Behavioral Assistants

Tina received her Bachelor’s Degree from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Fifteen years’ experience working with children and adults with a wide variety of issues such as: severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, co-occurring, ADHD, developmentally delayed, dear/hearing loss and learning disabilities, as well as career counseling. Tina has worked with families connected to the Juvenile Justice System, DDD, Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Commission of the Blind, and NJ Department of Education for the Deaf and HOH. She is an established liaison with community resources such as Medicaid, Welfare, and Social Security. Tina is fluent in Spanish and knowledgeable of American Sign Language.

Denise has roughly fifteen years of experience as a Behavioral Assistant. She has also been a substitute teacher for roughly thirty years, working with children with special needs. Denise has prior experience working with children with Autism (both verbal and non-verbal), attention issues, and anxiety. Throughout her work in the field, Denise has learned that patience and maintaining a level of calmness are necessary qualities when working with children and families. With her diverse skill set, level of experience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference, Denise looks forward to serving her community as a Behavioral Assistant with Bridge Counseling Services, LLC.

Aileen graduated from Stockton University with her Bachelor’s Degree and is now pursuing her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a certified Behavioral Assistant, Aileen has several years of experience working with youths living with social anxiety, attention issues, substance use, self-harm, co-occurring disorders, and on the autism spectrum. She speaks fluent Spanish and can provide sessions in Spanish if preferred. Aileen also has experience working with families and young adults. She enjoys utilizing the youth's interests in sessions to create a solid therapeutic relationship.

Nathalee’s background is a dynamic fusion of science and creativity, underscored by a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies and a Master of Fine Arts degree, further complemented with training in choral music and singing. Her leadership experience spans over five years as a Deputy Director for a church and community youth club—a role which deepened her understanding of the power of positive guidance, especially in helping youth navigate their daily challenges. In her role as a teacher, she has witnessed firsthand how everyone has unique talents and to help them strive for excellence, fostering growth, resilience, support, and encouragement, which she now is inspired and excited to do as a Behavioral Assistant with Bridge Counseling Services.

Riddhi embarked on her journey as a Behavioral Assistant with Bridge Counseling Services in 2023. As she stepped into this role, she brought with her a rich background in chemistry and zoology, coupled with a profound passion for the well-being of children and mental health advocacy. Not only is she adept in the realm of science, but also possesses a creative spirit, evident in her passion for classical dance. This artistic outlet not only enriches her own life but also informs her approach to problem-solving and interaction, infusing innovation and imagination in her work with youths. With her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to making a difference, she is poised to positively impact the lives of those as she serves as a Behavioral Assistant.

Stephanie has been a Behavioral Assistant for more than five years, but has roughly ten years of experience working with children when combined with her career as an elementary school teacher. Stephanie chose to become a BA and join Bridge after working with some of the therapists and seeing how patient, caring, and compassionate they were with their clients. She has experience working with children with attention issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Stephanie plans to continue her education in the future to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and take on more of a clinical role when working with children and their families.

Kristin became a Behavioral Assistant and joined the Bridge team to help hone in on what age groups and complexities she would like to work with in the future. Kristin is currently working on getting her Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Phoenix and plans to continue on to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker where she can fulfil her dreams and work with children and young adults as a therapist. Kristin looks forward to being able to give back to others, allow them to be who they are, as well as providing a safe place for them to work through challenges and towards their goals. Also a mother, she is excited to see where her children go as they continue to grow individually. Fun fact: Kristin was born in New Zealand and moved to the USA to become an au pair.

Gabby has over a decade of experience working with children. She brings a deep passion for mental health to her role as a behavioral assistant. As a single mother, she cherishes every moment of parenthood and understand the intricacies of family dynamics. Her commitment lies in helping children and their families achieve their individualized therapy goals, supporting them in their unique journeys. She strives to be a positive role model by exemplifying empathy, patience, resilience, demonstrating to children the values of kindness, determination, and self-worth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, creating memories, sports, and listening to music. She loves traveling and is a big foodie! She is incredibly grateful to the families who allow her to be a part of their treatment, and is honored to support them in any way she can.

Erica graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has had the privilege of gaining experience in a wide variety of mental health modalities including complex trauma, depression, mood disorders, suicide prevention, and substance use disorders. Her passion lies in empowering youths to navigate life’s hurdles and reach their full potential. Through a combination of empathy, understanding, and advocacy, she strives to create a safe and supportive environment where young individuals can thrive. Erica is passionate about working together to build a brighter future for all youths!

Karissa has approximately 4 years of experience as a Behavioral Assistant. She works with children of all ages, but really has a passion for working with youths living with Autism, attention issues, anxiety, and emotional regulation. After getting her Bachelor's Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and working closely with children specifically on the Autism Spectrum, Karissa decided to use her training to help these children in a more clinical setting. In addition to her current work as a Behavioral Assistant, Karissa is also completing her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to go on to become a licensed addictions and mental health therapist so she can take on a more clinical role with patients all along the lifespan.

Eucina graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2021. She has 7 years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities. Eucina's professional experience comes from working at DDD agencies as well as being a Teacher. Eucina has experience working with a variety of challenges that people face such as depression, anxiety, trauma, Autism, bipolarity, and attention issues. Eucina enjoys helping youth, and providing them with the knowledge, and resources to be successful.

I have been a Behavioral Assistant with Bridge Counseling Services, LLC since the opening of their Northfield Office. I graduated from The George Washington University with my Bachelor’s Degree in both Psychology and Sociology in 2021. I have experience working with a variety of youths from 5 to 20 years old. In addition, I also have experience working with youth that have autism, ADHD, and social anxieties. I plan to further my education with the goal of eventually becoming a Therapist for Bridge Counseling.