Therapists
Sarah Mello, MA, MS, LPC, ACS
she/her
Owner, Therapist
NJ#37PC00607500
Sarah is the owner and Clinical Director of Here and Now Counseling and has been in private practice since 2014. She received her counseling degree from Capella University and completed a three-year post graduate training program at The Gestalt Training Institute of Philadelphia, where she is also a member of the faculty. Sarah works with individuals ages 16 and up, couples, and families.
"I draw on my training in gestalt therapy, yoga, and creative arts in my work with clients. Ultimately, my goal is for you to find peace, a sense of wholeness and deeper satisfaction with your life."
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Couples Therapy, Divorced families, Gender Issues
Hobbies and Interests: Fiber arts, encaustic painting, and roadside attractions.
Fun Fact: I have a tattoo of The Velveteen Rabbit
Marina Bednarek, LAC
she/her
Licensed Associate Counselor
#37AC00588300
Marina Bednarek earned her Master of Arts in Counseling Degree at Stockton University in 2021. Marina is a Transgender therapist. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Marina often works with others in the LGBTQ+ community, however, she enjoys working with all populations including children 8 and older, Adolescents, and Adults.
“I find that one of the most important parts of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel heard, accepted, and valuable within our relationship. I also understand that everyone is different, and therefore, I find it valuable to use a personalized approach. I emphasize the importance of working with you, to create a goal that works best for you moving forward, so that we can work together to help you grow and flourish in a way that works best for you.”
Special Interests: LGBTQ+ Issues, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
Hobbies and Interests: Spending time with friends and family, cooking, Arts and Crafts, trying new things, and binge watching my favorite shows!
Fun Fact: I played many sports growing up before transitioning including: basketball, football, and swimming. I am also a huge Star Wars geek!
Clinical Interns
Clinical Interns are individuals who have completed the academic portion of their graduate training and are providing therapy as a part of their field training. Interns provide therapy under the supervision of the Clinical Director and their graduate faculty. Working with an intern is an affordable way to receive therapy and benefit from the background support of experienced therapists.
Sarah LaFleur, Clinical Intern
she/her
Clinical Intern
Sarah is a counselor intern, poet, and yoga teacher. Sarah is currently earning her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has a decade of experience working in addiction treatment and advocates for compassionate, non-pathologizing approaches for treating mental health issues. Sarah's style is relational, interweaving her working understanding of attachment with creative, somatic-based modalities to offer clients attunement, engagement, insight, and a sense of being understood for who they truly are.
“I help clients discover the healing capacity of the body, the power in creative expression, and the art of relationship.”
Specialities: Complex trauma, neurodivergence, ADHD, HSP, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sensitive-creatives, couples, teens
Hobbies and Interests: Dreamwork, poetry, board games, cats, coffee, yoga, astrology
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to India and can read Sanskrit!
Mariah Vargo, Clinical Intern
she/her
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Clinical Intern
Mariah earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology where she is currently in her final semester of graduate school pursuing her Master's Degree in Counseling. Mariah enjoys working with all populations, especially children and adolescents. She is looking forward to becoming an advocate for young children and promoting mental health awareness for young children.
“Therapy to me is an experience where individuals are supported and are encouraged to be comfortable with being vulnerable to promote positive change. My goal as a counselor is to provide the necessary skills and tools to allow clients to obtain and sustain their desired outcomes.”
Specialties: Children experiencing grief and/or divorce
Hobbies and Interests: guitar, bass clarinet, and piano. traveling, off roading with my Jeep, reading, cooking, and any outdoor activity.
Fun Fact: As a member of an orchestra, I was able to travel to 5 countries in Europe while playing.
Rebecca Mauro, Clinical Intern
she/her
Clinical Intern
Rebecca is currently working toward her Master's in Counseling at Stockton University. Rebecca believes incorporating mindfulness techniques can help clients move forward on their journey to growth.
"Therapy is special in that the client and therapist work in collaboration to stimulate the client's healthy personal growth and self-awareness. Every human deserves the opportunity to work toward and achieve living their lives authentically. I am most excited to make people feel seen, heard, and supported."
Special Interests: Anxiety, Couples therapy, Family therapy
Hobbies and Interests: Yoga, journaling, concerts, pets, spending time with loved ones, and spending time outdoors.
Fun Fact: I have 5 years of informal experience with active listening as I am also a bartender!
Red, Chief Morale Officer
Red does not attend in-person therapy sessions. He prefers to nap.
