Our Team
Paul Schottland, PhD, Director
Dr. Paul Schottland, founder and director of Schottland Associates, is a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and parents. As part of his general psychotherapy practice, Dr. Schottland has extensive experience and training in providing individual psychotherapy to children of all ages, and in helping parents understand and meet their child’s needs.
Dr. Schottland earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. He received his Masters and PhD from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Schottland completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in advanced psychodynamic psychotherapy at The Wright Institute in Los Angeles, followed by a fellowship at Harvard Medical School in working with children and adolescents.
Dr. Schottland has published articles in academic journals and parenting magazines, and he has been quoted in the book The Bipoloar Child. He has functioned as an Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and presided as Chief Psychologist for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Schottland travels across New Jersey delivering guest lectures to various educational institutions and religious organizations.
For more about Dr. Schottland, visit www.drschottland.com.
Andrea Olitzky, LCSW, Associate Therapist
Andrea has over fifteen years of clinical experience working with adolescents, young adults, parents, couples, and individual adults. She employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and attachment therapy, which encompasses areas such as low self-esteem, problems in relationships, anxiety and depression. Her expertise includes grief counseling, and working with children at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition to her clinical work, Andrea has extensive experience in supervising and training therapists. Her career includes significant tenure at the Mayo Clinic. Andrea is a graduate of Barnard College and holds a Master of Social Work degree from the New York University Silver School of Social Work. Her educational background and extensive experience make her a highly knowledgeable and empathetic therapist.
Heather Bier, LSW, Associate Therapist
Heather is a dedicated and compassionate therapist with a robust educational background and a wealth of experience in diverse therapeutic settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and her Master of Social Work from the Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City.
Early in her career, Heather honed her skills in Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) for OCD, phobias, and panic disorders. This foundational expertise has equipped her to effectively work with individuals of all ages. She has significant experience providing both individual and group therapy to clients ranging from 18 to 70 years old. In her work, she incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP), and mindfulness, fostering environments where clients can achieve personal growth and resilience.
Marissa Geary, PsyD, Associate Psychologist
Marissa is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist in New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at University of Scranton and her Psy.D. in combined school and clinical psychology from Kean University in Union, New Jersey. She is also an adjunct professor at Kean University’s Psy.D. program. Marissa completed her doctoral internship and post-doctoral position as a school psychologist and case manager for students’ IEPs.
Marissa provides psychological assessment, counseling, and case management services for students ranging from ages 5 to 21. She administers psychoeducational evaluations and consultations, working with students, parents, and school staff.
Additionally, Marissa is available interpret child study team test results, evaluate child study team recommendations, recommend academic accommodations consist with evaluation results, and advocate for parents and their children at schools.
Riley Keltner, MA, Educational Associate
An inspiring teacher and tutor, Riley has experience with one-on-one tutoring for students in a variety of subjects, including all levels of high school English and History, along with executive and study skills. Riley’s approach emphasizes the importance of connecting with the student and helping to build self-confidence, while learning the content and skills relevant to the course. Riley is a certified Advanced Placement tutor and exam grader for AP US History. She is a recipient of the James Madison Fellowship for outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary level. A former collegiate varsity golfer, Riley coaches a high school golf team.
Jeff Vinikoor, MA, Educational Associate
Jeff has an extensive background as a teacher, department chair, and senior administrator at the independent school high-school level. He graduated with a BA from Princeton University and holds a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Columbia University. Jeff has been a valuable associate in Dr. Schottland’s practice for over 12 years. He functions as a study skills coach, with a speciality in remediating academic weaknesses’s associated with executive skills functioning. Jeff has helped develop and implement a unique model for “academic crisis intervention.” This approach targets students who have been unable to be helped by more standard approaches. It involves collaboration with parents, school, and therapist when appropriate, and verification of completed assignments.
Jeff has an uncommon ability to integrate a gentle and reassuring approach while teaching organizational skills, verifying completion of work, monitoring progress, and engaging parental support.
