Meet Our Staff
Dr. Juan Rios, DSW
Dr. Juan Rios Jr. is the CEO and Founder of Rios and Associates Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, a practice dedicated to delivering innovative, inclusive, and trauma-informed mental health services. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dr. Rios brings a wealth of experience to his leadership, specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and certified hypnotherapy to support clients in achieving deep and lasting healing. An accomplished academic, Dr. Rios has served as an Associate Professor at several universities, where he has mentored the next generation of social workers with a focus on justice-centered, community-based practice. His commitment to education is matched by his passion for public engagement and advocacy. Dr. Rios is also a dynamic public speaker and thought leader. He is the visionary behind the powerful TEDx Talk, Trash Bags and Transformation: Crafting Inclusive Community, where he challenges societal narratives and highlights the resilience found within marginalized communities. His work continues to inspire systemic change and promote healing through both clinical innovation and community empowerment.
Tanasha Driver, LCSW
Tanasha is an experienced therapist who specializes in helping individuals and couples improve their overall quality of life. Utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy, she offers a comprehensive approach to therapy for her clients. Tanasha strongly values the importance of comprehending the context behind our thoughts and actions, which she incorporates into her therapeutic approach. She assists clients in developing greater emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Tanasha has worked extensively with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as couples in need of support. Furthermore, she has expertise in crisis intervention and addressing suicidal ideations. Recently, she began extending her services to military personnel and their families to address unique challenges that commonly arise. She has a diverse range of experience and expertise, enabling her to create customized treatment plans for each individual or couple in her care.
Molly Silverman, LCSW
Meet Our Staff
Trissana Myers, LSW
Trissana has a deep-seated enthusiasm for working with adolescents and adults. She has prior experience working with adults who have intellectual disabilities, and her empathetic approach to individuals with special needs has proven to provide unique insights that champion inclusivity and accessibility.
Ibn Shakoor, PA
Ibn has extensive experience in treating a diverse range of mental health conditions. These include but are not limited to childhood trauma and other trauma-related disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. Ibn is well-equipped to provide exceptional care and support to clients throughout their journey towards recovery. Additionally, he has considerable experience working with adolescents, particularly young black males, and recognizes the unique challenges face by the young, black male population. Ibn's approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity, creating a tranquil and welcoming therapeutic environment that fosters healing, growth, and empowerment. If you or anyone you know is currently struggling with mental health challenges, Ibn comes highly recommended as an exceptional option to provide reliable and dependable support.
Priscilla Carmona, LCSW
Priscilla Carmona, LCSW, is a dynamic leader and visionary in the field of mental health and social justice. As the CEO of her own organization, she blends clinical expertise with strategic innovation to uplift individuals and communities across New Jersey. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Priscilla is known for her deep commitment to restorative justice practices, using therapeutic and community-based approaches to promote healing, accountability, and transformation. Currently pursuing her PhD and advancing her training as a Postgraduate Psychoanalytic Candidate, Priscilla bridges rigorous academic research with frontline clinical practice. Her work is rooted in both theory and lived experience, addressing the systemic challenges that affect underserved populations. With a strong track record in successful grant writing, Priscilla has secured critical funding for programs that make a real difference. Whether through direct service, policy advocacy, or scholarly research, she is a tireless advocate for equity and mental wellness. Her impact is felt in every corner of the state and beyond, as she continues to lead with intellect, integrity, and a passion for justice.
Meet Our Staff
Nico Garcia, MSW Intern
Nico is a dedicated mental health professional currently pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University. Nico holds a B.A. in Psychology from New Jersey City University, which he obtained in August 2021.
Argelis Hernandez, LSW
Argelis is a highly accomplished professional, fluent in both English and Spanish, and is an indispensable asset for anyone seeking support in either language. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication toward helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Her empathetic guidance has helped countless clients navigate complex legal situations with ease. Argelis also has extensive experience in couples and co-parenting therapy, assisting families to resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships. Furthermore, she is well-versed in the significance of supervised visitations and provides supervision with a therapeutic approach. Argelis' unwavering professionalism and dedication drive her to tirelessly advocate for her clients, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes.
Ashely Palacios, Clinical Intern
Ashely is a counseling intern pursuing her M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University. Ashely’s prior experience includes working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate through challenges. Ashely is fluent in English and Spanish. As a bilingual counseling intern, she is passionate about providing services that are linguistically appropriate. Ashely uses a person-centered approach to meet clients' individual needs. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is important for trust building and collaboration. Some of her clinical interests include family systems theory, family communication, child-centered play therapy, anxiety, and mindfulness practices.
