Nolvia-Cristina Medina

Nolvia-Cristina Medina of N.J. is pursuing her MSW in Social Work and has maintained a 3.5 GPA.

At Ramapo, Nolvia-Cristina is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and has been newly inducted into the Phi Delta Honors Society. She looks forward to pursuing various study-abroad opportunities. 

After completing her MSW, Nolvia-Cristina plans to earn her LCSW to become a licensed practitioner. She dreams of being a therapist to help adults navigate trauma as well as work with group family dynamics.

Angela Borg

Angela Borg of Long Valley, N.J., is a Social Work major graduating this spring of 2023. She will continue her education in the Advanced Standing MSW program this fall.

Angela has been involved in the social work club since her first semester here at Ramapo, actively finding new ways to serve her community. Angela will spend this summer learning and crafting skills to one day become an ABA therapist for children with disabilities. Currently, she is an intern at Edge N.J., advocating for those living with HIV, those at risk, and the LGBTQIA+ communities.

She has a 3.5 GPA and has made the Dean’s List multiple times. Angela is currently a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

Gabriela Galloza-Flores

Gabriela Galloza-Flores from Hopatcong, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.9 GPA. She is obtaining her undergraduate degree and will graduate in May 2023. Gabriela is a first-generation college student excited and passionate about paving the way for other Hispanic youth by providing educational opportunities and resources to them in her future work in social work. She will also obtain her master’s in social work at Ramapo in the advanced standing master’s program.

While at Ramapo, Gabriela has opportunities to intern at Greater Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative and Greater Bergen Community Action Head Start. She is also a part of social work and has recently been accepted into Ramapo’s Phi Alpha Honor Society. Gabriela has made it to the dean’s list every semester she has been at Ramapo since she transferred from Community County College of Morris in 2021. Gabriela is also part of Ramapo’s college student advisory board, allowing her to be a part of the accreditation process of Ramapo’s bachelor’s and master’s programs.

After graduating in May, Gabriela will be pursuing her MSW at Ramapo College. She hopes to have a long-lasting, impactful career in social work.

Jillian Adams

Jillian Adams of Laurence Harbor N.J. is a Social Work major with a minor in Psychology. She has 3.7 GPA and has been on the Dean’s list every semester of her four years at Ramapo.

At Ramapo, Jillian is the Vice President of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. She has also interned at Oasis a Haven for Women and Children in Paterson N.J. for the past academic year and worked with women and families of different backgrounds by assessing their needs and providing resources. She hopes to pursue a career in a similar field with children whether that is counseling, in a school, or within the child welfare system.

She is continuing her education to get her Masters of Social Work (MSW) at Ramapo and is super proud of this because she is also a First Generation student. She has hopes to obtain her licensure and even get her LCSW to have more potential clinical work. Overall, Jillian is excited to continue her passions within the field of Social Work and is ready to start her career.

Kanella Eby

Kanella Eby of Haworth, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.44 GPA. She plans to enter the Advanced Standing MSW program at Ramapo.

At Ramapo, she joined the Social Work Club in 2021 and became a member of their E-Board as the Vice President before becoming President in 2022. During her childhood, Kanella found that she had a love for children and was exposed to the interest in their development through babysitting outside of school. 

Kanella has been involved with Vantage Health System as a Case Manager in her fieldwork opportunity as a social work intern. She has worked with families coming out of the homeless shelter and housed them in many different apartments, as well as advocating for their rights in various social welfare programs. 

After Ramapo, Kanella plans to get her clinical license in social work and open up her own private practice for children.

Stephen Krause

Stephen Krause of Mahwah, N.J., is a Social Work major. He has a 3.7 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List two times in his Ramapo tenure.

Stephen is a returning student, two years in recovery, and is proud to pursue a career in social work. The faculty have inspired him at Ramapo, who have supported and pushed him to be a better student and future counselor. He married in 2022 (to a Ramapo Class of 14 alum!) and looks forward to starting a family.

Stephen has also been involved in off-campus activities and organizations, including being in a leadership role running recovery meetings at the Christian Addiction Recovery Education (CARE) ministry at The Plant Church (in Mahwah) and an adolescent substance use disorder counselor at New Pathway Counseling.

