Executive Team
Venita S. Welcome, MS, LPC Founder and President
Ms. Welcome is dedicated to empowering individuals and families through holistic, faith-based approaches to wellness, brain health education, and spiritual growth. With a focus on compassion, cultural sensitivity, and Biblical principles, she leads initiatives that integrate care for the mind, body, and soul—helping others embrace vitality, purpose, and peace at every stage of life.
As Clinical Director of the Christian Wellness Center of NJ, Ms. Welcome brings over 23 years of experience to this mission. She has also discovered a lifelong calling to remove obstacles that hinder individuals from experiencing God’s love, guiding her work in all she does.
Ms. Welcome is the Founder and President of the Christian Wellness Center of NJ and the Holistic Brain Health and Support Center, both dedicated to helping individuals overcome obstacles, embrace clarity, and lead purposeful, caring lives at every stage.
Clinical Team
Emad Mounir, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Emad Mounir is a licensed Psychiatrist and board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) with over 24 years of clinical experience.
He has worked across diverse settings including outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. Dr. Mounir’s experience lies in treating adult and elder patients grappling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, ADHD, and interpersonal challenges.
Renowned for his alternative and empathetic approach, he offers comprehensive evaluations and recommends tailored pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions to alleviate suffering and elevate functioning.
Dr. Mounir is dedicated to collaborating with individuals to enhance their day-to-day capacities for improved quality of life.
Samantha Hardy, MA, LPC, NCC Clinical Supervisor
Mrs. Hardy is a Licensed Professional Counselor and obtained her Master’s Degree from LaSalle University. She works with adolescents and adults using a Person-Centered approach to meet clients where they are and walk with them to overcome their presenting problem.
As the Clinical Supervisor, Mrs. Hardy reviews clinical notes for the practice and provides clinical supervision to CWC interns working toward their master’s degrees at their respective institutions. Mrs. Hardy assumes the role of teacher, consultant and evaluator throughout the supervision process to help supervises develop their skills in their chosen theoretical orientation.
Mrs. Hardy enjoys traveling, learning about cultures and is a lover of all things Disney!
Joyce Clark-Addison, MSW, LCSW Clinical Supervisor
Ms. Clark-Addison has over 35 years of experience providing clinical supervision, and licensure supervision.
She is certified as a Clinical Social Work Supervisor & instructor for NJ-NASW Clinical Supervisors’ Certification Course. Ms. Clark-Addison supervise LSW, LPC, and LAMFT toward full licensure.
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Ms. Clark-Addison holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Therapist & Facilitators
Valrie O'Connor Johnson, MA, LPC
Ms. O'Connor-Johnson graduated from Nyack College Alliance Graduate School of Counseling. She enjoys working with adults, families, and couples.
Ms. O'Connor-Johnson has an extensive background in healthcare as a Registered Nurse. She is dedicated to helping clients to move from brokenness to well-being using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Christian Integrative Treatment.
Her warm approach helps clients with issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and interpersonal/relational concerns.
Roy Rim, MA, LMFT
Mr. Rim is s fluent in English and Korean. He graduated from Nyack College Alliance Graduate School of Counseling.
He has experience working with mental health and addictions. He is also the worship pastor at his church.
Mr. Rim's goal is to bring healing to those in the body of Christ.
Shenequa Crawley-Ojo, MA, LAMFT
Ms. Crawley-Ojo graduated from Liberty University. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. Her passion is working with couples and families building better communications.
Ms. Crawley-Ojo is currently volunteers at Focus on the Family providing hope and encouragement to those who are dealing with depression and anxiety.
Donna Hendricks MA, LAMFT
Professionally, Mrs. Hendricks is a NJ certified K-12 Educator, Life Coach, and a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. Donna obtained her Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Capella University.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Mrs. Hendricks practices Systems Therapy approach to create changes throughout the entire family system with an emphasis on Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and Narrative therapy approaches.
Donna has many interests and has vowed to become a life-long learner, she understands that the world and her clients contribute equally to her growth both personally and professionally.
Elijah Greene MA, LSW
Mr. Greene graduated from Rutgers University. He has spent several years working with youth who have experienced trauma. Mr. Greene focuses on helping people understand their strengths to empower them to live the life they desire.
Mr. Greene works with youth and families as a minister and youth leader at his church.
Mr. Greene enjoys to hang out with his friends, play Madden, and read.
