The Advisory Board for the Department of Online Counselor Education at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) serves a vital role in advancing our program’s mission and vision by providing strategic guidance and expertise to ensure the continued excellence and relevance of our program. Membership on our advisory board reflects the diversity and inclusivity inherent in our program’s vision and mission. Comprising individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, expertise, and lived experiences, our advisory board reflects the commitment of our program to promoting social justice, equity, and cultural competence in counseling practice. Our advisory board includes representatives from clinical practice, community organizations, and other relevant sectors, ensuring a multi-faceted perspective on the needs and priorities of our students and stakeholders. Through collaboration and partnership with our advisory board, we are able to continuously assess and adapt our curriculum, policies, and practices to meet the evolving needs of our students and the broader counseling profession.
MaryGrace Billek, Director of Human Services for Mercer County, NJ, Retired
The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department’s goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.
Arti D. Kakkar, DHA, Ed.S., LMFT, Director, Human Services, County of Passaic
Arti D. Kakkar currently serves as the Director of the Human Services Department for Passaic County. Before this role, she was the Executive Director of the Family Service Bureau of Newark, a community-based outpatient behavioral health center serving the inner city of Newark and West Hudson. She was the Chief of Health and Human Services at the New Community Corporation (NCC), a community development corporation in Newark, overseeing multiple human service departments. In her various positions, Dr. Kakkar has successfully implemented effective programs and operational practices that enhance services for the communities she serves. She was awarded the 2017 Humanitarian Award from Seton Hall University in recognition of her 19 years of service in the Greater Newark area. Arti is a strong advocate for systems work that improves the quality of life for underserved communities and fosters positive changes, enhancing the outcomes for all. Dr. Kakkar completed her Doctor of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, in addition to the Ed.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy and M.A. in Psychological Studies from Seton Hall University.
Marion McLaurin Center for Family Services
Center for Family Services is a leading non-profit social services provider with a long-standing history of trusted care and a mission to support and empower individuals, families, and communities to achieve a better life through vision, hope, and strength. Center For Family Services prides itself on evidence-based services and a comprehensive continuum of care, which includes specialized services in these areas: counseling & behavioral health, addiction & recovery, community connections, early childhood education, family support and prevention, safe & supportive housing, victim & trauma response, and workforce development.
Heather Ogden National Center for Advocacy and Recovery
NCAAR efforts promote recovery and wellness through advocacy, education, and progressive policy initiatives that identify addiction as a public health concern, reduce stigma and its related harms, and foster macro and micro-level systemic change.
Racquel Romans-Henry Salvation and Social Justice
Salvation and Social Justice seeks to liberate public policy theologically by modeling the hope and resiliency of Black faith, where historically marginalized people move from lamentation to liberation by envisioning and creating their own community led solutions to a structurally racist society.
Lee Ruszczyk Henry J. Austin Health Center
Henry J. Austin Health Center is a federally qualified health center and the largest non-hospital based ambulatory care provider in Trenton, NJ. They understand the importance of delivering health care to a culturally diverse community, provide trauma-informed holistic care, and focus on multi-disciplinary collaborative care that includes behavioral health care. They also understand their community has complex needs and offer additional services that support the social determinants of health, including transportation, food assistance, medication assistance, and translation services.
April Taliaferro ‘26, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
April Taliaferro is a CCBHC Case Management Supervisor at Oaks Integrated Care with over 15 years of experience in mental health and addictions. With four years in a leadership role, she is passionate about supporting both clients and professionals in the field. April is honored to serve on the advisory board and looks forward to helping shape a program that equips future counselors for meaningful, real-world impact.