Clinical Staff - Compassionate, Knowledgeable & Experienced

Bernard Ivin, LCSW | Paul DePinto, LPC | Jacqueline Felczak, LPC,
Audra Tonero, LCADC | Jennifer Johnson, LPC  Carmen G. Vasto, LPC

We are providing you with detailed information regarding our clinicians. We have done so because we want you to be as informed as possible in selecting a treatment provider. Even though the mental health field has become science based, therapy continues to be somewhat of an art form. It is possible for you to go to ten different therapists for the same exact problem and to receive ten different styles of treatment. Because of this variability and the fact that treatment is a huge investment of time, energy, money and hope, it is imperative that you do your research in selecting the most qualified treatment provider who is the best match for you (or your child) and your life circumstances.

Whether you obtain services from one of our clinicians or from someone outside of our group, we encourage you to be as educated as possible in making your decision. Please view our ARTICLES link and select "Choosing the Right Therapist" for additional information and support.

Generally speaking, at Strength for Change we specialize in working with teenagers, young adults and families in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, school underachievement, family problems and substance abuse. In addition, each clinician may have additional areas of expertise. For example, Bernard Ivin works with many adults in the treatment of a variety of life difficulties including marital problems. 
 

Bernard Ivin, LCSW - Program Director & Clinician

Personal Statement:

"Growing up very few of the kids I hung out with made it out of our neighborhood...we all had problems and made many mistakes…some very serious and life altering…one advantage I had over many of them was that I had people in my life who cared about me and saw strengths in me that I didn´t know existed...realizing how important that support was is what drives me to give others the compassion, understanding and guidance they need to overcome adversity and achieve their personal and professional best…"


Credentials:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New Jersey
• Masters in Clinical Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
• BA, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
• Certified School Social Worker, State of New Jersey
• Certified Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapist
• Extensive Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Extensive Training in Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment
• Extensive Training in Interpersonal & Marital Therapy

Relevant Work Experience/History -

20 Plus Years of Clinical Experience Including:

• 1998-Present: Program Director, Clinician, Strength for Change, LLC, Mt. Arlington, NJ
• Clinician, Family Services of Morris County, Flanders, NJ
• Student Assistance Coordinator, Mountain Lakes & Randolph School Districts, NJ
• Crisis Counselor, New York City Board of Education, Bronx, NY
• Mental Health Associate, Fair Oaks Hospital, Summit, NJ

Clients:

• Adolescents/Teenagers (11 to 17) and Their Families
• Adults (18 to 65)

Presenting Difficulties:

• Depression (Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bi-Polar Disorder)
• Anxiety (Social Anxiety, General Anxiety, Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder )
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Sexual Abuse, Natural Disasters, Accidents, The Death of a Loved One)
• ADHD (Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type, Combined Type)
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia)
• Substance Abuse Disorders (All Forms of Addictive Behavior)
• Marital Problems
• Life Stressors (Family, Academic/Learning, Social, Employment And Developmental Problems)

Treatment Philosophy:

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

Supplemental Therapies:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy
• Gottman Marital Therapy
• Family & Parent Coaching Therapy
• Network Therapy for The Treatment of Substance Abuse
• Motivational Interviewing

Paul DePinto, LPC - Clinician

Personal Statement:

"Many of my clients are young people brought to therapy (by parents) against their will… I take pride in being able to make the experience comfortable for them… Even though we are discussing serious issues, we have moments of fun and laughter... I believe my enthusiasm and sense of humor is what makes me effective with clients… While many may come in resistant to treatment, after a few sessions, most are willing to continue…Their trust means the world to me; it´s what gives me a chance to be of help to them and their families…" 

 

 Credentials:

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Masters in Counseling and Human Development, Montclair University, Montclair, NJ
• Masters in Educational Leadership, The College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ
• BA, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
• Certified Substance Awareness Coordinator, NJ
• Family Therapy Trained from the Minuchin Institute
• Extensive Training in Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength for Change
• Trained in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Albert Ellis Institute
• Trained and Certified in Adventure Based Counseling

