And Yes! That's me "trying" to
train an infant Beluga Whale,
his name is Klondike.
train an infant Beluga Whale,
his name is Klondike.
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. 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, I contract with the Visiting Nurses Association of Central Jersey as a Consulting Counselor for their HIV Home Care Program. I work part-time with the Eatontown Community YMCA Family Support Service's Intensive In-Community Program as a Clinical Therapist for families in crisis. I’m an Instructor for the Elder Care Certificate Program at Middlesex County College's Professional and Community Program.
I am a Spanish Speaking Bi-lingual Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in the field. 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, I contract with the Visiting Nurses Association of Central Jersey as a Consulting Counselor for their HIV Home Care Program. I work part-time with the Eatontown Community YMCA Family Support Service's Intensive In-Community Program as a Clinical Therapist for families in crisis. I’m an Instructor for the Elder Care Certificate Program at Middlesex County College's Professional and Community Program.
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 two 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.
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 two 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:
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
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!
A final Note:
I consider myself ...and my clients would tell you that, I am a practical, interactive, solution-focused therapist. My treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. I integrate a blend of conventional and alternatives approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. With sensitivity and compassion, I work with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve life goals.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES:
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.
B.C.D., Board Certified Diplomat,
American Board of Examiners in of Clinical S.W, Since 1989
Needs Assessment Certified,
DCF, NJ, Certificate expires 9/26/2009.
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 .
NJ State Board of Examiners. Since 2006 .
School Social Work Certificate,
NJ State Board of Examiners, D.O.E., 2005.
NJ State Board of Examiners, D.O.E., 2005.
Coach Foundations Training Program,
MentorCoach LLC, Bethesda, MD., 2003.
MentorCoach LLC, Bethesda, MD., 2003.
Technical Certificate in Computer Science-
Internet / Web Page Development,
Middlesex Co. College., NJ, 1996-2000.
Internet / Web Page Development,
Middlesex Co. College., NJ, 1996-2000.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
State of NJ Board of S.W., Lic. Since 1995.
State of NJ Board of S.W., Lic. Since 1995.
Certified Addiction Specialist,
American Academy of Health Care Providers. 1992-1993.
American Academy of Health Care Providers. 1992-1993.
Certified HIV Counselor,
NJ Dept. of Health. Since June 13,1990.
NJ Dept. of Health. Since June 13,1990.
Board Certified Diplomat,
American Board of Examiners in of Clinical S.W, Since 1989.
American Board of Examiners in of Clinical S.W, Since 1989.
Licensed Social Work,
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Since 1978.
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.
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.
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.
HIV Health Services Planning Council. N.J.
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2005 and 2007.