Service Providers
Amy Aracena, LSW
Amy Aracena has been working with Allies in Caring since August 2020. She’s a native New Yorker who moved to Newark, New Jersey, with her husband and three children eighteen years ago. Amy is a Licensed Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker who serves as a clinical consultant and a Master level therapist at Allies in Caring. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work with a Clinical Concentration from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University with double majors in Social Work and Sociology and a minor in Psychology.
Before returning to college and during her undergraduate years, she worked as a Teacher’s Aide and Special Education Support Staff for more than 15 years.
What she enjoys most about working at Allies in Caring are the connections formed with the families and youth from urban communities, the special needs population she supports, and Allies staff members.
Catherine Cipolla, LCSW
Catherine Cipolla, LCSW, has over 27 years of experience in psychotherapy, with specialty training in working with children, adolescents, and families. She also has presented many workshops for the general public and for clinical training purposes. Catherine also has teaching experience in the Masters of Social Work program at Stockton University.
Besides her private practice and her work with Allies in Caring as a Clinical Supervisor, she has worked at Atlanticare Behavioral Health: Child/Adolescent Unit; Bacharach Institute: Eating Disorders Center; Atlantic County Special Services School: Consultant and Provider; and Stockton University in various roles.
After receiving her Master’s Degree from Rutgers University in 1996, she continued formal training in a 2-year eco-systemic structural family therapy externship program at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center. In addition, she is enrolled in Child Parent Psychotherapy, a two-year training program to serve children from birth to age five and their families.
She has training in a variety of areas, including trauma, alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, childhood behavioral problems, ADHD, ODD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, relationship issues, domestic violence, divorce, and parenting.
Myriam Ciifuentes-Solari, LAC
Myriam Ciifuentes-Solari is a Master Therapist providing counseling, crisis intervention, resource and support system development, and case management for families and children. Myriam believes that delivering a goal-oriented and structured therapy will help families recover from neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or physical abuse. In addition, having a time-limited, goal-oriented, and structured therapy in the families' natural environment will encourage positive changes in family dynamics.
In addition to many certifications in personal development and her Holistic Coach Platform, she managed the Guidance department curriculum for the local School District.
Myriam has a master's degree in School Counseling, a postgraduate degree as a Specialist in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University, and a Certification as a Holistic Life Coach from the Holistic Institute of Vital Hygiene in Spain.
Ethan Mays, LSW
I am a Licensed Therapist. I have been in the social work entity for 17 years. I began as a Behavioral Assistant. In 2011, I became a master's Level Therapist. I have two master's degrees. I have one in Business Administration and one in Social Work. I currently have an MSW and an MBA. I received my license in social work in 2021. I now work with youth with Behavioral issues and mental health conditions, which include ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Bipolar.
Karen Miguel, BSW
She was born and raised in Vineland, NJ. She comes from an immigrant family, and she is proud to say that she is a first-generation college graduate. She is bilingual, and she graduated from Stockton University (Spring 2021) with, bachelor's degree in Social Work.
She worked as a group leader at Vineland Public Schools. Facilitated children with homework/school work health, fitness, prevention/education, and self-esteem. Tutored children at Family Success Centers with their school work and created events to bring children, families, and the community together. Served as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking families.
She is happy to be working at Allies in Caring because it allows her to work with a diverse community. She has worked with children/youth for many years. It's her passion to help others because we all learn and grow from one another.
Imani Phillips, B.S.
Imani is graduating from Stockton University in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in behavioral neuroscience. She has prior experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities and children. Her main goal is to grow as a Behavioral Technician at Allies in Caring as she continues her education in counseling.
After graduating with her undergraduate degree, she will attend an online graduate program to obtain her Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling. Before being a technician, she was an intern working in the field and co-facilitating programs at the office. Imani believes that with hard work, anything is possible and strives to make a career by helping anyone in whatever way she can.
She is highly motivated, hardworking, and optimistic.
Imani is also a woman of faith. Outside of work and her education, she spends much of her time as a youth leader at her church, where she counsels the younger population. She also spends much time studying the Word of God, spreading the Gospel, and holding devotions for her church family. In addition, Imani loves to spend time with her family and play with her family's pets.
Claudia día Del Pilar Ramírez
Claudia was born in Medellin, Colombia. There she graduated in Psychology and worked as a therapist for 26 years in the clinical area providing individual and family care. Claudia also worked in the educational space as a school counselor and university professor in Psychology. In addition, she attended crisis intervention and psycho prophylaxis in Mental Health, identifying psychosocial protective and risk factors in children and youth.
Then she completed a master's degree in Psychology at the Atlantic International University. She has been happily working with Allies In Caring for four years, working as a therapist. Claudia appreciates working in this company for the quality of human beings who work there and because its managers and staff decisively and effectively take on new challenges, seeking progress for all.
Solaida Santiago-Ramos, LSW
Solaida Santiago-Ramos began as an intern for Allies in Caring in 2018 while earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Counseling from Pillar College in Somerset, New Jersey. She returned as a graduate-level intern and remained for the next three years. After earning her Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University in May 2022 and her license to practice from the State of NJ, she joined our team as a full-time clinician. Solaida is fluent in English and Spanish and is trained in several clinical and evidenced-based modalities.
As the oldest of three and raised in Camden, Solaida learned early how relationships and environment influenced choices. Her passions became her spirituality, family/friends, and education. She loves learning about other cultures and practices and has a deep and complete affinity for humanity. She enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and grandkids, traveling, loving animals, and ministry.
As a clinician, Solaida hopes to bring hope, a guide to thrive, and solemnly support and uphold the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. She is both honored and humbled to fulfill this role.
Liliana Torres, MSW
Liliana Torres is passionate about helping families and individuals reach their highest potential and overcome adversities. Liliana's achievements include graduating from Rutgers University and obtaining a bachelor's degree in Social Work.
Liliana then completed Stockton University's Advanced Standing program and received a master's degree in Social Work. In addition, Liliana has worked with individuals in crisis, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral problems.
Liliana is excited to begin her new professional journey at Allies in Caring and collaborating with the community and those in need of services.