Jordan Meredith

Jordan Meredith of Eatontown, N.J. is a Graduate Student in the Masters of Educational
Leadership program with a concentration in Higher Education. She has a 4.0 GPA. She is a
member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Jordan has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Peer
Facilitation Program, Orientation Program, and was the President of Ebony Women for Social
Change. She is also the Graduate Assistant for the Center for Student Success where she serves as an Academic Advisor to first year students.

Jordan has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including being a
Behavior Assistant and working with children with autism and behavioral challenges. In
addition, Jordan has volunteered with organizations like Teaneck Tutoring, Pony Power, and
MEVO farm. During her undergraduate senior year, Jordan was awarded the J. Lee’s Award for ‘Outstanding Leadership and Service’. Jordan plans on pursuing a career in higher education by working at a university as an Academic Advisor.

Valeria Latragna

Valeria Latragna of Milford, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 4.0 GPA. She is a first-generation college student and is planning on earning her MSW and obtaining her licensure in social work.

At Ramapo, she joined the Social Work Club at the height of the pandemic. “The Club was focused on community involvement, which was so important during that time.” Growing up she played soccer took part in Ramapo’s intramural soccer club to be able to meet new individuals and stay active.

Valeria has been involved with North Star Academy Washington Park High School as the school social work intern. She worked with students from a multitude of different backgrounds, as well as assisted the child study team. Her future career goal is to become a school social worker or mental health counselor.

Lamyaa Genidy

Lamyaa Genidy grew up in Egypt and always had a passion for going to college and getting a social work degree. Her passion inspired her to migrate to the United States to seek a wider variety of educational opportunities. Because of her understanding of different cultures, languages, and people, she decided to pursue her career in helping vulnerable communities. Eventually, she settled down in Wood-Ridge, N.J. and started her college path by taking ESL classes. Lamyaa majored in Social Work and earned a 3.8 GPA. Her goal is to further her career by obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work.

At Ramapo, she had been able to achieve remarkable accomplishments such as being nominated to be a member of the Honor Society and earning Dean’s List. She will be the first in her family to complete higher education.

Off campus, Lamyaa has participated in Smile for Charity and volunteered at food pantries. She has also volunteered at a local mosque and church, gathered communities, and helped others reach the American dream. “I enjoy helping and understanding people as it effectively enhances my experience with social work.”

Keisha Smalls

“My grandparents always told me how important education is, and I want to make them proud,” says Keisha Smalls. Keisha is in the Master of Social Work program and has a 4.0 GPA. She previously graduated from Ramapo with a Bachelors in Psychology. 

Keisha is a member of the Social Work club and is involved in several off-campus activities. She volunteers for the Passaic County Court Appointed Support Advocate, and she works as a Unit Associate at St. Joseph Hospital on the Mother Baby Unit for over a decade. She is also involved with International Free and Accepted Modern Mason Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star.

After graduation, Keisha hopes to work within the school system or help people struggling with mental health and addiction. She also wants to obtain a Ph.D., become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and eventually open up her open family counseling center.

Kimberly Hartman

Kimberly Hartman of Oradell, N.J is a Social Work major. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA since the beginning of her studies in 2019. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honor Society as well as the Golden Key Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Kimberly has been involved in Social Work groups and organizations related to her field of study. She is involved in off-campus organizations as a social work intern in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, supporting families during their child’s cancer diagnosis. She also has held a job in the General Pediatric Unit for 8.5 years, and would like to obtain a permanent full-time job there upon graduation.

Amanda Littlehale

Amanda Littlehale of Hillsdale, N.J. is a Social Work major in the Advanced Standing MSW Program. After graduating with her MSW in Spring 2022, she hopes to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Amanda is part of the 2021-2022 Ramapo Student Advisory Board, where she serves as an advocate for other social work students by discussing issues and areas of growth within the program. 

Off campus, she has worked with Transition Professionals as an advocate for clients in the reentry process following their release from jail. She also performed research for grant writing and maintained the organization’s web and social media platforms.  

Amanda also has an interest in mental health and hopes to involve herself in issues regarding voter’s rights in the future. “I am very passionate about policy reform,” she says.

She has a 3.9 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester. She is a member of Tau Sigma National Honors Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society.

Morgan Aronoff

Morgan Aronoff of River Edge, N.J. graduated summa cum laude from the Social Work program in 2020. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA and was on the Dean’s List.

Morgan began volunteering at Pony Power Therapies an became a therapeutic horseback riding instructor in 2018. In fall of 2019, Morgan completed her Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International certification. As a therapeutic riding instructor, Morgan works with clients of various ages and abilities, teaching them riding skills and how to safely care for their horses. 

Morgan plans on completing the Advanced Standing Master’s in Social Work program and pursuing a career in the Equine Therapy field.

Heidi Hartung

Heidi Hartung of Saddle River, N.J. graduated cum laude with a BFA from Alfred University and earned her MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. She is an artist, designer and group exercise/yoga instructor in Ramapo’s MSW program. Heidi has raised over one million dollars for pediatric brain tumor research. She is an activist for pediatric cancer and has traveled to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness and advocate for children battling cancer.

She is most proud of designing, building and funding Josephine’s Garden, an interactive rooftop garden at J.M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. It was built in honor of Heidi’s daughter, Josephine, who died at age 7 from a brain tumor. Josephine’s Garden is also a nonprofit dedicated to creating therapeutic spaces and funding childhood cancer research.

After graduating, Heidi hopes to marry her two degrees and life experiences together to create and offer clinical programming to children and their families that have suffered great loss and trauma. “Providing the tools and coping skills to see the light in the darkness, and to work through the hurt… to not just survive, but to thrive,” says Heidi.

David Sklar

David Jason Sklar is from Washington Township, N.J. He is a Social Work major and has a 3.7 GPA. “Education wasn’t always at the forefront of my mind, but as an older student I can say that while the road was sometimes difficult, the end result is worth every moment spent. Now that my dreams are slowly coming true, it really feels unbelievable.”  For David, graduating won’t leave any time to rest, however, because he isn’t stopping until he is a Master of Social Work and gets licensed to practice clinical social work. “I want to help whatever community I end up in.”

Justine Ruiz

Justine Ruiz of Paterson, NJ is a Social Work major. She has a 3.6 GPA and is on the Dean’s list. She previously received her associate’s degree in Human Services from Passaic County Community College. Justine is a first-generation college student.

Justine will be attending Ramapo College’s Advanced Standing Masters of Social Work Program. She is currently working full-time at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center to prepare herself. “Overcoming life’s obstacles I still managed to conquer my goals. I am proud of my academic success and accomplishments”.

Lamyaa Genidy

Lamyaa Genidy is a mother of two children and was determined to pursue a good educational career despite her different origins. “I grew up in Egypt and always had a passion for going to college and getting a social work degree.” Her passion inspired her to migrate to the United States to seek a wider variety of education. Because of her  understanding of different cultures, languages, and people, she decided to pursue her career in helping vulnerable communities. Eventually, she settled down in Wood-Ridge, N.J. and started her college path by taking ESL classes. As a social work major at Ramapo College, she has a 3.8 GPA and aspires to further her career by earning a MSW.

As a student at Ramapo, Lamyaa had been able to achieve remarkable accomplishments such as getting nominated to be a member of the Honor Society and earning Dean’s List. She will be the first in her family to complete higher education. She has always been an over-achiever and a hard worker.

Lamyaa has participated in Smile for Charity and volunteered in food pantries as well as a local mosque and church, and helped people attain fulfillment and benefits related to the American dream. “I enjoy helping and understanding people as it effectively enhances my experience with social work, for which I am passionate.”

Amanda Littlehale

Amanda Littlehale of Hillsdale, N.J. is a Social Work major. She has a 3.7 GPA. She is on the Dean’s List and is a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

As a member of the Ramapo Student Advisory Board, she attends meetings with professors in the social work program and serves as an advocate for other students by discussing issues and areas of potential growth within the program.

Amanda has been involved in off –campus organizations, including Family Promise and Transition Professionals. At Transition Professionals, she has acted as an advocate for clients in the reentry process after being released from jail, performed research for grant writing and created/maintained the organizations website and social media platforms. While pursuing her degrees, she works as a caregiver for her handicapped, 29 year old brother through New Jersey’s Department for Developmental Disabilities. She assists him in everything from his morning routine to putting him to bed at night.

Proceeding her graduation in the BSW program, she aspires to complete the Advanced Standing Master’s Program and graduate in the Spring of 2022. Along with her Master’s degree in social work, she hopes to obtain her CADC during this process. “My work at Transition Professionals has inspired me to want to work within the reentry sector of social work. I’m passionate about policy reform and hope to become involved in issues regarding voter’s rights.”

