Our Team

Partners

As the owners of Roseland Psychotherapy Associates, we have over 50 years of combined experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. We believe in treating each client with the utmost respect and are deeply committed to safeguarding the well-being of our community. We take immense pride in our staff and their expertise, fostering a professional environment where everyone is valued and cherished, and therapy is delivered by seasoned and knowledgeable therapists. We can’t wait for you to meet our fabulous team.

Beth Merlin Levy

Dr. Beth Levy-Merlin was a founding partner of Roseland Psychotherapy Associates in 2001.  She is a psychotherapist specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy and is one of the few certified sex therapists in the state.

Beth is a graduate of New York University and has worked in multiple settings, including teaching group therapy/dynamics at the college level, and has been in private practice since 1999. Among her areas of expertise are women’s issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sex therapy, infertility/postpartum and workplace difficulties.  In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Beth is a Certified Sex Therapist and holds a Ph.D. as a Clinical Sexologist. This concentration offers Beth the opportunity to work more closely with individuals and couples who have sexual issues, dysfunctions, intimacy concerns, infidelity, or gender issues.  She is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Additionally, Beth has received ongoing training under world-renowned Ester Perel in sex therapy and infidelity issues.

Beth Levy-Merlin is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding in a non-judgmental environment, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Julie Potischman

Dr. Julie Potischman, PhD, LPC, NCC, CST, is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist and a partner of Roseland Psychotherapy Associates.  She has over 25 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.  During her counseling sessions, she creates a safe environment for her clients to express themselves and grow as people more easily.  Julie has worked in hospitals, partial day programs, and outpatient therapy settings.

After receiving her master’s degree from Seton Hall University, she trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT*), where she learned to help clients better understand and deal with the negative thoughts that affect them each day.  In addition to being Nationally Board Certified and Licensed as a Professional Counselor, Julie is a Certified Sex Therapist and holds a PhD as a Clinical Sexologist.  This concentration offers Julie the opportunity to work more closely with individuals and couples who have sexual issues, dysfunctions, intimacy concerns, affairs, and or want to connect on deeper levels. Julie is also a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Julie has been featured in numerous media publications

*Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) restructures the way people think in the hopes of changing the way people feel. Studies have shown that CBT is an extremely effective way of treating disorders such as anxiety and depression. 

Therapists/Clinicians

At Roseland Psychotherapy Associates, our team of highly skilled and compassionate therapists are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. Each therapist brings a wealth of experience and specialized training in areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and personal growth. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to achieve their goals. Located in the heart of Roseland, NJ, we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Livingston, Short Hills, Millburn, West Orange, and beyond, offering personalized care tailored to every individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or continuing your mental health journey, our team guides you every step of the way.

Monica is a NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University with a certificate from the Office on Violence Against Women and Children.

Monica is a trained Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate who supports healing through empowerment. Monica is also a Certified School Social Worker and is working towards a new Child and Adolescent Mental Health certification. Her clinical interventions may incorporate trauma-informed and solution-focused methods, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, as well as play or art therapy to help her clients overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, or other troubling thoughts and feelings. Monica believes in tailoring interventions to highlight individual strengths and ensures a safe and welcoming space to support the emotional growth of her clients.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Robin employs individual and group therapy to counsel children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She uses solution-focused, attachment-based, and psychodynamic treatment approaches to help with issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting, self-esteem, grief and loss, career changes and transitions, and relationship issues, including separation and divorce. Robin tailors her practice to each client’s unique goals and needs, using each session to provide a safe place for them to express their fear and worries, communicate needs, build confidence, overcome frustrations, and develop new coping skills.

Robin graduated from Rutgers University School of Social Work with a Master’s in Social Work with an emphasis on adolescents and trauma. While at Rutgers, she also completed their certificate program for Violence Against Women and Children, received Dean’s List Honors, was a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society, and received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Work.

Robin’s diverse experience includes working with parents and children at Morris County day camps as a camp director, volunteering at the National Council for Jewish Women as an adult peer to peer facilitator, and serving as a group leader for Rainbows for all Children. She especially enjoyed her time at Rainbows, an international organization that assists children following a loss (of any kind), to cope, express thoughts and feelings, and better understand the process of loss.

Robin is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the New Jersey Society of Clinical Social Work, the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, and the National Council for Jewish Women.

