Cynthia Amodeo, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in the intersection of domestic violence and disabilities. She began as a children’s counselor at Barrier Free Living, Freedom House, and has since held several leadership positions in the agency including Coordinator of Family Services, Director of Family Services, Director of Social Services, and Chief Program Officer. She took on the role of CEO in 2023. Ms. Amodeo regularly presents at Domestic Violence and Trauma conferences nationally to spread awareness of how domestic violence affects people with disabilities. Before working at Barrier Free Living, Ms. Amodeo counseled children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and survivors of the 2001 World Trade Center attack. Ms. Amodeo received her Master of Education and Master of Arts from Teacher’s College, Columbia University in 2006.
Gary Barberio began his career with Adult Protective Services in 1988. He was assigned to the Brooklyn and Staten Island field offices as a caseworker. In 2000, Gary was assigned to the APS Central Intake Unit as its Deputy Director, He remained with Central Intake for 10 years before being assigned to the Manhattan North field office as it’s Deputy Director. In 2015, Gary was appointed as the Regional Manager for Community Affairs and Outreach for APS. Apart from providing outreach to various social service providers and community-based organizations Gary also oversees the APS Housing Court Liaisons unit. The Court Liaison unit is responsible for providing an APS presence in each of the landlord and tenant courts throughout the 5 boroughs.
Mike Bruno is an Anti-Money Laundering Program Manager for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group at their National Headquarters in Washington, DC. In that capacity, Mr. Bruno provides guidance, training, and resources nationally for Postal Inspectors engaged in money laundering, fraud, or money order-related investigations. Mr. Bruno also serves as the Inspection Service’s liaison to FinCEN, Homeland Security Investigations’ National Bulk Cash Smuggling Center, and the U.S. Postal Service’s Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Office. In March 2024, Mr. Bruno received the 2024 Excellence in Public/Private Partnership Award from the AML Partnership Forum for his efforts in bringing together the public and private sectors to combat financial crime more effectively. Mr. Bruno began his federal law enforcement career in 2014 when he became a Postal Inspector, and was immediately assigned to a fraud and money laundering team in Newark, New Jersey. Prior to joining the Inspection Service, Mr. Bruno worked as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for over six years, where he conducted complex, civil tax investigations. Mr. Bruno is a Certified Fraud Examiner, and holds a Master of Science degree in Global Affairs from New York University.
Paul L. Caccamise, LMSW, ACSW, is Vice President for Program at Lifespan of Greater Rochester, a not-for-profit aging service provider in upstate New York. Since 2002, he has provided administrative and clinical oversight for agency programs with a focus on elder abuse programs, and services targeting older adults at risk of mistreatment, including the Upstate Elder Abuse Center, Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman, Guardianship, and Recovery and Wellness (Geriatric Addictions) Programs. He also is the Program Director for the National Center for State and Tribal Elder Justice Coalitions, sponsored by Lifespan. Paul oversees Lifespan’s role in implementing the statewide Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT) initiative.He is part of the team that organized and implemented the 2022 NYS Elder Abuse Summit. He was also the project director for the New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study conducted by Lifespan, Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the NYC Department for the Aging from 2007-2010. Before coming to Lifespan, Paul served in a number of positions at Monroe County Department of Social Services including as administrator for Adult Protective Services from 1985-2002.
Sergeant Dawana Castro presently has a total of 28 years with the New York City Police Department. Sergeant Castro joined the department in March of 1996 as a civilian employee. She was soon promoted to supervisor and served nine years as a civilian employee. With the desire to do more, Sergeant Castro furthered her career with the department and became a NYC Police Officer. She moved through the ranks to become a Detective and was soon thereafter promoted to sergeant. In recognition of her hard work and dedication, Sgt. Castro was acknowledged by the department in 2014 and promoted to the rank of Sergeant Special Assignment. Sergeant Castro is currently assigned to the Chief of Department Domestic Violence Unit, where she is the supervisor for the Chief of Department’s Domestic Violence Training Unit. In her current role, Sergeant Castro is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring all Department Units Citywide, continue to recognize the core aspects of domestic violence and its effects on victims. Additionally, her team collaborates and conducts training with many outside agencies and advocacy groups to provide support and services that will assist each victim with their unique situation.