Kemone Hedge

Kemone Hedge of Paterson, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.7 GPA. She consistently earns a spot on the Dean’s List. When her son was born in 2007, she was determined to go back to school. Before transferring to Ramapo, she completed her A.S. in Sociology at Passaic County Community College.

At Ramapo, Kemone is a member of the Social Work Club. Off campus, she has an internship with Greater Bergen Community Action. There, she learns how to assist students and their families with educational opportunities and address the cause and conditions of persistent economic insecurities. She also works for an organization that provides services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

After graduation, she will continue her education at Ramapo to earn her MSW. She would like to work in child welfare.

Ida Lopez

Ida Lopez of North Bergen, N.J. is a Social Work student with a minor in Substance Use Disorders. She has a 3.3 GPA and has been nominated for the Chi Alpha Epsilon EOF honor society.

Ida currently interns at Head Start, an organization that provides low income families with early childhood education, and has also worked for Move Language Ahead, a company that works to provide educational and cultural programs to students from around the world. In 2018, she served as a Resident Assistant for the College Park Apartments on campus.

Post-graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to further her education and attain her Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Nathalie Arboleda

Nathalie Arboleda of Bergenfield, N.J. is a Social Work major and Substance Use Disorder minor. She has a 3.5 GPA and is on the Dean’s List. She is also a member of three honor societies including Order of Omega, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Nathalie has been active in several organizations and activities, including President of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., President of Organization of Latino Unity, and Publicist of United Cultural Greek Council. Nathalie has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including interning at Supreme Consultants in Rutherford, N.J. and the Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood, NJ, where she worked with clients and their families.

Post-graduation, Nathalie is pursuing her Masters of Social Work in the Advanced Standing program at Ramapo and plans on becoming a school social worker.

Ameerah McCoy

Ameerah McCoy of Paterson, N.J. is a senior Social Work major. She has a 3.73 GPA and is on the Dean’s List. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

At Ramapo, Ameerah serves as the Vice President of the Social Work Club, and is active in Ramapo Readers. In the Spring of 2020, Ameerah developed and facilitated the club’s First Annual Social Work Transfer Student Info Session. “The info-session presentation included information about on-campus resources, GPA requirements, study abroad programs, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities. Since this was the first meeting of this kind, I created a survey to measure the effectiveness of the meeting, which turned out successful.” Ameerah has also returned to her Bergen Community College several times in 2019-2020 to speak to students on behalf of the RCNJ Social Work Program.

Ameerah has used her educational experience and leadership skills to gain opportunities including, but not limited to, interning for Senator Nellie Pou and Holy Name Medical Center. She also works per diem at Hackensack University Medical Center to get herself prepared to become a medical social worker upon completing her graduate degree in 2021.

Chelsea Hayet

Chelsea Hayet of Wayne N.J., is a Psychology student, with a minor in Substance Abuse. She has an overall cumulative GPA 3.46. At Ramapo, Chelsea has been active in Greek life as a member and sister of Sigma Delta Tau, as well as a member of the academic honor society, Chi Alpha Epsilon. Chelsea has also been involved in off-campus organizations including the Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Suicide Foundation.

“I’m so proud to have been accepted into the Master of Social Work program at Ramapo, as working in the mental health field has been a goal of mine since high school. Receiving an award like this one was reassurance that I’m on the right path towards achieving my goals.” Chelsea is looking forward to her next two years at Ramapo and obtaining her goal of one day becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Lisa Marchiano

Lisa Marchiano of Hillsdale, N.J. is a Social Work major. She has a 3.97 GPA and is a member of the Phi Alpha Honors Society and the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honors Society. Lisa is a single mother who returned to school in her late twenties.

At Ramapo, Lisa has been active in several organizations, including in her role as the President of the Phi Alpha Honors Society. She also served as a panel speaker at the Law and Society Speaker Series on the Opioid Crisis. Off campus, she initiated a Halloween costume drive with her local food pantry.

Lisa will be attending Ramapo College’s Advanced Standing Masters of Social Work Program and will also receive her CADC in this program.

Jane Marcillo

Jane Marcillo of Newark, N.J. is a Social Work student in the EOF Program. She has a 3.5 GPA, has made the Dean’s List every semester, and was inducted into Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society in Spring 2018. Jane is also a member of the Social Work Club, where she participates in projects that expand campus awareness of social issues.

