Tina Sherry, Psy.D.
Dr. Tina Sherry is the Founder and Director of NJCCBT. She graduated from Tufts University summa cum laude with a major in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Economics, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. After completing a Management Training Program in finance in NYC, she left to work full-time at the Mental Health Association of New Jersey. There, she directed a new program called Community Connections, helping to deinstitutionalize those with severe and persistent mental illness by creating enough support for them to live independently in the community. In pursuit of her passion for clinical work, she obtained her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. There, she was mentored by international eating disorder expert G. Terence Wilson. After working at the Rutgers Eating Disorders Clinic as an extern treating Anorexia and Bulimia with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she returned as a post-doctoral therapist to work on a NIMH-funded multi-site study of Binge Eating Disorder using Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
Her desire to disseminate these treatments, which worked so well for her patients and research participants, inspired her to start NJCCBT in 2010. Over the years, Dr. Sherry has received additional training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy. She has gradually expanded the team to include clinicians with these same skills, in addition to different specialties, who share her commitment for making a difference in the lives of others. Further, she directly supervises and trains both members of her team and outside clinicians in evidence-based modalities for treating eating disorders.
Dr. Sherry’s own experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019—and going through chemotherapy and radiation during COVID-19—influenced her to begin integrating more holistic, mind-body approaches to achieve wellness for herself and her patients. As a result, she pursued training in Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. As an avid yogi and meditator, she continues to add offerings for somatic practices at NJCCBT that complement the evidence-based work the center has always been known for, such as yoga for body positivity, guided meditations, and sound healing.
Her style is interactive and highly practical, and she works with a full range of ages and presenting issues, including those experiencing “mystery illnesses,” going through a cancer diagnosis or treatment, and navigating parenting and professional life balance. She believes that acquiring knowledge and skills can reduce suffering and increase resilience, and to that end, speaks at schools and in the community on the prevention of eating and other disorders.
Jonathan Fiskus, Psy.D.
Dr. Jonathan Fiskus is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York, and holds a PsyPact APIT license for interjurisdictional telehealth in most states across the U.S. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Yeshiva University and his doctorate at Hofstra University with a specialty in School and Community Psychology. Dr. Fiskus received extensive clinical training at Hofstra’s Psychological Evaluation Research and Counseling Clinic as well as at the Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center in Brooklyn. He was part of the team at Great Neck’s prestigious North Middle School and served as a school psychologist at Yachad (the National Jewish Council of Disabilities) for many years. In these roles, he developed expertise in working with individuals with learning, intellectual, and developmental challenges, and diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
In addition to his work in private practice settings providing psychotherapeutic treatment to adolescents and adults, Dr. Fiskus has conducted full battery psychological and neuropsychological assessments for elementary, middle, and high school students struggling with academic and behavioral issues. He has also conducted similar evaluations for college students and young adults seeking to better understand their academic difficulties and for those applying for accommodations on standardized exams. As a result, he recognizes the skills that high school and college students need for academic success, and helps them with executive functioning, behavioral activation, and self-advocacy work.
While Dr. Fiskus primarily employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, he incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into his sessions as well. His warm, accepting approach allows him to engage and forge deep relationships with patients of all ages and walks of life. While he is especially adept at working with students and collaborating with school counselors and administrators, he greatly enjoys working with adults going through life transitions such as grief/loss, becoming a parent, navigating divorce or new relationships, and caring for family members.
Alicia Havens, LCSW
Alicia Havens is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey, who obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and her master's degree from Catholic University. She has honed her clinical acumen in a variety of settings, from Bell Multicultural High School in Washington, DC to Franklin Square Hospital in Maryland, and more locally at West Bergen Mental Health Center in Ridgewood. As a result, she works effectively with all ages, from children to adolescents and adults.
For the past fifteen years, Alicia has held a multitude of roles within Hackensack University Medical Center. She has worked in the Pediatric Emergency Department, where she has developed crisis management and short-term intervention expertise. She has helped children and families cope with trauma, chronic illness, child abuse, domestic violence, and postpartum depression. In her current position in the Adolescent Medicine Department, Alicia provides assessment and counseling for patients struggling with Gender Dysphoria, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Depression, and Anxiety Disorders. She excels at continuous and comprehensive coordination with a patient’s full treatment team to provide the best support and outcomes possible for recovery. She is also a member of the Asthma Disease Specific Improvement Team, Children’s Hospital Disaster Preparedness Committee, and is currently Co-Chair of the Children’s Hospital Gender Diversity Committee.
Alicia utilizes a strengths-based and solutions-focused framework pulling from various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Alicia has been Child First/Find Words trained, holds a certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders and is certified as a clinical social worker supervisor. Alicia integrates developmentally age-appropriate play into her sessions with children to help them build healthy coping skills and address issues such as adjustment, anxiety and depression. She also provides a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ clients. Alicia has a special interest in working with individuals with Tic Disorders and will be Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) certified in the fall of 2024.
Melissa Keane, LPC
Melissa Keane graduated magna cum laude from Muhlenberg College with a double major in Psychology and Dance Studies before earning her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as an Advanced Counseling Certificate, from Montclair State University. She is licensed to practice psychotherapy in the state of New Jersey, awaiting the Counseling Compact to begin issuing compact privileges in 2025 for her to see clients across the U.S.
Melissa joined NJCCBT back in 2018 and has a wealth of experience treating adolescents and adults who suffer with eating disorders. She has supported individuals at various phases of their recovery journeys as Program Director and primary therapist at Center for Discovery’s partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient facility in northern New Jersey, as a counselor in Montenido’s residential facility for women diagnosed with eating disorders in New York, and as an individual meal support therapist providing in-home care for Eating Disorder Recovery Specialists. Given her depth and breadth of working in so many different settings, she frequently performs level of care evaluations at NJCCBT for individuals presenting with eating disorders.
