
Meet The Team That Provides Mental Health Services To Those in the Greatest Need

Lauren Aravich
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lauren has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years. She worked primarily in the hospital setting in the ER where she gained experience in the mental health crisis setting. She later went back to school for her Bachelors in Nursing graduating Summa Cum Laude from New Jersey City University, then continuing on for her School Nurse Certification.
Lauren worked several years at a private non-profit school for children with disabilities, which had a very strong therapeutic component. It was at that time she decided to go back to school to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner(PMHNP).
She successfully completed Monmouth University's PMHNP program and became Board Certified, all while working on an inpatient psychiatric unit and raising 6 children with the help of her amazing husband. When not working she enjoys going camping with her family and friends.
Liann is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her therapeutic practice. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical social work, mental health, and therapeutic interventions.
She works with individuals of all ages, helping them navigate life's challenges and build resilience. Whether working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, she strives to create a supportive and safe space for clients to explore their emotions, set goals, and develop healthy coping skills.
Liann is committed to a person-centered approach, recognizing the unique experiences and strengths of each individual. She uses a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and strength-based methods, tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients. She believes in empowering her clients through the therapeutic process and fostering a collaborative relationship where growth and healing are possible.
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Licensed Social Worker
Liann Gelber

Philomena Haghighi
Licensed Social Worker
Philomena is a hard-working licensed social worker who believes in the importance of creating an individualized approach and treatment plan for each client that she serves. Philomena completed her Masters degree in Social work from Monmouth University through a program specializing in practice with children and families. Philomena understands that no two individuals are alike and considers how different systems and intersecting identities impact the lives of all her clients. She uses methods such as CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches to help clients achieve a desirable mindset that is conducive to seeking their true identity and creating goals for themselves based upon their individual values.
Philomena has had years of experience working in a private, non-profit special needs high school, as well as a private, non-profit inpatient drug rehabilitation program for adolescents. Philomena understands that adolescence is a challenging, transitional phase where teenagers may often feel lost, misunderstood, and struggle with their self-esteem and developing identity. She has worked with adolescents who struggle with mental illnesses, mental and physical disabilities, trauma, and substance abuse, and is dedicated to advocating for and serving this population. Philomena has also conducted family counseling sessions within a school setting and an inpatient setting to help families to support their children in need, and overall improve communication to create healthy boundaries among family members.
Philomena believes in the importance of connecting with nature and the outdoors, and spends her free time hiking in the woods, going to the beach, and spending time with her cats and dogs. Philomena is able to incorporate these personal hobbies into her practice by encouraging clients to utilize nature and the outdoors for therapeutic purposes.
Lynda has been a Registered Nurse for nine years, and she has worked in the healthcare industry for over 25 years. After receiving her bachelor’s in biology from Rutgers University she returned to school to become a Registered Nurse, and then her School Nurse Certification from Monmouth University.
She has worked as a school nurse for over eight years at a private school for children with multiple disabilities. Lynda has worked with the school psychiatrist and social workers to provide holistic, individualized, and supportive care to the students. Her experience working with children who have mental health challenges propelled her to return to school to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner (PMHNP). Lynda completed Monmouth University’s PMHNP program, received the Academic Excellence Award, and became Board-Certified.
Lynda enjoys spending time with her four children, traveling to new places, doing outdoor activities, and getting together with friends.

Lynda Megill
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mary DeSane
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Mary De Sane is a graduate of Monmouth University School of Nursing magna cum laude with a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. Mary is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and has received a number of awards including Nurse educator of the Year by the NJ society of Psychiatric Nursing.
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For over 15 years Mary has practiced in adult psychiatric nursing in an intensive outpatient setting. She specializes in mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD and post-menopausal depression to name a few.
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Her holistic philosophy drives her practice recognizing that your mental health is important to your entire well -being. Mary partners with you as the client to maintain and sustain quality of life.
Dr. Morgan Bardall has a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Rutgers University. Morgan prior to working at A Peaceful Mind MHS, he has worked at Ship to Shore Counseling and also has a private practice at NormalPsych PC. His doctoral research focused on psychotropics, side effects, and fall prevention. In school, he interned at Rutgers Behavioral Health’s Center of Excellence as part of the Opiate Workforce Expansion Program grant under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). He also interned at Ship to Shore Counseling, Jersey City Medical Center’s child/adolescent outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. Morgan graduated from UMDNJ’s accelerated BSN program in 2013. Prior to his doctorate, he worked at Jersey City Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center’s inpatient committed and voluntary psychiatric units as a registered nurse. Morgan was also previously a nurse homecare case manager. Prior to nursing school, Morgan earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Montclair State. He returned to nursing school after an internship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Rosa Pavilion after developing a passion for working with psychiatric patients. He has successfully worked with serious, persistent mental illness in children, adults and seniors.

Dr.Morgan Bardall
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner