Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree — The College of New Jersey (elementary education and psychology)
- Master’s degree in social work — Rutgers University
- Children and Adolescent Certificate — Rutgers University
Specialties
Elina works with children, teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, self-esteem concerns and school related issues. She is passionate about helping school aged clients navigate challenges in and outside of the classroom. Her goal is for clients to feel empowered, supported and prepared with tools for life's challenges.
After spending three years as an elementary school teacher, Elina realized she wanted to shift her focus from academics to mental health. In her own classroom, she saw bright, capable children who needed the skills to manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. She believes that inner monologues can be very isolating and is dedicated to helping people feel like they are never alone.
Why She Chose This Work
Elina's approach is warm, creative, and collaborative. She works alongside clients to build a personalized toolbox of coping skills and strategies that fit their unique needs and strengths. She integrates CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation into her work. Drawing from her experience as an educator, Elina often incorporates hands-on activities into sessions, such as making visual reminders that clients can take home. Her goal is to make therapy engaging, and practical while helping clients build confidence that extends beyond the therapy room.
Kaitlynn’s Approach
A little about Elina
She enjoys creative and mindful interests such as scrapbooking, photography, poetry as well as walking, reading and meditating. She’s written over 200 poems!
