Welcome to ABDS Associates LLC, where compassionate expertise focuses on your future and not your past. I am the CEO and Founder of this endeavor, Freddy Benjamin and I have devoted over twenty years to the fields of mental health and substance abuse. With a rich background as a Certified Social Worker, with an expertise in counseling for drug and alcohol addiction my journey began because of my desire to help others with their challenges. 

My career has encompassed various roles, from being promoted to Service Director at a thirty-bed RHCF for Volunteer of America to my tenure as Program Coordinator for group homes at Triple C Housing in Middlesex County. In recognition of my dedication, I was honored with numerous titles of Counselor of the Year and received subsequent nominations. 

Today, I reside in Monmouth County, where I serve as a Certified Social Worker, providing support to clients in programs such as IOP, IDRC, DYFS, Parole, Probation, and Drug Court. My unwavering mission is to learn from those I serve, continually striving for excellence, and offering effective education, guidance, and support to help individuals overcome life's challenges. 

Commitment to First Responders

A distinctive aspect of my work is my unwavering commitment to first responders. As a first responder myself, I understand the unique emotional and psychological toll that the job can take. My journey within the fire department began in 2001 with the Washington Engine Company of the Matawan Fire Department, during a time when our nation was reeling from the loss of many, including fellow first responders.

My dedication and service to the Matawan Fire Department have been marked by milestones. I rose through the ranks, from Assistant Engine to Chief Engine in 2003, and subsequently held positions as 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and Captain. In 2019, I was chosen by my peers to serve as 2nd Assistant Deputy Chief, followed by my role as 1st Deputy Assistant Chief in 2020, culminating in my appointment as Chief of the Matawan Fire Department.

Notably, my appointment as Chief marked a historic moment, as I became the first Afro-American/Hispanic to hold this position in the 150-year history of the Matawan Fire Department. My journey with the Washington Engine Company, founded in the 1800s, has allowed me to give back to my community and support my fellow first responders.

Expertise and Future Vision

My expertise lies in empowering individuals to overcome life's hurdles by identifying their strengths and abilities. I work with clients to understand the root causes of their challenges while equipping them with the essential tools and skills to combat addiction.

Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse settings, including residential housing facilities, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, and correctional facilities. I provide comprehensive client services, covering parole, probation, drug court, IOP, IDRC, and DYFS programs.

My commitment to educating effectively, guiding, and supporting my clients remains unwavering. At ABDS Associates LLC, you can trust that you're in capable hands, and together, we'll navigate the path to healing and recovery.