Clinicians
Our team of professional clinicians consists of master’s level graduates with licenses in professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, and social work. They share a common passion for helping people find hope and healing. Our clinicians are trained to provide culturally sensitive and clinically sound therapy. The integration of biblical and Christian principles is available upon request.
Savannah Bailey, M.S., LAC (Telehealth Only)
Specialty: Individual, Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling
Rhonda Calliste, LCSW (Telehealth Only)
Rhonda Calliste received her Master’s degree in Social Work at California State University Long Beach. She became a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey in 2006 and is currently working towards clinical licensure
Rhonda has always had a passion for helping others, which led her into the social service field. Her experiences include Habitat for Humanity, Child Welfare and protection, Crisis Intervention, Behavioral Health, and Clinical Education. Rhonda’s desire to help is not limited to the members she serves but extends to everyone around her. Rhonda excelled in her previous roles, advancing to a position where she could be a support to her direct reports as well as management.
Rhonda was born and raised in Los Angeles County California but currently resides in Frenchtown NJ with her husband of 18 years and two teenage sons. She has and continues to volunteer in her children’s school activities and is a member of the Delaware Valley Regional High School Performing Arts Booster Club. Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family, having game nights, dancing, and seeing people happy.
Rhonda’s favorite quotes: “Everything Happens For A Reason” and “It Is What It Is”!!!
Rhonda’s all-time favorite song: “Amazing Grace”
Rhonda’s favorite Bible scripture: KJV “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13
Specialties: Marriage, Individual, and Family Counseling
NJ License #44SC06680700
Specialty: Individual, Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling
Jowana Green, LAC (In-Person and Telehealth)
Life is not about perfection but about growing and learning. At times, we all stumble, and having someone to help us get back up is where we learn to grow in our journey. Jowana Green is a Licensed Associate Counselor holding a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jowana is light-hearted yet impactful in her understanding and strength as she guides others on their journey through life’s challenging situations.
Jowana comes with experience in working with children, adolescents, couples, and adults with developmental disabilities, which contributes to working with individuals on their passions and navigating through their tough situations.
Jowana believes that God is the center of our lives and that all blessings, challenges, and experiences flow from Him.
Specialties: Couples, Individual, and Family Counseling
NJ License #37AC00785000
Elijah Greene, LSW (Telehealth Only)
Elijah Greene is passionate about helping individuals and families find healing, growth, and hope in the midst of life’s challenges. He earned his Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University along with specialized training in violence against women and children. Throughout his professional and ministry experience, Elijah has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and families facing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges.
Elijah has experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them process difficult life events, develop healthy coping skills, and build resilience. His work has included providing behavioral and therapeutic support to children and adolescents affected by trauma, mentoring young people through life transitions, and partnering with families to strengthen relationships and improve communication. He understands that healing looks different for every person and seeks to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Elijah’s counseling approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a strengths-based perspective. He enjoys working with teens, young adults, and families navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, behavioral concerns, identity development, and the lasting effects of trauma. When desired by clients, Elijah is also able to incorporate faith and spirituality into the counseling process.
Specialties: Individual, Teenagers, Adults
NJ License #44SL06954700
Lia Hannon, LPC (In-person/ Telehealth)
Life can be messy, and at times, we all struggle with how to put the pieces together in a way that allows us to thrive truly. Lia is a counselor who will come alongside you as you sort out, address, and improve the various issues life throws your way. She is a Licensed Counselor working with individuals and couples to create a life where they feel more competent of navigating their internal and external struggles.
In addition to a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider University, she has experience working with clients who wrestle with depression, anxiety, substance use, and self-esteem issues in both individual and group settings. Using a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and humanistic approaches, Lia creates a space to help each person feel seen and heard, find new ways to cope, support growth and change, and create a fulfilling and purposeful life. Lia is an EMDR-trained clinician.
License #37PC00918400
Specialty: Adolescent 14+, Individual, Couples, and Marriage Counseling
Netesha Jones, LCSW(Limited In-person, Telehealth Only)
Netesha is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who has 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Kean University, followed by a Master of Social Work Degree from Rutgers University.
Throughout the years, Netesha has provided services to children who have suffered from behavioral disabilities, conduct disorders, bullying, grief, loss, anger management, child abuse and neglect, anxiety, addiction, and substance abuse.
