Theresa Pagano

Theresa Pagano is a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who serves as the Senior Clinical Director for Adult IDD Services, South. Her 14 years of experience in providing residential support for Adults with IDD/mental illness has been in combined clinical and operational roles. Theresa joined Bancroft in July 2024 and brings unique insight to working with our population. 

Theresa earned her Bachelor’s degree (BA-Psychology; Minor-Writing) and Master’s degree (MA-Counseling Psychology) from the University of St. Elizabeth. Throughout her tenure in the field of mental health, she has been a passionate advocate and servant leader. Theresa has written and trained communities on various curriculum, including wellness/self-esteem for children with IDD and has presented in regional conferences on trauma-informed care approaches. She has served as a consultant to local non-profit organizations, helping to develop compassionate care services and trauma-informed care approaches to better serve their clients. For over 13 years in her own clinical practice, Theresa has worked with children and adults struggling with various mental health diagnoses, including severe trauma. She is a member of international and local trauma associations as well as national, state and local counseling associations; is certified as a NJ Disaster Response Crisis Counselor and with The NJ Traumatic Loss Coalition.