Ali Faris, PsyD
My approach focuses on honoring your knowledge in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. It is important to me that we consider culture, history, and identity in the context of your struggles. I truly appreciate the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are.
I specialize in working with clinicians struggling with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, relationship struggles, existential crisis, transitions, performance challenges, self-worth, and perfectionism. In additional I have experience working with clinicians with serious medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries.
When not working, I can be found doing many physical activities including circus arts and spending time catching up with friends and family.
Amy Trachter, PsyD, PhD
Throughout my career I have focused on working with people with both physical and mental health difficulties, many of those with acute and chronic medical disorders including Crohn’s Disease, IBS, hepatitis, cancer, cardiac and liver disease including those on the waiting list for transplant and people living with HIV/AIDS. I also have extensive expertise working with people with dementia, traumatic brain injury, CVA/Stroke, and other cognitive difficulties.
I was a special education teacher prior to becoming a psychologist and am a strong advocate for those with special needs. I care deeply about the needs of those I work with. I am particularly interested in working with people to improve interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
I live in Bergen County, New Jersey, and enjoy hiking, running and yoga.
Brian Van Buren, PhD
I have spent most of my career working in hospitals and understand the unique pressures of inpatient medicine, rounding on the wards, and caring for people with complex medical problems. I am passionate about partnering with healthcare professionals to foster wellness, resilience, and meaning in their personal and professional lives. Working in healthcare, there are many opportunities for exposure to traumatic events and I work with people to address the residue of this work.
In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, spending time with family and friends, and exploring all that New England has to offer.
Michelle Barahman, PhD
I have both personal and professional experience helping healthcare workers. I have worked at a cancer center caring for trainees and early career attendings. I have also been fortunate to immerse myself in the fast-paced primary care environment in the VA Healthcare System. Supporting healthcare professionals is a huge part of my personal story as well. I have supported my spouse through his medical training giving me inner knowledge of the complexities of healthcare jobs and the unique challenges faced by those in the medical professions.
My volunteering efforts have involved the creation of play therapy-based interventions and working with students who are caring for migrant refugees and asylum seekers. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends as an avid foodie, silly dancer, pretty slow hiker, too-much-luggage traveler, and arts & crafts Pinterest Mom Wannabe.
Marilyn Piccirillo, PhD
I'm grateful to have worked alongside health professionals in multiple medical organizations and maintain several close relationships with those working in healthcare. I draw on these experiences to help me understand the unique challenges of being a healthcare provider.
As a human and therapist, I strive to be radically genuine and I aim to bring my expressive, goofy, and irreverent self into our work together. I prioritize being direct and compassionate and am committed to understanding you - as best as I’m able.
In my free time, I enjoy relaxing outdoors, snuggling my two cats, or testing out spicy curry recipes.
Marta Pagán-Ortiz, PhD
I’ve worked with individuals facing a range of issues, including transitions, professional challenges, relationship concerns, and chronic health conditions. I also have specialized training in traumatic stress and working with populations with marginalized backgrounds and identities. I’m passionate about working holistically and collaboratively to help individuals feel safe, feel heard, understand their needs, their strengths, and develop ways to face their challenges effectively. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I’m happy to work with patients in Spanish, as well as in English.
Outside of work, I value spending time with my family and my community, as well as reading and writing.
Naomi Schwenke, PhD, LMFT
My area of expertise is helping people understand the ways in which their nervous system is responding to their experiences and how to regulate it. We often know the stories that accompany our experiences, and we may be aware of our emotional and behavioral responses, yet we may not know how it’s connected to our nervous system or what to do with overwhelming nervous system responses.
I love spending time with my family and enjoying the brief, but wonderful Minnesota summers at the lake or working in my garden.
Medication Support
Alan Lorenz, MD
I strive to be thoughtful, systemic, and bring a practical, individualized approach to each and every person.
When not working, I enjoy connecting with people, skiing (especially helicopter), hiking, biking, most everything outdoors, reading, writing, and just hanging out.