Maureen Curtis, LMSW, MPH, is responsible for the development and oversight of Safe Horizon’s Criminal Justice Programs with a staff of more than 300 locations city-wide and manages a budget of more than 20 million. She has worked for more than 35 years in the field of victimization and has extensive knowledge of victims' rights within the criminal justice and housing systems. Maureen started her career in the Domestic Violence Police Program (DVPP). When promoted to Director of DVPP, she helped expand this program over the years into 26 police precincts in NYC. DVPP led to the creation of the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) which places Advocates in every NYC police precinct and provides services to all victims of crime. She helped launch CVAP and currently provides senior leadership for its staff.
Maureen was instrumental in creating and introducing a new practice for Safe Horizon staff in their work with clients; led the training for supervisors in the implementation of this model of client-centered practice; and continues to provide support and guidance to help staff develop their skills and enhance their knowledge. Maureen is a licensed social worker with a Master’s in Public Health.
Rachael Domanico, LMSW, is the Elder Justice Specialist at The Weinberg Center. Rachael has worked with a variety of populations including LGBTQ+ youth, justice-involved individuals, and housing insecure veterans. She graduated from Molloy College with a Bachelor's in Social Work and was secretary of the Molloy Social Work Club. She later received her Master of Social Work from Fordham University. Rachael was given the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work Student of the Year Award of Excellence in the spring of 2020.
Donna Dougherty, Esq., Attorney-in-Charge, Legal Services for Elder Justice (LSEJ), JASA. She is a 30-year veteran of JASA. In her role, she oversees a 20+ person legal team that provides direct legal services to thousands of older adults each year in the areas of evictions and foreclosures, financial exploitation and fraud, public benefits, healthcare, and elder abuse. For nearly three decades, Donna has taught negotiating, interviewing, and counseling to law students at universities including St. John’s Law School, Cardozo Law School, and New York Law School. Donna is a member of the NYC Bar-Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force, NYC Elder Abuse Center Steering Committee, Queens Bar Association, and Landlord/Tenant Committee. Donna received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta and her Juris Doctor Degree from SUNY Albany School of Law.
Florian Edwards, LMSW, is JASA’s Senior Director of Protective Services, which entails oversight of Adult Protective Services (APS), Elder Justice Prevention Services, and the Annual Elder Justice Training Institute. Florian has provided individual and group therapy in her professional work with victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, and modern-day slavery. She is a core member of the Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team (EMDT). She is passionate about fighting for social justice, especially for vulnerable and at-risk populations. Florian attended CUNY’s Herbert H. Lehman College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2002, with honors. Florian attended Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service where she received her Master’s of Social Work in 2004. Florian remains an active member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Katie Egglefield, MPH, has been the Deputy Director of Compensation for the New York State Office of Victim Services since August 2021. In this role, Katie oversees the Victim Compensation Program, as well as the Forensic Rape Exam (FRE) Direct Reimbursement Program operations. Prior to her work in the victim services field, she worked for the New York State Department of Health, conducting health services research and evaluating the quality of health care delivery for the state. Katie’s other experience includes monitoring health data compliance and process development, in both the public and private sectors. She received her M.P.H. from the University at Albany, specializing in behavioral science and community health, and received her B.A. in psychology from the University at Buffalo.
Takai Forde, LMSW, is JASA's Associate Director of Government Affairs and the former Queens JASA Elder Justice Social Work Supervisor. A New York State Licensed Master Social Worker, Takai received her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in 2016 and has made it her mission to serve the older adult population with dignity and respect.Takai served as a vital component in Elder Justice at JASA and in the larger community, collaborating with organizations like the NYPD, NYC Elder Abuse Center, the Office of Victims Services, and others. In her desire to provide improved comprehensive resources to older adults, Takai strives to advance racial equity for older adults and those who support them. She has been highlighted by the NYC Elder Abuse Center’s Racial Equity Task Force, sharing her insight on the unique aspects of abuse for older adults in their African-American and Black communities.
Takai demonstrates her expertise through staff training and her work with student scholars. Her desire to promote educational field experience in the evolution of elder justice fuels her commitment to nurture a solid foundation for the next generation of social workers.
Rev. Susan M. Frawley is a retired School Counselor/Administrator. She is the pastor at Hamburg Unitarian Universalist Church. Susan has worked in the area of advocacy for older adults for many years. She has been a Project Coordinator for a grant focusing on older adults in Niagara County. She has also promoted older adult issues as a board member of Niagara Pride, a non-profit LGBTQ+ organization. As a clergy member, Susan continues to work diligently to connect faith communities on areas of concern for older adults, including issues of elder justice. 