Upon graduation, Jane plans to attend graduate school for a Master’s in Social Work. “I am very proud of my academic success and I value my time spent at Ramapo,” Jane says. “Working alongside those who need support is my passion, and I look forward to applying the skills I’ve learned in the real world.”

Jillian Piotrowski

Jillian Piotrowski of Mount Olive, N.J. is a Social Work major. She has a 3.95 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester. Jillian is the Vice President of Phi Alpha, the honor society for social workers, where she is currently organizing a fundraiser and volunteer opportunities for Bergen Family Center’s Senior Care Program. In March, she will be studying drug policies in Portugal through Ramapo’s study abroad program.

Jillian previously held an internship at West Bergen Mental Healthcare. There, she developed a community resource guide for a low-income housing initiative, through which she helped individuals with physical and developmental disabilities become active members of their communities.  During her other internship, at Bergen’s Promise, she helped youth and families in need of mental health services. She created a case study entitled “Racism in the Workplace,” where she focused on how minority employees are impacted by racism,

Post-graduation, Jillian plans on becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and continuing her work with disenfranchised members of society.

Kaetlynn Ayala

Kaetlynn Ayala of Lodi, N.J. is a Social Work Major. Kaetylnn is in the Social Work Club and the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Through these organizations, she strengthens her passion for the social work field.

She is also a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters and is part of the Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad. Kaetlynn serves as an EMT and has been their President for the past two years.

She has a 3.89 GPA and is on the Dean’s List.

Nancy Lopez

Nancy Lopez of Elmwood Park, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.8 GPA. She previously received her associates degree in General Education from Bergen Community College.

Nancy is involved in the Social Work Club and Phi Alpha Honor Society. She is also proud to have made the Dean’s List all semesters thus far.

Off-campus, she is involved at the Bergen Family Center in Englewood, N.J., where she assists low-income families with finding affordable healthcare. She is also involved with Englewood’s Vantage Health System, where she works with adults with mental illness.

Allison Rocca

“Through the Social Work program at Ramapo, I’ve had support and guidance and also had the opportunity to intern at two substance abuse treatment facilities, as well as work with law enforcement to learn about the legal issues many of my clients face,” say Allison Rocca of Township of Washington, N.J. Allison is a Social Work major with a Substance Use Disorder minor, and will continue in the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at Ramapo after graduation. She holds a 4.0 GPA, is a member of Tau Sigma Honors Society, and is involved in the Social Work Club.

In her hometown, Allison has helped implement the Stigma Free initiative into her community. She is also an intern at New Pathway Counseling and currently works as a nanny.

Rachel Coakley

Rachel Coakley of New Milford, N.J. is a senior Social Work major with a 3.97 GPA. Rachel is on the Dean’s List, is a New Jersey Stars scholar, and is a member of five college honor societies including Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta, Tau Sigma, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Golden Key International Honour Society. She graduated from Bergen Community College with an honors diploma and transferred to Ramapo to complete her Undergraduate degree in 2017.

Rachel is an active member of the Hillel Club, where she attends weekly club meetings and assists with setting up club meeting activities. She is also involved with the non-profit organization ArtWorks, which provides access to the arts for children in hospitals who face chronic and life-limiting illnesses.

Post-graduation, she plans to begin working toward her master’s degree in Social Work at Ramapo College. “I am really passionate about helping others, and I want to work with and help both children and adults facing adversity in their lives.”

Lori Nanni

Lori Nanni of Lodi, N.J. spent the summer of 2016 in the pre-career practicum at NY Presbyterian’s Westchester Division, where she volunteered on an inpatient unit for the treatment of eating disorders. “It was there that I was able to fulfill my desire to help others cope with an inpatient hospital stay, as well as realize that I have a passion for working with adults and adolescents with eating disorders.”

Lori is a senior Social work major, and has a 4.0 GPA. “After graduation, I plan to work as a mental health worker so I can continue to work with patients during graduate school.”

Dylan Heffernan

“My social work interests lay primarily at the macro level; I’d like to work to influence policy and advocation,” says Dylan Heffernan of Clifton, N.J. Dylan has a 3.7 GPA, and will graduate with a degree in Social Work in May. He will continue his education and earn a MSW to realize his goal of working within government to positively affect the greatest number of underserved people.

