Staff

Brian Stemetzki, LCSW and owner of ABTCS

Brian Stemetzki is a LCSW specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Turnersville, NJ. Brian is the director and main therapist for A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services.With over 15 years experience in social work, and as a graduate of Rutgers University specializing in counseling therapy, he is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among his areas of expertise are Hypnotherapy, Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Brian also has extensive training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) working with children with behavioral issues and those on the autism spectrum. Brian uses various therapeutic interventions depending on the clients needs. His therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. He integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, he works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Linda Case, LPC

Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University and ABD Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute.

Linda has over 15 years counseling experience with a diverse group of individuals.  Her counseling focus is on individuals and couples experiencing life transitions, addictions, depression/anxiety and financial stress.  Linda employs an eclectic approach utilizing Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Psychodynamic therapy and energy psychology (Emotional Freedom Technique)

Linda has combined her education and experience in financial services and clinical psychology to work with individuals experiencing financial stress.  Her approach integrates neuroscience and counseling to help clients overcome limiting beliefs and habits that keep them stuck.  Clients often experience decreased depression and anxiety and a renewed sense of hope.  She counsels, teaches and coaches clients to help them improve the quality of their lives.

Gwendolyn Kent, LPC

Gwendolyn earned her bachelor’s degree from Gwynedd Mercy College in Psychology and went on to Rider University where she received her master’s degree and license in counseling. Gwendolyn has over ten years experience working with victims of trauma. Gwendolyn holds NJ state certifications in domestic violence and sexual violence. Gwendolyn focuses on empowering the client using a client centered approach. Specialty areas: Domestic violence, sexual violence, bereavement, applied behavioral analysis, mood and anxiety disorders. Modalities: Gwendolyn utilizes various trauma modalities including Cognitive Processing Therapy or CPT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT.  Client Focus: Gwendolyn works with adolescents, adults, couples and families

Jared Levine, LCSW

Jared earned his master’s from New York University and completed post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, one of the premier family and couples training programs in the U.S. Jared incorporates psychodrama techniques, such as role-reversal, to help clients resolve past trauma. He provides a safe and comfortable space to engender trust and promote healing, helping clients gain greater insight to manage life’s hurdles. Calling on his 15+ years of experience, Jared’s therapeutic philosophy involves empowering clients to work through past traumas and self-defeating behaviors to lead more fulfilling lives.

Rita Taylor, LCSW

Rita is a licensed clinical social worker who received a Masters in social work from Rutgers University, and started practicing in 1995. She provides marital/couple, and individual therapy, utilizing CBT and solution focused therapies. Rita enjoys working with adults ,couples and senior populations.

Deborah Brown, LPC

Deborah Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working with clients of all ages for over ten years. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and is a doctoral candidate in the field of Public Health. Deborah utilizes Cognitive Behavioral approaches integrated with mindfulness techniques to support clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma-related issues. Deborah focuses on holistic health care for clients, recognizing the value of the integration of mental and physical health in healing and personal growth. Deborah works with persons who identify as LBGTQI, providing support navigating life stressors and important transitions. Deborah incorporates creative approaches including elements of Dialectical Behavior therapy to support women who are struggling with work/home balance, self-esteem issues and challenges unique to women. Also, Deborah provides couples counseling that incorporates skill development in active listening and other supports to develop changes that heal relationships.

Diane Gruszewski, LCSW

Diane Gruszewski is a Clinical Social Worker who became licensed in 1995. She received her MSW from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Towson University. Diane is trained in Family Systems Therapy. Diane is also a trained in PCIT (Parent Child Interactive Therapy) and Trauma Focused Therapy therapist. Diane works with populations across the lifespan and does individual, family, couple and group therapy.

