Screens are an integral part of our lives and are here to stay. While it might seem easier to either allow your teen unlimited access to their devices or to remove them completely, finding a balance is the most sustainable and beneficial approach.
Screens are an integral part of our lives and are here to stay. While it might seem easier to either allow your teen unlimited access to their devices or to remove them completely, finding a balance is the most sustainable and beneficial approach.
Shruti nadkarni , MD
Education
-NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine Old Westbury, NY
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
– Kean University Union, NJ
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Science & Technology (Biomedicine)
Residency and Fellowship
– Christiana Care Health System Newark, DE
Psychiatry Residency
– Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE
Psychiatry Resident, Senior Chief Resident
Dr. Nadkarni grew up in central New Jersey, in a community rich with cultural diversity. Her early exposure to various populations sparked an interest in medicine, particularly through her volunteering in medical settings. She quickly learned that adapting her communication style to suit the individual she was speaking with made her more effective and helpful. This experience guided her toward a career where she could continue to tailor her approach to meet each person’s unique needs.
It was during her third year of medical school, while completing rotations, that she realized psychiatry was her true calling. She came to appreciate the importance of patient-centered, individualized care, seeing firsthand how it led to better outcomes and improved quality of life for the communities served. She believes in understanding a person’s life story—how their childhood, relationships, and experiences have shaped their worldview. Once she gains insight into their motivations, goals, fears, and hardships, she can develop a treatment plan uniquely suited to them, avoiding approaches that would be ineffective.
Her philosophy on treatment is deeply influenced by her osteopathic training, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. She takes a holistic, personalized approach to care, aiming to improve her patients’ health across all three domains. As a psychiatrist, her role is to guide patients toward better quality of life outcomes, prioritizing their goals while also considering the needs of those around them, such as caregivers or dependents.
Her aim is for her patients to achieve mental wellness in all aspects of their lives, and she strives to work collaboratively with them to find their path to healing. She uses her osteopathic training to heal the mind, body, and spirit, integrating techniques and managing medications in a way that supports all three pillars of health.
Her personal interests enhance her ability to provide holistic care. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring both local and international destinations, trying different cuisines, and playing board games. These hobbies help her continuously hone her interpersonal and interviewing skills, which in turn improve her ability to offer high-quality care to her patients. Maintaining a balance between personal life and professional commitments is key to her well-being, and it enables her to give her best to her patients.
As a mother of a young child, she is deeply committed to her family, both immediate and extended. Her family-centric life keeps her grounded and mindful of how patients navigate their roles within their own families and social circles. This perspective helps her better understand her patients’ needs and the support systems they rely on.
Her goal is to improve the lives of her patients holistically, one person at a time. By helping individuals reflect on their mental health journey, she hopes to empower them to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives. In doing so, she aims to strengthen not only her patients but also the community as a whole. She wants her patients to leave feeling heard, knowing they received comprehensive, personalized care that addressed their unique needs, wishes, and goals. Her hope is that they walk away feeling emboldened, confident in her ability to support their mental health journey.
SIREESHA KOLLI, MD, MPH
Education
– Drexel University College of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine
– Emory University, Masters of Public Health
– Monmouth University, Bachelors of Science
Residency and Fellowship
– Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, residency in adult psychiatry
– Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, fellowship child and adolescent psychiatry
Growing up locally in Freehold, Dr. Kolli’s interest in medicine started at an early age. However, it was during her psychiatry rotation in medical school that she recognized her calling.
Dr. Kolli was captivated by psychiatry because she noticed everyone’s struggle with things like depression was unique. She believed that because everyone’s story is different, their treatment should be just as personalized.
This insight fueled the philosophy that care must be as distinct and individual as the person seeking care and it has become the cornerstone of her practice. Dr. Kolli takes the time to delve into the tapestry of each person’s life—understanding the unique interplay of childhood experiences, relationships, educational and work history, and life stressors that combine to manifest conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
For Dr. Kolli, a treatment plan is more than just a prescription—it’s a roadmap to modify various aspects of life that may contribute to a patient’s symptoms. Her specialty lies in the thoughtful integration of medication management with therapy, ensuring that each individual receives a holistic strategy for mental health wellness. This approach goes beyond dispensing medication; it’s about fostering an environment where healing and growth can flourish, tailored to each patient’s narrative and needs.
