Meet Our Team
NJ License #3927, APIT (Interstate Telehealth) #9972
NJ License #4120, NY License #015487, APIT (Interstate Telehealth) #10012
NJ License #4122, NY License #015409
Dr. Daam Barker has extensive experience working cross-culturally with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and groups. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He then earned a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from The University of Cincinnati and a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University. Dr. Barker completed his pre-doctoral internship training at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Manhattan specializing in cognitive-behavioral, dynamic, and group psychotherapy interventions for adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma. He also completed externships at The Manhattan Psychiatric Center and Student Counseling Services and at The Graduate Center, CUNY, where he trained in Time Limited Brief Psychotherapy and Emotion Focused Therapy for couples. Dr. Barker’s clinical and research interests include multiculturalism and cross-cultural psychotherapy, intersectionality and identity development, adjustment disorders, complex anxiety, trauma and resilience, post-traumatic growth, and group therapy. He lived and practiced in Guyana, South America for 12 years working with clients of all ages and completed several consultancies for non-governmental organizations including UNICEF and IOM. As a clinician, he works to develop a strong therapeutic alliance with clients to support their investment in the process of change. This empathic relationship provides a safe space for clients to fully understand their concerns, devise a personalized treatment plan, and learn new coping skills to respond to their circumstances.
NJ Temporary Permit #203-072
NJ License #5669, NY License #024374, APIT (Interstate Telehealth) #11279
NJ License #6239
NJ License #6238, NY License #023450
NJ License #5437
Dr. Kaufman is a licensed psychologist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and utilizes Mindfulness-Based CBT techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when working with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Kaufman’s treatment philosophy is geared towards fostering a highly supportive, compassionate, and collaborative relationship with clients. Dr. Kaufman received his undergraduate degree from Hofstra University, Masters of Science and Advanced Certificate in School Psychology from Brooklyn College, and doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his clinical internship training at Trinitas Hospital and has provided clinical services in a number of treatment facilities including St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children and Bergen County Regional Medical Center. Dr. Kaufman is also a certified school psychologist and behavioral specialist and has worked in a local public school system for over 15 years. His areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, individual executive functioning training/coaching, depression, social skills, autism spectrum disorders, and relationship issues. Dr. Kaufman also offers specialized parenting behavioral training sessions in which he applies his CBT expertise to target specific parent-child relationship challenges. Dr. Kaufman currently serves as a field supervisor for doctoral level clinical/school students at local universities and is also on staff at Morristown Medical Center. Dr. Kaufman’s experiences in private practice and the schools have provided him with an extensive background in psychological assessment, learning disabilities, and interventions for a wide variety of social-emotional concerns.
NJ License #5141, NY License #020007, APIT (Interstate Telehealth) #10786
NJ License #6213, NY License #021685, APIT (Interstate Telehealth) #10422
NJ License #6254
NJ License #5392, NY License #020155
NJ License #6232, NY License #020592
NJ License #44SC04985300
Caryl Distel, M.A.
Intake Coordinator
Ms. Caryl Distel earned an undergraduate degree from Montclair State University and a Master’s in Health Advocacy from Sarah Lawrence College. She was at the forefront of the field of Patient Advocacy, beginning with her work as a Patient Representative Coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. She served for many years as the Administrative Director of Patient Rights and Biomedical Ethics at JFK Health Systems in Edison, NJ. Ms. Distel was a critical and compassionate resource to patients and their families. She advocated for their rights and provided education, counsel, and support at the end of life. She held additional leadership positions as Assistant Director of Community Affairs of Raritan Valley Hospital and President of the NJ Society of Patient Representatives. Ms. Distel currently contributes her time, passion, and leadership to the Brandeis National Committee, a community-centered organization committed to philanthropy and education.
Maya Lopez earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Drexel University and a Holistic Health Coach Certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. A licensed realtor, she completed course work at the American School of Business. Maya managed a family business with responsibility for the smooth functioning of the company including scheduling, payroll, tax records. A multitasker, she is accustomed to wearing many hats – skills that serve our staff and clients well at Positive Developments.