Counselors

Director of The Starting Point

Vince DiPasquale, MA. noted lecturer and educator in the tri-state area, has been active in the field of addiction for the past thirty three years. He is founder and director of The Starting Point, Inc. of NJ in Westmont, New Jersey. The Starting Point is an outpatient counseling center specializing in the areas of dependencies and functions as a support system for each individual’s personal growth.

Counselors leasing offices at The Starting Point:

 

Theresa Barrett, BSW, CAS, has been a counselor at The Starting Point for since 1985. Her background is in psychiatric social work and addictions. Theresa is eclectic in working with clients, using a variety of treatment methods and is committed to providing the highest quality care. Theresa’s areas of expertise are addictions, anxiety, depression, and codependency. She works primarily with individuals and couples and those with LGBT concerns. Ext. 107. theresabarrett24@yahoo.com.

 

 

Bill Becker is an established entrepreneur and business man for over 30 years in the Tri- state area Pa/NJ and Del. His primary business is real estate however his real passion is and has been inspiring people and motivating them to do better for themselves by helping others. He is an accomplished author and lecturer for over 20 years as well as instructor for various universities in the tri-state area. His specialty is Life Coaching, setting and keeping goals with a spiritual tinge to help you move forward and be happier. Bill has been conducting workshops and symposiums on self esteem, goal setting and self realization for many years. He is a sought after speaker on his book “Power For Living Today” formerly titled “On the Brink of Bankruptcy”. He can be contacted on Ext. 170, or on his personal e-mail Bill@areii.com or Buddygb@aol.com.

Maria Brent, MA, LPC is a Licensed Profession Counselor and health care provider. Maria works with adults who are troubled by mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and/or a poor sense of self. Some clients are facing serious health problems, confusion, or difficulties with family, friends, or co-workers. Maria uses a variety of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral & Acceptance and Commitment Therapies. She encourages clients to focus on and to be guided by their values. She relieves suffering and even more importantly helps clients to live life their own way with satisfaction in their outcome. www.mariabrent.com email MariaBrentLPC@gmail.com  phone: 856-275-3701

Jackie Care, Quit smoking today with laser. The Anne Penman Laser Therapy is a revolutionary process that helps clients to quit the smoking habit for good. Thousands of people have quit using this method. The procedure involves the application of a completely safe and painless laser to various points of the body while sitting in a comfortable recliner. An experienced, professional technician, Jackie Care, will simply zap the habit away. Anne Penman’s amazing laser therapy and Jackie will work with you every step of the way to a smoke-free lifestyle.  www.IQuitEZ.com / Ext. 126.

 

Anne Cavaliere, MA, works with teens and adults struggling with eating disorders, body image issues, and related depression and anxiety. She believes in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship and considers it a privilege to accompany clients on their personal journeys of recovery. Anne’s goal is to help clients unlock the mystery of their disordered relationship with food and eating and help them begin their passage towards balanced and joyful lives.  Ext. 119.

Jean Engel, MS has Master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology and the Biological Sciences with post-master’s training in grief counseling, family counseling, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She has 15 years experience working with individuals, couples, parents/children, and groups to help them clarify and achieve their life goals. Jean primarily works with communication skills, anxiety & stress, grief & loss, depression, relationships, life transitions, and self-esteem. Contact Jean at Ext. 148.

Joanne Fadool, MSW, LSW has a Masters degree in Social Work, having graduated with honors from Rutgers University. She is a licensed N.J. Social Worker. Joanne has 23 years of experience providing intervention, counseling and advocacy services to children, adolescents, adults and families exposed to childhood trauma and life altering experiences. She provides a safe nurturing environment that supports individuals as they deal with their personal challenges. Joanne has shared in the self discovery process and uses her experience in guiding others to achieve a happy and productive life. Adult survivors of child physical, sexual and emotional abuse, Child of Alcoholic (COA) issues, loss and grief, death of a child, and PTSD are her areas of expertise. She will work with individuals of all ages, gender and socio-economic status.  Contact Joanne at extension 160.

Geoff Farnsworth, CHC, CHT, specializes in assisting people who are struggling with relationship issues, feeling stuck, or just wanting more out of life. Geoff has had a successful private practice since 1990 offering a range of programs and services – from individual counseling to couples coaching to group programs and workshops. For more information visit: www.vitalrelationships.com Call Geoff at 856-854-3155, ext 110 or email coachgf@mac.com.

