Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director

Tara Calafiore, Psy.D

Dr. Calafiore is a licensed clinical Psychologist providing services in all three of our locations; Pennington, Marlton and Philadelphia. Dr. Calafiore has been with Inner Balance since 2014 and provides evidence-based treatment and assessment for Adults, Children, Families and Couples. Dr. Calafiore received her Psy.D. in Combined and Integrated Clinical and School Psychology from Kean University. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings including; inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, schools and traditional outpatient facilities. Dr. Calafiore has expertise in providing evidenced-based treatment to children, adolescent, adults, and families and has received specific training in the acceptance and commitment therapies and mindfulness interventions. Dr. Calafiore’s treatment approach emphasizes behavioral change in the service of her clients’ stated goals. Dr. Calafiore specializes in the treatment of behavioral disorders in children adolescent and adults, including anger regulation. She has given presentations on evidenced based treatments and practices at the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) and the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) conferences. Dr. Calafiore is currently licensed as a Psychologist In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She is also licensed as a New Jersey school psychologist and is proficient in providing psychological assessment for both children and adults.

Lead Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lyn Watson, LCSW

Lyn Watson is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Many of the children she has seen have been identified as struggling with anxiety, attention, hyperactivity, defiance, self-esteem, depression, and trauma. She also works with adults to manage life transitions, difficulties in relationships, and the challenges of parenthood. Using various modalities, Lyn’s focus in therapy is to help individuals and families recognize their own strengths and develop bonds that promote a positive sense of well- being.

Lyn graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her experience includes multiple years of working in community residential and college counseling settings. She has worked with a wide range of diverse populations and in recent years has focused on assisting women, children, and families with recognizing their full potential using a person- centered approach to therapy.

Lead Clinician, Licensed Professional Counselor

Catarina Martins, LPC, NCC

Some of the scariest moments in life are when we feel as though we are losing or have lost control, and I hope to assist you in getting through the chaos. By providing a safe, non-judgmental, and encouraging environment, my goal is to support you in creating a life in alignment with your values and who you would like to be.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in NJ and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), with a master’s degree in counseling from Caldwell University from 2017, as well as experience with CBT, REBT, and ACT techniques, I am confident in my ability to walk with you through the process self-discovery.

I hope to hear from you soon; in the meantime, I will be crafting, reading, spending time with family, friends, my partner, and my cat!

Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Juliana Collins, LCSW, CCTP

Juliana Collins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth services to both PA and NJ clients. Juliana obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Temple University and her Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration from the University of Pennsylvania. Juliana enjoys working with clients on a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, parenthood, grief, trauma and PTSD, sexual violence, LGBTQ+ concerns, and gun and community violence. She is a certified PE (Prolonged Exposure) therapist so that she can more effectively treat PTSD in her clients. She is also a trained birth doula and former staff writer with Therapy for Black Girls. Juliana’s work is both passionate and empathetic, fostering a safe and inclusive space where individuals can be who they are without fear of judgment. She is committed to developing an authentic, transparent, and trusting relationship with each individual that she works with so that you feel comfortable being open. Her treatment emphasizes strengths and person-centered approaches, believing in the resiliency and individuality of each client, that you are your own expert. Juliana identifies as a life-long learner, and is therefore always engaged in literature and trainings that can strengthen her practice. She is particularly interested in further incorporating meditation practices and Reiki in her sessions.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rachel Andrews, LCSW, CCTP

Rachel Andrews is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing services to children, adolescents, and adults at our Marlton location. Rachel obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Rutgers University with two additional degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies, and she obtained her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Through her clinical work Rachel has developed extensive experience in working with young women with anxiety, trauma, and issues concerning relationships and sexuality. Rachel has eclectic experience as a therapist having worked with men and women ages 7 and up on concerns including breakups and divorce, intimate partner violence, anger, and self esteem. Though she enjoys working with many populations, Rachel has a passion for helping survivors of abuse and trauma rediscover their identities and learn to trust themselves as their own greatest ally.

Through her extensive work in crisis settings, Rachel understands the importance of meeting clients where they are and tailoring her approach to meet their unique needs. Rachel brings an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Psychoeducation. Rachel’s approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, building a supportive – also very goofy – environment. Rachel can be described as relaxed and informal, but firm when needed.

Outside of work Rachel enjoys cooking, gaming, and binge-watching Marvel movies with her pet birds, Penny and Oz.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Melanie Lowe Hoffman, LCSW, MSW, MPA

Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in our Pennington, NJ office. She earned her social work degree from Rutgers University School of Social Work. Melanie is also certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

Finding a therapist can be hard and intimidating; even starting a search can involve marshaling real courage. However, in searching for a therapist, Melanie believes reaching out for help is also an act of hope, an acknowledgement that change is possible.

