OUR DEDICATED STAFF
New Jersey's Premiere Intensive Mental Health Program Specialist
OUR DEDICATED STAFF
We have assembled an elite team of clinicians who specialize in high levels of mental health care. Our dedicated staff of board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, as well as our licensed counselors and social workers utilize empirically based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and a family systems approach to assist our clients in building a life worth living. Each of our clinicians embody values that center on caring and empowering people. These values are the foundation of Innerspace Counseling, and they lay the path for your journey toward holistic wellness.
Ajita Shah, LPC, NCC, ACS, PMH-C
Founder/Program Director at Innerspace Counseling, LLC
Ajita has been dedicated to creating and enhancing mental health and counseling programs across New Jersey for the last two decades. Her commitment to ensuring high quality care for all led her to opening Innerspace Counseling in 2014. Her goal in opening Innerspace was to create an environment that allowed clients to feel safe, empowered and heard; as well as to break the stigma regarding mental health and provide an increased awareness of both mental health and the supports available within the community.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, she has treated hundreds of clients in a variety of settings (inpatient and outpatient) from ages 8 years all the way thru adult hood and across the life span utilizing a behavioral and trauma informed approach. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, Ajita believes that education, training, and proper supervision are key to ensuring that clients receive the highest quality of care. In addition to her responsibilities overseeing the programs she also conducts training and education for mental health and school personnel. Furthermore, as a certified perinatal mental health provider, she also promotes awareness, prevention and treatment of perinatal mood disorders.
As a female and a person of color, Ajita has experienced firsthand the challenges that many face in their ability to acknowledge their mental health and gain access to the appropriate treatment and supports within the current mental health system. To that end, Ajita has created a strong DBT-based curriculum for each of the Innerspace Counseling programs. This curriculum, along with the system’s-based approach, ensures that clients are learning concrete and usable skills that can be translated into any area of a client’s life regardless of who they are and where they come from.
Recent Awards:
- Innerspace Counseling, LLC:
- 2016, 2017, and 2020 Best of Old Bridge Award in Mental Health Counseling
- Personal Award: 2017 Women of Distinction Award Recipient
Elizabeth Lobel, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Elizabeth Lobel is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with over a decade of experience across various settings, including private practice, hospital-based clinics, community health centers, juvenile detention centers, and telepsychiatry. She has lived in several locations, including the NYC metropolitan area, San Jose, Houston, Clearwater, Florida, and now central New Jersey.
Dr. Lobel takes a collaborative, personalized, and informed approach to care. She frequently recommends alternatives to medication—either as standalone treatments or in combination—such as cognitive strategies, behavioral techniques, and mentalization. With additional training in early childhood and perinatal mental health, she is always eager to expand her knowledge, whether it's related to mental health, medicine, or your favorite stories and characters. Dr. Lobel works closely with all members of her patients' mental health teams. She values gathering extensive information to identify factors that may impact her patients’ health, including medical conditions and life stressors. By carefully listening and taking notes, she ensures a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s needs.
Gloria Akunna, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APN
Gloria Akunna is a doctorate-prepared and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey. She has vast training and experience in the field of psychiatry both as a psychiatric-mental health nurse and as an advanced practice nurse. Dr. Akunna has worked with patients across the lifespan and in various psychiatric settings, including inpatient and outpatient services, addiction and recovery, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP).
Her education includes Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University, formerly known as the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey -School of Nursing. Dr. Akunna obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and Doctor or Nursing Practice degree from Chatham University in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Akunna is very diligent in providing quality and comprehensive care to her patients. She is both compassionate and passionate about working with patients with depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, ADHD, ODD, and psychotic disorders, among others. Dr. Akunna’s approach is holistic, patient-centered, and collaborative, focusing on the unique patient and family needs.
Ololade "Lola" Ekwere, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Lola has practiced for over 12 years in various capacities in healthcare serving patients and their families. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in Nursing, Cum Laude from William Paterson University in 2009, Lola began her career as an Intensive Care Unit nurse, catering to patients and families at their most vulnerable in the hospital.
Seeking advancement in her career and expanding her breadth of knowledge, Lola returned for further education and obtained a Masters Degree in Nursing from Rutgers University - UMDNJ, graduating with honors in her chosen concentration of Family practice/Primary care.
