Social Butterfly Counseling
Sabrina L. Coppola, LCSW
Founder and Clinical Director
Sabrina is the Founder and Clinical Director of Social Butterfly Counseling.
Social Butterfly Counseling is a sanctuary for children, families and adults seeking support in their struggle to navigate today’s chaotic world.
Sabrina recalls that she has "always had a deep desire to work with people. As a child in awe of my pediatrician, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. After a semester majoring in biology and organic chemistry, I knew this was not my calling" ... and so, her journey with psychology and social work began.
​
Prior to her role in private practice, Sabrina earned her undergraduate degree from Ramapo College of NJ and her Master of Social Work Degree from Fordham University. Her expertise is rooted in working with children and families as she is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specializes in structural family therapy, parent coaching and mentoring students and educators in their role with children and families.
​
Over the course of the past 15 years, Sabrina worked with a Bergen County based non-profit agency- Care Plus NJ (CPNJ). This organization is our State’s largest mental and behavioral health agency serving more than 50,000 people each year. During her tenure, Sabrina played a variety of clinical and administrative roles, allowing her to develop valuable programming to meet the needs of our communities. In 2009 Sabina was recognized by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Youth and Family Services for outstanding performance and contribution to children, families and communities in Bergen County. In 2016, Sabrina was presented with a Joint Legislation Resolution from the State of New Jersey, composed of The Senate and General Assembly for her contribution and dedication to supporting the mental and behavioral health of children and families throughout the State. She also was nominated as one of the top 3 women, for the internationally recognized 2016 Young Athena Leadership Award by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
In her role as a professor at Ramapo College as well as her commitment to providing presentations and education within our community, Sabrina strives to provide support, empowerment and motivation to acknowledge that we are all human and together, anything is possible.
*Today, Sabrina lives in Oakland with her husband and two young children. She is exhausted more days than not and she promises each and every family she meets that SHE GETS IT! This thing called life and parenting is HARD... The good news is, we don't have to do it alone.
Despite being totally sleep deprived some days... Sabrina is living an absolute dream come true supporting children, families and adults in making healthy choices and creating positive change. Sabrina’s passion is in her clinical work and she focuses much of her attention on creating a sanctuary for the people that she has the privilege of serving.
When asked about her "job," Sabrina consistently says... this is NOT a job... this is my dream and my dream has come true. She has nothing but gratitude in her heart for the opportunity to be surrounded by such an incredible team and the honor of earning the trust of so many incredible families throughout our community.
Sabrina and her compassionate and knowledgeable team are here for you.
Danielle Goldfinger, M. ED, LPC
Clinician
Danielle has been a professional in the mental health field since 2014 and received her Masters in professional counseling from William Paterson University. Her passion towards working in mental health has been around since grade school and now she is living out her dream.
Danielle was born & raised and has lived in Bergen county her whole life. She is also a new mother to a beautiful daughter and is so excited to take on this new life journey with her husband and dog.
Much of Danielle’s career experience has been in the non-profit sector working closely with children, adolescents, and families. Danielle worked closely with youth who were receiving intensive in-home services to successfully transition to the outpatient level of care.
Her most recent experience was working as an elementary school counselor providing clinical support to some of our youngest learners.
Most of Danielle’s specific expertise is grounded within the cognitive behavioral therapy framework, as well as play therapy and structural family therapy. Danielle believes incorporating creativity into her work with individuals and families makes for an enjoyable and tailored experience.
Paul Kates, MT-BC
Clinician
Paul Kates has been a Board Certified Music Therapist since August of 2012, specializing in children and young adults with both emotional
and behavioral needs. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University and is certified as a Music Therapist through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CMBT). Paul is currently serving on the executive board of the New Jersey Association for Music Therapy (NJAMT).
Paul has worked with a variety of populations within various settings including schools, hospitals, and in-home. Paul began working in the mental health field in 2004 at Care Plus NJ. While there he began his music therapy career creating and providing music therapy services for individuals and groups both on-site and throughout the community. In 2017, Paul started working as a full-time music therapist with Jersey City Public School while pursuing a teaching certificate in music education. In 2018, Paul took a position as a music teacher and therapist at the newly formed Paradigm Therapeutic Day School in Midland Park, NJ, helping to create and build what it has become today.
Kristen Lauber, LCSW
Clinician
Kristen has been providing support in the field of mental health for nearly 15 years and received her Master's in Social Work from Fordham University.
​
Her expertise is rooted in working in the non-profit sector assisting children, adolescents, families and individuals that have been exposed to trauma, specifically, families navigating the Foster Care System in the State of New Jersey.
​
Additionally, Kristen has worked with school districts throughout Bergen County as a School Social Worker and understands the intricacies of working though the many stressors that our children face both in and out of school.
​
Much of Kristen's work is centered in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as well as Structural Family Therapy to address family dynamics, symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood disorders as well as enhancing coping mechanisms to thrive, despite the everyday life stressors many of us are faced with.
​
Given Kristen's background in working with many crisis response programs, it is safe to say that you will benefit from her ability to help you and your family create realistic and achievable goals to meet your needs regardless of where you are in your journey with therapy as well as health and wellness.
​
We are honored to have Kristen be a part of our Social Butterfly Counseling Family.
Melissa Lustmann, LCSW
Clinician
Melissa began her career in mental health in 2018 upon graduating with a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. Prior to pursuing a Master’s Degree, Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Monmouth University. Melissa dreamed of becoming a therapist since she was a child and is dedicated to each person and family that she has the privilege of working with.