Maxine Block

For over 35 years, I have been privileged to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups.  Having been trained in many theoretical backgrounds, I am eclectic in my approach, including creating my own. In other words, I do what works.  Most definitely,  I am an out-of-the-box thinker. Every person is unique and experiences things differently. It is essential to treat the person, not the problem, diagnosis, or issue.  I am always invested in helping clients reach their desired outcomes.  One must be relatable, humanistic, compassionate, and empathic to do so.  I am humbled by the opportunity to work with diverse individuals of various ages and backgrounds.  My most recent endeavor has granted me the opportunity to become a Certified Sex therapist.  I am passionate about helping as well as advocating for the people who put their trust in me.

Lisa-Cardinal

At some point in our lives, we can all feel stuck or overwhelmed, especially in this fast-paced society. Often times, we resist the very things we need to do to become “unstuck” because it takes us outside of our comfort zone. As a result, we often get trapped in a vicious cycle of repeating the familiar and getting the same, frustrating outcome. Achieving positive change does ultimately require us to take an unfamiliar, unknown route. As your therapist, i view my role as being a safe, reliable support system as well as providing you with useful tools to become “unstuck” and to cope with the initial discomfort you may feel when exploring this unfamiliar, unknown route.

In my experience as a therapist, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse array of clientele with a wide range of presenting issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, marital conflict, family conflict, occupational stress, and women’s issues. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort that is about exploring what works for you and not adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach. As such, this exploration may include non-conventional strategies such as the use of art, music, mindfulness, humor and/or movement. Therapy is not a quick fix and requires your active participation. I understand that therapy is both a financial and time commitment but my hope is to make it a commitment you look forward to. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Erik Dranoff is a licensed psychologist who divides his professional time and focus between clinical practice, professional service, teaching, and research. His clinical practice is focused on psychological, neuropsychological, and forensic evaluation for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Dranoff’s approach to assessment is comprehensive and scientifically driven, and he adheres to the highest practice and ethical standards in the field of professional psychology.

Dr. Dranoff graduated with the highest honors in Psychology from Rutgers University and completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During his doctoral training, he obtained a strong foundation in psychological assessment with children, adolescents, and adults at Four Winds Hospital and specialized training in neuropsychology at Rehabilitation Specialists. Dr. Dranoff completed his pre-doctoral internship at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he received broad training with an inpatient and outpatient hospital population. The American Psychological Association fully accredits his doctoral program and internship training.

After Dr. Dranoff earned his doctorate, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Northern Regional Diagnostic Center for Child Abuse and Neglect within Hackensack Medical Center, where he obtained specialized training in forensic mental health assessment. During the fellowship year, Dr. Dranoff completed the postdoctoral certificate programs at Montclair State University in family-civil and criminal forensic psychology.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Dranoff is invested in teaching and research. He holds an academic appointment at Seton Hall University, where he teaches various undergraduate classes. Complementing his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Dranoff conducts research in the area of judgment and decision-making in adolescents for the prevention of bullying, sexual harassment, and violence.

Dr. Dranoff is highly committed to advancing and protecting the integrity of professional psychology. He is an active member of the New Jersey Psychological Association and is a board member of the Committee of Legislative Affairs (COLA). Dr. Dranoff frequently attends political events and meetings to advocate for the interests of New Jersey psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Kristina Feliciano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey who earned her Master of Social Work degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Kristina is a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She also holds a School Social Worker Certification. Kristina primarily works with adults, youth, children, and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, adjustment disorders, and women’s issues. Kristina has worked in various levels of care, including residential facilities, partial care, and inpatient. Some treatment modalities Kristina primarily utilizes in sessions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and the Gottman Method. Kristina also is trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation skills. She believes in creating a safe space for
individuals to express themselves without judgment or fear to allow room for healthy change.

