Presenters

Seth Arkush earned his Master’s of Business Administration at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. and obtained his clinical training at Fordham University where he earned his Master’s of Social Work degree. Soon thereafter, he earned his clinical social work license (LCSW). In addition to his psychotherapeutic work at ICC&C, for the past 10 years Seth has worked clinically with: urban youth; as an in-home therapist for at-risk children and families; children and families in crisis through Children’s Mobile Response; and as the Clinical Specialist leading a team of therapists for Therapeutic Family Visitation Services serving families in the Division of Child Protection & Permanency system (formerly known as DYFS). From the mid 1970’s through the mid 1980’s, Seth worked his way through college on a suicide and crisis hotline and in a Youth Services Program that served runaway youth and their families. In his senior year, Seth wrote a grant that got funded to develop a Men’s Counseling Program. After graduating, he worked for the Juvenile Division of the NJ Department of Corrections serving incarcerated youth. From the mid 1980’s through the early 2000’s, Seth held positions of increasing responsibility in corporate budgeting and financial analysis and eventually became a consultant for at-risk companies. Seth holds a post graduate certification in Child/Adolescent Mental Health from Rutgers University.

Get To Know Seth

Juan Carlos received his Bachelor’s of Science from Rutgers University. He completed his Master’s of Social Work at Rutgers University. He has 13 years of experience ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. Juan recognizes that each family is unique, and they are their own expert. Juan Carlos is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and has experience working with the Hispanic community. Juan Carlos utilizes a strength-based approach. He recognizes that respect, empathy, and authenticity are core conditions to build therapeutic relationships. Juan Carlos is enthusiastic, empathetic, and non-judgmental by nature. He is focused on providing a welcoming and safe environment to those who need it most. Each individual Juan Carlos meets as a mental health professional matters to him. His main goal is to assist individuals of all ages in developing functional coping skills that will assist them to enjoy their lives to their fullest potential.

Get To Know Juan Carlos

Simone graduated from the University of Santo Amaro, School of Odontology in São Paulo, Brazil. During her career as a dentist, she had the opportunity to succeed as an accomplished professional. Her greatest challenge was working in a government-run orphanage where she provided oral healthcare, legal documentation, and emotional support for 500 underserved children. That experience awakened her interest in mental health, emotional development and family issues. Simone got a certification and worked as a volunteer in court as a family Mediator in Brazil. Following a sabbatical period to care for her family, Simone earned a second graduate degree in Art Therapy from Paulista University, in São Paulo, Brazil, and later a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Simone is a registered Art Therapist in Brazil and in the USA. She speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish fluently, and has deep knowledge in Hebrew. Simone moved between countries several times due to family demands. During those experiences as an expatriate she learned resilience, adaptability, and flexibility. She developed an interest, awareness, and respect for multicultural society and diversity.

Get To Know Simone

Suzanne is a certified Yoga Teacher providing therapeutic interventions using mind-body techniques, breathwork, yoga, and meditation to help adolescents and adults with mental and physical health needs in group and individual settings. Suzanne is a retired Educational Assistant, from Central Regional BOE, working directly with special education students (12 years with higher functioning self-contained, and 6 years with 8th-grade resource math). She also did substitute teaching, co-facilitating classroom structure, learning, and miscellaneous needs of students. Suzanne has over 15 years of volunteer experience working at a camp for terminally ill children and their families, which was very rewarding. She has enjoyed working directly with adolescents over the years and loves watching them become successful despite any learning or physical challenges.

Get To Know Suzanne

Abigayle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology while minoring in Sociology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. From there, Abigayle pursued her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University where she specialized in Child and Adolescent Well-Being. She is a proud member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and has been acknowledged for academic and research achievements. Abigayle’s clinical experience includes working in a school setting. She has worked with elementary to high school students to overcome a variety of obstacles from mental health, life transitions, educational support, self-esteem, and developing coping skills. Abigayle has done counseling with individuals, and groups, and provided education for parents and teachers. She has had incredible experiences working with minorities and members of the LGBTQIA+ population. Abigayle enjoys the school setting, inspiring her to become a Certified School Social Worker.

Get To Know Abigayle

Sharon received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers College and her graduate degree from Rutgers University School of Social Work with a specialty in Health & Aging. Along with being a clinician at ICCC, Sharon is a Bereavement Counselor/Coordinator for VNA servicing hospice families in Monmouth and Middlesex County and has worked with Robert Wood Johnson and Caring Hospice of Central NJ. She specializes in working with individuals, couples/families, and groups dealing with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Adverse Childhood Experiences including Sexual/Emotional/Physical Abuse and Neglect, chronic disease/terminal illness, medical trauma, Somatic Disorders, and Grief and Loss. Sharon’s approach is that of a Sherpa alliance, utilizing DBT “intercessions” working side by side, through this foundation of deep dedication. Sharon dives into an eclectic therapy strategy which is personalized for each person’s healing journey, and combines the right set of tools to tap into strengths, build resilience, and create one’s personal best in mind, body, and in spirit. Sharon offers care and support in a safe, trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and compassionate heart space. In addition to her work as a Licensed Social Worker, Sharon is also an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, an EFT Practitioner, a Certified Health Coach, and a Reiki Master. Sharon is a proud member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers), ADEC (Association for Death Education and Counseling) and INELDA (The International End of Life Doula Association).

