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About Be Well Integrative Health Services

Marisa Sweeney MS RDN founded a nutrition counseling private practice in 2010 that soon added more therapeutic disciplines to become Be Well Integrative Health Services in 2012.

To truly be healthy a multitude of mental, physical, spiritual, social, and lifestyle factors must be considered and supported for patients of all ages.

Read on to learn about our mission, integrative medical care, preventative wellness, fertility support, corporate wellness, community services and to meet our team. Next, read about our yoga studio!

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Our Mission

Be Well IHS’ mission is to provide science-based and empirically-supported holistic health and wellness services that lead individuals to an optimal state of health and happiness.

These services can be integrated into clinical patient care, corporate cultures and community environments. Each service is customized to support preventative wellness efforts, acute healthcare needs, and the unique goals of the individuals we serve.

Integrative Medical Care

Our services are offered virtually and in-person at any one of our twelve practice locations throughout the tristate area.

Be Well IHS’s main office is in the heart of Morristown, New Jersey. Our practitioners are also integrated into the medical teams of world-renown clinical practices. As part of patient care plans from our partners, we see patients virtually and in-person right on the premises, all while maintaining HIPAA compliance.

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Preventative Wellness

We provide a full menu of empirically-supported health and wellness services, and develop customized integrative plans to accommodate individual health and wellness goals. Our team consists of registered dietitian nutritionists, psychologists and licensed clinical social workers, acupuncturists, registered nurses, reiki practitioners, massage therapists, and certified registered yoga teachers.

Corporate Wellness

Our team specializes in creating customized corporate wellness plans. Each uniquely developed corporate wellness plan includes our practitioners providing health and wellness services on the premises of the corporations, at our center locations, and/or virtually.

Learn more about Corporate Wellness
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Community Service

Be Well IHS is also very engaged in volunteer work within the communities of our practice locations and medical groups/companies we partner with.

We organize and host free and/or donation-based health and wellness events and programs. Some of these include nutrition and cooking classes, biometric screening days, health fairs and fitness events, and non-profit fundraisers.

We have also created community nutrition programs for SNAP eligible individuals in collaboration with medical partners, and have founded the Morristown’s Mayors’ Wellness Campaign.

Meet The Team

Get to know us! After reading our bios, feel free to reach out with questions or schedule an appointment

Marisa Sweeney, MSW, RD, PhD candidate
Owner

Marisa Sweeney MS RDN CSSD RYT

Education:

  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Dietetics from Montclair State University
  • Master of Science degree in Applied Nutrition at Northeastern University
  • Current Nutrition Doctoral candidate at University of North Florida

Professional:

  • Owner of Be Well Integrative Health Services (founded in 2012), headquartered in Morristown, NJ with 12 locations throughout NJ, NY, and PA
  • Owner and Creator of the New Jersey VegFest (founded in 2014), the Garden State’s Official Vegan Food Festival
  • Director of Wellness Services for Reproductive Medical Associates, 2015-2018. This is the world’s largest reproductive endocrinology medical group
  • Practiced dietetics at Hackensack University Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, and Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation

Accolades/Achievements:

  • Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corporation 2013 Woman of the Year, Finalist
  • Founder and Past-President of the Morristown Mayors’ Wellness Campaign, 2014-2017
  • Past-President and founding member of the Morristown Women in Business
  • Advisory board member of Sustainable Morristown, 2017-present
  • Named New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsEmerging Dietetic Leader of 2017
  • Named the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2019 Nutrition Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Board member of Atlantic Health’s Community Advisory Board, 2014-2019.
  • Chairperson of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference, 2016-2019.
  • President of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2021-2022, now the current Past-President.
  • Advisory board member of the Food and Nutrition department at University of Saint Elizabeth, 2021-present.

Contact us to meet with Marisa Sweeney at Be Well IHS or by virtual tele-consultations.

Studio Manager Caitlin Staley, CYT-200
Studio Manager, Yoga Teacher

Caitlin Staley

Caitlin Staley is a certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200) and has taught at Be Well IHS for several years. As the Studio Manager, Caitlin coordinates the daily activities of the studio and staff. If you have any questions about class bookings or purchases, Caitlin is here to assist you.

She completed her yoga teacher training at Be Well IHS with additional learning in hands-on assists. Caitlin started her professional career as a fashion and graphic designer, while helping other creative individuals discover their calling by teaching fashion as an adjunct professor and professional tutor. Today, she infuses her creative background and love of connecting with others into her career as a Community Outreach Coordinator for a County of Morris department dedicated to helping the local job seeking community find sustainable employment.

On the mat, Caitlin uses her practice and teaching as a form of artistic and self-expression, creating flows and sequences designed to inspire others to do same.

Julie Rebels, RYT-200, CCYT
Marketing Director, Yoga Teacher

Julie Rebels

Julie Rebels brings years of experience as an award-winning creative director at advertising agencies serving Fortune 100 clients to Be Well IHS. As Marketing Director, Julie uses her skills in graphic design, copywriting and advertising to generate content for our social/digital marketing presences and promote upcoming events in the yoga studio. Julie works closely with Caitlin Staley, Studio Manager, and Marisa Sweeney, Owner, to generate new class and workshop ideas, and get the word out to our community.

Julie completed her 200-hr Yoga Teacher certification at Be Well Academy in 2022, led by Tisha Giangiordano. She is presently working toward her advanced 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification under the leadership of Cindy Chiariello, Marisa Sweeney and Tisha Giangiordano. Julie has additional training in hands-on assists, meditation techniques, and is certified as a Children’s Yoga instructor through My Vinyasa Practice.

Presently, Julie teaches adults and children at Be Well IHS. When Julie is not on the mat, you can find her creating art with her daughter or enjoying the outdoors with her husband of 10 years. She enjoys studying the lesser known senses, interoception and proprioception, especially as they relate to sensory processing disorders.

Janet Kopchinski RDN, Pediatric Dietitian Nutritionist
Pediatric Dietitian Nutritionist

Janet Kopchinski RDN

Janet Kopchinski, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience in pediatric nutrition and has been with Be Well IHS since 2013.

  • She earned her bachelor’s degree, with a concentration in Dietetics, from Rutgers University and completed her Dietetic Internship with NewYork-Presbyterian Nutrition.
  • She worked at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center for 10 years where she managed the nutrition care of many medically complex patients.
  • Janet is a published author in medical journals, and has presented many lectures on Pediatric Nutrition in various settings.
  • She is a contributing author to The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies & Toddlers: Practical Answers to Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating, and More (Porto & DiMaggio, Ten Speed Press, 2016).
  • Janet obtained a Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Janet is experienced in providing medical nutritional therapy for the following nutritional issues:

  • Normal Pediatric Nutrition 0-18 years
  • Improving Diet for Health
  • Growth issues
  • Picky Eating
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
  • Food Allergies
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Enteral Nutrition and Blenderized Diets
  • Family Feeding Dynamics
  • And more!

Contact us today to book your appointment with Janet at Be Well IHS or by virtual tele-consultation.

Leda Ristovic RD
Registered Dietitian

Leda Ristovic MS, RDN

Leda Ristovic holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Nutrition/Dietics from Montclair State University. She became a registered dietician upon successfully completing 1200 hours of supervised practice with Iowa State University’s Dietetic Internship program.

“Investing in our health and being able to influence some kind of change is incredibly empowering.”
– Leda Ristovic, RD

Prior to beginning her career at IVIRMA of New Jersey, Ristovic has worked with a variety of populations including prenatal care, maternity, infant and pediatric nutrition, elderly/long term care, and acute care. She also holds a certificate of raining in adult weight management, obstainted a four part breastfeeding training, and is a certified food safety manager. Her ultimate goal in her career is to educate others on how to make healthier choices and lead balanced lives, using scientific and evidence based information. And of course… world peace!

Leda Ristovic offers virtual tele-consultaions. Contact us today for an appointment

Desiree D'Amico, RD
Registered Dietitian

Desiree D'Amico RDN

Desiree Martin has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from West Chester University in Pennsylvania where she graduated with summa cum laude honors. She then continued her journey at Montclair State University where she successfully completed 1,200 hours of supervised practice. Desiree became a registered dietitian in 2014 and began working as a clinical dietitian at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold shortly after.