Melissa also has worked with a broad range of diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, life transitions, family problems, and substance abuse. Her passion for working with new mothers inspired her to obtain specialized training and Certification in Perinatal Mood Disorders, and she greatly enjoys helping support mothers and women of all ages and backgrounds. She makes use of a primarily Cognitive-Behavioral approach and integrates interventions from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and supportive counseling to facilitate recovery and improvement in the quality of life for those she serves.
Cheri Neadle, LMFT
Cheri Neadle is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Florida, and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. She has been practicing in the field of therapy since 2008 and joined NJCCBT in 2017. She is fully licensed in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Florida.
Cheri’s experience is well-rounded, and includes work with adolescents, young adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings, including residential facilities, extended day treatment, crisis stabilization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient substance abuse programs. She was the Senior Supervising Clinician at the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Clinic in Norwalk and served as Program Director of the Center for Discovery’s treatment program in southern Connecticut. Cheri is also an approved supervisor by the highest standards of the American Association For Marriage and Family Therapy.
While Cheri remains passionate about the field of family therapy and the treatment of eating disorders, she has also developed an ever-growing enthusiasm for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and has completed Intensive Training in the model through DBT-founder Marsha Linehan’s organization, Behavioral Tech, LLC. After helping to pioneer an adolescent DBT program at a child guidance clinic in 2013, Cheri committed herself to increasing her DBT practice due to its efficacy and compelling outcomes. Her authenticity and expertise, along with her warmth and humor, allow her to connect with clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Marisa Nunez, Psy.D.
Dr. Marisa Nunez is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey, and holds a PsyPact APIT license for interjurisdictional telehealth practice in most states across the U.S. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a minor in Human Development Family Studies, from Penn State University. She obtained her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from La Salle University. Dr. Nunez then attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology degrees in Clinical Psychology. While there, she had the opportunity to work alongside renowned leaders in the adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder research and treatment world. As a result, Dr. Nunez has fine-tuned her efficacy in addressing executive functioning and study skills, and infuses this into her clinical work with children, adolescents, and college students.
After obtaining her doctorate, Dr. Nunez completed her post-doctoral training and residency at the Anxiety and OCD Center near Philadelphia, PA. There, she specialized in treating OCD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias (including Emetophobia), Panic Disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors of Trichotillomania and Excoriation, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Given her ability to combine warmth, non-judgment, and collaboration, she is masterful at Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). She is well-equipped to help people of all age ranges and walks of life improve their coping skills and ability to navigate the stressors in their lives.
Upon joining NJCCBT, Dr. Nunez expanded on her already-advanced CBT knowledge to specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders. After completing this training, she has furthered her expertise in treating eating disorders by attending Duke University’s Center for Eating Disorders Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) training. Dr. Nunez greatly enjoys helping children, adolescents, and adults with ARFID, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and body image concerns. She is also passionate about providing treatment to the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Samantha Schulman, Psy.D.
Dr. Samantha Schulman is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York, and holds a PsyPact APIT license for interjurisdictional telehealth practice in most states across the U.S. She is also a nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP). Dr. Schulman obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Maryland and her doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.
Her interdisciplinary practice is rooted in many years of experience as both a traditional and non-traditional school psychologist in the New Jersey Public Schools, which shaped and enhanced her approach to treating children and adolescents in outpatient settings. Dr. Schulman is particularly knowledgeable of the tremendous stressors affecting teens, given her experience working in school settings. As a result, she is adept at advocating for a student needing accommodations, and she can coordinate a team approach between outpatient providers and school administrators for students facing challenges such as Separation Anxiety, Social Anxiety, ADHD, Eating Disorders, and OCD. Furthermore, her work at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in the Pediatrics Inpatient Unit has given her the unique perspective and ability to help those with intersecting medical and mental health challenges, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, food allergies, seizure disorders, and PANDAS.
Dr. Schulman regularly employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in her practice. She completed additional specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i). Dr. Schulman enjoys working with a diverse population across various ages, genders, and backgrounds. In any given setting and for any given problem area, she brings her warmth, genuineness, and ability to tailor her therapeutic approach to meet the individualized needs of each patient.
Tara Veerman, Ph.D.
Dr. Tara Veerman is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Master of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University. In order to more deeply develop her research and evidence-based practice skills, she also obtained her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Some of her research interests include how to ameliorate childhood stress, neurodevelopmental factors influencing mental health, and designing and implementing effective school-based interventions.
In terms of her clinical background, Dr. Veerman has over 20 years of experience in the field of social work. In her role as therapist in the NJ System of Care, she worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of presenting issues, including Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, grief/loss, and family and marital conflict. She received Certification in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from the Rutgers Institute for Families and maintains a commitment to ongoing continuing education. Her special interest in treating eating disorders prompted her to seek targeted training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders in 2019. She joined NJCCBT to practice with other like-minded professionals who are passionate about improving the lives of those with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
In addition to her work at NJCCBT, Dr. Veerman has been a professor at, and is now the Director of, Centenary University’s Bachelor of Social Work Program. Her many years of working in a university setting have helped her understand and master how to best connect with, advocate for, and support students from all backgrounds. She takes a collaborative, strengths-based, “can-do” approach, whether in her position of therapist, professor, or administrator. Dr. Veerman’s style is interactive, and she infuses her work with warmth and humor to provide hope and healing to those she serves.