Our Director
Bernadette Silva, MA, CRC
Bernadette holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree from Baruch College. She has conducted career seminars on resume writing, interviewing skills, career planning, and innovative techniques for job hunting. She consults for private and not-for-profit organizations providing outplacement services to displaced employees. For the past several years, she has been providing life coaching for individuals who are looking to create a balance in all areas of their lives.
Her specialty is in working with individuals who are having trouble managing their illness in the workplace or finding a job that’s the “right fit”. Furthermore, she offers academic counseling to students who struggle with the demands of school and balancing personal life’s demands. Bernadette has also appeared in Psychology Today.
Her approach is cognitive therapy-based, where clients learn ways to effectively manage the challenges faced daily. She teaches clients how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones. Clients engage in their personal growth, empowering their ability to embark on new challenges.
EDUCATION
New York University Rehabilitation Counseling Program Master’s in Counseling
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor 1998
Baruch College 1995
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS
Multiple Sclerosis Society - Consultant
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine
Director vocational department
New York Presbyterian Hospital, Payne Whitney Clinic, Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
Project Renewal
SPECIAL SKILLS
Bilingual Spanish
Kerly Mayorga, MA, MSW (candidate), BA
Kerly Mayorga is an experienced Integrated Care and Family Services Professional with over 10 years supporting children, youth, and families. She holds a Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kean University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Rutgers University.
Kerly has worked extensively with children and youth ages birth through 22, focusing on behavioral health, care coordination, and family. She has served as a Senior Care Manager at Partnership for Children of Essex, where she coordinated team meetings and facilitated collaboration among service providers delivering in-home and out-of-home services for youth with emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. Currently, she is completing her MSW internship as a Clinical Assistant at Minds in Motion, assisting with psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and trauma-informed interventions.
Her approach centers on culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that empowers families, especially Spanish-speaking households, to navigate complex systems and access specialized services. Kerly also offers parent coaching, guidance on public benefits and legal resources, and support in building children’s emotional regulation and social skills.
EDUCATION
Montclair State University — M.A. in Child Advocacy and Policy
Kean University — B.A. in Psychology
Rutgers University — Master of Social Work (MSW) Candidate
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Behavioral Assistant
Registered Child Forensic Interviewer (in progress)
SPECIAL SKILLS
Bilingual in Spanish and English
Expertise in family advocacy