Outpatient Counseling Services

Please click here to schedule an appointment with Staci:

https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=A0F25E4D2AC94851B13318B5DF2AB689
Staci has completed her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in 2004. Staci is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience. Staci has experience working with children, families, and adults across many mental and behavioral needs. Staci is also certified to provide clinical supervision to our provisionally licensed clinicians. 

Staci is responsible for supervising all of the clinical providers within Step Up Family Services and is the director of our outpatient program.
Staci is passionate for the people we work with and wanted to find other ways to reach more people. This is where our outpatient program began.

Please click here to schedule an appointment with Stacey Lukowiak:

https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=2E01DF6202E44C879E5338CD262903D9

Stacey Lukowiak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol counselor in New Jersey. In the last 10 years, I have specialized in school age children (K-12 grade) and family counseling to address issues related to school/work avoidance, Specific Learning Disabilities, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, behavioral difficulties, adverse child experiences/trauma, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, and substance abuse, with an emphasis on family systems work to strengthen parent-child relationships. 

My treatment style is client-centered, solution focused, strength/skill building and individualized to each client. I utilize an integrative approach to counseling. I am trained in various methods of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), ARC model (Attachment Regulation and Competency) and NASW-NJ Trauma Certificate.

I enjoy working with young children, adolescents, and families struggling with emotional dysregulation that is impacting overall functioning Aligning with my clients and families allows myself to be an agent of change.  

Please click here to schedule an appointment with Maitri:    

https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=67FA2DBD02774D2A9E45573CB1CBE301 

Maitri Patel is an Outpatient clinician/ IIC with Step Up Family Services. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in Psychology in 2018 and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2022 from Kean University. She currently has her LAMFT and is working towards receiving her LMFT. Before starting with Step Up, Maitri worked as an in- home clinician for 6 years as well as a crisis intervention specialist and grief counselor in the home, community, and office settings. She loves to make a positive difference in people’s lives and in society and believes that everyone should be able to live a fulfilled life. She enjoys working with children with all unique needs and loves to spend time with her family and friends in her free time. 

Please click here to schedule an appointment with Nancy:

https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=A71B0025CD9D40AE8013ED7DEA5CB641 

Nancy Candea, LSW, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT (Those last two are experienced registered yoga teacher at the advanced level and Certified with the International Association Yoga Therapists).

Nancy is a Licensed Social Worker whose goal is to help clients heal, learn healthy coping skills, and find confidence during their life transitions. She is focused on working with adults who are dealing with depression and anxiety about midlife issues that include career, parenting, worry about aging, anger issues, dealing with regret, and finding clarity on life's purpose. She also is focused on helping couples with communication skills and working through relationship challenges. Nancy is a mother of adult children, grandmother, wife, yoga therapist, and the author of the book PRESENT: The Art of Living Boldly in the Second Half of Life.

Please click here to schedule an appointment with Jackie:

https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=A71B0025CD9D40AE8013ED7DEA5CB641 

 Jacqueline is a Licensed Social Worker who recently completed her Masters at Rutgers University. Prior to that, she graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults, and is particularly passionate about serving women, girls, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Jacqueline leads with empathy and sensitivity to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients can work through whatever challenges are most important to them, whether that means processing deeper wounds from trauma or exploring situational stressors. She provides space for clients to become the most authentic versions of themselves. 

Grace Santangelo, LAC 

CLICK to schedule an appointment:

https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration?therapistId=169BECE7A02340C4A4CF0C3D85A4ED3E

As a child and adolescent therapist, I am driven by a profound passion for supporting young minds as they navigate the challenges of growing up. With a compassionate heart and a commitment to fostering resilience, I provide a safe and nurturing space where children and adolescents can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and thrive. Guided by empathy and a belief in the innate potential of every young person, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to overcome obstacles and embrace their unique strengths as they journey towards healing and self-discovery.