Cedar Knolls Location

(973) 295-6335

Raritan Location

(973) 295-6335

Meet the Team

  • Matthew E. Barnas, MD, DFAPA
    Matthew E. Barnas, MD, DFAPA
    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Medical Director

    Dr. Barnas is the Medical Director and founder and medical director of Pelorus TMS, Pelorus Elder & Behavioral Health, and Pelorus Guardianship, with 19 years of experience practicing medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Board Certified in both Geriatric and Adult Psychiatry. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), actively teaching medical students and psychiatry residents.

    Dr. Barnas completed a TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) certification program at Duke University. He completed his Geriatric training at Yale University, which included training in nursing home psychiatry, and learning the associated rules and regulations. Prior, he was the Chief Resident of Adult Psychiatry at NJMS, where he earned the A. Lester Granet annual award for excellence in teaching and leadership. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers-NJMS. He graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall with a B.S. in Biology and is a diplomate of their liberal arts University Honors Program.

    Dr. Barnas’ clinical interests include evaluating and treating geriatric cognitive disorders (i.e., Alzheimer’s Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia), mood and anxiety disorders, and cognitive disorders in younger adults (ADHD). He is often consulted by other physicians to assist with evaluating and treating psychiatric issues in seniors, including the behavioral aspects of dementia (i.e., agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia).

    At the Cognitive Research Center of NJ, he is an investigator in current research trials seeking safer, more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Dementia. He has presented on these topics at national meetings (AAGP and AAAP) and on behalf of community organizations like United Way, Alzheimer’s Association, and Alzheimer’s New Jersey. He has also published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and the book Comprehensive Review for the Psychiatry Boards.

    Dr. Barnas is on the medical staff at Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital, Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center.

  • Deborah Ocasio, MD
    Deborah Ocasio, MD
    Associate Medical Director, Outpatient and TMS

    pDr. Ocasio is an expert in Psychosomatic Medicine, and has been a physician for over 15 years. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

    Prior to joining Pelorus in 2018, Dr. Ocasio was the Co-Medical Director of the Psychosomatic Medicine (i.e. Consultation Psychiatry) service at Morristown Medical Center for 5 years. Before that, she served at two clinical teaching sites for New Jersey Medical School: Hackensack University Medical Center (Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry) and University Behavioral Health Care (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry).

    Dr. Ocasio completed her Psychiatry training, including training in Consultation Psychiatry, at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). She was the Chief Resident of Psychiatry at NJMS, where she earned the A. Lester Granet annual award for excellence in teaching and leadership. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico, and a Fifth Pathway Certification from St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital in New York City. Dr. Ocasio completed her undergraduate education at Universidad de Puerto Rico, with a B.S. in Biology, Pre-Medicine track.

    Dr. Ocasio speaks English and Spansih, and was previously selected to participate with the Hispanic Center of Excellence at UMDNJ-NJMS.

  • Michael Neilson, MBA, RN-BC
    Michael Neilson, MBA, RN-BC
    Chief Operating Officer (COO)

    Michael Neilson is a Registered Nurse with board certification in psychiatric mental health nursing. Mr. Neilson is well versed in regulations surrounding psychiatric patient care and management with over 10 years of experience working as an RN in behavioral health settings. He is also a former PESS unit screener, and a former hospital administrator. He brings a wealth of experience within behavioral health, and in managing challenging clinical situations. He has presented about psychiatric care at medical conferences, and has educated healthcare staff across multiple settings.

  • Sejal Patel
    Sejal Patel, MBA, MPH
    Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Associate Practice Manager

    Bio Coming Soon!





  • staff
    Kiaya Deluca
    Lead TMS Coordinator

    Bio Coming Soon!

  • Danielle Bencivenga
    Danielle Bencivenga, MA
    TMS Coordinator

    Danielle is a TMS Coordinator and completed her certification with Neurostar. Danielle completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Montclair State University and post Masters coursework at Caldwell University. Her previous experience includes providing counseling in a group home setting as well as in-home counseling for homebound seniors and caregivers.




  • staff
    Jaime Bixby
    TMS Technician

    Bio Coming Soon!

Contact Us

Our Locations

Hours of Operation

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed