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I received a Masters in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work with an additional certification in trauma informed practice. I believe that relational trauma can be healed within the context of a therapeutic relationship. I have a background in Client-Centered Therapy which approaches an individual as being unique in their strengths and potential. I also take a psychoanalytic approach to help clients who are suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidality. I am passionate about treating individuals from varying communities and helping clients be the “cycle breakers'' of intergenerational trauma. I understand the long lasting impact of early adverse childhood experiences, and aim to help individuals find their own unique path toward healing.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a wealth of understanding and compassion to my role as a licensed social worker. I've had the privilege of working with clients of all ages and genders. My approach is deeply rooted in person-centered, humanistic, and holistic philosophies, enabling me to meet each individual's unique needs and circumstances. I firmly believe that mental health is integral to everyone's wellbeing, and I'm committed to providing comprehensive support to guide each client on their journey towards improved mental health. It's my honor to walk with you in this transformative process and facilitate your personal growth. 

Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or managing the transition of major life changes, the road toward personal growth looks different for everyone. I aim to create a warm environment that is safe for self-exploration, curiosity, and healing, to help clients gain insight and harness their own strengths to improve the quality of their lives. My style is empathetic, non-judgmental, and interactive, and I am a culturally inclusive, anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and LGBTQ+-affirming therapist. My approach to therapy is customized to the unique needs of each client, based in psychodynamic, relational, trauma-informed training. I received my MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and my BA from New York University.

My name is Natalia and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) trauma therapist in New York. I specialize in working with survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence and individuals navigating recovery from substance use disorder/addiction. My personal connections to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community have fueled my ability and ambition to create an encouraging and empathetic healing space for my clients. During my course of study, I’ve expanded my clinical skills and completed training programs in multiple modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).

To quote one of my favorite authors:

“If you are uncomfortable—in deep pain, angry, yearning, confused —you don’t have a problem, you have a life. Being human is not hard because you’re doing it wrong, it’s hard because you’re doing it right. You will never change the fact that being human is hard, so you must change your idea that it was ever supposed to be easy.” – Glennon Doyle

I work to create a safe therapeutic environment to support you in honoring your past, living in the present, and imagining a more empowered future. I'm motivated to work with you on any current or long standingchallenge you’re experiencing at a pace you're comfortable with. Life was never supposed to be easy, and I applaud you in taking this next step. I look forward to being on your team and a source of support for you through your journey.

Ashleigh Lemaire, MD, is a board-certified family physician who sees patients of all ages at Raritan Family Healthcare. Her particular interests include reproductive care, mental health, and weight management. Dr. Lemaire sees patients at the practice's offices in Raritan and Bedminster, New Jersey.

Dr. Lemaire began her career at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. After graduation, she worked at Duke University Hospital in oncology nursing for two and a half years before deciding to go back to school to pursue medicine.

Dr. Lemaire completed a post-baccalaureate program at the University of North Carolina in Chappel Hill before relocating to New Jersey with her husband. She was accepted to Rutgers RWJ University in New Brunswick for medical school, where she decided to pursue Family Medicine. 

After completing her family medicine residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she served as chief resident, Dr. Lemaire began her practice. She is an active member of the American Academy of Family Medicine as well as the American Medical Association.

In her spare time, Dr. Lemaire enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Raritan Family Healthcare.

Christina Khalil, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician, bringing more than a decade of experience in primary care to Raritan Family Healthcare, serving people of all ages at our Raritan location.

Dr. Khalil began her professional education at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York, earning her Bachelor of Science in life sciences and graduating magna cum laude. Then, she obtained her medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, also in Old Westbury.

Before joining the team at Raritan Family Healthcare, Dr. Khalil completed a family medicine and community health residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Dr. Khalil proudly holds membership in several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association. She’s also certified in pediatric advanced life support (PALS), basic life support (BLS), and advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS).

When Dr. Khalil isn’t meeting with patients or developing treatment plans, she enjoys contributing to medical publications and speaking at industry events. She welcomes anyone seeking improved health to Raritan Family Healthcare today.

Board Certification: Family Medicine
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Somerset Medical Center

Jessica Santana, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician. She sees patients of all ages at Raritan Family Healthcare offices located in Raritan and Bedminster. Dr. Santana’s interests include women’s health and weight management. She is also very passionate about community medicine and providing care to the underserved. She has volunteered in many local outreach programs and global mission trips to Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Haiti. She is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Santana studied at The College of New Jersey, where she graduated with a degree in Mathematics. She then moved to North Carolina and enrolled at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduation, she moved back to NJ and completed her residency training at Rutgers- Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. During that time, she proudly served as chief resident.

In her free time, Dr. Santana enjoys exploring coffee shops, reading and spending time with her loved ones. She looks forward to building a full-scope practice at Raritan Family Healthcare.

Todd Halper, MD, is a board-certified primary care doctor and family medicine physician at Halper Family Medicine in Rockville Centre and Bayport, New York. Dr. Halper grew up watching his father treat patients in his community and form lasting relationships throughout their care. Today, he works hard at his private practice to take care of his patients as if they’re members of his own family and helps them avoid getting ill with preventive care.

Dr. Halper earned his degree in medicine from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medicine St. Augustine in Trinidad. He then moved back to his home state of New York for a residency in family practice at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. In 2009 during this residency, his outstanding communication skills and knowledge were recognized when he earned the Resident Teacher Award.

Halper Family Medicine is known as the best health care facility in the area. Dr. Halper offers a wide variety of services for patients of all ages, including Botox® injections, IV infusions, regenerative medicine using their own PRP or stem cells, and annual physical exams. He dedicates the necessary time to explain his patients’ conditions and treatments in-depth so that they have a complete understanding of their own care.

When he isn’t at Halper Family Medicine caring for patients, Dr. Halper loves to give back to his community through volunteer work. He teaches future doctors at New York’s Stony Brook University and Hofstra University in Hempstead.

Dr. Raymond Zakhari is a triple board-certified nurse practitioner, certified in Adult Adolescent Health, Family Health, and Psychiatric Mental Health. He provides comprehensive care of both the mind and body.

He is on staff at New York-Presbyterian Hospital at Weill Cornell Medical Center/ Payne Whitney Clinic appointed to the department of internal medicine. In his private practice, Metro Medical Direct, he provides medical and psychiatric house calls for patients from adolescents to geriatrics with dual diagnosis addiction and mental illness. He provides medical supervision for home detox and provides medication-assisted therapy with Suboxone, naltrexone, and Vivitrol.

His extensive training and experience allow him to manage the medical conditions that may have developed from substance abuse.

Aaron Sternlicht is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Family Addiction Specialist, a boutique, private practice in New York City catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. As COO, Aaron oversees a highly dedicated team to ensure discreet, personalized, and exceptional care, managing all aspects of operations from admissions and scheduling to billing and health information management. In his role as CFO, he directs payor relations and financial strategy, ensuring the firm maintains the highest standards of service and patient outcomes.

Aaron’s career uniquely blends clinical expertise with business acumen. He has extensive experience in outpatient and inpatient mental health and addiction treatment, paired with a sophisticated understanding of investments and business management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and political science from the University of Vermont and a master’s in mental health counseling from Pace University. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, and with personal recovery experience, Aaron provides a deeply informed, pragmatic, and patient-centered approach to care.

Specializing in mental health, substance use, and digital addiction, Aaron guides clients toward sustainable, transformative recovery with discretion and warmth. He is widely recognized for his insights into digital addiction and has been featured in various in various media outlets including The Washington Post, Forbes, Fox News, and The New York Post. He contributes regularly to WebMD and serves on the Medical Review Board of Insider, using his expertise to advance awareness and education on addiction.