Meet The Greater Essex Counseling Team

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.

David Alabi, DNP provides psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring services to our patients. Patients are assessed in a specialized session and a report is prepared detailing any appropriate mental health diagnoses and treatment recommendations, including prescription medications. Patients prescribed medication as a result of a psychiatric evaluation at GECS will be scheduled to return for brief sessions to ensure consistent and appropriate use of therapeutic drugs.

As Administrative Director, Ms. Nicole Guarducci provides supervision of all front end administrative staff. Her responsibilities include all patient referrals, intake scheduling and coordination of treatment between our staff and referral sources. She maintains the office roster, opening and closing of cases, upkeep of the group schedule, counselor patient lists and patient attendance sheets. Ms. Guarducci is also a CADC providing assistance to the clinical staff with individual counseling sessions, treatment planning, contact with referral sources and writing monthly reports. She has a full understanding of Case Management and assesses each patient’s needs and refers them, as needed, to other programs as necessary.

Mr. Keith Williams is a CADC and helps supervise CADC interns. He maintains a full caseload of patients providing individual counseling sessions, treatment planning and the ability to maintain contact with referral sources and write monthly reports. He has a full understanding of Case Management and assesses each patient’s needs and refers them to other programs as necessary. Mr. Williams, along with Ms. Guarducci provide treatment to our patients referred through Drug Court. Together they attend weekly case management meetings as well as court proceedings. Mr. Williams also maintains a close professional relationship with DCPP and the patients referred by them.

Mr. Thomas Wright understands, communicates, and promotes the purpose and value of substance abuse facility group therapy. He conveys knowledge about substance abuse and holds meetings as scheduled in order to set the tone for appropriate behavior of the group through empathy, humor, and openness. Mr. Wright provides ample opportunity for group members to have access to resources and other available services while moderating patient sharing during group discussion to keep the group within appropriate limits and assess when a group member needs more help than the group can provide and refer that person to the appropriate staff member. Mr. Wright is also a CADC Intern running group counseling sessions and maintains a caseload in which he is responsible for treatment planning, case management and individual counseling. Mr. Wright has complete knowledge of the 12 Core Functions. Mr. Wright works very closely with Essex County communities. He works with churches and schools providing treatment education and resources. Mr. Wright received a Community Service Award from the City of Orange for his work with the schools and community.

As Intake Coordinator, Ms. Loretta Scales admits new patients through NJSAMS via an initial evaluation to determine treatment level of care. She verifies insurance and schedules patients for treatment. Ms. Scales is also a CADC Intern running group counseling sessions and maintains a caseload in which she is responsible for treatment planning, case management and individual counseling. She has complete knowledge of the 12 Core Functions. Ms. Scales also works closely with the Hyacinth Foundation who provides HIV counseling and testing; STI/STD screening and treatment; care and treatment support; social and emotional support; and prevention services.

Mr. Bruce Abdullah maintains a full patient caseload with complete knowledge of the 12 Core Functions. He runs group counseling sessions, provides individual counseling, writes DAP notes and treatment plans. He is knowledgeable and familiar with NJSAMS. Mr. Abdullah maintains constant contact with referral sources and writes monthly reports. He has a full understanding of case management and the ability to assess a patient’s needs and refer them to other programs as necessary. He maintains documentation consistent with working toward CADC qualifications including hours requirements and testing.

“There is no greater agony, than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou

Nicole Wilkinson, Licensed Associate Counselor, I believe that as individuals, we encounter events that leave us searching for a reset button, solid ground, and a sense of hope. In those moments of uncertainty we begin to unravel the details of an untold story of our lives, which is desperately seeking for understanding, clarity, and peace. I am a firm believer that once we begin to explore our true self, explore underlying events that affect us present day, and begin to write a new narrative, change is inevitable. When we recognize, the capabilities we have and normalize the positive outcomes of seeking help, the question becomes: With the right support, how willing are you to put in the work to discover purpose and meaning?

As a former educator and true believer, I have come to understand that we are all uniquely designed and need to be met where we are. Upon, entering the field of counseling, I have worked with a variety of populations: from children displaying challenges with emotional regulation and expression, adolescents who are seeking a sense of self, while also adjusting to new norms, as well as, adults who are working towards confronting emotional disturbances, anxieties, and depression. In addition, I have supported victims of domestic violence in processing trauma; encouraging the “fight” that will one day lead to the light at end of the tunnel. Currently, I am working with individuals who are ready for change, want to regain control, and no longer want to allow addiction to dictate their next move.

My therapeutic approach is person centered. I believe in the power of a therapeutic partnership. My goal is to strive to empower, support, and walk alongside you as we reach self-awareness. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Reality Therapy during treatment. However, I will modify therapeutic sessions to meet your individual needs.

We have all been called to fulfill a higher purpose. Let’s discover yours together.

Sherry is a compassionate person who has a passion for helping others. She is a bilingual (English/Spanish) CADC counselor with over 15 years of experience counseling patients in individual or groups sessions. Sherry is responsible to educate her patients on treatment options, methods and techniques to ensure they understands the therapeutic dynamic of our program. She maintains a full caseload of patients providing individual counseling sessions, treatment planning and the ability to maintain contact with referral sources and write monthly reports, conduct therapeutic groups.

Mr. Will Linton provides laboratory services through Truetox Laboratories. Laboratory services include monitored urine drug screens as well as oral and instant testing services. Breathalyzer tests to confirm alcohol intoxication are also available.

Mr. Chris Vadas joined the GECS team in 2019 as CFO/Managing Member. Chris brought with him his exceptional business skills which allowed for both the expansion and addition of programming. Chris has helped elevate the quality of care provided to our patients. Chris also runs groups helping patients with finances and credit.

2nd Vice Chair of the County of Essex Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism Drug Abuse (LACADA)

As CEO/Managing Member , Ms. Katy Linton opened Greater Essex in 2007 along with her Mom, Betsy Guarducci. Together they created a program dedicated to family-oriented treatment. Katy has dedicated herself to hiring qualified compassionate staff and providing a safe and healthy environment for all.

Born in La Paz, Bolivia, Pat moved with her family to the United States in 1991. She completed her career as a Clinical Psychologist in her native country, but when she relocated to the United States, it was determined that her degree was equivalent to a Master Degree. She currently holds a Masters in Arts with a concentration in Addiction Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Pat is also a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, a Certified Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Supervisor. Pat has worked in the addiction field for over 33 years and has risen from a counselor’s entry level position, to Program Director, Clinical Supervisor and Vice President of Clinical Services. She is currently the Clinical Director at Greater Essex Counseling Services. Ms. Ackermann-Blanco was a field reviewer for ASAM, a Peer Reviewer for the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, an evaluator for the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey Certification Board and is currently a CARF surveyor.

Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Administrative Assistant, passionate about working with our community for the past 5 years. I started working in the medical field as a medical assistant. After caring for patients who were vulnerable and exposed to many types of diseases, I realized my interest in helping others is my purpose. I am excited to be a part of Greater Essex, a team whose vision aligns with our community’s needs.

I was born in Uruguay and from a very young age my passion was always social work, assisting the people in greatest need. I arrived in the United States in 2002 on my way to NJ. I love this country that opened the doors for me to be who I am. I graduated as a CADC, I love what I do. We need more CADCs to deal with this terrible and destructive disease of addiction. I love my family, I love dreaming and even more so fulfilling my dreams. I believe that everything can be achieved if you are clear about what you want.