Outpatient Services

Navigating the vicissitudes of life is challenging and takes so much courage. Here at AAA Counseling and Consulting Services, we believe in helping you improve your life by creating self-compassionate pathways to healing.

We also know that your unique history, culture, and beliefs affect how you perceive your challenges, as well as how you might go about resolving them. We aim to integrate that respect for individuality in our practice.

Augustine Douglas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University as well as an MBA from Seton Hall University. She has over 20 years of experience in social work in public school settings, community-based social service agencies, and hospital-based programs. Augustine Douglas is an EMDR trained clinician and is additionally trained as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. She holds a Clinical Certificate to work with Survivors of Violence Against Women and is also certified to provide clinical supervision to LSWs.

Sessions are offered in a comfortable and supportive setting with flexibility and convenience in mind when scheduling appointments. Take the first step, make the call, and start your journey to wellness today!

Languages: English, Conversational Spanish, Haitian Creole

Sherin is a licensed clinical social worker R level in the state of New York and New Jersey, and Administrator in the Human Services Field with over 25 years of human services workforce experience. She is well trained in Trauma Focus-CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Child Play Therapy, Conjoint parent and child therapy. She has been a psychotherapy practitioner and Field Instructor for over 15 years. Sherin additionally holds a specialty in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment and Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for clients 12+ excluding however the harm disorders of Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Trichotillomania, Excoriation, and severe Hoarding Disorder.

Sherin is an MSW graduate of Adelphi University and holds a Masters of Science in Administration from Audrey Cohen College now known as Metropolitan University of New York. She holds a postmasters certification in Child, Adolescence, and Family Therapy and was recently awarded her certification in Six Sigma Green Belt level from the prestigious Management and Strategy Institute. Sherin is currently pursuing her postmasters certificate in Executive Leadership. Her combination of training and experience in trauma informed care, clinical practice expertise, and administrative senior level management positions held, has provided her with a unique combination of expertise in clinical leadership in upper level management. She has worked in departments as a clinician and administrator at various levels in forensic settings, the field of child welfare, outpatient mental health, health care management and private practice.

During each position, Sherin has actively practiced clinically while participating and leading agency wide committees focusing on systems implementation of Trauma Informed Care Initiatives, the Sanctuary Model, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in milieu settings as a project Team Lead.

Sherin has clinically mentored /supervised entire teams of directors, supervisors and executives, providing clinical insights and administrative guidance to address the complex issues of organizational culture relevant to agency staff and clinical practice. She is a tireless advocate for high quality care and has demonstrated successful outcomes in program development and program expansion in the service of clients and staff.

Amber K. Hill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received her Masters from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Amber’s professional background includes experience working with children, young adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. Amber practices a strengths-based, evidence based, and culturally competent approach. She recognizes the client as an expert of their own experiences, and draws upon the client’s strengths to tackle existing difficulties. She aspires to help all clients become the best version of themselves, and works in partnership with clients to accomplish this.

Lauren Flast is a licensed clinical social worker with an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Lauren’s professional background includes a P-3 teaching certification and over 30 years working with young children in an education setting. She has experience with adults and children from diverse backgrounds and practices using a strengths-based, evidence based and culturally competent approach. She views the client as the expert in his/her own life, working in a collaborative manner to draw upon strengths, abilities and resources while leveraging her professional skills and knowledge in the service of the client’s goals.

Nikkia Bratcher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. Nikkia has experience working with a variety of mental health concerns. Some of these being anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, and family conflict. Throughout her years in practice, she has provided therapeutic services to adolescents, families, adults, and older adults. She utilizes a variety of evidenced based therapeutic techniques based on the needs of each individual client. Some of these including strengths-based, solution-focused, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral approaches. Nikkia assists clients in obtaining coping tools to manage adversities within their lives. Also, by providing clients with the support needed to make the best possible decisions for themselves and the people they hope to be in the future. Nikkia’s mission is to make therapy a positive experience for everyone.

Athanasia L. Moore is a Licensed Social Worker. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Rowan University. She has earned a Master’s Degree in social work from Rutgers University with a specialization and certification in Child and Adolescent Well Being.

