Meet Our Team
Vicki Phillips
Executive Director |
Carolyn Quinn
Community Engagement & Wellness Programs Director
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Karen Williams
Office Manager |
Gail Christian
Family Support Coordinator |
Cathy Chiola
Family Advocate |
Emily McCall
Support Service Coordinator |
Seth Edwards
United By Wellness Coordinator |
Ashleigh Zappala
Community Wellness Center Navigator |
Yvonne Tran
Peer Support Specialist |
Julia Gimbel
Community Wellness Center Manager |
Bianca Cicchino
Community Wellness Center Outreach Specialist |
Beth Wade
Media Specialist |
Devon Dorso
Group FacilitatorBrianna Phillips
The Big Boss |
Zana Radavci
Peer Support Specialist |
Vicki Phillips - Executive Director
Vicki has worked for the Mental Health Association for the last several decades. During that time, she has worked in a variety of roles where she coordinated volunteer programs, worked as a consumer advocate, designed programs for DMHAS & DCCP initiatives, developed and facilitated mental health support groups, served as the agency administrator and has facilitated workshops presented on a county, state and national level.
Vicki has been active in disaster response since 1992 and has served locally on the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. As a trained a mental health responder she has traveled to national disaster sites to assist during Hurricanes Marilyn, Katrina, and Sandy.
She is an avid lover of her English Springer Spaniels, who all came from her involvement with Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue.
vphillips@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0307
Carolyn Quinn - Director of Community Engagement & Wellness Programs
Carolyn Quinn joined MHA in January of 2013 and has worked as a Peer Specialist in numerous roles for the agency. Carolyn received a Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Studies from Boston University in May 2010. Currently Carolyn is pursuing her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University. As well, Carolyn is a Certified Recovery Specialist Practitioner (CRSP) and a Disaster Relief Crisis Counselor (DRCC). Carolyn is a certified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer (with specialties for Public Safety and Higher Education Audiences) and a certified Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Trainer. Carolyn helps members develop their own WRAP using her own WRAP as one of many examples.
cquinn@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0303
Karen Williams - Office Manager
She joined the MHAAC team in June 2017 and is the Office Manager here at the Atlantic County office, but she also assists callers throughout the state for United By Wellness, the MHANJ online wellness center. She is the first person people hear or see when they call or come into the office. Karen says she finds satisfaction helping people find the resources they need so they can feel better and be well. As a past member of our Depression Support Group, Karen is a proud advocate for all support groups and the importance of connecting to peers. Karen is certified in Mental Health First Aid in both the adult and youth programs.
Prior to working here Karen was employed as an Administrative Assistant at both Resorts and Trump Plaza casinos in Atlantic City, and as a Executive Secretary at A.C. Coin & Slot.
Karen is a wife and mother of three children and is the proud grandmother to three grandsons. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to bake treats for special occasions.
kwilliams@mhanj.org 609-652-3800
Beth Wade - Media Specialist
Beth holds the position of Public Relations Specialist, a job that entails increasing the agency's visibility in the community via print media, social media, radio, TV and outreach. She works across programs to promote the work and services of the agency. Beth is responsible for designing and writing content for Atlantic’s monthly newsletter.
She has a long history as a writer for magazines as well as daily, weekly, and monthly newspapers. Beth earned a degree in Journalism from Kutztown University, PA. Her passion and motivation for the field of mental health comes from a long line of family members who have supported and advocated for those with disabilities. Several family members are employed in related fields. She has worked for Easter Seals, LIfePath, Manor Care and Home Instead Senior Care.
Beth is a mother of two teenagers and the wife of a public school educator. Her interests include cooking, gardening, biking, canoeing, creating recycled art, and birdwatching.
bwade@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0305
Brianna Phillips - The Big Boss
Brianna (Bri) is an English Springer Spaniel bred from championship lines. She is the very spoiled canine daughter of Vicki Phillips, MHAAC’s executive director. Bri came into Vicki’s home through foster in Fall 2022 as a tiny little puppy. Vicki fostered Bri and her two brothers for a few months all together and their presence at the office brought much joy and laughter. The boys both found good, loving homes, but Vicki couldn’t let Brianna go. She decided to fully adopt Bri, and since then she has quickly climbed the ranks at the MHAAC office from newbie, to emotional support puppy, all the way up to the top. She does a phenomenal job, always supervising and keeping the staff on their toes.
vphillips@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0307
Vicki has worked for the Mental Health Association for the last several decades. During that time, she has worked in a variety of roles where she coordinated volunteer programs, worked as a consumer advocate, designed programs for DMHAS & DCCP initiatives, developed and facilitated mental health support groups, served as the agency administrator and has facilitated workshops presented on a county, state and national level.
