SAGE Therapy
Leadership
Ashley Schaffer, LPC, ACS
Chief Clinical Officer/Owner
Hello! My name is Ashley, and I am the proud Owner of SAGE Therapy Services, an outpatient mental health practice dedicated to supporting our community’s mental health needs. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 12 years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the healing power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit. SAGE was born out of these experiences and the countless clients who have inspired me through their journeys. While I no longer take on new clients, my time as a clinician gave me the privilege of working alongside children, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Using techniques like CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I witnessed countless journeys of resilience, healing, and growth. These experiences shaped my unwavering belief that, with support, every individual can overcome obstacles and move toward healing. Today, my passion lies in growing SAGE Therapy Services into a space where compassionate care meets professional excellence. I am committed to creating opportunities for both clinicians and clients to thrive by fostering an environment built on connection, hope, and resilience. Sage Therapy’s mission is simple: to make quality mental health care accessible, foster a positive and fulfilling workplace, and empower individuals and families on their journey to healing and growth. I am incredibly proud of the SAGE team and the impact we continue to have on the community. Whether you are seeking counseling, medication management, or a safe place to begin your healing journey, SAGE Therapy Services is here for you.
Sharonda Beverly, MS
Chief Operating Officer
Hi. My name is Sharonda, your Chief Operating Officer. I have my MS in Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies, Grief & Loss and Trauma-Informed Care. Over the course of the last seven years, I have worked in the Behavioral Health field servicing people of all ages and genders. Throughout this journey, I have been given the privilege to expand my competencies in both leadership and strategic planning. My range of experience allows me to efficiently create policies, procedures, and business practices that allow an organization to aid in optimizing the consumer experience. Your success is my ultimate goal.
Clinical
Ashton Laws, LAMFT
Licensed Clinician
Hi! I'm Ashton and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience in evidenced based therapy practices for adolescents, teens, adults, families and couples! I am certified in Prepare/Enrich Couples Pre-Marital and Marital Assessments; Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC); and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I believe everyone should have a safe healing place to work through life's difficulties and stressors. I strive to help bring individuals closer to their full emotional potential through therapeutic work and meaningful insight. My approach is compassionate and fosters the importance of prioritizing your mental health and emotional wellness. Therapy is about understanding the self that you are. Part of getting to “know” yourself is to “UNKNOW” yourself.
Mariah Vargo, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Hi! I’m Mariah, a Licensed Associate Counselor who loves working with people of all ages, primarily adolescents and young adults! I earned my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stockton University, and have 4 years of supervised experience helping individuals and their families cope with life and the various aspects that come with it. When working with an individual or their family, I work towards attending to specific needs and goals throughout the therapeutic journey. I genuinely enjoy working with parents and their children, providing them with additional support and resources in how they can further support their child. I do this by incorporating techniques and modalities that are based in CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. As a result, I find that the most important part to a therapeutic relationship is the connection between a therapist and the person they are working with.
Karen Caston, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Greetings, my name is Karen Caston. I am a graduate of Rutgers University where I earned my Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a speciality in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. During my career, I have been fortunate enough to provide counseling to a variety of cultural groups, ethinicities, and lifestyles. This includes, but is not limited to, persons that are a part of the LGBTQIA2S community. Currently, I work as a LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor) where I am counseling clients that come from all walks of life, providing individual, group, marriage, and family therapy. My personal story and background allows me to meet a person where they are at. I strive to build a strong, trusting and comfortable rapport with my clients by being genuine, supportive, empathetic, and expressing unconditional positive regard. My primary goal for every client is to improve their self esteem and coping skills. In my practice, I incorporate different skills, techniques, activities, and treatment styles necessary to fit my clients' needs. My theoretical approaches are Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral, Existentialism, and others. My personal philosophy is to 'treat people the way I want to be treated,' and I live by that daily.
Christina Storione, MS, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Hello! My name is Christina and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor. I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University. I recently began my own journey working with children and adults in an outpatient setting. I have 14 years of experience working in the mental health field. My experience is diverse and includes working in a restricted residential setting, partial care for co-occurring adults, school based counseling , and outpatient therapy. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a modality that is used often in my practice, I have been trained and utilized other therapeutic modalities. My approach is highly focused on building a trusting and valued rapport with clients, as this is the most crucial aspect of any therapeutic relationship. My goal is to support clients to achieve their respective goals and provide them with what is necessary to progress and maintain changes throughout this fragile process.
Adebola "Tomi" Popoola, LSW
Licensed Clinician
Hello! My name is Adebola (Tomi) and I am a Licensed Social Worker with over 12 years of experience providing counseling and case management services to adults, children, elderly, families in hospital settings and agency settings. I also work with the State of NJ (Department of Human Services) as a Quality Assurance Specialist, where I provide services for individuals with intellectual disablities. I received my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. I have experience in a variety of settings with a wide range of medical and mental health issues. I enjoy helping people by using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment therapies to meet the needs and goals of my clients. I provide emotional support and guidance to adults, young adults, and families specifically focusing on adjustment issues, adversity, and significant life changes to address mental health needs due to trauma, illness, or grief. I aim to empower my clients to create space, balance, time and strength to process and embrace their mental health needs in an effortt to foster hope, healing, and resilience.
Emily Lugo Irizarry, MFT
Licensed Clinician
Hola! My name is Emily and I am so excited to bring my passion and skillset to SAGE as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and moved to the mainland as a teenager. I completed my undergraduate studies at Rowan University in psychology and have worked in the field for about 4 years. I have obtained my Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University with a concentration in Sex Therapy. I am trained in multiple modalities emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. My areas of interest are the Latinx community, interracial relationships, and assimilation trauma. As a bilingual Latinx Therapist I offer access to therapy services for individuals, couples, and families to establish a healthy relationship with therapy. I am motivated to empower clients by developing healthy communication skills and coping strategies.
Nan Kurz, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Hi! My name is Nan. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor but this is my third professional career calling. After a successful time working in restaurants, I received my first master’s degree in elementary education which allowed me to teach around the country for many years. I also have a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology/Teacher Education from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!!) and was a professor for those training to be teachers and taught courses on educational psychology, diversity, and exceptional children. I use my understanding of the complexity of being a partner, parent, or child/teenager using my knowledge of psychology, motivation, and mental health gives me the ability to support clients to identify complex emotional and psychological challenges in many different contexts (school, home, work, etc.). Currently, my areas of expertise include ADHD, young adult identity development, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, and many other mental well-being concerns. So often we put our family, friends, and jobs in front of our personal needs. Now is the time to prioritize your mental health needs.
Sylvester Hunter, LCADC, CCS
Licensed Clinician
Hello! My name is Sylvester, and I am a Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) with over 10 years of experience in the field of substance abuse and co-occurring treatment. I hold a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling with a specialization in Addictions from Liberty University. I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives from addiction and fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in various settings, where I’ve witnessed the transformative power of counseling. I believe in the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome challenges. My goal is to connect with clients on a personal level and instill hope, guiding them through the challenges of their unique journey. I have experience providing both group and individual counseling, and I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs. I am dedicated to supporting clients dealing with the complexities of life’s challenges, and I take pride in fostering an environment where they feel safe and understood.
Above all, I value the therapeutic relationship and strive to create a trusting space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. I truly believe that with the right support and guidance, anyone can navigate their obstacles and emerge stronger. You are not alone on this journey; I am here to help you every step of the way.
Melissa Nash, MA, LAC
Licensed Clinician
My name is Melissa, and I am here to support your journey in moving towards a more fulfilling, balanced life. I earned my B.A. in Dance Pre-Movement Science from Stockton University, and I love integrating my passion for creativity into my sessions. I also hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. As a Licensed Associate Counselor with over 2 years of experience, I specialize in providing compassionate support for people of all ages in navigating the complexities of ADHD, autism, anxiety, BPD, depression, PTSD, substance use, and emotional regulation. My approach integrates DBT, CBT, ACT, solution-focused therapy with other evidence-based practices to empower clients in developing the skills they need to manage their emotions and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I believe in the importance of a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges and aspirations. I am an LGBTQ+ affirmative counselor and I encourage clients to explore the influence of their identities in their mental health. Together, we will collaborate to identify patterns, enhance coping strategies, challenge habits and cultivate mindfulness. Whether you are in the early stages of healing or seeking to enhance your existing skills, I am here to help you progress towards your mental health goals.
Psychiatric Providers
Dawn Hagerman, MS, APN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Hello! My name is Dawn, and I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner here at SAGE! I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama, specializing in Psychiatry, and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Edison State University.
My experience involves over 14 years in Mental and Behavioral Health. I have experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings: Adolescent Psychiatric Community Group Home, Outpatient Community Behavioral Health, Emergency Crisis Department, and an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. My
passion is working with children, adolescents, and young adults but I am certainly willing to help anyone in need of mental health treatment.
I start each patient with a full comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation, to develop a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan. I offer Medication Management to improve symptoms and I provide Psychoeducation to develop coping strategies. I am very empathetic, supportive, and motivated in developing trusting relationships with my
patients. I am understanding of each patient’s personal needs, and I am devoted to enhancing my patient’s quality of life.
I provide integrated high-quality care to patients using a holistic approach. I believe it’s important to recognize the whole person and not just symptoms. I consider one’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs in promoting and maintaining both physical and mental health. The mind, body, and spirit all interconnect and are
vital in achieving optimal health. I am here at SAGE to provide hope, support, balance, and peace in helping my patients see the light to obtain inner healing and happiness!
Business
Amanda Hrivnak
Front Desk Associate
Hello! My name is Amanda. I am currently a senior college student at Rowan University in pursuit of my bachelors degree in psychology, with the desire to continue my education to achieve my Master’s and become a licensed professional counselor after graduation. Until then, I am SAGE’s front desk associate! I am devoted to providing a professional, happy, and safe environment as soon as you walk through our doors! I firmly believe that every individual deserves happiness and wholeness, to which achieving this involves uncovering their full potential through the transformative journey of their relationship with themselves and their inner healing. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you to your best self, full of happiness and healing!
Jimeya Allen
Front Desk Associate
Hey! My name is Jimeya. I am currently studying for my Associates Degree at Rowan College of South Jersey, from there I will pursue to get my bachelors degree and then Masters Degree. After receiving my degrees, I will then look to become a licensed professional counselor. Until further notice, I am the Administrative Assistant here at SAGE Therapy Services. It is my pleasure and responsibility that all of our clients receive a professional, warm, and happy environment. I believe that everyone should be able to have a listening ear to be able to heal their inner wounds. We are in control of our lives and goals. When we believe that we don’t have a voice or we are not being heard always remember “when there’s a will, there’s a way.” As our business continues to grow, I look forward to meeting everyone and being apart of your healing journey.
Intern
Samantha Peisino, MS BT
Counselor Intern
Hi! My name is Samantha, and I am an intern at SAGE Therapy Services. I earned my bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and sociology from Widener University and earned my first master’s degree in forensic psychology from Arizona State University. I am currently completing my second master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. I have been trained in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I thoroughly enjoy providing strength and empowerment through these techniques. My primary goal is to always be able to provide a safe and comfortable space for clients to work through their difficulties. I genuinely believe everyone can benefit from therapy no matter where you are in life, and I hope that I can help you in this next chapter.