Our Team
Katie Smaldone
MSW, LCSW
I am the owner and founder of Phoenix Psychotherapy. I attended Monmouth University for both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work with a specialization in Clinical Practice with Children and Families. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults who have various concerns ranging from anxiety, school refusal, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, behaviors, and social skills concerns. I also have experience working with parents who wish to advance their skills in managing their child’s behavior.
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I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness in my work, but I use an adaptive approach to fit my client's needs. A large part of my work with clients consists of empowering them to set boundaries in their relationships, to find their inner strength, to establish a strong sense of self-esteem, and to discover what it is in life that brings their heart joy. As my client, I will help you “find your fire”. This means uncovering and learning to love your true, authentic self.
Samantha Hammond
MSW, LCSW
When working together, I strive to provide a safe and welcoming space that will allow you to be your most authentic self. In this space, we will build a partnership to work together towards your identified goals. My work consists of using a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness to provide the best treatment for each person. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, teens and adults with concerns ranging from depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, OCD, and trauma. When working with children, I think an important part of therapy process is including the families into sessions to best help the child.
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I attended Monmouth University for my bachelor’s degree in Social Work and New York University for my master’s degree in Social Work. I have experience working with children, adolescences, teens, and adults. My past work experience includes an inpatient psychiatric unit, special needs day program, a psychiatric Partial Hospitalization program, and Intensive In-Community Services (IIC) for child/Youth.
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I have experience working with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar 1 & 2 Disorder, Schizophrenia, trauma, suicidality, and substance use disorders. With children, I have experience with mental health and substance disorders, adjustment disorders, behavioral concerns, and school refusals. I currently work full time in a community mental health agency as an outpatient clinician working with children through adults.
Lindsey McGuinness
MSW, LSW, CATP, C-SSWS
My mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and affirming space for children, teens, and adults navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, co-occurring disorders, and family or school-related challenges.
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I specialize in working with children and adolescents (ages 4–18), using an integrative approach that includes play therapy, psychodynamic therapy, grief counseling, and trauma-focused techniques. My work is grounded in age-appropriate, compassionate care that meets each young person where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and relationally.
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I earned my undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and completed my Master of Social Work at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, with a concentration in child and family therapy and trauma-informed care. I hold certifications as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) and a Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS), and I’m credentialed by the International Trauma Training Institute.
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Over the past decade, I’ve worked extensively in school settings, both on Child Study Teams and in crisis intervention. I have deep experience supporting individuals and families coping with complex trauma, suicidality, and self-harming behaviors. I also work closely with neurodivergent children and adolescents and have facilitated social skills and empowerment groups to help them thrive.
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Children face big emotions and even bigger life challenges—they deserve to feel seen, heard, and safe. I’m passionate about helping young people process their feelings, build resilience, and find relief from emotional pain. Whether your family is seeking support for fear, anxiety, grief, or behavioral concerns, you are not alone. Healing is possible, and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.