Meet The Greater Essex Counseling Team

Katy serves as the Founder and CEO of Greater Essex Counseling Services. Born and raised in Verona, NJ, Katy spent the first 25 years of her career as a paralegal for several of the area’s best lawyers and law firms. In her mid-40’s an offer she couldn’t refuse was presented and alongside her mother, Betsy Guarducci, Greater Essex Counseling Services opened in 2009 providing family-oriented substance use treatment services in Downtown Newark. Together, Betsy and Katy worked to develop strong bonds with the Newark community as well as various providers and community partners offering treatment to anyone who needed help. Happy, Healthy and Whole! Together they were committed to helping individuals become their best selves while creating healthy lifestyles, bonds, and relationships. In 2019, after losing her mom, Katy brought on a partner, Chris Vadas, and together they built a bigger and better version of the small facility opened 10 years earlier. Greater Essex Counseling prides itself on accepting anyone in need of help regardless of their ability to pay for services. In addition to outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment offered in both English and Spanish, the program offers many important and life changing services including medication assisted treatment, mental health, urgent care, dental and podiatry services to its patients. Greater Essex also offers help with food deprivation, clothing, housing, employment, financial education, physical fitness, and re-entry services.

Family oriented treatment is the heart of Greater Essex Counseling Services. Providing evidence-based practices along with a whole lot of love and compassion is the key to success for anyone looking to get better, live better and feel better.

Chris Vadas is a visionary sales leader, behavioral health innovator, and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming services for underserved communities. As Managing Member and Co-Owner of Greater Essex Counseling Services, he has led a transformative expansion of behavioral health programs, building holistic models of care that address mental health, substance use, housing insecurity, and reentry after incarceration. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded into Union City, increased access to critical services for hundreds of clients, and launched flagship events such as Community Resource Day and Alumni Night to celebrate and strengthen the recovery community.

Chris also serves on the Essex County Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, where he advocates for funding priorities rooted in equity and lived experience. Beyond behavioral health, he is a successful entrepreneur, founding multiple ventures including a thriving real estate portfolio and Greater Essex Dental Services.

In recognition of his impact, innovation, and collaborative leadership, Chris was named Behavioral Health Future Leader of 2025, honoring his commitment to reshaping systems of care to prioritize humanity, dignity, and recovery.

Lionel Anicette, MD works with our facility to provide medical services to patients including but not limited to physicals, blood work for liver function testing and referrals for medication assisted treatment. Dr. Anicette manages a group of physicians who work closely with GECS to also provide APN services to our patients.

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.

Mrs. Ackermann- Blanco was born in La Paz, Bolivia, South America, and moved to the United States in 1991. She completed her university studies at the Universidad Católica in Bolivia, where she earned a degree in Clinical Psychology. After relocating to the U.S., she continued her education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, obtaining a master’s degree in Addiction Counseling.

She is currently a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Social Worker. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her career to the field of substance use and mental health disorders. Over the course of her professional journey, she has held a variety of leadership and clinical positions, including Vice President of Clinical Services, Facility Administrator, and Clinical Director.

Throughout her career, she has been invited as a speaker to present on various topics related to substance use and mental health in different countries around the world. She has also assisted numerous organizations in South America in opening new treatment facilities by providing staff training on the clinical aspects of substance use and mental health disorders.

In addition, she has proudly served as a CARF surveyor for 24 years, contributed as a field reviewer for the ASAM 3rd edition book, worked as an evaluator for the Addiction Professional Certification Board of New Jersey, and served as a peer evaluator for the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services of New Jersey.

Her work ethic, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to helping those who suffer from substance use and mental health disorders reflect her passion for this field. She has devoted her life to providing quality clinical services across different levels of care in agencies throughout New Jersey. Currently, she is a part of Greater Essex Counseling Services, where she feels extremely happy and proud to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who strive to make people’s lives healthier, stronger, and whole again.

Karilyz brings over seven years of administrative and community-focused experience to Greater Essex Counseling Services. Beginning her career in the medical field as a bilingual medical assistant, she developed a strong commitment to supporting individuals and families in vulnerable situations. That dedication naturally led her to the human resources field, where she now serves as HR Coordinator.

In her role, Karilyz oversees day-to-day HR operations, supports staff and contractors, and ensures compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements. She is passionate about fostering a supportive workplace culture that empowers employees to provide the highest quality care to the community.

Her background in both direct patient care and administrative management gives her a unique perspective on how to connect organizational needs with compassionate service. Karilyz is proud to be part of a team whose mission aligns with her own purpose, helping people thrive.

