Lindsay Cullinan Schambach is the Executive Director of Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss. She is formerly of KIPP NJ and Miami where she served her community as the Founder of KIPP THRIVE Academy, the School Leader of KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy and the Director of Leadership Development, training principals to create loving communities for educational equity.
She began her career teaching in Newark, NJ, serving at Martin Luther King Jr. School and Newton Street School. She served in various leadership capacities with Teach for America. Lindsay is a graduate of Loyola University in Maryland receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. While at Loyola, Lindsay’s love for the University’s motto, Men and Women for Others, only grew. She went on to receive her Master’s in Public Administration with a focus in Educational Leadership from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in Newark.
Lindsay’s personal experience with loss began as a teen and young adult, losing many close family members including her father, Joseph Patrick Cullinan, II. Lindsay’s loss of her husband, Michael Paul Schambach at the age of 38, drives her commitment to ensuring that all over, children find loving listeners who can remind them that they are not alone. Together, as a community, we can find resiliency and strength, and honor the lives of those who have gone before us.
Lindsay currently resides in her hometown of Bridgewater, NJ, with her son, Cameron and daughter, Chloe. She can be found spending quality time with her loved ones and soaking up all life has to offer. She is honored and humbled to serve as an advocate for children and families coping with loss and grief.
Abigail Priece, LPC started at Imagine as a volunteer facilitator in 2013 and joined Imagine’s staff as a Program Associate in 2018. In her current role as Program Supervisor, Abigail shares her passion for supporting people who are grieving by coordinating volunteer facilitator trainings and supervising program staff.
Abigail earned a Bachelors in Human Services and a Master’s in Counseling & Human Relations, both from Villanova University. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a certified school counselor, Abigail has over ten years experience supporting children and families and providing mental health services in various school and community settings. She has a special interest in working with children who have experienced trauma, facilitating groups, and engaging families. Abigail is a mother of 3 and loves spending time with her family, being outside, reading and doing yoga.
Angela joined the Imagine team in March 2021 as the Development and Communications Manager. With fundraising and communications experience since 2011, Angela has worked with organizations in New Jersey but started her nonprofit career in Tokyo, Japan. She’s traveled all over Asia, Africa and North America creating marketing and fundraising strategies to drive awareness to organizations and their missions. She has her B.S. in Communication Studies from Emerson College and A.A. in Communication Studies from Raritan Valley Community College.
An expert on local digital and traditional marketing, Angela also opened a small business with her husband, Nicholas, in Raritan Borough during the Covid-19 Pandemic. She resides in Hillsborough and enjoys spending time with her cat, Merlin, and dog, Billy, biking through Duke Farms and learning new languages to connect with all kinds of people around the world.
Angela joins the Imagine team as the Newark Program and Partnership Manager. Angela graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in Rehabilitation and Human Services and minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Angela completed her MSW at Rutgers University with a concentration in Violence Against Women and Children. Angela has served the greater Newark community previously before joining Imagine with a focus on the HIV/AIDs and homeless population. She is passionate about incorporating trauma informed care and grief informed practice in her everyday work. Angela is passionate in the equity for black and brown community members to receive quality grief support as it is important for this community to have safe spaces to mourn their losses.
In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods and discovering new places to dine.
Ashley S. Allen graduated from William Paterson University with a B.A. in sociology and a minor in African American Studies, and she received her Masters Degree in Children’s Advocacy & Policy from Montclair State University. Ashley is a former teacher who taught in Elizabeth and Newark for over 10 years before transitioning into a new role that served the Newark community. Ashley’s new position at South Ward Promise Neighborhood allowed her to assist families in gaining access to medical care, education assistance for their children, ensuring families have food and bringing new programs to their attention. Ashley has a deep love for children and families. She believes her purpose is to empower and provide any additional information needed to families and others.
Connie, LCSW, has been the Clinical Training Director of Imagine since Imagine was founded in 2011, coordinating nights of support, providing trainings for Imagine facilitators and offering trainings on grief and loss in schools, workplaces and community organizations.
