Director
Paula Watson, MS
Paula has been a member of the Cooper University Health Care team since 1980 and joined the EAP team in 1992. Paula has worked to grow our program and expand our clients within Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties. Paula graduated from Rutgers University School of Business with a bachelor of science and received her master’s in organizational development and leadership from St. Joseph’s University.
Paula is a certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow belt and Change Agent. She is certified as an instructor in B-E-S-T Communication styles, Crucial Conversations, and mediation for workplace conflict. She works in a consulting role with management on employee issues such as conflict, morale, and change initiatives; she regularly speaks on a variety of topics such as emotional intelligence, communication, change, and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Paula is pursuing her coaching certification through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and provides coaching for skill development in our Cherry Hill and Camden offices. She regularly attends professional development to remain current in best practices in organizational development.
EAP Counselors
Heather Skarbek, LCSW, CCTP, CIMHP, IFS1
Qualified SAP
Heather has been working in the field of mental health since 2004, gaining experience working alongside adults with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders. Prior to joining Cooper University Health Care’s Employee Assistance Program in 2016, she was the program’s master’s level intern. Heather graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice. Heather attends continuing education trainings to be proficient in contemporary evidence-based interventions. Heather is an IFS trained therapist, having completed Level 1 and multiple certifications within this framework. She is a certified clinical trauma professional (CCPT) and a certified integrative mental health professional (CIMHP). These certifications guide how Heather integrates both mind and body into session.
Heather believes healing begins with awareness and thrives with individualized action. She believes each person has the ability to make impactful changes with the resources they have in the present. She utilizes a psycho-social-spiritual approach, which integrates both mind and body with techniques and practices such as yoga, mindfulness, and solution-focused counseling.
Nicholas Leon, MA, LPC, NCC, BCC, CEAP
Qualified SAP
Nick is a licensed professional counselor, board-certified coach, and certified employee assistance professional who is passionate about helping individuals uncover the strengths and abilities within themselves that promote positive change. Nick received his master's degree with distinction in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rider University. He specializes in utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused approaches in treating individuals, couples, and families. He has experience working with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, relationships, and trauma. Nick takes a collaborative and individualized approach in treating his clients inclusive of one's environment, relationships, and personality. He takes immense pride in his work and is grateful for any opportunity to get to know and help his clients on a personal level.