Our staff is dedicated to the well being of our clients and their families
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.
PHOTO - (from left to right) Christine Robertello,LCSW, Member, CEO Peony Chua ,Member Anthony Cupo, Member Susan O'Brien ,Adminsitrator Dr. Kandel , Ph.D.,Camp Director
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.
To read a heartwarming college application essay written by her niece,click here.
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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.
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Our Camp Director, Behaviorist and Parents Trainer .. Dr. Kandel is now retried, however is a consultant for Stepping Forward. 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. Nataliya Osmanova is the newest
addition to the Psychiatry staff
at SFCC . Dr. Osmanova devotes countless
hours with clients and families in group or one on one settings. The
time allows Dr. Osmanova time to
properly evaluate for a successful
treatment plan. Dr. Osmanova has
extensive and specialized training in Outpatient and Partial Hospital programs
from Stony Brook University and UBHC Child outpatient units .
She received her MD degree from the Izhevsk Medical
Institute, Russia. She did residency training in General Psychiatry at the
Izhevsk Psychiatry Hospital in Russia and then at Stonybrook University
Hospital with both adults and children.Dr. Osmanova completed a Postdoctoral
Fellowship program in Child Psychiatry at Stonybrook University Hospital and
another Postgraduate Fellowship in Child Psychiatry at UMDNJ. Dr. Osmanova is
Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and is fluent in Russian. Dr. Osmanova
specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents and adults
with a wide range of psychiatric disorders. She has expertise in the evaluation
and treatment of:
With Dr. Osmanova expertise SFCC programs
are even more successful in having a lasting
effective. ----------------------------------- 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.
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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!
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Nutrition analysis and monitoring is managed by Dr. Tapper MD, who comes to SFCC after many years in the mental health industry. As the founder and director of Genesis IOP, he brings years of experience. His knowledge of mental health has a major influence on SFCC. Dr Tapper’s program teaches our clients a healthy life style as well as the benefits of nutritional foods. Dr. Tapper is available for individual and group sessions. Look for an upcoming lecture on Nutrition and Mental Health.
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Kristen Ventrice- Behaviorist-
has always had the passion to make a difference in a child’s life. This
passion was discovered as a child, volunteering at her aunts
handicapped picnic, teaching Sunday School and Youth Groups
at her church throughout high school and working at an after
school program for Boys and Girls Club. However, she did not find her
real passion until she discovered the world of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). For the pat 5 years, she has worked as a 1:1 therapist in an ABA
classroom, promoting language development, life skills, social skills,
and reducing behaviors that interfere with the child’s ability to
learn. Also, she provides home therapy in order to improve her client;s
independence in their homes and strives to deliver the most
outstanding quality support for the parents.
Kristen
continued her education at Penn State University, receiving a degree as
a Behaviorist. Currently, she specializes in ABA-based interventions (best known for treating people with developmental disabilities, through positive reinforcement).
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Jenn Aguilar -Assistant Behaviorist
- was inspired to work with the Autistic community after seeing two of
her younger cousins grow up to be your average teenagers with the help
of early intervention and a supportive environment. Prior to working
at SFCC she committed a year of service to the nonprofit AmeriCorps Organization with New Jersey After 3 and has worked as an assistant teacher for 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms in the heart of the south Bronx, working with students at risk
for promotion and supporting those with IEPs. Working to serve in
different venues of a child's life has exposed her to the many
challenges children face emotionally, academically and behaviorally.
In addition to receiving her certificate in both Autism and ABA
through Penn State University, the experiences she's had have
undoubtedly helped to build her career. Now she is here to help enrich
the lives our children and will surely play a part in their future
positive development.
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Vanessa Grace Novalis - Service Provider - Vanessa attended New York University, graduating with a BA
in Psychology. She obtained her MA in Forensic Psychology and has completed all
coursework necessary to obtain a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. Vanessa has had experience working with children,
adolescents, and adults, across a variety of contexts including community
mental health, private practice, hospital, residential, and forensic
settings. Vanessa enjoys embracing her
creative side and looking at the individuality of each client. While she utilizes interventions from several
different modalities, she primarily works from a psycodynamic and family
systems orientation. Vanessa primarily functions
as a service provider at Stepping Forward Counseling Center.
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Render Cutts - "Chess Lady" - is a native of New Jersey and graduated from Seton Hall University. Within thirty years and while raising four children of her own, Render has been involved in numerous service programs (mentoring teen parents, working with incarcerated youth, and many others). In recent years, Render has renewed her commitment to working with children by becoming a certified child care and family child care giver. Furthermore, she has acquired a passion for chess, instilled by her mother, which she has passed on to her own children. As she witnessed the therapeutic and positive impact of chess, Render started to share the positivity of chess to others. Now, Render's program, Let's Play Chess!, is a component of many summer camps throughout NJ. Currently, she brings her chess expertise to SFCC. Her program is fun, therapeutic and creates a wonderful learning experience for our children!
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Evan Jaffe, PsyD - Camp Director - Evan is Stepping Forward's Chatham Camp Director. He brings years of experience to SFCC, as a Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology (PsyD) from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Evan works as a School Psychologist and Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist at the Paramus School District. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University. Evan is a competent Director of our summer camp in Chatham, proving to be a leader, but never forgetting how to work in a therapeutic and efficient way with the children.
