Meet Our Team
OUR BOARD
We are fortunate to have a Board of Directors that is committed to our mission and provides thoughtful guidance to achieve it. Comprised of innovative, forward-thinking leaders from fields including finance, construction, the law, education, and health, our Board helps ensure that Friends of Karen is able to meet its goals and objectives.
OFFICERS
Paul Smadbeck, Immediate Past President
DIRECTORS EMERITI
J Durst
Beth Leventhal
David Rosenberg
Arnold Ursaner
Sharon Weiner
MEMBERS
Francisco Barrenechea
Steven Connolly
Christopher Nay
Yemi Oluwole
Michael Roberts
Evan Schreiber
OUR STAFF
Our staff is made up of experienced social workers, child life specialists, creative arts therapists, skilled finance, administrative and development professionals drawn from diverse career pathways. Friends of Karen was founded out of the kindness of one friend for another. Compassion for our Friends of Karen families is what continues to bind us together to bring them hope and help.

Theresa Alari
Assistant Controller

Melissa Baguzis, LMSW
Social Worker

Leslie Bellissimo
Regional Director
Long Island-Metro NYC

Jane Bishow-Semevolos, ATR-BC, LCAT
Creative Arts Therapist

Kelly Campion-Socol
Data Analyst

Siobhan Casey, ATR-BC, LCAT
Creative Arts Therapist

Estel Cintron
Intake Coordinator/Case Manager, CCM

Suzanne Cohen
Grants Manager

Jennifer Costa, MSW, CCLS
Child Life Specialist

Gabriella DiSisto
Sr. Philanthropy Manager

Liz Espinal
Family Support Assistant

Judith Factor
Executive Director

Beth Ferrari, BSW
Social Worker

Alyssa Freeman, LCSW
Social Worker

Melissa Goldsmith, LCSW, CCLS
Child Life Specialist

Amy Hosmer
Development Assistant

Lexi Latino
Philanthropy Manager, Long Island – Metro NYC

Carolyn Miceli
Finance and Administration Specialist

Melanie Mouzakes
Administrative Assistant

Jackie Nunez, MSW
Social Worker

Natalia RossEcheverri, LMSW, C-ASWCM
Assistant Director, Family SProgram

Rhonda Ryan, LCSW
Director, Family Support Program

Gwen Salmo
Special Events Coordinator

Terri Sorrentino
Director, Finance & Administration

Debbie Weeks
Family Support Administrator
