(732) 966-4166 info@swantherapygroup.com

Brick

Margaret Baker, MS, LPC, LCADC
Brick Manager

Adults 18+, couples, LCADC, sand play trained

Maggie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in the state of New Jersey. Along with her licenses she is an Approved
Clinical Supervisor (ACS). She graduated with both her Bachelor’s in psychology and Master’s in mental health counseling from Monmouth University. Maggie has experience working inpatient and outpatient settings, substance use treatment centers, partial hospitalization, and individual mental health. She specializes in individual counseling with adults as well as couples counseling. Maggie has a wide range of experience working with many different populations, including but not limited to, co-occurring disorders with substance use and mental health issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar, mood disorders, navigating relationships dynamics, attachment styles and managing basic life stressors.

Maggie works with a variety of therapeutic approaches. She tailors her approaches to better fit the clients’ needs because the client is always her sole focus. The following modalities is practice but not limited to:

● Trained in Sand Tray Therapy
● Mindfulness
● Motivational interviewing
● Solution-focused therapy
● Emotion focused couples therapy
● Gottman Training 1
● Cognitive behavioral therapy
● Dialectical behavior therapy

Maggie’s main goal in therapy is gathering a positive rapport to help the client focus on themself and what ways they can develop goals and positive aspirations to better whatever situation that may be distressing at this time.

Maggie’s goal is to allow you to see you do have all the answers, but you may need to dig a little deeper, have accountability and someone that is on your side for a more positive, successful life that suits your needs!
In her free time Maggie enjoys traveling the world to see live music. She loves to binge watch her favorite shows and movies. She also enjoys quiet time by reading and utilizing creativity to stay present and mindful!

“Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.” –Leo Rosten

Nicolette Takach, MS, LPC

Ages 16 & up, couples

Nicolette is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She graduated from Rutgers University with her Bachelors in Psychology and  Monmouth University with her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. Nicolette has experience working at a mental health clinic for substance abuse and overall mental health illnesses. Her main focus is working with teens, adults, couples, and families.  

Nicolette utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness, psycho-education, motivational interviewing, and sand play therapy based on the specific needs of her clients. However, she believes in using other modalities as well, depending on the client’s needs . She is familiar with, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, poor emotional regulation, LGBTQIA+ concerns, life adjustments, Eating Disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, family conflicts, and relationship issues.  

Nicolette believes that clients deserve to have a safe environment to use their voice and tell their stories.  Creating a harmonious relationship with the client is important to the therapeutic process.  She believes that therapy is never one size fits all , and that it is important to meet clients where they are at, in order to help guide them in achieving their goals.

Jennifer Pacheo, MS, LAC

Ages 4-21, family therapy

Jennifer (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She graduated from Monmouth University with her Bachelors in Psychology and Monmouth University with her Masters in Counseling in 2019.

Solution-focused and dedicated to helping clients see their strengths, Jennifer has experience working with children, families, and survivors of trauma. Jennifer is familiar with issues of adjustment disorders, spiritual concerns, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral concerns, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Jennifer is fully LGBTQIA+ affirming. Previous experiences include providing in-home therapeutic services with children and families, working within a shelter with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, and working on a college campus with Monmouth University’s Counseling and Psychological Services.


Jennifer uses a blend of modalities including Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and believes that the most important aspect of counseling is ensuring that clients feel safe so that they can work toward feeling confident and grounded. Jennifer believes that each individual is an expert in their own lives, and finds it to be a privilege to join the journey alongside her clients.


When not in the office, Jennifer enjoys live music, playing guitar, and creating art in many different forms.

*Jennifer is currently under the supervision of Margaret Baker, LPC

Prianka Saini, LAC

Ages 5 and up

Prianka is a Licensed Associate Counselor who provides therapy in a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered environment. She integrates evidence-based practices with a strengths-based perspective, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique experiences, goals, and values.

Prianka is passionate about helping clients develop greater self-awareness, build effective coping skills, and strengthen self-esteem while navigating their current concerns and life challenges. Her primary therapeutic approach is Client-Centered Therapy, while also incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when appropriate.

She strives to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where clients feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. Prianka believes that therapy is a collaborative process and is committed to meeting each client where they are and supporting them as they work toward meaningful, lasting change.

*Prianka is under the clinical supervision of Margaret Baker, LPC

Madhuri Ponnaluri, NP

Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Monitoring for Ages 4-26

Madhuri Ponnaluri is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) with over seven years of experience across pediatric primary care, emergency medicine, and urgent care. Through her clinical work in these diverse settings, she developed a strong focus on pediatric mental health, recognizing how frequently behavioral and emotional health concerns present alongside physical symptoms in children and adolescents. This led her to pursue advanced training through The Ohio State University, earning her Pediatric Mental Health Specialist certification.

Madhuri is committed to a holistic approach to pediatric care: one that treats emotional and psychological well-being with the same priority as physical health. She values evidence-based practice, family-centered communication, and early identification of mental health needs as essential components of comprehensive pediatric care.

Outside of clinical practice, Madhuri enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs. She maintains a healthy work-life balance through regular exercise, reading, and audiobooks and podcasts, which she credits with keeping her focused, energized, and grounded in both her personal and professional life.