About Us
Meet Our Team
Dawn M. Raffa, Ph.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Executive Clinical Director/Founder

Dr. Raffa is Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes with children and families. She received her Ph.D in clinical psychology from Walden University, attended graduate school at Rutgers University earning a Masters of Social Work and earned her B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from Rutgers University, Douglass College. Dr. Raffa has been a licensed therapist since 2000 and is a member of the New Jersey Psychological Association, Mercer County Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, Academy of Cognitive Therapy, New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Her 20 year work history includes working as an in home family therapist and an outpatient therapist in private group practices in Northern and Central New Jersey. Dr. Raffa received specialized training in structural family therapy from the Minuchin Center for the Family in New York, NY and from the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center. She also completed Gottman level one training for treatment with couples. In addition, she trained at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, PA to become a certified diplomate of cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Raffa conducts psychological, ADHD and psychoeducational evaluations and is certified in biofeedback. She attended 40 hours of Divorce Mediation training at the Center for Mediation and Training in New York, NY and 16 hours of Collaborative Law Training to become a parent coordinator, child specialist and divorce coach and she served as a collaborating investigator on one of the task forces for the DSM-V. In addition to her background working with children/adolescents, adults, families and couples, she has a knowledge of school social work, neuropsychological testing, cognitive retraining and pain management with personal injury clients.
Dr. Raffa employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to assist patients children, adolescents, adults, couples and families and her area of expertise is in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders and childhood disorders. She specializes with women and children and incorportates a combination of technique, humor and empathy when working with her all of her clients. Dr. Raffa employs CBT, ACT and mindfulness techniques to assist patients with reframing their dysfunctional beliefs and changing their self defeating behaviors. Additionally, Dr. Raffa supervises doctoral candidates, post doctoral residents and clinical staff in the practice. Dr. Raffa utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Ecosystemic Family Therapy (ESFT) and habit reversal training, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR-Level One) and Gottman Level Two Training.
Tara Calafiore, Psy.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Director

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.
Maria Giordano, LMFT, LCSW, ACSW
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Assistant Clinical Director

The therapeutic experience is an important healing process and different for everyone. Maria guides clients through their personal process encouraging self-awareness and empowerment. Her clinical orientation and style of practice is psychodynamic and holistic (mind, body, spirit). It includes but is not limited to Jungian theory where wholeness is worked toward by the integration of the past and present. She believes this process gives people an opportunity to learn healthier coping skills through insight and other wellness practices. A client can understand how past unresolved hurts, angers, disappointments, and losses affect their experiences and behaviors in the present. Maria’s clinical practice includes work with individuals, groups, couples and families . She has an eclectic background which includes counseling needs related to relationships, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, separation and divorce, and other life adjustment/transition concerns., such as aging. Special interest includes Women’s Health and Wellness ,and issues related to women growing older, especially those within the Baby Boomer Generation. Her experience spans 30+ years in a variety of mental health settings as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Maria holds a Certification with the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and was inducted into the Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society. Maria is a graduate of Seton Hall University and Rutgers, The State University and have been an Adjunct Faculty at Seton Hall University for the past 20 years where she teaches Social Science courses and works with Student Athletes.
Lyn Watson, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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.
Alyssa Catuogno, Psy.D, NCSP
Post Doctoral Resident

Dr. Alyssa B. Catuogno is a post-doctoral fellow providing services in the Pennington location. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2010, her Master’s of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University in 2013, her Master’s of Science in School Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2015, and her Doctorate of Psychology in School Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2017. Dr. Catuogno has experience working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, autism, developmental delays, substance use, LGBTQ, and suicidal ideations. She is also widely versed in the area of psychological assessment. Dr. Catuogno has experience working with clients from toddlerhood to adulthood and in a variety of settings including; schools, inpatient treatment centers, and traditional outpatient facilities. In addition, she has given multiple presentations on evidence based treatments, specifically mindfulness-based interventions, at the Florida Association of School Psychology (FASP) and the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) conferences. She is also an active member of the New Jersey Association of School Psychology (NJASP).
Catarina Martins, LPC, NCC
Lead Clinician, Licensed Professional Counselor

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!
Juliana Collins, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Juliana Collins is a Licensed Social Worker providing services at our Philadelphia location. 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 has worked with clients on a large range of presenting issues, including substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, major depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma, sexual and domestic violence, and community violence. Juliana is skilled in Dialectical Behavior Therapy practices (including mindfulness-based practices), trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, sexual assault counseling, and substance abuse therapy. Juliana’s treatment emphasizes strengths and person-centered approaches, believing in the resilience and individuality of each client. Her work is both passionate and empathetic, fostering a safe and inclusive space where individuals can be who they are without fear of judgment. In addition, Juliana is collecting her clinical hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well learning how to further incorporate spirituality in her counseling through Reiki and meditation.
Rachel Andrews, LSW
Licensed Social Worker

Rachel Andrews is a Licensed Social Worker providing services to children, adolescents, and adults at our Marlton location. Rachel obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Rutgers University, as well as two additional degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies. 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 Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as anxiety disorders, major depression, and trauma. In addition to this Rachel has worked with clients on a wide range of presenting issues including autism, anger management, behavioral concerns, ADHD, mood disorders, sexual and domestic violence, self-esteem, chronic illness, self-harm, learning difficulties, and family conflict. She is also widely versed in career counselling through her work in college admissions. Rachel’s clinical interests include trauma, women’s issues, and healthy sexuality; including helping survivors of sexual trauma develop a positive view of sex and sexuality.
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 and building a trusting and supportive environment, believing that clients are the experts in themselves.
Rachel is currently collecting hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games and watching Marvel movies with Penny, her pet bird.
Anna Lisk, LSW
Licensed Social Worker

