Our Team

John got started in the field of mental health a little later in life. After having a series of different jobs in his 20’s, from different sales positions to working in the music industry, he eventually decided to go back to school to obtain his graduate degree at the age of 30. He went on to work at one of New Jersey’s largest partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, obtaining trainings from everything from DBT to Ericksonian Hypnosis. Now at 45 years old and the owner of Blueprint, John takes an extremely eclectic approach to counseling, pulling from a number of mental health modalities. He prides himself on forming an authentic connection with his clients, while also challenging them to move towards their pain. In his spare time, he enjoys firearms training, volunteering as an EMT for his local rescue squad, and most recently, training in mixed martial arts. He’s also into music, cooking, reading, and spending time with his pups, Toby and Charlie. This eclectic mix of extracurriculars combined with a pure love for his clients and their wellbeing, earned him the title from his staff as the Tactical Buddha. He’s a firm believer of never judging a book by its cover.

Get to know: Jason Marchitto

Treats: Teens starting typically at age 16, young adults (18-25), college aged adults (18-24), “adulting” adults (25-50) and older adult populations (50-75). Some of the things clients come to me for are adolescent issues related to social, emotional or family problems, young adults transitioning into or out of college or that find themselves lost in transition at this age and adulting and or older adults dealing with everything related to adulting and general “lifing” like work stress, raising kids, managing a relationship, finding life after retirement etc.

Services: Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Parent Coaching, Drop In Consultations

Anxiety/OCD/ ERP Specialty Explained: I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically OCD. By specialize, I meant to say that I have an extensive working background with individuals suffering form anxiety and OCD and an intimate clinical knowledge of its nuanced presentation and the specialized treatment of ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

What to expect when working with Jason: I talk with my clients like I would speak to anyone in my personal life, meaning, I try to stay relatable, authentic and genuine in my approach. My best sessions feel like we are sitting at a table at Starbucks (or whatever casual atmosphere you enjoy) where we can casually converse about whatever is going on. I’m generally pretty laid back, unless of course there is an emergent or otherwise serious cause for concern. However, I want my clients to get the best clinical services I can provide without it feeling clinical at all. Sometimes it really is just a casual conversation where we process different events, emotions, experiences etc. while I do the work of the therapist weaving in my experience and approaches. These approaches, when it comes to treating OCD, can be a bit more surgical and lean away from processing things and more heavily into ERP and ACT. However, even then, therapy with me is not robotic or manualized. There are no worksheets. Generally, I take my approach from a cognitive behavioral standpoint but I shift gears into psycho dynamic, ACT, interpersonal and humanistic styles which basically means I know how to shift gears when necessary and don’t take a firmly rigid approach to everyone. I’m fluid in my approach because therapy can’t and should not be a one size fits all style. When working with parents, I try to be mostly educational and relational, meaning I try to come from a place where I can truly understand what the situation is while offering some basic knowledge on how to best approach the problem. At the end of the day, I put my pants on one leg at a time like anyone else and since therapy is often a vulnerable place, it’s my job to make you as comfortable as possible.

Clients describe Jason as: Knowledgeable, relatable, caring.

Words of advice for someone starting therapy: You’re driving the car, I’m sitting shot gun. You’re in control of how fast we go and ultimately where we go. I’m just the GPS.

Animal that represents Jason’s personality: Probably an Owl. I’m told I’m observant, possess knowledge and I am often awake late at night.

A glimpse of Jason outside of Blueprint: At this point in my life, I’m a pretty simple guy. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, Italian, Mexican and Chinese food, watching Sci fi and trying to stay as healthy physically and mentally as possible.

Get to know: Carly

Treats: ages 10+ (mostly pre-teens, teens and young adults), LGBTQ+ population, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship/communication issues, adjusting to life transitions, and more.

Services: (Virtual Only) Individual therapy, Relational Therapy, Parent Support including Consultations/Support for parents of LGBTQ+ kids, teens, and young adults.