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Director: Anne Pereira - Anne Pereira is
bringing a special touch to SFCC, with over 20 years of experience
working with special needs children as a Transition Teacher at New Jersey Regional
Day School in Newark, NJ. Currently, Anne is the President of the Board of Trustees for the Center of Autism in Newark. Anne's multitude of
qualifications also include her
three Bachelor of Science Degrees as a Teach of the Handicap,
Elementary Education Teacher, and Teacher of Early Childhood. Anne's
leadership skills have radiated throughout her works, especially as the
Transition Coordinator at her school, making her a perfect fit in
the SFCC family. The optimism Anne has for the Nutley Camp is shared by
the rest of the staff, and will create a fun and eventful therapeutic
summer. We are all pleased to have her on board for another fun and
successful summer!
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Helen Berman, Ph. D. - Dr. Berman is Stepping Forward's clinical psychologist. Her education includes a Masters in Educational Administration from Montclair State University and a Ph.D from Yeshiva University. Dr. Berman brings years of experience to SFCC, with previous years working in public schools and mental health facilities. She takes her role seriously at SFCC and is almost always seen walking around the office with a smile. She is always patient, calming and competent when working with her clients.
----------------------------------- Nella
Kotlyar has come to SFCC to offer her services to the children and train the
staff. She is a holistic health practitioner and the mother of a special child
with autism. Driven by a strongdesire
to help her son, over the last 14 yearsshehasexplored, studied and worked withmany healing modalities including aromatherapy, body work,
nutrition, and energy work.
Over
the years ofthis broadpractice and personal experience Nella
has found holistic and medicinal
aromatherapy to be one of the most safe and effective ways to address issues
like autism, as well asADD, depression,
immune function, digestive health, and every day health concerns many families
are facing today.
Nella is certified in Holistic and Medicinal
Aromatherapy through theSwedish
Institute in New York City, where she had the opportunity to study with Jeffrey
Yuen, an international authority in
aromatherapy. She is also certified
in Massage Therapy, Info-therapy, Reiki and
Yoga for Special Children.
Nella
believes, above all, that it is the intent, integrity, and
heart of the practitioner that makes the biggestdifference in facilitating the healing.
----------------------------------- Lorraine
Ogrodnick - Lorrain has joined the SFCC
family to train the staff and parents, as well as work with the children. At
“Table For One”, in Chatham, NJ, Lorraine does CranioSacral therapy. Lorraine
Ogrodnick is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and body work by the
State of New Jersey. She graduated from
The Therapeutic Massage and Training Center located in Westfield, New Jersey in
2007. Lorraine is trained by
professionals affiliated with the Upledger Institute in Miami, Florida and has
completed training requirements which enable her to integrate CranioSacral therapy
in her massage practice. She is a Reiki
Master and has also completed certification training for cancer massage with
Cheryl Chapman and prenatal massage with Carole Osborne. Lorraine currently teaches at The Therapeutic
Massage and Training Center.
Lorraine is committed to providing quality service focusing
on the client’s personal needs, offering a relaxing experience, while promoting
wellness through the benefits of therapeutic massage. She is passionate about
her belief in the health benefits of massage, promoting a healthy lifestyle,
and improving the world one touch at a time.
----------------------------------- Sara Carapezzi - Sara has joined SFCC to offer her services to the children
and staff. As well, she trains the staff. She is the Assistant Director of The School of Royal Yoga, Inc (an
international school, headquartered in Canada where Yoga, Meditation, and
Seminars for body, mind and spirit have been offered for over 25 years) and
Executive Director of The Center for Special Needs, Inc (501 C 3 Non-profit
teaching Yoga and Meditation to special needs populations) . She teaches Yoga, Meditation
and Instructor Certification Courses at the studio in Chester and also offsite at
various off site locations. She has
served as a Stress Relief Consultant and meditation teacher at corporations
such as Johnson & Johnson. Sara has
studied Ayurveda and various healing
techniques. A Reiki Master since 2004,
Sara offers Reiki trainings throughout the state.
Sara also holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education,
and Graduate Level Study in Learning Disabilities.
You can read more about The School of Royal Yoga at www.TheRoyalPathwaysInc.com
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Loring feels quite fortunate to be sharing yoga with a wide range of
ages. She has come to SFCC to teach yoga to our children and provide yoga to the staff. She hopes that by encouraging involvement of yoga in life at a
young age, children will be better equipped to evolve into peaceful,
content, and empowered human beings. A path of strong mental and
physical capabilities is Loring's wish for little, young, and tall yogis
to experience while learning to take care of themselves in a very busy
world. Her journey includes completing the YogaKids Foundations
Training and Advanced Practicum, a Yoga Ed. Foundations Training, and
Srivatsa Ramaswami's Vinyasa Krama Teacher Training Program.
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Other Staff Members : SFCC is a progressive, state of the art facility. We host internships from Colleges and University from all the country, allowing SFCC insight into the latest theories and treatment. One more way we stand out from the rest. Staff often play an important role in making our young clients feel comfortable about receiving mental health services. As we listen to the clients , and give them time to ask questions and express feelings and remind them that getting help does not mean they have done anything wrong, or that they are a bad person or are crazy. By providing information and discussing feelings about mental health needs and treatment, we are able to reduce anxiety and help our young person feel comfortable about getting help.