“I believe that each new meal and snack is a brand new opportunity to make smarter, more informed choices to better improve our bodies and overall well-being.”

– Desiree Martin, RD

Desiree worked closely with both inpatients and outpatients at CentraState. She facilitated monthly group classes for the pulmonary rehabilitation patients and provided individual nutrition counseling for patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Desiree has acute care experience in: general medical/surgical, oncology, cardiac/telemetry, critical care, mother/baby, orthopedics and the psychiatric unit. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the New Jersey Dietetic Association. Her approach is to work with the patient to create an individualized meal plan and balanced lifestyle that accommodates the patient’s specific nutrition goals using scientific and evidence based information and education tools.

Desiree Martin is available for virtual tele-consultations only.

Gabrielle Rutenberg RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Gabrielle Rutenberg RDN

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in New Jersey since 2015

  • Earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Dietetics from Montclair State University
  • Completed a 10-month dietetic internship with the Sodexo New York/Metropolitan area dietetic internship program
  • A member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the New Jersey Dietetic Association
  • Currently practicing with IVIRMA of New Jersey and Clara Maass Medical Center, in addition to practicing at Be Well IHS, Morristown.

Experienced in providing medical nutritional therapy for the following nutritional issues:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders including IBS, GERD, Crohns disease, Celiac’s disease etc.
  • Food Allergies/Intolerances
  • Optimizing Fertility
  • PCOS
  • Pregnancy
  • Weight Management
  • Hashimoto’s Disease/Hypothyroidism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Diets
  • Diabetes Management
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • General Healthy Eating Habits

Gabrielle is available for virtual tele-consultations.

Contact us today for an appointment.

Portrait of Amy Giarratana, holding flowers over her shoulder.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Amy Giarratana, LCSW

Amy specializes in eating disorders, body image, anxiety, and depression and has found her eclectic methods work best for ages 16 and older. Amy is a firm believer in taking a Health in Every Size Approach (HAES) and an Intuitive Eating approach and being inclusive to all.

Amy believes that eating disorder mental health therapy should be one that is compassionate, supportive, and focused on promoting holistic healing and recovery. Another key aspect of eating disorder mental health therapy is to provide clients with practical tools and strategies to help them manage their symptoms and cope with the challenges of recovery. This may involve teaching mindfulness techniques, stress management skills, and strategies for managing triggers and urges to engage in disordered eating behaviors. The HAES concept recognizes that everyone’s body is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Amy will tailor their therapeutic services to each client’s specific needs and preferences, which can lead to more successful and sustainable health outcomes.

Amy’s approach to Intuitive Eating offers a holistic and mindful approach to eating that prioritizes physical and emotional well-being. Amy’s goal for her clients is to support clients as they navigate their relationship with food and their bodies, helping them build healthier habits, improve self-esteem, and achieve a more balanced and satisfying relationship with eating.

Amy graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in Psychology and completed her master’s at the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in multiple eating disorder treatment centers, as well as has a history of working in the field of substance use. Amy’s experiences in the field of mental health have allowed her to incorporate authenticity, self-compassion, and mindfulness.

Her areas of expertise are:

  • Eating disorders and disordered eating
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Courtney Brillon, LCSW

Courtney Brillon, LCSW specializes in counseling children, adolescents, and prenatal/postpartum women. She believes in an eclectic approach to therapy that recognizes the unique needs of each patient and is highly experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness interventions, and play based therapy. Courtney is currently a school counselor and social worker for a local public school district and has extensive experience working with neurodivergent children.

Courtney graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies and completed her master’s at Columbia University. She has worked in multiple hospital settings for Atlantic Health including Labor and Delivery, Mother Baby, the NICU, and the Pediatric floor. Courtney also worked as an Atlantic Health Pediatric and Maternal Health Outpatient Counselor.

Her areas of expertise are:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Parenting concerns for children and adolescents
  • Childhood grief

Contact us today to book your appointment with Courtney at Be Well IHS or by virtual tele-consultation.

Dr. Christine Cantner
Psychologist

Dr. Christine Cantner

Dr. Christine Cantner is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety, depression, and related mood disorders in adults and adolescents. She has a particular interest in women’s issues throughout the lifespan.