EMDR/Trauma Specialization explained: EMDR – stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment that is recognized as the “gold standard” for trauma treatment and recommended worldwide. EMDR is used to treat PTSD and trauma symptoms as well as other mental health issues such as phobias, anxiety, anger, attachment issues, and more. It’s all about healing from past experiences that negatively impact your current life and getting unstuck so that you can feel more in control of your life and your reactions. What I love about EMDR is that we can go at your pace, and the client is in the driver’s seat of this process. You can learn more about EMDR at https://www.emdr.com/.

What to expect when working with Carly: You can expect a down-to-earth, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. Want to bring your own fidgets, coloring books, coffee, or other cozy items to your session? Go for it! Overall, my goal is to help you understand yourself better and work towards your goals in a way that feels both empowering and authentic. My approach tends to be pretty collaborative – my role isn’t to tell you what to do, but rather to work alongside you in uncovering the insights and tools that you need to make lasting changes. While you will always be met with validation, support, and understanding, I’ll also challenge you when needed, because growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. I believe in going at my clients’ pace and making sure my clients feel comfortable telling me what is or is not working. When we work together, it’s not just about talking—it’s about creating real change.

Side note: If you use humor as a defense mechanism or a way to cope, I’m your girl. I love to connect with people on this (because I’m the same way), so I will probably laugh at your jokes, but also challenge you to explore what might be going on underneath.

When working with kids and teens, I understand the importance of earning your child’s trust and building rapport – this needs to happen in order for therapy to be effective! While I will always respect my client’s confidentiality and readiness to involve parents, I also understand that parents do not want to be kept totally in the dark. Within these boundaries, I’m still able to work with parents on identifying ways that they can best support their child in their therapeutic goals. I will schedule a check-in session with my client’s parents after about 5 or 6 individual sessions to discuss your child’s progress, provide insight and guidance, and specify goals for therapy.

Clients describe Carly as: Non-judgmental, compassionate, and knowledgeable.

Words of advice for someone starting therapy: First of all, congratulate yourself on even taking the first step of deciding to start/restart therapy. It’s a big deal when we decide to invest in our own well-being and mental health! Second, it’s okay to feel nervous, awkward, uncomfortable, etc, AND it’s okay to communicate this to your therapist. Be as open and honest as you can and ask any questions you may have about what to expect!

Animal that represents Carly’s personality: Probably my own dogs – they’re as goofy and sassy as I am.

A glimpse of Carly outside of Blueprint: I just moved back to my hometown in Upstate NY (and am so grateful to still be able to see clients in NJ virtually!) so I’m spending a lot of time lately on home improvement projects. When I’m not painting walls or putting furniture together, I’m playing with my dogs in my backyard, reading books (well, listening to audiobooks), spending time with friends, listening to a wide range of music, or catching up on my favorite shows. I have a goldendoodle named Willow and a bernedoodle named Sadie, and I’m obsessed with them both. I am a big Swiftie and love connecting with clients on this, but don’t worry, if you’re not into that, I promise not to hold it against you!

Get to know: Taylar Kelly

Treats: kids, tweens, teens, adults looking to address childhood experiences, grief, relationships, self-esteem, school or work stressors, life transitions, low moods, anxious thoughts.

Services: Individual therapy, Couples, Families, Drop-in’s, Parent coaching, Sand tray therapy, Grief therapy.

Sand Tray Therapy Described: Alongside talk therapy, I specialize in sand tray therapy. This approach uses sand and miniature figures to create a kind of “story in the sand,” making it easier to explore thoughts and emotions that might be hard to express out loud. Sand tray offers a safe, creative way to process feelings, thoughts, relationships, and life experiences, while often bringing out insights that words alone can’t reach. Many clients find it both grounding and deeply healing.

What to expect when working with Taylar: Her approach to therapy is gentle, reflective, and deeply focused on understanding the roots of what clients are going through rather than just the surface symptoms. She draws from Internal Family Systems, Sand tray, and Psychodynamic approaches to help clients explore their inner world, heal old wounds, and reconnect with their sense of self. Taylar especially enjoys supporting those who are navigating grief, loss, or interpersonal relationship challenges, and often uses inner child work as a way to encourage growth and self-compassion.