She is a licensed clinical social worker who is an experienced teacher, therapist and school counselor with more than thirty years of experience working with children, youth and their families.
Kellie has a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Child Life from Montclair State University.
Kellie has a passion for working with children and has been doing so for the last 18 years in various settings. Most recently, Kellie worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist in the hospital setting for 7 years, helping children and families cope with hospitalization, new diagnoses, and end of life situations.
In her free time, Kellie loves rock climbing, hiking, drinking tea, and spending time with friends and family.
Kristin Imbimbo joined the Imagine team in 2022 as a Mountainside Program Associate. In her current role, Kristin manages Imagine’s school and workplace responses alongside camp and other community partnerships to provide additional resources for Imagine families.
Kristin has a Bachelor’s in Family and Human Services with a concentration in Child Life. Kristin was connected to Imagine, even before becoming a staff member, through her previous work in various hospitals in the tri-state area as a Certified Child Life Specialist. For seven years in this role, Kristin helped support families during difficult conversations, life-altering diagnoses, and end-of-life circumstances. After families experienced a loss in the hospital, Kristin would immediately refer them to Imagine for continued support. Kristin is passionate to be part of Imagine’s mission to ensure that no one grieves alone. In her free time, Kristin loves spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, reading, and baking.
Najiyyah Bailey is the Executive Assistant and Marketing Associate at Imagine. She is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she received her B.A. in English with a writing concentration. She first came to Imagine as a marketing consultant, managing the social media pages and designing special marketing projects. As a proud native of Plainfield, NJ, Najiyyah continues to serve her community as a licensed minister, currently serving on the ministerial staff at her local church. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Allen Bailey and glad to be called mom by her children Jacob and Tameekah.
Paul Muir is the Chief Development Officer for Imagine. Paul grew up in Mountainside in the house his Great Uncle constructed. Paul graduated from Delbarton School where he participated in many community efforts, most notably chairing the annual food drive twice. Paul’s drive for serving his community derived from his parents who were always working to improve the community around them, whether that be the municipality in which they lived or the schools and churches they attended. After Delbarton, Paul attended and graduated early from Bucknell University with a BSBA where he met his wife Dawn. Paul was President of his Fraternity, Theta Chi, of which the motto is “The Helping Hand” furthering his commitment to serving the community around him.
Paul continues to serve the community in many ways. Before joining Imagine he was the Executive Director of the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton as well as the Guild of Clinton President. Paul is a Board Member of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of their Non-Profit Committee. Paul is the former Chair of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Roundtable, now an advisory committee member. Paul is a Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian, a member of the 200 Club of Hunterdon County, and a Trustee of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Hunterdon County.
Paul and Dawn moved to Bethlehem Township in 2000. They have two children, Morgan (18) and PJ (14), along with three dogs and seven cats. Paul is serving his ninth year as Mayor of Bethlehem Township and thirteenth year on the Township Committee. Paul is President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors as well as Chairing the Intra Municipal Affairs Committee of the Legislative Committee of the League of Municipalities.
Paul is also a lifelong entrepreneur, starting and managing various businesses. Paul brings together skills and experience from the nonprofit, entrepreneurial, and governmental worlds to develop partnerships that will help Imagine deliver counseling services to individuals and families.
Sonia is the daughter of two Dominicans that immigrated to the United States to pursue a better quality of life for their family. She is the proud mother of a 28-year-old daughter named Coryn and a son named Alberto (AJ). She went to the University at Albany, SUNY. She double majored in English and Spanish Literature with a minor in Portuguese. She earned a second Masters degree at The College of New Rochelle in Education Administration.
Sonia has been an educator for 27 years and has held many roles, including Summer School Coordinator, ESL Department Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal and many others. Her love for education and social justice has been the engine that keeps her going and keeps her grounded. Sonia joined Imagine as Newark’s Program Manager. She has planted her roots in the Newark program, and now she embarks on a new journey as the Bilingual Program Manager. One of her love languages is service. She is a leader that leads through service and love.
