BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TEAM
Dominique Focazio, LSW
Behavioral Health Director For the FSCS Health Centers
Hi! I’m Dominique and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I received my Master’s in Social Work from NYU. I am so happy to be here! My areas of practice have been primarily in direct practice, working individuals as well as leading support groups. My favorite population to work with is late adolescents and young adults. My experience has been in both outpatient clinics in New Jersey and counseling centers for the State University of New York. My areas of focus have been anxiety/ depression, identity development, the LGBTQ population, and personality disorders. My certifications include Mental Health First Aid and Dialectal Behavior Therapy. My home is the behavioral health center at JFK High School, a place to go when life “happens.”
Jessica Saraivia, LSW
Hi, my name is Jessica Saraiva, and I am a licensed social worker. I received my Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. I worked as an intern for the Full Service Community Health Center during the 2019-2020 school year and I am excited to be rejoining this year as a social worker at School 2 and Sen. Frank Lautenberg. I look forward to meeting and working with you all!
Tara Sym, LCSW
Hi, my name is Tara Sym and I am a licensed clinical social worker. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Pennsylvania and my Master’s from Hunter College School of Social Work. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in mental health facilities, school-based programs, and private practice settings. I am trained in many evidence-based interventions, and incorporate concrete skill development and self-care strategies to help you feel better. I also use mindfulness to bring awareness and self-compassion to your life experiences. Our work together will incorporate your unique skills and personal beliefs in the therapeutic process. My approach to treatment is upbeat, compassionate, and solution-focused. I am excited to be working in the behavioral health center at JFK High School this year!
Alex Miles, LPC
My name is Alexander Miles, I’m a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and New Jersey Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Kean University’s CACREP Accredited Counselor Education program in June, 2015. I have an undergraduate degree from the New York State University of Buffalo in Social Science (BA). I have worked in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years and spent the majority of my work experience with New York City’s Department of Human Services; Administration for Children Services. I enjoy working with various populations but especially providing clinical therapeutic services to early, middle and late adolescents. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and encompasses various therapeutic philosophies. I believe in Health and Wellness and support the mission of the Full Service Community School Health Center. I am looking forward to helping educate the inner city community about healthy social, emotional and behavioral lifestyle choices. I am excited to be a part of the Health N Wellness Services family at the Frank Napier Academy and JFK High School Complex.
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Justine Ruiz, MSW
Hello, my name is Justine Ruiz. I received my Undergraduate degree as well as my Master's degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of NJ. I previously was an intern at Full-Service Community Schools Health Center throughout the 2021 school year within School #4, SFL & #5. This year I will be working as a Task Supervisor. I will be in School #5 and JFK High School. I am excited to be joining this amazing team and look forward to being able to assist student and their families in the same city I grew up in.
Selena Paulino, Intern
My name is Selena Paulino and I am a current graduate student pursuing a Master's in Social Work. I am excited to be working hands-on with students as an intern for the Full Service Community Schools Behavioral Team. Having Bachelor's in Sociology and Criminology has given me tools to approach students with compassion, comprehension, and empathy. I am looking forward to helping students experience growth and greatness.
Nia Kuttamperoor, Intern
Nia Kuttamperoor is a graduate social work intern at FSCS Health Center. She is currently in her first year of the Master’s in Social Work program at NYU. Nia received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Peace & Justice Studies at Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is excited to be interning at JFK High School and is looking forward to supporting students and their families this school year.
Adriana Cruz, Intern
Hello, my name is Adriana Cruz and I am a graduate Social Work Intern at Full-Service Community Schools. I am in my second year of the Social Work part-time Master’s program at Ramapo College of New Jersey. I previously attended Seton Hall University where I obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a major in Social and Behavioral Science and a minor in Social Work. For the past 3 years I worked for a Care Management Organization providing services to children and families throughout Passaic County. I look forward to interning at FSCS and being part of an amazing team!