 

Annie Fisher, MSW, LSW, works with individuals and groups struggling with addictions, codependency, grief and loss. She also sees clients who have been sexually abused as children focusing on healing from the negative effects the abuse has had on their self/world image and intimacy. She offers clients a safe environment needed to release old emotional wounds which enable them to go forward in their lives, free to make new choices. She works with clients’ intuition, helping them realize their own inner knowing as a valuable tool in recovery. Annie also runs a group for women of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Extension 144.

 

 

Gabrielle Freeman, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master’s in Social Work from Temple University. Gabriele is also a Certified School Counselor. She began her career at Family Service in 1994. Gabriele has also been a Care Manager and Supervisor at the Care Management Organization in Camden County. She has recently begun a private practice at The Starting Point. Gabriele has special interests in working with issues relative to trauma, sexual orientation, depression, anxiety, and racial identity concerns. Ext. 104

 

Maria Gullox 118, is a Christian spiritual director working with individuals of all ages. Maria accompanies people on their spiritual journey as they seek to develop deeper, healthier relationships with God, themselves, and others. Spiritual direction focuses on healing and transformation through a relationship that tends to the divine presence and action in one’s life. Maria conducts workshops, retreats, and lectures teaching ways to partner with God from the 12 Step Recovery program. She is director of The Contemplative Way and The Compassion Project to help people sustain a recovering life. www.thecontemplativeway.org

 

Dana Hicks is a Licensed Social Worker who graduated with a Masters Degree from Rutgers University.  Over the past fifteen years, she has provided supportive counseling and educational services to trauma survivors, including men, women and adolescents.  Additionally, Dana provides anger management to men, women and children, as well batterer’s intervention services specifically for individuals who struggle with having healthy interpersonal relationships.  She is a Certified Adkins Life Skills Instructor, offering clients job readiness and employment skills. Most recently, Dana has begun working with fathers to gain reunification with their children. Dana offers both individual and group counseling/workshops. Ext. 117  Email: danahicks@dmhsupportiveservices.net,  Website: www.dmhsupportiveservices.net

 

Anna Marie Hrivnak, M.Ed is a counselor focusing on the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Working with individuals in private and group sessions her work fosters a foundation for peace and tranquility to the mind, strength to the physical body, along with hope and courage to the wounded spirit. Sessions focus on the recovery process in a way that promotes a balance of emotional honesty and responsibility providing clients with a framework for a healthier lifestyle. With a strong belief in the power of internal wisdom, she nurtures and encourages clients to journey through the transformational phases of their lives in a way that supports and builds their integrity of spirit. Ext. 137.

 

Jennifer Ivins, MA, SAC, LPC has been an adjunct therapist at Starting Point for over 10 years. Jennifer works with clients with various mental health concerns, relationship issues, grief & loss issues as well as addiction and codependency. Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey, which allows most clients to be reimbursed for services from their private insurance carriers. Jennifer works with clients to help them learn to love themselves and live life to fullest. Extension 133.

Carole Katz, M.S.W. a graduated from the University of Pittsburgh almost 30 years ago. This was followed by 2 years of post graduate training in marital and family therapy. Since then she has provided mental health and addiction treatment to individuals, couples, and groups.  Carole employs a combination of treatment modalities with a focus on family of origin (Inner healing) ,behavioral, and  increasing self trust.  Areas of expertise include: addiction,, co-dependency, bi-polar disorder, grief and loss, dual diagnosis, and women’s issues. Ext. 139

 

Ashley King, MS.Ed, Ed.M is a former teacher who works with adolescents and adults in private practice. She is especially interested in existential issues including grief and loss, relationships, sexuality, spirituality, creativity, meaning, and purpose. Her holistic approach to therapy seeks to integrate Eastern and Western thought, as well as mind/body healing modalities. Visit www.ashleykingtherapy.com.
Extension 122.

 

B. Frankie Lamborne, ASW, LCSW, welcomes clients from all walks of life. Her particular areas of expertise are depression, addiction, and codependency, couples counseling, gay and lesbian concerns, and adolescents. She has been in private practice for over 20 years at The Starting Point. In using various forms of therapy she establishes a rapport with clients so they can move forward in their lives. Frankie is also a professor and field consultant for Rutgers University in the School of Social Work. Ext. 108 / flamborne@hotmail.com.

 

Judi Laskodi, MA, NCC Judi has been in social services for over 25 years, doing counseling, teaching and outreach. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and is a Board-certified counselor. She served as an intern at Starting Point and has had a private practice here in the past. Her areas of special focus have been HIV/AIDS, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence, and PTSD/Trauma. She also works with grief and loss, life transitions, and general anxiety and depression. She recently completed a post-master’s certificate training in Military and Veteran Behavioral Health, to enable her to address the complex needs of service members, their families and loved ones. Judi uses a holistic, integrative approach to counseling that is present-centered, strengths-based and solution-focused. She sees individuals, couples and groups.