While practicing as a primary care advanced practice nurse (APN), she observed that several of her patients needed significant mental health care as part of their overall treatment and wellness maintenance plans. This led her to pursue additional training and certification in Psychiatric and Mental Health care from Maryville University, where she also graduated with Honors.
During her career and education, Lola developed comfort in treating individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, sleep disorders and other common psychiatric disorders. Because she understands the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, she works collaboratively with each patient to prioritize and meet their mental health needs. Additionally, she is empathetic, listens and practices using evidence-based guidelines in order to provide the best available care for her patients.
Lauren Spiegel, LPC
Senior Therapist
Lauren graduated from Kean University with her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to her masters, she graduated with her Bachelor of Art in Sociology from William Paterson University. Lauren has experience volunteering at a women’s crisis center and working in the partial care and IOP setting. She is eager help clients realize their full potential.
Lauren believes in having an open, honest, and empathetic relationship with her clients. She believes everyone’s situation is different and takes a personal and unique approach to each client and their therapy. Lauren utilizes a strength-based approach along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in her approach to counseling. She works with children, adolescents, and adults.
Britney Cantel, MS, LAC, NCC
Primary Therapist
Britney is a Licensed Associate Counselor and received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. Prior to her master’s, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Britney has experience working with children, teens, and adults grounded in person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches.
Britney strives to create an inclusive, nonjudgmental space where each client can explore their unique experiences and challenges, offering empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. She aims to build strong therapeutic relationships with her clients, working alongside them to overcome obstacles. Britney prioritizes her clients' autonomy, empowering them to embrace their authentic selves to promote healing, growth, and overall resilience.
Paris Barton, MA, LAC, NCC
Primary Therapist
Paris is a graduate of the Master of Arts in School Counselor with Licensed Professional Counselor Qualifications at Kean University. Paris completed her undergraduate studies at Central State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her academic foundation provided her with a strong commitment to evidence-based practices and taking an integrative, yet culturally aware, approach to her practice. Ensuring each client’s needs are met to the best of her ability, Paris confirms a respectable and inclusive environment is established from the point of introduction.
She has diverse experience working with children and adolescents in the school environment, intensive outpatient programs, in-home services, and outpatient therapy. Paris has also worked with adults in the environments of partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient therapy services.
Paris continues to strengthen her skillsets in the mental health field, as approaches and techniques continue to evolve. She approaches each client as an individual, and views active listening and rapport building as an important factor to assist with reaching identified treatment goals.
Gabriela "Gaby" Valentino, MSW, LSW
Primary Therapist
Gaby earned her master’s in social work from Rutgers University. Prior to her masters, she graduated with a bachelor’s in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. Gaby has experience working in community-based settings, transitional living programs, and schools. Gaby has worked with children and adolescents with a wide range of intellectual and behavioral disabilities.
Gaby believes in the primary mission of the social work profession; enhancing human well-being and helping meet the basic human needs of all people. Gaby utilizes an eclectic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person-Center Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. She is currently working toward gaining her LCSW.
Anthony Zazzarino, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPRP
Per Diem Therapist
Anthony Zazzarino, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPRP is a per-diem group therapist with Innerspace Counseling since 2016. Dr. Zazzarino uses an integrative approach when supporting clients, grounding his work from a strengths perspective. Additionally, Dr. Zazzarino is an Assistant Professor with Rutgers University, School of Health Professions, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions where he is a core faculty in the master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling and the doctoral program in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Additionally, Dr. Zazzarino is the field experience coordinator for the Counselor Education and Supervision track. Dr. Zazzarino is actively presenting at local, state, national, and international conferences related to affectional and gender minorities; multiculturalism; psychiatric rehabilitation methods; counseling services; housing; and supervision practices. In addition to his work at Innerspace Counseling and Rutgers University, Dr. Zazzarino provides outpatient counseling services at his private practice and clinical supervision for counselors who need supervised clinical hours in New Jersey.
