Suffering the loss of a loved one, child? Experienced grief and bereavement counselor in NJ. Individual, family and couple grief counseling. Psychotherapist. 32 years of experience.

   And Yes! That's me "trying" to
   train an infant Beluga Whale,
         his name is Klondike.
       See "Other Interests" at
                bottom of page.

Allow me to introduce myself :

My name is Gladys Cardona, I am a Spanish Speaking Bi-lingual Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in the field. In order to expand my private practice I took an early retirement from public Mental Health work in 2006, after 25 years with the County of Middlesex, NJ. During that time I worked as a Psychotherapist with individuals, groups, families, HIV/AIDS, Geriatrics and Grief Counseling. I wrote grants, supervised students, staff and Coordinated the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Mental Health Program. In the past I have independently contracted as a Consultant for the Diocese of Metuchen’s HIV Day Program which, I also helped develop. Besides my private practice, until recently I contracted with the Visiting Nurses Association of Central Jersey as a Consulting Counselor for their HIV Home Care Program, and was an Instructor for the Elder Care Certificate Program at Middlesex County College's Professional and Community Program. Presently I work part-time with the Eatontown Community YMCA Family Support Service's Intensive In-Community Program as a Needs Assessor. I have a Mental Health/ Counseling Liaison agreement with the May Street Surgi Center in Edison, NJ and with the University SurgiCenter in East Brunswick, NJ. 2-3 times per year I participate in various speaking engagements. and stress related Workshops

Personal Bio:

Born in N.Y.C, I spent most of my childhood in Puerto Rico. Married, had two boys, after a contended divorce I went on as a single mother, raising two marvelous gentlemen. I had to deal for 4 years with the illness, surgery and rehab of my son with a tumor in his foot. I dealt with the illness and deaths of my mom and dad. Tragically, I am also a survivor of the passing of the youngest of my beautiful sons.

In 2000 I proudly returned to college completing a Technical Certificate in the field of Computer Sciences at Middlesex County College and graduating with high honors. Today I am happily remarried and the joyful grandmother of three absolutely gorgeous princesses, daughters to my eldest son and his beautiful wife. And, that’s me in a nut shell. I share this so you can see that I understand firsthand life’s many whims and follies.

My Favorite Charities:

As an avid Certified Scuba Diver, and a lover of the ocean, one of my favorite charities is the rebuilding of the ocean’s reefs (eternalreefs.com). And believing every child should be able to smile, another favorite charity is Operation Smile (operationsmile.org). We have had encounters with the manatees and we like sponsoring manatees at Save the Manatee Club (http://www.savethemanatee.org).

My Mentors:

In my journey through this lifetime, I have met with many dear friends. I particularly would like to express my gratitude to my two mentors. Without their faithful guidance, encouragement and perseverance, I would not have reached as far as I have. I wish to thank my friend Dr. Joseph Hudak, Chiropractor, motivational speaker, author of  "The Journey To Wellness". His constant motivation and inspiration was the encouraging force that empowered me to open my private practice. Thank you Joe!

Dr. Hudak's Web:
http://www.hudakchiro.com

I wish to thank a gifted counselor, teacher, trainer, speaker and my friend,John Welshons. He is the well known author of the critically acclaimed book "Awakening From Grief", "When Prayers Aren’t Answered" and "One Soul, One Love, One Heart"  John has helped me work through my own grief issue regarding the loss of my son. His encouragement continually inspires me to seek out my fullest potential. Namaste John!


John Welshon 's Web:
http://www.openheartseminars.com

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES:

M.S.W., Masters in Social Work,
     University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 1980
B.A., Baccalaureate Degree,
     University of Puerto Rico, San juan, Puerto Rico 1974
A.C.S.W., Academy Certified Social Worker
     NASW Academy of Certified Social Worker, 2008.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
     State of NJ Board of S.W., Lic. Since 1995.
D.C.S.W., Diplomat in Clinical Social Work,
      American Board of Examiners in of Clinical S.W, Since 1989
Needs Assessment Certified,
     DCF, NJ, Certificate expires 9/26/2011.
Disaster Response Crisis Counselor,
     NJ Certification Board Inc., 2008.
Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology Certification
     NASW credentialing, 2008.
Training and Development Certificate,
     Middlesex Co. College, 2007.

NJ authorized Clinical Supervisor,
     NJ State Board of Examiners. Since 2006 .

School Social Work Certificate,
     NJ State Board of Examiners, D.O.E., 2005.

Coach Foundations Training Program,
     MentorCoach LLC, Bethesda, MD., 2003.

Technical Certificate in Computer Science-
Internet / Web Page Development,
     Middlesex Co. College., NJ,  1996-2000.

Certified Addiction Specialist,
     American Academy of Health Care Providers. 1992-1993.

Certified HIV Counselor,
     NJ Dept. of Health. Since June 13,1990.

Licensed Social Work,
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Since 1978.

MEMBERSHIPS, AWARDS:

National Association of Social Workers, (NASW) Active Member.
American Academy of Bereavement,  Active Member
School Social Work Association of America. 2006 – 2008.

International Coach Federation, 2003.

International Association of Coaches,2003.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Active Member since 2000.

National Deans List, USA . Since 2000.

Certificates of Service. Middlesex Co. Freeholders, N.J., 1996, 2001 and 2007.

Certificates of Appreciation. Middlesex-Hunterdon-Somerset
HIV Health Services Planning Council. N.J.
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2005 and 2007.

"OTHER INTEREST"

THE ATLANTIC OCEAN BY EL ESCAMBRON
IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

WITH CHIP N' DALE AT DISNEY, FLORIDA

KISSED BY A MANATI IN CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA

LIKE DIVER DAN!

WALKING ON THE OCEAN FLOOR IN ST. THOMAS

HOLDING STINGRAY IN ANTIGUA

We just Came back from a long-long

cruise down the Caribbean. I wanted
to share the COOLEST thing my
husband did! he rode down this
AWSOME 2600 foot zip line, 600 feet
up high in Labadee, Haiti-He added the
music- It was taken with my video dive mask...
Click on link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq-rvMu4QJ8

Enjoy