 

Kevin Lenny, MSW, LSW is a Master’s level social worker who provides individual, couples, family, and group counseling. He has helped people with substance abuse related concerns and those who may suffer from various mental health diagnoses. Additionally, Kevin has worked with adolescents and adults, addressed men and women’s issues, and works within a holistic approach. He is also a board member of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP). Ext. 128.

 

Kathy Meline, M.Ed., has counseled individuals and couples since 1995. Kathy provides a safe, supportive environment for clients to work through personal growth issues, including codependency, depression, anxiety, grief and or loss, and other challenging life transitions. She uses reality and cognitive therapy to focus on what is currently taking place in order to stop dysfunctional patterns of thought, action or feeling. The goal is to help clients reclaim their lives and make healthy life choices. Ext. 112.

Andi Bradin Meltzer, BS, MA is a certified grief recovery specialist.  She provides individual and group sessions to guide clients through the actions necessary to resolve loss issues and to move beyond the grief to a richer quality of life.  She creates a safe environment in which to examine old beliefs about dealing with loss; to review the losses that have affected the client’s life; and to complete the pain attached to one of those losses.  Her program is affiliated with and endorsed by The Grief Recovery Institute. Ext.172.

 

Bruce Mercogliano, Psychologist, Social Worker, Educator, Divorce Mediator, is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Bruce specializes in couples therapy, depression, and bi-polar disorders. Trained as a Cognitive Psychologist, he focuses on changing pessimistic ideas, unrealistic expectations and overly critical self evaluations which can cause depression. Dr. Bruce can be reached at extension 145.

 

 

Valerie Newman, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at Drexel University. She began her career in the mental/behavioral health field in 1994 with Family Service of Burlington County. She has been in private practice at The Starting Point for the past four years. She is working with issues relative to race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Valerie has a sliding fee scale and accepts various insurances for payment. Extension 140.

 

Anita Novembre, M.Ed., MA, MS, is a licensed counselor, Mentor/Life Coach. “I have come to believe that the way to inner peace, balance, wholeness, and healing is to embrace thought patterns and a belief system that lead to an empowered lifestyle.” Anita specializes in the process of helping reframe thought patterns so clients may create a map of their world that becomes a plan of action for change, actions that lead to wholeness and realization of personal, professional, and/or relationship goals. Groups: Becoming a Butterfly, Yoga as Meditation, Waist Management. Workshops: Stress Management, Meditation, Relaxation. x115

 

Pat Obst has experience counseling individuals, couples, and facilitating support groups on a wide range of issues. Pat has extensive training and professional experience in grief and loss issues after following her work with terminally ill patients and their families through hospice care. She also specializes in counseling those who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, neonatal death, stillbirth, illness, or sudden death. Pat was a facilitator of an online pregnancy/infant loss support group. She has also had training as a Personal Coach through the GROW Program. She helps in career changes, retirement, and life goals. Ext. 141.

Dr. John O’Connor, is an Addiction Specialist who specializes in Sexual Addiction, Alcohol and Drugs, Computer, and Gambling Addictions. He is also a Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist. He offers individual and group counseling. He is the director of the CAST program (Codependency and Sexual Trauma) whose men’s and women’s groups begin in late September. Dr. O’Connor can be reached on his extension, 111 or at www.DrOconnor.org

 

Pat O’Connor, MSW, LSW, Pat has been working with helping families to lead healthier lives  by offering programs such as, Active Parenting, Active Parenting for Teens, and  Co-0perative Parenting and Divorce. She also helps partners and families heal from the effects of Trauma and Sexual Addiction. Pat believes that, hope can be regained, lives can be rebuilt, and meaningful change can be created within a caring environment. Ext. 142.

 

Dr. Marie Olwell is a clinically certified Individual, Marriage and Family Therapist and Reiki Master. She has been in private since 1988 and comes from a background in teaching, administration and school counseling. Her therapeutic process is based on the Systems Theory using the Family of Origin as the beginning point. She believes in a holistic approach to life and preventative health care as a basis for dealing with daily stress. She has an extensive background in energy work having studied with Donna Eden and Anodea Judith. In addition, Dr. Olwell offers workshops and retreat experiences focusing on spiritual growth and development. Ext. 127.

