Offices
25B Hanover Road Ste 100
Florham Park, NJ 07932
675 Morris Avenue Ste 302
Springfield, NJ 07081
Cairn Psychotherapy Group was founded with the mission to support individuals and families navigate life.
Tricia Kostin, MSW, LCSW, LCADC
Co-Founder
“Why did you choose this field” is a common question I get and my answer is always the same. I didn’t choose this field, this field chose me. I literally tried everything to get away from counseling, wanting to pave my own way in the world and be different from my family members who were also in the field. I grew up in the world of counseling and medicating people. I wanted to be different, make my own name and it was going to be on my own terms.
So I did what any college girl would do that wanted to have a job with summers off… I went to school to be a teacher. I remember standing in front of a class full of second graders teaching a math lesson. I had two months left until graduation and I couldn’t wait to be done and get my first teaching job. As I was teaching my lesson that day I looked up and saw what seemed like 100 eyeballs staring at me, with nothing but confusion on their tiny faces. At that moment panic set in immediately. Not knowing how to “fix this” I did the only thing I could do and that was to ask for help. Their teacher jumped to action and I knew that in a few minutes most of them would understand. They would be ok and I didn’t ruin them forever (overgeneralization I know, but I was panicking and those were the thoughts running through my head). When I went home and thought about how horrible I was as a teacher I realized something very important. Although I failed miserably at teaching them their math lesson I taught them something else; I taught them that it’s ok to ask for help. I needed help that day and someone was there to help me. I finished my last two months of college, graduated and took a year off to regroup.
In that time I went back to what I knew and where I felt most at home; back to the methadone clinic and back to my own therapy. I had a caseload of clients and I was back in a routine at work. I started to be honest with my therapist, working on my actual issues. I repressed and suppressed a lot of thoughts, memories and emotions over the years and I knew that if I didn’t find a way to work through them I would feel the way I had been… stuck and empty. Eventually, I learned to find acceptance with my past which allowed me to start to dream of an actual future. My next stop was graduate school.
I hated school my entire life, but this time was different. I sat in class and actually listened. Those two years went by fast and I learned that there are so many other ways of helping others and that I didn’t have to have all the answers, all I had to do was listen. Listen to people and their story. Help them develop a new path and walk with them until they reached their goals. Be the safety net when they felt unsteady and back off when they were ready to walk alone.
Asking for help is sometimes the scariest thing, but if you have the right support you can accomplish great things. I look forward to being that support on your journey, even if you aren’t sure which path you are going to take. Life really is a day at a time, and at some times it can be a minute or on hour at a time. I’m willing to put the time in… are you?
Experience
Education
Rutgers School of Social Work
2008
Credentials
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker #44SC05524100
- Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor #37LC00195800
- NPI# 1659511285
Specialties
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- CBT Certified
- Codependency
- Couples Counseling
- Depression
- Dual Diagnosis
- LCSW, LPC and LCADC Supervision
Christina D Varano-Sanabria, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS, NCC
Co-Founder
Do you constantly feel overwhelmed? Are emotions full of anxiety affecting your overall quality of life? If so, I would like to assist in overcoming these interruptions to your overall pursuit of happiness. By working together we can establish building blocks that will aid in developing effective coping skills to regain balance and control in one’s life. Through my teaching and life experiences I believe in a client-centered approach utilizing DBT and CBT methods. I am licensed in alcohol and drug counseling and in mental health. I have worked in both clinical and private practice settings and addressed issues ranging from substance abuse to treating self harming behaviors and personality disorders.
I offer flexible hours which include the possibility of weekends. Although I do not accept all major insurance plans I offer a sliding scale as well as aiding you in getting reimbursed by your insurance company. I am an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna.
Experience
Education
Caldwell University
Credentials
- Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00563400
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor #37LC00250100
- NPI# 1497297360
- Approved Clinical Supervisor #3138
Specialties
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance Use
Jamie Carvalho, MA, LPC, LCADC
Co-Founder
I am a therapist because I love working with people. I value your stories, questions, dreams and uncertainties. I will provide a safe space for you and your story. My education and training, life experiences, the people in my life, and my own path of pain and healing have taught me the growth of change.