Brooke Gottheimer, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker in New Jersey. She graduated from Rutgers University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work, earning Summa Cum Laude, and then went on to earn her MSW (Master in Social Work) from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, New York City, graduating with honors. Brooke has recently completed a Child/Adolescent Mental Health Certificate through Rutgers University.
Brooke has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and families in individual, group, and family therapy and working in various settings, including treatment-home/ in-home therapy, school-based counseling, re-entry work, and Child Study Team as a School Social Worker. Brooke’s treatment philosophy is person-centered, not a “one size fits all” approach. Different modalities in treatment may include Play and Art therapy, CBT, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused short-term therapy, Psychoeducation, Social-Emotional learning, and Trauma-informed. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, crisis management, behavioral and oppositional challenges, as well as school-related concerns. Brooke approaches therapy with an empathic, non-judgemental, and safe space for all.
Her goal is to help provide light to those in need. She recognizes the tremendous courage needed to seek help through therapy when life becomes difficult. Her mission is to offer individualized, evidence-based strategies to help empower, enhance, and strengthen each client in a supportive therapeutic environment. Brooke strives to help each client alleviate the hurdles and stressors of life and achieve their individual goals.

Jennifer-Hoehen

Jennifer Hoehn, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New Jersey. While earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, Jennifer was selected to participate in a specialized trauma track facilitated by pioneers in the field. Jennifer’s passion to help those in need motivated her to further her education and expand her areas of practice. This led to gaining vital experience while working in a variety of settings. Additionally, Jennifer has demonstrated the innovative ability to create unique programs and services to better serve clients and the community.

Jennifer enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and families to help them navigate and overcome barriers to reach their full potential and optimal level of functioning. Jennifer uses a holistic approach to treatment and combines modalities that best suit the client and their presenting needs. Jennifer believes each person is unique and their treatment should be too. Some of Jennifer’s specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, family discord, caregiver burden, depression/chronic pain and tobacco cessation.

Bernadadette-Joyce

Stuck in a rut, can’t face another day? Having trouble seeing which direction is right for you? I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, young adults(18 and up), families, and couples. Using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach, I help you overcome your fears, anxiety, and negative self-talk that keeps you stuck. I have been recognized as one of the “Favorite Top Therapists” by former clients and readers of “Chesapeake Family” magazines’ top “Favorite Docs” in 2011. So make the call and commit to yourself for a better life.
My field of work includes depression, anxiety, panic, grief, life stressors, self-esteem issues, and marital problems. I realize that therapy takes courage, and I will help you make the necessary changes. So, Cowboy up and come on in!

Peter-Lawson

Peter E. Lawson, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005. He is experienced with working with diverse populations over his 20 years as a clinician.
Peter has experience with crisis interventions, adolescents, families, trauma, and adoption. One of Peter’s goals is to facilitate individuals to grow and empower them
to live their best lives. Peter is proficient with working with adolescents with depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. He also has knowledgeable skill with couples and family therapy. He works directly to focus on issues at hand and finding solutions that work for specific situations as they relate to the family or couple. Peter utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques, solution-focused therapy as well as brief and time effective interventions to help those dealing with a spectrum of disorders and issues. Peter has worked with numerous children for the foster care system as well as being a supervisor with Children’s Mobile Response.
Peter holds a Master of Arts Degree from William Paterson University in Clinical Psychology. Peter is a Licensed Professional Counselor by the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners of the State of New Jersey. He is certified by The Rutgers School of Social Work in the Certificate Program in Adoption.

Mark received his Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where he was admitted into the Nu Omicron National Honor Society. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he has had the unique experience of advocating for patients in the Inpatient Psychiatric Units of Morristown Medical Center (Franklin 5), and Overlook Medical Center (Seven East), the Intensive Outpatient Programs for Adults and Adolescents at Atlantic Behavioral Health, and Crisis Intervention. “It is a humbling experience to witness the physical and emotional pain that others suffer and be in a place to listen intently as they describe the imbalance in their lives and what they hope to achieve in therapy. Hope is the key word in achieving a therapeutic outcome and exists in every one of us. My goal is to build on the foundation of that hope for the desired outcome.”

Susan-Saler

It can be difficult to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and confident in sharing your deeply personal feelings and experiences uncensored. Therapy is a safe place that is all about you. I am your partner and guide. My compassionate, relatable, humorous nature will help to put you at ease so we can get to the root of your issues.

My aim is to help my clients make the changes they need to increase their self-awareness and the way they relate to challenging people, situations, and relationships. I use an eclectic, psychodynamic approach in my work. This means that I am very interactive and I focus on how your life experience has impacted who you are and how you operate in the world. This approach helps to establish long-term results. In the interim, we will work to solve immediate problems and concerns. I use various techniques tailored to each individual to uncover patterns and break them. My specialties include LGBTQ individuals and adults with depression, anxiety, anger and related issues. I welcome couples and will work to deepen your understanding of your partner, to improve communication and to foster acceptance of one another. I look forward to meeting you!

