About
Deeper Change is a systemic and diverse psychotherapy group with locations in South Plainfield, New Jersey, and in Greenwich Village/Union Square in Manhattan. Jeanette Williams and her team of practitioners are committed to providing quality, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families, regardless of background, orientation, and/or gender expression. It is our mission for our clients to gain a more compassionate, balanced understanding of themselves and their greater world. We primarily work with adults, though we have providers who work collaboratively with teens and parents. We offer treatment for anxiety, trauma, loss and grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, couples issues, career and life transitions, and more.
Deeper Change is a holistic and humanistic therapy group, offering comprehensive care. Our diverse team of therapists draw from a rich well of resources and share the belief that therapy is a creative and collaborative process. In addition to being graduates of respected clinical training programs, our licensed therapists are trained and certified in a multitude of modalities rooted in systemic philosophy. Our Manhattan and South Plainfield offices are spaces of healing, where clients can find a sense of acceptance and belonging as they safely begin to explore their issues, concerns, and goals. Our practice also provides access to career counseling, corporate training, life and spiritual coaching, holistic health care, and massage therapy.
Biographies
Jeanette Williams, MS, LMFT is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and is licensed in the State of NJ (001415) and the State of NY (37FI00185400) and is the Clinical Director of Deeper Change. As a Contextual therapist, trained in EMDR and Multisystemic Therapy, my goal is to assist clients with better balance within relationships, interactions, and endeavors. An experienced trainer and consultant, I am available for workshops, individual, and group trainings. My background includes corporate and developmental training on topics surrounding cultural diversity, client service, team building, and interpersonal and communication skills building.
I utilize an integrative mix of Spirituality, Nature, Narrative, Cognitive, and Contextual approaches to facilitate empowered and enlightened shifts of positive change for my client(s). My focus in working with clients one on one or in workshops, is to assist you in developing optimal and healthy relationships within your environment. I will work to support you as you begin the journey towards healing and empowerment.
“Live your truth, and everything else will follow", Jeanette Williams ( date unknown)
Meet Catalina Roca; Catalina is a Licensed Associate MFT, Certified Trauma Professional(CTP), and Certified Telemental Health Provider-Associate(CTMH-A) and treats individuals, couples, and families. She received her BA in Psychology from Montclair State University and her MA/MFT from Kean University. Before becoming a full-time therapist, Catalina worked as an at home ABA therapist; paraprofessional, and vocational specialist for children and adolescents with learning disabilities. Her earlier job experiences along with her field work provided her with a niche in working with families and children. She finds that the best way to build strong alliances with children is to bring play and creativity along with a ‘down-to-earth personality’ into sessions. Catalina gives the same care to her individual and couple clients where she utilizes a unique blend of systemic methodologies; narrative, structural, mindfulness, and Gottman techniques to enable growth and progress.
Catalina would be honored to join you on your journey of healing and personal path to clarity. She starts from a foundational view of assessing your family history through genogram tracking. From there, with the client, a reflection takes place, highlighting and making explicit patterns found in systemic healing work of trauma, dysfunctional communication, and the various roles one may play in the family system. Catalina strives to provide collaborative experiences in which the client(s) is in charge of their destiny and takes great care, pride and joy in assisting in the navigation of change.
“Focus on the baby-steps of progress; it can only grow roots from there.” -Catalina C Roca, MA LAMFT
Meet Jophelle Pierre; Jophelle is a Licensed Associate MFT systemic therapist. She received her BA in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus as well as a Certification in Dance and her MA in Psychological Services and Professional Diploma in MFT at Kean University. As a first-generation immigrant, familiarity with cultural norms and expectations can be oftentimes misunderstood. Each individual has his/her own unique familial and cultural ways of engaging and navigating in relationships and handling marital issues, family conflicts, work stressors, and even our self-worth and self-care. Jophelle prides herself in assisting her clients in exploring and navigating the process of gaining better balance in a greater, healthier, and graceful manner in interpersonal relationships.
