Passionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with strong leadership and team management skills, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Vicarious Trauma, EMDR, The Nurtured Heart Approach and Crisis Intervention. Experienced in working with and treating at risk families, children and adolescents with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, social issues and behavioral issues. Dedicated in making a difference in the lives of children, adolescents, their families and communities.
Jessica Ayala earned an associates degree in management and marketing from Berkeley College in West Paterson, NJ (Woodland Park). A bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ which lead her to obtain a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers. Jessica completed her 1st year internship (15 months) at Community of Successful Families, in Passaic, NJ. There Jessica worked with low income families at the Passaic Head Start, providing group and individual therapy to the children and families impacted by hurricane Sandy. Jessica completed her 2nd year internship (15 months) at Care Plus NJ. There Jessica provided individual therapy to children/adolescents ages 4-17, adults and families, co facilitated the ALLIES Group for youth of the LGTBQ+ community, and assisted in providing clinical and case management sessions to adolescents in the STRIVE for Independence Living Program, a transitional living program for youth at risk of being homeless and/or youth ageing out of the foster care system. Jessica was later hired as a Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Case Manager providing primary care, acute, behavioral health, social services and supports for adults with mental health conditions. After her graduation from Rutgers University and becoming a Licensed Social Worker, Jessica was hired to continue her therapeutic work for Clinical Out-Patient Endeavors (COPE) at Care Plus NJ. Jessica was also hired as a Case Manager for the Strive for Independent Parenting Program, providing services to pregnant and/or parenting adolescents. Later promoted to the Clinician for the Strive for Independent Parenting Program, providing therapeutic services as well as facilitating a parenting group, conducting the children's developmental assessments and educating the youth on their children's developmental stages. Jessica later became the Program Manager for Adolescent Services at Care Plus NJ, while continuing her work as a COPE Clinician.
Jessica Ayala is married and the mother of four children. Jessica was inspired to become a therapist after her first born son, who was born with kidney disease that caused multiple developmental delay. As a young mother it was difficult for Jessica to find the help or support she needed being a young mother of a child with multiple health issues. Jessica decided to go back to college when her son was 3 years old. While obtaining her bachelors Jessica became pregnant with her 2nd. Jessica was determined to complete her education, she began her journey for her oldest son and continued for her second son. While obtaining her masters degree Jessica once again became pregnant with her first daughter, again determined to continue her education she finished her master's degree for her daughter. Jessica's passion for her children and the enjoyment of helping others motivated her to complete her education, licenses and multiple trainings. Now being fully licensed and ready to provide services, Jessica became pregnant with her youngest daughter which she dedicated the beginning of her independent career to.