Taylor Faber

Taylor Faber is proud to have completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work in three years, and will continue in the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at Ramapo. “I feel called to work with adolescent and teenage populations regarding Substance Abuse in a school setting.”

Taylor is from Ridgewood, N.J. and has a 3.8 GPA.

Nerissa Betty

Nerissa Betty is a Social Work major from South Hackensack, N.J. She has a 3.2 GPA. She plans to continue her education in the MSW program at Ramapo.

“What I hope to do in this field is create a sense of hope, support and encouragement, and help people realize that how they choose to overcome obstacles, no matter how great, is what will define them.”

Cassie Palmer

Cassie Palmer of River Vale, N.J. has been an enthusiastic volunteer with the Bergen Family Center, MEVO (Mahwah Environmental Volunteer Organization), Pascack Valley Meals on Wheels, and others, but her true passion lies in working with children. “I see myself on a child study team that develops intervention and treatment plans for children with IEP’s and/or behavioral issues.”

Cassie is enrolled in the Master of Social Work program. She has a 3.8 GPA.

Jesse Bader

“I plan to be involved with high school students and also act as a support system for teachers that are struggling to reach their most difficult students and students with no motivation for change,” says Social Work major Jesse Bader. Jesse will be graduating in 2018 and plans to continue at Ramapo to earn her MSW.

She has a 3.4 GPA and is from Hillsdale, N.J.

Steven Cruz

“Growing up in an environment filled with violence and poverty, and barely graduating from high school, I never envisioned that I would be where I am now,” says Steven Cruz of Guttenberg, N.J. a candidate in the Master of Social Work Program. The Dean’s List student has a 3.83 GPA.

Steven is part of the Golden Key International Honour Society and has worked with chapter officers and members to cultivate leadership skills that will prepare them for professional and personal success.  He has also helped fundraise for the New Jersey AIDS walk in Morristown, helping to raise awareness and managing merchandise booths.

Steven is currently interning at the Cliffside Park High SchooI with CarePlusNJ which provides individual and group therapy for students.  He hopes to join the Peace Corps after he earns his MSW.

“With a long list of life lessons and hardships I managed to remain determined through it all.”

Amanda Goritski

Amanda Goritski of Newton, NJ is a Social Work major with a minor in Psychology.

She has a 3.9 GPA. She is an active member of Phi Alpha Honor Society and a Golden Key member.

Amanda has also been involved in community education with Ginnie’s House Child Advocacy Center, a non-profit center that assists victims of child abuse. She also volunteers for her children’s sports teams.

“As a social worker I hope to change the lives of many children and help guide them away from the mistakes I made. I hope to run a group home for lost, unwanted and orphaned children. I want the group home to be their home until they get their lives together. I want to change the ways of aging out of the foster care system because it is truly awful and sad what some of the children go through after being left and neglected by their own families. I have so many hopes and goals for my future that I never had before I was accepted at Ramapo. I may not be able to save the world but I know I am going to try.”

Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn of Sussex, NJ is a Social Work major with a minor in Substance Abuse.

She has a 4.0 grade point average. Heather was inducted into Psi Beta Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. She was also a candidate for induction into the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Heather is active in the Social Work Club on campus, where she is working to set up a poverty/welfare simulation to teach others who do not understand the cycle of poverty and its intergenerational hold. Off campus she is a Senior Residential Program Instructor at Willowglen Academy.  She also volunteers for the Wallkill Valley Rotary and Sussex County Board of Health.

“A lot of people fear what they do not understand and it is because of that misguided fear, that people with disabilities are shunned, abused, and neglected. Shedding light on the issues faced by marginalized people is important because it is something that is not going to go away.”

Medeum Naissant

Medeum Naissant is a senior from Garnerville, NY majoring in Social Work.

Jennifer Schoemer

Jennifer Schoemer of West Milford, NJ is a Social Work major. She has a 3.88 GPA.  She will be graduating summa cum laude, and was on the Dean’s List throughout her entire educational career at Ramapo.

Jennifer has been actively involved in the Social Work Club and Student Advisory Board, and has served as treasurer of Phi Alpha. Off campus, she has volunteered with the Special Olympics in addition to a local food pantry, and is an avid dog lover.

Melissa Acevedo

Melissa Acevedo is a senior from Fair Lawn, NJ majoring in Social Work.