Krishna is a healthcare and behavioral health professional with over a decade of experience in nursing, patient care, and clinical administration. She began her career as a Staff Registered Nurse in Dominica, providing specialized care in outpatient clinics and neonatal intensive care. After relocating to New Jersey, she expanded her expertise into medical assistance, customer service, and counseling services.

At Greater Essex Counseling Services, Krishna has held multiple roles—including Front Desk Associate, Intake Coordinator, and Counselor Intern—before advancing to her current position as Clinical & Administrative Operations Manager. In this role, she oversees front desk operations, intake coordination, MAT program management, and interdisciplinary communication, ensuring efficient, client-centered care. She is highly regarded for her organizational skills, attention to detail, and empathetic approach to working with diverse populations.

Krishna holds a degree in General Nursing and is completing her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Health Care Administration at the University of Arizona Global Campus. She has successfully completed her educational hours and is currently fulfilling her clinical hours toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Committed to lifelong learning, Krishna plans to continue advancing her education to further enhance the quality of care she provides to clients.

With a professional background that bridges clinical care, administrative leadership, and student mentorship, Krishna brings a unique blend of compassion, professionalism, and operational expertise to every role she undertakes.

Tania brings nearly four decades of experience in mental health and substance use disorder treatment to her role as Intake Coordinator and Marketing Manager. Originally trained as a medical doctor in both Cuba and Dominican Republic, she has dedicated 39 years to supporting individuals and families on their path to recovery. Her career reflects a unique combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and leadership in the behavioral health field. In addition to her clinical and administrative work, Tania has served as a university professor for the past 20 years, educating and mentoring future professionals in healthcare and behavioral sciences. Her dual background in medicine and education allows her to connect with patients, colleagues, and community members with both deep knowledge and a commitment to empowerment. At GECS, she plays a vital role in welcoming individuals into care, ensuring they feel supported from their very first step, while also leading outreach and marketing efforts to strengthen community connections and expand access to services.

Alana Foster is a Master’s-level Social Worker (MSW) and Certified Social Worker (CSW) with a strong background in providing support and services to individuals across all stages of life, from children to adults. Originally from the Caribbean, Alana brings a unique cultural perspective to her work, allowing her to connect with clients in meaningful ways and approach care with respect, compassion, and an understanding of diverse backgrounds.

Throughout her career, Alana has worked extensively in both the mental health and substance use fields, helping clients navigate challenges such as recovery, emotional well-being, and life transitions. Her professional experience includes providing counseling, clinical support, and case management, always with a focus on meeting clients where they are and empowering them to move forward.

Deeply committed to fostering resilience and promoting recovery through a client-centered and strengths-based approach, Alana strives to create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and motivated to achieve their personal goals and build a healthier future. She remains dedicated to lifelong learning, advocacy, and serving communities with compassion and integrity, continually striving to make a positive impact both personally and professionally

Shareen Moody is a dedicated counseling intern with a strong background in client support, administration, and social services. Currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Kean University, she combines academic knowledge with practical experience. As an Intake Coordinator, Shareen manages client admissions, screens referrals, and maintains accurate documentation. At Greater Essex Counseling Service, she provides individual and group counseling, conducts client intakes, and develops tailored treatment plans. With over a decade of experience in administrative support and crisis response, Shareen creates a welcoming and supportive environment. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve recovery and personal growth, effectively connecting with clients from diverse backgrounds while promoting evidence-based care.

Sarah Wylie is a dedicated mental health professional with a strong background in clinical counseling and case management. She currently serves as an outpatient counselor, providing both individual and group therapy sessions to support clients managing mental health challenges, substance use, and life transitions.

Sarah began her career in human services as a paraprofessional with the Newark Board of Education, where she discovered a deep passion for helping others grow emotionally and behaviorally. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse from Grand Canyon University while working as a case manager for veterans at Catholic Charities, delivering person-centered care and advocacy for underserved populations.

In 2024, Sarah completed her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, expanding her clinical skill set in areas such as intake assessments, treatment planning, and facilitating both individual and group therapeutic services. She brings a compassionate, goal-oriented approach to her work and is committed to helping clients build healthier, more empowered lives.

As a mother, daughter, and sibling, Sarah values connection, support, and resilience. She believes in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them with empathy, respect, and hope for lasting change.

Mr. Keith Williams is a CADC with 10 years’ experience and helps supervise CADC interns. He maintains a full caseload of patients providing individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions and treatment planning In addition, he maintains contact with referral sources and writes monthly reports for referral sources. He has a full understanding of Case Management and assesses each patient’s needs and refers them to outside services as necessary. Mr. Williams, along with Ms. Fixter, provide treatment to our patients referred through Recovery Court.

Together they provide updates and weekly reports to Recovery Court probation officers. Mr. Williams also maintains a close professional relationship with DCPP and the WFNJ SAI/BHI programs and the patients referred by them.