Anna is a Licensed Social Worker with over 10 years of experience. Anna obtained her Bachelors in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Kean University and her Masters in Clinical Social Work with Children and Families from Monmouth University. Anna has worked with diverse populations. Her experience includes residential treatment, adult and adolescent substance abuse, mood disorders, anxiety, grief and trauma.
Anna works in a strengths based perspective to help individuals recognize their own resiliency; catering her approach to the individual in order to address their needs in the most effective way. Anna employs aspects of art, play and music therapy to engage individuals from children to young adults and families.
Anna is currently collecting hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is always looking to learn new skills and enhance current skills to best help her clients.
Lindsay Linebarger, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lindsay Linebarger, LCSW, earned her undergraduate degree in social work at Fordham University and her graduate degree in social work at Columbia University. There, she focused on clinical social work in a school setting. Lindsay has worked in therapeutic schools and community mental health settings for over five years. Lindsay utilizes mindfulness techniques and acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as aspects of CBT and DBT.
Lindsay helps each client understand their needs and become their own advocate and best friend. She supports clients in building lives that align with their values and goals, all while practicing self-compassion. She believes that the greatest gift she can give her clients is a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Lindsay is a yoga instructor and meditation practitioner. She specializes in life transitions and works in our Pennington, NJ office.
Melanie Lowe Hoffman, LSW, MSW, MPA
Licensed Social Worker

Melanie is a Licensed 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.
Alex Epply-Schmidt, LSW
Licensed Social Worker

Alex Epply-Schmidt is a licensed 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.
Samantha Rich, NCC
National Certified Counselor

Samantha Rich is an eclectic person-centered therapist who works in the Philadelphia office. She graduated from Villanova University with a master’s degree in counseling, and she is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) working to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Prior to becoming a therapist, Samantha worked as a middle school teacher for five years. She is a trauma-informed therapist who has experience treating mood disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and adjustment disorders related to life’s many transitions.
Samantha uses interventions from multiple evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, Imago Couples Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She has experience working with adolescents and adults in individual therapy, as well as experience in both family and couples counseling. She provides LGBT-affirming and multiculturally competent care and will work to connect clients with community resources that meet their needs.
Therapy with Samantha is a collaborative process; she will meet you wherever you are and will support you in reaching your therapeutic and personal goals.
Minnie Blackman, LSW
Licensed Social Worker

Minnie is a Licensed 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.
Samantha Banjany, LSW
Licensed Social Worker

Samantha Banjany is a licensed social worker in our Marlton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA offices who works with individuals across the lifespan by providing a trusting and supportive environment. Samantha specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral concerns, autism, and trauma. Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing, Samantha uses a client centered and trauma informed approach to therapy. Samantha obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fordham University and graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University. Her experience includes working with children and adults in the community, school, and home settings.
Samantha is currently pursuing hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Cody Watters, LSW
Licensed Social Worker

Cody is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 10 years of therapeutic experience. Cody obtained both his Bachelor of Social Work and his Master of Social Work with a Concentration in Clinical Practice with Families and Children from Monmouth University. Cody has worked in a range of settings, including adolescent residential treatment, adolescent and adult partial hospitalization, and adolescent and adult intensive outpatient levels of care. He has experience in treating substance use, mood disorders, grief, trauma, and family dynamics.
Cody utilizes a person centered approach, incorporating a strengths based perspective to assist individuals in the therapeutic process. Cody historically uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, with focus on emotional regulation techniques, mindfulness, and radical acceptance skills.
Cody is currently in the process of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is invested in the concept that therapeutic services should always be individualized towards the specific person, and that all concerns brought to therapy are valid and important. Cody puts emphasis on building a therapeutic rapport that provides an environment where one can feel free to express themselves without judgement.
Alexandria Eliff, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

Alex Eliff (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor in our Philadelphia officewho provides therapeutic services for children, families, and individuals, who experience an array of presenting issues. Alex received her Master of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling from Thomas Jefferson University, where she developed skills in incorporating a trauma-focused approach into her practice. Alex’s professional work includes providing individual and family therapy, experience in crisis intervention in domestic violence, and working in inpatient settings providing individual and group therapy.
Alex supports her clients through interventions including family systems interventions, CBT, and Mindfulness Techniques. Alex provides a therapeutic space that supports rapport-building and builds upon clients’ strengths. A client telling their story may be difficult, but everyone’s story is important, and as a therapist, Alex looks forward to supporting her clients in their journey.
Three Convenient Office Locations!
Marlton, NJ
5 Greentree Center
525 Route 73 North, Suite 107
Marlton, NJ 08053
525 Route 73 North, Suite 107
Marlton, NJ 08053
Pennington, NJ
2 Tree Farm Road
Suite A-220
Pennington, NJ 08534
Suite A-220
Pennington, NJ 08534
Philadelphia, PA
1628 JFK Boulevard
Suite 1003
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Suite 1003
Philadelphia, PA 19103