Gerson Lovera

Gerson Lovera of Garfield, N.J. is a social work major. He has a 3.47 grade point average. Gerson was inducted into Chi Alpha Epsilon, the Social Work Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Gerson has been a tutor in the Office of Specialized Services, a member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Off campus, Gerson writes fiction. His stories examine issues affecting citizens of his native Peru including racism, discrimination and child abuse.  

Gerson plans to earn a master’s degree in social work and to become a licensed counselor.

Tara Zahorenko

Tara Zahorenko of Paramus, N.J. is a social work major. She has a 3.738 grade point average. Tara was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society in 2014.

At Ramapo, Tara has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Social Work Club and the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

Tara has also been involved in off-campus activities and organizations, including serving as an intern with Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare Inc. and the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative

Jessica Barrows

Jessica Barrows of Parsippany, N.J. is a social work major graduate from Ramapo College, now attending Fordham University in pursuit of her Masters in Social Work. She has a 3.7 grade point average.  Jessica was inducted into the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Jessica has been active in several organizations and activities, including Phi Alpha Honor Society, and led a clothing collection for homeless veterans.

Jessica has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including interning with Treatment Dynamics, a substance abuse treatment facility, and Morris County Prevention is Key, a substance abuse prevention organization.

Franchesca Gomez

Franchesca Gomez of Garfield, N.J. graduated from Ramapo College with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She graduated with a 3.9 grade point average. Franchesca was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Franchesca was active in the Social Work Club.

She is pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

Edlira Gora

Edlira Gora of Lodi, N.J.  is a social work major. She has a 3.7 grade point average.

On campus, Edlira is a member of the Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha and the Rho Sigma Delta chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. Off campus, she has been involved in a toy drive for children who are placed in foster homes and volunteers at Bergen County Housing, Health & Human Services Center in Hackensack, N.J. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

Alyssa Cullere

Alyssa Cullere of Waldwick, N.J.is a social work major and gerontology minor. She has a 3.586 grade point average. She is member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, Theta Delta Chapter.

At Ramapo, Alyssa has been active in several organizations and activities, including Phi Alpha, Colleges Against Cancer and Relay For Life. She served as the president of Colleges Against Cancer, the co-chair for Relay For Life and as treasurer and acting president of Phi Alpha.

Alyssa has also been involved in off -campus activities and organizations, including The American Cancer Society and Christian Healthcare Center of New Jersey.

Julissa Pena

Julissa Pena graduated from Ramapo College in May, 2013. She earned a bachelor of science in Social Work and had a 3.85 grade point avereage. She is now enrolled in the MSW program at New York University. Julissa is from Wood-Ridge, NJ.

Devorah Karp

Devorah Karp graduated from Ramapo in May 2013 with a degree in Social Work. Her final grade point average was 4.00. Devorah is from Spring Valley, NY.

Brianna Faith Collinson

Brianna Collinson graduated from Ramapo in January, 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a 3.92 grade point average. She is now pursuing a master’s of social work degree (advanced standing) at Fordham University. “I am currently finishing up my MSW and interning at Willowglen Academy of New Jersey in Sparta,” she said. “With graduation approaching, I look forward to using the generalist social work knowledge I learned at Ramapo and the clinical knowledge from Fordham as I grow in my career as a social worker.” Brianna is from Montague, NJ.

Jamie Ziegelhofer

Jamie Ziegelhofer graduated from Ramapo in May, 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She earned a 3.79 grade point average. Jamie Ziegelhofer is a program analyst in the Division of Planning and Contracts and administrator for the Commission on the Status of Women, both within the Bergen County Department of Human Services. She said the scholarship “helped ease my transition into graduate school.” Jamie is enrolled in Rutgers University’s Intensive Weekend Advance Standing MSW program. “My internship for this program is at the Bergen County Department of Human Services Division of Family Guidance Adolescent and Family Treatment program where I provide individual counseling and co-facilitate psychoeducational groups,” she said. Jamie is from Hackensack, NJ.

