(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

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

Irene Goldman, MSW, LSW

Ages 3 and up, family therapy

Irene Goldman, LSW, holds an MSW from Fordham University and provides therapy through a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered approach. She believes each client brings unique strengths, experiences, and goals to therapy and keeps these at the forefront of the therapeutic process.

Irene works with both adults and children, with a particular focus on supporting women, children, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and develop meaningful coping skills. When working with children, she takes a holistic approach that may include individual therapy with the child, supportive coaching for parents, and collaborative family sessions. Irene draws from evidence-based and integrative approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness-based practices, and play-based interventions, tailoring her approach to each client’s individual needs.

Irene strives to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and working at their own pace. 

Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, her Borador, Olly, and exploring local coffee spots.

*Irene is under the clinical supervision of Melissa Schwaner, MSW, LCSW*

Madhuri Ponnaluri, NP

Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Monitoring for Ages 3-21

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.