About Us

 A Counselor at Gateway Wellness Center,
Ayoola Oguntuase is a Master's Level Clinician who has worked with children and families for over 5 years. Ayoola’s prior experience with working in early childhood education has equipped her with the necessary tools and knowledge to work with children at various developmental stages. Previously, Ayoola provided social services such as ongoing support and prenatal/postnatal education for expectant mothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through Gateway Community Action Partnership. Ayoola’s interest in mental health began during her undergraduate education where she majored in Biology and minored in Psychology at Thomas Jefferson University. The integration of these two disciplinary fields and her previous work history in childhood education has led Ayoola to specialize in providing mental health services to children and adolescents. Ayoola obtained her Master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling from Thomas Jefferson University where she also received a certification in Play Therapy. She has experience in evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, TF-CBT, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.  Ayoola Oguntuase is a Master's Level Clinician who has worked with children and families for over 5 years. Ayoola’s prior experience with working in early childhood education has equipped her with the necessary tools and knowledge to work with children at various developmental stages. Previously, Ayoola provided social services such as ongoing support and prenatal/postnatal education for expectant mothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through Gateway Community Action Partnership. Ayoola’s interest in mental health began during her undergraduate education where she majored in Biology and minored in Psychology at Thomas Jefferson University. The integration of these two disciplinary fields and her previous work history in childhood education has led Ayoola to specialize in providing mental health services to children and adolescents. Ayoola obtained her Master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling from Thomas Jefferson University where she also received a certification in Play Therapy.  She has experience in evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, TF-CBT, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. 

 Amber Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor's in Psychology: Child Behavioral Services from Rowan University. She has been a clinician at Gateway Wellness Center for the past 2.5 years, serving as an outpatient therapist and school-based coordinator. Amber also has experience in both in-home therapy and outpatient therapy, providing tailored support to individuals in various settings. Prior to her work at Gateway Wellness Center, she worked for six years as the Mental Health & Disabilities Coordinator with the Head Start program, offering in-classroom support, advocacy, and behavioral interventions to youth and families. Amber primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but adopts an eclectic approach to best serve her clients. Her personal motto is, "If you change your perspective, you can change your life." 

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.” 

 Antwan is a Licensed Social Worker and is currently working towards obtaining his License in Clinical Social Work. Antwan obtained his Master's Degree in Social Work from Stockton University in the spring of 2021. Antwan also has an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science obtained from Wilmington University in the Spring of 2018. Antwan was previously employed at Youth Consultation Services where he served as the lead clinician and worked with youth from the ages of 17-21 with varying mental health and behavioral needs. Furthermore, Antwan has provided in-home services to children through ABC therapy services. Before becoming a clinician, Antwan worked with youth in a residential setting for over 10 years. Antwan also has experience as a care manager through Cape Atlantic INK where he assisted families with finding community resources. Antwan has utilized cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational Interviewing, and solution focused therapy as tools to assist his clients with meeting their treatment goals. His motto is “Seek progress not perfection.”  

 McKenzie Buck is an outpatient therapist and school-based counselor with a Master’s in Social Work and a New Jersey School Social Worker Certification.  She completed her Master’s program at Fairleigh Dickinson University in May of 2023.  McKenzie completed her undergraduate degree from Rowan University in May of 2020.  She is specialized as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member.  McKenzie is committed to providing students with the support they need to navigate both academic and personal challenges. McKenzie utilizes an integrative approach, drawing from CBT, and other practices to create personalized treatment plans for each client. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, set goals, and achieve meaningful change. Her prior experience is working with high functioning adults with autism while they are focusing on seeking higher education and employment. McKenzie also worked in residential programs providing group services and life skills development to the youth.  

 Cassandra Avila, proudly rooted in Philadelphia, discovered her love for art and community growth while navigating the colorful streets of her underprivileged neighborhood. With a focus on program development and event coordination, she is dedicated to fostering unity and community engagement. As a Program Coordinator, Cassandra is committed to empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and their neighborhoods while also nurturing safe spaces for wellness, ensuring that everyone has a place to cultivate their mind, body, and soul. Her unwavering commitment to community enrichment drives her work, inspiring others to join her in building a stronger, more vibrant society. 

 Jacqueline Holmes, a native of Paulsboro, NJ, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a 10-year background in Licensed Practical Nursing, she has served our local communities in various capacities, including trauma, orthopedic, and plastic surgery, as well as OB/GYN and Behavioral Health. Her passion for serving stems from a genuine love for people. She is driven by the goal of raising our communities to nurture great leaders, particularly in the field of mental health. Complementing her extensive experience are certifications in Crisis Intervention, Cultural Humility, Mental Health First Aid, and Narcan administration, demonstrating her dedication to providing essential resources for the betterment of our communities. 

Joy is the Lead Prevention Consultant for Cumberland County’s New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S), Department of Children and Families funded program. A graduate of Rowan University with a BA in Psychology, Joy is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Temple University, expected in Spring 2027.

Joy is adept at providing functional and strength-based programming to community members, families, and support systems, through psychoeducation and skill-building workshops. Joy collaborates with school administrators, counselors, and community service providers to design and deliver effective evidence based small groups in schools, professional development, and assemblies that promote mental health awareness and prevention. She is committed to providing culturally competent services and responding attentively to the needs of program participants. With expertise in relationship-building and a positive, compassionate attitude, she plays a key role in both direct service delivery and the professional development of their team.

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. 

 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.

Ani'ya Taylor grew up in Penns Grove, NJ, which is located in Salem County. Growing up in a small town inspired Ani'ya to find a purpose in helping people in need. Ever since Aniya was a child, she has been destined to be involved in helping out her community in the mental health field. With a lack of resources in her small town, Ani'ya knew she somehow wanted to make a change. Ani'ya completed her undergraduate program at Rowan University in 2022 and continued her success at Gateway Wellness Center. During her time at Gateway Wellness

Center, it inspired her to further her education to enhance her role as a Mental Health Advocate.

 Gianna Pagano is a Licensed Associate Art Therapist who is currently working towards full licensure as a LPAT-ATR. Gianna holds a Master’s from Hofstra University in Creative Arts Therapy and counseling and Bachelors in Art therapy from Temple University. Gianna previously interned at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital providing emotional support and art as therapy to youth and families. Giana also has experience in coordinating art as therapy groups with youth and children. Gianna’s previous work history has led her to specialize in providing art therapy and mental health services to children and adolescents. Gianna encourages clients to reach their goals and reminds individuals of their strengths throughout the therapeutic process.