Meet our Team
Kristina Silvestry (she/her), MA, NCC, LPC, ACS, CCTP, RYT-500
Owner, Therapist, Yoga Instructor
Kristina Silvestry is the founding director of Peace of Mind Yoga, Counseling, and Wellness Center. Kristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, nationally board certified with a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Marywood University, and a current volunteer confidential sexual violence advocate. Click here to sign up for classes with Kristina.
-
In 2008, under the guidance of Ruth Castellano, Kristina was introduced to Sandplay Therapy, a Jungian-based counseling modality that was instrumental to her growth both professionally and personally.
Furthering her studies, she became trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and obtained her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional designation. These modalities allow Kris to connect and provide a safe space for people working through multiple life experiences.
Over the years, Kris has committed her professional work to non-profit organizations in the trauma field as a counselor or supervisor. While working within the field, Kristina was able to identify the need for a holistic method, including body, mind, and spirit. The impact of her experiences motivated her to research yoga schools. Through NJ Yoga Teacher Training under Stephanie Parcells, Donna D'Onofrio, and Cindy Romano, Kristina earned her 500-hour yoga teacher certification.
Wanting to deepen her knowledge, Kristina engaged in a week-long teacher immersion with world-renowned yoga teacher Seane Corn through Spirit Speaks. Through this training, Kristina learned how to tap into the Jungian philosophies and combine them with the eight limbs of yoga to create a more profound flow sequence while teaching.
After YTT, Kristina obtained her 50-Hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Certification through BodyWise Foundation. BodyWise Foundation offers trauma-informed yoga programs, professional trainings, and international aid to facilitate healing trauma.
In May 2020, Kris was certified with the Accessible Yoga Training Academy with Jivana Heyman, Amber Karnes, Kelley Palmer, and Susanna Barkataki. In addition, Kris recently completed Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga with Dr. Ariel Schwartz, Healing Trauma Training with Dr. Peter Levine, Integrative Somatic Therapy with The Embody Lab, A Year of Polyvagal with Deb Dana, Scott Moore's Yoga Nidra 20 hour certification, the Safe and Sound Protocol with Dr. Steven Porges, and Dr. Naomi Pagan Fox's 50 hour Yin Yoga Level 1 Training.
In addition to the in-depth trainings, Kristina is also a Reiki III practitioner, certified in Restorative and Prenatal Yoga, recipient of the Union County Woman of the Year award, and a former alternate delegate for the YWCA World Council in Zurich, Switzerland.
Wanting a location that will allow people to feel safe, accessible, and comfortable while moving and meditating, Kristina found and renovated space adjacent to the existing Peace of Mind Counseling practice. Because of this, Kristina's dreams of combining all forms of health and wellness have come to fruition.
With all of the licenses and certifications being wonderful, what is also important to know is that Kristina is a:
-Mom
-Wife
-Lifelong learner
-Swimmer in the ocean, lake, or pool
-Student of meditation and yoga
-Lover of nature
-Biker on the Peloton with Jess S., Robin, Tunde, and Alex
-Long time gardener
-Iced Mocha Enthusiast
-Listener to music, podcasts, and books on audible
-Fan of the British Baking Show
-
To speak with Kristina, please call 908-363-5535 x 101
Laura Avila, MA, NCC, LPC (she/her)
Counselor
Laura Avila is a Nationally Board Certified in Mental Health Counseling and a NJ State Certified Licensed Professional Counselor.
-
Laura has worked with substance abuse population during her internship. Laura has over 18 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and over 5 years of experience working with children.
Laura has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which enables people to heal by reconnecting the person in a safe and measured environment to images, thoughts, and sensations associated with trauma while using the natural healing powers of the brain. Laura also has knowledge in play, art, and sand play therapy.
-
To speak with Laura, please call 908-363-5535 x 104
Joelle Anderson (she/her)
Director of Client and Community Services, Yoga Instructor
Joelle Anderson, a lifelong student of movement, is a professional choreographer, dancer, teacher, and registered yoga instructor. Click here to sign up for classes with Joelle.