Meet Our Staff
Nevan Gandhi, MA, LAC
Nevan started his career as a Crisis Intervention Specialist, and continued providing counseling services. Upon obtaining the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) title, Nevan has been challenging himself to work towards the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. Nevan's long-term goal is to become a Neuropsychologist (Psy.D) and to provide various forms of therapy/services to patients with neurological disorders. Nevan's dedication is in hope that clients will garner the skills needed to help lead them to a lifestyle in alignment with their values.
Esther Barsella, Clinician (LAC)
Esther brings over 30 years of professional experience working with individuals and organizations across a wide range of clinical settings. Her background includes private practice, inpatient mental health care, oncology support for patients and families, crisis and life transitions (such as divorce and loss), trauma treatment for children and adults, and therapeutic support for adolescent girls in distress and at-risk populations. She provides both individual and group therapy, drawing from a diverse clinical toolkit tailored to the needs of each client. As a licensed and certified social worker and psychotherapist in Israel, Esther is committed to fostering a collaborative therapeutic alliance. She views her clients as the experts of their own lives and believes the counseling process should empower them to explore their core concerns, tap into inner strengths, set meaningful goals, and create lasting change within a supportive and structured environment.
Yesenia Galvines, MSW (Intern)
Yesenia is currently an MSW intern at Rutgers University, with expected graduation in May 2026. In addition to her graduate studies, she works in child protective services, where she supports children and families navigating complex systems and high-stress situations. She has also been providing individual therapy for the past two years, with a clinical focus on anxiety-related concerns. Her therapeutic approach often incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients build healthier thought patterns and effective coping strategies. Passionate about fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, Yesenia is dedicated to empowering clients throughout their healing journey. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and taking walks outdoors.
Meet Our Staff
Cristina Carlos, MSW Intern
Cristina Carlos is a dedicated psychotherapist-in-training currently completing her Master of Social Work at Rutgers University, with a concentration in anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal violence. She brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to her work, grounded in a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and a commitment to helping individuals heal and grow. Before pursuing clinical work, Cristina built a successful career as a marketing executive in the tech industry, including time spent living and working in London. This diverse background enriches her therapeutic style with a global perspective, strong communication skills, and a rich understanding of life transitions and stress management. Cristina has experience supporting individuals from a range of backgrounds, including formerly incarcerated people navigating reentry into society. In this role, she conducted clinical assessments and facilitated group sessions focused on career development, self-esteem, and personal empowerment. She is also a certified career coach and incorporates this expertise into helping clients set and achieve meaningful goals. Cristina is passionate about supporting others in their journey toward self-actualization. She offers a warm, nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths. Outside of the therapy room, Cristina enjoys travel, staying active, and spending time with her beloved dog, Cooper.
Noelia Vicente, LSW
Noelia is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who specializes in person-centered care with a focus on ADHD populations and trauma. Drawing from a rich blend of therapeutic modalities—including mindfulness, motivational interviewing, art therapy, and holistic approaches—Noelia creates a warm, affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their healing journey. A 2021 graduate of Rutgers University with a specialization in Management and Policy, Noelia decided to focus her work on micro-level social services, providing individualized support with great impact. More recently, she has expanded her reach into community-level practice, bringing her clinical insight and advocacy skills to broader systemic work. Whether she’s facilitating growth through therapy or engaging in creative expression, Noelia’s passion for connection and healing remains at the heart of all she does. When she’s not working with clients, you can find her writing poetry, drawing, or practicing yoga.
Honoring Past Interns & Staff
Tyler Finley, MA
Tyler has successfully completed their M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University. Tyler's past experiences include working as a writing tutor and educational consultant, where they encountered the joy of witnessing others' innate potential for resilience and creativity. Tyler believes in the transformational power of listening to and affirming others' unique stories, and they prioritize building genuine and accepting relationships with clients. To connect with and support clients, they welcome humor, honesty, and curiosity into their work. Tyler understands that therapy can be a challenging but deeply rewarding process, and they look forward to collaborating with clients to help them meet their goals and live more fulfilling lives. The practice wishes Tyler immense success and fulfillment in their future endeavors!
Bruce Zhou, MSW/LSW
Bruce Zhou served as a MSW intern with a dedicated focus on research and culturally responsive practice. During his time with the practice, Bruce demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing equity in mental health by developing and implementing a Cultural Acculturation Group. This initiative supported clients navigating the complexities of identity, integration, and adjustment in cross-cultural contexts, and was recognized for its thoughtful, evidence-informed approach. Bruce has successfully acquired his LSW. While Bruce has since transitioned to pursue new professional interests in a different state, his contributions to the field—particularly his work in fostering inclusive, research-driven programming—continue to leave a lasting impact. His passion for innovation and dedication to service remain evident in every path he explores.
Meet Our Staff
Claudia Maya, LMFT
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Eric Castillo, COO
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Jazmine Callender, ADMIN
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