Margaret Palagye, Ordained Minister, RScP Reverend Margaret has been a spiritual counselor for more than twelve years. Her beliefs are based in a deep non-denominational spirituality. She facilitates many spiritual classes, lectures and workshops. Rev. Margaret lovingly guides people of all ages into transforming their limiting beliefs and blocked emotions with honest and compassionate listening, clear guidance and affirmative prayer. She allows others to move into self-acceptance and self-love by helping them realize they can create a life of new choices, healthier living and freedom as they deepen into their relationship with their inner divinity. www.nondenominationalweddings.org or email revmargaret@comcast.net . Ext. 171.

Dr. Donna Skerry is a well respected consultant and is internationally recognized for her work in chiropractic, nutrition, and Neuro-emotional therapy. Her combination of healing bridges the gap between addiction and total wellness. The approach is to heal with nutrition, whole food and herbal supplements. These treatments are also effective in reducing weight, ADHD, Autism and addiction. In addition to her practice Dr. Donna Skerry is a national speaker on the topic of gluten-free living. Make an appointment for a customized plan and discover the healthier you!

 

Brenda Sorrentino, MA ,RN, CHt, Ext. 106. Brenda is a registered nurse, certified hypnotherapist, NJ certified vocational education teacher/curriculum coordinator, and has 23 years experience as a health care communications/management professional. In addition to traditional hypnotherapy, she is pleased to offer Past Life Regression and Life-Between-Lives sessions. As a holistic health practitioner, she is also interested in sharing holistic health services with clients who have mental health issues, alcoholism and addictions. Depending on the client’s need and interest, she calls on the help of angels and spirit guides and uses aromatherapy, crystals, energy work and other holistic modalities to help reduce stress and promote healing.

 

Sharon D. Thomas, MS, LPC/NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA and NJ. She offers a variety of services through her practice including individual, couples, family and group counseling, servicing children, youth and adults. Specialty areas are depression, anxiety, addiction issues, self-esteem, building effective and authentic communication skills, couples and family dynamics, stress and anger management, grief and loss, separation, divorce, trauma and crisis. Sharon provides workplace wellness workshops, clinical training, life coaching, motivational seminars and Christian counseling. www.thomasconsulting.biz/ Ext. 162.

Joanne M. Toback, MSW, LSW has a Masters degree in Social Work, having graduated with honors from Rutgers University. She is a Licensed N.J. Social Worker. She understands the necessary integration of mind and body when treating symptoms. A spiritual approach is offered for those who recognize or need that aspect of growth, development, and healing. She works with clients as individuals, couples and families. Her special area of concern is with clients that have experienced the loss of someone in the military. Grief and loss, depression, life as a single parent, and re-designing life are her special areas of expertise. Ext 169.

Lauren Tucker, MS obtained her masters in Clinical Psychology and Counseling with a concentration in addiction studies from Chestnut Hill College. Having worked in the mental health field for over ten years, she holds the strong belief that addiction is a family disease that affects all family members. She specializes in the treatment of addictions, relapse prevention, depression, adult children of alcoholics, low self-esteem, stress management, difficulties in life transition, and codependency.

Stephen Tumolo, MA is an educator who teaches heart-to-heart communication skills and supports s the natural healing of trauma through Somatic Experiencing.  He has trained with Nonviolent Communication founder Dr. Marshall Rosenberg and Dr. Robert Gonzales.  He has taught communication skills to such diverse populations as incarcerated men, families in crisis, school children, and faith communities.  His experience includes six years of leading educational /therapeutic groups for incarcerated men.  He is the animator of “The School of the Sacred Heart,” a project of the not-for-profit corporation, Comienzos.  Call Ext 113, or email smt.heart2heart@gmail.com

 

Robin C. Wiley, MSW, LCSW is a N.J. licensed clinical social worker with 10 years experience serving children, families, homeless/at risk youth, mentally challenged, and adult offenders. She has facilitated numerous trainings including life skills, social learning Robin C. Wiley, MSW,ory, cognitive skills training, stress management/reduction, relapse prevention, creating motivation, and case management techniques for community agencies and school districts in Burlington and Mercer counties. Robin’s special interest is in empowering others through improving their ability to cope adequately with the challenges faced in their daily lives. Ext. 161.

 

Marge Williams, MA CACREP, graduated with a MA from Capella University in Human Services and a major in Professional Counseling. Her CACREP internship was completed at Providence House of Catholic Charities, a center for women of domestic violence. Marge’s therapy focus areas are domestic violence, individual and group therapy, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. She will be forming a group for physically and emotionally abused women in the fall. Ext. 134.

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