-
Joelle Anderson considers herself a lifelong student. Her curious nature drives her to feel the world and all it has to offer by living a colorful life full of intention and understanding. As a facilitator of movement and wellness, she is a professional choreographer, dance educator, reiki practitioner, and registered yoga instructor who is passionate about helping people connect more deeply to themselves. At Peace of Mind Yoga, Counseling, and Wellness Center Joelle is the Director of Client and Community Services as well as a yoga instructor.
She is a graduate of The Ailey School, the official school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has had the privilege of performing works by Sidra Bell, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Amy Hall, Ray Mercer, Matthew Rushing, Judine Somerville and Luis Salgado. Ms. Anderson is a former recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education, Excellence in Dance. Joelle is also a dance educator and choreographer for Middletown Dance Academy where her work has received high recognition and multiple choreographer awards throughout the years. While technique and training is often seen as the backbone of dance education, Joelle believes in connecting with her students and mentoring them on the importance of how they show up in the world.
Joelle’s continued education includes an Associates Degree in Sociology from Union County College and a 200-hour yoga teacher training from OM Factory NYC under the teachings of Taryn Vanderhoop and Blair Ritchie, as well as a 30-hour “Spirit Speak” certification under the direction of internationally recognized Seane Corn. She has also participated in both an accessible yoga training from Accessible Yoga School and a trauma-informed yoga training from BodyWise Institute, as well as multiple racial equity workshops and anti-oppression trainings facilitated by Tamu Lane. In addition to being a yoga instructor, Joelle is also a certified reiki practitioner under the mentorship of Carol Anne Patterson. She believes there is tremendous power in energy healing and is grateful to have the opportunity to share that with others.
Sarah Brown (she/her), MA, LPC, NCC
Counselor
Sarah Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey and nationally board-certified with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Sarah has over seventeen years of experience in education. Her time in education has allowed her vast experience in assisting children, adolescents, and families to navigate their way through educational and personal hurdles.
-
Throughout the years, Sarah has worked with a varied group of adults, children, and families who have experienced challenges in life, crises, trauma, and domestic violence. She has experience in group and individual counseling. Sarah was introduced to Sandplay Therapy in 2014. She believes sand allows clients to express themselves in ways they may find difficult to do in traditional talk therapy.
-
To speak with Sarah, please call 908-363-5535 x 103
Michelle Fiederer (she/her), MA, LAC
Yoga Instructor
Michelle began her yoga and meditation journey 10 years ago and immediately noticed the positive impacts these practices made on her life. Yoga and breathwork brought her peace and grounding, and she felt called to share this joy and tranquility with others.
-
Michelle graduated with her RYT 200 hour in 2015, and since has obtained certifications for yin yoga level 1, reiki level 2, and reiki holy fire level 1. In addition, Michelle graduated with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2020. For over 15 years, Michelle has worked in the mental health field with trauma survivors of all ages, including but not limited to domestic violence.
In her spare time Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and spending time outdoors in the garden or with her dog. She has a passion for supporting clients on their wellness journey, and welcomes you to come join this practice with her!
Brianna Cheringal (she/her), MA, LSW
Therapist
Bio coming soon!
Catarina Coimbra (she/her)
Yoga Instructor + Front Desk
Catarina has been practicing yoga for 8 years, but began going deeper into her yoga journey a couple of years ago finding its effects to be extremely transformative. Since then she has gotten her certification and plans to continue learning and expanding her knowledge on yoga. She offers classes that focus mainly on mind, body, and soul connection.
Kathryn Haber (she/her)
Director of Social Media
Bio coming soon!