Dr. Cantner completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, and received her masters and doctorate in clinical psychology from Long Island University, C.W. Post. She has provided mental health treatment for diverse patient populations at several hospitals and outpatient clinics in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. In addition, she spent several years providing therapy within a school setting to high-risk adolescents experiencing mood disorders, self-harm, trauma, anger management issues, and conduct disorders.

Dr. Cantner uses a warm, collaborative evidence-based approach to treatment. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and integrates elements of other treatment modalities as needed, such as family systems therapy, relational therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based practices.

Her areas of specialty include:

  • Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and Perinatal Loss anBereavement (miscarriage, stillbirth, and child loss)
  • Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues
  • Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/ Transgender Issues
  • Trauma
Psychologist

Dr. Alexandra Knight

Dr. Alexandra Knight is a licensed psychologist and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor with over a decade of experience in assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, emotional difficulties, relationship challenges, and difficulty adjusting to and coping with life stressors. Licensed to practice as a psychologist in NJ and NY, Dr. Knight specializes in assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders, with a focus on reproductive and maternal mental health and adjustment issues. She is passionate about helping women thrive and find fulfillment in all stages of their lives. She believes in the importance of individualizing care to meet the distinctive needs of her clients, which often requires utilizing tools from a wide variety of therapeutic orientations.

SPECIALTIES

Dr. Knight is committed to assisting women as they navigate various stages of motherhood:

  • contemplating motherhood
  • attempting to conceive or struggling with fertility issues
  • exploring surrogacy/adoption
  • are pregnant or postpartum
  • navigating their parenting journeys

Dr. Knight believes that maternal mental and emotional wellness are essential for women, children and families to thrive.

BACKGROUND

Dr. Alexandra Knight often utilizes psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theories and techniques to understand and treat the unique needs of the individuals she works with. She helps clients gain insight into their challenges, identify and reframe unproductive thoughts, and learn practical tools to address or cope with them. She believes in a holistic approach to treatment, and encourages promoting physical health and wellness as a means to improve mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Knight has assessed, diagnosed and treated individuals suffering from emotional disturbances including:

  • substance use and gambling disorders
  • sexual abuse and trauma, anxiety and depression
  • mood disorders
  • relationship/marital issues
  • grief and loss
  • eating and feeding disorders
  • personality disorders
  • infertility, prenatal and postpartum emotional and mental health issues, and adjustment challenges.

Dr. Knight also has worked with professional athletes and public figures to help them manage stress, issues related to public recognition, and performance anxiety.

EDUCATION:

Dr. Alexandra Knight obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and completed her master’s degree in forensic psychology and counseling from St. Elizabeth University, where she was inducted into Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. She completed two years of additional coursework and supervised clinical work to obtain a license in clinical alcohol and drug counseling. Dr. Knight obtained her doctorate degree in counseling psychology from St. Elizabeth University, completing her predoctoral and postdoctoral clinical training at a private practice in Hoboken, NJ treating women, children, and couples. Dr. Knight’s doctoral dissertation examined the relationship between social media use and addiction and postpartum anxiety among mothers.

Dr. Alexandra Knight is currently accepting new clients for individual or couples counseling, psychological assessments, and consulting services. She does not participate with insurance plans, but can prepare a superbill you can submit for out-of-network benefits. 

Contact us to inquire about scheduling an appointment or to ask questions using the form on the previous page.

QNRT™ Practitioner

Kaitlyn Schobert LPC

Kaitlyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Quantum Neuro Reset Therapy (QNRT™).

Kaitlyn received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and received her M.A. in Family & Marriage Therapy from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.

For many years Kaitlyn worked at a leading health system in the midwest providing grief support to hospice patients and families. Kaitlyn’s hospice experience was transformative and it was during this time where she began to focus on the mind, body, spirit connection.

Kaitlyn practices QNRT while also maintaining a private practice serving people experiencing various stresses.