Susan is a Licensed Clincial Social Worker who received her Masters in Social Work from NYU.

Tony Sciaino has been in practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist for more than 30 years. He has been working with families, couples and individuals with the goal of adjusting to life’s changes. He believes that all of us can strengthen ourselves by examining our background and thereby finding our strengths and applying them to the new situations we find ourselves facing.

There are times in life when we need to regroup or focus on new and different situations. These adjustments can be made easier when we find our past successes and reapply the aspects of those to the new issues we face. Tony has his clients guide the process as he puts them in charge of their goals. A Goal or goals are set from the beginning session and throughout the process the client and the therapist assess their progress and make any adjustments in their focus as necessary. Tony believes that therapy is best done on a short-term basis. It is not necessarily a lifetime process. Goals help us to focus on the exact progress for which we are searching. For those who have several goals, it may be recommended that periods of therapy are divided to include breaks for processing the learned information. Tony will help you to analyze and understand the effect of the past on the present and future. There are many elements that made us who we are. Some of these elements were developed by the family in which we were raised. Understanding who we are often means “reading the story of our lives

Tony has been married for many years, he has three grown children and four grandchildren. He spent many years as a high school educator and draws from all these situations to help his clients.

Laura-Stypulkoski

Laura Stypulkoski, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor, board-certified art therapist, and a nationally certified counselor with 5 years experience in the counseling field. She has worked with children, teens, and adults in intensive outpatient and outpatient settings. Laura creates a warm, supportive environment for her clients, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship. She draws from an array of therapeutic approaches to find the best style for each individual and has worked with individuals managing anxiety, depression, grief, life changes, identity, and self-esteem.

Laura is trained in DBT and uses an informed DBT approach with talk and art therapy. Sessions may also include art therapy, which can be a powerful tool for individuals of all ages to help express feelings, build self-esteem, and process grief in a healthy way. Through the use of art, one can potentially find answers they could not find through words alone. With this multi-faceted approach, Laura helps her clients find their most effective selves.

Carol-Tudor

Hello, my name is Carol Tudor, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I understand that the decision to come to therapy can be difficult, especially if you or your loved one are already in a vulnerable place. Trust and rapport are the most essential parts of a therapeutic relationship. As a therapist, I take a holistic approach when working with clients and tailor therapy to meet their needs. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and family and peer conflicts.

I have comprehensive experience running therapeutic programs in school districts for students with emotional and behavioral struggles. An essential part of my work includes collaborating with parents/guardians by providing parent coaching and guidance related to school issues, school avoidance, and peer relationship struggles. This can also include consulting with school administration and staff to help them better understand and navigate the support services that schools can provide students and families in need. I utilize a variety of styles to help support growth. These include psychodynamic, family systems, CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed interventions. In addition, when needed, I collaborate with a client’s mental health providers to help ensure treatment is comprehensive and targeted to the client’s needs. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be a powerful resource for change. I feel privileged and honored to work with children, adolescents, and families who allow me “into their worlds” to help support them.

Psychiatrists

Dr. Can Buyukasik, MD

Dr. Büyükaşık is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with a medical license to practice in New York and New Jersey. Dr. Büyükaşık obtained his medical degree at Hacettepe University, School of Medicine in Ankara, Türkiye, graduating with honors and completed his general psychiatry residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai – Elmhurst Hospital Program and his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where he also completed concentrations in autism research and parent-infant psychotherapy. Dr. Büyükaşık has a special interest in psychoanalytic psychotherapies and provides psychotropic medication treatment through careful, detailed psychiatric assessment and follow-up visits.

Administrative Staff

Kerrie Johnson, CPC, joined Roseland Psychotherapy Associates in August 2010 as a Practice Manager/Medical Billing Specialist to assist all clients within RPA in getting connected with a therapist and assisting with their insurance and billing.  Kerrie attended HoHoKus/Eastwick School in 2010, graduating with a Medical Billing and Coding Certification. She then acquired an additional certification as a Certified Professional Coder through the American Academy of Professional Coders. Kerrie has had extensive experience working in multiple medical and psychological practices before joining the team at RPA.