The Monmouth Moms 2025 Women in Business Guide proudly presents a collection of remarkable women who are shaping the business landscape of Monmouth County. These exceptional founders, leaders, and trailblazers have not only established thriving businesses but also provide invaluable resources that enrich the lives of countless families in our community. Read more below!
Meet Stefanie Mastbeth Trento, MS, LPC, NCC, ACS, CYT
Beautiful Mind Counseling Center is passionate about helping individuals identify and implement coping strategies to assist in handling stressors and challenges they may face in their day-to-day lives. BMCC is dedicated to helping children, adolescents, adults, and their families achieve a sense of peace and serenity in today’s hectic world. We utilize therapeutic techniques such as Play Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Client Centered Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy, to name a few. Additionally, our founder, Stefanie, has been trained to utilize yoga to help increase attention, manage sensory input, manage anxiety, and increase focus.
At BMCC, we have a passion for assisting individuals and families in creating overall wellness in their lives.
We are honored to guide you through effective psychotherapy methods to help instill self-understanding and self-acceptance as a means to encourage individuals to positively express thoughts and feelings towards life situations. We are honored to guide individuals in the healing process of therapy. We strive to create a serene space to process and cope with feelings brought up from life’s experiences.
Beautiful Mind Counseling Center has a team of four therapists who specialize in supporting the following populations: Anxiety, Attentio
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Meet Kathleen Boss, Director of Clinical Services at the Center for NeuroWellness
I am the Director of Clinical Services at the Center for NeuroWellness, a private practice dedicated to neuroscience, assessment, and mental health counseling for adults, children, adolescents, and families. I work directly with individuals providing psychological evaluations (assessing concerns related to ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, and depression just to name a few) as well as overseeing the clinical services at the practice. My role at the Center for NeuroWellness has provided me with the flexibility and support essential for balancing my
professional and personal life as a working mother. As a mother deeply committed to actively participating in my children’s lives—cherishing both the significant milestones and the everyday moments—I sought a workplace that not only accepted but also valued the importance of work- life balance. The Center for NeuroWellness has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my professional ambitions while being present for my family. This supportive environment has enabled me to thrive both as a dedicated psychologist and as an engaged mother.
The Center for NeuroWellness has played a crucial role in getting me to where I am today. The practice’s commitment to professional excellence and work-life balance has provided me with the tools and support needed to excel in my career while being the mother I aspire to be. For this, I am profoundly grateful and continually inspired to contribute to the mission of Center for NeuroWellness. It has allowed me to provide the services that I do for children, adolescents, and families in Monmouth County as well as those throughout NJ and surrounding areas.
I am originally from North Arlington in Bergen County. After attending undergraduate and graduate school in PA and CT followed by an internship in MD and spending four years as a licensed psychologist in VA, my husband and I decided to settle in Holmdel in Monmouth
County where we have been for the past 4 years.
One of my primary mom goals is to raise good human beings. At my core, I want to be a good mom to ensure that my boys are happy, respectful, and kind people. My goal as a mom is to raise boys who are not only successful in their endeavors but also grounded in values that will make them compassionate and conscientious members of society. This journey is ongoing and ever- evolving, but it is one that I embrace wholeheartedly, knowing that the effort I put in today will shape the men they become tomorrow.
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We are an event based floral experience company and designer.
We can travel to events or host an event at Rustic Roots Garden Center in Lincroft NJ.
Our focus is on unique floral experiences with instagram moments.
We also are event designers focused on all your party needs for weddings, bridal and baby showers and much more.
We are located at Rustic Roots Garden Center 336 Everett Road, Lincroft NJ. www.flowerspotevents.com
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Meet Jenna Werner, Founder of Happy Strong Healthy
About Happy Strong Healthy®️
Happy Strong Healthy® is a virtual private practice that uses mindful eating, behavior change management and a health first, weight neutral approach to help clients heal their relationship with food, fitness, body and self while simultaneously helping them learn how to fuel and nourish their unique body and create long term, sustainable improvements in health. As a weight neutral practice, we approach health without a focus on weight. We believe weight is a data point but not THE data point and there is a big difference.
