Our Staff

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Dr. Ippolito has served as clinical director of the Philmore Associates since 1983.  She holds degrees in Psychology, Clinical Social Work and Special Education.  In addition to managing operations at the Philmore, Dr. Ippolito provides clinical treatment to children, adolescents, and adults for issues including anxiety and stress disorders, depression, grief and relationship/familial issues.  She holds a certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the American Institute for Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, New York, NY.  She has studied the practice of mindfulness in psychotherapy under nationally renowned Positive Psychologist, Cory Muscara and completed an intensive program on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

In addition to her work with clients at the Philmore Associates, Dr. Ippolito is an NASW Board Certified Clinical Supervisor. She has provided lectures at the Women's Health Center, Clara Maass-Saint Barnabas Healthcare System on topics including Stress Management, Depression and Caring for the Caregiver.  She taught courses on Research and Group Dynamics at the Rutgers University Graduate School and served on a Bio-Ethics committee at the Richmond Children's Hospital Center in Yonkers, NY.

Her many community contributions and services have been recognized on both national and statewide levels, with the 1997 Congressional Achievement Award and the 2001 New Jersey State Assembly Women of Achievement Award.

Donna holds degrees and certifications in Clinical Social Work, School Social Work, Clinical Supervision and Special Education.  Her graduate studies included concentration in assessment and treatment of Alcohol and Substance disorders.  She worked in a hospital crisis intervention unit where she conducted mental status assessments and provided grief counseling.  She has been providing outpatient psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults and families since 1983 and joined the staff at the Philmore Associates in 1987.

Her areas of expertise include the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, self-esteem and stress management.  Her extensive experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues has effectively helped numerous clients improve their functioning and quality of life.  Donna utilizes a variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques to assist clients identify and change troubling thoughts, emotions and behaviors.

In addition to her work with clients, Donna enjoys sharing her clinical expertise with supervisees who are working toward becoming licensed mental health practitioners.  Her witty humor and extensive experience provide a comfortable yet rigorous milieu for introspection and honing clinical skills. 

Marisa has served as Office Manager and Billing Coordinator at the Philmore since 2015.  She is generally the first person potential clients interact with and sets the tone for a helpful, friendly and caring environment.  She assists clients in getting reimbursement for services through their out of network insurance companies and is available to answer questions related to billing and scheduling.

Marisa not only adds to the warm climate we are so proud of at the Philmore, but she shares her therapy dog, Porscha, with our clients.  Porscha is 11 pounds of love and has helped countless children and adults feel comfortable and cared for, even before seeing their therapist.