SOLSTICECARES.COM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Administrative Care Coordinator
Alisia attended Camden County College, from 2011 until 2013, where she obtained two Associate Degrees; one in Human Services and the other in Addictions Counseling. Alisia plans to further her education by pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Social Work. Before delving into the field of Social Services, Alisia worked as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist at a dental practice in Pennsylvania. When she is not working, Alisia enjoys spending time with family and friends, going out to eat, and settling down with a good book.
Amanda graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters of Social Work in 2011 and a Doctorate of Social Work in 2019. Amanda is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and she is currently in pursuit of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as well as a Licensed Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC). Amanda has spent many years working for the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and she is a strong advocate for parents navigating through the child welfare system. Amanda appreciates a multidisciplinary approach to working with families that includes a strong partnership with the courts, DCP&P, and many other agencies. Amanda utilizes a solution focused approach in her work with families that includes a strong emphasis on alternative healing methods. Outside of work, Amanda teaches part-time for Rutgers University in the School of Social Work. She also loves to spend time with her friends and family, be outdoors, and travel.
Angelina graduated from Monmouth University with a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health. She has experience working in substance use treatment agencies, the community as well as in private practice. She works with the adult population through individual, family and group work. She practices multicultural humility, through a person centered theoretical orientation along with a holistic approach. In her practice with clients, she has worked on goal setting, development and practicing of communication skills, as well as development of emotional regulation skills. Practicing using evidence based techniques and theories, she primarily assists with the understanding, managing and coping of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Outside of work, Angelina enjoys volunteering, being outdoors, traveling, reading, baking cookies and spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Lab Technician at Solstice
- Laboratory Assistant
Anthony was born and raised in South Philadelphia and moved to New Jersey at 24. Anthony is a lab technician at Solstice and finds fulfillment in helping people. Anthony has spent most of his career in customer service and management roles, gaining 10 plus years of experience, until January 2021 when he attended classes to work towards getting his CADC with NJPN to become a counselor. While lab assistant is his primary job function by day, Anthony also enjoys spending time at home watching movies with his wife, traveling to new places, or spending time with his dog! Anthony also enjoys singing and writing on his down time. Anthony hopes to continue his education and looks forward to growing his career with Solstice and one day, becoming a counselor to reach more people and help stomp out and overcome the stigmas associated with addiction!
Brandi's passion for the field of substance abuse counseling ignited while acting as the Assistant Command Drug and Alcohol Prevention Advocate onboard the mighty USS O'kane, the United States Navy's finest warship. In her six years of service, she directed the early intervention and education of active duty sailors and acted as a liaison for sailors seeking recovery services. Between deployments she was able to attain an Associate's of Applied Science in Technical Studies with a focus in Electronics. After separating from the Navy, she found herself in New Jersey where she completed her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from Rider University in 2016. Brandi became a Board Certified Life and Career Coach in 2017, and completed her Master's of Science in Criminal Justice in 2019. Her passion for helping people and drive for knowledge make her a valuable resource for you throughout your Solstice journey.
Brianna recently graduated from Rider University with a B.A. in Psychology. She will be beginning my Masters Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in trauma at Grand Canyon University. She is expecting to graduate in 2025 with her MA to get her LDC and become an LPC. Brianna has a passion for helping others who struggle with an addiction after seeing how it warped her families relationships with one another. She has been working receptionists jobs for two years and is starting to venture into the mental health field in depth at Solstice. Outside of work Brianna enjoys to tap into her creative and adventurous side. She enjoys going out and exploring different parts of New Jersey. Brianna also enjoys to crochet in her free time, paint and is currently working towards getting her motorcycle license.
Christine attended Montclair State University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Family Science and Human Development. She is currently in her master's Program for Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Trauma at Arcadia University. She is expected to graduate in May 2023 with her MA. Christine is passionate for helping those who suffer from the disease of addiction. Christine values empathy, warmth, and presence in her counseling style. When Christine is not busy at work or in school, she enjoys spending time enjoying activities such as singing, meditation, and yoga.