During her practice in the mental health field, Jophelle has worked with numerous couples, families, children, teenagers/adolescents, and older adults of various backgrounds. Her past experience working with clients with developmental issues such as Downs syndrome, autism, and schizophrenia in a direct care capacity have assisted her with understanding the needs that exist on a family level in terms of holistic care. Experience with working with victims of trauma and mental challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD have further informed her overall approach in assisting clients with growth and healing.
When working with clients, Jophelle likes to draw from an array of systemic modalities such as: structural therapy, narrative therapy, spiritual therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, and mindfulness to help clients overcome inner and outer conflicts, and become a better version of themselves. Communication can be expressed in many ways, whether it is verbal or non-verbal; through visual arts, body movement, and/or in writing. In sessions Jophelle works to create interventions that draw on these various ways of expression.
One of her favorite quotes, in the words of the famous Carl Jung: “I am not what happened to me. I am who I choose to become.”
Meet Sharona Anderson; Sharona is a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in the State of NJ and a permit holding Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of NY. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from Touro College and received her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling with a major in Marriage Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. She accomplished this while working part-time as a teacher’s assistant.
Sharonas passion and desire to work in the systemic mental health field derives from her many years in the classroom as well as her volunteer work in shelters and working within the ministry, assisting incarcerated families. As a graduate student, Sharona interned in Wayne, NJ, providing therapy services to children ranging in age from 7-12, adults, families and couples from diverse backgrounds struggling with a myriad of challenge such as anxiety, managing conflict, depression, ADHD, Schizophrenia, grief, and other complex interpersonal issues.
Sharonas expertise in family and partner relationships and personal emotional wellness allows her to move clients from crisis to healing; from struggle to improved mental and emotional health. When working with clients, Sharona draws from a personal faith-based stance while incorporating proven systemic methodologies into her work and provides a safe space for individuals to process their thoughts and feelings. She does this by taking a non-judgmental, collaborative, and empathetic approach.
“Everyone’s healing process is unique; it takes patience and compassion for self and others while practicing and evolving into a different version of yourself while on this healing journey”. (Sharona A)
Meet Juan Camilo Restrepo Madrid, MS, LAMFT. I hold a New Jersey Associate License in Marriage and Family Therapy and graduated with a MS degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Seton Hall University. I emigrated from Colombia in 2007 to pursue my studies in theology and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 2012. I am bilingual in Spanish/English.
I use a variety of techniques including: Contextual, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Narrative, based on each individual’s needs, to stimulate healing and reconciliation. I work with adult individual clients, couples, and families of all races, backgrounds, and sexual orientations. I help my clients to develop better cognitive and emotional skills, cope with life challenges, and envision new perspectives that lead them to improve their lives.
Prior to my work with Deeper Change, I worked with The Family Center @ Montclair in Wayne, NJ, where I worked with a myriad of clients and conducted group therapy with youth in crisis.
I currently dually work with the developmentally disabled population as part of the Trinitas Medical Center CARES Program – providing psychological assessments/evaluations, developing behavioral strategies, providing coaching, consultation, and training to improve challenging behaviors. In this role, I provide interventions with the aim of lessening crisis activity, gaining coping skills, identify triggers, and building opportunities for effective communication and to establish positive routines in clients' lives.
As your clinician, I will work with you as an individual, couple, and/or family to help locate tools and techniques for optimal functioning in your life.
A favorite quote of mine: “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress”
(Sophia Bush)
Meet Lauren A. Lima, M.A., LAMFT; Lauren is a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of New Jersey . She is Certified-Trained in the EMDR technique. She received her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy both from Kean University. She has worked with numerous populations in the consumer affairs realm before she became a preschool teacher at the start of her journey to becoming an MFT. Throughout her academic career, Lauren became impassioned with involvement in the field from an advocacy and activist perspective. Lauren became one of the founding members to Kean University’s Marriage & Family Therapy Program’s Student Support Group as a student liaison between cohorts and professors and now fills the role of NJAMFT Membership Committee Chairperson.
