Kerri L. Russell-Russo, MSW, LCSW

Kerri is an Alpha Delta Mu graduate of the Monmouth University School of Social Work, obtaining her Master's in Social Work degree in 2001. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Monmouth University Honor's Society and is a Certified School Social Worker.

Kerri has been working in the Social Work field for over ten years, with a focus on children, adolescents, family therapy and couples counseling. Through her extensive work as an in-home therapist, Kerri explored diverse issues such as: trauma, oppositional and defiant behaviors, ADHD, addictions, parenting challenges and grief and loss dynamics.

Kerri's approach to treatment is eclectic, utilizing client strengths to guide her treatment planning process. She is trained in EMDR, Sand Play Therapy, Reiki, Guided Imagery and Meditation, and brings her considerable knowledge of psychoanalytic theory into her treatment milieu. She believes that focusing on the mind, body and spiritual connection helps create a balance of inner well-being. Kerri is a member and editor of the MCJS Organization, a parent-centered group promoting social skills for children and families on the Jersey Shore.

When not working, Kerri enjoys going to the beach, exercising, meditating, listening to music and spending time with her family.

Ruth Castellano, LPC, NCC

Erica R. Riczu, MA, LPC , NCC

Erica, Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center's first employee, is a Masters in Counseling Psychology graduate from Georgian Court University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.  She is certified in the state of New Jersey as a License Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor NCC) and is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).  Her primary therapeutic training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Sand Play.  Erica is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  She has worked as a psychotherapist since 2003, primarily focusing on helping children and families.  In addition, she has 10 years experience working directly with children in both therapeutic and non-therapeutic environments.  When she is not working, Erica is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying hiking and kayaking.

Toni Zachos-Kaplan, MSW. LCSW

An interest in people and helping others led to Toni’s career as a social worker, which began at Ithaca College. In pursuit of a deeper level of education, Toni received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Toni has over ten years’ experience in social work profession.

A wide range of interests motivated Toni to work with different populations. This has been accomplished through a variety of community settings including mental health agencies, schools, and families’ homes. Toni works with children, adolescents, and adults, in individual, couples, family and group therapy sessions. Having worked closely with families referred by DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services), a strong focus of her practice has been child welfare, including child abuse/neglect, behavioral and parenting issues. Other areas of experience include substance abuse/dual diagnosis, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety, as well as other mental health and familial issues.

For the past three years Toni has been running a successful private practice doing in-home therapy and assessments. Play therapy has been strongly integrated in her work with children and families. Constantly seeking to expand her knowledge of play therapy, she has been receiving training in Sand Play therapy under the guidance of Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center. Having made such a strong connection with the center and this amazing method of therapy, she has expanded her practice to see clients at the Lighthouse.

Cheryl Thomas

In 2006, Cheryl became Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center’s first full time Billing Manager. In addition to her billing services for clients, Cheryl has become an integral part of the daily operations of The Center, including: client liaison, office management, technical support, computer services, accounts payable and accounts receivable. Cheryl is a graduate of both the CDM Institute in West Long Branch and TekSolv Computer Training and Consulting Program in Eatontown. While not working, Cheryl is proud to serve in the American Legion Department of New Jersey, Monmouth County Post 266, as the Sergeant of Arms.

Karen Gesicki

Karen was in the non-profit sector of Social Work for 12 years before coming to Lighthouse. She is trained in Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Confidential Sexual Violence Advocacy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (with a strengths based perspective). Through the course of her work she has provided clinical services for individuals, families and groups (including: life skills, employment skills, anger management, parenting classes and parents in recovery).

Karen is skilled in treating children and adults with severe trauma histories, including adults who were abused as children. Karen is committed to supporting and empowering her clients to reach their full potential. When not working, Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, children and two dogs.

Jennifer Morris

Jennifer received her Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Loyola College in Maryland. Following graduation, Jennifer worked as an Advertising Executive in Maryland and New York City. After seven years in the field, Jennifer left the corporate world to raise her two sons, but luckily, Jennifer soon wanted to have part-time work, so she accepted a position as Billing Manager for Gretchen and Mary Pat in March of 2002.

She continues to manage all billing for Gretchen and Mary Pat, and hopes to further her education when her children are in school.

Dawn Wilcox, MSW. LCSW

Dawn Wilcox, MSW, LCSW attended the College of New Jersey at the undergraduate level and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University, School of Social Work in 1997. Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker with ten years experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Professional affiliations include the National Association of Social Work and the Association of Play Therapy.

Dawn integrates several theoretical approaches into her practice including Sand Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dawn utilizes play therapy techniques, which foster a safe and nurturing environment for children to express themselves and begin the healing process. Dawn supports the belief that overall wellness should encompass an integration of emotional, physical and spiritual experiences.