Valerie Stierhoff has her bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Drew University and her certification in early childhood and elementary education. She began as a facilitator and office volunteer at Imagine in 2014, joined the staff as Office Manager in 2017, and is currently Imagine’s Special Projects Manager. Val is passionate about writing and creating content for Imagine’s communications and training and education programs, and managing workshops for the parents and guardians that participate in Imagine’s support group program. Val is a mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.
Veronica C. Ortiz (she/her/ella) is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Professional Counselor and certified School Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in school and community settings. She received her BA in Psychology from Rutgers University and her MA/EdS in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University.
Veronica has been part of the Imagine community since 2010 – starting as a participant after experiencing the death of her sister. The impact and support she received through Imagine’s groups inspired her to become a volunteer facilitator. Veronica officially became an Imagine staff member in 2017 as Program Associate. One of Veronica’s main goals once becoming an official team member was to provide support groups in Spanish. Veronica is proud to have created Imagine’s Spanish Speaking program which is flourishing and growing. She went on to serve as Program Manager before moving to her current role as Imagine’s Training and Education Director. Veronica is passionate about creating grief informed communities by providing education and support in English and Spanish.
Jeffrey Peris has extensive Board experience, having held prominent leadership roles following a distinguished management career with leading pharmaceutical/healthcare companies. Dr. Peris served as Chairman of Allied Health Care International; Corporate VP, Chief Learning Officer for Wyeth; Vice President of Human Resources, Investor Relations & Communications for Abbott Laboratories; and Vice President of Human Resources and other Senior Executive positions for Merck & Company.
Dr. Peris has an Sc.D. and M.Sc., in Biostatistics/Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh G.S.P.H, an M.B.A. from Rutgers University, and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh.
In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board of Allied Healthcare International, he is currently on the Boards of Overlook Hospital and several other non-profit organizations. He is married with 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 grand puppies.
When asked about his role at Imagine, Jeff said: “I am inspired by Imagine, a vital community organization that supports so many individuals and families at a time of intense grief and loss. I look forward to working closely with other committed leaders to ensure its long term presence. Imagine is fortunate to have the visionary leadership of Lindsay Schambach, as well as a very talented, dedicated staff, and Board in fulfilling its vital mission.”
Ethan is the Chief Investment + Development Officer for PM Hotel Group (“PM”), a hotel company based in Chevy Chase, MD. Prior to, Ethan was the co-founder of Paramount Hotel Group and served as President since its inception in 1999. In Jan 2022, Paramount’s management company merged with PM Hotel Group. He is also a veteran of Prime Hospitality Corp, having coordinated the expansion of two national brands managing the investment of over $800 million in new hotel development. As Senior Vice President of Development and Construction during the period 1995 through mid-1999, he grew the AmeriSuites (now Hyatt Place) chain to 100 hotels.
In his current capacity, Ethan oversees the growth of PM through 3rd party hotel management agreements, acquisition of other management companies and the development of new hotels. PM operates Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Choice hotels on behalf of capital partners throughout the US including full and select service, extended stay and independent hotels. Ethan also retains an ownership interest in two other Paramount entities; H-CPM which provides project management for renovations and new construction in the lodging industry and Book MY Group, a sales intermediary placing group business throughout US hotels. Ethan earned his MS in Hospitality Administration from Florida International University and a BS in Business Administration from SUNY Oswego, NY.
When asked why he chose to join Imagine’s Board, Ethan said, “Having been a Circle of Hope donor to Imagine, my inspiration for joining the Imagine team lies within the example set by my mother. After battling breast cancer and lymphoma, she returned to school and obtained a Masters in Social Work and dedicated the remainder of her life, to age 57, counseling terminally ill women. Imagine embodies the beliefs instilled in me to help others coping with loss.”
Ethan lives in Scotch Plains with his wife Debby Hall, a nursing home administrator and health care hero.
