Staff

Dr. Barnas is the Medical Director and founder of both Pelorus TMS and Pelorus Elder & Behavioral Health, 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 (ie 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 (ie agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia).

At the Cognitive Research Center of New Jersey, 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 such as 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.

Dr. 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 five 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 Spanish, and was previously selected to participate with the Hispanic Center of Excellence at UMDNJ-NJMS.

Michael Neilson, MBA, RN-BC 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.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Dr. Yarton is a Board-Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice, with a specialization in Psychiatry and Mental Health. Dr. Yarton has a strong background in psychiatry, working for over 22 years in a variety of treatment settings. Prior to joining Pelorus in 2020, Dr. Yarton worked for 15 years in consultation-liaison psychiatry for the Psychiatric Emergency Services Department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, gaining extensive experience treating adults and older adults with co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions on the medical units and in the emergency room. Dr. Yarton has worked on multiple inpatient psychiatric units as a psychiatric nurse in both New York and New Jersey, including at NYU Medical Center. She also worked for several years as an outpatient substance abuse counselor with clients on parole and probation.

Dr. Yarton earned her doctoral degree at Rush University along with the College of Nursing Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence for achieving a 4.0 GPA. She completed a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Clinical Counseling Psychology with a specialty in addictions. She received her bachelor’s degrees in nursing and in psychology at Villanova University, both Magna Cum Laude.

Michelle is a Board Certified Physician Assistant, with significant interest and experience in Geriatric and Adult Psychiatry. She completed her Psychiatric training during her Physician Assistant program at Bridgeport Hospital – Yale New Haven Health.

Prior to joining Pelorus in 2015, Michelle worked full time at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, treating the inpatient population on the Older Adult Behavioral Health Unit. During her time at St. Luke’s, Michelle gained significant experience in treating elders with Behavioral Health conditions, including Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and various types of Dementia.

Michelle completed her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience magna cum laude at the University of Scranton, her Master’s degree in School Psychology summa cum laude at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and another master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies cum laude at Pace University. She is currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Samantha is a Board Certified Physician Assistant, with prior experience in Psychiatric and skilled nursing facility settings. Prior to joining Pelorus in 2015, she maintained an “A” average in her PA program at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Neuroscience with honors at Ramapo College.

Samantha has previously worked for three years in a community Psychiatric private practice, and has years of past volunteer experience in skilled nursing and rehabilitation settings.

Eve is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, with specialization in Psychiatry and Mental Health. She completed both her NP and BS Nursing degrees at Rutgers.

Prior to joining the Geriatric practice at Pelorus in 2018, Eve worked for years at the other end of the age spectrum. She was a NICU nurse at Overlook Hospital for years, and at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) before that.

Eve is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Alpha Tau chapter.