For a free consultation or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

Medical Consultant for Women's Health

Dr. Rekha Mandel

Dr. Rekha Mandel is a distinguished physician, holding dual board certifications in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). With over 17 years of extensive experience, Dr. Mandel is committed to advancing women’s health through a comprehensive and personalized approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of wellness.
Dr. Mandel earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in the West Indies and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut in 2007. Following a decade of service as a hospitalist in acute care environments, she transitioned to outpatient medicine, gaining valuable experience in diverse settings including nursing homes, a non-profit clinic in Dover, and, most recently, as a primary care and lifestyle medicine physician.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Postpartum Care: Dr. Mandel provides thorough and compassionate support for new mothers, focusing on both physical recovery and emotional health. Her services include comprehensive postpartum evaluations, mental health assessments, and strategies to manage common postpartum challenges such as fatigue and mood changes.
  • Peri-Menopause and Menopause Management: Dr. Mandel delivers individualized care plans to address the complexities of menopause. Her expertise includes managing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and hormonal imbalances, as well as implementing long-term strategies to support bone density, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.
  • Lifestyle Medicine: A proponent of preventive care, Dr. Mandel guides women in making sustainable lifestyle changes. Her services encompass expert advice on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep hygiene, aimed at enhancing overall health and preventing chronic diseases.

Services Provided:

  • Comprehensive Postpartum Evaluations
  • Peri-Menopause and Menopause Symptom Management
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Counseling
  • Nutrition and Weight Management Plans
  • Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Techniques
  • Sleep Health Assessments
Dr. Mandel adheres to a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating advanced medical practices with a profound understanding of each patient’s unique needs. Her mission is to empower women to take control of their health and lead fulfilling lives at every stage.
Dr. Mandel is not a primary care physician, but a medical consultant specializing in preventative care medicine, lifestyle medicine, menopause care. She does not accept insurance at this time.
Carolyn Raiman LAc
Acupuncturist

Carolyn Raiman, LAc

Carolyn Raiman, LAc is an acupuncturist who has been in practice for over 19 years. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and completed her Diplomate in Acupuncture at the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Carolyn is NCCAOM certified in acupuncture and is also licensed in the state of NJ. She has completed advanced training in women’s reproductive health and pain management.

Carolyn has extensive training and hands-on experience in dealing with all aspects of women’s health–specifically infertility, pregnancy and gynecological issues. Currently, Carolyn is the Director of Acupuncture Services at IVIRMA NJ in Basking Ridge where she helps couples restore balance while undergoing various reproductive therapies. She also is the Team Acupuncturist for the NY Jets, and sees patients in her own private practice at Be Well Integrative Health Services.

Carolyn has also received extensive training on using acupuncture for pain management and employs the Dr. Tan Balance Method. As a former high school athlete and current weekend warrior, Carolyn is well-versed on treating sports injury and post-surgical rehab. Carolyn has also had success treating patients for digestive disorder, headaches and migraines, and emotional disorders.

Carolyn is married with two young children. She uses her knowledge of Chinese medicine to promote health and wellness for her own family, and she would be honored to help you and your family.

Have questions? Reach out to Carolyn here.

Learn about other Bodywork modalities that may work for you!

Heashot of Jen Kalawur
White Light Reiki Master, Transition Coach, Kripalu and Yoga Impact Teacher

Jen Kalawur

Jen is White Light Reiki Master under the guidance of Sharon Gabriel. Reiki is non-invasive energy work that helps balance internal systems, clear mental and emotional blockages, relieve tension and foster relaxation. It can be very helpful for a number of conditions including physical injury, disease, depression and anxiety. It’s very gentle yet effective.

Jen Kalawur is an experienced Kripalu and Yoga Impact teacher, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of the practice. She is a White Light Reiki Master, offering private sessions and trainings. Jen is a Transitions Coach and Spiritual Mentor trained in The Diamond Process™. She is also an ordained minister. She’s with her husband, Pete, and they have a daughter and 2 grandchildren.

To schedule an appointment call (973) 9750280 or send us your contact information using the form below.

Our Studio and Facilities

Yoga can be accessible to all regardless of income. On most Sundays at 11:30am, we offer Community Yoga, a free class taught by graduates of Be Well Academy.

Yogis of all levels are welcome to participate in gentle hatha, vinyasa or power yoga classes, along with slower restorative and yin yoga. For budding families we offer Prenatal, Baby & Me and Kids yoga classes.

We also offer workshops and panel discussions about topics our practitioners feel support our patients’ health journey. Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our newsletter.