Hi! I am happy that you want to learn more about me and my years of experiences supporting individuals, like yourself, across various settings. 

I am the founder of Milestones Counseling and Therapeutic Services. It is my belief that therapy comes in all shapes and sizes and not one type of therapy works for everyone. I pride myself in being an "out of the box" thinker and constantly developing new strategies based on the individuals past and current strategy toolbox. I may use technology when appropriate and infuse them in sessions when necessary. It is through my experiences that I feel these options are best and hopeful that you find one of these options will work best for you.I believe in the meaningful and transformative effects of therapy. When working together, I can offer concrete skills and techniques based on the foundations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis and techniques through Mindfulness approaches while utilizing an ecological approach to involve the individual, family, and environmental systems. I feel strongly that the importance of the therapeutic relationship is gained through warmth, engagement, and humor, while placing an emphasis on identifying and monitoring progress related to reachable and concrete goals of treatment. 

As a parent and professional, I enjoy working with children, teens and adults with neurodevelopmental, emotional, sensory, and behavioral differences. I specialize in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and other issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential. In addition, I offer support, guidance, and individual and family counseling to caregivers of children with special needs. 

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis when working with clients offering a strength-based, solution-oriented approach to find what works best for each individual. I strongly believe that neurological differences are what makes each person unique and my goal is to help clients embrace their differences, claim their strengths and used them constructively. Growth can happen at any age and there is no such thing as                                                            unattainable goals in one's life.                                                                  

 I earned my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the accredited Graduate School of Social Work through Rutgers University. After graduate school, I obtained licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and hold a certification as a Certified School Social Worker. I then completed my journey and obtained licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

I am also a proud mom of two beautiful children, while experiencing both the joys and challenges of having young children age 12 and 8, I would not change this for the world. We also have 2 furry babies who we love and adore (even if they are still working on their manners). My husband, who supports and encourages me to take steps towards my milestones, who I love and appreciate for the last 18 years and counting!   

JoAnne is an essential member of the team here at Milestones Counseling. She helps guide clients through the billing and insurance process, alleviating the stress that often accompanies it. Additionally, she supports the staff with a range of administrative tasks, allowing them to focus fully on their clients.

JoAnne holds a strong background in both clinical and administrative experiences with over 21 years of experience from her prior and current roles as a Billing Authorization Specialist, Human Resource Onboarding Specialist and Residential Supervisor with Easter Seals NJ. 

In her free time, JoAnne loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy family vacations, spending time with extended family, and watching her girls shine in dance recitals and local events. 

JoAnne is excited to bring her diverse experiences to the team and contribute to the growth of Milestones Counseling, while supporting the well-being of our community.