About Us

 Therapist

Simone Henry has been a licensed clinical counselor since 2018. She has provided mental health and sex-offender outpatient treatment at Kintock’s re-entry program, located in Bridgeton, New Jersey. She has also worked in the Bridgeton school system as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. Additionally, she was a caretaker for developmentally challenged adults and children. Simone has also provided children and family therapy through ABC therapy agency and interned at Kennedy Behavioral Outpatient Therapy. She holds licensure and certification, they include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Simone earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Psychology from Rutgers University located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She finds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to be very useful when treating people with mental health needs, and behavioral issues. Her motto is “Help people help themselves.” Simone Henry has been a licensed clinical counselor since 2018. She has provided mental health and sex-offender outpatient treatment at Kintock’s re-entry program, located in Bridgeton, New Jersey. She has also worked in the Bridgeton school system as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. Additionally, she was a caretaker for developmentally challenged adults and children. Simone has also provided children and family therapy through ABC therapy agency and interned at Kennedy Behavioral Outpatient Therapy. She holds licensure and certification, they include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Simone earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Psychology from Rutgers University located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She finds Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to be very useful when treating people with mental health needs, and behavioral issues. Her motto is “Help people help themselves.” 

 Operations Manager

Cassandra Avila is an Operations Manager with deep roots in Philadelphia and a strong commitment to community-centered work. While her foundation was shaped by her upbringing in the city, she has spent the past four years serving and leading in communities beyond it. She brings perspective, adaptability, and heart to every space she enters.

She brings extensive experience in programming and community engagement, informed by years of hands-on work and leadership.

In her role, Cassandra supports organizational operations, program implementation, and team coordination, ensuring that initiatives run smoothly and stay aligned with their mission. She remains closely involved in program development while also strengthening systems, workflows, and day-to-day operations that allow teams to do their best work.

Cassandra’s strengths lie in organization, communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. She is known for balancing structure with compassion, creating environments where staff feel supported and community members feel respected and empowered. Her work is rooted in wellness, accountability, and the belief that meaningful change happens when people are given the clarity, tools, and support to move forward.

 School-Based and Inclusion Coordinator

Samantha is a Licensed Social Worker at the Wellness Center, where she is currently working towards obtaining her clinical license. In addition to her role at the Wellness Center, Samantha serves as the Cumberland County clinician for the NJ4S program, providing support and resources to students in need. Samantha holds a Master’s degree from Rutgers School of Social Work and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Georgian Court University. Samantha has a diverse background, with years of experience across various school districts as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. Her work with individuals with disabilities through Salem County Special Services has further expanded her expertise in supporting diverse populations. Samantha also has extensive experience in case management, conducting in-home assessments for individuals of all ages living with chronic illness and disabilities, assisting with the management of self-directed care. Additionally, she has worked in outpatient therapy services, providing both individual and group therapy to clients with a wide range of diagnoses. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates a person-centered, strength-based approach into her practice. Samantha is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and improve their overall well-being. 

 School-Based Counselor

Born in New Jersey, she developed her passion for music and aiding others while growing up in a gifted yet disadvantaged minority environment. Specializing in counseling and case management for at-risk adolescents, she endeavors to restore hope within the community. As a

counselor, Tasha strives to foster a secure and nurturing environment for at-risk adolescents and their families to openly discuss their challenges. She tailors treatment for each client, taking into account their individual histories, experiences, and needs. Collaborating with community groups and fellow professionals, she works towards developing comprehensive support systems to address the diverse difficulties faced by at-risk adolescents and families in her neighborhood. Her goal is to exert a long-term positive influence and enhance the overall well-being of her clients.

 Program Coordinator

Honesty relocated to New Jersey in March 2024 after spending most of her adult life in Northern Virginia, where she raised her daughter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Criminal Justice from Walden University and is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Community Health Worker.

With over 20 years of experience in administration and office management, Honesty brings a strong foundation of leadership, organization, and operational excellence to her work. Today, she serves as the Program Coordinator for the Recovering Hope, and Wellness Team, where she leads efforts to support individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges.

Having maintained over 15 years of personal recovery, Honesty offers a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience. She is deeply committed to empowering individuals and families by helping them build practical life skills, access critical resources, and develop healthy coping strategies that support long-term stability.

Through both individual and group-based support, Honesty facilitates recovery-focused services that strengthen emotional wellness, communication, behavioral health, and community connection. Her approach is rooted in compassion, accountability, and the belief that lasting recovery is possible with the right support, structure, and purpose.

