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Our Team
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Director & 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.*​​
*Simone currently has 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 Simone. See below for current interns.
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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Grief & Loss
Fee: $60 for a 45-50 minute session
Chloe Rivas
Chloe Rivas is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University. She is deeply passionate about experiential therapy approaches and draws from an attachment and trauma-informed perspective. She also incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS), which, together with these frameworks, shapes her warm, attuned style in her work with children, teens, adults, and couples.
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Chloe understands that sometimes life can just be hard, especially for those who have experienced trauma. She believes everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to get through life’s most challenging moments.
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With a background in education and experience providing developmental support to Autistic individuals of all ages, Chloe is passionate about supporting the growth of Neurodivergent people in ways that honor their unique strengths and differences. She integrates Neuro-affirming approaches such as DIR-Floortime into her work and has received training in Sand Tray Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
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Chloe is also trained in Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy and is passionate about supporting couples in de-escalating conflict and finding deeper connection with one another.
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Chloe brings empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for each person's individual journey. She encourages clients to approach their inner world with curiosity and compassion, supporting them as they grow their emotional well-being and self-understanding. She is also bilingual, offering therapy in Spanish to support Spanish-speaking individuals and families in their preferred language.
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Outside of her work, Chloe enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time near the water. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Chip.​
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Chloe's Areas of Focus:
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Neurodivergence (Autism & ADHD)
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Trauma
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Anxiety
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Play Therapy
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Relationship Issues
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Couples & Families
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Identity Development
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Self-Esteem​​
$60 per 45-50 minute session - $80 for the initial session
Caitlin MacAllister
Caitlin MacAllister is a therapist in training currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rowan University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rowan University in 2015 and brings a decade of experience working in the field of substance use treatment within inpatient settings.
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Throughout her career, she has supported individuals and families as they navigate the challenges of substance use, early recovery, and access to community resources. Her experience has shown her that the impacts of trauma are often at the root of many emotional and behavioral challenges. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, trauma-informed, identity-affirming environment where clients can be their authentic selves and feel empowered in their healing journey.
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Caitlin’s counseling approach is grounded in strengths-based and mindfulness practices. She believes in helping individuals recognize and build upon their inherent strengths to overcome life’s obstacles. Caitlin is actively completing continuing education in mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques, grief counseling, and somatic trauma techniques, to further enhance the care she provides.
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Outside of her professional work, she volunteers with local mutual aid efforts and enjoys spending time traveling, reading, and gardening.
Caitlin's Areas of Focus:​​​​​
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Trauma
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Addictions
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LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
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Grief​​
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Coping with Chronic Illness
$60 per 45-50 minute session - $80 for the initial session
Bailey Wielhouwer
Bailey is a graduate student currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University. Bailey earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Victimology from Stockton University, which has shaped her trauma-informed lens and furthered her understanding of the systemic and interpersonal impacts of trauma, violence, and victimization.
Bailey has experience and training as a Youth Advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness as well as being a New Jersey Certified Sexual and Domestic Violence Advocate. These experiences have strengthened her ability to create a safe and empowering space where clients feel they can be validated and respected.
Working with children and adolescents has always been a passion of Bailey’s and she addresses the unique challenges they face by approaching them with empathy and curiosity. She is currently pursuing advanced training in Play Therapy to further her skillset in providing care to this population.
Bailey believes that counseling is not a one-size-fits-all practice, and she recognizes and honors the individuality of each person who walks into the therapy space. Her therapeutic approach draws from a variety of different frameworks including person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed care. Her goal is to create a safe space where each client feels seen and understood while walking alongside them in their healing journey at their own pace and in their own direction.
Outside of her clinical work, Bailey enjoys singing, listening to music, and traveling! She finds music to be a powerful form of expression and hopes to one day pursue training in music therapy. She also loves taking small weekend getaways and hopes to travel to all 50 states in her lifetime!
Bailey's Areas of Focus:​​​​​
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Trauma
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Children & Adolescents
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Domestic Violence​​
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​Sexual Assault
Fee: $60 per 45-50 minute session - $80 for the initial 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!
