MEET THE STAFF

Founder and Clinical Executive Director

Hi, I'm Michelle Pichardo, founder and Clinical Executive Director at Mindful Intentions, LLC. I have a background in Sociology from William Paterson University and went on to earn my Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University.

My journey began in community mental health, where I provided intensive therapy for children, teens, and families in crisis throughout Northern NJ. I’ve also worked with newborns to age three as a Developmental Interventionist, helping them through Early Intervention services. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of teaching sociology as an adjunct professor at both William Paterson University and Montclair State University.

Today, I specialize in supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and various women’s issues related to relationships, self-esteem, and body image. I have a particular focus on working with mothers, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, and NJ Trauma Certified Therapist, I’m deeply passionate about the power of therapy to transform lives and the importance of mental health across all ages.

Outside of work, you'll often find me outdoors or lost in a good book. I’m an avid reader and actively participate in several book clubs in NJ, including hosting the Thriving Through Books Book Club. I love gardening, yoga, hiking, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

My mission is to empower individuals to navigate their challenges and make meaningful changes that lead to a more fulfilling life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Credentialed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor and Certified Clinical Trauma Provider.  I have ten years of experience in the field, working with both adolescents and adults and helping them to make progress towards their mental health and substance use goals.  I also provide clinical supervision for Licensed Associate Counselors as they pursue full licensure. 

 I utilize a strengths based approach, integrating  motivational interviewing, CBT & DBT when working with clients.  I believe that with deeper understanding into who and why we are, we can create meaningful change and work towards becoming our healthiest selves. I am a big believer of "do what you can with what you have where you are". I meet clients where they are and work alongside them so that they may gain insight into themselves and make change. My goal is that clients walk away from sessions feeling supported, challenged, and empowered to take action so that they can create positive change in their life.

Licensed Professional Counselor

My name is Jessica Glass, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, and a Certified National Counselor. I attended New York University and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. I have over 10 years of experience working with
various client populations in a variety of treatment settings. I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, adults, older adults, and families, providing individual therapy and family therapy.

I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and pride myself on being an ally and an advocate. While I can provide an eclectic approach to therapy, I focus on a person-centered approach, where I provide a safe and nonjudgemental environment and develop a strong
therapeutic relationship with each individual I meet. 

My approach to therapy is also strengths-based and trauma-informed. I believe in working collaboratively with each client to identify goals and incorporate techniques that are best suited for each unique person. I support each client in recognizing and reflecting on their resilience throughout life to overcome any challenges that
may come. 

In my personal time, I enjoy being with my son and my family, attending live music events, and going walking with my dog.

Jenny is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who is licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey. Jenny works with individuals and couples as they navigate life’s challenges and strive for personal growth and fulfillment. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the College of Staten Island and a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Jenny is also a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), licensed to practice in New Jersey treating addictions.

Jenny has over twenty years of experience in the social services field. She specializes in working with adults, helping them address issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, childhood trauma, adjustment disorders, substance use disorder, and stress management.

Her client-centered approach is grounded in collaboration. She works closely with clients to set goals and develop personalized strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieve emotional well-being. Jenny's non-judgmental and supportive manner fosters an environment of safety that encourages personal growth and positive change.

Jenny does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. She tailors her treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. As an integrative therapist, she incorporates various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, strengths-based therapy, solution focused therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

Her extensive experience spans a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, private practice, substance abuse outpatient clinics, medication-assisted treatment facilities, and nursing homes.

In her personal time, Jenny enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with her dog and cats, and reading.

Hello there! I'm Kimberly Rivera, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with a master's degree in education (M.Ed.), based in the heart of New Jersey. My journey began at William Paterson University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology before pursuing my master's in professional counseling.

I am deeply passionate about supporting and empowering individuals across the spectrum of human experience, including neurodiverse individuals such as ADHD, autistic, and neurodivergent adults, teens, and their families. This includes those who are self-diagnosed, late diagnosed, and exploring diagnosis. I also provide therapy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, queer, polyamorous, asexual, non-traditional, and allied individuals in a safe, non-judgmental, secure, and trauma-informed manner. I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with these identities and am here to provide affirming, compassionate care.

My approach to therapy is eclectic and highly personalized. I draw from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused strategies, person-centered techniques, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, I am trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Counseling, which allows me to support relationships in a way that honors the diverse identities and experiences of all partners.

In our therapeutic space, safety, inclusivity, and respect are paramount. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment where your voice is heard, your experiences are validated, and your journey is honored. Together, we'll navigate life's challenges, celebrate your strengths, and work toward your goals with a collaborative and empowering approach.

A fun fact about me is that I love pink and it is the color of almost everything that I own (from my phone case down to the interior of my car). I also enjoy music and have a history of singing and playing the drums.

I look forward to being part of your journey.

Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing as a Child and Adolescent Therapist here at Mindful Intentions. She believes in giving children and teens a voice and helping them learn how to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way. She also sees adults struggling with life stressors, anxiety and depression and is available in-person and virtually.

Tina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing as a Child and Adolescent Therapist. She has worked with children in various settings including special education in schools, community mental health and partial care programs. She enjoys working with children and teens ages 3-19.

Vinci is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with tweens(12+), teens, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, cultural assimilation, cultural trauma, life transitions, and body image. Clients can expect to be met with openness, curiosity, and thoughtfulness. She structures sessions in a way that feels conversational and collaborative. She is available for remote and in-person sessions.

Tom is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating adults dealing with depression, anxiety and/or substance use. He uses a trauma-informed, strengths based approach when working with clients. Tom is available for remote and in-person sessions.

Hi there, my name is Samantha Kopacki. I am a dually Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug counselor, as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I am a proud graduate of the Rutgers School of Social Work and have multiple years of experience across various treatment settings. I have worked closely with clients across many different phases of life and feel strongly that no matter your age, therapy can be a helpful tool to help us to better understand our brains, our bodies, and how we show up in our relationships. 

Through personalized, evidence-based approaches, we’ll explore ways to regain control of your life, reduce your emotional burdens, and create lasting change. I take a trauma-informed and solutions-focused approach, holding space for you to express your needs and identify actionable steps toward healing. We live in a world that can be overwhelming, and I strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment, where you can feel safe, seen, and heard. I hope to be an encouraging voice along the way, supporting you toward reaching your ultimate goals. 

When it is nice outside, you can find me in the woods with my dog or jogging in my town with my headphones blasting. I’ve found that being close to nature has been the most beneficial support in my own healing. I am a fierce believer that community is essential in our journey toward wholeness- looking for spaces where we can be ourselves is the one of the most important choices that we can make in this lifetime. Together we can focus on your strengths and explore ways to create your ideal reality.

Sarah (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in both New Jersey and New York. She obtained her MSW in 2015 from Rutgers University. Sarah is passionate about working with children, teenagers, parents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. As someone who was once a queer child with ADHD, Sarah is deeply empathetic to the complexities of navigating life's challenges, particularly those associated with growing up as a queer individual with a disability. This blend of professional expertise and personal experience makes her a compassionate advocate for her clients. Utilizing a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Play Therapy-based interventions, Sarah employs a person-centered approach that that tailors therapy to meet the unique needs of each client. She is dedicated to fostering an environment of empathy and unconditional positive regard, so that clients can feel safe to explore their challenges and achieve personal growth.

Sarah is also a proud mother of an almost two year old. In her free time, she enjoys writing stories, singing, and playing video games with her son, who has no idea how to play but enjoys button mashing.