Tara Van Hest, LPC, NCC
Manahawkin Manager
Tara is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She graduated from Stockton University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology and earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kean University.
Tara has over 10 years of experience in the field, working in a variety of settings including psychiatric emergency services in hospitals, outpatient dual diagnosis programs, domestic violence shelters, private practices, clinics, and college counseling centers. She specializes in working with couples, families, relationship trauma, divorce, addiction, codependency, gambling, and spiritual-based counseling.
In addition, Tara offers support and guidance to individuals navigating postpartum issues, fertility challenges, NICU experiences, and the unique dynamics faced by moms and dads of multiples.
Tara believes that “everyone has a story, and although we cannot change the pages of the past, we have the choices to turn the pages, create new chapters, and rewrite a future that is free from the bandage of our trials and tribulations.”
While Tara focuses primarily on adult therapy, she has experience working with all age groups and has extensive expertise with high-risk clients and individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her approach is humanistic and person-centered, emphasizing solution-building while understanding the root of the problem. Tara primarily incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 12-step principles, the Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, strengths-based counseling, assertive communication training, and staying in the “here and now.” She believes that healing comes in many forms and that finding purpose through pain is essential to personal growth and significance.
When Tara is not doing therapy, she enjoys singing in her band, running, cooking, Zumba, dancing, going to the gym, spending time at the beach and boating, and being with her husband, family, friends, her pitbull puppy — and her triplets!
Brittany Paynter, MSW, LSW
Brittany is a licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Social Work at Stockton University graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022 from Stockton University as a part of their advanced standing program. She has experience in hospitals, schools, and therapeutic settings with adolescence. In these settings, she has experience with crisis diversion, Depression, Anxiety, trauma responses, emotional regulation, self-harm, sexual assault, anger management, and mood disorders.
The approach Brittany uses in therapy varies for each client as she uses empathy in every session and finds value in all emotions experienced by the client while assessing their individual needs. She uses modalities from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Crisis Intervention techniques. She believes finding strengths within each client is the key to their mental health success as well as finding the right coping strategies to manage stress.
While not in the therapeutic setting, Brittany enjoys spending time with her many animals at home, reading a good book, going to the beach, or being surrounded by family.
Brittany is currently under the supervision of Melissa Schwaner, LCSW.
Sydney Marconi, LAC
Sydney Marconi is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Sydney graduated from Monmouth University with her Masters of Science in Counseling. Sydney believes the best way to predict one’s future is to create it. Sydney focuses on providing compassionate and effective therapy services that fit an individual’s unique goals and needs.
Sydney works with clients of all ages starting as young as 4 years old to those in their later stages of life. Sydney’s prior experiences range in a variety of mental health settings such as: healthcare facilities, schools, and privately as an in-home therapist.
Sydney’s passion lies in supporting and empowering the whole individual. Sydney’s approach emphasizes the use of unconditional positive regard and empathy in every session. Sydney finds value in an eclectic approach which utilizes a variety of techniques to best fit an individual's needs, goals, and expectations. Sydney specializes in sand tray therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, autism, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, coping and adjustment difficulties, behavioral concerns, relationships, social skills, and solution- focused therapy.
Sydney’s goal is to help her clients facilitate positive and lifelong behavioral and emotional changes by providing a safe and fostering environment, where her clients can grow in their own unique way.
When Sydney is not in the office she enjoys hot yoga, hiking, concerts, reading, and spending time with her spouse and their two dogs Hutch and Dutch.
Sydney is currently under the supervision of Margaret Baker, LPC.
Sandy Heims, LAC
Sandy is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) by the state of New Jersey. Sandy graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and she earned Masters Degrees in Special Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.
Sandy understands that deciding to attend therapy is not always easy, but it can be a powerful first step toward building the life you want. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centered, recognizing that one size does not fit all. Sandy works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, helping them navigate challenges and uncover their strengths.
With a background in social work, Sandy blends therapeutic techniques with practical, action-oriented strategies. She prioritizes creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued. Sandy is known for her authentic, relatable style, which fosters trust and meaningful connections with those she works with.
Sandy supports individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger management, self-esteem issues, and other life struggles. A lifelong learner, she is committed to discovering innovative ways to engage clients and add value to their personal growth and healing journey.
*Sandy is under the clinical supervision of Joann Fella, LPC*
Kimberle Ritchie, MSW, LSW, LCADC
Kimberle is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) who earned her Master’s of Social Work and Certification of Interpersonal Violence at Rutgers University. She has experience working with individuals from adolescence through adulthood in school, group, and individual settings.
Kimberle empowers those she works with by incorporating a holistic healing approach with evidence based clinical practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support individuals in healing and growth. She specializes in addressing issues such as social-emotional challenges, codependency, family dynamic issues, history of substance abuse, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Kimberle aims to hold space for you to understand and manage the parts of yourself that pose as barriers to change in your life and relationships. She continuously empowers those in need of assistance through education, empathy, and compassion. Kimberle believes the key to wellness is creating a balance in all aspects of your life. With that balance, we can truly begin to see positive impacts to our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
*Kimberle is under the clinical supervision of Melissa Schwaner, MSW, LCSW*