Jeanette Giancaspro, M.S.Ed., B.A.Ed., is a technology educator with a specialization in teaching older adults who are non-native English speakers. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Manhattan College and holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Iona College. Her professional experience in the education field includes teaching high school English (literature, reading, and writing) and teaching technology to older adults. She has been working in the field of older adult technology education since 2012, and she has also been a mentor to new trainers/educators in this field. She began her work with the Carter Burden Network in 2014 as an independent technology trainer.
She is currently the Technology Educator for the Carter Burden Network as part of the Healthy Aging Technology Center (HATC), where she designs and develops curricula, teaches technology classes, leads workshops, and provides one-on-one technology support to older adults. She often collaborates with the Health and Wellness and CEMAPP (Community Elder Mistreatment Abuse Prevention Program) teams to supplement the services that they provide to their clients.
Professor Ann Goldweber, Esq., is Director of Clinical Legal Education and Director of the Consumer Justice for the Elderly: Litigation Clinic. The Clinic represents low-income Queens older residents in predatory lending, foreclosure defense, mortgage loan modifications, deed theft, foreclosure rescue scams, home improvement contractor fraud, and debt collection cases. Clinic students also provide community outreach and education at senior centers throughout Queens and have been invited by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to provide its General Counsel with information about our cases and consumer issues affecting our client community. Professor Goldweber has spoken at forums regarding financial abuse of older adults, predatory lending, defending victims of deed theft, and foreclosure rescue scams. She is a member of the New York City Foreclosure Task Force and serves on the Statewide Access to Justice Council. Professor Goldweber was invited to join the Department of Financial Services Consumer Protection Advisory Council, where advocates meet regularly with the Superintendent of Financial Services. She was also invited to join the Working Committee of the Office of the Statewide Coordinating Judge for Family Violence cases and a Community Roundtable with the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding consumer debt issues.
Professor Goldweber was also one of the founders of Queens County Civil Court CLARO which is a pro bono program that provides legal advice to pro se litigants in the Consumer Debt Part. Professor Goldweber is on the Board of Directors at Queens Legal Services and has been a member of various New York City and New York State Bar Association committees.
Katherine Grant, LCSW, is the Equity & Inclusion Administrator for the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. In her current role, she works with communities most impacted by gender-based violence and ensures that the agency’s work is done through an intersectional lens. Katherine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with historically excluded survivors of violence through counseling, and individual and systems-level advocacy. Kathy was previously the Director of Anti-Violence Services for In Our Own Voices, Inc., a culturally specific agency working with the LGBT BIPOC community. Through this role, Kathy was primarily responsible for providing oversight and support to survivor advocates, providing direct services, and assisting in the development of policies and procedures that are equitable, accessible, and inclusive.
Jaime Guzman, MSW, is the Bilingual Helpline Specialist. Jaime comes to the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions with over 10 years of Social Work experience working with children, adolescents, familities, and older adults. As a former Program Director for a congregate supportive housing program at Henry Street Settlement, where she worked for 13 years, Jaime gained experience in Child Preventive Services and Medicaid-managed programs. In addition, through her work with Health Homes, which assists vulnerable adults in the five boroughs,
Jaime is also trained in multigenerational family theory focusing on the three generational model and Bowen Family Systems theory. Jaime holds a Master’s in Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Donna M. Harris is the Public Information Representative (PIR) for the US Postal Inspection Service, the oldest federal law enforcement agency. Donna has been in her current position for over 13 years and has worked at the United States Postal Service and its law enforcement agencies for over 38 years. Donna began her career in Red Bank, NJ, and moved through the agency to become the Manager of two Operations Support Groups, one in Bala Cynwyd, PA, and the other in Chicago, IL, where she managed the fraud complaint program. In 2006 Donna moved to Virginia, where she served in the position of Manager, Business Services. In 2011 she moved back to New York to her current position as the Public Information Representative, where she is focused on consumer outreach and media contact, all to prevent fraud and protect the vulnerable; something our agency has been focused on since 1872, when the mail fraud legislation was established.
Bradford Hasenauer, CFE, is a Consulting Manager with Bonadio’s Advisory and Consulting division with a specialized focus on Fraud and Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support. After joining Webber CPA in May 2017 the firm merged with Bonadio in early 2023 where he currently works. Throughout his career, he has provided forensic accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to a wide variety of organizations, including public and private corporations in several industries. Brad has worked extensively on financial exploitation cases for older and vulnerable adults for the last seven years working with 55 different counties throughout NY State. More recently, he has also begun to provide operational consulting, fraud analysis, forecasting, due diligence consulting, and quality/internal control auditing services, specializing in mitigating risk and strengthening internal controls within these entities.