Helen V Hicks, MA, MBA, LPC

Helen has been in the mental health field for over 20 years. She began her counseling career working in group homes. There she learned how to cultivate a cohesive team approach to mental health treatment and became an excellent behaviorist through developing behavior modification programs for youths of various ages and treatment needs. In a desire to further expand her knowledge of mental health treatment approaches she then worked in an ER crisis unit. Her years of experience there taught her how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health emergency and how to best respond for the safety of the individual and those in the surrounding area. Once licensed, Helen pursued working In-Community full time. She met clients in their homes and various places in the community to experience how clients adapted to their surrounding environment. Based on those observations she then developed interventions and support services to help children and their families work as a unit to shape patterns of healthy behavior. In 2009, after receiving numerous requests for her to treat adults as well as children, Helen opened her own practice. Since then Helen has successfully treated hundreds of clients. Her approach is eclectic (for individuals) as one size does not fit all. A few theoretical frameworks that she consistently draws upon are cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and Gestalt. She believes it is important to address one’s life experiences that have contributed to where the person is currently (psychodynamic), the beliefs one holds about those experiences and how those beliefs influence behavior (cognitive-behavioral) and finally the balance of the person as a whole, within oneself and environment (Gestalt). A true balance of where one has been, where one is now and where one hopes to be. Her daily goal is to ensure that clients walk out with something helpful to apply to their immediate situation.

Tamyra Fernandes, LSW

Tamyra Fernandes is a Licensed Social Worker. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. While attending Rutgers, she also completed the Addiction Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate program. Tamyra has many years of experience working in substance abuse and counseling with both adults and adolescents. She has experience treating a diverse population with a variety of personal and mental issues. Tamyra works with adolescents, adults, families and couples to help them successfully manage their lives. Tamyra has completed her LCSW license requirements and is awaiting her license.

She provides a safe space for clients to express themselves honestly, get to understand their true feelings, and utilizes therapeutic techniques such as, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy and Strength Based Therapy to help clients in their journey toward healing and personal growth.

Brianna Gutierrez, LSW

Brianna is a Licensed Social Worker. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Stockton University. Brianna has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. Brianna specializes in working with children and adolescents. She has worked with individuals and families. Brianna specializes in working with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment issues. Brianna is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution Focused therapy. Brianna provides an understanding and non-judgmental space to talk and learn. Brianna empowers individuals to work on challenges they are facing and live happier lives.

René Youssef, MSW, LSW

René graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters of Social Work and is a social work professional with 8 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, families, and adults in residential and outpatient settings. René is TF-CBT certified and specializes in providing trauma informed care, especially to children and adolescents. René has also worked with parents and families to assist clients in fostering healthy family dynamics. René is culturally competent and inclusive in practice and a strong advocate for rights and policies that enable client self-empowerment. In practice, René has facilitated group and individual therapy sessions where she has utilized an empowerment approach combined with the evidenced-based approaches of CBT, DBT, and TF-CBT to collaborate with clients and to assist them in achieving treatment goals.

Helene DeMeo, LSW

Helene DeMeo is a Masters Level Social Worker From Temple University and a Licensed Social worker with her hours completed for her LCSW. She received a Post Masters Training Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy from The New Philadelphia Institute for Family Therapy. Helene has twenty three years experience working with children, adolescents, adults, women’s issues, couples and families/parents.Helene holds N. J Certifications in School social work and was a member of Child Study teams in elementary and high schools and a strong understanding of concerns for children and adolescents with learning disabilities and 504 Plans for such issues as ADHD. Helene also has a N. J. Certification as a Student Assistance Counselor working with children and adolescent students regarding drug and alcohol prevention. Helene has many years experience counseling adolescents and adult clients with drug and alcohol issues. Her specialties are Cognitive behavioral Therapy, domestic violence and sexual violence. Helene has many years experience working in the geriatric and hospice fields focusing on grief and loss.

Marisa K Haimes- Lonia MS. NCC. LAC

Marisa is a NJ Licensed Associate Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, and a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Rutgers School of Biomedical Science.

