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.
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.
Arthur Emken III
LAC
I earned my Master’s Degree in School Counseling from The College of New Jersey. I’m a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and credentialed as a Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in the State of New Jersey working under the supervision of Katie Smaldone.
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I work with children, teens, young & older adults as well as elderly who are navigating challenges like anxiety, stress, low motivation, self-esteem, life transitions, and figuring out what comes next. My goal is to help you feel more confident, clear, and capable of handling whatever life throws your way.
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I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself, so I focus on creating a warm, relaxed, and judgment-free space where you can talk openly. We’ll work together to better understand what’s going on beneath the surface and come up with practical, personalized ways to help you move forward. My style is supportive, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I like to bring a positive, encouraging energy into sessions while also giving you real tools you can use outside of therapy. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just trying to figure things out, you don’t have to do it alone.
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Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. We’ll take things at your pace and focus on what matters most to you; I’m here to support you every step of the way.