About Us
Cardinal Counseling Associates was created with one mission in mind: to bring honest and real support to honest and real people. Everyone here at Cardinal Counseling Associates believes you are the expert of your own mental health journey! We simply provide a safe place for you to process some of the more difficult challenges and discover new ways to ease the pain, sadness, anxiety, or other negative symptoms you might be feeling.
Our partnership with you is the center of our work as we bring strategies to our space that are proven effective. Now is the time to take the step to bring honest and real healing to your life!
Jay Tunnicliffe – MSW, LCSW, CSSW
Jay is the founder and lead therapist at Cardinal Counseling Associates. After obtaining his graduate degree from Rutgers University, Jay became an NJ Certified School Social Worker and worked full-time in the New Jersey School-based Youth Services Program model inside numerous schools in Southern New Jersey. After spending time serving high school students as a therapist and program manager, Jay opened Cardinal Counseling.
Jay’s experience has stretched from working in New Jersey’s public schools, various outpatient settings in Community Mental Health Agencies, and Intensive In-Community Therapy in New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care.
Being trained in various modalities of therapy, Jay’s approach uses techniques from appropriate evidence-based styles to help bring healing and hope to his clients. Jay has been trained in providing evidence-based interventions inspired by modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and more. He specializes in working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+, those struggling with emotional regulation, and those working to increase their self-esteem.
Jay’s passion is community and serving those within it. He volunteers with local youth organizations in his hometown, and mentors area youth. At the end of the day, his greatest joy is his family. Jay and his partner, Cameron, live in Atlantic County and share two amazing (but slightly hyper) dogs, Asher and Murphy.
April DiGiannantonio, LSW
April is a compassionate therapist who works with families, couples, and adults and specializes in supporting individuals and couples in committed interracial relationships. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics that arise in these relationships, April provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences, navigate cultural differences, and build strong and resilient partnerships. Through open and honest dialogue, April helps clients develop effective communication skills, address issues of identity and privilege, and create a loving and inclusive environment for their relationship to thrive.
April is dedicated to helping individuals navigate grief and loss’s complex emotions and challenges. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, April creates a supportive environment where clients can openly express their feelings, memories, and struggles. Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques and personalized support, April helps clients process their grief, find meaning and healing, and develop healthy coping strategies to move forward with their lives.
April is passionate about supporting blended families and parents who have children with mental health issues. Recognizing the unique dynamics and complexities that arise in these situations, April provides a nurturing and understanding space for families to address their challenges and build stronger bonds. Through family therapy and individual counseling, April helps families develop effective communication skills, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate the emotional and practical aspects of blended family life.
April’s commitment to cultural sensitivity and a belief in the power of therapy empowers clients to navigate the complexities of interracial relationships, grief, blended families, and children’s mental health with compassion, strength, and resilience. Through a collaborative and client-centered approach, April supports individuals and families in their journey toward growth, healing, and well-being.
Pascha Brown, LSW
Pascha is a highly regarded therapist with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. As a Veteran of the United States Air Force and with a compassionate and empathetic approach, Pascha has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate the complexities of their mental health, providing a safe and supportive environment for healing. Being a Veteran has helped to shape her treatment strategies for those suffering from grief, trauma, PTSD, and the unique challenges faced by first responders. Her expertise in trauma therapy has made her a sought-after provider working with various organizations to develop effective strategies for managing stress and trauma in high-pressure environments.
Outside of her professional life, Pascha finds solace and joy in spending quality time with her family at the beach. Whether it’s building sandcastles with her grandbaby, enjoying long walks along the shore, or simply soaking up the sun, the beach serves as her sanctuary and a place of rejuvenation. These moments with her loved ones are essential to her well-being, allowing her to stay grounded and connected amidst her demanding career. In addition to her love for the beach, Pascha has a passion for reading and traveling to new destinations.
Qualifications
- Years in Practice: 5+ Years
- License: New Jersey / 44SC05977200
- School: Rutgers University
- Year Graduated: 2017