Change is your choice. We often seek support when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or confused. When we can’t find the ground or see our way through the thick of the storm. My goal is to assist you in the process of change. Effective counseling is developed through the relationship between counselor and client. I’m here to be your ally, working with you and for you to accomplish your goals.
My life began in Pennsylvania and led me to West Virginia for school where I discovered my love for the outdoors. I spent time as a wilderness instructor backpacking throughout the beautiful Appalachian mountains and gaining knowledge on how nature and the wilderness assists in change and growth. Graduate school led me to New Jersey in 2009 where I have chosen to settle down. I continue to gain personal and professional nourishment from spending time outdoors backpacking and horseback riding.
Combining my education and experiences in traditional psychology, adventure-based counseling, experiential activities, wilderness therapy, family systems training, spirituality and mindfulness, I can help you get past whatever is keeping you “stuck”.
By reaching out, you’re taking a positive and critical step on your journey to wellness. We will identify what brings you to counseling, what you would like to change, and how you will know when it has changed. We will develop clear goals for discovering your most authentic self. Let’s work together to help you find and embrace inner peace and wellness.
Experience
Education
Centenary College
M.A. Counseling Psychology, 2011
West Virginia University
B.A.,2008
Credentials
- Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00660900
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor #37LC00224000
- NPI# 1548702541
- Family Systems
Specialties
- Adolescents
- Families
- Parenting
- Substance Use
Kevin Capriolo, LPC
I enjoy working with adults and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and overall stressful life situations that impact their self esteem and wellbeing. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in helping people learn how to regulate their mood and make positive change.
I utilize evidence-based treatment to help you develop coping skills and empower your ability to change. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in conjunction to support you in making changes that will produce a positive change in your life and relationships.
You can expect to leave therapy feeling heard and not judged. In session we will create goals and objectives to help facilitate change. You will always be met with care, empathy, and support.
You can expect genuine and honest feedback paired with active listening and discussion. I will support in challenging your negative thinking patterns, teaching you to cope with a multitude of different stressors, and assisting with regulating your emotions.
Elizabeth Thel, MSW, LSW
Elizabeth Thel received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., followed by a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in New York. She is licensed in social work in the state of New Jersey.
Elizabeth has over ten years of professional experience in North Carolina and Philadelphia, working with children and teens in both school and home settings. She has worked with clients with emotional and behavioral disorders and worked extensively with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Working with individuals in a variety of settings gave Elizabeth perspective on the importance of understanding the influence of different environments on a client’s life and appreciating a team approach to therapy. Elizabeth often incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and art and play therapy into sessions.
Rachael Lawlor, MA, LAC
Do you often feel like it’s difficult to navigate life transitions while at school or work? Is it hard to fit in and find the group where you belong and feel most comfortable? If you answered yes, then we have a great foundation to being your emergence into self-acceptance. Often times when we become comfortable with ourselves and accept our likes and dislikes, then the rest of the world falls into place. Learning how to use your voice so it’s heard and understood is one of the key foundations to managing depression and anxiety.
My goal is to help you see a different perspective while gaining insight about your own strengths and weaknesses. I will help you develop concrete tools to help you learn how to accept and manage the emotions that affect you daily. You will leave my office feeling empowered and ready to take the next steps in life, whatever they may be.
Getting started is the bravest step you will take. All you need is the willingness to change and I will help guide you the rest of the way. Contact me today so that we can begin this journey together.
Jocelyn Avila, MA, LAC
Gaining a sense of self and independence at any age can be difficult, especially when you put others first. Often times you may feel like your loved ones do not understand you due to generational and cultural differences. I’m here to help you communicate your needs to your loved ones in a respectful way. Often times fear of making the wrong decision or not being understood by our loved ones prevent you from finding a path forward.
Gaining a sense of self and independence at any age can be difficult, especially when you put others first. Often times you may feel like your loved ones do not understand you due to generational and cultural differences. I’m here to help you communicate your needs to your loved ones in a respectful way. Often times fear of making the wrong decision or not being understood by our loved ones prevent you from finding a path forward.
