Clinical Services
Peer Response Team
Recognizing the mental health challenges that face our members on a daily basis, both personal and professional, the New Jersey State PBA formed the Peer Response Team.
The mission of the team is to assist our members and their respective agencies with issues such as stress, trauma, suicide, addiction, depression, and anxiety, as well as support for their families.
In today’s society it is crucial that our members know, “It is okay not to be okay”. The past “stigma” which came with asking for help has been countered by increased mental health services, awareness and peer support.
We offer peer to peer support, clinical counseling, addiction assistance and referral to both impatient and outpatient programs, as well as critical incident stress management.
Resources

PBA Clinical Team
ACCESSING SERVICES
- Click on photos below to read information about each provider.
- Reach out to a provider at their listed contact information to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation before scheduling an appointment.
- The consultation is to help you decide if the provider will be a good fit and the discussion will include reasons you are seeking therapy, services the provider offers, and finances.
Therapists

Dr. Eugene Stefanelli
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Anastasia Pytal
Clinical Psychologist

Rachel Korenblit
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Tricia Maliszewski
Licensed Professional Counselor

Ana Pais
Licensed Professional Counselor

Larissa Brewster
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Beth Brown
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Mary J. Jose
Licensed Professional Counselor
Medication Management & Supportive Therapy

Esther Kuffour
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Salvatore Savatta
Psychiatrist
PBA Peer Support Team
ACCESSING SERVICES
- Click on photos below to read information about each peer member.
- Reach out to a peer through your State Delegate or the State PBA office when assistance is needed or to familiarize yourself with available resources.
- Each of the PBA peers are active Law Enforcement Officers and State Delegates of their respective locals. They are available to assist and support their fellow members.
Peers

Thomas Clugsten
State Delegate PBA Local 66
Hamilton Twp. Police

Pat Papero
State Delegate PBA Local 187
Mercer County Sheriff

Phil Ritz
State Delegate PBA Local 351
Camden County Corrections

Chris Shick
State Delegate PBA Local 237
Berkeley Twp. Police

Leona Weiss
President PBA Local 326
NJ State Parole

William Sullivan
President PBA Local 105
NJ Department of Corrections

Charlie Sbarra
State Delegate PBA Local 222
NJ State Park Police

Anthony Mazzo
State Delegate PBA Local 206
Emerson Police Department

Jean Kanokogi, PhD
Retired PBA Local 121
Training Advisor

Megan Alexander
President PBA Local 234
Wall Twp. Police

Allen Ballester
State Delegate PBA Local 33
Nutley Police

Anthony Dellatacoma
State Delegate PBA Local 124
Middletown Police

Chris Foster
State Delegate PBA Local 178
Harrison Twp. Police

Erica Hoffman
State Delegate PBA Local 242
Atlantic Highlands Police

Geoffrey Bass
State Delegate PBA Local 8
Union City Police

Greg Polakoski
State Delegate PBA Local 27
Roselle Park Police

Danielle Carvalho
State Delegate PBA Local 19
Plainfield Police

Mike Palmentieri
State Delegate PBA Local 77
Egg Harbor Twp. Police

Patrick Moran
State Delegate PBA Local 144
Berkeley Heights Police Dept.

Tim McCurdy
1st VP PBA Local 304
NJ Transit Police

Wesley Panckeri
State Delegate PBA Local 255
Monroe Twp. Police

William Comerro
State Delegate PBA Local 222
Montclair State Police

Chris Van Eerde
State Delegate PBA Local 214
Middlesex County Prosecutor
PBA Clergy
ACCESSING SERVICES
- Click on the photos below to read information about each clergy member and contact them at their listed contact information.
Clergy

John McCrone
New Jersey State PBA Chaplain
NJ State PBA Five-O 5K
What an incredible day! The NJ State PBA Five-O 5K for mental health awareness was a resounding success and it’s all thanks to YOU.
To our runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and generous donors: thank you for showing up, speaking out, and helping break the stigma around mental health.
Together, we raised awareness and took real steps, literally and figuratively, toward better mental wellness for all!