Melissa works with children, adolescents, adults, and families, helping them navigate challenges and reach their full potential. Melissa demonstrates great compassion through her work and focuses on the strengths of each individual.
Melissa describes therapy as both an art and a science, utilizing techniques from various evidenced-based interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Intervention Therapy.
Most of Melissa’s professional experience has been in the non-profit sector including experience working an as intensive in-home clinician.
Melissa’s optimism, dedication to the profession and clinical skill set is a welcome addition to our Social Butterfly Counseling Family.
Victoria Madden, LCSW
Clinician
Vicky has been working in the field of Social Work for nearly 15 years but no amount of training and experience will compare to the role that she has most recently accepted as a new mom.
​
Vicky received her Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University. Her expertise and experience is centered in working in the non-profit sector assisting children, adolescents, families and individuals that have been exposed to trauma. Vicky is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and has been utilizing techniques and modalities rooted in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as well as Structural Family Therapy to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood disorders as well as exploration of coping techniques to work through everyday life stressors. Vicky is an Ally and has noteworthy experience in working with children, adolescents, adults and families that identify as LGBTQ.
​
Given Vicky's background working with many crisis response programs, it is safe to say that you will recognize Vicky's comfort and gift in her ability to help you and your family create realistic and achievable goals to meet your needs regardless of where you are within your journey with therapy in addition to health and wellness.
We are truly delighted to have Vicky be a part of our Social Butterfly Counseling Family.
Meredith Oshman, LPC
Clinician
Meredith has incredible passion for being able to help children, adults and families reach their full potential and create a life worth living.
When asked to describe her journey, Meredith explained that nearly 15 years ago she began her career in the mental health field working with children and families involved with Child Protective Services. Through this experience, Meredith found her love for clinical work and obtained her Master’s in counseling from Montclair State University. From there, she worked as a clinician for children and adolescents in Foster Care while also providing traditional therapy.
Meredith is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and has been utilizing techniques and modalities rooted in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as well as Structural Family Therapy to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood disorders as well as coping mechanisms to navigate everyday life stressors. Meredith added, "I practice mindfulness and incorporate it into my practice with individuals and families. I truly believe that all individuals and families are unique and deserve the opportunity to be heard and supported." Given Meredith's background working as a Clinical Director for a local crisis response program, it is safe to say that you will recognize Meredith's comfort and gift in her ability to help you and your family create realistic and achievable goals despite how chaotic life may seem. Meredith is equipped to guide you as you work toward meeting your own needs regardless of where you are in your journey with therapy as well as health and wellness.
​
Having Meredith be a part of our Social Butterfly Counseling Family is truly a gift for both our team and our community at large.
Jennifer K. Perez, LPC
Clinician
I truly enjoy working with and helping others. One of my first work experiences was as a court advocate for women affected by domestic violence. This experience solidified my desire to work in the counseling field. I pursued my Master’s in Counseling from Fordham University and went on to work as a School Counselor in the New Jersey Public Schools.
My work in the schools has given me the unique understanding of the day to day issues that students of various ages face and the support networks that are in place to help them. Fourteen years later, I continue to counsel students in the schools and I have expanded my professional work to counsel adults and families in the community.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the clinical setting, I have worked with a diverse group of children, adults and couples presenting with a wide range of concerns, including, anxiety, depression, anger and stress management as well as conflict within social, family and romantic relationships. I draw from a number of counseling techniques, but I am particularly adept at using cognitive behavioral techniques to help my clients attain their treatment goals.
​
Ongoing professional development is an important part of my work as a counselor. One of my most memorable learning experiences was the time I spent pursuing a certification in Holistic Health Counseling at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. I have a strong belief in the connection between mind and body and I look forward to integrating this approach into my work with my clients.
​
We are so very grateful to have Jennifer with us at Social Butterfly Counseling. She is a gift to both our team as well as our community.
Kari A. Scimanico, M.A., Ed.S., LPC
Clinician
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults for over 15 years in a variety of settings. I believe that an honest, supportive, caring relationship with each client is of the utmost importance. Each client is unique and I use a variety of approaches to help them, depending on their individual needs.
On a professional level, I received a Master’s Degree and an Educational Specialist Degree in Counseling Psychology from Seton Hall University. I have been trained in School Avoidance, Trauma-Focused CBT, and have completed the coursework for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have worked for agencies where I provided in-home therapy and facilitated groups for both adults and youth in areas such as social skills, parent support, substance abuse, anxiety and depression. I have also worked in educational settings, and I am very familiar with the diverse learning, social, and emotional needs of students.
On a personal level, after struggling with infertility, and undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization Treatments, I understand the emotional, physical, and social roller coaster of feelings that women go through to conceive. Now, as a working mother, I fully appreciate the joys, as well as stresses put upon parents at times.
I look forward to helping people reach their goals in a non-judgmental and compassionate environment so they can explore their thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.
​
We are incredibly honored to have Kari as one of our longest standing Social Butterfly Family Members.
Erica Higdon, LSW
Administrative Support
Erica has been at Social Butterfly Counseling since 2017 as a freshly graduated Bachelor of Social Work. Since then, she has earned her Master's in Social Work from New York University, obtained her LSW, and is actively working toward becoming an LCSW. Erica is currently a staff clinician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center serving adults with mental health and substance use disorders.
Sammy Girl
Therapy Dog
Social Butterfly's own therapy dog in training!