Her professional experience is fostered by her natural foundational ability to mediate, comprehend, and empathize with clients. Laurens professional therapeutic stance encompasses the potentiality of the ‘theory of change’ whilst providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples and families from diverse backgrounds coping with the complexities of grief and loss, trauma, managing conflict, and various other issues. Lauren does her best work by cultivating an understanding of generational patterns and the circumstances that have allowed or disallowed individuals to show up for themselves in their present state. She prides herself on the ability to help clients explore new endeavors to achieve optimal personal growth. Through this lens, she uses an integration of contextual, intergenerational, symbolic, mindfulness and EMDR approaches to aid clients on their journey of healing. She works with clients to highlight their self-awareness, commending them for choosing their own process of healing, and empowering them to construct their goals through storying/re-storying and narrating how they ultimately envision their lives.
One of Lauren's favorite quotes is by Rumi ``Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself”.
Meet Catherine Glass: Catherine is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 35 years in the field and is a graduate of the Adelphi School of Social Work. Catherine possesses vast experience in the areas of human services, education, and mental health field. She has also studied with the Multicultural Institute, with a focus on intergenerational healing, family systems dynamics, and theory.
Catherine is vested in the overall health of her clients and strives to bring enhanced insight, awareness, and empowerment to clients and seeks to help clients create a revision of old stories into positive outcomes in the therapy room. Her belief is that ‘It’s all about perspective.’
Catherines hobbies include dancing, hiking, movement, a really good movie or live show, and especially enjoying family time.
One of her favorite quotes from Jimmy Dean, ““I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
Meet Tendai D. Merriweather, BSN, MA-RN, MA LPC- Licensed Associate Professional Counselor(LAPC)
Tendai is very passionate about wellness, harmony, holistic and integrative medicine, as well as the mind, body, and soul connection. She works to empower clients to embrace a healthy lifestyle by practicing self-care and self-compassion along with effective coping skills and strategies to fully live their absolute best lives. She believes the goal is to thrive; not just survive.
Tendai obtained her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberland’s. She is a Registered Nurse (RN) and obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Aspen University. In addition, she is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Wellness Coach, and a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. These multiple layers and experiences allow Tendai to be in a position to bring a totalistic formula of care into the room with clients; she brings a lifetime of wisdom and experience to this role.
Tendai conveys warmth, kindness, empathy, and grace in a genuine and caring manner that promotes a strong, successful therapeutic alliance with her clients as they go through their transitions of life. She is an advocate and is aligned and deeply connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and social justice issues, and believes strongly in volunteerism and giving back to the community by paying it forward.
Tendai’s favorite quote from Maya Angelo is: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Meet Julienn Guzman,
Julienn is pursuing her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New Jersey City University and on her journey to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a first-generation graduate student, Julienn brings a fresh perspective in supporting those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Some of Julienns experience encompasses working with an expansive range of age groups in an emergency room hospital setting, developing treatment plans for those in need of mental health services. Julienn has also worked with victims of Hurricane Ida and Covid-19 as a Crisis Worker within the communities of Hudson, Union, and Bergen County, where she sought to assist those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, and provided crisis intervention services, information on resources, and referrals for additional services. Lastly, Julienn has worked within the behavioral services arena, working with children between the ages of 2 to 15 years old with Autism as an ABA therapist at Growth Street and as a Direct Support Professional at Sierra House located in East Orange, NJ.
Julienn believes that each individual is unique in the way they choose to live and showcase their individual talents and abilities. When working with clients, Julienn takes time to learn about her client's personal distinctive journey to better understand her clients past, present, and future self. Julienn strives to empower individuals' by working with clients to create new narratives without judgement; thereby leading to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle that brings joy, peace, and ultimately inner reconciliation.
One of Julienn’s favorite quotes;
"He who has a why to live for can bear with almost every how"
- Friedrich Nietzsche
Pauline David is a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC) and a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor(NCC). Through firsthand experience in traveling to other countries, Pauline is sensitive to the significance of how culture shapes how we navigate life, make decisions, manage stress, and relate to others. Pauline received her BA in Psychology from CUNY – Medgar Evers College. As an intern, Pauline commenced her exploration into the addiction and severe mental health arena. While in her master’s program, she continued her internship experience with this population, working with elementary to high school students in both School Based Programs and Child Study Teams, utilizing Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing skills, paired with her down-to-earth personality. After obtaining her MS in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, Pauline continued supporting a diverse range of clients by meeting them where they are; blending a variety of techniques such as CBT, trauma informed therapy, mindfulness and somatic techniques, Adlerian philosophy and psychoeducation; as needed in the room. Her role is to be the catalyst on your journey; to help you obtain answers to unanswered questions.
