
Intensive In-Community Behavioral Assistance
Behavioral Assistants (BAs) work directly with a therapist and care manager supporting youths, their family members, and other caregivers by implementing interventions on their unique treatment plan and individualized in-home therapy goals. BAs also work with the family/caregivers to provide effective support and enhance the youths' successful functioning in all the important life areas: home, school, and the community.
Behavioral Assistants
Tina Baez
Bilingual BA
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.
Stephanie Fego
BA
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.
Erica Budd
BA
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 Fego
BA
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.
Denise Dinielli
BA
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.
Will Swartz
BA
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.