He is skilled in conducting forensic and fact-finding interviews and is an expert in designing forensic accounting testing procedures and directing on-site fraud assessments. He has also provided expert witness testimony in court proceedings regarding financial exploitation cases he’s handled.
Brad received his B.S. degree in accounting from SUNY Geneseo in 2017. Brad is a Certified Fraud Examiner and is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the Western New York Chapter of CFE.
Gili Hershkovich-Kim has been a social worker for 20 years starting as a case manager and working as a clinician, administrator, and manager in a variety of social service programs assisting the elderly, individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and adults with mental health diagnoses. Gili currently works as the Deputy Commissioner for the Human Resources Administration: Adult Protective Services (APS).
Rabbi Marcelle Hohl is a Conservative rabbi. She received her ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 2021, where she also attended the JTS Center for Pastoral Education. At JASA, Rabbi Marcelle is part of the Senior Community Connection Project, an interdisciplinary short-term program that integrates social workers, a registered nurse, and a pastoral counselor to provide a client-centered plan for older adults in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Rabbi Marcelle's goal as a spiritual counselor is to bring meaning and reconnection to the lives of people who experience trauma due to major life crises.
Honorable Crystal Hudson is the Council Member for New York City’s District 35 in Brooklyn, representing the neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, and Fort Greene. A third-generation Brooklynite, she was first elected in 2021 and made history as one of the first out-gay Black women ever elected in New York City. Crystal is a public servant committed to making government more accessible for more people. As a first-term Council Member, she passed more bills than any other first-term member in Brooklyn and was second among all new members. She has authored the Black Agenda for New York City and co-authored the Marsha & Sylvia Plan, a first-of-its-kind policy agenda to support LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. Crystal is chair of the Committee on Aging and also serves as co-chair of the Council’s Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.
Patricia Kimball, MS, MS, is the Executive Director of the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine whose mission is to design and implement interventions to serve those impacted by elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Patricia has been involved with the Institute since its founding in 2003, initially as a board member and eventually, as its first Executive Director. She co-led the development of Martha’s Cottage, Maine’s first transitional housing for older victims of abuse; is a recipient of a Robert Wood Johnson research fellowship to study mandatory reporting of elder abuse; and helped pilot and expand the RISE Model, an innovative intervention for clients involved with Adult Protective Services. Patricia was also the founding Director of the Restorative Justice Institute of Maine, whose mission is to foster restorative practices and philosophy across the state. Patricia was recently awarded the Georgia Anetzberger Award at the 2024 Judith D. Tamkin Symposium on Elder Abuse for her innovative work in elder maltreatment. Patricia holds an undergraduate degree in English and graduate degrees in Human Services Administration and Community Economic Development.
Jeanine Launay, Esq., Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit, for the New York County District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Launay joined the District Attorney’s Office in 1989 and has worked in the Domestic Violence Unit, the Special Narcotics Bureau, the Child Abuse Unit, and in Trial Bureaus handling a wide range of criminal offenses. She has investigated and prosecuted cases from intake through Grand Jury presentations and at trial.In 2022 she was appointed Chief of the Eder Abuse Unit, in the Special Victims Division, where she supervises criminal cases committed against adults over the age of 60 including offenses resulting from domestic violence. From 2010 to 2022, she was Deputy Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit where she supervised the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence and stalking cases. She participates in outreach and training both inside and outside the Office. Ms. Launay has presented nationally and abroad. She has spoken to students, health care providers, community groups, and at consulates about the work that the Office undertakes on behalf of victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.
Cheryl Lee, LMSW, is currently the Elder Abuse Coordinator at NYC Aging in the Office of Elder Justice. Cheryl acts as a senior project leader for all NYC Aging funded Elder Abuse Programs. Cheryl facilitates communication between her colleagues and programs working with older adults who are victims of abuse, to help optimize their well-being, safety, and the coordination of services. She is also a member of the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice, a committee committed to improving access to the court systems for older adults. 
Meredith Levine is a skilled social service leader dedicated to helping families access programs and services that will enrich their potential for success and independence. Currently the senior director of Care Management & Information Services at JASA, Meredith oversees a portfolio that touches the lives of 10,000 older adults and their loved ones each year. With experience in child welfare, developmental disabilities services, faith-based community resources, and services for older adults, Meredith has a keen understanding of the systems impacting the non-profit sector and governmental social services available to New Yorkers in need. Meredith has focused her leadership on developing information and referral programs at large social services agencies in New York City.Meredith started her career writing grants for a grassroots hunger-fighting agency in rural Florida, and has since helped stabilize at-risk families in the South Bronx, trained community members to help their neighbors access social services, empowered parents to advocate for their special needs children, and taught the siblings of special needs children coping skills so they could embrace their unique family dynamic. In addition to direct service, Meredith has raised over $500,000 in writing grants for programs benefiting children and families across New York City. Meredith holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work.