Susan Vanino

“This award has changed my life, and allowed me to pursue my dreams,” said Susan Vanino who graduated with a degree in Social Work in 2013. “While it was challenging to return to college as a non-traditional student, as a person with a significant disability, I was motivated during my undergraduate studies by my goal to eventually earn a MSW. Last spring, as graduationneared, my plans for graduate school became overshadowed by looming worries of mounting student debt. Being selected for this award not only provided financial support towards graduate studies, it gave me the confidence to move forward,” she said. Susan began the Advanced Standing Program at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work last fall and will graduate in May. She is completing a year-long internship at Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care in Hackensack. She plans to work in an agency setting, where I can assist people with disabilities in realizing their full potential. “I will be forever grateful to Carol Schaefer for making the Carol Schaefer Human Services/Shepherd Foundation Award possible, and to those at Ramapo College who encouraged me to apply for this remarkable award,” Susan said.

Julie Sisselman

Julie Sisselman is enrolled in the New York University Silver School of Social Work.

Jacqueline Ostrander

Jacqueline Ostrander is enrolled in a graduate program at Montclair State University.

Maria Molina

Maria Molina is enrolled in a graduate program at New York University.

Melissa Marchese

Melissa Marchese is enrolled in a graduate program at Monmouth University.

Julie Sisselman

Julie Sisselman is enrolled in the New York University Silver School of Social Work.

Jacqueline Ostrander

Jacqueline Ostrander is enrolled in a graduate program at Montclair State University.

Maria Molina

Maria Molina is enrolled in a graduate program at New York University.

Melissa Marchese

Melissa Marchese is enrolled in a graduate program at Monmouth University.

Casey Castronova

Casey Castronova is from Freehold, NJ and graduated in May with a degree in Social Work and a 3.82 cumulative grade point average. She was a member of the Social Work Club and Operation Smile and was a Ramapo student ambassador. Casey interned at The Center for Alcohol & Drug Resources, Verona High School and the Liberty Partnership Program. She attends Monmouth University as an advanced standing Social Work student and is working in a substance abuse treatment facility. “Casey is presently working towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor,” says Professor Mitch Kahn.

Lydia Lipsy

Lydia Lipsy is from Pompton Plains, NJ and graduated from Ramapo in May with a degree in Social Work. She earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.98 and was inducted into the Ramapo Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Lydia is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Client Centered Management at Fordham University. She is an intern at Integrity House, a residential substance abuse treatment facility. “After graduation Lydia plans to pursue full-time work that involves her interests in family work, co-occurring disorders and perhaps international social work,” reports Professor Mitch Kahn.

Caitlin Helmstetter

Caitlin Helmstetter is from Cranford, NJ. She graduated from Ramapo last May with a degree in Social Work and earned a 3.85 cumulative grade point average. She currently attends Columbia University School of Social Work, studying advanced clinical practice with children and families. She is an intern at a residential treatment center for adolescent boys. Caitlin plans to work as a licensed social worker in NJ.

Maureen O’Shea

2009 recipient Maureen O’Shea is a student who has returned to school after raising a family and working in the health care field. She is in her senior year at Ramapo College and has earned a 3.7 grade point average. During her time as a social work major she interned at Birth Haven and the Center for Prevention and Counseling, both in Sussex County, where she provided more than 600 hours of social work services focused on developing healthy families. Ms. O’Shea has been admitted to serveral MSW programs where she will receive advanced standing for her excellence while at Ramapo, and will attend the University of Michigan. After she receives her master’s she would like to continue to work on behalf of struggling families.

Jill Worrall

2009 recipient Jill Worrall is a returning adult student majoring in Social Work at Ramapo College, and graduating with a 3.7 grade point average. Prior to coming to Ramapo she worked for many years in the social service field working with adolescents, people with developmental disabilities, homelessness, mental illness and a 911 crisis response program. During her 600 hour internships she was placed at New Bridge Services Inc., where she worked in a youth employment program. Jill will be attending Rutgers University’s MSW program in the fall.

Kiersten Gray

2009 recipient Kiersten Gray is a busy young woman graduating from Ramapo College with a 3.4 grade point average and a major in Social Work, a minor in Psychology, and a concentration in Substance Abuse. She has used this knowledge effectively in her internships with the Verona High School Student Assistance Program and the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, where she worked with Strengthening Bergen’s Families. All of this while being active as a community volunteer. She was accepted at several MSW programs with advanced standing, and will attend Monmouth University. After receiving her graduate degree she would like to work in school systems as a social worker or student assistance counselor.

Not only has this scholarship eased my financial burden, it has also reminded me that there are others out there who care enough to help those in need.