When working with parents, Taylar works from an attachment lens and uses her Gottman training to help them better understand what their child’s behavior is communicating. Her goal is to support parents in strengthening connection and responding to their child’s needs in ways that feel attuned and effective. Taylar believes the first step to healing is being heard, so she focuses on creating space where parents and kids can really listen to each other and feel understood.

Clients describe Taylar as: Empathetic, non-judgmental, easy to talk to.

Word of advice for someone starting therapy: Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s ‘wrong’ with you, it’s about getting curious about your story and giving yourself space to be truly heard. Healing often begins when we learn to listen to the parts of ourselves that have felt unheard.

Animal that represents Taylar’s personality: Wolf – because I value both solitude and community. Like a wolf, I need time on my own for reflection and recharging, but I also feel deeply connected to my “pack”, the people I trust and care about. Both are equally important parts of who I am.

A glimpse of Taylar outside of Blueprint: Taylar loves listening to good music, especially Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen. She spends a lot of time with her family at the lake. Is obsessed with true crime and forensic psychology.

Get to know: Taylor

Treats: Children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem issues, school avoidance, selective mutism, emotional and behavioral disorders and special needs.

Services: Individual Therapy, Sibling Therapy Sessions

Creative Arts Specialty Explained: In addition to generalized mental health interventions, an art therapy specialty means that I have an extra sharpened “tool in my kit” to offer clients. Art therapy uses a combination of creative processes and psycho-therapeutic techniques to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, and address various mental and physical health challenges. Art therapy is focused on the “process” of art making as the primary intervention and channel to connect and is not focused on a final art product.

What to expect when working with Taylor: With over a decade of experience, my approach is always patient centered and individualized, incorporating the creative arts and play interventions into the room to help kids and teens with expression and communication. I typically use two different approaches in art therapy. The first approach is more structured, having clients complete an art activity with a theme that focuses on specific issues or concern, while the second is an open art approach where the client can create whatever they are feeling drawn to and skills can be tied in naturally. While I can be a great fit for clients who love art, it’s a misconception that clients need to “love” art to work with me. That being said- creative art approach tends to lower the guard for kids and teens who might struggle to open up and express their emotions verbally and I find that art can help the flow of discussions. I provide a relaxed, real, and down-to-earth space in my sessions and really pride myself in the relationships I build with my clients and their parents.

Clients describe Taylor as: Creative, funny, and easy going.

Words of advice for someone starting therapy: Trust the process and worry less about the final product.

A glimpse of Taylor outside of Blueprint: I love spending time with friends and family, am always up for exploring new places, and enjoys traveling, hiking and going to the beach. When I’m not on the go, I can be found lounging around with my cat, hosting game nights or creating something new in the ceramic studio. I have a pizza obsession and loves football and outdoor concerts.

Get to know: Helen Santana

Treats: Teens 14 and up, young adults and “adulting” adults. Presenting concerns include depression, anxiety, relational concerns, navigating life changes, and people just needing a safe space to talk. I am also bilingual and work with Spanish speaking clients.

Services: Individual therapy, Parent Drops In’s

What to expect when working with Helen: I understand how big of a deal it can be to start therapy. I’ve always had a desire to be an emotional support, as well as an advocate, for those in need. I aim to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My style is warm, conversational, and grounded in mutual respect as I believe that therapy should feel like a partnership. I incorporate therapeutic skills, psychoeducation, and a client-centered approach to help teens, and young adults cope with challenging events in their everyday life. You’ll find evidence-based approaches in my sessions including pulling from CBT, trauma-informed care, psychodynamic approaches, attachment-based work, and solution-focused therapy. Most importantly, each session is tailored to what you need in the moment. Sometimes that may be skills and structure, and other times it’s just having a safe place to be real. I believe humor, honesty, and small wins go a long way. When working with teens I involve parents consistently and transparently. Whether it’s offering insight or giving you tools to support growth at home- you are a key part of the process. My goal is always to strengthen the family system, not just to treat the individual. Being bilingual myself, I incorporate a multi-cultural inclusion approach and believe in empowering my clients to help them feel confident in who they are within their mental health journey!

