AJ Solomon
Co-founder
Helping people to gain and maintain sobriety every day is a dream come true for AJ. Growing up in South Jersey and graduating from University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors of Arts (History and Legal Studies), his career path seemed to be headed toward the political arena. After an internship with US Senator Patrick Toomey, and working for the Advance Team and Office of Constituent Relations for the Office of the Governor of New Jersey (Governor Chris Christie), AJ found himself struggling with addiction. He talks about how his life was saved because he attended treatment and was introduced to a new way of life. AJ credits his determination, his willingness to change his whole value system, and great sponsorship as big components in his recovery. It was through recovery that he realized it was the first thing that he was truly passionate about and his path for helping people was forged.
AJ began his career in the treatment arena when he became a House Manager and Behavioral Health Technician at a facility in Prescott, Arizona. Eventually, he would work his way up to becoming a part time therapist and the Director of Marketing and Admissions at this facility. While currently working to obtain his Masters in Clinical Social Work, AJ is fulfilling his passion for helping people through his role with Victory Bay Recovery Center.
Easy going, laid back, energetic and clear-headed are the best ways to describe AJ. Anyone who talks to him will find him warm, inviting and friendly. He is easy to talk to, has lots of friends, and enjoys working out and staying fit, traveling, and public speaking. AJ is honored to be able to help all who seek treatment through Victory Bay to find the willingness to change and surpass the odds.
“You’ve got a gift, but it’s not enough – you’ve got to develop yourself. Rely too much on your gift, and you will fail.” – The Natural, 1984
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AJ Solomon – Co-founder
Brent Reese
Co-founder
Moving into the healthcare field where he can follow his passion and help others to achieve long-term sobriety is true fulfillment for Brent. While he talks about his recovery being the greatest gift he’s ever received, he also says that it is the greatest gift that he can pass along to others.
Reese’s background includes launching successful start-ups and organizational turn-arounds with seamless integration and phenomenal growth while sustaining short and long term profitability objectives. His business acumen, innovative nature, organizational skill and dedication have paved the way for the creation of Victory Bay Recovery Center along with co-founder AJ Solomon.
Driven, focused and organized describe Brent and his success implicitly. Brent has the keen power of anticipation, which is his driving force in everything that he does. One of his favorite lines from the movie Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get” is a true testament to his positive outlook, optimism and confidence. When he slows down, Brent enjoys road trips, snowy winters, his family and gardening.
“Welcome to a second chance at life.” – Davey P.
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Brent Reese – Co-founder
Chris McGoldrick
Co-owner, VP of Operations
Chris has worked at treatment facilities in Prescott, Arizona, as a House Manager, Intake Coordinator, and Director of Admissions & Marketing. This background and experience will serve him well as VP of Operations at Victory Bay.
Supporting people on their path to recovering, as others supported him, is a great feeling for Chris. Growing up in Philadelphia and South Jersey gives Chris an interesting perspective into the culture and pressures that exists for young people. He started to do drugs in his pre-teen years and then escalated into more dangerous degrees of drug and alcohol abuse. First attending treatment at the age of 20, Chris experienced several relapses and finally had a moment of clarity about his life and became willing to get help and accept change. He committed to sobriety and maintains his path of recovery through willingness and helping others.
Passionate, creative, and organized summarize Chris’s personality. Many things make him happy, but most importantly seeing other people succeed in recovery. Chris’ interests include volunteering his time with the Special Olympics, maintaining close relationships with family and friends, hockey and golf. Chris is an upbeat person, a good judge of character and a compassionate ear who will be a welcome voice to those who call Victory Bay in need of a helping hand.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
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Chris McGoldrick – Co-owner, VP of Operations
Melissa Cramutolo, MSW, LSW, LCADC
Clinical Director
Growing up in South Jersey, Melissa was a creative, introspective, and curious child who loved to read, write, and learn. She moved to New York City at 18 to pursue her dream of studying at NYU. During her studies in speech therapy, Melissa became deeply interested in her psychology classes and developed an enthusiasm for learning about the inner workings of the human mind. She graduated with a B.S in Speech Therapy in 2014, but realized she felt a stronger pull to the human development field. It was at this time she began a new journey on the path to personal development and spiritual growth, and subsequently discovered her true passion: helping others to reach their highest potential as individuals.
Currently, Melissa is in the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program at Rutgers University with a specialization in clinical social work. She is also in the Addictions Counselor Training program at Rutgers to obtain her LCADC license, which will allow her to work with those suffering from addiction. Melissa started her journey in addictions treatment with a clinical internship at SODAT (Services to Overcome Drug Abuse Among Teenagers), which solidified her desire to be of service in this field. Melissa believes that every one has something unique to offer the world and she hopes to empower clients to understand and value their own authenticity.
“We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or to other people’s models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open” – Shakti Gawain
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Melissa Cramutolo, MSW, LSW, LCADC – Clinical Director
Dr. Papa, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Papa-Molter realized her passion in working with those suffering from addiction when she was a graduate student at NYU and interned at Inter-care, a substance abuse treatment center in New York City.
After earning her master’s degree at NYU, she went on to medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she knew her passion was the field of psychiatry. Once she earned her medical degree, Dr. Papa-Molter completed her psychiatric residency at Drexel University College of Medicine where she served as Chief Resident in her final year.
Dr. Papa-Molter received awards for Clinical Excellence as well as for her skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry and has previously worked in an inpatient rehab, IOPs and partial hospitals for those suffering with mental illness and substance use disorders.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling and spending time with her family.
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hours – his greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle-victorious.” – Vince Lombardi, (1913-1970)
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Dr. Papa, DO – Medical Director
Kelly Walker RN, BSN
Director of Nursing
Kelly was raised in a large town in Southern NJ and knew at a young age she would dedicate her life to helping others in need. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Salisbury University, Maryland. This is where she first became particularly interested in working with individuals with mental illness.
For the past 17 years she has provided care to individuals with co-occurring disorders with a focus on ensuring that services are caring, compassionate, and integrated. Her mission is to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and receives fully integrated care.
Kelly is a Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey and in addition to her medical background she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Kelly hopes to make a difference for all who enter the doors of Victory Bay.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill, (1908-1965)
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Kelly Walker RN, BSN – Nursing Director
Phil Smyth CADC, ICGC
Primary Therapist
Phil was born and raised in the South Jersey area and has lived there his entire life. Growing up, Phil was passionate about playing baseball and football which came to an end once substances came into the picture. Phil considers himself a product of effective counseling and will tell you that treatment saved his life. Having experienced addiction firsthand in both his family and personal life, Phil has set out to make a difference. In his spare time, Phil volunteers in the community speaking at local high schools to bring awareness to addiction to break the stigma. Phil is passionate about sharing his experience with the community and has even started writing a book in his free time.
Phil has been working in the field for five years in various modalities of treatment and knew from the first day that the substance use population was one he wanted to stick with. A graduate from Drexel University’s Behavioral Health Counseling program, Phil is actively pursuing his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma Informed Care. Phil is actively a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and plans on pursuing his LPC upon graduation. As a therapist, Phil utilizes a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Phil also is passionate about doing family counseling and believes that it is one of the most important components to longevity in recovery.
“People Who Are Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change the World, Are The Ones Who Do.” – Rob Siltanen
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Phil Smyth CADC, ICGC – Primary Therapist
Alexa Garvey, LSW, LCADC
Clinical Supervisor
Alexa was born and raised in the South Jersey area and has a unique footing in the culture that surrounds substance abuse in this corner of the country.
After watching the effect the opioid crisis had in her hometown, and how it touched nearly every person she came into contact with in some way, Alexa found purpose in pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University with a focus on trauma, addictions and substance abuse services.
She has worked the last three years in the field and is excited to be involved with an agency that offers dignity, hope and positive regard for all people struggling with addiction. Recently finishing up a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University, Alexa hopes to bring her expertise in empathy, understanding and recovery to each client she serves.
In her spare time, Alexa enjoys watching horror movies, participating in story-telling events, reading, continuing her education and being a devoted dog mom.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, (1884-1962)
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Alexa Garvey, LSW, LCADC – Assistant Clinical Director
Joe Grosso, MA, ATR-P, LAC
Mental Health Program Coordinator
Joe was born and raised in South Jersey. He completed his MA in Counseling and Art Therapy at Drexel University and is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). Joe was placed at a substance abuse facility for his first internship and knew after the first day that he would work in the field for the rest of his life. Joe uses his passion for the arts as a means of allowing clients to express their internal emotions in a non-verbal way. Joe also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to allow clients to gain skills. Through extreme empathy, Joe is able to meet clients where they are and help them gain resiliency and grow.
Joe is extremely grateful and humbled to a part of the Victory Bay team, and eager to continue his passion for making a difference.
“Each person’s life is like a mandala – a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear and think forms the mandala of our life.” – Pema Chodron
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Joe Grosso, MA, ATR-P, LAC – Mental Health Program Coordinator
Caroline Eisenberg, RD/RDN
Nutritionist
Caroline grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, she tries to entertain her two young daughters along with her husband. She enjoys going to the beach in the summer, the mountains in the winter, and anywhere outside in between. Caroline loves Disney World more than any adult should and forces that fun onto her family. When she is not “adulting,” you can find her at the library or Barnes and Noble with a latte checking out all the newest fiction. She loves working at Victory Bay because she is passionate about eating disorder recovery and believes everyone should have food freedom!
“It’s hard work, but it’s worth working on.”
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Caroline Eisenberg, RD/RDN – Nutritionist
Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her education at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. She has experience working with adolescents and adults with psychiatric and substance use disorders in inpatient and outpatient settings. She believes in a harm reduction approach in order to meet patients where they are and focus on positive change without judgment. Shannon provides medication management and supportive psychotherapy to assist patients in achieving their goals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
In her free time she enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her cat.
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Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP-BC – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katie Quinn
Primary Therapist
Growing up in South Jersey, she was surrounded by a loving family who provided her with a great education and significant morals. During her late teens, Katie slowly fell into her personal struggles with substance abuse. Entering her first treatment center at nineteen years old, she was determined to discover who she really was. But it took time.
At twenty-three, Katie finally surrendered to her battle with substance abuse. She is now committed to her recovery, shares her journey within others, and lives her life with purpose and integrity.
As a young girl, Katie dreamed that one day she would find her purpose to help change the world; she started that journey as a Chemical Dependency Technician at a local detox.
She next began her quest for her CADC license to become a Substance Abuse Counselor and recently came on board at Victory Bay as a CADC Intern. She is dedicated, driven, and feels truly blessed to help others struggling with addiction to find their purpose in the world.
“Two things define you; Your patience when you have nothing. And your attitude when you have everything.” – Anonymous
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Katie Quinn – Primary Therapist
Ashley Coralluzzo, MS, LCADC Intern
Integrative Services Coordinator and Primary Therapist
Ashley was born and raised in a small town in southern New Jersey. Addiction runs in her family and she is happy and grateful to be sober one day at a time for 11 years.
At a young age, Ashley realized that she always wanted to help people and empower people to be the best they can be. She found herself being interested in how people think, feel and interact with one another so she pursued the field of Psychology and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and then achieved her Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She is currently working on achieving her LPC and LCADC to better enable her to help people who suffer from the disease of addiction.
Ashley started her career by working as a Cognitive Therapist and Case Manager for patients who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries. Once Ashley achieved her MS she was able to take her career to higher levels and found herself working as a Supervisor for group homes and has eventually worked in both the mental health and addiction fields including inpatient, outpatient, with children, adolescents, and adults.
Ashley is the proud mother of her 7-year-old son. She finds peace while sitting on the beach listening to the ocean and finds purpose in empowering people who struggle by finding stability and peace in their life.
“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao-Tzu (601-531BC)
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Ashley Coralluzzo, MS, LCADC Intern – Integrative Services Coordinator and Primary Therapist
Bryan Baldwin, CACD
Primary Therapist
Bryan was born and raised in a supportive, loving home in South Jersey and currently resides in Collingswood, NJ. Bryan participated in High School sports that kept him away from drugs and alcohol. However, following graduation and the sudden loss of his father, Bryan was unable to cope with the trauma and turned to drugs and alcohol. His 15-year battle would have many negative consequences in family, social, employment, educational, and legal domains. Following many attempts at recovery, both with and without treatment, Bryan finally surrendered in 2012. He entered in-patient treatment and took suggestions while attending self-help groups, where he eventually joined a homegroup and obtained a sponsor. Bryan decided to turn his passion for helping others into a career. He returned to school in 2014, where he would eventually earn his Associates’s Degree in Addictions Counseling. In 2015, He began working in the field at a non-profit, accumulating required intern hours and continuing his education at Drexel University. Bryan was awarded his CADC in July of 2019 and continues to utilize his passion, experience, and education to work with individuals on their personal recovery efforts. He plans on continuing his education and working toward his LPC/LAC. Bryan loves Philly sports, primarily the Eagles and Phillies, and spending time with his family.
“If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” – Confucius
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Bryan Baldwin, CADC – Primary Therapist
Rodney Washington
Primary Therapist
Rodney was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He is the eldest of 6 children and was raised in a single-parent home. He completed High School and College and moved on to receive a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Rodney is attracted to Victory Bay’s overall energy and professionalism and its dynamic mission. Being in service to consumers and bearing witness to the progressive transitions made in their lives.
In his spare time Rodney likes to read books, watch TV, play scrabble and spend time with family and friends.
“Relationships are assignments. The
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Rodney Washington, LSW – Primary Therapist
Valentina Gaspari
Administrative Coordinator
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Valentina Gaspari – Primary Therapist
Kate Zielinski, LCADC
Primary Therapist
Kate was born and raised in South Jersey, where she resides today with her family. She realized early on in life that she wanted to help those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders and aid in repairing and rebuilding clients’ lives and relationships with others.
Kate attended Towson University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2006 and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2008. She has over 12 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields working with teens, adults, and families. In order to provide clients with the best care, Kate utilizes a combination of strengths-based, evidence-based practices that support cognitive and emotional health, such as Motivation Interviewing, CBT, DBT, and SFT. Kate’s goal is to offer compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive therapeutic services to help clients achieve their goals in a safe environment. Kate enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing on the beach, and being a devoted dog mom.
“It’s not how many times you get knocked down that count, it’s how many times you get back up. ” – George A. Custer
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Kate Zielinski, LCADC – Primary Therapist
Nicole Mossbacher, LAC – Primary Therapist
Sarah Kotz, LSW
Counselor
Sarah has lived in South Jersey her whole life. She always knew she wanted to work in a field helping other people. She particularly wanted to work with clients with co-occurring disorders, trauma, and grief. Sarah graduated from Rowan University with a bachelor’s in law and Justice and a minor in Psychology in 2020. Recently Sarah graduated from Rutgers University School of Social Work, gaining her LSW. She is currently working on her LCADC while also obtaining a certificate in Violence Against Women and Children. In her spare time, Sarah loves to hang out with her friends and family. A hobby of hers is fashion and makeup. She also volunteers for the Lupus Foundation and has shared her mom’s story to help others.
“The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. “Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.
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Sarah Kotz, LSW – Counselor
Shantel Jones, LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
Shantel grew up in a small town in South Jersey. From a very young age, she always had a passion for helping others. This passion drew her towards a career in nursing. She graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute’s Practical Nursing Program in Moorestown, NJ. For the past ten years, Shantel has assisted individuals in achieving an improved quality of life.
Addiction runs in her family, and she is grateful to have the opportunity to help others in their journey. Shantel strives to ensure that everyone is met with compassion and treated with respect.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
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Shantel Jones, LPN
Mike Mogilner
Medical Assistant
Mike grew up in Oceanside, New York. He has since moved to South Jersey, where he works as a Victory Bay. Mike started his career here as a Peer Recovery Specialist and has since been promoted to Medical Assistant. Mike loves his job because he can give back by helping people at a place that also saved his life. When he is not working, he likes to spend quality time with his family and friends. He also enjoys playing softball with his work family and tending to his garden.
“An act out of anger is an act against yourself” -Unknown
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Mike Mogilner – Medical Support Lead
Vicky Walter
Case Manager
Vicky was born and raised in South Jersey. She has over fifteen years addictions recovery experience both professionally and personally. Vicky is currently working toward obtaining her CADC. From a young age Vicky always knew her journey was meant to help people, including her son, who was an addict for 12 years. She is very compassionate, dedicated and patient. In her spare time, you can find Vicky on the beach, reading a good book or spending time with family and friends.
“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” Oprah Winfrey
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Vicky Walter – Case Manager
Alexandria Lynch – Case Manager
Bill Daly
Alumni Team Lead
Bill grew up locally in Sicklerville, New Jersey. As a former Victory Bay client, Bill loves giving the clients insight into his past experiences to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Battling his addiction and being in and out of institutions made him realize he wants to help anyone who is also struggling with their own demons. Bill wants everyone to know there is a way out if you just ask for help.