In her personal life, Dr. Kolli cherishes the balance between her professional commitments and her pursuits. An avid traveler and amateur photographer, she captures the beauty of the world around her, both near and far. Her weekends are often spent hiking with her family and reconnecting with nature, which she finds not only grounding but also a source of inspiration for her work.
As a dedicated mom, Dr. Kolli values the time spent with her son, believing that the strength of family ties contributes to personal and community health. She stands as a strong pillar in her community, guiding individuals through significant life transitions—from academic achievements and career milestones to personal growth and parenthood.
Dr. Kolli’s commitment to her roots is a testament to her character and is reflected in the personalized care she provides to each patient. She remains a steadfast advocate for mental health, guiding her patients toward healing and fulfillment.
Danielle Ruchaevsky, LCSW
– Monmouth University, Masters of Social Work
– Kean University, Bachelors of Social Work
Her therapeutic approach is all about being genuine and understanding each client’s unique journey, rather than focusing on diagnosing issues. Danielle believes that everyone’s mind works differently, and we should celebrate this diversity in thoughts and behaviors.
Outside of her work, Danielle enjoys spending quality time with her children, whether it’s supporting them at their activities or doing fun things together. She loves the outdoors and often goes to the beach, reads outdoors, and enjoys the peacefulness of nature.
Growing up with strong, determined, and caring individuals has had a significant influence on Danielle’s approach to life. Her authenticity and approachability allow her to form deep connections with her clients, whether they are adults or teenagers.
As a client-centered therapist, Danielle’s main focus is on her clients—their goals, their desired path, and their journey toward empowerment. She is dedicated to providing support and helping her clients gain insights and take control of their personal growth. For Danielle, the most important part of therapy is ensuring that her clients leave with a sense of empowerment and a deeper understanding of themselves, ready to face life with renewed confidence.
Neha Naqvi, MD
Education
– University of Missouri-Kansas City, Doctorate of Medicine
– University of Missouri-Kansas City, Bachelor of Arts
Residency and Fellowship
– Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, residency in adult psychiatry
– Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry
A significant segment of Dr. Naqvi’s practice is dedicated to assisting elementary, middle, and high school-aged children. Recognizing a pressing need in psychiatric support for younger individuals, she endeavors to bridge this gap through her comprehensive services.
However, her expertise is not restricted to the younger age group. Adults seeking guidance through life’s challenges and aspirations can also benefit immensely from her assistance.
Dr. Naqvi believes in a holistic approach when treating psychiatric conditions. With specializations in managing depression, anxiety, and ADHD, among others, her overarching goal is to offer well-rounded support, empowering her patients to confidently tread their mental health journey.
Beyond her professional role, Dr. Naqvi enjoys life’s simpler pleasures—traveling to new destinations, immersing herself in films, and cooking and baking for her family. Having resided in diverse regions, from the Midwest and the South to now the Northeast, she has developed a deep appreciation for New Jersey’s unique offerings.
Whether it’s enjoying the tranquility of Red Bank’s rivers or immersing herself in the dynamic energy of New York City, her connection to her surroundings has deepened since moving to the area.
This bond extends to her active involvement in local community initiatives, such as teen social skills development and grief counseling groups. Dr. Naqvi is unwavering in her belief that these support systems play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome real-world challenges and attain equilibrium in their lives.
Monique Santone, LCSW
Education
– Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, Masters of Social Work
– Rutgers University, Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work
Recognizing the monumental shift new parenthood brings, Monique stresses the importance of providing both new mothers and fathers the empathy and support they deserve during this pivotal phase.
Beyond her therapeutic role, Monique holds dear the moments she spends with her family. They often seek moments of relaxation on the water. It’s their way to disconnect and rejuvenate. Additionally, she’s fond of reading and photography, always eager to capture life’s memories.
Monique’s journey wasn’t without its moments of self-reflection. Throughout her life, she often sensed her perspective diverging from the mainstream. As she matured, this sense of individuality transitioned from a source of introspection to a professional strength. It has enriched her therapeutic approach, offering a unique lens of understanding.
She places immense value on building trust and ensuring that her interactions remain transparent and sincere. In her care, clients can expect not only expert guidance but also a safe and open environment where their stories and experiences are valued.
