Meet Our Staff



Melissa von der Heide, MA, LMFT, Executive Director – Ms. von der Heide has a Masters degree with studies in Behavioral Sciences, concentrating in Psychological Services from Kean University. Ms. von der Heide has an additional professional diploma in Marriage and Family Therapy from Kean University. Ms. von der Heide has extensive experience working with children. She has also published on the topic of helping parents establish literacy through play. In 2010, Ms. von der Heide entered training to become a Parent Child Interactive Therapy Trainer. She also has many years of experience working with families who are grieving and children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Ms. von der Heide joined CFS in January 2007. 

Alica James, MS, LAMFT- Alicia James is a Ph.D. student in the Counseling and Family Therapy Program at Drexel University. Prior to attending Drexel University, she attended Chestnut Hill College School of Graduate Studies and holds a Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, and she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Rutgers University. Ms. James specializes in Attachment Based Family Therapy and uses an intergenerational approach to working with families.

Amanda Methner is MA, LAMFT - Ms. Methner completed her Master’s Program at Kean University in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. She has worked with children and adults, including those with special needs. She has worked in supportive and primary roles in these settings. Ms. Methner is able to serve clients in Somerset County

Geanie Rizzo, MA., Ed.S., LPC . - Ms. Rizzo is a licensed professional counselor with an MA in Counseling from the College of New Jersey. After practicing for six years she went back to the College of New Jersey for a Ed.S. post graduate degree in Marriage and Family therapy. She has worked as a family therapist at CFS for over ten years. Prior to coming to CFS she worked a supervisor at Middle Earth in Somerville.



Krystin Eckert, MA, LMFT - Kristyn Eckert is a dedicated therapist with a Master's degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from the College of New Jersey. She has also completed an intensive certification training program in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, enhancing her expertise in this area. Since joining Contextual in April 2014, Ms. Eckert has employed a collaborative, family systems, and attachment-based approach to therapy. Ms. Eckert specializes in working with children and teens, utilizing play and art therapy alongside talk therapy. Her therapeutic focus is on building healthy communication skills among family members and processing generational trauma. Her career goal is to remove the stigma around mental health care, ensuring a positive therapeutic experience for youth and their families. Through her compassionate and comprehensive approach, she strives to support her clients in overcoming challenges and fostering stronger, healthier relationships.



Ryan Jahnke, MA, LPC - Mr. Jahnke was a Behavioral Assistant at Contextual Family Services from May 2017 to May 2018. In May 2018, he received a Masters degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from the College of New Jersey. He is a Licensed Associate Counselor. Mr. Jahnke has years of experience working at Carrier Clinic with clients of all ages. Through his education and experience Mr. Jahnke has done extensive work in anger management, communication and family interaction. He is available to work with families or youth in Somerset County.



Ms. Lisa Marcelino, MA,LMFT,  PhD - Ms.Marcelino has a Masters in Behavioral Sciences with a specialization in Psychological Services from Kean University, and a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology, Neurological Disorders and Disabilities. Lisa completed her Professional Diploma in Marriage and Family Therapy at Kean University. Ms. Marcelino has also served as an adjunct psychology professor at Kean University since 2011. Ms. Marcelino has been providing in-home ABA services to children and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder since 2004. Additionally, Lisa has written and published articles on topics such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, resilience, mental health awareness and advocacy. Lisa has extensive experience working with individuals who have mental health diagnoses, substance abuse issues, special needs and disabilities, histories of domestic violence, depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, and sexual abuse. Ms. Marcelino is available to serve clients in Somerset County.



Christine Sullivan, M.Ed., LPC, DRCC - Mrs. Sullivan is a school counselor with fourteen years of experience working with children and families in the school setting. She is also a Licensed Associate Counselor, a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor, and a member of the Traumatic Loss Coalition for Hunterdon County. She holds a masters degree in School Counseling. She is able to provide individual therapy. She is available to serve clients in Hunterdon and Warren Counties.



Laura Oliver, BA - Laura Oliver, BA- Laura Oliver is currently completing her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northern :University. She is expected to finish August 2024. Ms. Oliver has an extensive history of working in the classroom. She has taught and coached children and parents with managing behaviors both inside and outside of the classroom.



CFS Board of Directors