Dr. Bahar Hadjiesmaeiloo, MD
Dr. Hadjiesmaeiloo, or Dr. Bahar as she is commonly referred to, is the founder and medical director of Creative Care Psychiatry. LLC.
She earned her undergraduate, public health, and medical school degrees from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She completed her internship and psychiatry residency at Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA. There she was resident of the year for two years and served as Chief Resident during her final year. Her expertise are in psychopharmacology as well as the various modalities of psychotherapy (Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, etc.)
Dr. Bahar is Board Certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has presented at local and national conferences and is a member of the American Psychiatric Association. She is an honoree of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, an organization recognizing physicians who exemplify professionalism and humanism in medical care.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Bahar practices as a physician first, and has learned that every individual comes to her with his/her/their unique set of experiences. With this understanding she applies the highest standard of evidenced based medicine to a patient-centered treatment approach where patients are active participants in the development of their treatment plans. Hers is a philosophy that mental health and wellness is achieved with a holistic approach to patient care..
Mylene Alberto, APN, PMHNP-BC
Mylene Alberto is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 28 years of experience in behavioral health nursing, including 12 years as an advanced practice nurse. Currently practicing at Creative Care Psychiatry, she specializes in treating patients with a comprehensive range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
Mylene earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University before completing both her Master's degree and Advanced Practice Nursing certification at New York University (NYU), where she was honored as the Distinguished Student in recognition of excellence in the Advanced Practice Nursing Mental Health program. She maintains board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and holds membership in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Throughout her distinguished career, Mylene has demonstrated leadership in both clinical practice and healthcare innovation. She spent 14 years in leadership positions at Hackensack University Medical Center, where she developed programs to enhance patient care and obtained disease-specific certification for depression. Her experience includes teaching stress management workshops and creating patient care improvement initiatives at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center.
Mylene takes a whole-person, patient-centered approach to mental healthcare, integrating best practices, education, and research to improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges. She currently provides care through telehealth appointments.
Leticia Gonzalez, LCSW
Leticia Gonzalez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field working with children, adolescents, and adults; although she has spent the past 10 years focusing on treatment of adult mental health issues. She specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support individuals coping with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, insomnia, women’s health, and relationship concerns.
Born in Spain, she has a special interest in how cultural differences and immigration affect an individual’s emotional and mental health throughout their life. Leticia earned a Master’s Degree of Social Work from New York University’s School of Social Work thru their Advanced Standing Program in 2005. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work from Kean University in 2004, where she had the distinguished honor of serving as President of Phi Alpha Honor Society 2003-2004.
Her personal philosophy in patient care is “I believe in the power of our clients’ courage as they embark on their journey to heal and change.” Leticia is fluent in Spanish and Gallego and understands Portuguese.
Catharine Shalhoub, PA-C
Catharine Shalhoub PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant with over twenty-three years of experience in behavioral health care. She completed her Physician Assistant training at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, where she built the foundation for her career in mental health. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at New York University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Seton Hall University.
Catharine has extensive experience across a wide range of psychiatric settings, including the psychiatric emergency room, the inpatient psychiatric unit, psychiatric outpatient clinics and private practice. Her broad clinical background allows her to approach care with both confidence and sensitivity, adapting her treatment style to meet the unique needs of each individual. Patients often share that they appreciate her genuine ability to listen, her calming presence, and her thoughtful, collaborative approach to care.
Catharine Shalhoub PA-C, is committed to helping her patients achieve lasting emotional well-being and a stronger, more resilient sense of self.
Ida Kenna, LPC
Ida Kenna, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Yoga Teacher who integrates both disciplines to support holistic physical and mental wellbeing. With decades of clinical experience, Ida draws from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Informed Care while maintaining a compassionate, person-centered approach. She offers a safe, non-judgmental space for clients from adolescence through older adulthood, meeting people from all walks of life with empathy and clarity.
Mashenda Green, APN
Mashenda Green's first love is nursing. She has been a nurse for over 25 years. Mashenda found a way to combine her passion for caring for clients as well as her love for the sciences. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Nursing with a minor in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. She holds a Master's degree in Nursing from Rutger's University, formerly UMDNJ in 2007. She specializes in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.
She has worked as an Advanced Practice Nurse since this time. Her work settings range from group homes, residential facilities, inpatient units, to out patient departments. She has been a tele-mental health provider for over 6 years. Mashenda has management experience, but her joy is in direct patient care. Her focus is on treating the "whole client". She works to help families and youth find "their voices" in order to advocate for themselves and mental health needs.
Mashenda is licensed and credentialed to conduct thorough assessments, diagnose, prescribe medications, conduct brief psychotherapy, family work, care coordination, and crisis intervention. Mashenda believes in taking a holistic approach to children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, anxiety and depression, mood disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, behavioral disorder, and Autism screenings (not full testing).
Mashenda builds relationships with schools, pediatricians, primary care, community and state agencies, and therapists. Mashenda strives to ignite passion into the mental health field and is looking forward to the growth in the years to come.
Pooja Tandon, MD
As a board certified psychiatrist with a geriatric psychiatry fellowship, I have 8+ years of experience in providing compassionate and effective care to adult and elderly patients in various settings including telehealth platforms to deliver high-quality psychiatric services to underserved and rural populations.
I have expertise in treating a wide range of conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and cognitive decline. I integrate multidisciplinary approaches, such as psychology and medicine, and educate and support patients and their families or caregivers.
I am also adept at collaborating with other health care professionals and organizations to ensure optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction. I am motivated by my passion for helping people improve their mental health and well-being.