Substance Abuse Professionals
We are healing professionals-trained by science,
molded by experience.
FERS' Lake Lenape Cook Out - Summer, 2019
FERS' Lake Lenape Cook Out - Summer, 2019
Loretta McCormick, MS, LAC, LCADC
Loretta McCormick, MS, LAC, LCADC
Program Director
Program Director
Loretta McCormick has recently assumed the prestigious role of Program Director 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 has been working diligently to become a dually licensed counselor so she can spend the remainder of her career helping people and families affected by addiction and/or mental health.
Loretta McCormick has recently assumed the prestigious role of Program Director 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 has been working diligently to become a dually licensed counselor so she can spend the remainder of her career helping people and families affected by addiction and/or mental health.
Rosa Allen, MSW, LSW
Rosa Allen, MSW, LSW
Therapist
Therapist
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.
Karissa Fego, BA
Karissa Fego, BA
Counselor Intern
Counselor Intern
Karissa's Bio coming soon...
Diana Garces, MS, LPC, LCADC
Diana Garces, MS, LPC, LCADC
Therapist
Therapist
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.
Virginia Hauck, BS, CADC
Virginia Hauck, BS, CADC
Therapist
Therapist
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.
Marie Hayden, MA, LAC
Marie Hayden, MA, LAC
Therapist
Therapist
Marie's Bio Coming Soon...
Derek Heritage, MSW
Derek Heritage, MSW
Therapist
Therapist
Derek's Bio Coming Soon...
Dave Jamil, MA, LAC
Dave Jamil, MA, LAC
Therapist
Therapist
Dave's Bio Coming Soon...
Paul Jennings, MS, LAC
Paul Jennings, MS, LAC
Therapist
Therapist
Paul's Bio Coming Soon...
Gregory Koguc, LPC
Gregory Koguc, LPC
Greg is a licensed professional counselor and has worked as a therapist in the Atlantic City High School Teen Center, Child and Adolescent units for Atlanticare, private practice, and as an in-community licensed therapist. Greg specializes in working with clients who are on the autism spectrum.
Turkessa L. Lee, LCSW
Turkessa L. Lee, LCSW
Therapist
Therapist
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.
Leigh McDowell, AS, CADC
Leigh McDowell, AS, CADC
Therapist
Therapist
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.
Ashley Nugent, MSW, LSW
Ashley Nugent, MSW, LSW
Therapist
Therapist
Ashley has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Stockton University. Ashley has seven years experience working with children and adolescents facing mental/behavioral health and substance abuse needs. Ashley's experience also includes working with incarcerated adults who had substance abuse needs. Ashley is currently working towards becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with Family Empowerment. Ashley is dedicated to her work and has a strong passion for helping others succeed. Ashley believes that change happens when people are given the guidance they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives.
Allan Palush, MA
Allan Palush, MA
Allan's Bio Coming Soon...
Cely Rivera, MA
Cely Rivera, MA
Therapist
Therapist
Cely completed her Master's Degree in Counseling at Stockton University and is preparing to become a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor as well as a Licensed Associate Counselor. Cely has been an instrumental team member at Family Empowerment Recovery Services since 2019. Cely is bilingual and enjoys treating adults in group and individual counseling settings.
Leslie Selby, LCSW, LCADC
Leslie Selby, LCSW, LCADC
Therapist
Therapist
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.
Jazmin Torres, MA, LAC
Jazmin Torres, MA, LAC
Therapist
Therapist
Jazmin's Bio Coming Soon