Joseph R. Gorman - LCSW - Executive Director and Clinical Supervisor - Joe has considerable experience assisting families in crisis, assisting victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect. He has worked with EMTs, Police Departments, and other emergency response personnel in dealing with Stress Management and Self Care, provided training to those working with trauma or abuse victims, and has extensive training in various methods of treatment for those suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). As a former policeman and Viet Nam veteran, Joe brings personal experience, as well as his considerable training and sensitivity, to all of us at the Center. Joe is responsible for training our volunteer Mentors, leads both the TUG program and Law Enforcement Resource Center, and heads our clinical staff.
Kathy Garcia, the founder of the organization, has extensive experience working with co-victims of homicide. She has been involved in the victims' rights and services field since 1987. She became a Certified Trauma Services Specialist through the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists, is a graduate of the National Victim Assistance Academy, and holds a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology. She currently serves on the Citizens' Advisory Council of the NJ Victims of Crime Compensation Board.
Kathy served on the Board of Directors of the NJ Crime Victims' Rights Coalition, which successfully amended the State Constitution in 1991. Kathy has been a presenter for the National Organization for Victim Assistance. She focuses on trauma, related specifically to homicide, and providing long-term support services for survivors. Most recently, Kathy served on the New Jersey Death Penalty Commission, which studied the system as it exists in New Jersey and made its recommendations to the state legislators.
Maggie Blong is the director of the new Healing Children's Hearts program. In addition to her former work at an area elementary school, Maggie had the unfortunate experience of helping her own children deal with the death of her daughter at another's hands. A graduate of the MADD victim assistance program and the CTG Mentor's program, board member of the Precious Gems Memorial, and former recipient of the Burlington County Special Prosecutor's award, the Florence Nass award, and the Burlington County Council on Women award, Maggie is a wonderful addition to the programs offered by the Center.
Our Counselors:
Larry R. Hunt - MA, CMFT - Larry has been an adjunct professor of psychology at both the University of Phoenix and Burlington County Community College, and in addition to his private practice, has provided assessments and treatment for juveniles in the criminal justice system, worked with children suffering abuse, and assisted Viet Nam veterans dealing with PTSD. Following his training in grief therapy, he joined the Center for Traumatic Grief in 2003, where he serves as a counselor and director of the SFI program.
Janet Poinsett - LCSW - Janet has over 35 years in the social work field, both with public and private agencies. She has conducted her own practice in Princeton, New Jersey, since 2001. She continues to work with abuse and neglect issues, trauma, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders in children, adults, and families.
Most recently she has reached out to join the Center for Traumatic Grief and Victim Services, where she continues to develop her skills and knowledge regarding trauma and loss. In addition to being a counselor for individuals and families at the center, Janet is the clinical supervisor of the Healing Children's Hearts Program.
She feels that the aspect of the center is impressive, and that the need for more such centers is immense. She firmly believes that life can be worthwhile and enjoyable despite, and sometimes in contrast to, the pain we all seem to meet. Struggling through the pain is unavoidable if we are going to move toward a healthier life - a new normal. Having others to work with can be invaluable!
Cherie O'Neill -M.Ed - Cherie received her Masters in Education, specializing in Counseling Psychology, from Temple University. With CONTACT of Burlington County since 1996, she began as a volunteer helpline worker. When the Rape Care Program was developed, she was in the first class of volunteer advocates trained to work with sexual assault survivors and their significant others. She then went on to become the Program Counselor, then Director and now Clinical Supervisor (part-time). Her work there consisted of everything from training at the police academy, providing education to community groups and high school students, accompaniments to the hospital and police station after a sexual assault, etc.
Cherie also works as a school counselor with elementary and middle school students. She has been with Center since January 2005, working with both the TUG and SFI programs. She is also involved in the new Healing Children's Hearts Program.