I have worked with addiction, trauma, severe mental illness, and clients moving through various life phases of self-development and growth. This has strengthened my humanistic approach in aiding clients in their healing and self-discovery journey. I strongly believe that no two people are the same even when presenting as extremely similar. In my humanistic approach, everyone has their own experiences, despite their mental health status, and should be equipped with the tools that will help them thrive in the world.
Quote: “We all remember doing fire drills in school. As mundane and annoying as they were, when there was a real fire, we knew what to do instead of panic. It’s the same for coping; with a plan, all things are possible.” – Me circa 2022
Stephanie is attending Kean University completing her program and degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Stephanie obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Kean University and enjoys working with couples, families, and adolescents. She has a focus in working with the young adult population and those who may be seeking counseling regarding direction, identification, and acceptance. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Stephanie understands the importance of comfortability and diversity and does not shy away from these oft time sensitive topics. On a quest to learn as much as she can from those around her and to better understand her clients, she embraces engaging in topics surrounding diversity and inclusion. One of her many goals in the therapy room is to assist clients in crafting valid and fulfilling life experiences for themselves.
Stephanie thrives to create a safe space for clients; a judgment free zone, where clients are able to tap into their most authentic selves and is invested in helping clients work on perception, empowerment, and confidence.
Stephanie has many hobbies, but particularly enjoys anime, painting, and spending time with her pets. She enjoys visiting her family by the shore and the healing aspects of the water and nature.
One of Steph’s favorite quotes, “We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are.” Martha P. Johnson
Meet Kelly Van Zandt, BA, MFTI:
Kelly is a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) graduate candidate @ Touro College. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families, and has a special interest in working with new mothers and parents as they navigate the adjustments that come with parenthood. Kelly supplements her learning in MFT through exploration of prenatal and perinatal studies, and is the author of the book for new mothers, “Powerful Postpartum(2021)”.
Kelly is a lifelong student of meditation and is a certified Vedic Counselor, which emphasizes the practice of self-awareness and authenticity. She considers the therapeutic progress toward mental clarity a cornerstone of well-being that has the ability to enhance inner and outer harmony in one’s life. Kelly works with clients to cultivate an ongoing practice of awareness and inner exploration, which helps identify and expand limiting narratives, perceptions, habits, and patterns to clear the path for self-discovery and internal freedom.
Kelly enjoys creative expression in various forms; art, movement, and writing. She loves athletics, boating and fishing and considers herself to be a lifelong student of life, committed to continuous personal growth and learning.
Two of Kelly’s favorite quotes:
“To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” Socrates
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate” C.G. Jung
Meet Sydney MacDonald, MA, MFT:
Sydney is a graduate of Antioch University, with a degree in Couple and Family Therapy with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy. She received her BA in Health Science and Psychology from Quinnipiac University. Her background includes working with children four years and older, adolescents, families, and adults. She has worked in a variety of settings; including a community mental health center, a day center for adults with varying abilities, and a residential home for adolescents. Sydney uses a mixture of Expressive Arts (music, art, dance, etc.), Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, and Systemic Therapy in her practice.
In Sydney’s person-centered approach, she believes that it is vital to collaborate with her clients to create a process that fits and supports clients’ needs on a case-by-case basis. Her belief is; we are all uniquely crafted, and she seeks to identify the creative aspects that lie within us as expansive human beings. Creativity is a large portion of Sydney’s approach to counseling and her incorporation of movement, art, and music allows for clients to access their feelings/experiences in a new way. It has been found that the use of art can allow for expression when one may struggle to find the words in which one wishes to express.
Sydney has found a passion in working with young and emerging adults and those entering middle adulthood, which began during her time working at a therapeutic residential school. This period of time can sometimes be confusing and she has found some may find it difficult to sort through the layers of milestones, social dynamics, and emotions that come with this developmental period.