Athanasia has experience working with various mental health issues and has an extensive background working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In many cases Athanasia has worked with populations that are considered high risk which has allowed her to develop an ability to respond efficiently in crisis situations. She has experience working in home, school and community settings where she has used her Crisis Intervention knowledge and de-escalation skills. Athanasia uses a trauma informed therapeutic approach to interact with all her clients. Her focus is to create a safe space for the individual to acknowledge their issues; while empowering them to make small changes daily in their everyday life.

Joan Bankole-Jones, Licensed Social Worker

Joan Bankole-Jones is a licensed social worker. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Certificate in Aging. She is certified in Adult Mental First Aid USA and has been trained to provide initial help to people experiencing problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance abuse disorders. She is a Nurtured Heart Approach Certified Trainer (NHA CTI). Joan’s professional background includes experience working with young and older adults. Joan takes a strengths-based and holistic approach. She acknowledges and builds on clients’ expertise and diversity to navigate challenging situations. In partnership with clients, she strives to empower them to develop the whole person, remodel their behaviors and ameliorate their way of life.

Kim Johdos, MSW, LSW has 20 years in the social service field, working in a variety of settings. She collaborates with individuals by leaning into their strengths and focusing on solutions, using skills they already have and pulling in their formal and informal supports and working on areas such as self esteem, poor relationships, sleep difficulties, grief and coping with medical illness, etc.

Kim has worked with individuals of all ages. Through her work, Kim has gained extensive training in crisis intervention and treatment. Kim worked in a Psychiatric Emergency Room where she assessed patients in their time of crisis, helping to develop a treatment plan. She also has responded to suicide hotline calls and supported individuals through traumatic events.

Kim is a lifelong learner and continues to amass impressive credentials. She holds a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey. She has obtained additional certifications, focusing on various individual and large scale issues. Kim is finishing a Master’s in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair University with expected completion in June 2022.

Skylar Girvan has received her Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University and currently holds an LSW. She attended Montclair State University for her undergraduate degree, majoring in Child Advocacy and Policy. Skylar currently works full time as a Care Manager for a county-based care management organization. She likes to take a strength-based approach, assuring each youth is met at their own level. It is Skylar's passion to help adolescents become their truest self!

Maureen Ugochukwu has graduated with her Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University and is now a Behavioral Assistant at AAA Counseling and Consulting Services. Maureen was born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa and speaks English and Ibo fluently. Maureen's passion in social work is to work with youth and families in crisis by restoring family balance. Maureen loves nature, loves taking evening walks, going to the beach, and watching the sunset.

Maureen's favorite quote is: 'Impression without Expression is Depression.'

Angela Campbell-Osbourne is EMDR trained, a New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Nurtured Heart Approach Certified Trainer (NHA CTI). Angela received her Masters from New Jersey City University in Clinical Mental Health, and a Bachelors in Psychology and Counseling from Pillar College. Angela is a compassionate advocate for the disenfranchised. Angela has made it her life’s goal to work with individuals who have experienced trauma due to crisis. She gets a deep sense of fulfillment, helping humanity recognize their inherent value and uniqueness, despite their life challenges.

Angela has worked twenty (20) years in the mental health service field, impacting the lives of individuals with various psychological issues, including addictive, sexual problems, developmental and learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and mental health illnesses. She has extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, which include incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Incorporating different modalities enables her to adopt an eclectic approach and equips her with the necessary skills to serve individuals in crisis.

I am currently a Licensed Associate Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology. Following that I graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked in a variety of mental health settings including Outpatient and Partial Care for both adults and youths. I have worked with individuals who suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, behavior difficulties, and many other symptoms.

Ultimately, my goal as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. While utilizing a strength-based model, I am able to implement a variety of theories to maximize growth of the individuals we work alongside with. Although I do not limit the theories I practice, some theories I am most familiar with are Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I am a firm believer in meeting the indivisible where they are at and that is the approach I start with every session. I hope to truly maximize the growth of the youth and families I work with. I look forward to our work together.