She is a faithful follower of Christ who is committed to using God’s gifts and anointing, along with her clinical knowledge, skills, and experiences towards advancing the lives of children, individuals, and families. Netesha takes great joy and pleasure in watching people grow and progress beyond their life challenges and stressors.
License #44SC05293900
Specialty: Individual, Children age 4+, Adolescent,
Sharon Lewis, LAMFT (In-person Only)
Sharon comes to Mending Hearts Behavioral Health and Family Services Counseling with years of experience as a teacher on a secondary educational level in a technical school and a volunteer with various organizations whose focus is intimate violence abuse. These experiences were the schoolmasters that, unknowingly to her, put her on the path to the field of counseling. Strangers would come up to her and begin sharing their problems, and she would help them reach the best possible solutions.
She has a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Sharon incorporates various methods of therapy in her counseling sessions based on the needs of her clients, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Behavior Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She believes strongly in the institution of marriage and the family system, helping her client become their best self and overcome and heal from past hurts. In addition, Sharon incorporates her strong faith in God in her counseling therapy. She will introduce these practices only if the client requests them.
License NJ 37FA00027100
Specialty: Individuals over 40, Couples, Marriage Counseling
Valerie Mason-Chase, LPC (Telehealth Only)
Before transitioning to counseling, Valerie had a successful 42-year career in another helping profession as an RN. Valerie received her BSN from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. After feeling the call to counseling, Valerie enrolled in the master’s program in counseling at Cairn University. Her goal is to provide counseling that is clinically, and theoretically sound while being informed, empowered, and supported by a Biblical and theological foundation to clients that request spiritual integration. Valerie has a heart for and is uniquely gifted by her narrative to minister to those who have been impacted by emotional, physical, and sexual trauma.
Deeply passionate about saving marriages, Valerie is on a mission to be an instrument of restoration, reconciliation, and hope for couples. Married for 39 years, Valerie and her husband Frank are the parents of three adult children and grandparents to three girls with a grandson on the way. Valerie is the author of a Christian blog http://throughthestorm.us
NJ License 37AC00604200
Specialty: Individual, Couples, Marriage Counseling
Nancy Mayes, LPC (Telehealth Only)
Nancy Mayes is beginning her counseling career at Mending Hearts. She comes with many life experiences that have led her to believe that anyone can overcome any obstacle that would attempt to hinder them from their potential. Her strong faith in Jesus Christ has been the catalyst for overcoming many obstacles in her own life and has empowered her to recognize the value of coming alongside others to encourage them in their own journey.
Nancy is richly blessed with a wonderful husband, six children, and two grandchildren. She homeschools her younger three children and actively serves in her church.
License #37PC01190600
Specialty: Individual, Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling
Whitney Owens, M.A., LAC (In-person, Telehealth)
Whitney Owens is a Licensed Associate Counselor dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and make meaningful changes in their lives. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Counseling. Whitney completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, where she earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science.
Whitney brings over a decade of experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, and care coordination. Her professional background includes extensive work with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, and life transitions.
Whitney practices from an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing from Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and person-centered interventions. She tailors treatment to each client’s unique needs, values, and goals, with an emphasis on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and supporting clients in making effective, values-driven choices. Whitney believes therapy should be collaborative, practical, and empowering.
She is especially passionate about working with children and families, supporting emotional development, fostering resilience, and helping clients feel safe enough to be authentic in the therapeutic space. Whitney is deeply committed to mental health advocacy and reducing stigma by meeting clients where they are and honoring their lived experiences. Through empathy, consistency, and authenticity, she strives to help clients feel seen, supported, and capable of creating meaningful, lasting change.
Kelly Perkins, M.A., LAC (In-person, Telehealth)
Kelly earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in religion and a master’s degree in Christian apologetics. While in seminary at Liberty University, Kelly recognized her calling to the counseling field. She sees it as a ministry of healing.
As a retired correctional police lieutenant, Kelly has 28 years of experience in law enforcement and served in the US Air Force prior to her career with the NJDOC. She is certified in critical incident stress management (CISM).
Kelly counts it a privilege to meet her clients where they are and guide them toward achieving their therapeutic goals. Kelly customizes her integrative approach to meet her clients’ needs.
Kelly empowers her clients by teaching the skills needed to build resiliency, bounce back from adversity, and thrive. She provides psychoeducation that promotes self-awareness, self-regulation, and mental agility to help her clients overcome challenges, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma.
