Our Board

We are fortunate to have a Board of Directors who are committed to our mission and provide 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, President
Steven Swirsky, Vice President
Trish Lobenfeld, Treasurer
Sharon Weiner, Secretary

Directors Emeriti

J Durst
Beth Leventhal

David Rosenberg

Arnold Ursaner

Members

Francisco Barrenechea
Joana Bekerman
Sara Colodner
Daniel Goldstein
Pam Hervey
Tom Jocelyn
Diane McGurrin
Louis Meltzer
Suzanne Millette
Tony Napolitano
Laura Salerno Evans
Richard Sgaglio

See Board of Directors profiles here.

OUR STAFF

Our staff is made up of experienced social workers, skilled administrators and talented 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.
Jane Bishow-Semevolos
Creative Arts Therapist
Siobhan Casey, ATR-BC, LCAT
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
Estel Cintron
Intake Coordinator/Case Manager
Suzanne Cohen
Grants Manager
Jennifer Costa, MSW, CCLS
Child Life Specialist
Gabriella DiSisto
Philanthropy Manager
Judith Factor
Executive Director
Beth Ferrari, BSW
Social Worker
Melissa Goldsmith, LMSW, CCLS
Child Life Specialist
Amy Hosmer
Development Assistant
Marla Krellenstein, MSW
Social Worker
Jonathan Lewis
Marketing Manager
Naomi Lin, LCAT, ATR-BC
Creative Arts Therapist
Nancy Mariano
Director, Corporate Partnerships; LI Regional Director
Sarah McNamee, LMSW
Social Worker
Carolyn Miceli
Finance and Administration Specialist
Melanie Mouzakes
Administrative Assistant
Jackie Nunez, MSW
Social Worker
Rebecca Plant
Development Associate
Natalia RossEcheverri, LMSW, C-ASWCM
Social Worker
Rhonda Ryan, LMSW
Director, Family Support Program
Kathleen Ryan
Director of Individual Philanthropy
Gwen Salmo
Special Events Coordinator
Elvira Scollan
Case Manager
Terri Sorrentino
Director, Finance & Administration
Denise Tredwell
Volunteer Coordinator
Debbie Weeks
Family Support Administrator
Diana York
Database Analyst