CALL FOR APPOINTMENT
Executive Team
Venita S. Welcome, MS, LPC Founder and CEO
Venita is a Christian mystic — one who doesn't just know about God, but knows Him — scribe, and Facilitator of More.
A Christian mystic is one who pursues intimate, direct encounter with God — not through doctrine alone, but through lived, interior communion with the Holy Spirit. Direct encounter doesn't mean dramatic visions. It means the Holy Spirit interrupts your thought and you recognize Him. It means a scripture lands differently than it ever has — alive, personal, now. The mystic does not bypass Scripture or community; she is formed by them. She simply refuses to stop there. She listens for the voice, watches for the visit, and trusts that God is still present, still speaking, and still at work in the interior life of those who seek Him.
For over twenty-five years, she has walked alongside people as a minister, licensed professional counselor, and clinical director of the Christian Wellness Center of New Jersey. As founder of The More Project, she carries a singular message to adults 55 and beyond: God has more. Not less. More. Through Tea & Talk gatherings, the Voices of Wisdom podcast, and her growing body of Tiny Books, she creates space for people to reclaim the breath, authority, and original soul design that was always theirs.
As a scribe, Venita writes from the interior. Her books — including The Boomerang Effect, Breathe Again, the Praying Truer series, and The Permission Framework — are not self-help. They are dispatches from a life lived with God. She writes what she has seen, heard, and been given to carry.
She is not becoming something new. She is finally, fully, arriving at what she has always been.
Akisha Canty, MA Practice Administrator
Akisha Canty holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from St. John’s University and a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She brings professional experience across a variety of settings, including corporate and adult education, giving her a well-rounded perspective on organizational dynamics.
As the Practice Administrator, Akisha helps strengthen communication and coordination across internal teams. She supports clear information flow and steady workflows, helping teams work more effectively together.
Outside of work, Akisha enjoys staying active in ways that feel playful and energizing. She finds inspiration and calm in spending time in nature and enjoys nurturing her creative side through writing and other projects that allow for reflection and self-expression.
Carin Essex, MA, LAC Clinical Operations Director
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 Clinical Operations Director, 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.
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.
Uche O’Keem, MA, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Uche O’Keem is a licensed and board certified Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been in clinical practice for 17 years. She obtained her Master’s degree from Rutgers University.
She has practiced in multiple settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, community centers, senior care facilities, home care services and private offices. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan ranging from children to the geriatric population. She specializes in mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
Uche utilizes a holistic approach in addressing the needs of her clients and incorporates her Faith as a tool to achieving results and the total well-being of clients; Spirit, Soul and Body.
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!
Therapist & Facilitators
Paula Laing, MA, LPC
Mrs. Laing attended Pillar University and is deeply passionate about helping clients develop practical, real-life skills that support emotional well-being and personal growth. She takes an eclectic approach to counseling, thoughtfully integrating evidence-based techniques and modalities tailored to each individual’s unique needs and personality.
Paula currently leads Courage & Calm, a supportive group designed to help participants cultivate peace, confidence, and practical tools for everyday life. Weekly sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:00–7:00 PM, beginning April 16. Join her and take the next step toward greater clarity and peace of mind.
Dr. Valrie O’Connor-Johnson, Ph.D., LPC, RN
Dr. Valrie O’Connor is dedicated to helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve well-being. With over 40 years as a registered nurse and more than 15 years in counseling, she brings extensive experience in both physical and emotional health.
Dr. O’Connor earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University, specializing in Trauma and Crisis Counseling, and holds an MA from Nyack, Alliance Graduate School of Counseling. Along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches, she provides Christian Integrative Therapy for clients seeking spiritual integration, believing that true wholeness involves attention to biopsychosocial and spiritual well-being.
Her areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and abuse recovery, church hurt, spiritual formation, occupational burnout, and separation and divorce recovery. Dr. O’Connor welcomes clients into a supportive, collaborative journey toward healing and flourishing shalom.
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.
Novella Dorsey BA, Pastoral Counselor, Grief Specialist
Novella Dorsey is a Pastoral Counselor and Grief Specialist with a calling to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families through life's most difficult seasons. A graduate of Pillar College, she brings expertise in mental wellness coaching, marriage mentoring, and relationship support, and is recognized as a Gottman Leader.
As The More Project Coordinator, Novella helps facilitate programs and gatherings that support seniors in discovering that God has more for them at every stage of life.
Chelsey Johnson MA, LSW
Chelsey Johnson is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and strength. She believes in meeting clients where they are and providing personalized care that empowers them to move forward with resilience and hope.
Chelsey specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients regulate emotions, build self-esteem, and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
In addition to traditional therapy, Chelsey offers biblical counseling and deliverance sessions, guiding individuals from coping toward genuine freedom and spiritual wholeness. She integrates faith-based principles with psychological insights to promote holistic healing—addressing the spirit, soul, and body. Her greatest passion is helping individuals find their voice, rebuild their lives, and rediscover hope even in moments of brokenness. Chelsey is deeply committed to walking alongside each client on their journey toward healing and restoration.
Outside of her work, Chelsey enjoys mission trips, spending time with her four dogs, reading, going to the gym, and dancing.
Operations Team
Katherine Taylor BA, Client Connection Specialist
Ms. Taylor brings over 25 years of experience advocating for vulnerable children within the foster care system. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Springfield College and has dedicated her career to supporting others with compassion, care, and intention.
At the heart of Katherine’s work is her passion for helping people feel seen, supported, and valued. In her role as Client Connection Specialist, she focuses on creating a welcoming and affirming experience for every individual she serves.
Outside of work, Katherine enjoys expressing her creativity in the kitchen through cooking, crafting, and making things by hand.
Cristina Vaz Insurance Verification Specialist
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.
Vanessa Dorsey Front End Scheduler
Vanessa, originally from Illinois, is a highly skilled professional with exceptional organizational and interpersonal abilities. With more than 17 years of experience in ministry leadership and administration, she brings a unique combination of professionalism, empathy, and spiritual sensitivity to her interactions.
Her extensive background in both faith-based service and administrative support positions her well for the role of Front End Receptionist, where she consistently ensures smooth scheduling, effective communication, and compassionate service. Vanessa values quality time with her family and has a passion for reading.
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!
Traci Arline BS Founder & CEO, Infinity Billing & Recovery Services, LLC
Traci Arline is the Founder and CEO of Infinity Billing & Recovery Services, LLC, the billing partner supporting the financial operations of Christian Wellness Center of NJ. Alongside her team, she provides experienced billing and revenue cycle management services designed to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and transparency throughout the billing process.
With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Traci and her team are committed to serving practices with integrity, professionalism, and dependable support—allowing the clinicians at Christian Wellness Center to remain focused on delivering exceptional care to the clients they serve.
Deanna W. Walker-McDonald
Deanna W. Walker-McDonald spent 14 years working as a Finance Executive in accounting for university events that supported a wide range of causes and academic programs. Her work focused on ensuring financial accuracy and responsibility for alumni led initiatives and fundraising
events.
Her key strengths include reconciling bank accounts and carefully evaluating the tax implications of new events organized each year by alumni groups. Through her attention to detail and commitment to accountability, she helped ensure that each event operated smoothly and in compliance with financial guidelines.
Now entering a new season after stepping away from full-time work, Deanna is excited to invest her time and energy into connecting with others through the More Project. She looks forward to learning from seniors, building meaningful relationships, and finding inspiration in their stories and
experiences. She hopes to inspire
others by listening,
