and Family Development Center and CPC Behavioral Healthcare. He is excels in various therapy areas such as, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and anger management. Raphael holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling  from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. He is also a member of the American Counseling Association. Raphael also  takes time to pursue research interests as he has presented at various national counseling conferences, on topics such as multicultural counseling approaches and trauma. Raphael currently resides in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, when not at work or doing academic pursuits he practices self care by exercising on a regular basis. Peer Reviewed Academic Presentations: "Men: Intersections of Privilege and Marginalization" , Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, Tulsa Oklahoma, October 2017; "Exploring Relational Development in Men With Intersecting Identities", National Board of Certified Counselors  Foundation Bridging the Gap Symposium, Atlanta Georgia, May 2017; "The Perils of the Model Minority Myth an Insight on Asian American Trauma" National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation Bridging the Gap Symposium, Reston Virginia, May 2018.

Kristina Kiely, LCSW graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work from Monmouth University and Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice: Health, Mental Health and Disabilities. Kristina has seven years of experience in working with a variety of mental health populations both in-patient, as well as in community settings. Kristina provides mental health counseling to children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience providing clinical support to those who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, life stressors, relationship difficulties including domestic violence, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, and difficulty with life transitions. Kristina provides a safe and supportive environment that helps foster growth. She uses a variety of clinical approaches including person centered therapy, strengths based approach, along with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness approaches. Kristina began her career working with children and families that were experiencing emotional, behavioral, substance use challenges, along with children who had intellectual or developmental disabilities at Monmouth Cares. She has also worked at the Community YMCA as both a Family Preservation Clinician and an Intensive in Community Therapist. Kristina also has experience working within the hospital setting at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital and currently works a School Social Worker and part of the Child Study Team where she helps to create Individualized Education Plans for students receiving special education and related services.  In Kristina’s spare time she likes to spend time with family and friends, go the beach and practice yoga.

Jeff is a graduate of Montclair State University with a Master's Degree in Counseling. He is a New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Jeff has experience working with individuals, couples and families. Jeff utilizes CBT and the Strength-Based Approach in his practice and has worked with clients on issues of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, self - esteem, and relationship difficulties. Jeff’s experience includes mental health agency work as well as private practice. Prior to coming to NCA, he worked as a therapist at Richard Hall Mental Health Clinic where he helped people with substance abuse and mental health issues in a intensive outpatient program. Jeff finds that helping individuals, couples and families identify their inner strengths can help them gain a better understanding of themselves and each other. By exploring their feelings and their emotions they can develop coping strategies to be better equipped in handling life’s difficulties. Jeff’s interests include spending time with family and friends, travel and reading.

Cisil is a Licensed Social Worker, who holds a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University with a focus area in Clinical Mental Health. With over half a decade of experience in clinical psychology and therapeutic counseling, she has held positions in diverse psychiatric settings such as: private practice, non-profit organizations, inpatient hospitalization and behavioral health emergency department services. Her clinical social work and clinician roles with GenPsych, Jersey Shore Medical Center, and CPC Behavioral Health have provided her eclectic training in addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and acute psychosis. Using multi-disciplinary treatment modalities including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psycho-Educational Therapy, she serves both adolescent and adult populations seeking care. In addition, she actively serves as a Crisis Clinician with Penn Medicine Behavioral Health as well as holding a multicultural community support role within the Turkish-American society in both NY and NJ. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family as well as studying her passion of history. 

Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her masters degree from Rutgers University. She has extensive experience working in NJ Schools, Rutgers Counseling Center, and in private practice with clients ranging from adolescents to seniors. Melanie utilizes treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT and mindfulness. She has worked with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, low self esteem, life transitions and grief. Melanie just completed her certification in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and also is in the process of obtaining The Gottman Institute couples counseling certification. In her free time she enjoys cooking, dancing, working out and loves animals. One of her dreams is to have a golden retriever to train to be a therapy dog and join her in sessions one day.