Get To Know Sharon

Dana has a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from Monmouth University, a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies from Centenary University and has taken multiple Animals Science courses at Rutgers University. She is a Licensed School Counselor in the state of NJ, holds a CEAS as a Student Assistance Coordinator, and is a Licensed Associate Counselor in the Integrated Adolescence Program. Dana’s early career as an equine professional involved teaching clients of all ages how to ride and care for horses, develop young horses for sport and pleasure riding, and rehabilitating and working with difficult or “problem” horses. Dana’s work with horses has given her a unique perspective on trauma informed practice. She firmly believes that every individual needs the space and patience to grow, develop, and heal at their own pace and in their own way. Dana enjoys utilizing her authentic self, combined with a strength base approach and empathetic insight to empower her clients. She recognizes that each individual responds to their experiences differently. Dana’s goal is to support her clients in a way that works for them. She has a passion for working with the adolescent population. Dana enjoys helping clients on their journey to determine their own paths and assist in their development of skills to help them create a fulfilling and peaceful life.

Get To Know Dana

Ryan earned her undergraduate degree from Kean University in Psychology. During her time there, she studied Drug and Alcohol Use and Community Mental Health. She continued her education and was trained at Kean University’s School of Social Work where she graduated with a Master of Social Work specializing in the areas of Trauma and Healing, and Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Ryan is now a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Ryan’s passion for healing the mind, body and soul holistically aligns with her clinical approach as she integrates her knowledge and experience as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200), and Reiki 1 practitioner, into wellness and recovery practices by combining the clinical piece and intuitive healing methods. Specializing in Vinyasa flow as well as gentle, restorative and yin focused traditions, Ryan believes that joining the three parts through flowing as well as still movements is a beautiful and blissful foundation for self-exploration, self-love and self- compassion which inevitably facilitates forgiveness, healing and growth. Ryan believes that through the meditation practice we give ourselves permission to “just be,” accepting where we are at in that moment. Within these various traditions of yoga, breath is the foundation and as such has a deep and calming effect. Ryan guides a gentle flow of movements concentrated on staying present for ourselves and proper alignment filled with loving instruction so all students may reach their greatest potential regardless of their fitness level.

Get To Know Ryan

Kristen Huber is a New Jersey native born and raised in Ocean County. After spending a decade living in the Pacific Northwest Kristen followed her heart home and completed her graduate work in Professional Counseling at Monmouth University. She has been working with youth and their families in Ocean County for 15 years. Her private practice, Jersey Shore Ecotherapy, now seven years in, is the first practice of its kind on the eastern seaboard. Kristen translated outdoor adventure-based therapy to an outpatient setting. She offers her clients walk and talk, stand up paddle boarding and wind therapy options and access to the local parks, creeks and beaches. Kristen masterfully uses Nature as her co-facilitator to help restore mental health and wellbeing to her clients.

Beth holds Bachelors in Psychology from Georgian Court University, as well as a Master of Social Work from Monmouth University. Beth has worked with adolescents in a variety of settings including the hospital setting, substance abuse setting , and outpatient. Beth has also worked with local non-profit organizations in Monmouth County to provide cold-weather shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Beth utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Motivational Interviewing/Person Centered therapy to build a strong rapport with her clients. Beth believes that the first step towards a positive therapeutic experience comes from a strong therapeutic rapport between client and clinician.

Get To Know Beth

Larry Thompson, LCSW, was trained at New York University’s School of Social Work and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. His theoretical orientation is in the use of self & Zen psychology and psychodynamic-object relations theories of psychology. He was formerly the Director of Children’s Mobile Response in Ocean County and Team Leader for the Monmouth County PACT team. Larry holds post-graduate certificates in Child/Adolescent Mental Health and Parent Education from Rutgers University. Larry incorporates his training in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy with natural and holistic approaches in work with adolescents, individuals, and families. Larry’s passion for integrating a total wellness approach continues to carry over into his professional and personal life. He has completed a post-graduate certificate through Drexel University in Complementary and Integrative Therapies, so as to offer his clients additional options for their wellness recovery, as well as iRest Yoga Nidra meditation through the Integrative Restoration Institute.

Get To Know Larry