Learn More About Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a 501c3 Tax Exempt, nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting spiritual psycho-socioemotional and relational wellness. We see our clients in several locations throughout New Jersey and in many affiliate offices around the world. Our trained interventionists work with you to assess your needs and evaluate future direction to improve your communication and relational well-being. Mental health specialist recommendations are provided for certified psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed/certified social workers or marriage & family therapists as needed. We offer relational guidance in a community-supported atmosphere for children, teens, individuals, couples, and families. Working closely with our clients using spiritually and culturally competent language specific approaches, we collaboratively communicate evidence-based coping strategies for the many difficulties in intrapersonal and interpersonal relational breakdowns that people struggle with. From grief support to anger coaching, we are there with you every step of the way. We believe strong communication and holistic well-being form the cornerstone of a healthy whole person: emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our organization offers support and resources for all aspects of our clients' lives. We also serve as a mentoring program for struggling youth and offer workshops and seminars on emotional resilience, relational rebuilding, and parenting from a collectivist communication perspective. 

Meet the Founder

Dr. Suzy Ismail 

Dr. Suzy Ismail is the Founding Director of Cornerstone, a nonprofit, spiritually and culturally cognizant communication intervention organization providing services around the world that focus on youth, family, marriage, identity, socioemotional wellness, refugee resilience, and relationship rebuilding. She is the author of many books including "Modern Muslim Marriage," "9 to 5," "When Muslim Marriage Fails," and several other works. She specializes in educating and empowering women, youth, and vulnerable populations by presenting a range of workshops, lectures, programs, diversity seminars, and corporate trainings both nationally and internationally.

As a Visiting Professor for over a decade in the Communication Departments of Rutgers University and DeVry University, Dr. Ismail has researched, written, and presented extensively on the intersectionality of education, faith, communication, and culture. She has also served for many years as a student adviser, teacher, and board member of a local private school. Dr. Ismail has been interviewed on numerous media outlets and is often featured on talk shows, radio and television broadcasts and podcasts regarding her work. She hosts a daily television series on iTVUSA focused on finding balance.

Dr. Ismail has presented on the topics of marriage, family, parenting, identity, and teens at many public and private universities around the world and at the World Meeting of Families during Pope Francis’ first visit to the US. She has traveled to the border of Syria to work with refugee women, families, and orphans and continues her work with resettlement and relief agencies providing integration intervention. For many years, Dr. Ismail has served as an executive officer and director on several nonprofit boards, commissions, and organizations. Her humanitarian work has been recognized with numerous awards including the Ambassador for Peace Award and the Visionary Muslim Award. She holds a Master of Arts in Communication, a Master of Philosophy in Human Services, and a PhD in Human Services focusing on Family Studies & Intervention Strategies. Her research in the field explores collectivism as a foundational factor in forced migrants' emotional resilience. Dr. Ismail currently resides in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband and three children. 

Please note: Cornerstone provides faith-based Communication Intervention with a focus on improving emotional & relational wellbeing. We can provide recommendations to LMFT and licensed mental health professionals if needed.