Paula Laing, MA, LPC
Mrs. Laing attended Pillar University. She is passionate about helping her clients develop practical life skills.
Mrs. Laing embraces an Eclectic approach to counseling by using techniques and modalities customized to suit the individual and their personality.
Rebecca St. Louis, MA, LAMFT
Ms. St. Louis is a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and obtained her Masters Degree from Kean University. She is well trained in family systems and also specializes in intimacy challenges that individuals face.
Rebecca specializes in relationship conflict, grief, and parenting issues, she employs therapeutic methods such as Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Method.
Believing in the strength of each individual, Rebecca works to reduce depression and anxiety while enhancing emotional connection. Through her approach, she aims to empower clients and build healthy self-esteem.
Nicholl Rogers, MA, LSW
Nicholl Rogers earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hampton University and a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. Nicholl is a licensed Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker.
She has dedicated herself to working with children, adults, and families for over 20 years. She has worked with families and individuals coping with mental health, substance abuse, and survivors of domestic violence. She incorporates empathy, compassion, genuineness, reflection, and respect in treatment. Meeting clients where they're at and helping them grow to be their healthiest is a priority.
Novella Dorsey BA, Grief Specialist & Facilitator
Mrs. Dorsey graduated from Pillar College and received a BA in Psychology and Counseling.
Mrs. Dorsey has extensive training in grief and losses
Mrs. Dorsey is compassionate and empathic as she walks with people through their grief process.
Operations Team
Carin Essex, MA Coordinator of Programs
Ms. Essex, a Rider University graduate with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, plays a crucial role in supporting the clinical team at the Christian Wellness Center, specializing in athletes, adolescents, and young adults.
As the program coordinator, she oversees internship training, intakes, and various programs to ensure clients receive high-quality care.
Outside of work, she enjoys playing sports and going to the gym, along with video gaming and connecting with nature. These diverse interests contribute to her holistic approach to both her personal and professional life.
Cristina Vaz, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Vaz attended school in Portugal. She brings her expertise of 15 years in the medical field to CWC. She speaks 3 languages English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Ms. Vaz will bring her effective communication, love for people, and professional demeanor, ensuring a smoothly running initial intake process and to handle any questions our clients may have.
In her free time, she enjoys to spend time with her family and traveling.
Randi Eanes, BA. Support Services Coordinator
Ms. Eanes graduated with her bachelors degree in psychology and counseling from Pillar College. She is pursuing her Masters in Counseling and is expected to graduate Spring 2025.
Ms. Eanes will be the linkage to our community services, and provide our clients with crisis intervention and service planning.
In her free time, she enjoys boxing and her plants.
Ariana Lopez-Aranda, BA Public Relations Specialist
Ms. Lopez-Aranda is a Rutgers Alumni with a BA in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. Her goal is the to one day become a licensed therapist and offer bilingual services.
In the meantime, Ms. Lopez-Aranda is the Public Relations Specialist bringing all creative thoughts and visions to life.
In Ms. Lopez-Aranda's free time she enjoys finding new recipes to cook and bake!
Infinity Billing, Traci Arline, BS
The Christian Wellness Center of NJ has contracted with Infinity Billing to provide precise billing services for our clients.
Infinity Billing & Recovery Services, LLC brings over 25 years of invaluable experience, ensuring top-tier billing efficiency that enables our clinicians to concentrate on their foremost priority—providing outstanding care to their clients. Infinity Billing & Recovery Services' mission is to empower healthcare providers by offering exceptional billing and revenue cycle management solutions that enhance operational efficiency and maximize revenue. We are proud to have Infinity Billing & Recovery Services, LLC as our trusted ally in healthcare solutions.
Interns
Interns are closely supervised by senior CWCNJ therapists. They meet with supervisors for several hours each week to discuss their work and to review recordings of their sessions. CWCNJ believes clients receive quality of care when sessions are recorded and viewed in supervision. Interns discuss this option with all their clients, who can opt out if they choose. Recordings are treated with the utmost care, protected as required by the law, and deleted following g review in supervision.
Hollie Taylor - Intern
May 2019 - Fairleigh Dickinson University, B.A. in Psychology
May 2025 - Gordon Connell Theological Seminary, M.A. in Christian Counseling
Michelle Pereira - Intern
May 2017 - Baypath University, BS in Psychology
May 2025 - Baypath University, MA in Clinical Mental Health, Concentration in Trauma