Our Team

Joanna Flora is a registered, licensed board certified art therapist who works with children and adolescents. She currently practices in Morris and Sussex Counties in New Jersey. Joanna has extensive experience working with children and teens with developmental disabilities as well as significant expertise in assisting individuals experiencing loss, anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors and trauma.

Joanna is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes key aspects of acceptance and change into her work with clients. Her aim is to help clients identify and express their feelings as well as change ineffective behaviors. Joanna understands how difficult living with emotional distress can be and is fully committed to helping clients better themselves, make lasting changes, and start creating a life worth living. She uses therapy to provide a safe, nonjudgmental place to explore feelings and events that disrupt one’s sense of safety and wellness.

Joanna is a creative, playful, perceptive, empathetic and engaging with clients. She holds sessions both in office and, when appropriate, at patients’ homes. Joanna’s office is safe, inviting and very pleasing to most children and adults.

Melisa Varcardiponi is a licensed clinical social worker with over 18 years of experience working with children and families. She received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Kean University. She holds certificates as a school social worker, suicide prevention trainer, clinical supervisor and administrative supervisor. Early in her career she worked in a child and adolescent therapeutic inpatient unit. She has also worked as an administrator and clinical supervisor in various settings including an elementary and middle school and an agency for developmentally disabled adults. As a full time school social worker for the past 18 years, Melisa specializes in working with children and adolescents in special education.

Caitlin O’Leary is a licensed social worker in the State of New Jersey. Caitlin attended Seton Hall University and obtained a dual-degree in Social Work and Social and Behavioral Sciences, with a minor in Child and Family Studies and Psychology. She attended Fordham University in Manhattan, New York and obtained her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. Caitlin has extensive experience working in child welfare with children, adolescents and families who have endured severe trauma and loss. She has attended various continuing education trainings including the Nurtured Heart Approach. Through her work, she is committed to creating a collaborative approach to assist her clients in achieving their goals for treatment. She utilizes a tailored approach for each child, adolescent, and family situation.

Kristin graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She has a lot of experience working with children and adolescents of all ages who struggle with different mental and behavioral health challenges. With her diverse experience and background within the community, Kristin brings a unique approach to our practice with her eclectic and creative style of therapy. She is a huge advocate for mental wellness and self-care. Kristin is excited to join our team in helping individuals and families reach their treatment goals!