Diane Grossweiler, OTR/L is a national board certified and licensed Occupational Therapist with a specialized certification as a School Occupational Therapist by the state of New Jersey. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and Kean University. Diane has over 25 years of experience whose passion for the profession began during her employment at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital located in Morris County, New Jersey. She is an “eclectic” therapist with a wealth of experience facilitating optimal functioning with various disabilities in numerous and various treatment environments.

She has ten years experience as a School Occupational Therapist at a private special education school for students ages 5-22 with behavioral/emotional challenges which interfere with their learning.

Diane has extensive training in Sensory Integration Theory and Principles, Sensory Processing Disorders, and Nurtured Heart.

The simple Chinese proverb continues to guide her passion as an Occupational Therapist.

“Tell me and I will forget.
Show me and I will remember.
Involve me and I will understand.
Step back and I will act.”

Shania Velecela is the Clinical Coordinator for AAA Counseling and Consulting Services. She completed her bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology at Kean University. She also recently started her master's degree program in Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology. She has plenty of experience in respite care services and has worked with children of all ages with a range of disabilities. She also has experience working as a receptionist at Robert Wood Johnson Fitness & Wellness Center.

Hello Everyone! My name is Emely Rodriguez and I am the Administrative Coordinator at AAA Counseling and Consulting. I just graduated from Berkeley College with my Bachelor's Degree in Health Service Management. I have previously worked in offices that have taught me how to manage the daily operation of an office. My desire to help others is what prompted me to choose a degree within the field of healthcare administration. This major has helped me grow as an individual and has provided me with many valuable lessons.

My ultimate goal is to one day become a director of a hospital. The ability to support quick changes in the industry while taking into account issues like the aging population, workforce shortages, and adjustments to the country's health insurance system is what I hope to achieve. I will continue to be passionate in improving the healthcare system for the wellbeing of our clients.

Hello! I’m Dr. Iris Billy, and I am a Certified Coach/Mentor with a PhD in Leadership offering my services through AAA Counseling and Consulting. I support individuals and groups in a Life Coaching/Mentoring and Leadership building capacity.

My goal is helping individuals tap into their innate talents, coaching/mentoring individuals to reach their full potential is my passion and life’s purpose. With close to a decade of leading coaching/mentoring programs, I have coached individuals, groups, and leaders to success. In addition to my corporate and teaching background, I also have a background in psychology and leadership consulting where I have coached and supported leaders to develop as servant leaders.

While I am a certified coach/mentor by training, I take a holistic approach to my coaching. I support individuals in a life and career coaching capacity as well as individuals who are seeking to take their leadership to the next level. What attracted me to coaching is the thought that we are all on a journey as we continue to grow and evolve. The individual evolution process is never quite complete and the process of learning about each individual’s unique potential absolutely fascinates me.

Previously a mentor for AAA Counseling and Consulting in 2021, Hillary is now currently a Behavioral Assistant. She recently graduated from Rutgers University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She plans on advancing her education by going to graduate school in the next year to receive her master’s degree. Hillary aspires to create a safe environment for youth and their families and bring mental health awareness in all communities especially in those with first generation students.

Cheyenne Chmara is a graduate student at Montclair State University completing her training in clinical mental health counseling. Cheyenne completed her undergraduate degree studying Psychology at Villanova University. In graduate school, she acquired experience in case management helping young and older adults' access necessary resources through the Housing First model. This experience led her to discover the beauty in advocating for individuals to have access to food, shelter, and care. We tend to perceive life through the glasses we wear, which can come from our unique cultural background, religion or faith, sexuality, developmental differences, and individual experiences. Cheyenne’s intention is to provide a space that honors the lens through which clients view the world while empowering them as they embark on the road to healing.

Harpreet Kaur is an Advanced Practice Nurse who has more than 6 years of experience in the field. Harpreet provides quality care to a wide variety of patients and possesses a master's qualification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a proactive professional with experience in diagnostic imaging, integrated health care delivery, and laboratory management. Harpreet is interning at AAA Counseling and Consulting Services while studying towards her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Designation. Harpreet is currently working as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Robert Wood Johnson Behavioral Healthcare of Somerset and Rutgers University Behavior Healthcare. Harpreet is frequently praised as efficient by her peers.