Michael Bizzarro, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Director of Clinical Services
732-771-7165
A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Dr. Bizzarro received his master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University and his PhD in clinical social work from the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago. Early in his career, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve and later as a police officer. He has been working with first responders for more than 20 years.
Melissa Sikorsky, MSW, LCSW
Senior Social Worker
Ms. Sikorsky is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of New Jersey. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Rutgers University and she specializes in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety disorders. Ms. Sikorsky has experience working with first responders, primarily law enforcement officers. In her role as Senior Social Worker for the First Responder Treatment Services Team at Penn Medicine Princeton House she assists and coordinates individual, group, and family counseling as well as coordinating discharge and aftercare planning.
David Clauser, EdD, CPRS
Peer Support Specialist
Dr. Clauser began his career as a Marine, serving as a company-level infantry officer. Following his military service, he embarked on a 35-year career in education as a teacher and later a building administrator. More recently he has put his shared experience with addiction recovery to use with programs in Essex and Middlesex Counties, and as a nationally certified Peer Recovery Specialist administering a sober-living funding program. Dr. Clauser holds degrees from Lehigh University, Montclair State University, Kean University, and Seton Hall University.
Ken Burkert, CPRS
Senior Outreach Coordinator, Union Liaison, Peer Support Specialist
908-346-1691
Mr. Burkert served as a corrections officer for 25 years and as former Chairman of the New Jersey State PBA Peer Assistance Response Team (PART). He is a liaison to first responder organizations, facilitating the smooth transition of first responders to Princeton House Behavioral Health’s First Responder Treatment Services and outpatient care within the community. Mr. Burkert’s extensive knowledge of job protections under New Jersey law and confidential, 24/7 on-call availability benefits first responders.
Thomas Nunn, CPRS
Peer Support Specialist
Coming from generations of first responders, Tom Nunn entered the fire service as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18. While debating a career path in either law enforcement or the fire service, Mr. Nunn became a public safety and 911 dispatcher. He eventually transitioned into the career fire service as a Firefighter/EMT in a suburban department before moving to a city department. A decorated firefighter, Mr. Nunn is also a proud member of the NJFMBA where he has held various local union positions including Delegate, President, Vice President, and Trustee. Mr. Nunn is an active participant in 12 step programs and understands how these programs can really make a difference.
Richard Zaleski, CPRS, MRT
Peer Support Specialist
Rick Zaleski is a Peer Support Specialist and retired police sergeant for the Perth Amboy Police Department, where he specialized in Community Outreach, Officer Wellness, and Police Chaplain Programs. On 9/11/2001, he responded to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, which he assisted in rescue and recovery. He is a certified addiction recovery coach (CPRS) and a New Jersey Master Resiliency Trainer (MRT). He has been working with First Responders for more than 10 years.
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