Teen Mental Health Treatment in New Jersey

Frank Mattiace, PhD, serves as Director of New Pathway Counseling’s three New Jersey locations (Bayonne, Paramus, and Pine Brook), a virtual recovery platform across multiple states, and the Guardian Recovery Adolescent Residential Center. He holds a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from the University of Southern California and a master’s in counseling with an emphasis in addictive disorders from Montclair State University. A former professional football player (1983–1987), Dr. Mattiace pioneered collaborative work with the Retired NFL Players Association on pain management and addiction. He developed the SoarFit platform — a four-stage framework (Seek, Observe, Act, Renew) integrating mind, body, and spirit for lasting transformation. Dr. Mattiace believes true healing requires treating psychological conditions mentally, physically, and spiritually, emphasizing emotional regulation, resilience, and cognitive function to help individuals find hope and lasting recovery.

Nicholas Fiorito, MDiv, LCADC, CCS, combines clinical expertise with holistic wellness in his compassionate approach to substance use and mental health treatment. Holding a Master of Divinity from Harvard, Nicholas specializes in client-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-centered techniques, and DBT skills across multiple levels of care. His extensive background in health and wellness — including teaching yoga and tai-chi, personal training, and managing fitness studios — allows him to integrate mindfulness, meditation, somatic awareness, and physical fitness into each client’s therapeutic journey. Nicholas’s expertise in integrative spirituality and meaning-making helps clients cultivate self-compassion, gain deeper insight, and create substantive, lasting internal change. He is dedicated to helping individuals find hope and healing through their recovery.

Laura serves as Director of Nursing with over 15 years of experience specializing in adolescent substance use treatment. Beginning in 2008 as an emergency department nurse, she built a foundation in high-acuity care before transitioning to psychiatric nursing, where she discovered her passion for supporting individuals with substance use disorders. In 2020, Laura moved into nursing leadership within detoxification and rehabilitation settings. She currently leads adolescent nursing services, emphasizing trauma-informed, evidence-based care and staff mentorship. Laura holds the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) credential. As a mother of two sons, she brings personal understanding to the challenges adolescents and families face. Laura is committed to providing compassionate care that helps adolescents and families find hope and healing throughout recovery.

Bill serves as Director of Operations at Guardian Recovery’s Montville Adolescent Center, bringing decades of experience in public safety and operational leadership to support adolescents struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. A former police officer and detective, Bill specialized in crisis response and risk assessment before transitioning to the private sector as a Vice President overseeing regulatory compliance. At the Center, Bill ensures a safe, structured environment through facility management, security coordination, staff training, and emergency preparedness initiatives. His expertise in crisis intervention and calm leadership style create stability for both staff and clients during challenging moments. Bill’s attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence directly support Guardian Recovery’s mission of providing hope and healing to adolescents and families in need.

Lenimar serves as Care Manager at Guardian Recovery’s Montville Adolescent Center, where she helps adolescents navigate substance use and mental health challenges. A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, she began her career at the New Jersey Department of Children and Families conducting child welfare investigations and supporting vulnerable families through difficult transitions. In her role at Guardian Recovery, Lenimar creates safe, supportive environments for clients, guides them in adjusting to treatment programming, documents clinical progress, and coordinates comprehensive case management activities. Her background in child welfare combined with her compassionate approach enables her to connect meaningfully with clients and families during their recovery journey. Lenimar is passionate about fostering hope and healing, embodying Guardian Recovery’s mission of guiding individuals toward lasting recovery and transformation.