About Us

 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.  

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. 

 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. 

 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.

 Honesty, originally from Montgomery County, Maryland, spent most of her adult life in Northern Virginia with her daughter. In March 2024, she relocated to New Jersey. She earned a bachelor's degree in human services with a minor in criminal justice from Walden University. Honesty is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Community Health Worker, bringing over 20 years of administrative experience and expertise in office management.

Having personally navigated addiction recovery for more than 15 years, Honesty is now dedicated to helping others on their recovery journeys. She serves as the Program Coordinator for the Recovery, Hope, and Wellness Team, assisting individuals throughout the recovery process. She helps them develop skills, access resources, and regain confidence to succeed in society.

As a Peer Support Specialist, Honesty provides individual and family support, recovery interventions, and mental and behavioral health modalities in group settings. She aids individuals and families in developing and practicing healthy coping strategies and techniques. Additionally, she helps individuals strengthen life skills across various domains, including physical and mental well-being, interpersonal communications, social interactions, behavioral conduct, adaptive coping strategies, and community resources/referrals.

Rashida was born and raised in Fitchburg, MA, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Fitchburg State University in 2015. After spending the past five years in Central Virginia, she has recently relocated to New Jersey.

A purpose-driven professional with over a decade of experience in youth development, admissions, and program management, Rashida has dedicated her career to championing personal growth across diverse populations. She is especially passionate about fostering impactful, relationship-centered experiences that empower individuals to thrive.

Blending a strategic mindset with a heart-centered approach, Rashida draws on her Human Services background and deep commitment to mentorship, coaching, and advocacy. Known for her natural ability to build trust and meet people where they are, she excels at supporting others through healing and personal transformation.

Rashida is excited to bring her experience, passion, and vision to this new role and looks forward to making a meaningful impact.

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.

 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.