Christine graduated from Bergen Community College in 2012 with a degree in Nursing (Associate of Applied Science). Shortly afterwards, she became a registered nurse when she passed her NCLEX that same year. For the first few years of her nursing career, she worked in a very busy hospital, which made her consider a career change. Instead of quitting nursing altogether, she decided to look into different fields/specialties. When she started working at Solstice, she realized that her passion is to help others who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders. She is currently pursuing her goal to become a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN).
In her free time she enjoys being with her family and friends, traveling, shopping, cooking, and binge watching shows. She is a dedicated mother as well as an animal lover.
Daniel Belton is a 2005 graduate of New York University Steinhardt School of Education. After a number of years as a Social Studies Teacher, Daniel went into the Corporate Marketing Field in New York City, before returning to Human Services and Addictions Counseling in 2016. Daniel obtained his CADC Certificate from Camden County Community College and is currently working towards a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Rutgers University. Daniel started his Addictions counseling career at the Camden County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center in Haddon Township and the Gloucester County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center in Turnersville. Daniel also works with various local and regional Grass Roots Addictions Services Organizations to promote both Drug and Alcohol Recovery and the end to the stigmatization of the disease of addiction.
Danielle was born and raised in West Deptford. She went on to study Applied Science at Camden County College. Danielle began her career at another South Jersey treatment center where she excelled and quickly became the agencies lead in her position, taking over the responsibility of training new staff and implementing necessary procedural changes. Outside of work, Danielle is mom to two children and two fur babies. She also enjoys creating and crafting. Her attitude towards her creations is applied in her everyday life as she lives by the quote: "I can do anything, nothing is impossible!"
David holds dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, providing David with in-depth knowledge of the intersections of mental health and substance use. He graduated with his Master's in Science from Monmouth University with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling. David is a National Certified Counselor through the Nation Board of Certified Counselors. David has also earned the title of Certified Anger Management Specialist II through the National Anger Management Association. David has worked in a variety of settings ranging from community wellness centers, private practice, and correctional facilities. He works with a diverse population serving many different communities. His experience focuses on adolescents through adulthood. David's passion for the field is evident through his work ethic and client feedback. He is eager to provide a variety of services that fit individual and community needs.
Dr. Joseph Ranieri D.O. earned his BS in Pharmacy at Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1981 and His Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine Addiction Certification. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has practiced in South Jersey since 1995. Starting in 2007, while practicing Family Medicine, he incorporated Addiction Treatment Modalities for his primary care patients. Dr. Ranieri has lectured extensively to physicians, nurses, counselors and laypeople about the Disease of Addiction throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 2012.
He has continued to volunteer for a Christian Discipleship Recovery House which does outreach to those afflicted with Addiction throughout Philadelphia and Kensington as well as being a Drug and Alcohol Monitor for the Professional Assistance Program (formerly PHP) of New Jersey since 1998. Additionally, he is a Clinical Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program at PCOM.
South Jersey Biz "Who's Who in Health Care recognized Dr. Ranieri for contributions to Addiction Medicine as well as other receiving recognition from other organizations. Dr. Ranieri is the Past President of the NJ Society of Addiction Medicine. He oversees aspects of the Addiction & Medical Treatment Modalities of patients for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) / Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) (i.e., Buprenorphine, Extended-release naltrexone, Extended-release buprenorphine) and Extended-release naltrexone, oral naltrexone and acamprosate for Alcohol Use Disorder at Solstice Counseling & Wellness Centers in New Jersey as well as his private OBOT (Office Based Opioid Treatment) The Center For Healing Light in Sewell New Jersey. He also recognizes the importance of incorporating bio-psychosocial modalities into Addiction Treatment. Dr. Ranieri provides medical expertise, education, and insight about the Chronic Disease of Addiction. Dr. Ranieri's vision is to educate and empower Physician's, Mid-Level Provider's (APN / PA's), Nurse's and Clinical Therapist's to minister to the Physical, Mental, Spiritual and Health Care needs of those suffering with the Disease of Addiction from Substance Use Disorder including Alcohol Use Disorder. Dr Ranieri believes in incorporating the following modalities to Treat the whole person from a Medical-Allopathic, Bio-Psychosocial, Behavioral, Spiritual, Osteopathic, and Holistic Philosophies.
