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Our Team
Owner, Director, & Primary Psychotherapist
Simone Lavine, M.S.Ed, M.Phil.Ed, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor - NJ License Number 37PC01011000
Hello! I'm so glad you're here. Finding a therapist that's the right fit can be a daunting challenge, and it's courageous to even begin the process. Many of my clients have seen one or more therapists in the past, and struggled to feel understood or get the help they actually need. I am trained and practiced in addressing the root causes of suffering in individuals and relational systems, which allows me to provide the highest quality of care to children, teens, adults, couples, and families who have previously struggled to find therapy helpful. Many of my clients have found my approach to be refreshing, engaged, and effective.​
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I come to this work equipped with a life-long passion for emotional and relational wellness, bolstered by an eclectic and diverse work history, and a rich educational background in human development and counseling. My therapeutic lens is trauma and attachment-informed, and neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I am dedicated to a framework of cultural humility and respect that takes into account the impacts of systems of oppression, and prioritizes collaborative advocacy.
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You deserve real support from someone who is committed to offering you the compassion, understanding, and tools that you, your relationship, your child, or your family need to actually create change. I would be honored to join you on your healing journey. Let's chat.*​​
*I currently have a waitlist for new clients. If you are looking for immediate support, consider inquiring about one of our counseling interns who are directly supervised by me, and offer services at a reduced rate.
Simone's Education & Training
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​​​​​​Bachelors' degree - summa cum laude - from Temple University in Human Development and Community Engagement with a concentration in Childhood Mental Health.
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Two Masters' degrees from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education in Counseling and Mental Health Services and Professional Counseling.
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Eye-Movement-Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy trained through EMDR Consulting.
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Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy trained through Externship and Core Skills with Debi Scimeca-Diaz, LMFT.
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Emotionally-Focused Family Therapy (Level 1 & 2) trained by George Faller, LMFT.
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IFS-Informed EMDR trained by Bruce Hersey, LCSW and Michelle Richardson, LCSW.
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Theraplay Level 1 & Marschak Interaction Method trained by The Theraplay Institute.
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Child-Centered Play Therapy trained by Center for Counseling & Education with Demi Banchs, LPC, RPT.
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Sand Tray Therapy (Level 1 & 2) trained by Meg Clark Soriano, MA, LPC, ACS, RPT-S.
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Savannah Barr
Savannah is a graduate student at Rider University, working toward her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Savannah earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology from Penn State University.
Savannah approaches counseling through a strengths-based approach and a holistic perspective, taking into account the mind, body, environment and relationships that are all deeply interconnected and related to mental health and wellbeing.
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With years of experience as a figure skater and figure skating coach, Savannah has worked with individuals of all ages, teaching skills, navigating mental blocks, and fostering resilience. Savannah has a particular passion for working with children and adolescents, who respond well to her kind, encouraging style. Savannah is pursuing advanced training in Play Therapy to support her work with children in a therapeutic context.
Savannah's role as a Graduate Assistant in Rider University's Career Development and Success office has given her career counseling experience that she is excited to use to support her clients. Savannah also gained invaluable experience as a crisis hotline counselor, completing training in suicide prevention and intervention.
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As a certified Body Project Facilitator, Savannah is dedicated to empowering young people to cultivate a healthy body image and a positive relationship with food. Her experiences working with athletes have further fueled her passion for supporting mental health in sports.
​Savannah will begin accepting new clients of all ages in January 2025. Savannah offers both virtual and in-person sessions in our Audubon, NJ office.​
Savannah's Areas of Focus:
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Children, Adolescents & Adults
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Behavioral Issues
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Depression​​ & Anxiety
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Sports Performance
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Eating Disorders & Body Image
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Somatic & Mind-Body Approaches
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Career Counseling
Fee: $15-$50 for a 45-50 minute session
Rachel Hanstein
Rachel brings a diverse professional background to Heartwise Counseling. She graduated magna cum laude from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Radio, TV, and Film, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. In her role as a Patient Services Associate at Penn Medicine, Rachel developed an understanding of the healthcare system and the importance of compassionate, client-centered care. Her practicum experience as a Mental Health Counseling Intern at Deptford Township High School has further equipped her to address the unique challenges faced by young people from diverse backgrounds.​
As a queer, neurodivergent person with firsthand experience navigating identity, societal expectations, and academic pressures, Rachel is deeply attuned to the unique struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent youth, particularly teens and young adults. Her lived experience combined with her educational and professional training enables her to provide empathetic, affirming care and to create a safe, inclusive space for young people to explore their identities and experiences.
Rachel’s therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered therapy, where she fosters a nonjudgmental, client-led environment. She is trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming, and committed to cultural humility, ensuring that each client’s unique needs and experiences are validated, respected, and understood in their full context. Rachel's warm, down-to-earth style helps her clients to feel at ease in the safety of her presence.
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In her free time, Rachel enjoys playing and designing video games, writing, traveling, embroidering, and playing with her Corgi, Ellie.​
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Rachel offers both virtual and in-person sessions in our Audubon, NJ office.​
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Rachel’s Areas of Focus:
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LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
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Gender & Sexual Identity
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Person-Centered Therapy
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Depression & Anxiety
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Trauma
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ADHD
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Adolescents & Adults​​
Fee: $15-$50 for a 45-50 minute session
Michael Youngkin
Michael is our dynamic Administrative Assistant at Heartwise Counseling, where he plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations. With a warm and compassionate presence, he is always ready to assist those seeking support.
Michael excels at matching potential clients with the appropriate therapists, making sure each individual feels welcomed and understood. His commitment to providing excellent customer service makes him an essential part of our team.
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Outside of his role at Heartwise Counseling, Michael enjoys spending time in nature - hiking, paddling, and camping. Michael is also a talented carpenter and musician. His diverse interests reflect his creative spirit and commitment to a balanced life.
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Give us a call today to speak with Michael and get more information about all that Heartwise Counseling has to offer!
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Barry
Barry is Heartwise Counseling’s resident four-legged friend, offering warmth, comfort, and a calming presence in the therapy room. As a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix, Barry is hypoallergenic, making him a great companion for those with allergies. He loves curling up on a blanket next to clients on the couch, providing quiet companionship and a sense of security.
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Barry is a rescue dog who was found as a stray in Philadelphia. Having experienced his own journey of trauma, anxiety, loss, and attachment breaks, he understands—on a deep, intuitive level—the power of safety, connection, and trust. His gentle nature and ability to sense emotions make him a comforting presence for those navigating their own healing.
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Studies show that being around dogs can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and foster a sense of connection. Many people find that a dog’s presence makes it easier to relax, express emotions, and feel supported during therapy. Barry enjoys offering gentle companionship—whether through a reassuring nudge, a loving gaze, or simply being a soothing presence during sessions. For some, petting or sitting near a dog can help regulate the nervous system, making therapy feel more grounding and accessible.
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Barry will only attend sessions when appropriate and with the full consent of the client. If you think having him in the room might be helpful for you, just let us know!