She seeks to assist clients through life stages with compassion, instilling confidence and awareness of the many choices that we have on our life’s journey. Sydney is based out of New York City and New Jersey.
One of Sydney’s favorite inspirational quotes is from Walt Whitman, “Keep your face always towards the sunshine-and shadows will fall behind you.”
Meet Romelah Donazal, BA:
Romelah is in the graduate program @ Kean University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program. She received her BA degree in Psychology and Sociology from Kean University.
She enjoys working with couples, families, and adolescents. Her teaching background in special education provides Romelah with a unique perspective when encountering clients who may be facing challenges in school or within the community.
Romelah is known for assisting youth in better preparing themselves for the world that awaits them. Her compassion and commitment to serve members of marginalized communities in exploring their unique cultural experiences and familial backgrounds, beliefs, values, norms, and personal ideology, is a sacred process for Romelah. She seeks to break down barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health.
She has cherished her work as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and she believes in helping silenced voices be heard. While we cannot change challenging circumstances, her objective is to assist you in navigating life's ups and downs, so that you can reach and maintain healthy and balanced outcomes. She is passionate about assisting clients in untangling and unlearning old patterns of behavior while also providing beneficial alternative skills for new behaviors. When working with clients, Romelah uses genograms and activities to ensure that her sessions are investigatory, human and client-centered, and collaborative.
One of Romelah's favorite quotes by James Baldwin, “The impossible is the least that one can demand."
Meet Martha Renza, MS, MSW
Martha Renza is a compassionate and empathic Bilingual Social Worker(MSW) who obtained her Master's degree from Kean University. Martha is a seasoned Communicator and Journalist who graduated from Santiago de Cali University in Colombia. She is also the author of various articles published in various media formats in Colombia and the United States. Because of her tenacity and resilience, Martha was chosen by Kean University as a motivational speaker to welcome college students after the pandemic. Likewise, she participated in a documentary for Netflix and Amazon Prime, “College Tours in Spanish” motivating others around determination and discipline to achieve their dreams.
During her professional training as a therapist, Martha has had the opportunity to work with Children, Adults, Couples, Adolescents, and Families with differing mental health challenges such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Grief, and OCD, among others
A combination of therapeutic modalities combined with a deep connection and influence by Nature and Spirituality make sessions with Martha full of interactivity; where the senses may be activated. Martha uses multiple methods based on the client(s) presentation in the room; Solution-Focused, Cognitive, Narrative, Mindfulness Practices, Multicultural Therapy, Family Systems, and/or Life Coaching.
My goal as a therapist is to light the path to assist my clients so that they can find peace, tranquility, and the balance they seek between personal, professional, and family life.
My responsibility as a therapist is to assist you in introspectively highlighting your abilities to enhance them, identify your fears to face them, and help you heal what has hurt you during exploring and recreating your life story. Likewise, I commit to holding your hand so that you can let go of the pain that prevents you from moving forward toward the path of Fulfillment and Happiness. It will be an honor to participate in your metamorphosis.
My favorite quote is “ God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference”. Reinhold Niebuhr. 1932.
Meet Neal Mitchell;
Neal is an MFT- I, concentrating in Marriage and Family Therapy at Kean University.
‘My passion as a Marriage and Family therapist is to provide sensitive, compassionate, and effective counseling to individuals, couples, and families. I am committed to fostering healing, growth, and resiliency within underrepresented diverse communities while addressing complex systemic mental health and relationship needs.
I take a progressive approach to therapy, empowering clients to explore their inner selves within a nonjudgmental and secure space. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, helping you build healthy relationships with both yourself and those around you. My approach includes unraveling the influence of past experiences, traumas, relationships, and perspectives that help shape your present self.
Working with me, you’ll find an open and collaborative environment where you can feel heard, validated, accepted, respected and challenged. I’m eager to join you on your courageous journey toward becoming your best self and fostering better relationships.’
One of Neals favorite quotes is:
"How do you know where I'm at, if you haven't been where I've been, understand where I'm coming from?" B-Real and James Evans