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 Associate Counselor who is currently working towards full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Amber holds a Master’s from Walden University in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelors in Psychology: Child Behavioral Services from Rowan University.  Amber  previously worked for the Head Start program as the Mental Health & Disabilities Coordinator for 6 years providing in classroom support services, advocacy, and behavioral interventions to youth and families.  Additionally, Amber has provided in home therapy services to children and  families for ABC Therapy and also outpatient services for Oaks Integrated Care EISS program.  Amber finds Cognitive Behavioral therapy as an effective approach in working with individuals, but aims to utilize an eclectic approach.  Amber’s 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.” 

Sophia Acevedo is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor Intern. Sophia recently completed the CADC program at Rowan University in May 2022.  Prior to entering the counseling field Sophia worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for over 15 years. Sophia’s background in direct palliative care has equipped her with emotional support and empathetic skills necessary to provide therapeutic services. Sophia also serves as Gateway Wellness Center’s Clinical assistant where she is responsible for all scheduling needs, completing intake assessments, and clerical responsibilities.  Sophia strives to provide effective services to those she comes in contact with by instilling hope and reminding individuals that they have inner strength to overcome any obstacle.