Relevant Work Experience/History -

16 Plus Years of Clinical Experience Including:

• 2004-Present: Clinician, Strength for Change, LLC, Mt. Arlington, NJ
• Private Practice, Montville, NJ
• Student Assistance Counselor, Elmwood Park School District, Elmwood Park, NJ
• Primary Counselor, Bonnie Brae Residential Treatment Center, NJ

Clients:  Adolescents, Young Adults (Ages 10 to 25) and Their Families

Presenting Difficulties:

• Depression (Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bi-Polar Disorder)
• Anxiety (Social Anxiety, General Anxiety)
• ADHD (Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type, Combined Type)
• Substance Abuse Disorders
• Life Stressors (Family, Academic/Learning, Social, Employment and Developmental Problems)

Treatment Philosophy:

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

Supplemental Therapies:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Minuchin Family Systems Therapy
• Adventure Based Group Building
• Motivational Interviewing

 Jacqueline Felczak, LPC, LCADC - Clinician

 Personal Statement:

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Masters in Counseling,  Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
• Masters in Health Care Management, The College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ
• Bachelors of Science, Criminal Justice /Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
• Extensive Training in Substance Abuse Intervention & Addiction Treatment
• Extensive Training in Motivational Interviewing
• Extensive Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Extensive Training in Dialectal Behavioral Techniques

• Depression (Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bi-Polar Disorder)
• Anxiety (Social Anxiety, General Anxiety, Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder )
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Sexual Abuse, Natural Disasters, Accidents, The Death of a Loved One)
• Addiction Disorders ( Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Smoking)
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Compulsive Overeating)
• Relationship Problems
• Women’s Issues

• 2011-Present: Clinician, Strength For Change, LLC, Mt. Arlington, NJ
• Program Administrator, Counseling Services and Youth Partial Care, St. Clares
• Clinical Leader, Co-Occurring Disorders , St. Clares Behavioral Health
• Supervising Clinician, Co-Occurring Disorders Program, St. Clares Behavioral Health
• Private Practice, West Milford, NJ
• Crisis Counselor, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, NJ
• Children’s Specialist, St. Mary’s Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Services
• Counselor, Shelter our Sisters, Hackensack, NJ
• Counselor, The Shire- Adolescent Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Techniques
• Minuchin Family Systems Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• 12 Step Process
• Mindfullness

Carmen G. Vasto, LPC - Clinician

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Masters in Counseling, Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ, Teaneck, NJ
• BA Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ, Teaneck, NJ
• Extensive Training in Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength For Change

• 2011-Present: Clinician, Strength For Change, LLC, Mt. Arlington, NJ
• Clinician, Jersey Center for Non-Violence, Morristown, NJ
• Clinician, Saint Clare's Hospital Enhanced Outpatient, Denville, NJ
• Clinical Supervisor, Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, Bridgewater, NJ

• Depression (Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bi-Polar Disorder)
• Anxiety (Social Anxiety, General Anxiety)
• Anger (Anger Management, Anger Control)
• ADHD (Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type, Combined Type)
• Life Stressors (Family, Academic/Learning, Social, Employment and Developmental Problems)

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Client Centered Therapy

Robin Rosamond, LCSW - Clinician 

Personal Statement:

"I believe that everyone has the ability to change and to create the life they desire...I believe that my purpose in life is to provide others with the support and guidance they need to overcome life's hardships and to become the person they want to be..."

