Little Egg Harbor

Athena is a licensed social worker in the state of New Jersey and has over ten years of experience working in the field. Athena graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and was a member of the Psi Chi honor’s society. Athena received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.

Athena has worked with young children ranging from 2 years to adolescence
and recently, has enjoyed working with the adult population. Athena has worked in school settings, outpatient therapeutic offices and worked for a crisis program for several years providing de-escalation tactics and resources to families. 

Athena utilizes person centered, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, behavioral therapy, crisis intervention strategies, family system approaches, anger management, grief, and play therapy techniques in the clinical setting. Athena specializes in anxiety, depression and trauma related challenges. Athena also enjoys utilizing mindfulness meditation techniques to increase feelings of relaxation.

Outside of the professional setting, Athena likes to go for walks outdoors, listen to music, spend time with her family, do arts and crafts, and travel. Athena believes that, “the best view comes after the hardest climb.”

Athena is currently under the supervision of Melissa Schwaner, LCSW. 

Janina (Nina) Krawczyk is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) who believes that every individual has the strength within themselves to overcome any challenges life may throw at them. Nina has been passionate about mental health and substance use recovery since her Freshman year of High School, during which she had her first psychology course. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Nina’s approach to counseling includes creating and fostering a safe environment for all of the individuals she sees, and to assist individuals in working on their overall perspective about themselves and their life to truly allow their strength and resiliency to shine.

Nina specializes in working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families that struggle with the following: anxiety, depression, bi polar disorders, substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, self-esteem, and relationships. 

Nina implements a variety of therapeutic approaches. She uses the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Strength-Based Therapy.

When Nina is not in the office, she enjoys playing with her two cats, spending quality time with friends and family, and simply relaxing at home or in her backyard. 

Our toughest battles are the ones within our own minds. Be proud of yourself for taking the first step to help yourself!

Nina is currently under the supervision of Joann Fella, LPC.

Kristen is a licensed social worker in the state of New Jersey with over ten years of experience in the field. Kristen graduated with a Master’s degree from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work with a focus on grief, trauma and crisis intervention. Kristen enhances her expertise through continuing her education as she received a certificate in Child/Adolescent Mental Health from Rutgers University in 2024.

Kristen’s professional experience is working with children/adolescents in a school setting and
working with parents to understand and support the needs of their child. Kristen has worked with children/adolescents whose success in the school environment is impeded by: inattention, impulsivity/hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, executive functioning weaknesses, poor peer relations and academic weaknesses. 

Her underlying goal is to use strength-based practices to promote positive social interactions, increase emotional well-being, and create opportunities for success in a multitude of settings. To enhance and promote client success, Kristen uses techniques from a variety of modalities leading to positive outcomes and enhancing the clients’ personal coping mechanisms to manage life stressors. Kristen specializes in working with young children and adolescents through the use of regulation techniques, identifying emotions, verbalization of thoughts and feelings and developing a toolkit of skills and techniques for managing big emotions. Mindfulness, calming techniques, and self-regulation are used in conjunction with focusing on a strength-based model, family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and crisis intervention.

In addition, Kristen provides support for families navigating the nuances of blended families and families of divorce to promote positive co-parenting to enhance communication within the family system. The overall goal of therapy is to promote and support the success of the family by enhancing communication, coping skills and positive family interactions.

When Kristen is not in the therapeutic setting, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her
family and rescuing animals.

Kristen is currently under the supervision of Wendy Kelly, LCSW.

Caitlyn is currently under the supervision of Joann Fella, LPC. 

Jennifer is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified trauma professional in New Jersey. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from Capella University and holds an addiction certification. She currently maintains affiliation with the American Counseling Association (ACA). Jennifer is also an Army military veteran. Jennifer has extensive training in DSM5-TR diagnosis, addiction with co-occurring illnesses, sex offenders, and treatment of the Serious Mental Illness (SMI) population. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness and motivational interviewing.

Jennifer believes in using a compassionate, client-centered approach to meet clients where they are. She has successfully worked with a wide range of individuals, from age 4 to adults. Her ability to listen, empathize, and show compassion helps her to gain respect and build strong relationships with her clients. Her main therapy goals are to strengthen her clients’ innate abilities, bring them independence of mind, and empower them to make sound judgments.

Outside the office, Jennifer likes to spend time relaxing with her friends, family, and animals.

Jennifer is currently under the supervision of Joann Fella, LPC.

Joann is a National Certified Counselor as well as a Licensed Professor Counselor. Her professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association, New Jersey Counseling Association, and the Association of Student Assistance Professionals.

Joann has been working in the counseling field since 1993. She has over 20 years’ experience working with children and adolescents. She has been employed as a Student Assistance Coordinator at the high school level for over 18 years. Her clinical experience also includes family and group therapy. She has worked in both outpatient and in-home settings in addition to the school setting.

Joann believes that every child is a unique individual with unique needs. Her therapeutic approach is individualized to those needs. She doesn’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach. What she does believe in is personal responsibility, finding the change, and learning to navigate our way to that change. For some, it is a flick of the switch. For others, slow and steady wins the race.

When she is not working, Joann spends time with her family. She’s an avid reader and never leaves home without her Kindle. She’s Disney obsessed and, like Walt, believes “If you can dream it, you can do it.”