Meet Our Staff
Phillip Bracco, Director, LMFT,
Clinical Supervisor
Phil is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. With experience in anxiety, mood disorders, addiction, and trauma, he provides a supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen relationships, and discover healthier ways to cope.
He specializes in working with individuals and couples facing relational struggles, affair recovery, and family dynamics. His approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each client’s unique needs. While pursuing best clinical practices is important, Phil’s foundation is rooted in Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the authority of Scripture. This shapes who he is both personally and as a counselor. He recognizes that each client’s journey is unique and is committed to meeting people where they are with compassion and respect for their beliefs.
As the Director of Emergence Counseling Center, he is dedicated to fostering a healing and growth-focused environment.
Abigael Davis, LCSW, EMDR, Brainspotting
Abigael Davis, LCSW, specializes in trauma recovery and PTSD treatment, with experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and complex trauma. She earned her degrees from Nyack College and Gallaudet University, which provided her with a strong foundation in both faith-integrated and culturally responsive care. Abigael uses evidence-based treatments like EMDR, Brainspotting, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to help clients process trauma in a way that feels safe and effective.
As a Christian therapist, Abigael understands how trauma can impact not only the mind and body but also faith and identity. She provides a space for clients to explore their healing journey, whether they are working through church hurt or simply seeking support. She also has experience working with the Deaf community and offers therapy in American Sign Language.
Abigael is committed to walking alongside each client, offering the support and tools needed to heal, grow, and move forward with confidence and peace.
Erica Ali, LPC, CBT Specialist
Erica Ali is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years in the field. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she empowers individuals to understand and reshape their thought patterns, helping them overcome anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Erica earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nyack Alliance Graduate School of Counseling, where she developed a strong foundation in therapeutic techniques and mental health principles.
She is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients, empowering them to explore their thoughts and emotions, and develop coping strategies that promote mental wellness.
Whether you are facing a specific challenge or seeking to enhance your overall mental well-being, Erica is here to guide you on your journey to a healthier, happier life.
Joan Santoro, LAMFT
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. With a deep commitment to healing and growth, I provide a supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen relationships, and discover healthier ways to cope.
I specialize in working with those facing relational difficulties, stress management, and life transitions. My approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a compassionate and faith-informed perspective. While I value best clinical practices, my foundation is in Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the authority of Scripture in my own life. This shapes who I am as a counselor, yet I am committed to meeting clients where they are in their own journey, respecting their beliefs and experiences.
Outside of my work, I enjoy cooking, a passion that mirrors my approach to therapy—blending different ingredients to create something meaningful and nourishing.
Penny Linson, LAC
It has been my privilege to walk alongside people over the last few decades to listen, ask helpful questions, and consider together what change could look like with regard to the human experiences of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, grief/loss, marital relationship issues, sexual abuse/trauma and the kinds of experiences loved ones of addicts deal with. In understanding that we are created by God to know and enjoy him within the expensive relationship he himself has made possible through Jesus, real hope and purpose can take root and we can begin to flourish degree by degree. I’ve been privileged to see the Lord be good and do good for those who are willing to embrace the path of true change.
A deep-rooted passion of mine is leading small groups in which people learn from each other, practice wise love, and experience growth and healing, myself included.
I have a Master’s in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary and have completed post-graduate work in some of my areas of interest. I’m an avid (addicted) reader, love taking long walks with friends, enjoy music/singing, and yummy meals and celebrations with my adult children, their partners and my granddaughter who calls me “Honey.”
Tyler Shuhnicki, MFT Intern
Tyler Shuhnicki is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in New Jersey, passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. With a foundation in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and attachment theory, Tyler works to create a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore emotions, enhance communication, and deepen their connections.
Drawing from evidence-based approaches, Tyler helps clients navigate relational challenges, heal from past wounds, and foster secure and lasting bonds. Whether supporting couples in strengthening their partnership, guiding individuals through personal growth, or helping families improve dynamics, Tyler is committed to providing a warm and supportive therapeutic experience.
Tyler believes that with the right tools and understanding, everyone has the potential to experience meaningful and connected relationships. They look forward to helping clients on their journey toward emotional well-being and relational fulfillment.