License #37AC00825700
Specialty: Adolescents 14+, Individuals, Couples
Ruben A. Ramos, M.S., LAC (In-person, Telehealth)
The life we live is not just to survive but to thrive. For that reason, Ruben works with people, helping them identify what holds them back and liberate themselves from those struggles and perspectives. Not only does Ruben hold a master’s degree in professional counseling from Southeastern University, but he also has ten years of experience in church communication. He offers a safe
space to grapple with life’s questions and find the abundance of life he knows everyone deserves. Combining emotional awareness, relational dynamics, and a deep, internal recognition approach, he presents clients with holistic healing. Ruben’s therapeutic approaches include, but not limited to IFS.
In addition to his mental health training, Ruben has worked as an executive officer in a large organization, supporting a sizable staff and partnering with and aiding them in reaching their goals and greatest potential.
NJ License: 37AC00858000
Specialty: Adults, Individuals, Couples
Alvin Smith, LAMFT (In-person, Telehealth)
Alvin has earned his master’s degree in Christian Counseling and substance abuse through Grand Canyon University and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Alvin has been married for 27 years and has four children and 11 grandchildren! Alvin is a retired vet with 26 years of service and is a Retired Social Worker who worked with substance abuse and working with teen boys to young adults within the State of NJ. At Mending Hearts, Alvin provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families of diverse backgrounds. He is also trained to provide Christian counseling. Alvin loves helping others find their purpose using a variety of frameworks, including biblical principles and scripture upon request. His favorite quote is, “When God gives you the dream, the only person who can stop your dream is you”! Live on purpose.
Alvin is the founder of Dare 2 be a Dreamer program for youth and young adults ages 13-18, which was inspired and birth based on his life story. Alvin is also a mentor for the Pythagoreans, growing and developing young boys ages 7 to 18 personally, socially, physically, and spiritually.
License NJ 37FA00029000
Specialty: Adolescent 14+, Individual, Couples, Marriage, Grief Counseling
Melissa Smith, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC (Telehealth)
Melissa is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been caring for people with mental illness symptoms for over twenty years. She has a master’s degree in nursing education and is currently completing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
Melissa’s experience spans many settings, including inpatient, outpatient, community care, corrections, detox, and behavioral health emergency care. She has been providing services with the Mending Hearts Family since 2022.
Melissa uses her experience as a nurse, educator, and mental health advocate to guide her whole-health approach to providing mental health care. She empowers patients by helping them understand their symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options. Services she provides include medication management with brief supportive therapy and group mindfulness sessions that focus on self-care. She believes optimal mental health can be achieved when self-care is prioritized. She encourages honesty regarding symptoms and treatment goals to develop the best treatment plan.
NJ License 26NJ01009500
Kierra Thompson, LAC (Telehealth Only)
Kierra has always had a passion for mental health and studying human behavior. After completing a bachelor’s in psychology, she also completed a master’s in professional counseling. Along this journey, Kierra has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining skills to support individuals with various mental and emotional disorders and severity levels. Kierra’s primary focus has been helping children, adolescents, and young adults process diverse emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, family issues, and significant life transitions. As a graduate of Cairn University, her preparation for the field also included training in integrating biblical principles with her clinical approaches.
Kierra has made it her mission to give youth and young adults education and tools that help reduce negative mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. She desires to see the younger generation thrive as they take on the challenges of early life.
License #37AC00770700
Specialty: Adolescent, Teens, Young Adults, Individual Counseling
Kiana M. Watkins, M.A., LAMFT (In-Person/Telehealth)
Kiana M. Watkins is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to fostering safe spaces for her clients. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Widener University and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a certification in Trauma-Informed Systemic Therapy from National University.
Kiana brings extensive experience working with clients navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, developmental disabilities, and self-esteem challenges. She has supported individuals and groups, tailoring her approach to meeting each client’s unique needs.
Her therapeutic framework incorporates Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), where she helps clients explore and transform difficult emotional experiences, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), emphasizing clients’ strengths and future aspirations. Kiana also integrates other evidence-based modalities to enhance her clients’ well-being holistically.
Kiana has a heart for individuals struggling during these trying times and is passionate about mental health advocacy. She is particularly committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community and beyond. By creating meaningful connections and focusing on empowerment, Kiana strives to change lives—one client at a time.
Speciality: Children, Adolescents, Couples, Families, Individual Counseling
License #: 37FA00047500