Don is a CPA with many years of experience in public accounting. He is currently a partner in the Assurance practice of Ernst & Young LLP (EY) in New Jersey, specializing in audits of both private and public companies from a broad range of industries. Don has been active in several local not-for-profit organizations including a role as Treasurer of the United Way of Greater Union County. He has also supported Imagine and its relationship with Ernst and Young as a Circle of Hope member and Table Captain at Imagine’s annual fundraising event. About his commitment to Imagine, Don says: “It only took one Seasons of Hope breakfast to be inspired by Imagine…knowing that they exist right here in our community gives me great comfort and I am proud to support the organization in any way that I can.” Don was raised in Westfield and currently resides there with his wife Allison and their two daughters, Kayleigh and Ashley.
Bob is an Executive Director with J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Summit, New Jersey. In this role, Bob advises affluent families, corporate executives, financial leaders and entrepreneurs on all critical aspects of their balance sheet, including borrowing, investing, banking, estate planning, and philanthropic giving.
Prior to joining J.P. Morgan in 2017, Bob managed investment portfolios for endowments, foundations and families at Grisanti Capital Management. Previously, Bob spent nearly a decade as a sell-side equity analyst, where he was recognized by the Wall Street Journal in its annual “Best on the Street” survey in 2008. Bob began his career as a research analyst for a $3 billion equity fund at Victory Capital Management.
A graduate of Boston College, Bob lives in Cranford, New Jersey with his wife Jessica and three children. He enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball and volunteering as a youth sports coach.
“I am extremely grateful to Mary Robinson and Imagine for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees. Loss is something with which everyone can identify, and Imagine’s mission of providing support and hope to grieving children is one that resonated strongly with me as a father. The staff and volunteers at Imagine offer an important and necessary service to families in need, and do so with a tremendous amount of care and enthusiasm. I am excited to be part of the Imagine community, and look forward to helping the organization to grow in the coming years.”
Diana Miller is a CPA with over 18 years of experience in public accounting. Diana possesses significant not-for-profit and governmental auditing experience with associations, foundations, churches, healthcare entities, private schools, school districts, colleges and universities, municipalities and counties. In addition to performing financial audits, she has also performed numerous single audits and special consulting engagements.
As Partner- in- Charge of Wiss & Company’s Not-for-Profit Group, Diana has served a plethora of clients in not-for-profit, higher-education, government and commercial organizations, performing audits, reviews, compilations, tax and consulting services.
Diana is the chairperson of the Wiss Women’s Leadership Forum (WWLF) where she fosters leadership through professional activities, educational programs, networking and mentoring. Diana is also an internationally published co-author of the inspiring anthology book, RESULTS! Additionally, Diana has been named a Recipient of NJCPA’s 2016 Women of Note; an honor given to those who display a unique combination of NJCPA participation, accounting profession involvement, and community service dedication.
When asked about her new role at Imagine, Diana said: “Growing up as a child I never went to funerals; in my culture it wasn’t customary to bring children. Then as an adult, the reality of death hit me like a brick. I met Imagine’s Executive Director Mary Robinson right around the time my mother passed away after suffering for years with cancer as well as other health issues. Mary inspired me with her story and I knew at that time I wanted to get more involved with Imagine. There are so many people that don’t have family and friends to turn to when they are coping with loss or have a family suffering with a terminal illness. Children especially – they are so resilient yet vulnerable. Life always seems too short, however we can live it right and make a positive impact on others so no person ever feels alone. I feel privileged to join the board of Imagine and will do my best to support the organization in all its endeavors. ”
Diana lives in New Providence with her husband Jon and two children, Jasmine and Jayden. When not in the office, Diana enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, participating in community and philanthropic events, and traveling.
