Wendy is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified school social worker. She brings years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and families in a variety of settings; including non-profit agencies, nursing/rehabilitation, schools, and clinical practice. She continues to work during school hours as a school social worker and has spent the past 16 years working alongside teachers and administrators, providing counseling to children, adolescents, and their families in public schools.
Within the clinical setting she works with adults, adolescents, children and families. Her professional focus includes working with individuals diagnosed with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, school related problems, behavioral difficulties, parenting challenges, as well as with those experiencing distress related to identity, and life transitions. Wendy utilizes a variety of different modalities and approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Strengths-based Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and somatic therapies such as Mindfullness, EFT/tapping to address each individual’s unique needs. Wendy believes in cultivating a calm, safe space where individuals experience warmth, validation, and respect. Wendy feels that approachability, a sense of humor, and empathy are key elements in building a therapeutic relationship.
Professional Focus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum disorder
- Relationship difficulties
- School related issues
- Parenting challenges
- Identity exploration/questioning
- Life transitions
- Intellectual/Developmental disabilities
Modality and Approach:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Strengths-Based Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Family Systems
- Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) “tapping”
- Mindfulness
Personal Interests:
- Traveling
- Musical Theater
- Hiking & nature
- Running/ Exercise/Paddle Boarding (SUP)
- Foster Care-licensed resource parent for NJ Dept. Children/Families
- Finding adventure with my husband, children, & foster children
Education and Experience:
- Calvin College-Bachelor in Social Work
- Rutgers University-Masters in Social Work
- Advocacy & service coordination for individuals with learning/developmental disabilities
- Child Study Team experience
- School Social Worker-counseling/therapy in public education setting
- Experience navigating NJ DCF/Child Protection system: foster care, adoption
- Psychotherapist-outpatient and telehealth settings
