Our Director, Christine Robertello, LCSW and mother of two, comes with more than 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker certified in cognitive behavior therapy. SFCC's Director brings a demonstrated competency in the field and years of on the ground expertise. Supported by a professional, caring, and culturally competent team of psychiatrists, PhDs, LCSWs, medical practitioner, nurse, occupational therapist, speech therapist and nutritionist. The Center's interdisciplinary staff offers vast experience in multiple treatment modalities.
Working collaboratively as active members of a treatment team and in concert with the client, enables SFCC to provide treatment options appropriate to the client's goals, needs and conditions. This customized approach to treatment is further enhanced by SFCC's use of consultants and other professionals to provide specialty services.
Teacher and Para Professional Offsite Training
Participation with Research at Yale
Nutrition Analysis and Monitoring
Non-violent Crisis Prevention Intervention
Given the expertise of its leadership team, Stepping Forward Counseling Center is quickly enhancing its reputation for offering quality treatment in mental health and rehabilitative services. The Director of Clinicians and Programs, Christine Robertello, has extensive experience as a therapist in multiple treatment modalities. With more than 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, certified in cognitive behavior therapy, Ms. Robertello brings not only a demonstrated competency in the field and years of expertise, but a proven track record of more than ten years of effective business administration and management. Already established within the community, SFCC currently receives patients through referrals from county and state agencies, e. g., the Division of Youth and Family Services, the courts and justice systems, school districts, and other mental health service providers. A Board Certified Diplomat and mental health consultant to several school districts in the area, Ms. Robertello is also a sought after conference speaker and trainer in mental health rehabilitation and maintenance. These skills provide an additional advantage as it relates to the successful implementation of a service system that utilizes an Advisory Board and a formal network of community support and mental health services provider agencies. Ms. Robertello has recently granted certification to provide in-home services to Medicaid patients through the Partnership for Children Program for the State of New Jersey.
Susan O'Brien, the diplomat of SFCC, and first things first, she loves our clients, and they know it. Susan has been a coach and has spent 10 years at children's summer camp programs. She loved returning to school to become a Teacher of the Handicapped and recipient of a Masters in Special Education. Her dedication to the welfare of the SFCC client is apparent in the way the clients adore Susan. Susan’s input has shaped SFCC after school programs to a degree that has made it a total success in education, manners matter and social skills. We all have a person in our life that has helped shape it for the better, Susan is one of those people.
Our Camp Director.. If there is a father in the house, it is Henry James Kandel , PhD. Parents and kids find Dr. Kandel ‘s 8 step program very effective. When not working with families, Dr Kandel is on the playing field with clients and incorporating “Sports as a Vehicle for Training and Generalization of Social Skills with Problem Children” and teaching good sportsmanship to behaviorally disordered children. He could be in the mall with clients applying the program,“Generalized Effects of Reinforcement of Pro-Social Playin Isolated Children”. He does what is needed to get to the client: shopping, playing sports, or just interacting one on one. He gets results. Dr. Kandel is the co author with Theodoro Ayllon of “Positive Coaching”, a behavioral approach to youth sports.
Dr. Farheen Fahim is a consulting Psychiartrist, Dr. Fahim is a Child & Adolescent/Adult Psychiatrist. She has over 7 years practice experience after completing her Residency and Fellowship from SUNY – Stony Brook. Dr. Fahim has a strong background in Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research. She is Board Certified through American Board of Psychiatric & Neurology and American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Her areas of interest are various Mood Disorders, Developmental Disorders, Tic Disorders and other medical Co-Modalities, ADHD and other Behavioral Disorders. Dr. Fahim, like all the staff at SFCC really cares about the client and what is best for the client.
Dr. Celeste A. Jacque is a consulting Psychiartrist, She believes and demonstrates that a healthy family unit is the foundation for all to grow in. As our Monday morning quarter-back, Dr. Jacque’syears of dedication to the family and Mental Health gives SFCC a total perspective in our treatment plan. Dr. Jacque is an asset to SFCC.
NursePatty is what the kids like to call her. Patty Miller, RN attended East Orange General Hospital for nursing, then attended Upsala College to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Later she attended Jersey City State College to obtain her Masters of Science in Health Education and a certification in school nursing. When not working at SFCC, Patty is at home with her three children and a house full of their friends. Patty is also a dog and cat lover. One wonders when she has time for her husband!
Your next step.......
Thank you for coming this far with us. This may have been a thought provoking brochure for you because it asks you to think outside the box. It was also thought provoking for SFCC to develop this program because it is an innovative treatment program that is committed to helping in creating a life that is more effective. If you like what you have read so far and have any questions, talk to us. Arrange an exploratory meeting to discuss your needs. Please stop by again. Thank you for your interest!