Vicki has been active in disaster response since 1992 and has served locally on the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. As a trained a mental health responder she has traveled to national disaster sites to assist during Hurricanes Marilyn, Katrina, and Sandy.
She is an avid lover of her English Springer Spaniels, who all came from her involvement with Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue.
vphillips@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0307
Carolyn Quinn - Director of Community Engagement & Wellness Programs
Carolyn Quinn joined MHA in January of 2013 and has worked as a Peer Specialist in numerous roles for the agency. Carolyn received a Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Studies from Boston University in May 2010. Currently Carolyn is pursuing her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University. As well, Carolyn is a Certified Recovery Specialist Practitioner (CRSP) and a Disaster Relief Crisis Counselor (DRCC). Carolyn is a certified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer (with specialties for Public Safety and Higher Education Audiences) and a certified Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Trainer. Carolyn helps members develop their own WRAP using her own WRAP as one of many examples.
cquinn@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0303
Karen Williams - Office Manager
She joined the MHAAC team in June 2017 and is the Office Manager here at the Atlantic County office, but she also assists callers throughout the state for United By Wellness, the MHANJ online wellness center. She is the first person people hear or see when they call or come into the office. Karen says she finds satisfaction helping people find the resources they need so they can feel better and be well. As a past member of our Depression Support Group, Karen is a proud advocate for all support groups and the importance of connecting to peers. Karen is certified in Mental Health First Aid in both the adult and youth programs.
Prior to working here Karen was employed as an Administrative Assistant at both Resorts and Trump Plaza casinos in Atlantic City, and as a Executive Secretary at A.C. Coin & Slot.
Karen is a wife and mother of three children and is the proud grandmother to three grandsons. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to bake treats for special occasions.
kwilliams@mhanj.org 609-652-3800
Beth Wade - Media Specialist
Beth holds the position of Public Relations Specialist, a job that entails increasing the agency's visibility in the community via print media, social media, radio, TV and outreach. She works across programs to promote the work and services of the agency. Beth is responsible for designing and writing content for Atlantic’s monthly newsletter.
She has a long history as a writer for magazines as well as daily, weekly, and monthly newspapers. Beth earned a degree in Journalism from Kutztown University, PA. Her passion and motivation for the field of mental health comes from a long line of family members who have supported and advocated for those with disabilities. Several family members are employed in related fields. She has worked for Easter Seals, LIfePath, Manor Care and Home Instead Senior Care.
Beth is a mother of two teenagers and the wife of a public school educator. Her interests include cooking, gardening, biking, canoeing, creating recycled art, and birdwatching.
bwade@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0305
Brianna Phillips - The Big Boss
Brianna (Bri) is an English Springer Spaniel bred from championship lines. She is the very spoiled canine daughter of Vicki Phillips, MHAAC’s executive director. Bri came into Vicki’s home through foster in Fall 2022 as a tiny little puppy. Vicki fostered Bri and her two brothers for a few months all together and their presence at the office brought much joy and laughter. The boys both found good, loving homes, but Vicki couldn’t let Brianna go. She decided to fully adopt Bri, and since then she has quickly climbed the ranks at the MHAAC office from newbie, to emotional support puppy, all the way up to the top. She does a phenomenal job, always supervising and keeping the staff on their toes.
vphillips@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0307
Intensive Family Support Service
Gail Christian, Family Service Coordinator
Gail worked her way through undergraduate as a server until she eventually got her BA in Theatre from Rowan University. After she graduated, she worked as an EMT from 2003-2010. This, along with her own personal experience, is what made her want to go into the mental health field. She started at AtlantiCare in 2010 where she worked as a consumer advocate for a couple years until moving up to a peer case manager, which she did until 2022. Her journey with MHA started in 2010 where she facilitated the bipolar group and worked with the MESH program. She is currently a student at Wideners University where she is working towards getting her masters in social work. Gail loves the theatre and singing. As well as being outside, cooking, and being a mom to two amazing kids!!
gchristian@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0301
Cathy Chiola, Family Advocate
Catherine “Cathy” has been part of the MHA team since October 2007. Prior to joining MHA, Cathy was employed by UMDNJ as a EMT in Camden and Atlantic City. Cathy left her EMT position to care for her children and grandchildren.
Cathy brings personal experience to the Acute Care Family program, as she has a history of assisting family members with mental illness. Cathy has a adult daughter that suffers with mental illness and has faced experiences that many of our families are confronting. In addition to her daughter, Cathy grew up with her mother suffering from mental illness. She also is acutely of the feelings associated with loss, having lost her brother to the attacks of 9/11.