Fatimah Burnam-Watkins has worked in education and leadership development for nearly 20 years. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of the Office of Transformation and Change at Teach For America (TFA). In this role, she is responsible for coaching executives and teams on how to lead through change. Fatimah began her career as a 2001 Teach For America corps member in Baltimore where she taught high school English and History at Northwestern High School. After teaching, Fatimah joined Teach For America staff to begin her work in coaching and development first as Program Director (teacher coach) in New York City, and then served as managing director of TFA’s Philadelphia training institute before leading the New Jersey region as Executive Director for nearly 6 years. Prior to her current role, Fatimah led TFA’s National Program and was most recently the Senior Vice President of Executive Leadership & Learning Team to help strengthen the system of support, development and learning for all 52 regional executive directors and 17 national senior leaders across Teach For America.
Concurrently, Fatimah is founder of her own practice and part of a network of practitioners that help executives and organizations build their leadership capacity to accelerate growth and expand overall impact. The practice draws on techniques and approaches that enable leaders to build capabilities they need to maintain their core business while simultaneously imagining new realities. Fatimah has designed and delivered training experiences for a variety of groups and individuals from independent charter school networks, education non-profit organizations, and private consulting groups. Fatimah is obsessed with developing strong leaders and strong team cultures as a means to advance work and reach ambitious outcomes.
In January 2018, Fatimah was sworn in as a governor appointed member of the New Jersey State Board of Education where she chairs the Social Emotional Learning and Equity committees. She is also part of the Pahara-Aspen Education Fellows Program, a leadership program supporting diverse, executive leaders who are reimagining America’s public schools. Fatimah exercises her passion for service and mentorship as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as well by mentoring young women of color through the Growing in Grief program, which started in honor of her mother, Isadell Riley, to mentor young women dealing with the loss or lack of a mother-figure.
Fatimah received a B.S. in Political Science & Afro-American Studies from the University of Maryland – College Park; and a Secondary Teaching Certification from Johns Hopkins University. In her most important role, Fatimah is a wife to her husband Jon and a mother to 14-year-old triplets Bryce, Cole, and Corynne.
A Director in the Corporate Practice Group at Gibbons P.C., based in Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Goldman counsels middle market and smaller public company clients on a broad array of corporate and transactional matters. He is a frequent speaker nationally on corporate matters, with a focus on the organization and operation of businesses as limited liability companies or other alternative entities. Mr. Goldman has held numerous leadership positions in the American Bar Association, Business Law Section, and chairs his law firm’s Legal Opinion Committee. He received his LL.M. from New York University School of Law, his J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and his A.B. from Colgate University.
Mr. Goldman served on the Westfield Town Council for nine years and was a member of the Board of Trustees of The Westfield Foundation.
Shane Nelson currently serves as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Business Partner for Sanofi. In this role, he works with the company’s business units and functions on diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. He also oversees and advises the company’s employee resource groups and collaborates with the Talent function on embedding DE&I in talent acquisition and talent development processes and initiatives.
Prior to Sanofi, Shane was a Principal at Culture@Work, a division of Seramount (formerly known as Working Mother Media). He worked with global companies to design culture change and engagement strategies that maximized I&D efforts. In this role, Shane conducted culture assessments and inclusion diagnostics that mapped workplace challenges and delivered tailored client solutions. He designed and moderated employee listening sessions (virtual focus groups), hearing nearly 7,000 across-industry perspectives on organizational culture, inclusion, engagement, workplace bias, talent management, leader effectiveness and team dynamics.
Prior to Culture@Work, Shane spent 14 years at DiversityInc, holding numerous positions, including debriefing senior executives on their DiversityInc Top 50 survey results, and offering best practices and recommendations on next steps. Shane oversaw the content strategy for the DiversityInc Top 50 event, the company’s flagship event, and was the editor of DiversityInc Best Practices website, which offered articles, research, videos and webinars across the full spectrum of I&D management.
When asked why he chose to join Imagine’s Board, Shane said, “I grew up in Newark, NJ and had close friends that experienced family loss. They and their families didn’t have resources like what Imagine offers available to them. For some of them, the lack of resources negatively affected their promising futures. I wish they had a resource like Imagine. I am honored to join the board and look forward to helping Imagine continue its mission of supporting children and families coping with loss.”