Complaining contains no solutions!

Mr. Blanco Krasnik was born in La Paz, Bolivia, and completed his university studies at the Universidad Católica Boliviana, earning a degree in Clinical Psychology. He has also completed various specializations and courses, particularly related to substance use disorders.

Since the beginning of his professional training, Mr. Blanco Krasnik has worked for over 51 years as a therapist. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence, respect, and service to the patients he has served. Since 1991, he has resided in the United States, and thanks to his academic background and professional experience, he continues to work in programs providing support and treatment for individuals with alcohol and/or other substance use disorders, with both residential and outpatient experience.

Mr. Blanco Krasnik has received multiple certifications, awards, and recognitions in the U.S. and internationally. In September 2025, he was honored with a special distinction by the Congress of Bolivia. He is an active member of the World Federation and the Latin American Federation of Therapeutic Communities, founder of the College of Psychologists of Bolivia, and serves on the board of directors of the World Peace Foundation, as well as other  institutions dedicated to mental health, education, prevention, and treatment. He holds a professional license in the state of New Jersey.

His work ethic, dedication, and professional ability have established him as a leading figure in his area of specialization. He is currently part of the GECS team and expresses great satisfaction and pride in working for such a prestigious agency.

Phyllis Blanford Colleran is a passionate clinician and lifelong educator with a rich background in educational leadership. Over the course of her career, she has held roles ranging from classroom teacher to administrator, always driven by a commitment to equity, empowerment, and inclusive learning. Her leadership style is rooted in compassion and collaboration, and she is known for being a dedicated team player who brings out the best in those around her.

Phyllis’s multicultural experiences have deeply shaped her perspective. Having lived abroad for many years, she brings a global lens to her work and is fluent in Italian. This cultural fluency enhances her ability to connect with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust and understanding in every interaction.

Now working in what she proudly calls her “dream job” as a clinician, Phyllis integrates her educational expertise with therapeutic insight to support individuals on their path to healing and growth. Her approach is grounded in authenticity, accountability, and a belief in the transformative power of human connection.

Michelle Fixter is a dedicated and compassionate Drug and Alcohol Counselor with over two years of combined experience in counseling and recovery court settings, supported by a strong background in paralegal studies. She currently serves as a Counselor Intern at Greater Essex Counseling Services, where she manages a caseload of more than 20 clients each week through individual and group therapy sessions.

Michelle is skilled in conducting intakes and assessments and utilizes Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients heal from trauma and achieve or maintain sobriety. Her training in paralegal studies enhances her ability to navigate legal systems, understand compliance requirements, and advocate effectively for clients involved in the justice system. This unique combination of legal knowledge and clinical expertise allows her to provide stronger support to clients facing court-related challenges during their recovery.

With a solid foundation in addiction recovery, Michelle is deeply committed to helping individuals overcome substance use challenges. She has completed all necessary courses for CADC certification and currently holds a CADC intern certification. In addition, she is fluent in Spanish and experienced in multicultural communication.

Eric Vargas is a dedicated social work and counseling professional with an extensive background in the mental health and substance use field. Currently serving as a CADC Intern and Social Work Intern, Eric provides support through individual and group sessions, focusing on recovery, relapse prevention, and personal growth. His work emphasizes compassion, accountability, and empowering clients to take active steps toward change.

Eric’s career began in the behavioral health field, where his commitment to helping others quickly grew into a passion for counseling and advocacy. He has gained experience facilitating treatment planning, conducting intakes, and delivering client-centered interventions across diverse populations, including individuals involved with parole, probation, and community-based recovery programs.

Eric is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work degree, with the goal of earning licensure to expand his scope of practice and clinical impact. He approaches counseling with the belief that treatment is more than a service—it’s a family-centered experience where clients are welcomed with empathy, respect, and encouragement.

Motivated by the resilience of those he serves, Eric strives to create a supportive environment where individuals can discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Thomas Wright is a dedicated Group Supervisor with 28 years of experience guiding individuals along their recovery journeys. With three decades in recovery himself, he brings a unique perspective grounded in empathy, resilience, and understanding. His mission is to light the path out of addiction and inspire lasting hope in those who need it most.

Since joining GECS at its opening on March 1, 2009, Tom has been an integral part of the organization’s growth and success. He has worked with local youth every Friday since his start, offering consistency, mentorship, and encouragement. Beyond the walls of GECS, Tom is a trusted community presence, frequently engaging in local events and helping community members connect with essential services. His unwavering commitment makes him both a powerful advocate for recovery and a vital resource for the community.

Bruce Abdullah, a Newark, New Jersey resident, is dedicated to supporting individuals on their paths to recovery and personal growth. A proud graduate of Barringer High School, he went on to earn his associate degree in Human Social Sciences from Essex County College.