Danielle Heitmann (she/her), MSW, LCSW, MA
Therapist
Danielle Heitmann is a clinical social worker with a background in complex trauma treatment and spirituality. In addition, Danielle has a Certificate in Narrative Therapy, which helps her offer people ways of finding deeper meaning and, therefore, more possibilities in life. True to the narrative tradition, Danielle believes that people are more than their problems, and she draws on people’s unique strengths to facilitate transformation.
-
In addition to her narrative perspective, Danielle utilizes an approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Danielle has also completed a year-long fellowship from the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute & Society, as well as courses in Organizational Psychology, Mentalization-Based Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, and more. She is always seeking to learn more about the art and science of psychotherapy so that she can provide outstanding care to those to whom she has the privilege to listen.
-
To speak with Danielle, please call 908-363-5535 x 112.
Tamu King (she/her), MA
Racial Justice Consultant
Tamu King has worked in the field of domestic violence, sexual assault, and mental health for over 15 years. She has also been given the charge to help individuals understand how racism continues to affect us and the need to shift our thoughts to make a change in this world. Tamu is committed to education; she has a bachelor’s degree in psychology & master’s degree in counseling psychology. Tamu is currently the CEO of The Changed Mind, which was formed to create wellness worldwide: Mind Body & Soul, LLC. She is also a Professor at Stockton University, where she teaches women to find their voice. Tamu would have never imagined that speaking across the US on many topics would be her passion. She is committed to being a light to others. Tamu strives to make a difference in the world through her knowledge and compassion for people.
Brynanna Murray (she/her)
Pilates Instructor
Bryanna offers a Mat Pilates. This class is a strengthening and lengthening form of exercise that focuses on your core muscles, while also training your arms and legs.
Josie O’Brien (she/her)
Front Desk Manager
Bio coming soon
-
To speak with Josie, please call 908-363-1825.
Maria Wachtel (she/her)
Yoga Instructor + Front Desk
Maria began her yoga journey in earnest when she trained as a health coach. Through this training she learned to importance of movement and mindfulness for the health of her and her family. This realization inspired her to become a yoga instructor and share her love of yoga with students of all ages.
Maria completed her 200HR YTT in 2020. She has since completed certifications in Yin Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, and Children’s Yoga. She is Reiki level 1 and 2 certified and also work as an Integrative Nutrition and Health Coach.
Katherine Omoifo (she/her), MA, LPC, NCC
Counselor
Katherine is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey. Over the years, Katherine has worked with a diverse group of adults, adolescents, and families. As a counselor, Katherine is dedicated to helping her clients navigate through difficult times and achieve their goals.
-
Her clinical experience includes counseling children, adolescents, and adults. Katherine provides individual and group counseling. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral problems and social skills issues. She utilizes various treatment approaches such as CBT, EMDR, Psycho-education and Sandplay therapy. Katherine integrates these approaches to provide for the unique needs of each individual.
Her counseling philosophy is to help clients adjust to challenges and life transitions. Katherine's goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental environment that allows the clients to grow mentally, emotionally and live healthy lives.
-
To speak with Katherine, please call 908-363-5535 x 102
Erica Russo (she/her)
Yoga Instructor
Bio
Erica Russo (she/her)
Yoga Instructor
Amanda Starcev (she/her), MA, LSW
Therapist
Amanda is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of New Jersey with particular focus on the treatment of trauma. She has working knowledge and therapeutic experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families of diverse ethnic groups.
-
Amanda works from various modalities and utilizes an array of clinical techniques but has formal training in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Amanda believes that life can be difficult and painful yet joyful and liberating. Developing coping skills, exploring and embracing oneself, and cultivating strength are essential. Amanda is dedicated to helping her clients navigate these sacred spaces to find deeper meaning, overcome personal, relational, and life challenges, and achieve their unique goals.
-
To speak with Amanda, please call 908-363-5535 x 108
“Peace of Mind Yoga is great! I love the multiple class offerings and the flexible packages. Online classes are so convenient. The instructors are friendly and take the time to get to know you. And the workshops are fun and informative. Try it!”
— Client