Happy Strong Healthy®️ is proudly one of the FIRST nutrition practices to accept insurance and see clients from a weight neutral lens helping clients feel safe and receive stigma and bias free care covered by their insurance benefit. We accept over 100 different plans from 17 different states and have a team of 10 registered dietitians seeing clients DAILY. We support those in eating disorder recovery, with disordered eating, general health concerns and beyond for all ages from childhood to older adults. Helping make care more accessible to those who need it most is one of Jenna’s greatest passions and to be able to provide true nutrition support for whatever area of nutrition or health you need is something Jenna is very proud of.
At Happy Strong Healthy our vision is to help all humans create a life they love living. Help people make peace with food and their bodies and show up in the world as their most confident and empowered selves. While eating in a way that makes them feel their personal best, for LIFE – potentially for FREE!
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J E N N A W E R N E R
Registered Dietitian & Owner, Happy Strong Healthy®️
Healing through the Heart Center
Therapy For Lasting Change | Heal, Find Purpose, Live Authentically In-person and Telehealth Psychotherapy for Children, Teens, and Adults
At Healing through the Heart Center, we do things differently. We know the benefits of traditional talk therapy – and we know it’s limitations. When you’re faced with challenges that feel bigger than words, we combine practical tools, inner wisdom, and a heart-centered approach, to help you heal from within & empower your authentic self.
Whether you’re battling anxiety, past trauma, or navigating one of life’s many hurdles – the feeling of stress, overwhelm or ‘stuckness’ will leave you feeling like there’s no end in sight. We guide you to take the first step to better.
Whatever challenges you are facing, there is hope.
Using a combination of EMDR, Meditation, Mindfulness, and DBT Skills, we work to dig deeper to create meaningful & lasting change.
Helping you cultivate self-love, have peace among chaos and live an intentional life.
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732-242-4044
415 NJ-34 Suite 203, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Online therapy sessions are available across New Jersey
Meet Judi Crook, ASID, CID NJ Certified Interior Designer & Owner
Kaleidoscope Interior Design is a full-service Interior Design firm specializing in residential and commercial projects including existing, renovation, and new construction whose principal is certified by the State Board of Architects. We help individuals, families, and businesses change how they feel within their space by carefully crafting environments you will enjoy and that make you and your guests feel good. All interior and outdoor living spaces are carefully designed, planned, and managed from concept to completion
with your specific style, needs, and interests in mind. We carefully coordinate our efforts with your Architect and/or contractor, if needed on your project, as well as provide design drawings for your Architect to incorporate for building permits and complete Interior Design construction documents for your contractor to build accurately from.
The most fundamental part of our process is ensuring a great client experience! As a professional NJ State Certified Interior Designer and ASID NJ President-Elect, I am committed to helping you by creating beautiful, safe, and healthy spaces while maximizing potential and function. Bringing my vast experience, I educate and guide you through your project so you can make informed decisions, protect your investment while increasing value, live happier lives in your dream home or advance the growth of your business.
With more than 22 years of experience, we bring to your project knowledge of the construction process, the understanding and application of building codes, access to our vetted trade resources, quality products, as well as custom design for several different types of products from furniture to fixtures to finishes.
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Karen Zerbo is an American Board-Certified Hair colorist with over 40 years of experience. In addition to her nationally recognized credentials, Karen’s education has been extensive with several prestigious global certifications including L’Oréal for Balayage and Redken in all phases of Hair color. She was also trained at Vidal Sassoon in Chicago, Ouidad in NYC, and most recently, she completed the 12-month training with Wella to obtain the Master Color Expert Certification. Karen is a highly skilled professional in all aspects of Color Correction and Dimensional blonding.
Karen Joseph is a hair salon focused on distinctive, professional service, masterful hair color impeccably executed, and precision hair artistry, all while maintaining the health and condition of the hair.
“My career started when I was very young. Age 12 to be exact. My dad was a stylist as were many of his family members. So, this is an industry that is encoded in my DNA. My dad, Joseph Victorio, was my mentor, my educator and my inspiration. He is also one of the reasons for opening Karen Joseph Salon. A key component of our success will be achieved through our commitment to growing each member of our team, modeling the behaviors that my father demonstrated every day of his life. Although he passed away several years ago, Joe is with me every day. I derive my passion and determination to build a business that he would be proud of from our mutual love for each other and our extended family and friends. He taught me about caring for people and Loving them inside and out.