Cathy was a client of the IFSS program and now finds strength in helping other families navigate the mental health system and finding hope for the future.
cchiola@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0310
Wellness & Recovery Services
Emily McCall, MSW, LSW - Support Service Coordinator
Prior to working at MHA, Emily McCall received her bachelor’s in psychology from Rowan University and had interned at Sunrise Detox. Emily Started her MHA journey as an intern in 2022 while getting her master’s in social work from Stockton University. Once she graduated, she was offered a part-time position where she worked her way to her current job. She has certifications in QPR and CIT trainings, and is also now a WRAP facilitator and a BIT hoarding facilitator! When not at work, Emily loves summer days at the beach, despite starting her Halloween celebrations in July. Emily has become a very valuable team member and we cannot wait for more years to come.
emccall@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0308
Bianca Cicchino, BA - Community Wellness Center Outreach Specialist
Bianca started at MHA as an intern in Spring 2023. After her semester, she officially became a staff member in May 2023 to help out with UBW while finishing her B.A. in Social Work at Georgian Court University. During her free time, she likes to crochet various items, including clothes and dolls! Bianca aims to take her social work career into the criminal justice field while pursuing an MSW and, hopefully, a DSW.
bcicchino@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0313
Ashleigh Zappala - Community Wellness Center Navigator
Ashleigh Zappala is honored to work for the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County as the Community Wellness Center Navigator! She began her journey with the MHA in January 2022 as an intern and was lucky enough to stick around as an employee. Ashleigh is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work at Stockton University. Ashleigh feels honored and privileged to connect with so many people in the community through her one-to-one work under the Community Advocates Program, her support groups under United By Wellness and Individuals Concerted in Effort, and community outreach throughout the county.
azappala@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0312
Prior to working at MHA, Emily McCall received her bachelor’s in psychology from Rowan University and had interned at Sunrise Detox. Emily Started her MHA journey as an intern in 2022 while getting her master’s in social work from Stockton University. Once she graduated, she was offered a part-time position where she worked her way to her current job. She has certifications in QPR and CIT trainings, and is also now a WRAP facilitator and a BIT hoarding facilitator! When not at work, Emily loves summer days at the beach, despite starting her Halloween celebrations in July. Emily has become a very valuable team member and we cannot wait for more years to come.
emccall@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0308
Bianca Cicchino, BA - Community Wellness Center Outreach Specialist
Bianca started at MHA as an intern in Spring 2023. After her semester, she officially became a staff member in May 2023 to help out with UBW while finishing her B.A. in Social Work at Georgian Court University. During her free time, she likes to crochet various items, including clothes and dolls! Bianca aims to take her social work career into the criminal justice field while pursuing an MSW and, hopefully, a DSW.
bcicchino@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0313
Ashleigh Zappala - Community Wellness Center Navigator
Ashleigh Zappala is honored to work for the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County as the Community Wellness Center Navigator! She began her journey with the MHA in January 2022 as an intern and was lucky enough to stick around as an employee. Ashleigh is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work at Stockton University. Ashleigh feels honored and privileged to connect with so many people in the community through her one-to-one work under the Community Advocates Program, her support groups under United By Wellness and Individuals Concerted in Effort, and community outreach throughout the county.
azappala@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0312
Wellness Center of Atlantic County - Individuals Concerted in Effort
Seth Edwards, BA - United By Wellness Coordinator
Seth’s journey started as an undergraduate student at Stockton University where he majored in psychology and minored in creative writing. He was also a member of the “Active Minds” club which is what got him involved at MHA! He started volunteering with the organization through the club and knew he couldn’t possibly leave! He took a part-time job after graduating cum laude with his BA in Psychology in 2022, and recently came into his current position! He set the goal to get a PhD and work as a clinical psychologist. He, like many of the staff, loves being outside in nature and has recently tried getting more into meditation as a form of self-care. For those days where meditation just isn’t enough, he loves listening to music, playing tennis, or watching “trashy” reality TV!
sedwards@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0302
Julia Gimbel, BA - Community Wellness Center Manager
Julia is a recent graduate from Stockton University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, specializing in Mental Health. During her senior year, she interned with the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, gaining invaluable experience in mental health advocacy and consumer services. Since graduating, Julia has served as a coaching mentor for the Civic Action and Engagement Initiative, support group facilitator for United By Wellness, and is now managing the ICE wellness groups. Her favorite aspect of her job is meeting and interacting with her community through fun games, discussions, and activities. Julia is an advocate for all creative arts, as she often engages in music, drawing, and poetry as a form of self-care!
jgimbel@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0315
Yvonne Tran, BA - Peer Support Specialist
Yvonne Tran started at MHA as an intern in Spring 2022, after which she took on a part-time position. After her graduation from Stockton University with her BA in Psychology, she took on a full-time position at MHA during her gap year before entering graduate school. She is currently enrolled at the University of New Haven in Connecticut to earn her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She knows one thing for certain, and that is that she wants to help underrepresented and marginalized groups. Outside the MHA walls, Yvonne loves going on spontaneous adventures and hiking in the great outdoors!
ytran@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0306
Ryan - Facilitator
Engineer by day, Bipolar Support group's peer facilitator by night. In his journey after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he has treated his recovery like an engineer...learning as much as he can, testing through trial and error, and analyzing the data along the way. His initial reason for attending groups was that he heard some studies showed it improved recovery outcomes, so he thought it couldn't hurt and maybe he could help some others along the way. Since then the members of the group have become a second family, and he is now honored to be the facilitator.