I will help you work through all of the barriers you face utilizing mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We will develop positive coping strategies to help you live a happy life with healthy boundaries in place so that you can feel happy and secure in your relationships and with yourself.
I know that starting therapy and attempting to make changes can be difficult but you will not be alone. I will walk with you and guide you on your journey using empathy and transparency to help you reach your goals. I cannot wait to begin working with you.
Krista Klie, MS, LAC
“You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”- Dr. Seuss
Empowering individuals to navigate their unique paths with compassion and resilience – that’s my mission. I’m Krista Klie, a dedicated licensed associate counselor committed to fostering inclusive, safe, and therapeutic spaces for individuals of all ages. With a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rutgers University, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice.
My journey in counseling has taken me through diverse environments, from in-home settings to schools, where I’ve supported individuals facing autism, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Guided by evidence-based approaches like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Polyvagal theories, I meet clients where they are, empowering them to explore the mind-body connection and cultivate coping and mindfulness skills.
Beyond individual counseling, I serve as a trainer for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s Career Connection Employment Resource Institute. Here, I equip staff and consumers across northern New Jersey with essential skills in supported employment/education and trauma-informed care.
Outside of work, I find joy in the company of my 6-year-old Yorkie, Joey, as we embark on adventures like hiking, running, and indulging in self-care. Additionally, I proudly serve as an advisor for Phi Sigma Sigma at Montclair State University, giving back to a community that has enriched my life in countless ways.
Elisabeth Caputo, LCSW, CCS
Clinical Supervisor
Jennifer Herits, MA, LAC
I strive to help clients achieve personal growth through a deliberate and conscious effort to define values, set meaningful objectives, and take intentional actions toward achieving them. By incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles that promote mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness, I work with clients to cultivate a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Dina Roskin, MA, LAC
I specialize in working with teens, adults, families, and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges for themselves or someone they care for. I aim to be a compassionate and effective clinician supporting clients as they explore and develop ways to cope with these challenges at home, at school or in the workplace. Having the courage to begin counseling takes a great deal of effort and consideration. I strive to provide a space where clients feel fully supported and cared for while making measured progress with their own goals for growth.
Brittany DeHart
Office Manager
Graduated from Towson University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She has over six years of experience working with individuals in both the mental health and substance use related fields. Through her work, she has established her love for helping others and hearing their stories.
Brittany handles all incoming calls and is the first point of contact at Cairn Psychotherapy Group. She assists clients by matching them with the clinician that best fits their needs and goals. Brittany also serves as the liaison for all financial and insurance related concerns and is always happy to assist our clients.
Nancy D’Angelo
Office Administrator
Nancy has over 40 years combined experience as a professional hair stylist and nanny. Through her experience, Nancy found a love for helping others and hearing their stories. In her current role, Nancy serves as another first point of contact and works with our office manager to ensure you are set up with the clinician that best suits your needs. In Nancy’s free time she loves spending time with friends, family, and going for walks with her dog Cupid.
Michelle Sleater
Clinical Intern
I have always had a passion for helping people, which is why in my former life I was a physician. Each day I found myself more towards helping people with their mental health needs rather than their physical needs, which is why I decided to have a mid-life career shift. It took a lot of strength and courage to leave a comfortable job that I worked hard to achieve but I did not want to go down the path of burnout. Now, as a counseling intern, I help my clients do the same: know themselves better and find pathways towards happier, healthier lives. I strive to approach my clients with humility, curiosity, and respect. I’m passionate about helping clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and life’s unexpected changes. I’m so excited for this next chapter and hope to help as many people as possible.
Bella Freda
Counseling Intern
Hello Everyone! I am currently a counseling intern with a long-standing passion for helping others. As a second-year graduate student at Fairleigh Dickinson University, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am excited about this next chapter in my professional journey, where I will have the opportunity to empower clients to discover their passions, enhance their emotional well-being, and become the best versions of themselves.
Ashley Serafim
Counseling Intern
With a passion for guiding individuals towards happiness and wellbeing, I’ve initiated my path as a therapist. My interest in helping others navigate life’s challenges has always been a driving force. Now, as I step into the role of a counseling intern, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. I see this as an invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of those I’ll have the privilege to work with.