In his free time, Bill gets the most enjoyment out of any type of physical activity. But his favorite things to do are going to the gym and golf.
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Bill Daly – Admissions Team Lead
Heather Henry
Art Instructor
Born and raised in South Jersey, Heather has always been known as a compassionate person who holds great empathy towards others. Wife and Mother of 4, Heather found herself becoming an artist overnight at the age of 42, while enduring the crushing trial of discovering her son was an addict. Before that point, she never gave much thought to art. Typically an extrovert, Heather found herself barely wanting to leave her house. Art became a vehicle for coping and a way of self-expression at a time when she sunk into a deep depression. Heather started her business, Your Inner Artist Designs, where she sells her art and teaches art classes to the general public in Medford, NJ. Although she never imagined working in the field of addiction, she came to Victory Bay Recovery Center as an art teacher and has found her true calling in life. She believes she heard God speak to her and tell her that her work would be “encouraging and helping people who struggle with addiction”.
Heather lives for the days when she comes to Victory Bay Recovery Center to teach art. Teaching art is the vehicle which Heather uses to convey to her “Painters” that they are loved, valued and worth the work it takes to get clean and stay clean. Although she typically struggles with remembering names, she does not forget her painters, their stories and their hearts. She likes to “mother” them with the occasional snack, a listening ear, and some love. She never imagined that her long-time desire to help people would mean working in an Addiction Recovery Center, but she believes that God pulled her from ashes and created beauty, both in the form of art, and in all the relationships she has here at Victory Bay Recovery Center.
“If it is possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone” Romans 12:18
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Heather Henry – Art Instructor
Brenda Kiss
Reiki Master and Wellness Expert
Brenda Kiss is a certified NAP and NLP practitioner (neuro-associative and neuro-linguistic practitioner) and a Master Energy Healer – combining a deep understanding of the mind and the power of energy healing to rapidly transform lives.
Brenda had struggled with body image and weight for 25 years. Feeling lost in her life she turned to food and other people’s problems to help her deal, or not deal, with her own problems and emotions. Most days she struggled with internal battles, but pretended and appeared to be happy. She lived in the world of “shoulds”; often asking herself, should I eat this or that, should I sleep or stay awake, should I exercise or not, should I work or be a stay-at-home mom, and the list goes on.
After a major transformation many years ago, Brenda’s life improved in all areas: health, wealth, spirituality, and relationships. She is truly happy with lots of love and abundance in her life. Brenda realized living with your inner wisdom and strength enables you to live in true happiness, love and abundance. Brenda is so passionate about helping others realize their truth. She is on a mission is to help people to discover their inner wisdom and strength that already exist within them.
“When you catch a glimpse of your potential, that’s when passion is born.” -Zig Ziglar (1926-2012)
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Brenda Kiss – Reiki Master and Wellness Expert
Casey Spila- Front Desk Receptionist
Dane Fantasia – Client Care Manager
Danielle Cooker
Care Coordinator
From a young age, Danielle knew that she wanted to make a difference in others’ lives. In 2013, she graduated with her Associate in Arts in Education. She wanted to pursue a career as a special education teacher; however, after completing an internship as a residential counselor at a therapeutic summer camp in New Hampshire, she decided that she wanted to change her career path.
Danielle graduated from Rowan University with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked with adolescents as a mental health associate in an outpatient behavioral health and addiction treatment facility. Knowing that she wanted to dedicate her life to assisting individuals in need, Danielle decided to further her education and enroll in the Master’s of Social Work program (MSW) at Rutgers University. Through her clinical internship at High Focus Centers, she found her true passion: to help those struggling with addiction. She is currently enrolled in the Addictions Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate program to help fulfill the requirements needed to obtain her LCADC.
Danielle is excited to be a part of the team at Victory Bay Recovery Center and is determined to help make a difference within the community.
In her spare time, Danielle enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and working out.
“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.” – Lewis Carroll, (1832-1898)
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Danielle Cooker – Care Coordinator
Alexandria Walsh James – Client Experience Coordinator
Brian Howard
Peer Recovery Specialist
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Brian Howard – Assistant Director of Client Services
Justin Von Der Tann – Peer Recovery Specialist Team Lead
To work towards recovery with this team of addiction specialists call Victory Bay Recovery Center at 855.259.1624 to learn more!