When not working at his day job or facilitating, He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and their extended families, while continuing to explore his many hobbies, whether it's reading, watching a movie, DIY house projects, hiking, cycling, or various water activities. Ryan is always looking to learn, grow, and help others wherever he can.
azappala@mhanj.org
Devon Dorso, BA - Facilitator
Devon started at MHA as an intern peer facilitator while receiving her BA in psychology in 2022 at Stockton University. She stayed at the organization facilitating the Unapologetically Me and Depression and Anxiety groups. She is currently getting her MA in Counseling at Stockton and will graduate as an LAC in May 2024. She is a practicing intern counselor where she began at Pyramid Healthcare. She will be an intern counselor at Mindful Solutions, LLC for the next school year, and is very excited to do so. When not busy with school, interning, or facilitating, Devon loves taking care of her miniature zoo consisting of her cat Kato, her snake Spooky Noodle, and her THREE tarantulas named Dagger, Peach, and Shinigami. She also enjoys antiquing and being outside!
ddorso@mhanj.org
Seth’s journey started as an undergraduate student at Stockton University where he majored in psychology and minored in creative writing. He was also a member of the “Active Minds” club which is what got him involved at MHA! He started volunteering with the organization through the club and knew he couldn’t possibly leave! He took a part-time job after graduating cum laude with his BA in Psychology in 2022, and recently came into his current position! He set the goal to get a PhD and work as a clinical psychologist. He, like many of the staff, loves being outside in nature and has recently tried getting more into meditation as a form of self-care. For those days where meditation just isn’t enough, he loves listening to music, playing tennis, or watching “trashy” reality TV!
sedwards@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0302
Julia Gimbel, BA - Community Wellness Center Manager
Julia is a recent graduate from Stockton University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, specializing in Mental Health. During her senior year, she interned with the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, gaining invaluable experience in mental health advocacy and consumer services. Since graduating, Julia has served as a coaching mentor for the Civic Action and Engagement Initiative, support group facilitator for United By Wellness, and is now managing the ICE wellness groups. Her favorite aspect of her job is meeting and interacting with her community through fun games, discussions, and activities. Julia is an advocate for all creative arts, as she often engages in music, drawing, and poetry as a form of self-care!
jgimbel@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0315
Yvonne Tran, BA - Peer Support Specialist
Yvonne Tran started at MHA as an intern in Spring 2022, after which she took on a part-time position. After her graduation from Stockton University with her BA in Psychology, she took on a full-time position at MHA during her gap year before entering graduate school. She is currently enrolled at the University of New Haven in Connecticut to earn her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She knows one thing for certain, and that is that she wants to help underrepresented and marginalized groups. Outside the MHA walls, Yvonne loves going on spontaneous adventures and hiking in the great outdoors!
ytran@mhanj.org 609-652-3800 ext. 0306
Ryan - Facilitator
Engineer by day, Bipolar Support group's peer facilitator by night. In his journey after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he has treated his recovery like an engineer...learning as much as he can, testing through trial and error, and analyzing the data along the way. His initial reason for attending groups was that he heard some studies showed it improved recovery outcomes, so he thought it couldn't hurt and maybe he could help some others along the way. Since then the members of the group have become a second family, and he is now honored to be the facilitator.
When not working at his day job or facilitating, He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and their extended families, while continuing to explore his many hobbies, whether it's reading, watching a movie, DIY house projects, hiking, cycling, or various water activities. Ryan is always looking to learn, grow, and help others wherever he can.
azappala@mhanj.org
Devon Dorso, BA - Facilitator
Devon started at MHA as an intern peer facilitator while receiving her BA in psychology in 2022 at Stockton University. She stayed at the organization facilitating the Unapologetically Me and Depression and Anxiety groups. She is currently getting her MA in Counseling at Stockton and will graduate as an LAC in May 2024. She is a practicing intern counselor where she began at Pyramid Healthcare. She will be an intern counselor at Mindful Solutions, LLC for the next school year, and is very excited to do so. When not busy with school, interning, or facilitating, Devon loves taking care of her miniature zoo consisting of her cat Kato, her snake Spooky Noodle, and her THREE tarantulas named Dagger, Peach, and Shinigami. She also enjoys antiquing and being outside!
ddorso@mhanj.org
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