Meet Our Team

A woman with long gray hair smiling in front of a light-colored wall, wearing a white embroidered blouse. Dr. Mercedes Paine M.D.

Mercedes A Paine, MD

Mercedes A Paine, MD is a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She received her medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra and completed her training at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University. Her approach to patients is characterized by an integrative understanding of biological as well as psychosocial and environmental factors. She incorporates psychotherapy, pharmacological management as well as other individualized approaches in treating each patient as a whole person. Her approach is strongly influenced by the belief that the mind, body & spirit work best when in concert.

Dr. Paine specializes in the diagnosis, treatment & management of Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Disruptive Behavioral Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders as well as Schizophrenia & Personality Disorders. Dr. Paine provides ongoing consultation & clinical support services to schools and child study teams.

Dr. Paine is an intuitive, empathic, and compassionate physician with expertise in identifying maladaptive patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior. Committed to a collaborative therapeutic process, Dr. Paine partners with each patient to establish clear, mutually defined goals and provides ongoing support to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, fair skin, and light-colored eyes, smiling gently. She wears a colorful, patterned blouse and stands against a light background. Heidi Flax MA LPC LMFT

Heidi Flax, MA LPC LMFT

Heidi Flax is a licensed marriage and family psychotherapist with a degree from New York University, who has been working with families, children, adolescents, adults and couples for over 30 years.

Many people pursue therapy to overcome obstacles that hinder their personal progress. In her work with families, she has a particular aptitude for connecting with adolescents and teens who are struggling. Often families enter treatment during a crisis and need support to establish clearer, realistic goals. Her experience across mental health, education, and private practice informs a flexible, versatile approach to treatment.

Heidi emphasizes the mind–body connection as central to personal growth. Therapeutic use of relaxation, yoga, and hypnotherapy effectively reduces stress and anxiety while supporting goal development. Incorporating targeted mindfulness techniques enhances self-awareness and promotes lasting change.

A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a blue floral dress with cut-out shoulders, a silver necklace, and earrings, smiling gently against a plain light background. Cathy Gilio LCSW

Cathy Gilio, LCSW

Cathy Gilio is a licensed clinical social worker with a graduate degree from New York University. She is an experienced clinician with over 20 years of practice in a variety of settings, including schools, treatment facilities, hospitals, partial care and substance abuse centers. In her current practice, she specializes in treating children as young as age 3, adolescents and families.

As an EMDR trained therapist, Cathy has expertise in working with trauma and anxiety.

In her work, an understanding of the connection between mind and body is addressed with the use of mindfulness techniques, Somatic Experience, Sensory Motor Therapy and Relaxation. Cathy brings to the relationship a warmth and sense of humor which fosters a safe, nurturing environment for healing.

A woman taking a selfie, standing in front of a colorful abstract painting. She has dark hair pulled back, light makeup, and is wearing a white blouse with a black floral pattern and large white earrings. Annamaria Palante LCSW

Annamaria Palante, LCSW

Annamaria Palante proudly graduated from Montclair State University with a distinguished dual undergraduate degree in both Psychology and Criminal Justice. Following this impressive academic achievement, she went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Science and Social Work from Columbia University. In her professional practice, Annamaria provides both individual and group therapy for a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents, and adults. She is dedicated to treating a variety of emotional and behavioral disorders, which include but are not limited to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Autism, and Grief.

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Mary Huss Zetelski, LCSW

Mary Huss Zetelski is an LCSW with over 20 years of experience working in schools, medical settings and private practice. Utilizing hypnotherapy, internal family systems and post partum support, Mary helps children, adults and seniors facing life's transitions from birth to death. As a certified supervisor for interns and social workers, Mary also assists in preparing towards licensing and SW hours. Holding certifications in EMDR, Bowen Family Systems, Grief Therapy & an advanced certification in Hospice & Palliative Care, Mary helps facilitate healing from trauma, loss and illness through individual family and group therapy.

A man with dark, curly hair and a beard, wearing a blue suit jacket and a light blue shirt, smiling at the camera against a white background. Juan Carlos Morel LSW

Juan Carlos Morel, LSW

Juan Carlos Morel is a licensed Social Worker who specializes in Trauma- Focused Therapy with adolescents and adults. Juan Carlos works with victims and perpetrators of Domestic Violence, challenging belief systems that normalize abuse to create healthy relationships and behavior changes.

He is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, and EMDR and has experience working with neurodivergent adolescents and young adults. Using a research based approach and employing techniques encouraging individuals to explore and develop a sense of hope and empowerment, Juan Carlos uses each individuals’ strengths and abilities to transcend life's challenges.

Juan Carlos brings energy, positivity and spiritual healing within the therapeutic experience providing a safe and nurturing environment. He is passionate about baseball, basketball, literature, and music, and is deeply committed to the thoughtful advancement of mental health.

A smiling middle-aged woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a white shirt with thin vertical stripes, and a delicate gold necklace. Laura Robinson LCSW

Laura Robinson, LCSW

Laura Robinson, LCSW obtained her MSW at NYU and has been working in the field of social work for over 25 years. As a psychotherapist, Laura has worked in a variety of settings including public and private organizations, offering her the opportunity to work with a diverse population. As a highly experienced individual, group and family therapist, Laura strives to empower her clients and meet them where they are in life utilizing a variety of treatment modalities.

Laura is trained in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive counseling, and crisis intervention. She is NASW-certified to supervise social workers pursuing their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

She has experience addressing a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, academic challenges, learning disabilities, parent guidance, family conflict, and interpersonal difficulties. Her priority is to create a safe, supportive environment for clients.