Ed Gergler worked 28 years as a heavy labor construction pipe worker and as a drug and alcohol counselor for adolescents from 1997 to 1999 and celebrated 20 years of recovery in 2016. In 2008, he was in a near fatal car crash, leaving him with chronic back pain. After months of rehabilitation and pain management efforts, doctors wanted to perform surgery on his back to try to relieve his pain. Ed was introduced to hot yoga, and with regular practice, his back pain was greatly relieved. Given the opportunity to open a hot yoga studio in 2010, Ed chose to make his passion for yoga and sharing its benefits with others his primary purpose. He is now the owner of the BYSJ Hot Yoga Studio of South Jersey in Hainesport, NJ. Ed is certified in Bikram Yoga, Barkan Method Levels I, II and III Vinyassa. Ed continually develops professionally through ongoing training. He is certified in Budokon, a yoga/ martial arts method and most recently he has certified with Master Yogi Amrit Desai in the Amrit Method 200 Hour Program, Amrit Method Yoga Nidra, Yoga Nidra Master's Training, Amrit Method Yoga Therapy, and Thai Yoga. Ed is truly committed to sharing yoga with others in recovery in hope that they may benefit as he has. Ed's positive, energetic and hands-on approach to helping students achieve their full potential in class is both comforting and inspiring.
Jennifer was born & raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Marlboro High School in 2006 & started studying part time in the medical field while working full time at a hospital. Currently, she has a certificate in medical billing & coding. She began her work experience as a receptionist in an ICU & is always looking to expand in the medical field. With her caring personality, she is happy to assist people in need. Jennifer takes pride in her organization & work ethic. Outside of work, Jennifer is a devoted mother to her 4 year old special needs son. He is her motivation to always continue to grow, be a better person & see the world from other's perspectives. Jennifer also likes to read mystery novels, spend time with her cats & enjoy the company of friends & family in her down time.
Job Titles:
- Drug & Alcohol Use Counselor
Kenneth attended Kean University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. He is currently preparing to test to receive a CADC. Kenneth is motivated to help those that suffer from the disease of addiction. Kenneth provides an open and accepting space to be heard. Kenneth prefers to utilize a combination of Psychoanalysis and CBT in his counseling style. When Kenneth is not busy at work, he enjoys playing instruments, producing music, writing, video games, and spending time with loved ones.
Kimberly graduated from Willingboro High School in 1994, and worked as a Certified Home Health Aide while she attended classes for Medical Billing and Coding. Once she completed the courses, she went on to work in dental offices for a few years while attending classes at Camden County College. She later graduated with her Associates in Addictions Counseling and plans to further her education in the field. Kimberly is a mother and a wife. She enjoys shopping, reading, cooking and spoiling her two dogs.
Lexi graduated from Penn State in 2022, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. The same year, she also became a temporary Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Throughout the majority of her college career, Lexi worked as a research assistant within the schools of Chester City, Pennsylvania. During this time, she helped to educate staff on employing a trauma-informed approach to teaching and administration. Though she is still trying to determine her long-time career goals, she does hope to return to school and further her education in the near future. Outside of work, Lexi enjoys listening to music, working out, playing video games, and relaxing with her dogs.
Michael has been involved in alcohol and drug counseling for the past 8 years. He started as an intern at a licensed treatment agency in 2014 where he realized helping others to overcome addiction was his true calling. Michael received his CADC in 2016 with an Associate's degree in Applied Science and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. Michael went on to work at another treatment agency in Southern New Jersey for 6 years, where he accumulated a vast degree of experience at many different levels in the alcohol and drug addiction field. In his spare time, Michael is actively finding ways to help others who have struggled with or are still struggling with the perils of addiction. He is currently heavily involved in his 12-step fellowship and integrates that approach into his addiction therapy.
Michael Mandale founded Solstice Counseling and Wellness Center in 2013. Since then, Solstice has expanded to its new headquarters in Pemberton Township and to a second location in Woodbury. Under Michael's leadership, Solstice has earned accreditation from CARF, the international accrediting body. This represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization.
Michael currently serves as the chairperson of Burlington County's Providers Advisory Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (PACADA); the board represents alcohol and drug treatment providers contracted by the county. The PACADA serves to assist the county with the development of alcohol and drug abuse services for county residents. Michael is also a representative on the Overdose Fatality Review Team, overseen by the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Burlington County Department of Health. The team performs confidential reviews of overdose deaths in the county, and the contributing circumstances surrounding them, all with the goal of reducing opioid deaths.