Clients describe Helen as: Honest, relatable, and compassionate.

Word of advice for someone starting therapy: “This is your space, and there’s no ‘wrong’ way to use it.”

Animal that represents Helen’s personality: Dolphin- joy, communication, strong social bonds, resilience, freedom, emotional healing.

A glimpse of Helen outside of Blueprint: When not at Blueprint, you can find me spending time with my family, hiking with my dogs, dancing, at the gym, cooking new meals, or traveling!

Get to know: Sam

Treats: Children (ages 3+), teens, adults, and parents. Emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders (including separation anxiety and phobias), ADHD, neurodivergence, trauma, family transitions (separated/divorced or blending families), disabilities, eating disorders at any age, body image struggles, self-esteem, parents who feel “lost” at how to help their child, and “big feelings” that come out as big behaviors or aggression.

Services: Individual therapy, parent-child therapy, parent coaching, and parent consultations.

Synergetic Play Specialty Explained: I have specialty training in Synergetic Play Therapy, a play therapy modality that focuses on the development of emotional regulation through a somatic, neurobiological, attachment, and trauma-informed lens. It is especially effective for children with big behaviors, aggression, trauma, and intense emotional reactions.

What to expect when working with Sam: Whether working with a young child, a teenager, an adult, or a parent navigating a child’s struggles my approach is client-centered, creative, and deeply relational; always focusing on building safety, trust, and emotional growth. In my work with kids, I use engaging, creative techniques such as imaginative play, sand tray therapy, art, movement, games, and sensory activities to meet each child exactly where they are emotionally, mentally, and physically. These tools make therapy feel safe and approachable, while helping clients strengthen their nervous systems regulation, build self-awareness, process their emotions and develop coping skills that last a lifetime. Parents are an important part of the process when their child is in therapy. This often includes learning to better understand what your child’s behavior is really communicating, building confidence in your parenting, and participating in sessions that strengthen attunement and attachment within your relationship with your child.

In addition to my extensive child and adolescent work, I support clients of all ages who are struggling with body image, self-esteem, and eating disorders. I embrace a Health at Every Size® and weight-inclusive framework and hold a certificate in Understanding the Spectrum of Eating Disordered Behaviors from Stockton University.

Clients describe Sam as: Empathetic, creative and supportive.

Word of advice for someone starting therapy:
It’s normal for kids, teens, and parents to feel nervous about starting therapy. Whether this is brand new or something you haven’t tried in years, those nerves are your body’s way of saying change is around the corner. I like to think of it as the tipping point for growth. Sometimes feeling a little uncomfortable is exactly what helps us move toward lasting comfort, confidence, and connection.

Animal that represents Sam’s personality: Squirrel! Resourceful, energetic, and plan-oriented.

A glimpse of Sam outside of Blueprint:
When I’m not in session, I love shopping for clothes (despite my already overflowing closet), watching reality TV, making crafts, cooking or hanging out with my dog Luna and catDunkin. I’m also a big music fan, and you’ll find me with Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, or Luke Combs playing in the background.

Nicolea (Nikki) Sutor is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who works with clients to help them navigate life’s twists and turns. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Kean University and has experience in a variety of settings, including an elementary school, an inpatient hospital, and an ABA program. Before becoming a therapist, Nikki worked on the Client Relations team at Blueprint and volunteered with her town’s domestic violence response team. These experiences fueled her love for advocacy, connection, and showing up for people in hard moments.

Who she treats: Nikki treats children, teens, and adults from the age of five and up. She supports a wide range of life’s challenges and changes, such as processing chronic illnesses (autoimmune conditions, PCOS, etc.), medical experiences, caregivers, anxiety, Autism (Level 1/high functioning), emotional regulation, clients impacted by a loved one’s substance use, and experiences related to domestic violence.