Credentials:

• Licensed Clinical Socials Worker, State of New Jersey
• Masters in Clinical Social Work, Fordham University, New York, NY
• Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Kean University, Union, NJ
• Certified School Social Worker, State of New Jersey

Relevant Work Experience -

17 plus years of Clinical Experience:

• 2003-Present, School Social Worker, Strength for Change, Mt. Arlington, NJ
• Middle School Student Assistance coordinator, Morris School District, Morristown, NJ
• Girls Group Co-Leader & Clinician, Catholic Charities, Bridgewater, NJ
• Clinician, Dual Diagnosis Program, South Amboy Memorial Hospital, South Amboy, NJ

Clients: Adolescents, Teenagers, Young Adults and Their Families, Ages 10-25

Presenting Difficulties:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger
• ADHD
• Eating Disorders
• Life Stressors (Family, Academic/Learning, Social & Relationship Problems)

Treatment Philosophy:

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

 Jennifer Johnson, LPC — Clinician

Personal Statement:

"Most of my clinical experience has been in the hospital setting…This is a great advantage to me because it has prepared me for managing crisis and the most sensitive of mental health issues… I have extensive knowledge and expertise in working with teenage girls…My calm and unassuming style encourages them to be open and honest…Even in the most concerning situations (like "cutting" behavior) when I have to be more confrontational with a client, I can do it in manner that encourages honesty and collaboration…" 

  Credentials:

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Masters in Counseling Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ
• BA, Mulingber University, PA
• Family Therapy Trained from the Minuchin Institute
• Trained in Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment from Strength For Change

Relevant Work Experience/History -

7 Plus Years of Clinical Experience Including:

• 2008-Present: Clinician, Strength for Change, LLC, Mt. Arlington, NJ
• Primary Therapist, St. Clare's Hospital Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, Denville, NJ
• Adolescent Substance Abuse Clinician, The Bridge, Inc. Caldwell, NJ
• Student Counselor , Sussex County Technical School, Sparta, NJ
• Primary Therapist, St. Clare's Hospital Adolescent Partial Care Program, Franklin, NJ
• Adolescent Direct Care Worker, St. Mary's Hospital, Passaic, NJ

Clients:  Adolescents, young adults (ages of 11-25) and their families

Presenting Difficulties:

• Mood Regulation Disorders (Depression, Anxiety and Bi-Polar Disorder)
• Attention/Behavioral Regulation Disorders (ADHD, ODD and Conduct Disorder)
• Self-Injurious Behaviors
• Family Relational Issues
• Life Stressors in relation to family, academic/learning, social and developmental factors

Treatment Philosophy:

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

Treatment Modalities:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Client Centered Therapy
• Minuchin Family System Therapy

Audra Tonero, LCADC - Substance Evaluation Coordinator

Personal Statement:

"I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of substance abuse…While the nature of my work can at times be very challenging; I remain an eternal optimist… No matter how "out of control" or "lost" a person may seem, I know that the power of the human spirit, the support of family and friends and the cumulative effect of quality treatment can help a person overcome even the most severe addiction…"

 

 Credentials:

• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, USA (National Licensure)
• Masters in Counseling Psychology, St. Bonaventure, NY
• BA, St. Bonaventure, NY
• Substance Awareness Coordinator

Relevant Work Experience/History -

15 Plus Years of Clinical Experience Including:

• 2007-Present: Substance Abuse Evaluation Coordinator, Strength for Change, LLC, Mount Arlington, NJ
• Substance Awareness & Ed. Program Coordinator, Drew University, NJ
• Substance Awareness Coordinator, Caldwell/West Caldwell School District, NJ
• Adolescent and Family Program Coordinator, Options/Evergreen Counseling Center, NJ
• Addictions Certification Course Facilitator, NJ
• Adolescent & Family Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Northeast Recovery Network, NJ

Clients:  Adolescents, young adults (ages 12-25), and families

Presenting Difficulties:

• Substance Abuse and Addiction
• Family Issues and Related Conflict
• Children of Addiction Issues

Theoretical Orientation:

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment
• Motivational Interviewing
• Network Therapy
• Self Help Model For Recovery

Treatment Philosophy:

• Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Model

Supplemental Therapies:

• Motivational Interviewing
• Self Help Programs
• Illness Model of Addiction
• Family Systems Therapy

 To obtain more information about our counseling services, fees or to schedule an appointment, please contact Bernard Ivin at (973) 770-7600, ext. 1.