What would therapy be like with Melanie? She takes a compassionate, holistic, and empathetic approach to counseling. When the time is right, she integrates humor as a way of finding levity even in life’s hardest moments. Her aim is to emphasize solutions and strengths as clients navigate what brought them to therapy. More specifically, Melanie utilizes a number of therapeutic interventions to help clients meet their goals. Some of these include: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and compassion and mindfulness interventions.

Melanie has experience working with anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, borderline personality disorder, life/career transitions, and women’s issues. She believes all clients deserve kindness and the highest level of care regardless of their age, race, or gender identity.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Alex Epply-Schmidt, LCSW

Alex Epply-Schmidt is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s degree in clinical social work from Bryn Mawr College. Alex has worked with a range of clients at challenging stages in life at: the Good Grief Support Center, Burlington County Alternative School, and, most recently, Princeton University’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Alex provides services in our Marlton and Pennington, NJ offices.

When working with immediate areas of concern for clients, Alex uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients develop problem-solving skills, determine personal goals and reduce stress and anxiety. For clients addressing unresolved difficult past experiences, Alex uses psychodynamic Attachment Theory.

Alex has a particular interest in helping adolescents develop insights and skills to create a personally meaningful life. He has experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, academic stress, and relationship difficulties. Alex has received training in counseling for grief and other forms of loss, and mental health support for children and adolescents affected by COVID.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Melissa (“Minnie”) Blackman, LCSW

Minnie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in our Marlton, NJ office with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Minnie has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, and families seeking support for trauma-related issues, anxiety disorders, LGBTQIA issues, substance use, and somatic symptoms of stress and anxiety. Minnie works through a trauma-informed lens and often employs interventions such as Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Somatic and Mindfulness skills to empower her clients to meet their personal goals. Minnie has a high level of expertise with creating a safe therapeutic space both in person and via telehealth. Minnie believes that investing in the therapeutic relationship and providing safety, consistency, and compassion to her clients are the keys to growth and transformation. Minnie prides herself on her capacity to have collaborative, mutually respectful, and at times silly, relationships with her clients, colleagues and friends. Minnie is an art lover, and enjoys drawing and painting in her free time.

Licensed Social Worker

Eden Anozier, LSW

Eden is a trauma-informed, EMDR trained, Licensed Social Worker who provides services for adults at our Philadelphia, PA office and virtually in New Jersey. Eden earned their Master of Social Sciences from Bryn Mawr College and has since gone on to support a wide variety of clients with challenges including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, dissociative symptoms, parenting, and sexuality. They are particularly interested in supporting the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

Eden cultivates a strengths-based, person-focused therapeutic space that is rooted in non-judgment. Using a psychodynamic approach, Eden collaborates with clients to address the root of their challenges. They utilize multiple modalities in their approach including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Eden is passionate about channeling their innate compassion and ability to garner trust into their role as a therapist. Their greatest reward is helping clients deepen their understanding of themselves, empowering them to accomplish their self-identified goals, and creating a safe space to grow and thrive.

Licensed Associate Counselor

Kristina Hill, LAC

Kristina is a Licensed Associate Counselor who provides services at our Pennington and Marlton, NJ offices. She received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider University.

Kristina has worked in a range of clinical settings, including residential treatment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with acute behavioral issues as well as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for adults and adolescents with eating disorders. She has also provided support to adults with autism as a direct support professional, community job coach, and medical liaison. Kristina has experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and trauma, as well as addressing challenges related to neurodivergence, relationships, gender, and sexuality.

Kristina endeavors to create a safe, accepting, and warm therapeutic space for her clients that allows them to show up as their authentic selves free of judgment. She utilizes elements of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness in her approach to counseling while recognizing the impact of both cultural identity and relationships on mental health. She is passionate about helping clients better understand themselves, reach their personal goals, and build resilience that will enable them to overcome life challenges.

In her free time Kristina loves creating art, practicing nature photography, baking, and gardening.

Licensed Social Worker

Ashley Valatka, LSW

Ashley Valatka, LSW, is a Licensed Social Worker seeing children, adolescents and adults in the Marlton, NJ office. She earned her Masters degree from Rutgers University. Ashley works with clients to assist with navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the effects of personal and familial trauma.

Her approach is collaborative, client-centered, and grounded in attachment-focused and evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and strengths-based therapy. For clients who desire it, Ashley also offers faith-based counseling, thoughtfully integrating spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process in a
respectful, client-led manner that aligns with each individual’s values.

Ashley is most passionate about strengthening the parent–child bond and supporting caregivers and their children in creating emotionally safe, attuned relationships. Working from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens, Ashley works to support the healing process through strengthening our most important bonds.