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Meet the Clinicians: Marlyn Marte, LAC
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) is excited to welcome Marlyn Marte, LAC to the mental health clinical team. Fluent in English and Spanish, Marlyn recently earned her master’s degree and gained valuable experience in a counseling center and children’s hospital. However, her journey in mental health began much earlier in life.
Marlyn was first introduced to the difference a mental health counselor can make when she was in middle school. Concerned about her friend’s safety, she contacted a school counselor for advice. Marlyn’s friend eventually met with the counselor to receive the support she needed.
“My friend told me not to tell anyone what I knew, but I was really worried about her,” Marlyn said. “After she got help, she thanked me. The counselor was able to help me process my feelings about my friend and help her get through a difficult time. That’s when I realized counseling was something I might want to pursue someday.”
Prior to joining NFSB in March, Marlyn served as a senior feeding therapist for six years at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson. She supported children with feeding difficulties such as texture and food selectivity and food refusal, applying behavioral modification strategies to ensure kids were fed. She also worked alongside doctors to train parents so they could implement the same strategies at home.
“Seeing the struggles of parents with children who have been diagnosed with conditions like autism spectrum disorder and Down’s syndrome was an eye-opening experience,” Marlyn said. “The stress of having your children being unable to eat is enormous. Being a source of comfort for parents and enhancing my skills in a hospital setting helped me grow as a counselor.”
Marlyn earned a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Montclair State University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in women and gendered studies from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
While pursuing her master’s degree, Marlyn interned at the Montclair Community Counseling Clinic. She provided individual, couples, family, and group counseling to populations ranging from adolescents to older adults, many of whom struggled with depression and anxiety.
“I remember working with an older client who was presenting symptoms of depression,” Marlyn said. “Supporting that client in the moment, helping them process their feelings, and connecting them with resources was very gratifying. In this case, the client didn’t have enough food to eat. One of the things I love about Nutley Family Service Bureau is being able to refer clients to case management and the Food Pantry in the same building.”
Marlyn was drawn to NFSB as a community-based, independent nonprofit that offers a wide range of in-house resources, including case management, the Food Pantry, and even the Thrift Shop for clients who need basic home essentials. She appreciates the ability of NFSB to care for the whole person, advocate for their well-being, and connect them with resources and services without sending them to a different provider.
“Everyone has been very warm and inviting,” Marlyn said. “The training has been really helpful, and that allows me to focus 100% on client needs without worrying about procedures and paperwork. There’s a blend of structure, freedom, and compassion that you don’t find in many places. I’m grateful to have that kind of support because it benefits our clients, and that’s what is most important.
If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time and would like to explore counseling, contact us at NFSB to schedule an appointment. Immediate appointments are available and we’ll always respect your privacy. Call 973-667-1884 extension 1 today.
