Timothy Trenary, MA., LMFT. - (Executive Director)
Timothy is the Executive Director at Ramsey Family Therapy. He received his Masters Degree in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University. He has experience with Anger Management Counseling, Conflict Resolution Therapy, Substance Abuse Groups, but since entering the field has focused most of his experience on working with couples and families. Timothy's belief is that the greatest conflict between couples and families is the individual's inability to understand their own vulnerability. "People are taught from birth to show strength and hide their emotions which leads them down the path of being self-serving and closed off to others. With the widening of one's own perspective, couples may learn to be truly vulnerable with their partner and pass down for generations to come the power of positive communication." Timothy has previously worked as a staff therapist at Wayne Counseling Center (Wayne, NJ) and Pascack Mental Health Center (Park Ridge, NJ), as well as his own private practice in Ramsey, NJ since 2014. He was the Clinical Director of Ramsey Family Therapy from 2015-2022 and has transitioned into the Executive Director role since that time.
Mofeeda Hassan, MA., LMFT. - (Clinical Director)
Mofeeda Hassan is the Clinical Director and Licensed staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. She has been a part of the Ramsey team since 2017. With a Masters Degree in Psychology and a Post-Graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Mofeeda has focused her experience on working with couples, families, teens, and individuals. Mofeeda describes her therapeutic approach as
“I am an Emotionally-focused therapist that integrates various systemic-based interventions to help shed light on the inner-workings of the problems we often face. I introduce strategies from across the MFT landscape that include, but are not limited to, Structural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and even Play Therapy (when working with families). What I see as true wounds are the emotions that stop us from experiencing life. Too often the problems we become consumed by are symptoms of trapped wounds we’ve experienced generationally, through life altering events, or just acquired along the way. The effects of these wounds derail us from our intended purpose—to be human. Through my work with attachment, mindfulness, cognitive-reframing, and other therapeutic techniques, the intended goal is to allow your expertise to guide you towards becoming whole once more. I believe people are the experts in their lives and sometimes we all need help doing the dirty work of uncovering all that we are and can be.”
Additionally, Mofeeda continues to use her background to teach at the collegiate level and inspire others in courses related to human development and psychology. She also enjoys contributing her time in advocacy to various Afro-centric cultural groups. In her free time, she can be found with her family and uber-affectionate cat, hiking, or doing yoga.
Sersaray Basarir, MA., LAMFT.
Sersaray is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist with Ramsey Family Therapy since 2018. She has her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Psychology Department at Kean University of New Jersey. Her primary therapy modality is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Stated in her own words,
“As individuals, we are made up of our emotions; we think and act according to the way we feel, most...if not all the time. Our family and friends, our society, and our constant exposure to media of the world will naturally affect our emotions heavily during our daily life, and if we do not know ourselves, if we cannot understand our own personality, we will get lost through the mixture of messages we receive. We often find ourselves confused which can lead to panic, which in turn causes mistakes of thought processing and actions.
The key is to understand ourselves by looking inward, so that we may better understand the world and those people around us.”
Sersaray assists her clients in exploring, understanding, and then finding healthy/thoughtful ways to express and verbalize these emotions. Sersaray’s belief is that “love” is our main nutrient, and we should start with loving ourselves. She has been working with children and families, couples, as well as individuals from teenagers through adulthood.
Additionally, Sersaray possesses an Art degree, which has allowed her the opportunity to implement Art Therapy with her clients.
Finally, Sersaray is an active member of the US Army. When she is not working or on duty she can often be found enjoying time with her family, friends, and her 2 dogs.
Kerrie Ragan, LAMFT.
"I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and teens and their families. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nyack College.
I really pride myself on creating a genuine, personable, and caring rapport with my clients. I want to hear your story! I also really value a good sense of humor and will incorporate that into our sessions together when appropriate. If you are looking for a super serious, no smiles therapist- then I am not your girl!
Theoretical orientation-wise, I work mostly in a Cognitive-Behavioral and Experiential Therapy view lens. So, be prepared to do good work during our sessions together and learn more about yourself in an effort to improve how you view yourself and your interactions with the other’s you are surrounded by in your life!
Outside the therapy room- I am an animal lover, crafter, and experience seeker. So when not in the therapy room, I can be found talking about my pets and researching new places to go to and new things to try!"