I truly believe Beauty starts from the inside out. My intention is to convey that to my clients as well as my staff. I’m grateful for my many clients who have been loyal to me for so many years. This is for YOU!”
Our services are done in an environment intended to bring a feeling of inner peace and well being to our clients. Our team is highly specialized in the art and science of hair. Maintaining an exclusive, yet welcoming environment. A deep belief in our mission is accomplished through the demonstration of our values every day. KJ salon exemplifies professionalism and extraordinary service, ensuring clients’ needs are always met. Everyone is treated with love, care and respect. Our team grows organically by attracting talent whose values align with ours. Training focuses on promoting both excellence in craft and client well-being.
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Meet Christine Ruggiero, Owner of Liquivida
Liquivida Middletown, owned by Monmouth County local, Christine Ruggiero, is more than just a wellness center—it’s a place where you can recharge, rejuvenate, and feel your best. From vitamin IV therapy to aesthetic treatments and personalized weight management solutions, Christine has built a team of experts dedicated to helping clients thrive. Known for its friendly vibe and customized care, Liquivida has quickly become a local favorite. Whether you’re looking for a boost of energy, a glow-up, or a way to bounce back from stress, Liquivida has something just for you.
Christine is a passionate health and wellness advocate making a real difference in the community. As a registered nurse, she saw the growing need for ways to help people feel their best. Christine’s goal is simple: to empower everyone who walks through her doors to take charge of their health and self-confidence in a clean, supportive, and uplifting environment.
Her love for helping others extends far beyond her wellness center. She’s actively involved in local events, loves connecting with other businesses, and is always finding new ways to promote health and happiness in the community.
For all things health, wellness, and beauty, visit Liquivida Middletown!
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Meet Dr. Christina Piron, MD
“MamaDoc NJ is a concierge style pediatric office owned and operated by Dr. Piron who is a board certified pediatrician. Dr. Piron opened the practice to offer an alternative to traditional practices in order to better serve her patients and their families. At MamaDoc NJ we prioritize building relationships with patients by offering direct communication and more face time with the pediatrician. This allows for more personalized and flexible care which leads to better health outcomes and eases the management of your child’s health care needs.
Dr. Piron provides comprehensive pediatric services including well visits, sick visits, age appropriate developmental and emotional screening. Depending on the concerns visits can be done in the office, via video chat or in the patient’s home. The practice also has a 4th trimester package option which provides exclusive home visits for the first 12 weeks after an infant is born to better support the maternal-child relationship during those early weeks.
Please visit www.mamadocnj.com to learn more about the practice and to schedule a complimentary virtual introductory call to discuss the practice and your family’s needs in more detail. Office address: 39 Ave at the Commons, Suite 200A, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702. Office phone number: 732-982-7729″
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Meet Nichole Gilbarty, APN-C
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Power Core Studio is the first and only Lagree Method studio located in Middletown, NJ. Lagree is a low impact, high intensity workout that utilizes the Megaformer to give you one of the most efficient workouts for your body to build core strength!
The mission statement of Power Core Studio is simple – We believe that keeping up with exercise as we age is important for us to succeed in other aspects of our lives and that a consistent fitness program is key to long term health and well-being. We want every client, regardless of fitness level, age or experience level to leave feeling stronger mentally and physically than when they first walked in the door.
Power Core studio offers 45-minute classes, 7-days a week, morning, afternoon and evening. And we like to have a little fun, so we pepper in Live DJ classes, Happy Hour Classes and Themed Classes to give everyone a little extra smile to get them through their day or week . To learn more about the benefits of Lagree or to visit the studio, go to PowerCore.studio or email us at [email protected]; and follow us @power.core.studio
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Meet Dr. Suzanne Quigley, Owner of Red Bank Orthodontics
Red Bank Orthodontics, owned and operated by Monmouth County mom and lifelong resident, Dr. Suzanne Quigley, takes pride in their holistic approach to treating patients. Each patient’s personalized treatment plan caters to the whole person, not only their orthodontic needs.
