Our Team
Katie Smaldone
MSW, LCSW
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 have been working in private practice for seven years and founded Phoenix Psychotherapy four years ago. I specialize in working with children, 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 to address their children's behaviors, to provide a supportive environment for their children, and to adapt their parenting skills to best suit their children's individual needs.
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I use an adaptive approach to fit my client's needs, which frequently consists of components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider; I am passionate about integrating mental and physical health through nutrition, exercise/movement, and other holistic approaches. 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.
Ayana Caldwell-Archie
MSW, LSW
I obtained both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. My passion lies in helping children, teens, and young adults (ages 6–21) work through life’s challenges while building the confidence and emotional tools to feel grounded and understood.
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My clinical style is supportive and collaborative. I believe therapy should feel like a safe space where young people can show up as their full selves. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also integrating mindfulness, self-compassion, and real-world coping strategies that meet each client where they are.
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Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in acute psychiatric hospital and medical settings, where I supported individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, psychosis, personality, behavioral, and trauma-related disorders. These experiences strengthened my ability to remain compassionate and steady in moments of crisis and deepened my understanding of how trauma and stress can impact emotional development and daily life.
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I value working closely with parents and families to help them better understand their child’s needs and to create supportive environments that promote calm, communication, and connection at home. I approach every client with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for their individual story. My goal is to help young people find balance, strengthen their sense of self, and begin to see themselves as capable of growth and change, even in difficult seasons.