Dr. Eugene Stefanelli
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Diplomate in Clinical Psychotherapy
NJ #37FI00145800
Dr. Eugene Stefanelli is a clinical psychologist and a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He has earned a Ph.D. in Psychology & Family Therapy, Ed.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy, a masters degree in Personality Psychology, and a masters degree in Behavioral Science. He provides onsite consultation to PBA members as well as referral services for addictions, rehabilitations, mental health and other mental health related issues. He specializes in Addiction, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. Dr. Stefanelli is not currently taking new clients.

Dr. Anastasia Pytal
Clinical Psychologist
Board Certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology
Diplomate in Police Psychology – SPCP
NJ #5288 / NY #020326
Dr. Anastasia Pytal is a licensed psychologist and former law enforcement officer. Her area of professional interest and expertise is working with police officers and their loved ones on issues pertaining to trauma, depression, anxiety, and officer wellness. She provides trainings for local, county and federal law enforcement agencies. She is trained to perform Psychological Autopsies. Dr. Pytal received her Hostage Negotiation Certification in 2022.
39 E. Main Street, Second Floor
Little Falls, NJ 07424
drpytal@helpingfirstresponders.com
(973) 454-5569
Out of Network Billing

Rachel Korenblit, JD, LCSW, LCADC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified in Trauma Studies and Treatment
LCSW (NJ #44SC05863000), LCADC (NJ #37LC00376500), LSCSW (KS #06674)
Rachel Korenblit is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Attorney. She specializes in working with law enforcement officers and veterans to assist in processing trauma and enhancing quality of life. She is a passionate advocate for promoting officer wellness and improving officers’ access to wellness resources. In her work, Rachel utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches (i.e. Modern Psychoanalysis, IFS, & EMDR) along with a sense of humor.
87 Fairfield Rd
Fairfield NJ, 07004
info@rachelkorenblitlcsw.com
(201) 679-3843
Out of Network Billing

Beth Brown, LCSW, LCADC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW (NJ #44SC05970000)
LCADC (NJ #37LC00367200)
Beth Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Work, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a trained EMDR therapist, providing telehealth services in New Jersey. Her previous work experience includes co-occurring inpatient and outpatient programs, county jail, and long-term care facilities. Beth specializes in treating substance abuse, mood disorders, trauma, and first responders. She utilizes an array of approaches based on an individual’s needs and goals, favoring trauma-informed care, EMDR, interpersonal, and CBT.
Telehealth via Zoom
beth@eabcounseling.com
(973) 750-8872
Out of Network Billing

Mary J. Jose, LPC, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC (NJ #37PC00935800)
Mary Jose is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma,ADHD, and the unique mental health challenges faced by law enforcementofficers. Mary offers a client-centered, solution-focused approach thatintegrates evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, ART, CBT, REBT, andEgo State Therapy. She is dedicated to creating a stigma-free, confidentialspace where officers can address their mental health needs without fear ofjudgment. Her practice is rooted in compassion, safety, and inclusivity,ensuring that each client feels heard and empowered.
In-person: Westwood, NJ
Telehealth: via Zoom
mjose@anxietyleader.com
(551) 370-2970
In network with: Horizon BCBS
& Out of Network Billing

Tricia Maliszewski, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC (NJ #37PC00753600)
Tricia Maliszewski is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her previous work experience includes providing services at inpatient and outpatient facilities, as well as the county jail. In her practice, she specializes in working with first responders, veterans and their families addressing traumas, substance use, and mood disorders. Each client is granted a specialized and focused approach regarding their reasons for seeking therapy. Her clinical foundation includes psychoanalysis, IFS and CBT. Tricia believes in risk taking and is passionate about empowering her clients.
87 Fairfield Rd
Fairfield NJ, 07004
tamcounselingllc@gmail.com
(973) 602-7002
Out of Network Billing