Women-owned, operated, and staffed, Red Bank Orthodontics is passionate about helping patients with sensitivities, as Dr. Quigley has managed her own families sensory issues, and applies this to her orthodontic treatment. Dr. Quigley understands that each child’s needs are different, experiencing this first hand as a mom of two. Additionally, Valerie, the office Goldendoodle puppy provides emotional and moral support to patients and their families during their appointment.
Services include:
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Traditional Braces
- Behind the Teeth Braces
- Aligners
- Emergency Care
- InBrace (Behind the teeth braces)
- Facial esthetics (Botox and Filler)
- In-office teeth whitening
With cleanliness and safety being a top priority, Dr. Quigley and team are dedicated to providing the treatment you and your children deserve. They also work with you to find a financial plan that works best for you and maximizes your insurance benefits.
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Meet Dr. Bernadette Mullen and Shaylyn Stilwell
“Helping your child develop their superpower”
Speech Start is a mother/daughter-owned and operated private practice that offers cutting edge speech, language, academic, feeding, and occupational therapy services to pediatric populations ages 0-21+.
We believe in individualized approaches, continuity of care between home and school, and we do this in a compassionate and nurturing environment. Speech Start has locations in both Fair Haven and Hazlet, New Jersey.
Speech Start provides children with a safe, supportive and compassionate environment where they can learn and apply the fundamentals of speech, language, academics, and life skills efficiently. Our experienced clinicians create opportunities for children to cultivate natural language and other developmental, social, and occupational skills. Through beneficial, caring, and hands-on experience, we employ a variety of strategies and teaching modalities as we work with the child and their family.
Our therapists develop and tailor programs that meet the developmental requirements of children with special needs and those of their typical peers. We work to provide therapies and services to children with diagnoses such as childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, voice disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, social pragmatic communication disorders, fine motor delays and sensory processing difficulties. Our therapists hold specialist certificates including but not limited to PROMPT Certification, Assistive Technology/AAC, SOS Feeding, Handwriting Without Tears, Torticollis and Plagiocephaly, and Reflex Integration. Our extensive experience and commitment to continuing education aids us in helping your child develop their superpower!
Contact us today with questions or to set up your child’s evaluation!
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Email Us at [email protected]
Website – www.speechstartnj.com
Fair Haven
21 Cedar Avenue Suite B-1 Fair Haven, NJ 07704
Phone: (732) 888-3912
Get directions to our Fair Haven location
Hazlet
82 Bethany Road Suite 1 Hazlet, NJ 07730
Phone: (732) 888-3912
Fax: (732) 888-3916
Get directions to our Hazlet location
Meet Stacey, Owner of Studio On Willow
Studio on Willow delivers professional service and beautiful hair in a clean, fresh, and cozy environment. We are committed to providing you with excellent hair and a memorable experience. Our talented staff specializes in balayage, highlighting, keratin treatments, extensions, color, precision haircuts on both men and women, bridal services and so much more. We place a high importance on customer service and make the upmost effort to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We opened Studio on Willow in the beginning of 2021. With Covid on the rise, it was a scary time in business, but we decided to give it a go. We are blown away by the warm welcome we received from the community!
We love hosting events to promote ourselves and help support other small local businesses. Our past events have been so successful that we plan to have more moving into the new year. This has been such a great way to get to know some of our neighbors and strengthen some of the relationships we have built in the community.
There are so many wonderful local women-owned businesses in the area. Some of the businesses we have grown to love and support are: HerSpace Med Spa, The Bond Society, Silver Spirit Wellness, Waverles, Made by SarahJ, Carlena’s Creations, and of course who doesn’t LOVE The Blonde Shallot!
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Email:
Phone:
732-377-2210
Meet Dr. Kristianne Macareg, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
I am a local mom (expecting baby girl #2 this summer!) and board-certified pediatric dentist! I started a pediatric dental and orthodontic practice in Middletown, NJ with my husband who is the orthodontist. In our practice, we strive to meet individualized needs and provide quality care while keeping dentistry light and fun. We get to know our families and make everyone part of our ‘Ohana!
Our practice is called Surfside Smile Co. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and our office has a cute and chic surf vibe.
I received my dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and continued my pediatric dental residency at U. Penn which has a hybrid program with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After residency, I worked as an associate for several years in South Jersey before making the move to Monmouth County where my husband grew up to raise our own family and start our practice.
At our practice, we specialize in treating all infants, children, and adolescents for comprehensive oral health care including those with special needs and provide orthodontic treatment for the growing child, teens, and adults. Our mission is to provide high-quality and personalized dental care in an environment that is relaxing, fun, and welcoming for all! Whether your child is afraid of the dentist, has never been to the dentist, or has special health care needs, we cater to your child’s unique needs to create a positive experience. We offer private and kid-friendly treatment rooms allowing you and your child to feel at ease. We spend quality time with each of our patients and focus on patient and parent education to set your child on the right path to excellent oral health!
Starting a business in an area where you have absolutely zero connections is hard! I’ve made so many great friends and met so many people through this community, and the Monmouth Moms Summit in 2024 really empowered me to keep working towards my goals! I spent a lot of 2024 putting my family and my business first, but this year it’s time to focus on self-care because burnout is real. With a second little one coming this year, I need to prioritize my own mental health and wellness and fill my own cup to be the best mom to another baby!
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🦷 Board Certified Specialists
🍍 Dr. Kristianne Macaraeg • Pediatric Dentist
🌊 Dr. JV Kracke • Orthodontist
📍 NOW OPEN Middletown, NJ
Meet Dr. Lauren Gerardi, PhD: Clinical Director of The Women’s Psychotherapy Center
Meet Dr. Lauren Gerardi, PhD, a compassionate and experienced clinical psychologist dedicated to empowering women through transformative therapy. As the owner and Clinical Director of The Women’s Psychotherapy Center, Dr. Gerardi has created a safe and supportive space where women can explore their unique challenges and embark on a journey of healing and personal growth. Originally from New York, Dr. Gerardi has lived in Monmouth County for the past 5 years with her husband and 8-year-old daughter. While she has spent her entire career, which began more than 15 years ago, working with trauma in some form or another, it was the birth of her daughter that inspired her to focus more exclusively on issues facing women and girls.
Dr. Gerardi’s commitment to women’s mental health extends beyond the therapy room. She is actively involved in the community, serving as a Special Adjunct Clinical Professor and an Executive Board member of the New Jersey Psychological Association. Her dedication to raising awareness about women’s mental health issues and advocating for evidence-based, quality care is apparent inher work both inside and outside of her practice.
Dr. Gerardi is proud to have created a behavioral health practice staffed entirely by Monmouth County moms! With a focus on trauma and PTSD, postpartum and prenatal mental health, parenting issues, depression and anxiety, The Women’s Psychotherapy Center offers a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, tailoring treatment to the specific needs and goals of each individual. Our expertise in evidence-based therapies, including EMDR and CPT, ensures that our clients receive the most effective and compassionate care possible.
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90 West Main Street
Meet Kate Santangelo of The Monmouth Moms!
My name is Kate Santangelo, founder of The Monmouth Moms! I grew up in Monmouth County, and now I’m raising my family here! After spending over a decade in the wine and hospitality industry, I combined my passion for community, motherhood, food, and business, and created themonmouthmoms.com! You can read more about me in my interview, here!
The Monmouth Moms is a resource website for busy parents in Monmouth County. We provide seamless access to information about local events, activities, resources, and more! Capturing the entire cycle of motherhood, our content gives our rapidly growing network of moms the gift of time, who frankly don’t have the time to research everything you’ll need raising a family in our community. I absolutely love our community, and am passionate about helping moms find the best local schools, events, pediatricians, shops, and everything in between!
In, 2025, I am also proud to launch PILLAR with my partner, Layla Lisiewski, founder and CEO of The Local Moms Network. PILLAR is a community dedicated to providing support for working moms. At PILLAR, our goal is to activate and support our community of working moms through curated events and inspirational speaker engagements, unlocking earning potential through education, and fostering an environment of collaboration and self-worth. Because change is needed.
I sincerely hope you always find something you can count on when visiting our website, as I work to consistently bring you the best Monmouth County has to offer our growing families!
Xo,
Kate
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