Ruby Galarza, Intern
Hello! My name is Ruby Galarza and I am in my second year of my Master's program at Rutgers University School of Social Work. I am also in the
certificate program for Promoting Child and Adolescent Well-Being. I graduated from Montclair State University in 2017 where I studied Family Science and Human Development with a concentration in School Settings. I will be interning at Full Service Community Schools, specifically at School 15 and New Roberto Clemente School. I look forward to this school year and meeting all of the amazing students!
Giselle Rodriguez, Intern
Hello! My name is Giselle Rodriguez and I am an intern here with the behavioral health team at Full-Service Community Schools. I am currently a graduate student in the Master’s program at Ramapo College of New Jersey. This year, I have the pleasure of interning at School 2 and School 6 (Senator Frank Lautenberg School). I am excited to be a part of the FSCS team this year.
Roselyn Clark, Intern
Roselyn Clark is a graduate school social work intern at the FSCS Health Center. Roselyn is currently in her second year of the Master’s in Clinical Social Work program at Rutgers University with a certificate in Promoting Child and Adolescent well-being. She is also a part of the Rutgers University Behavioral Youth Collaborative fellowship. Roselyn attended Seton Hall University, where she received a B.A in Social and Behavioral Science with a minor in Psychology. She has always had a passion for helping others, working with children, and increasing awareness regarding the importance of mental health. She is excited to be interning for JFK High School and getting to know and support students, families, and staff.
Smarlyn Alcantara, Intern
Hello everyone! My name is Smarlyn Alcantara. I am a graduate Social Work Intern with the Behavioral Team at the Full Service Community Health Centers at Schools 2 and Sen. Frank Lautenberg School in Paterson. I am an Advanced Standing part-time student at Rutgers University, Newark. I graduated from Rutgers in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Social Work and a minor in Politics. It is a pleasure to be interning with FSCS and to work closely with the students, families, and staff from this community.
Jonathan Acosta, Intern
Hello, My name is Jonathan Acosta, a social work intern from Full Service Community Schools working with the Behavioral Health Team. I’m currently a second year graduate student at Rutgers University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Education as a Social Science. I’m looking forward to using the skills from my education as well as learning new ones as I work with the students at JFK High School. I hope to help wherever I can.
Delma Poggi, Intern
Hello ! My name is Delma Poggi and I am a MSW student at Rutgers University. I am in the advanced standing program and this year I will be interning with Full Service Community Schools #15 & NRC. I've been living in Paterson since the age of 7 and it is truly a pleasure getting to work with kids from my area. I am really happy with the population I am currently working with, and am looking forward to improving on my counseling techniques as the year goes by. We have a strong and committed team here at FSCS, and that is what motivates me to keep doing my best, as well as the many children we work with in the clinic
Molly Ferral, Intern
Driven by my passion to support youth, I am excited to be a part of the Full Service team. This year, I am an intern at School 2 and School 6. I am currently in my 2nd and final year of the Masters in Social Work program at Rutgers University, where I am pursuing my certificate in Promoting Child & Adolescent Well-Being. I graduated from Bucknell University in 2018 with a B.A. in English. I look forward to a successful year connecting with my students and the Paterson community!
Rose Marie 'Rosie' Barbalace, LCSW
My name is Rosemarie, and I am a bilingual social worker and yoga instructor. Originally from Paterson, I have worked with families in Paterson, Passaic, and NYC since 2017. I am passionate about mindfulness, yoga, and providing therapy in a way that is accessible for all. I come from a multicultural background, and I use an eclectic and culturally competent perspective in guiding my practice. I was an intern at FSCS and after graduating from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2019, I’m back! I will be spending time at School 16 and Napier Academy. I am thrilled to be back and looking forward to a fantastic school year.
Jennifer Hutchinson, LCSW
Jennifer Hutchinson received her Master of Social Work from Fordham University. Jennifer worked as an intern for the Full-Service Community Health Center during the 2014-15 school year and is thrilled to be rejoining the community in 2016 as a social worker. Jennifer will be spending most of her time at school 15 and the New Roberto Clemente! She is looking forward to a productive and meaningful year for everyone.