Marisa is deeply committed to her work and this is demonstrated in her ability to connect with her clients. Her goal as a clinician is to empower individuals and families, while remaining receptive to feedback throughout the therapeutic process. She uses a wide collective range of clinical modalities and interventions such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which assists in combating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Passionate that therapy must meet the individual’s needs, Marisa believes that therapy and progress are not linear, and must be tailored to the individual. Marisa’s deep passion, advanced education, and extensive field experience provided her with a dynamic set of interpersonal skills that cement her effectiveness as a competent clinician. Marisa is skilled with working with adults, children, teens and couples.

Laura Pascal , LPC

Laura is a licensed professional counselor who received a Masters in Counseling from New York University , and is a NewJersey Certified School Counselor. She provides couple and individual therapy, utilizing goal oriented therapies. Laura enjoys working with adults, teens and students (secondary and college) helping them with transitions and fostering growth.

Les Thompson, LAC

Les Thompson is a Licensed Associate Counselor and National Certified Counselor. He has a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Walden University. He has experience working with child, adolescent, and adult victims of domestic violence in an individual setting using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Les has ability to build relationships with her clients and considers a strong therapeutic alliance as an essential component to successful treatment. Les is also a co-facilitator in a Male Batterer’s Intervention group using the Duluth Model, for over 4 years.

Cherise Hasko, LSW

Cherise Hasko is a LSW specializing in Individual and Family therapy. Cherise has over 15 years experience in Social Work with her primary focus on children and families. Cherise is a proud Alum of Rutgers University where she received her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Child Studies and continued her education receiving her Masters in Social Work (MSW). Among her area of expertise are Child and Adolescent development, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Play therapy and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Cherise feels that building a strong therapeutic alliance with her individual clients is essential to assist identifying and removing barriers that may impede the ability to make lasting positive change. It is her experience in the school setting that has allowed Cherise to become very familiar with many situations affecting youth and families today, including but not limited to, Mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, Eating Disorders, Loss/Bereavement, Behavioral concerns and Drug and Alcohol. Cherise works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Karen Petsch, LCSW

Karen has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1994. Karen has worked in many different settings as a therapist, program/ clinical director and supervisor to other therapists. She is well-versed in CBT, DBT and Mindfulness. Karen has worked with children, family, couples and adults. Karen treats a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse.

Gina Agugliaro, LCSW

I am a LCSW specializing in individual and family therapy. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters in Social Work. I have experience working with children, teenagers, adults and couples as a case manager, school social worker, in-home/residential therapist and individual therapist.. I have worked with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.

I believe that each person is a unique being, which is why I feel it is important to tailor sessions according to their specific needs. My goal is to work with clients collaboratively to explore their struggles, highlight their strengths and help them gain insight into their thought patterns. My treatment approaches include Strength-Based and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and actions. I also like to incorporate mindfulness into sessions as I feel it is important to find your anchor within to promote healing and peace. I strive to offer patience, compassion and understanding to all clients. I respect the pace at which you desire sessions to flow, so that you can find your safe place and feel comfortable in the process. I believe everything you need is already inside of you. You have the power within you to propel change. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way. Let’s start today.

Etta Simmons, LSW

Etta provide’s a warm, safe and supportive environment in which my clients can explore the issues and challenges they face. She strongly believes in the power of the therapeutic partnership to help uncover the strengths and resources we all possess in order to bring about the changes we desire in our lives. “I feel privileged to be able to offer my assistance to others on this shared journey and commend you for reaching out for help to make things better”. Etta has always been a helper and over the years have worked in a variety of capacities in schools, community service agencies, shelters and a mother to three children and one dog. She believes that each role has helped to better understand the issues my clients face in their lives. Etta holds a Master’s degree from Rutgers University in Social Work as well as studies in (SPMI) Severed, Persistent, Mental Illness counseling. Etta utilizies a combination of cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and acceptance and commitment therapy to help her clients deal with depression, anxiety, loss, anger, relationship issues, job stress and children and family, to name a few. Etta also believes in using humor, spirituality training, and mindfulness techniques/strategies to help her clients as we work together to reach their goals.