Meet our team of trauma-based therapists and yoga instructors
Kristina Silvestry (She/Her), MA, NCC, LPC, ACS, CCTP, RYT-500
Owner, IFS and EMDR 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.
*Kris is currently accepting appointments for Safe and Sound Protocol IFS and EMDR Intensives. Click here to set up your 15-minute consultation.
Click here to sign up for yoga classes with Kristina.
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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-Hour 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. Arielle 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. Stephen Porges, and Dr. Naomi Pagán Fox’s 50-Hour Yin Yoga Level 1 Training. Kris is also trained in sound healing.
Kris has also completed over 500 hours of somatic therapy training and is a graduate of Level 1 Internal Family Systems (IFS) training through the IFS Institute, deepening her work in parts-based healing and embodied emotional integration.
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 would 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 dream of combining all forms of health and wellness has 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, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking (And no, we all don’t act like Jimmy 🙂)
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Book your 15-minute EMDR Intensive or Safe & Sound Protocol consultation with Kris here.
To speak with Kristina, please call 908-363-5535 x 101
Joelle Anderson (She/Her)
Director of Community Engagement & Program Development + Yoga Instructor
Joelle Anderson, a lifelong student of movement, is a professional choreographer, dancer, teacher, and registered yoga instructor.
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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 trained in sound healing.
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.
Carin Blatteis, LCSW
Counselor
Carin Blatteis L.C.S.W. is a graduate of Fordham University School of Social Work and has devoted her professional career to working with adolescents, young adults and families as both a psychotherapist and an advocate. Carin’s focus is treating clients through a holistic framework and using an integrative approach to therapy. Carin was trained in DBT by Behavioral Tech, LLC and in addition to the foundational training, has completed training for multi-problem adolescents as well as DBT-PTSD.
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Carin’s background includes working for a non-profit agency where she counseled families involved in the child welfare system, providing group therapy at a partial hospitalization program, conducting in home therapy and providing adherent Dialectical Behavior Therapy to anxious, depressed and suicidal individuals. Through Rutgers University, Carin holds certifications in case management and child and adolescent mental health. Carin became certified as a Nutritional Health Coach in 2013, a Yoga instructor in 2015 and completed her 500 hour yoga training in 2024. In addition, Carin is trained and certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) as well as SPACE for ARFID and FTL. Carin is certified as a School Social Worker, a Field Instructor for social work students and is also a certified Holistic Health Coach. Through her compassionate and collaborative style, Carin is dedicated to helping others achieve their well-being and create their best self. In her spare time, Carin enjoys cooking, exercising, trying new restaurants, reading, watching documentaries, and spending time with her family and dog
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To speak with Carin please call (908) 363-5535 ×102
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.
*Sarah is not currently accepting new clients
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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. Sarah is also trained in sound healing.
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To speak with Sarah, please call 908-363-5535 x 103
Krupa Choski
Yoga Instructor
Bio Coming soon
Jalene Coss
Counselor
Bio Coming Soon
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To speak with Jalene, please call 908-363-5535 × 113
Danielle Grossano (She/Her), MSW, LCSW, MA
Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Danielle Grossano 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.
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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.
Danielle specializes in trauma/PTSD/complex trauma, anxiety, grief/loss, religion/spirituality, and relationships. She works with all ages, from children through older adults. Danielle is trained in Narrative Therapy, EMDR, and Sandplay Therapy.
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To speak with Danielle, please call 908-363-5535 x 112.
Whitney Hendrickson, LSW
Therapist
Whitney Hendrickson, LSW, is a therapist at Peace of Mind Yoga, Counseling, & Wellness Center. She is also a Mental Health Trainer with the Career Connection Employment Resource Institute (CCERI) at the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHANJ). She has over ten years of experience working in mental health with clients from diverse backgrounds.
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Whitney’s expertise includes person-centered care, case management, advocacy, and trauma-informed practices. She is passionate about fostering resilience, promoting a strengths-based approach, and providing a safe space for others to heal, transform, and grow.
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To speak with Whitney, please call 908-363-5535 × 115
Nicolette Kelly (She/Her)
Yoga Therapist Candidate
Nicolette discovered yoga in 2020 during the pandemic and quickly noticed its profound impact on her mental health. What began as a hobby soon became a lifeline, a way back to herself amid the chaos both within and around her. Her teaching is grounded in creating a spacious and supportive container where students can come as they are, explore their own healing, and reconnect with themselves.
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In 2023, she completed her RYT 200 training at Gayatri Yoga in Tenerife, Spain. Wanting to help others find the same sense of relief that yoga offered her, she completed the Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery training through the Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) in 2024. She continues to volunteer with VYP as the New Jersey State Outreach Coordinator.
Guided by a deep passion for integrating yoga as a resource to support mental health and emotional well-being, Nicolette is currently pursuing her 800-hour yoga therapy certification and has recently completed her 300-hour Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga certification.
Nicolette is also trained in sound healing by Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and enjoys weaving sound instruments into her classes to deepen relaxation. She looks forward to continuing to evolve both as a teacher and a student, excited to see where her yoga journey leads next.
Mackenzie Koedding (She/Her)
Front Desk Staff
Bio coming soon
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.
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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.
Josie O’Brien (She/Her)
Operations and Community Development Coordinator
Bio coming soon
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To speak with Josie, please call 908-363-5535 x 110
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.
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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.
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To speak with Katherine, please call 908-363-5535 x 102
Laura Perez, MA, LPC (She/Her)
Counselor
Laura Perez is a Nationally Board Certified in Mental Health Counseling and a NJ State Certified Licensed Professional Counselor.
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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. Laura is also trained in sound healing.
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To speak with Laura, please call 908-363-5535 x 104
Maria Wachtel (She/Her)
Yoga Instructor & Front Desk Staff
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.
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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.
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Pursuing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The College of New Jersey, Melanie aims to become a mental health therapist. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, she integrates her knowledge of mental health with her passion for yoga, creating a supportive environment for her students..
Mel Zayas (She/Her)
Yoga Instructor & Front Desk Staff
Melanie Zayas is a dedicated yoga instructor specializing in trauma-informed classes that emphasize mindfulness and body awareness. Certified in Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, she currently teaches a variety of styles.
“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