About Resilience Behavioral Health of Illinois
More About Who We Are
Discover how Resilience Behavioral Health of New Jersey can help you with our expert, compassionate team and client-centered philosophies rooted in trauma-informed care.
Our Story
Pioneering Advanced Mental Healthcare
At Resilience Behavioral Health of New Jersey, our mission is to provide compassionate and evidence-based mental health support, fostering resilience and well-being in every individual we serve. We believe that each person’s journey is unique, and we are dedicated to offering personalized care tailored to meet your specific needs.
We are more than just a mental health facility; we are your partners in wellness. Together, we will work towards nurturing your mental health and achieving a balanced, fulfilling life. By focusing on individualized attention and compassionate care, we strive to make a meaningful difference in your journey to well-being.
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Professionals Dedicated to Wellness
Meet Our Expert Team
At Resilience Behavioral Health of New Jersey, our dedicated team of professionals is at the heart of the compassionate and individualized care we provide. Our staff consists of experienced clinicians, therapists, and support personnel who are committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals. Learning about the organization’s philosophy provides helpful context for choosing residential inpatient mental health treatment in Somerset County with confidence.
Wendell Telesford
Program Director
- Wendell Telesford is a purpose-driven leader with over seven years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. As Program Director, he combines compassion, structure, and vision to create an environment where true healing and growth can take place.
- A certified Life Coach and devoted father, Wendell approaches his work with a heart for people and a deep understanding that recovery is more than treatment—it’s transformation. His leadership style empowers both clients and staff to embrace accountability, rediscover purpose, and take active steps toward lasting change.
- Beyond his role in the program, Wendell is deeply involved in community outreach, dedicating his time to helping individuals transition from treatment, rebuild stability, and find hope after hardship. He believes that every person carries potential waiting to be unlocked, and his mission is to help them see that in themselves.
- Guided by faith, empathy, and a commitment to impact, Wendell continues to lead with authenticity—reminding others that healing begins not just with care, but with connection.
Janice Rainford - MA, LPC, ACS
Outpatient Clinical Director
- With over 25 years of dedicated experience in the mental health field, I am a highly seasoned practitioner committed to fostering positive change and improving the quality of life for those I serve.
- I hold a Master’s Degree and am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), equipped with the comprehensive clinical knowledge and proven expertise necessary to address a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges.
- My approach is built on a foundation of passion and dedication. For more than two decades, my central goal has been to provide empathetic, effective, person-centered, and evidence-based support to individuals and families in need. I am deeply committed to helping clients achieve lasting well-being, uncover their inner resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives.I firmly believe in the immense potential for growth and healing within every individual. By fostering a safe, non-judgmental, and trusting therapeutic environment, I empower clients to explore their challenges, develop effective coping mechanisms, and build sustainable resilience. My unwavering passion is the catalyst behind my dedication to promoting comprehensive mental and emotional health in the community.
- I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative environment where every client feels truly heard and empowered on their journey toward mental and emotional health.
Roger Stecker
MA
- Roger Stecker brings over 25 years of experience in mental health, specializing in crisis intervention and supporting individuals through challenging life moments. He holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.
- Roger’s approach focuses on providing practical support, emotional understanding, and guidance during times of stress or conflict. He works collaboratively with clients to help them stabilize, gain clarity, and develop healthier coping strategies.
- With extensive experience supporting individuals and families, Roger creates a supportive and respectful environment where clients feel safe discussing difficult experiences. He is passionate about helping clients strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move forward with confidence and emotional stability.
Kerrie E. Anderson - MA, LPC (EMDR Specialist)
Clinical Therapist
- Kerrie E. Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while building confidence, stability, and long-term emotional wellness.
- Kerrie works with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. She brings compassion, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to helping clients feel understood and supported.
- In addition, Kerrie is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy for processing and healing from trauma. She creates a safe, respectful environment where clients can build resilience, develop coping skills, and move toward meaningful personal growth.
John Brutzman, MSW, LSW
Social Worker
- John Brutzman is a Licensed Social Worker who supports individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and adjustment difficulties. He earned his Master of Social Work from Fordham University and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Sport Management at the University of Texas at Austin.
- John has worked with a wide range of populations, including college students, student-athletes, and veterans. He uses evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen personal resilience.
- Drawing from his clinical training and his service in the U.S. Army National Guard, John takes a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach. He strives to create a collaborative environment where clients feel supported and empowered to grow.
Danielle Henderson, MA, Psychology
Clinical Therapist
- Danielle Henderson brings over 10 years of experience in mental health across educational, community, and clinical settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is pursuing her Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) credential in New Jersey.
- Danielle has supported diverse populations, including college students with serious mental illness, students with autism, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and veterans experiencing PTSD and other complex mental health challenges. She specializes in religious trauma and LGBTQ+ affirming counseling, providing a compassionate and thoughtful space for clients to explore identity, relationships, and life experiences.
- Her approach integrates psychodynamic insight with evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, and ACT to promote emotional regulation, self-understanding, and meaningful growth. Danielle is committed to helping clients recognize their strengths, build confidence, and navigate
life’s challenges with resilience.
Julie Mitchell
Clinical Therapist
- Julie Mitchell is a behavioral health professional specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. She is particularly known for her work in
group-based treatment, where she facilitates psychoeducational and process groups within Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) levels of care. Through structured discussion, experiential exercises, and skills-based learning, Julie helps clients develop greater emotional awareness, healthier coping strategies, and the tools necessary to sustain long-term recovery and psychological well-being. - Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the New York Institute of Technology and her Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, a nationally recognized leader in addiction treatment education and recovery research.
- Her clinical approach integrates evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented treatment frameworks. Julie works with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, emotional regulation difficulties, and substance use disorders.
- Julie brings both professional training and lived insight into the recovery process to her work. She is passionate about creating therapeutic environments where clients feel safe to explore the deeper emotional and cognitive patterns that influence behavior while developing meaningful, values-driven lives grounded in purpose, connection, and resilience.
Tirtha Patel, MA, LAC
Clinical Therapist
- Tirtha Patel is a Licensed Associate Counselor who joins Resilience Behavioral Health with a genuine passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges. With a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Tirtha brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to therapy that honors each person’s unique story and strengths.
- Tirtha’s clinical experience spans work with both adolescents and adults in school-based and outpatient settings. She has supported clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, dual diagnosis, and life transitions. Drawing on evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention, Tirtha creates a safe, collaborative space where clients feel heard and empowered to work toward meaningful change.
- Having grown up across cultures, Tirtha brings cross-cultural sensitivity and an inclusive perspective to her work with diverse populations. She believes that effective therapy is built on trust, authenticity, and a shared commitment to growth, and she’s dedicated to walking alongside clients as they discover their own path to resilience and wellbeing.
Benjamin A Hay Jr.
Assistant Program Director
- Benjamin A. Hay Jr. is a behavioral health professional with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. He is passionate about helping others achieve stability, independence, and improved quality of life.
- With a background in leadership, case management, and direct care, Benjamin brings a well-rounded approach to program operations, staff support, and client-centered services. He is committed to delivering compassionate, structured, and effective care while continuing to grow within the behavioral health field.
Compassionate, Experienced Treatment Designed to Work
Mental Health Treatment Driven By Results.
**Results based on % of Resilience Behavioral Health patients who reported significant improvements in symptoms after treatments. Getting to know the organization’s philosophy helps explain why resources like the Warren County outpatient mental health treatment page are educational and supportive.
83
reported improvement in trauma symptoms*
85
reported improvement in depression symptoms*
90
reported improvement in anxiety symptoms*