Get to know our team of caring mental health counselors
Meet South Collective Counseling’s versatile, collaborative, & highly skilled team of mental health counselors.
Our team 100% believes mental health matters just as much as physical health. We are dedicated to reducing stigma surrounding mental health. Our team provides a safe, therapeutic, judgment-free environment for clients in-person and/or online in tele-therapy sessions to get the help they need.
Melissa South, Owner, MA, LPC, ACS, NCC
Melissa is the Owner & Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) for South Collective Counseling. Melissa has over 20-years experience working with children, families, and couples. She is incredibly dedicated to the counseling field, and enjoys clinically supervising associate counselors to become effective, competent fully-licensed clinicians in the future.
Mia Arrington, MSW, LSW, Individual & Family Social Worker
Mia is a Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey and offers Individual and Family Therapy at South Collective Counseling. Mia is passionate about creating a non-threatening space to connect and help clients of all ages heal and grow.
Samia Qadri, LAC, NCC
Licensed Associate Counselor
Samia is a Licensed Associate Counselor and EMDR Therapist at South Collective Counseling and is in the process of obtaining her PhD in Counseling. Samia approaches each client with warmth, authenticity, and compassion. When working with adult clients, Samia desires her clients to feel comfortable and practices inclusivity of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and spiritual practices.
Lorna Lopez, M.Ed., LAC, SAC, NCC, Individual & Family Counselor
Lorna Lopez is a bilingual, English & Spanish speaking, Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey at South Collective Counseling. Lorna is a deeply empathetic and passionate individual who has counseling experience with various developmental stages, from children to adults, and from various demographics including race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, education, and socioeconomic status.
Mark Vitale, LAC
Mark is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a school counselor, who exudes integrity, warmth, and positivity. He shows deep concern for the adolescents and adults that he works with. He has a special heart for those dealing with grief and loss. He is bilingual and can work with both English and Spanish speaking clients. In addition, Mark is fluent in ASL and can offer sessions in ASL.
Virna Brandofino, LAC, Individual and Family Counselor
Virna Brandofino, MA, LAC, is a compassionate, empathic Individual and Family Therapist at South Collective Counseling in New Jersey. She has over 20 years experience working with families and individuals struggling with mental illness. Virna believes that we are all unique and possess skills and gifts we sometimes need to embrace, develop, and strengthen. Virna is bilingual and can offer services in Spanish.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi