Beth Nardone-Troast | Amy L. Young | Bethany Mucci | Jacqueline C. Duca

Welcome to By Design Social Skills & Counseling Center! Our Licensed Counselors Amy L. Young, Bethany Mucci, Jacqueline C. Duca, and Stephani Masi provide assistance to children and tweens in a nurturing, safe, caring environment. All of our counselors have extensive experience working with neruodiverse children and with kids who struggle with generalized, social, or separation anxiety. When it's beneficial, we also weave social skills practice directly into counseling sessions. Amy L. Young, LPC, M.S. Ed., NCC, NYCAPP In young children who are learning to express their emotions and develop coping strategies, Amy Young has found great success with a play-based therapy approach. She will provide an individualized plan that supports your child at school, at home, and in the community, with a focus on building coping skills, self-esteem and improving relationships. When counseling her clients, Amy uses a variety of therapies including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. She is in the process of becoming an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) in order to support the unique needs of children with ADHD as well as their families. Her expertise in Mindfulness training as well as her certificate in Applied Positive Psychology allow for eclectic approaches to treating her clients. Parent training is also available so that support can be continued outside of her counseling sessions. Amy is also available for review, support, and modification of your IEP/504. As the lead counselor for teen and vocational programs, Amy’s extensive experience working as a high school guidance and vocational counselor is evidenced in the supportive programming she provides. Whether your child is navigating the complex social environment of high school or college, Amy can help with socialization, friendship, and life skills through a variety of tailored programs. For families of neurodiverse children facing unique challenges, Amy provides support to siblings who may need help coping with a family dynamic that is affected by the demands of special needs. Bethany Mucci, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP Bethany Mucci is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work with a concentration in clinical practice with families and children. She has provided mental and behavioral health services in educational, residential, and outpatient settings, with experience in crisis and de-escalation management, advocacy, communication & clinical skills, and working to build social skills and self-esteem. Bethany draws from several skill sets and modalities to individualize her approach for the specific needs of each client. She utilizes a play-based therapy approach to assist children with anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and other social-emotional challenges. Bethany is an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) with a deep understanding of the complexities of ADHD. With her specialized training and expertise, Bethany provides comprehensive care and support to children and their families facing the unique challenges of ADHD. Jacqueline C. Duca, LPC, LCADC With a focus on the mind-body connection, Jacqueline provides professional counseling specialized to the needs of her clients. She provides therapy in a warm, caring, and empathetic manner that allows for growth and positive change. Jacqueline employs a range of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, and somatic tracking, and holds certificates in Applied Positive Psychology, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Health Counseling, and Yoga Instruction. She is skilled in treating those suffering from anxiety, depression, chronic pain, mindbody symptoms, and other emotional difficulties. Jacqueline’s strength-based counseling approaches focus on restoring mind, body, and nervous system health. Jacqueline has been providing mental health and substance use services in a variety of settings for over twenty years. She has developed numerous social-emotional learning programs to improve resilience skills. Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience and strategies to assist her teen and young adult clients. She is especially adept at helping teens make the important transition from middle to high school. Jacqueline's integrative therapy approach lends itself well to teens and adults who are seeking growth, healing, and an emotionally healthy self. Stephani Masi, LCSW Stephani is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping children and families navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. She is passionate about partnering with parents to support the well-being and resilience of their children, whether they are facing anxiety, behavioral concerns, trauma, grief, or significant life transitions. Stephani earned her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University, graduating Summa Cum Laude through the Advanced Standing Program, and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Marist College, with double minors in Sociology and Psychology. Her diverse clinical background includes in-home therapy, outpatient counseling, foster care services, crisis intervention, and online therapy platforms. Stephani takes a holistic and playful approach to therapy, creating an engaging, supportive environment where children feel safe, heard, and empowered. She blends evidence-based interventions with creative, strengths-based strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs. With a collaborative, family-centered mindset, she works closely with caregivers to develop practical tools that strengthen relationships and promote long-term emotional well-being. Stephani is deeply committed to guiding families toward greater connection, resilience, and healing, and provides a warm, grounded space for both children and parents to grow and thrive together. Contact us for more information or visit www.socialskillsnj.com for a complete list of services including our popular LEGO and Art Social Skills Groups!