Bruce is a certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Anger Management Specialist, where he facilitates group sessions as well as provides one-on-one counseling to help individuals develop healthier coping strategies. In addition, he is trained in CPR and First Aid, ensuring he is prepared to support others in both therapeutic and emergency settings.

He actively contributes to the “Helping Hand” program, an initiative designed to assist individuals navigating the municipal court system with a focus on “Treatment Over Incarceration.” Beyond his counseling and program work, Bruce promotes Greater Essex Counseling Services through community outreach events held weekly outside of the organization’s premises.

With a passion for empowering others and a strong commitment to community service, Bruce continues to be a trusted resource for individuals seeking guidance, support, and positive change.

Andrew Jennings brings over 40 years of information technology expertise and 2 years of service as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. His career reflects a dual commitment: delivering innovative enterprise solutions and supporting individuals on their recovery journeys.

In technology, Andrew has designed and implemented enterprise systems, written technical documentation and security whitepapers, taught programming, and managed quality assurance teams. In 1995, he founded Jennings Computer Consultants, providing businesses with reliable IT strategies and solutions.

Motivated by a passion for helping others, Andrew expanded his work into recovery support. As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, he assists individuals in securing employment, preparing resumes, accessing housing resources, and obtaining medical referrals. To strengthen this mission, he founded Hope Haven Solutions, which offers peer-based recovery services and harm reduction resources to reduce the spread of HIV and other diseases.
He also co-founded Greater Essex Hope, a nonprofit connecting individuals facing substance use, homelessness, and unemployment with essential community resources.

An advocate for systemic change, Andrew actively supports reforms in corrections, housing, and employment legislation. His blend of technical expertise and recovery work underscores his dedication to building stronger systems that empower both organizations and people.

As a Peer Recovery Specialist, Kiesha Betts is passionate about helping others on their journey to recovery. She facilitates peer-driven and women’s groups, provides support to clients in meeting their needs, and participates in community outreach whenever possible. Kiesha’s own recovery journey inspires her to share experience, strength, and hope with others who may be struggling. When she’s not working, Kiesha enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family.

Cassandra Wardrick is a dedicated Administrative Assistant at Greater Essex, committed to delivering first-class service with genuine care. Raised in Newark, her experiences witnessing the impact of alcohol and drug use on individuals and families deepened her empathy and fueled her passion for helping and understanding others on their journey to recovery.

Cassie approaches everything with love, intention, and a welcoming smile. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every person who walks through the doors of Greater Essex feels welcomed, respected, and treated like family. She believes in creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where clients can feel safe and heard.

“Here, we listen, and we don’t judge,” Cassie says — a reflection of the compassionate culture she helps foster every day.

Narda is a highly responsible and well-organized professional with strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is experienced in building positive relationships with people and managing tasks efficiently. She brings nearly two decades of professional experience from the Dominican Republic, where she served in marketing and administrative roles across multiple industries. As Marketing Manager at Empresas EE (2010–2020), Narda led advertising initiatives, organized promotional activities, supervised teams of promoters, and prepared management reports. Prior to that, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at Sky International Casinos (2003–2010), where she supported payroll processes, managed supplier orders, and oversaw office operations. She began her career as an Administrative Assistant at Hotel Barceló Punta Cana (2001–2003), providing direct support to the General Manager and handling key administrative reporting and correspondence. With her organizational expertise, leadership background, and people-focused approach, Narda is committed to contributing value and professionalism to every project she takes on.

Elisha Ruiz serves as the Administrative Assistant at Greater Essex Counseling Services in Newark, NJ. In this role, she supports the daily operations of the office, assists with client coordination, maintains accurate records, and ensures smooth communication between staff, clients, and external partners. Elisha is committed to providing efficient and professional administrative support, helping to further the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality behavioral health services to the community.

Johanna Ortiz is the welcoming presence and Front Desk Coordinator at Greater Essex Counseling Services. Over 20yrs experience with a dedication to creating a supportive and seamless experience for every client. She manages the front office operations, ensuring that all scheduling, inquiries, and administrative needs are handled with professionalism and care. Johanna is committed to contributing to a positive and calm environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Jordy Padilla is a detail-oriented and personable Receptionist at Greater Essex Counseling Services LLC in Newark, NJ. Known for excellent communication and organizational skills, Jordy ensures smooth front-desk operations and delivers outstanding customer service to clients and visitors. With experience in appointment scheduling, data entry, and office administration, Jordy supports both staff and clients with professionalism and care. A graduate of Barringer High School, Jordy brings a friendly demeanor and strong multitasking abilities to every aspect of the workplace.