Michael is a graduate of Hofstra University and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Widener University.
Morgan graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelors of Social Work in 2019 and Masters of Social Work in 2020. Morgan is dually licensed as a Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Morgan is a strong advocate towards mental health awareness and seeks to break the stigma against both substance use and mental health in today's society. Morgan has always had a passion for helping others and it is apparent in her counseling approach.
Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with her four cats, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.
Nicki is a compassionate professional who has dedicated her life to helping people struggling with substance abuse and addiction. She started her academic journey at Camden County College, where she earned an Associate's degree Addiction Counseling. She then continued her studies at Wilmington University where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Nicki is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and has been in the field professionally since 2015. Currently, she's pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, working towards further licensure. Nicki's passion and commitment to helping those affected by addiction shines through in her counseling approach. She genuinely cares about her clients and strives to make a positive impact on their lives. Outside of work and school, Nicki treasures spending time with her family. She's a devoted mother of three, and family time is her priority when she's not busy with her professional or academic pursuits.
Paul holds licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Services obtained at Rider University. Paul has over 13 years' prior experience in the addictions field working a variety of different levels of care (Inpatient, Intensive Out Patient, Out Patient and Partial Care Program). Paul also spent 3 years as a Clinical supervisor at an in-patient drug/alcohol rehabilitation center. Paul also has worked 8 years as a Clinical Supervisor working with individuals who have developmental disorders in conjunction with the Department of Developmental Disorder of New Jersey as supervisor of numerous residential group homes within the state of New Jersey. Paul also has worked in several private practice settings: specializing in mental health therapies, cognitive retraining (with head injuries) addictions, individual therapy, couple's therapy, marriage therapy and family therapy. He graduated with his Bachelors in Psychology from Stockton in 1990. Paul enjoys spending his free time with his wife of over 25 years three children. Paul is an enthusiastic fisherman; he fishes in both fresh water and salt water tournaments and believes in finding a balance in life is the secret to success.
Steven received his first B.S. degree, in psychology, from the College of Staten Island. After graduating from there and realizing his passion for the field of psychology he attended NYU's nursing program with the intent of becoming a psychiatric registered nurse. Steven graduated from NYU's program in 2018 and immediately started working on a psychiatric inpatient unit at Staten Island University Hospitals involuntary unit for two years. Steven would work on several more inpatient units while obtaining his PMHNP degree from Monmouth University. After graduating from Monmouth University in 2021, Steven began his journey as a PMHNP. Steven has experience treating and caring for those with mood disorders, ADHD, psychosis, substance abuse, trauma and more. Steven specializes in the entire life span, from pediatric to older adult. Steven works with patients to create custom treatment plans tailored specifically to their needs.
Sydney graduated from Rowan University in 2019 with her Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences and a minor in Criminal Justice. Sydney recently became dually licensed as a Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW) after completing her Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University. Sydney's passion is to help individuals involved in the criminal justice system who face substance use and other co-occurring disorders by helping them gain a sense of recovery as they reintegrate back into society. When not working she enjoys spending her time binge-watching Netflix shows and being with her family and friends.
Taelor was born and raised in Colorado and moved to New Jersey when she was 14. She graduated from Camden County College with an Associates Degree in Psychology in 2015. She began her work experience in retail but due to life experiences, she began to gain interest in assisting others to achieve their goals of greater success. Taelor's caring approach in administration is shown through her diligence of organization as well as assisting new and current clients with questions or concerns. Taelor hopes for the future to return back to school to obtain her Bachelors in Psychology. Outside of work, Taelor is a devoted mother to her 2 year old son who is her inspiration for continued growth in her life. Taelor also likes to listen to true crime podcasts, being outdoors, and spending time with friends.
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant / Transportation Supervisor
Yolanda joined the solstice team in 2018, as a program assistant. Yolanda is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of clients to and from treatment and the maintenance of our state of the art facilities. Prior to joining us Yolanda was the transportation coordinator for and Active Adult Day Care Center for mentally and physically challenged adults as well as a driver for a Pharmaceutical Research firm. When Yolanda is not busy with work and her studies, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and loves listening to music.