 Prevention Consultant 

Brandon is a passionate Prevention Consultant at NJ4S, in partnership with Gateway Wellness Center. With a background in communications from Stockton University, where he also minored in Africana Studies, Brandon brings a diverse skill set to his work in mental health and community outreach.

Brandon has hands-on experience as a mental health counselor, where he facilitated therapeutic groups for a variety of clinical diagnoses and provided careful documentation. His expertise extends beyond mental health into writing and literature, with advanced skills in editing and photography, which he often uses to support his mission of raising awareness about mental health.

With extensive experience in project management, Brandon has successfully coordinated events ranging from parties to large-scale community initiatives. He believes in the power of creativity to spark change, and his work is driven by a deep commitment to fostering mental well-being and inspiring positive transformation.

 Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist 

Rachel was born and raised in Salem County, NJ. Rachel graduated from Alvernia University in May of 2024 and has a bachelor’s degree in Addiction and Mental Health Treatment and minors in English, Psychology, and Women and Gender Studies. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lock Haven University. Her hope is to become an LPC. Rachel has previous experience interning in school-based settings running various different groups for students. In addition, Rachel also has experience interning in an adult probation and parole unit through their treatment court program. 

 Prevention Specialist 

Jelisa is a dedicated Prevention Specialist with over two years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in drug and alcohol prevention as well as mental health awareness. Passionate about making a positive impact, she excels in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and development. Jelisa is committed to fostering healthier communities through education, prevention strategies, and advocacy. With a Master of Public Health degree from Western Illinois University, Jelisa is always seeking to expand her expertise through continuous professional development. Her proactive approach and deep understanding of the mental health landscape make her a trusted resource for individuals and organizations alike.

Outside of her professional role, Jelisa remains dedicated to advancing her knowledge and skills, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of prevention practices and mental health initiatives.

 Prevention Consultant

 Corinne is a dedicated Prevention Consultant with Gateway Wellness Center’s NJ4S Cumberland County team, in partnership with Acenda. A recent graduate of Georgian Court University with a Bachelor's in Social Work, Corinne is continuing her education this fall as she begins her Master of Social Work at Eastern University. Driven by a deep passion for youth advocacy, Corinne believes in empowering the next generation through education, mental health support, and meaningful connection. Her experience includes working in school settings where she served as an intern on a child study team and led group sessions tailored to children with diverse emotional and behavioral needs. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Corinne is actively involved in her community. She has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and remains committed to mentoring and supporting young people from all walks of life. With a heart for service and a vision for change, Corinne brings empathy, determination, and a strong foundation in social work to her role—working each day to make a lasting impact on the lives of youth and their communities.

 School-Based Social Worker

Naturyl Gray serves as a school-based counselor with Gateway Wellness Center. She holds a BSW from Stockton University and an MSW from Montclair State University. With experience as a behavioral assistant, substitute teacher, and counselor intern for adolescents with substance use challenges, she brings a solution-focused, empathetic, and flexible approach to supporting youth. Outside of work, Naturyl enjoys engaging in community events, music, and time with family and friends.

 School-Based Counselor

Tarrell Clark is a dedicated mental health professional with a master's degree in social work from Stockton University. With experience spanning behavioral health, school-based behavioral support, and family advocacy, Tarrell has worked extensively with youth and adults facing behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other intellectual or developmental challenges.

Specializing in supporting at-risk and underserved adolescents, Tarrell is passionate about helping young people overcome societal barriers, build independence, and strengthen their social skills. 

Tarrell is committed to equipping youth and adolescents with the tools they need to navigate their families, schools, and communities with confidence.

 School-Based Counselor

Aida Serrano is a School-Based Counselor/Therapist at Gateway CAP Wellness Center. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Stockton University in 2023 and is currently pursuing her clinical license.

With over 20 years of experience in education, mental health, child welfare, and community-based services, Aida has dedicated her career to empowering youth, strengthening families, and helping children overcome emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.

Before joining Gateway CAP, Aida served as a Social Worker/Case Manager and as a school-based mental health professional providing evidence-based support to elementary students in the Millville School District.

Aida also has extensive experience as an Intensive In-Community (IIC) Therapist, Support Coordinator, and former Director of residential and supportive housing programs. Her diverse background allows her to provide compassionate, knowledgeable, and individualized support to children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Aida is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where students can build confidence, develop coping skills, and reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally to thrive in school and in life.