Lauren Lima, MA., LAMFT.
Lauren is a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University. She currently holds the Membership Chairperson position with the New Jersey Association in Marriage & Family Therapy (NJAMFT). She adopts an advocacy approach to therapy within limitless bounds of fairness and empathy toward individuals, couples, children, and family systems, empowering respective clients to find strength in vulnerability and to harness circumstances under their control while coping with circumstances out of their control. Stated in her words,
“I believe that connection and support in a therapist are core components that are necessary when an individual, couple, or family seek counseling. My goal is to meet my clients where they are, to create a safe space for them without judgment, and to offer empathy as they tackle the challenges of life to initiate growth from their experiences.
These are just some aspects to which empowerment comes into fruition; with a therapist’s guidance, clients are encouraged to reflect on their personal goals, to determine what they feel is fair and just, and to bear witness to their own and their loved ones’ intrinsic growth. From these conditions, it is with hope that clients find more of an understanding within themselves and with each other to create a level of equity for interpersonal connection.
My experience consists of providing mental health services to individuals, couples and families from diverse backgrounds coping with the complexities of grief and loss, trauma, managing conflict within the family structure, and other various presenting problems.
I believe I do my best work by cultivating an understanding of generational patterns and the circumstances that have allowed or disallowed individuals to show up for themselves in their present state. I pride myself on the ability to help clients explore new endeavors to achieve optimal personal growth.”
Tibian Hassan, MA., LAMFT.
Tibian is an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. Tibian received her Dual Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation and later received her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
"My approach is to create a collaborative journey with those that I work. I like to pull from various resources and tools to create a warm, and dynamic environment. Whether it be with couples, individuals, or families, I like to see all parties involved as the experts in their lives and my role is to help facilitate them through their goals.
When working with children I love to engage in various art/play therapy and psychodrama exercises. I enjoy exploring emotions, painting, and active play with children and teens of all ages. I believe that working with children in a therapeutic setting requires a creative, and innovative approach to learning problem-solving skills, effective coping skills, and effectively expressing various emotions.
When working with couples and individuals I like to incorporate various experiential and emotion-focused techniques. Drawing from individuals’ familial pasts, attachment styles, and goals allows me to create a personalized therapeutic approach.
In my free time, I like to take long walks or hikes, play with my adorable cat, and immerse myself in my yoga practice. As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200), I enjoy finding new ways to teach various people about the mind-body connection. I also enjoy volunteering through my yoga practice and volunteering with college students."
Michael Macedo, MA., LAMFT.
Michael is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. Michael would describe his therapeutic approach as client-focused. In his own words:
"The client is the expert of their own life. Families know their systems better than anyone. It is with this understanding and knowledge of the system that I can help introduce people to new angles of understanding on long held and possibly misunderstood relational processes. The content of our problems is the dynamite; the process of our problems is the fuse that sets us off. Let's work together to stop lighting the fuse."
Fredelyne Lebrun, MA., LAMFT. MPA.
Fredelyne is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. In her own words:
"Therapy, to me, is a safe place where people can explore issues related to their relationships with others, notably family, in close collaboration with the therapist where the client is seen as the "expert" of their lives. In my work with children, teens, and couples, personal growth is consistently at the heart of the issues; the subconscious holds us back, the unknown is our biggest hurdle, and the journey ahead is filled with trepidation & hesitation. I would describe my style as pulling from various approaches to best help unlock what holds you back - as I believe no one approach fits all. Individuals and families come to therapy to learn ways to best adapt to their life situations and if a therapist is unwilling or unable to transform for their client's needs, they will be doing them a great disservice within the process. I like to explore different approaches such as Structural, Experiential, Existential, Solution Focused, and EFT; just to name a few. I believe that everyone has the capability to grow and together we will work to make the process smooth in guiding your journey. You will be proud of where we end up!"
Simon Song, MS., LAMFT.
Simon is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. In his own words:
"I am a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and received my Master's degree from Seton Hall University. As individuals, we are a product of our environment. The way in which one perceives the world begins with the experience of the family and is further influenced by the surrounding environment. Every person has been provided with certain tools to deal with the world. I believe therapy can be a place where one discovers, sharpens, and learns different ways to utilize his or her tools to overcome obstacles and challenges in life.
In terms of theoretical orientation, I use a combination of Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and element of Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and group dynamics. I will use the most suitable approach that meets the needs of the client. So that means be prepared to work! Outside of the therapy room, I am a high school counselor, educator, and enjoy working with young people."
Rebecca St. Louis, M.A., LAMFT
Rebecca is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. In her own words:
"I love helping couples, teens, and adults from multicultural backgrounds navigate life transitions and create harmony across their cultural identities. My clients come to therapy for support with relationship conflict, grief, parenting issues and to address internal and external cultural conflicts. I combine my belief in your unique strengths to heal with methods like structural Family Therapy, Narrative and Gottman Method couples techniques to reduce depression, anxiety, and addiction and increase emotional connection and resolve conflict. I work to foster empowerment to help clients build healthy self-esteem. I am trained in family systems work and have a certificate in intimate partner violence and family violence. I also draw on my personal experience as a Haitian-American who also identifies as Caribbean, urban, spiritual and more."
Michele Crawford, LAMFT.
Michele is an Associate Licensed Therapist who retired from The East Ramapo Central School District as a Teaching Assistant. Embarking on a new chapter, she returned to college obtaining a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nyack College. Michele also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications. Her background also includes work with The New York City Division of Adoption & Foster Care Services, Westchester ARC, YAI/Rockland County Association for the Learning Disabled, Market Street Mission and Pathways To Wholeness.
Primarily using Strategic Family Therapy, Michele has worked with adults, teens, couples and families. Based on the circumstances, it is not uncommon for her to draw upon other modalities to meet the need of those she is servicing. She believes in meeting people where they are, having a good listening ear, and assisting in the development of coping with the challenging issues that arise in one’s life.
Michele is a two-time cancer survivor who loves and appreciates life to the fullest! She is a lover of people, animals and traveling. In her spare time she enjoys doing volunteer work with her church, in the community and with the American Cancer Society.
Samantha Fishman, MFT-I
Samantha is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. In her own words:
"I believe that it is important to make meaningful connections with clients and create a space where they can explore their feelings and vulnerabilities. Family, romantic, platonic, and individual clients process their challenges and lived experiences they endure differently, and I enjoy being a part of the clients' journey because we can assess their experiences to have a better understanding of it and what it means to them, especially since they are experts in their own lives! As a part of the therapeutic process, we will acknowledge how these experiences impact their relationships and everyday interactions while applying the already established tools and methods clients utilize and implementing new ones to improve their relationships and circumstances. My goal is to help clients assess their emotional and behavioral interactions to have a deeper awareness on how this influences their dynamics with others and themselves with empathy and collaboration.
Lauren Bradley, MFT-I
Lauren is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. In her own words:
"As human beings, we experience challenges and emotions that can be difficult to manage. After all, challenges and emotions are normal and inevitable. I truly believe that individuals have the capability to navigate life's hardships and work through tough feelings. I believe that our backgrounds and past relationship patterns shape who we are. I collaboratively work with clients to help uncover the roots of presenting problems and contributing factors to better understand their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and find healthy ways to communicate. My therapeutic work with individuals, couples, and families focuses on empowerment and growth to identify their full potential.
In regard to my theoretical orientation, I use an integrative and systemic approach that suits my clients' individualized needs. I focus on Emotionally Focused, Solution-Focused, and Psychodynamic Therapy."
Bernice Lee, LAMFT.
Bernice is a staff therapist at Ramsey Family Therapy. In her own words:
"Life can often be challenging and difficult to navigate. I believe that we all have the ability, strength and resilience to grow, change, and live a more fulfilling life. I am committed to assisting clients in reaching their goals in a supportive, empathetic, and compassionate space where they feel safe to share and disclose..
I enjoy helping individuals resolve and overcome life's challenges and learn new skills. I’m always conscious to reserve space to feel supported, vulnerable, heard, and valued. My experience includes working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. My experience also includes counseling individuals with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, relationship issues, and low self-esteem.
I use a variety of modalities to meet the needs of clients, with a primary focus on CBT and Solution Focused Therapy. Through the power of talk therapy, I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can freely explore and heal. The end goal is to help clients develop effective strategies for managing stress, improving communication, and building stronger relationships. As a result, clients gain the skills to properly manage and facilitate their personal lives."