About Us

Jeff Ellias-Frankel, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist, a founding partner, and Director of Colt’s Neck Psychological Group. He continues to lead a variety of workshops both locally and internationally focused on relationships and the integration of psychological and spiritual perspectives.

Clinically, he has been working with couples, families and individuals for more than 35 years. It is important to him that: the dignity of each client is respected, that each be seen as a whole person searching for happiness, and that they not be defined by their symptoms. That said, he remains committed to reducing the unproductive suffering of the people with whom he works.

George Asfendis is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and has been a certified school psychologist for more than 15 years. Dr. Asfendis has an extensive background in the assessment and remediation of school learning and behavioral problems.

Dr. Asfendis has been a member of Colts Neck Psychological Group since 2010 and works with children, families and adults. He helps adults address anxiety and depression by focusing on the importance of defining and exploring each person’s source of meaning as we grow and change. He helps school aged children and their families overcome problems related to anxiety, depression, and adjustment to the increasing demands of today’s schooling. Dr. Asfendis also coaches parents to be leaders of children. His therapeutic work addresses a variety of concerns and he employs a cognitive behavioral model of therapeutic problem solving.

Elena Kochanek is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist in the state of New Jersey. Her specialties include helping clients negotiate learning and behavioral difficulties, develop coping skills to manage anxiety and depression, and improve social awareness and social skills. Dr. Kochanek primarily works with adolescents and young adults. She supports parents in navigating their children’s behavioral difficulties and recognizing how their own childhood experiences influence their parenting.

Education

• Ed.M., Risk & Prevention, Harvard University
• Psy.D., School Psychology, Rutgers University

Carissa Bavosi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Colts Neck Psychological Group. She provides counseling to individuals and families, specializing in children and adolescents. Carissa has over eight years of experience as a School Social Worker working on the Child Study Team. In her current role in a local school district, she works collaboratively with families and provides school-based counseling and social skills instruction. Her prior professional experience includes work at an inpatient psychiatric unit of a local hospital.

In addition to accepting private pay clients, Carissa is an in network provider for several major insurance companies.

Education

• B.A., Psychology and Secondary Education, University of Delaware
• MSW, Social Work, Rutgers University.

Harlene Ross is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker associated with The Colts Neck Psychological Group. She has more than twenty years of experience as a school social worker on the Child Study Team in a local middle school where she counsels children and adolescents on home and school issues. In Mrs. Ross’ private practice she works with children, adolescents and adults on a wide range of issues including anxiety, family issues, school phobia, social issues and grief counseling. Her prior professional experience included working with young unwed mothers in adoption placement as well as adopting parents and adoptees.

Education

• MSW, Social Work, Rutgers University.

Dr. Kabay is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist in the state of New Jersey.  Her area of specialties include working with children and adolescents with behavioral difficulties such as oppositional defiant disorder and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, as well as helping clients develop coping skills for emotional dysregulation related to anxiety, depression, and social skills.  

Dr. Kabay also works in a local public school system as a child study team member, providing services to students classified for special education and related services.  In this role she is engaged in conducting psychological evaluations and identifying students for special education services, providing school-based group and individual counseling, consulting with key stakeholders regarding social-emotional and academic student progress, and managing in-school programs for students with significant behavioral challenges.

Education

• B.A., Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University
• Psy.D., School Psychology, Rutgers University

Emily Novak is a New Jersey Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) who is working toward the completion of a License in Professional Counseling (LPC) and a License in Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling (LADC). Emily has experience in providing treatment for adult and adolescent addiction and specializes in counseling of children and families. She uses motivational interviewing and strength-based interventions to build rapport and create a comfortable and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. Emily’s warm, genuine demeanor makes her easy to connect with, which comes as a welcome comfort for those hesitant about the therapy experience. 

Education

• B.A., Psychology, Montclair State University
• M.A. Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, Georgian Court University

Nicolette Morales is a New Jersey Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) who is working toward the completion of a License in Professional Counseling (LPC). She provides counseling to individuals and families, specializing in children and adolescents. Nicolette also currently works as a Certified School Counselor in a local school district. She has extensive experience working collaboratively with children and families through counseling and providing psychoeducation about social-emotional development and social skills instruction to individuals and groups. Nicolette strives to provide a safe and accepting environment by creating a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients and their families. 

Education

• B.A., Psychology, The College of New Jersey
• MSEd. in School Counseling, Monmouth University