Ana Pais, LPC, NCC, CFRC, CCTP
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified First Responder Counselor
LPC (NJ #37PC00609200)
Ana Pais is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified First Responder Counselor, certified in EMDR and trained in Somatic Experiencing. She got her start working in halfway houses, state prisons, and county jails. In her practice, she treats first responders and/or family members. Her areas of specialty include trauma, depression, anxiety, adverse life events, occupational stress injuries, and substance abuse. She is also available for speaking engagements on officer mental health/suicide prevention.
123 N. Union Street Ste. 302
Cranford, NJ 07016
info@frontlinecounselingcenter.com
(908) 292-8017
Out of Network Billing

Larissa Brewster, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW (NJ #44SC05392700)
Larissa Brewster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps clients understand and navigate their mental health. Throughout her career, she has developed a trauma track in an adult partial care program, led a countywide victim response, taught at Rutgers, and contributed to the Encyclopedia of Sexual Violence. Her expertise includes neurodivergent learning, complex trauma resiliency, and recovery for individuals, their
partners, and families. She focuses on professional mental health and individual resiliency in relation to law enforcement and first responder stressors.
PO Box 247
Linwood, NJ 08221 via Zoom
Larissahope24@gmail.com
(609) 226-2164
In network with: Horizon BCBS, Aetna, and AmeriHealth

Esther Kuffour
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
APN (NJ #26NJ01345600)
Esther Kuffour is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in New Jersey. She specializes in treating First Responders and clients across the lifespan with various mental health, substance use, trauma, and behavioral issues. She is passionate about her work and treats clients with respect and dignity. Esther uses an evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and client-centered approach with her clients. She listens to the individual’s needs and works with them to create a personalized care plan that addresses their needs more effectively.
6280100 Matawan Road, Suite 325 31063
Matawan, NJ, 07747
lightwoodmhss@outlook.com
Phone: (732) 702-3030
Fax: (732) 402-6280100
In network with most commercial insurances: Horizon BCBS & Empire BCBS, AmeriHealth, Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, and more

Dr. Salvatore Savatta
Psychiatrist
Board Certified Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry
MD (NJ #25MA08969200)
Dr. Salvatore Savatta is a board certified psychiatrist. He has previously served as Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at New York Methodist Hospital, Medical Director of TMS Centers of America and both Deputy Chair and Interim Chair of Psychiatry at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Dr. Savatta has tailored his clinical practice to focus on “difficult to treat” depression, and often includes the implementation of NeuroModulation techniques such as TMS, Esketamine, and Electroconvulsive Therapy* (ECT) when clinically appropriate.
776911 Commerce Drive, Lobby Floor
Cranford, NJ 07016
info@labyrinthtms.com
(908) 676-7769
In network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, TRICARE, and Medicare

John McCrone
New Jersey State PBA Chaplain
Father John McCrone has served as chaplain for the New Jersey State PBA for over 25 years, including the peer support network since its inception.
Serving as a chaplain involves providing spiritual and emotional support to officers, staff, and their families. This role includes offering counseling, leading prayer and worship services, and being present during critical incidents to offer comfort and guidance.
In addition, a chaplain helps officers navigate the stress and trauma associated with their duties, promoting mental health and resilience. By fostering a sense of community and offering a compassionate presence, the chaplain supports the well-being of law enforcement personnel, helping them to maintain their integrity, morale, and overall sense of purpose in their challenging roles.
A spiritual component of recovery is essential for law enforcement officers healing from trauma, as it provides a foundation for emotional and psychological resilience.
Spirituality can offer a sense of peace and understanding, helping officers process their experiences and find meaning in the aftermath of traumatic events. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or connecting with a faith community, can create a supportive environment where officers feel understood and less isolated. This spiritual engagement fosters hope, forgiveness, and acceptance, which are critical for overcoming the emotional scars of trauma.
Ultimately, the spiritual component of recovery can empower law enforcement officers to rebuild their lives with renewed purpose and strength.
He is available to a member of the PBA at any time and can be reached at 201-707-2678 or at jmccrone@aol.com.