Substance Abuse Professionals

Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.

-Ryunoske Satoro

Samantha Knocke, LPC LCADC

Dr. Joe Adams, LPC LCADC

Joseph Accardi, LCSW LCADC

Our Team

Rosa Allen, MSW, LSW

Rosa is a bilingual, licensed social worker with over 10 years of experience in the field. She earned her Master’s from Rutgers University. Rosa has experience in working with children and families with mental health, behavioral needs. Among these needs children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, grief and loss as well as developmental delays. Rosa also has experience working with the adolescent and adult substance abuse/ co-occurring disorder population.

Virginia Hauck, BS, CADC

Virginia graduated from West Chester University with a BS in Elementary Education and taught school in Philadelphia. Virginia is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Virginia has extensive experience working with the Seriously Persistent Mental Illness population (SPMI) as the Co-Occurring Specialist, and has worked in a medical stabilization program. Virginia and has experience as a Behavior Assistant working with children, adolescents and teenagers and has worked in the foster child system.

Loretta McCormick, MS, LAC, LCADC

Loretta McCormick is a Counselor Intern at "FERS". Loretta graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History and spent the majority of her career in education and property management. Loretta completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University and is a dually licensed counselor and help people and families affected by addiction and/or mental health. Loretta is the Program Director at FERS.

Leigh McDowell, CADC

Leigh McDowell has always had a passion for helping people. She is currently enrolled in Atlantic Cape Community College working towards her degree in Psychosocial Rehabilitation. She has completed her schooling to be a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and is currently working towards her clinical hours as a counselor at Family Empowerment in addition to her role as our Administrative Assistant. Leigh is trained in Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as strongly versed in 12 step programs. Not only does she have a passion for helping people but also has a love for animals. When Leigh is not working she spends her time volunteering for an animal rescue.

Leslie Selby, LCSW

Leslie is a master’s level social worker. She is currently working toward earning a clinical social work license as well as a license in drug and alcohol counseling. Leslie has over 16 years of social work experience working with various populations and is passionate about helping people to realize their potential and achieve their life goals. Leslie takes an integrated, strengths-based, and collaborative approach in working with clients by incorporating various evidence-based practices such as, Solution Focused therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Wrap-Around. Leslie is a proponent of treating the whole person, body, mind, and spirit with an emphasis on spiritual health and faith as a means to true healing.

Diana Garces, MS, LPC, LCADC

Diana is a bilingual dually licensed clinician. She earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. Diana has experience working with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and oppositional defiant disorder. She also has experience working with parents and families. Diana has experience running substance abuse/co-occurring counseling and didactic groups.

Turkessa L. Lee, LCSW

Turkessa is a two time graduate of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. She has a bachelors and masters degree in social work. She has been in the field of social work for over 20 years. She is a School Social Worker for Pleasantville Public Schools. She is the author of After the Gavel: The ABC's of Happiness After Divorce. Ms. Lee is a motivational speaker, blogger, and workshop presenter in her spare time. She is currently writing another book.