Services: Individual therapy

What to expect when working with Nikki: Nikki uses a flexible and strength-based approach that’s always centered around what works best for you. Her style draws from a variety of therapeutic tools, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, creative expression, and client-centered practices. Sessions with Nikki can include art, writing, music, and even games, because healing doesn’t have to be boring. These creative elements can be especially helpful for younger clients; however, adults are always welcome to color too.

Clients describe Nikki as warm, calm/soothing, comforting, empathetic, accepting, creative, loyal, trustworthy, and approachable.

Words of advice/quote: “Healing isn’t linear. It’s layered, messy, beautiful, and brave. Your path is uniquely yours.”

A glimpse of Nikki outside of Blueprint: Outside of work, you might find Nikki outdoors rescuing injured wildlife (it happens more than you’d think), teaching her dogs new tricks (ask her about Ghost’s smile), or getting lost in a good book. She’s also a big fan of live music, Taylor Swift, cooking, hiking, March Madness basketball games, and cheering on the Rangers.

Get to know: Deonna

What led Deonna to working at Blueprint? I loved the atmosphere, vibe of the team, and of course… the pups! I wanted to learn more about and get involved in the counseling field without limiting my ability to explore different paths/opportunities and knew that Blueprint would be the right fit. As someone who is constantly immersed in other fast-paced environments, I immediately felt a sense of calm, connection, and confidence that continues to take me far in my professional and personal life.

Favorite thing about being the first person someone speaks to when reaching out for help: Knowing that I have a positive part in someone’s story. From making connections, providing referrals, and establishing foundations of trust in the therapeutic world… it’s so fulfilling!

Advice for a “first caller”: Give yourself grace! Whether it’s your first time ever reaching out or you’ve “been around the therapy block” before, it’s totally okay to feel all the things. Just know that you are safe and supported… oh and don’t forget to have a pen and paper nearby to write things down – we like to share a lot too.

Animal that represents Deonna’s personality: Sandpiper

A glimpse of Deonna outside of Blueprint: Outside office hours, I can be found at the gym, reading a book wherever (and whenever) possible, teaching dance in studios near and far, spending time with family & friends or in New York City pursuing one of my (many) dreams of performing on Broadway. I’m a big fan of all things Sarah J. Maas, The Vampire Diaries, Hadestown and discovering what it means to live life authentically.

Get to know: Jenny

What led Jenny to working at Blueprint? I had just recently started graduate school at TCNJ to become a therapist and had heard great things about Blueprint from people in the area!

Favorite thing about being the first person someone speaks to when reaching out for help: Being able to make them feel comfortable when starting their therapy journey and making sure they know that we are going to give them the support out there.

Advice for a “first caller”: Take a deep breath and just remember we are here to help you, and here to listen!

Animal that represents Jenny’s personality: a Dog – I like to think of myself as friendly and outgoing but also loyal and compassionate.

A glimpse of Jenny outside of Blueprint: I’m a full time student at TCNJ going for my masters in Counseling, I love to read, watch tv, and do water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and tubing/water skiing. I’m a fellow dog lover and have two, Benji (Shih Tzu) and Rusty (Silky Terroir). I’m also a Swiftie!

Hello, humans. My full name is Tobias Chad Mopper but my friends call me Toby. I am a ten-year-old “American Yellow Lab”, and Blueprint’s Therapy Dog In Perpetual Training. See there is a difference between American and English Labs. English labs are shorter and stockier than I am. As an American Lab, I am taller, leaner, and according to everyone I meet, “such a beautiful dog” (You may have already thought that when you looked at my bio picture). My humans John and Michele own the place, which allows me to be at Blueprint whether I have my therapy dog certification or not. It’s not that I’m not capable of passing the test, I just refuse to conform to their fascist policies and what a “good therapy dog” should be like. In my spare time, I love hanging with my baby kitten sister Penny (she was an accident), Monday nights (steak nights), kickin it with my homies at the dog park, posting my thoughts on our Instagram, and invading my human’s personal space. All kidding aside, my number one favorite thing in the world is putting smiles on people’s faces, especially when there are treats involved. Look forward to seeing you at 73 West End.