Shane holds a BA in Political Science and Government, and an Executive MBA from Rutgers University. Shane lives in Piscataway with his wife and has four children.
Although Ken “retired” from his full-time academic position at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology of Rutgers University fifteen years ago, he continues to teach, supervise and mentor doctoral students in clinical and school psychology. He is a licensed New Jersey professional psychologist with a practice in Springfield and is an ally with individuals considered less able by many segments of society. The mission of Imagine coordinates with Ken’s commitments. Offering a variety of resources without cost to individuals and families at a time when they are in need of unconditional human connection is a high calling.
Jersey Fresh, Ken was born, raised and inculcated by the diversity of the NY metro influences. He and his wife, Linda, a professional educator, raised their children in Mountainside and exposed them to the values of relationships, understanding others, and repairing the world in the smallest of ways. Their children are passing these values to their children. Under normal times Linda and Ken are Broadway enthusiasts and spend time in Kennebunk, Maine.
Morgan founded the charitable fundraising organization, The Garden Gives, which hosts events to provide donations to Imagine as well as local community organizations such as The Westfield United Fund. Additionally, she has volunteered her time serving on the board of the Presbyterian Nursery School & Kindergarten as a Parent Teacher Organization representative.
Morgan and her husband John have three children – John, Rosie and William. Morgan has seen first-hand the impact grief can have on children and families, and has been drawn to the mission of Imagine since being introduced to the organization in 2017.
When asked about her reasons for joining Imagine’s Board of Directors, Morgan said: “I was honored to be asked to join the Imagine board. I have tremendous respect and admiration for all that Mary Robinson and her team do to help grieving families in our communities. After attending one of Imagine’s Seasons of Hope breakfasts several years ago, I felt compelled to help in any way that I could. The Imagine team was there for my family recently when dealing with a tragic loss, and their guidance and support were paramount in helping us, and our young children, deal with the grief. The families that Imagine serves have taught me so much about strength and resiliency and I am eager to get even more involved.”
Pat joined Elizabethtown Gas Company in March of 1980 as a Staff Attorney in the Legal Department responsible for Rate and Regulatory matters. She was elected General Counsel of Elizabethtown in 1985 and served in various positions within the utility, ultimately serving as the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary of the utility group and a member of its board of directors. She joined the Regulatory team of AGL Resources in 2004 and was responsible for regulatory matters in New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia. She was named the Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2011 and was elected Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Business Support for Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas in September 2014. In July of 2016, AGL Resources was acquired by the Southern Company and she assumed the same role within that organization, as well as responsibility for regulatory compliance with all terms and conditions of the acquisition by the New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia regulatory bodies. She retired in January of 2019.
Pat has extensive experience in all aspects of utility regulation and ratemaking, having served as lead counsel in numerous base rate cases, rate clause filings, franchise applications, infrastructure replacement proceedings, energy efficiency matters, utility management audits, as well as merger and acquisition approvals.
Pat graduated with general honors from Douglass College for Women of Rutgers University in 1972 and with honors from Seton Hall University Law Center in 1975. She was employed by the New Jersey Public Utility Commission as a hearing examiner and regulatory officer prior to joining Elizabethtown Gas Company in 1980.
She served as Chair of the New Jersey Utility Association’s Board of Directors and was the first woman to serve in that capacity in the 100 year history of the organization. She was also the first woman to chair the Utility Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. She is a member of the New Jersey Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for New Jersey and the United States Supreme Court. Pat was named to the Top 50 Women in Business by the New Jersey Biz magazine in 2012 and received the 2017 Mary Philbrook Award of the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey for her work in the energy field. In 2019, she received the New Jersey Utility Association’s Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and commitment to the industry.
She resides in Scotch Plains and has two adult daughters and two granddaughters.
When asked about her reasons for joining Imagine’s Board, Pat said: ‘My mother died when I was a very young child after a long battle with cancer. Her death left a huge void in our family. Imagine’s promise that no child should grieve alone touches me deeply.’