Dawn earned a professional certificate in Feng Shui through the Harmonious Living School of Feng Shui and continues her education through the NY School of Feng Shui and the Teaching Tortoise School of Feng Shui. Dawn incorporates Feng Shui principles into all aspects of her life, including her psychotherapy practice. The primary belief of Feng Shui is that all things are connected and we benefit most from bringing harmony and balance into our life.

Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She enjoys running, biking and yoga.

Lori Tomaro, MSW, LCSW

Lori began her work at St. Francis Community Center as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has experience working with individuals of all ages, couples and families. Lori’s clinical focus includes survivors of sexual abuse, trauma, and those struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, family and parenting challenges. She is committed to strengthening the therapeutic relationship in order to support her clients in their journey to heal. Lori uses an eclectic and strengths based approach, which includes Sand Play Therapy and EMDR.

Outside of work, Lori enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Gretchen Morgan, MSW, LSW

Gretchen Morgan, MSW, LCSW is a founding partner of Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center, Inc.  In 1995, Gretchen graduated from Loyola College in Maryland with her BA in Psychology, followed by her Master's Degree in Social Work in 1997 from the University of Pennsylvania.  In 1998, Gretchen received her Level I and II EMDR training, enabling her to better assist traumatized clients with their therapeutic process.  In 1999, Gretchen was introduced to Sand Play Therapy, a Jungian-based treatment modality that was transformational to her both professionally and personally.

In addition to individual and family psychotherapy, Gretchen is a seasoned trainer, responsible for the creation and implementation of the Center's Sand Play Training Series.  Gretchen has also been an Adjunct Professor and Trainer at The Monmouth University Graduate School of Social Work. 

Believing in the mind-body-spirit connection to achieve wellness, Gretchen carries her passionate beliefs about natural healing into her personal life, where she practices qigong, acupuncture, and massage therapy.   Gretchen is extremely interested in nutritional healing, encouraging her clients to adopt preservative and corn syrup free diets, rich in organic foods.  As an alternative to the "medicate now, ask questions later" mentality of many modern day mental health practitioners, Gretchen is more likely to refer clients for yoga, energy work or herbal supplements to assist them on their journey to healing.

Diane E Rothman , MSW. LCSW

Diane E Rothman is Nationally Certified, a member of AMTA, and currently holds her license in the state of New York. She is a graduate of the Swedish Institute and has been practicing since 1994. Diane has received special training in Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Primal Reflex Release Technique, sports massage. She is also certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage. Diane has worked with prominent holistic health care providers in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. She was involved in research study on fibromyalgia, children with ADD, and carpal tunnel syndrome with Dr. Tiffany Field, Director of the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami Medical School. In addition to maintaining a private practice as an affiliate of the Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center, Diane works part-time as an instructor at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage in Tinton Falls. Some of Diane’s private clients include jockeys from the New York and Florida thoroughbred racing circuit.

Mary Pat McGeehin, MSW. LCSW

Mary Pat McGeehin, MSW, LCSW, is a founding partner of Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center.  Prior to starting the center with Gretchen Morgan, Mary Pat was the Director of Family Services at St. Francis Community Center in Ocean County.  Throughout her years of practice and study, Mary Pat has specialized in families, focusing on trauma.  That pursuit has led her to three specific modalities of practice that she feels are most effective in dealing with the issued that lead to therapy: Sand Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Mary Pat has taught as an adjunct in the graduate school at Rutgers University and as a trainer at Monmouth University. Because she has a strong belief in the integration of mind, body and spirit in the healing process, Mary Pat regularly uses acupuncture and massage, has a regular practice of qi gong and strongly supports her clients in using massage, yoga, tai chi, qi gong and other modalities of healing while they are in the therapeutic process.

Robin Haak, LMSW. LCSW

Robin M. Haack, MSW, LCSW received her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. She is a member of the National Association for Social Work and the Association of Play Therapy. She has spent the last ten years studying play therapy and family therapy. Robin continues to train in Play-Family therapy at the Family and Play Therapy Center in Philadelphia. Robin formly served as the Program Coordinator and staff therapist for St. Francis Counseling Service, Sexual Abuse and Assault Program of Ocean County. She is level II EMDR cerified and a specialist in trauma, Sand Play, and play therapy.

Robin follows an integrative approach, utilizing a combination of therapeutic techniques to best serve individual needs. She is commited to understanding children's unique language and providing an environment that encourages growth and healing through their natural forum, play. Robin believes that individuals and families hold the power and expertise for their own healing and that the therapist's role is to serve as a guide on this journey.

Kathy Cable, LPC, NCC

Kathleen M. Cable attained a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and is licensed by the state of New Jersey as a Professional Counselor.  Ms. Cable has extensive experience in providing treatment for children with ADHD and their families.  She has developed and directed many programs for children with ADHD and other childhood disorders, including school-based programs, parenting groups, an intensive outpatient program and summer programs.  Ms. Cable has also taught as an adjunct professor at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ.  Ms. Cable maintains a private practice with offices in Eatontown and Toms River, NJ and specializes in the treatment of ADHD and social skills groups for children.