School-Based Services

The Available School Youth Services Support Team (ASYSST) is the school-based youth services program operated by Mercer Council and housed at Ewing High School! ASYSST is a School-Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) and is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF).

About ASYSST

SBYSP-ASYSST helps Ewing High School students navigate their high school years. We empower and equip students to accomplish their goals and become academically successful through mental health counseling, positive youth development and other support services.

“ASYSST is a place where you can be yourself around others.”

Imari

ASYSST is a safe space where students can talk openly. We offer an environment that is convenient and comfortable, and provide confidential assistance to students. (We will not disclose your private information to anyone without your expressed written consent, except where disclosure is required by law).

“I feel alive, very safe and like I matter in here.”
— Victor Serna

Services Include:

Short-term Counseling & Coaching Services

Short-term counseling is available for Ewing High School students through SBYSP-ASYSST services. Coaching services include employment counseling and learning support.

Recreational & After-School Groups

Black Student Alliance (BSA), Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), Gaming/Anime Club, Homework Club, Brothers of a New Direction (B.O.N.D.), Sisters of a New Generation (S.O.N.G.)

Trips & Enrichment Activities

Join ASYSST for opportunities to attend local college tours, take field trips, and participate in annual community service events.

Summer Camp

ASYSST offers a free 5-week summer enrichment camp that engages rising 9th graders and all students at Ewing High School. Camp trips have included Funzilla, Dave & Busters, Funplex, and the Princeton-Blairstown Center’s Leadership and Social Development Camp!

Summer Camp applications go live between mid-March and early April.

Parental consent forms are required for all SBYSP-ASYSST services and can be found in ASYSST Room 100, the EHS Main Office. For more information on any of our services, please reach out to our program staff.

“ASYSST is the best part about attending Ewing High! If we weren’t in a school building, you would’ve thought you were relaxing with family. You can’t resist A.S.Y.S.S.T!”
— Nigi

Ewing High School
900 Parkway Avenue
Ewing Township, NJ 08628
609-538-9800

Program Staff

Shakita Johnson, BA, CD, PCD, CPS
Interim Program Director
sjohnson@ewingboe.org | ext. 2175

Ms. Johnson joined the Mercer Council team in 2018, with optimism and expertise in post-secondary education. She is a long-time resident of Mercer County and a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a degree in Business.  She is the Director of ASYSST(Available School Youth Support Services Team) which is the DCF-funded SBYSP(School Based Youth Service Program) housed at Ewing High School.

Before becoming the Director, she was the Youth Development Specialist(YDS) at ASYSST. As the YDS, she taught life skills and evidence-based prevention programming. She is trained in the following evidence-based programs: Strengthening Families, Botvins, and Too Good for Drugs.  She is a NACCP member of the Trenton Chapter, a Doula, CPR/AED certified, a Connections Matter Certified Trainer, Motivational Interviewing, and a certified Suicide Bereavement Teen Support Group Facilitator. 

Ian Smith, MA, LPC
ASYSST Therapist
ismith@ewingboe.org | ext. 2171

Ian Smith has worked as the Mental Health Counselor/Therapist at ASYSST (Available School Youth Support Services Team, New Jersey State-funded School Based Youth Services Program) at Ewing High School since 2022. He started at Mercer Council in 2013 and served as a Program Coordinator/Prevention Educator for over six years. Ian has been working in the behavioral health field since 2011, with experience in prevention education, substance abuse/addiction group counseling, and mental health counseling in individual and group settings.

Passionate about delivering positive support, building connections, and advocating for others, Ian brings creativity and authenticity to his work with students. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Rider University and a Master’s Degree from The College of New Jersey’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Ian is a New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor and Student Assistance Coordinator.

Cristabel Acquah, BA
Youth Development Specialist
cacquah@mercercouncil.org | ext. 2173

Cristabel Acquah joined the Mercer Council team in 2025 as a passionate advocate for youth development. She is a recent graduate of The College of New Jersey, where she earned a degree in Sociology.

Cristabel serves as the Youth Development Specialist (YDS) for the DCF-funded School-Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) at Ewing High School. Before stepping into this role, she worked with the Kidsbridge Program of CHSofNJ in Ewing, NJ. During her time there, Cristabel taught socio-emotional development skills to children in schools across Mercer County, fostering their personal growth and resilience.

With a deep commitment to supporting youth and child development, Cristabel is driven to make a meaningful impact in their lives. She is excited to continue contributing her skills and passion to help young people thrive.