+ Indicates in memoriam
Senator Jon Bramnick
Mayor Shelley Brindle
Bev Chappell+
Dr. Gerald Glasser+
Rabbi Earl Grollman+
Keith Hertell
Maria Housden
Rev. Jeremy Jinkins
Dr. Alan Lieber
Rabbi Charles Kroloff
Mayor Paul Mirabelli
Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz
Laura Alper, MSW, LCS
WScott Bradley, MSW, NCPsyA
Lisa Ciarrocca, BA, CCLS
Michelle Haar, LCSW
Susan Iliff, DVM, Mdiv
Karen Lazar, Ph.D., NCPsyA
Kathy Most, LCSW
Wendi Rothstein, LCSW
Jill Sawers
Lisa Thomas, MA
Chantaya King is a dedicated social worker and a change agent with 10+ years of experience. She received her Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Kean University in 2010 and 2011. Chantaya is a certified school social worker and was a school social worker for 11 years before transitioning to mental health in tech. She is committed to building communities and ensuring children, adolescents, and adults understand the importance of investing in their social emotional wellness. She has a heart for developing the whole student and ensuring students understand the importance of their mental health. In addition, Chantaya is dedicated to helping mentor the next generation of youth by ensuring they have positive experience to help them enhance their quality of life, and she is committed to helping those who are grieving.
In 2018, Shantaya became a volunteer grief group facilitator for Imagine in Newark, NJ. She is devoted to helping mentor the next generation of social workers; she is a field liaison at Rutgers University and Adjunct Professor at Kean University.
Kevin Brown is an education leader with a passion for empowering students and educators. With over 22 years of experience in the field, he is currently the Director of Student Experiences at KIPP:NJ Charter Schools, where he also served as Principal, Vice Principal, and Dean of Students.
Kevin’s journey has been filled with exciting roles and opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. When he is not immersed in the world of education, he can be found indulging in his love for movies as an avid movie watcher. He also enjoys staying up-to-date with the latest vlogs and podcasts. These hobbies allow him to unwind and explore different perspectives outside of the classroom.
Through personal grief and a love for her city, Sydney joins the Imagine team as a volunteer on the Newark Advisory Board. She has been an active volunteer for youth programs and has held positions on scholarship committees and parent leadership groups.
Sydney received her Bachelors of Business Administration from Temple University, with a dual major in Risk Management & Insurance and Human Resource Administration. She completed her Master’s in Public Administration with a focus in Healthcare Administration from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in Newark. She currently holds a human resources role with Color Factory, an interactive museum located in New York, Houston and Chicago.
Sydney resides in Newark with her husband, Derrick, and daughter, Nia. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Tafshier Cosby brings over 25 years of advocacy, organizing and community empowerment experience to her role as Senior Director of Organizing and Partnerships for National Parents Union.
In addition to serving at National Parents Union, She is also the CEO of Parent Impact, an organization created by parents for parents dedicated to empowering, advocating, and creating opportunities for parents to lead in their communities. In this role she is responsible for establishing community partnerships, relationship management, developing and implementing innovative initiatives, and analyzing impending policies.
A dedicated leader, Tafshier advocates for the civil rights of Black and brown children to receive equitable and quality education across the United States. Having worked in many facets of education, Tafshier knows that having educational options in under-resourced communities is critical to children’s futures.
As a volunteer leader, Tafshier has also had the honor to serve on many state-wide and national committees and coalitions such as The New Jersey Parent Summit Advisory Committee, New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)’s Restart and Recovery Committee ,We Raise NJ Statewide Coalition and the National Partnership for Student Success.
Tafshier has completed three education fellowships, 50CAN’s -YouCAN, KIPP NJ’s Impact Leader and PIE Network Leadership Institute.
Tafshier holds a certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown McCourt school of Public Policy, is a NJ certified school board member and is on the New Jersey State PTA – Education Committee.
Tafshier resides in Newark, NJ with her husband, is the Mother of three adult children and three beautiful grandchildren.