Francesca Canzoneri, LAC
Per Diem Therapist
Francesca is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. Francesca utilizes an eclectic approach including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, humanistic, and psychoanalysis. She has experience working with children, teens and adults. She provides a safe space for clients to authentically express their feelings and needs while also guiding clients toward growth and progress toward their therapeutic goals. In addition to traditional talk-therapy, Francesca enjoys implementing techniques and interventions to promote learning opportunities, personal growth, and facilitate desired change. Francesca strives to create and maintain a therapeutic space that creates opportunities for her clients to be vulnerable, feel heard, and be seen. Francesca understands there are various challenges people face throughout their lifespan, and along with challenges comes an abundance of varying emotions and stressors. She is passionate about helping her clients uncover their deepest needs and desires, understanding their own thoughts and feelings, and providing guidance on how to best meet their goals through self-exploration, communication, and appropriate action.
Grace Montes, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS
Per Diem Therapist
Grace Montes is a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor with a distinguished career in the field of Mental Health since 2007. She runs groups for our IOP and PHP programs contributing her valuable expertise to our clients. She is experienced in treating various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, traumatic reactions, and sexual assault. Her diverse experience includes working as a therapist in partial level of care settings, providing essential support to individuals facing acute psychiatric challenges. Additionally, Grace has made a positive impact in the lives of children, adolescents, and families through her work as a school-based counselor in the Rahway school systems.
With a focus on empowering high achieving women, Grace specializes in addressing struggles related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. Her compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy has been widely recognized and valued by her clients. This is her current focus in her private practice. With a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to therapy, Grace Montes remains a significant figure in the mental health field, empowering individuals on their path to emotional well-being and personal growth.
Mariette Marino, MA, LAC, R-DMT, NCC
Per Diem Therapist
Mariette earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Dance/Movement Therapy from Rider University. Mariette has experience working with children and adult populations in both the voluntary and involuntary units at Newark Beth Israel Hospital. Mariette has also worked with children, adolescents and adult populations with varied diagnosis in a PHP / IOP setting. Mariette is also currently working with NYULH for the Initiative for Women with Disabilities. Mariette’s approach is an eclectic person-centered humanistic approach to counseling that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Dance/Movement Therapy. Mariette strives to maintain a therapeutic space for clients to feel supported and accepted that encourages and fosters growth and flexibility for change.
Heather Niven LAC
Per Diem Therapist
Heather is a compassionate and skilled therapist specializing in group therapy and individual counseling. She holds a dual Master’s degree in Professional and School Counseling from Seton Hall University and is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Heather has dedicated her career to providing high-quality clinical treatment while fostering growth and well-being among her clients.
Her expertise lies in leading therapeutic group activities that enhance daily living, socialization, and recreational skills. With a client-centered approach, she helps individuals address self-care needs while advocating for and connecting families and guardians with essential services. Heather has experience as an academic school counselor and has worked in various mental health settings, with a primary focus on Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). She enjoys working with both children and adults.
Heather’s professional and personal experiences enable her to promote positive health and well-being. She exemplifies professionalism and upholds the highest standards of care. Her dedication to empowering clients and supporting fellow staff members reflects her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.
Jordan Glass
Community Outreach Liaison & Clinical Support Worker
Jordan earned her Bachelors' Degree in Counseling and Human Services from The University of Scranton. Jordans background is in non-profit homelessness rehousing, case management and academic guidance counseling. She is dedicated to assisting clients and their families through difficult processes. To do this, she prioritizes maintaining/ building a large resource network in the community, in hopes to promote positive outcomes and wellbeing. Jordan also has a personal and professional passion for advocacy and advancement in the mental health and human services industry.
Melissa Maranzano, MA
Director of Program Development & Quality Assurance
Melissa has 20 years of experience in nonprofit and mental health. Her work and life experiences have led to a commitment to building strong community relationships to promote positive health and well-being and improving outcomes for children and families affected by abuse, mental health, and poverty.
Melissa utilizes her experience to train both professionals and community members. Her expertise in program planning, quality assurance and evaluation assist in the improvement of systems and programs that benefit clients and the community. She believes in arming parents, youth, teachers, and community members with resources and knowledge to better support themselves and one another. Utilizing a trauma informed lens to educate, she works to create protective factors in our homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
