With an undergraduate degree in psychology from College of the Holy Cross and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Paul Rieger has 25 years of experience dedicated to working with youth and families. Paul’s roots are firmly grounded in residential and behavioral health services for youth. Inspired by his experiences working […]
Ann Wendlocher, MBA, CPA
Ann Wendlocher joined Bonnie Brae on August 7, 2006 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She is responsible for the direction of financial activities of the agency including coordination of budgets and operating results. She directs the organization’s financial planning, reporting, and controls as well as its relationship with banking institutions, the financial community and outside […]
Christian Whooley, MA, LPC
Chris joined Bonnie Brae’s team in October 2018 as Chief Operating Officer. Chris’ motivation to support vulnerable populations began while he was earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of Staten Island. The college is on the former site of the Willowbrook State School and learning about the atrocities that took place there […]
Vanita Braver, MD
Vanita Braver, M.D. is a double- board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist who oversees psychiatric services at Bonnie Brae and has done so since 1996. Psychiatric services include ongoing comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and treatment including psychopharmacologic management. Dr. Braver completed both her Adult Psychiatry training and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. […]
Brooke Ellis, M.Ed
As Principal of our NJ Approved School for Students with Disabilities, Ms. Ellis oversees the staff of the education department and administers all aspects of the education program, including curriculum development, budget, quality assurance and physical plant. She works closely with Bonnie Brae’s residential and clinical departments on program integration and goals. Ms. Ellis joined […]
Laura Engelhardt, BS
As the Executive Assistant at Bonnie Brae since 2009, Laura provides support services to the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. She files corporate legal documents and contracts with governmental agencies to conform with statutes. She admires the work the direct care staff does with the boys focusing […]
Phil Errico, BA
Phil Errico has a long & distinguished career in residential care – actually starting as a child care counselor at Bonnie Brae in the early 80’s. His growth has paralleled that of the agency, as Bonnie Brae expanded from treating 36 youth to serving well over 100 on both its main campus and three community […]
Kathy Harkins, RN, BSN
Kathy was promoted to Director of Health Services in January of 2021 after joining Bonnie Brae as the Nursing Supervisor in August of 2020. She is a Registered Nurse and holds a Baccalaureate of Nursing Degree from Seton Hall University. Kathy spent the first 20 years of her career at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, […]
Kathy Lewis, PsyD
Dr. Lewis directs the organization’s Joint Commission accreditation, compliance with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ contracted outcomes and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She is responsible for behavioral health metrics and quality indicators for youth from admission through discharge and up to three years after treatment completion […]
James P. Rau, MSW, LCSW
Jamie Rau brings over 22 years of clinical, administrative and teaching experience to Bonnie Brae. Jamie has an MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Supervisor. He is responsible for all treatment team functions, including admissions, treatment planning, discharge planning and clinical services for the residential […]