Meredith Levine is the Senior Elder Justice Specialist at The Weinberg Center. Meredith has worked extensively with older adults in both long-term care and community-based settings. She is passionate about person-centered dementia care, palliative care, and trauma-informed practice. She is an advocate for advance care planning as a mechanism for preventing and addressing elder mistreatment. Meredith received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University, where she focused on Advanced Clinical Practice in Aging. She holds board certification in Palliative and Hospice Care, and in 2023, she graduated from NYU’s Zelda Foster Leadership Fellowship in Palliative and End-of-Life Care.
Esther Limb, Supervising Attorney, joined Her Justice in 2008. She is currently responsible for collaborating with a team of staff attorneys, pro bono coordinators, and volunteer attorneys to provide advice, legal advocacy services, and free legal representation to women living in poverty in NYC in the areas of matrimonial, family law, and immigration claims pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Specifically, Esther trains and mentors approximately 90 volunteer attorneys at more than 20 law firms regarding immigration cases with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), litigation strategy, and changes in the law and legal procedures. She also develops and implements Continuing Legal Education (CLE) training programs for volunteer attorneys, directly represents 10-20 in-house clients on immigration matters, manages a caseload of 50-60 clients seeking free representation and advice, and collaborates with advocates and other community-based organizations to provide legal and social services to clients. Esther also serves on the boards of directors for the Korean American Family Service Center an anti-gender-based violence organization in Flushing New York and the Network Group an anti-human trafficking organization in Washington, D.C. Upon graduating from law school Esther was an Equal Justice Works Fellow at the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center in Washington D.C. Prior to Her Justice, Esther held the position of Supervising Attorney, Courtroom Advocates Project with Sanctuary for Families, Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services. Esther graduated with a B.A. in Politics from Pomona College in 1997 and obtained her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2004. Esther is admitted to practice law in New York, Virginia, and California.
Tina Logan, LCSW, received her Master's in Social Worker from Fordham University. Ms. Logan worked for the Center Against Domestic Violence for 10 years as a Quality Assurance Specialist before working as a Domestic Violence Shelter Program Director. Ms. Logan began at Safe Horizon as a Manager in the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) in September 2017. In that capacity, she oversees advocates who work in police precincts in Brooklyn.
Ayana Mortley, M.Ed, is the Training and Program Facilitator for the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions (CEASe) at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine. She collaborates with program directors and division co-chiefs to assist in developing and implementing The Weill Cornell Medicine Partnership with Historical Black Medical Colleges within the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine. She also develops, coordinates, and delivers all aspects of training workshops related to the division’s elder abuse and elder justice programs and initiatives. Ayana developed a passion for elder justice during her time as a social worker for the Human Resources Administration Adult Protective Services program, where she developed and facilitated intervention plans for high-risk vulnerable adults. Ayana received her M.Ed in Adult Education and Education Technology from Rutgers University and her B.A. in Sociology from Wesleyan University.
Dr. Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, APHSW-C, ACS, is a trauma therapist board-certified palliative social worker, and part-time faculty at New York University where she teaches about bereavement. She is the co-editor of the recently released textbook, The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare from Springer Press, and has a therapy and consulting practice in New York City focusing on the intersection of health, loss, and trauma.
Talia Orband, LMSW, works as the Elder Abuse Unit Coordinator the at Kings County District Attorney’s Office (KCDA). As the Elder Abuse Coordinator, Talia provides counseling and advocacy to crime victims, supervises and consults with providers and attorneys on elder abuse cases, and conducts elder abuse trainings for a variety of social service agencies throughout New York City. From 2015 through 2017, Talia was the Project Coordinator for the Abuse Later in Life Grant funded through the Office of Violence Against Women under the Department of Justice. This grant expanded elder abuse services throughout Brooklyn and allowed for numerous trainings on elder abuse for NYPD, assistant district attorneys, judges, and social service providers.
Before joining KCDA, Talia worked as a Social Worker for JASA where she assisted older adults with attaining Family Court Orders of Protection. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University, a graduate certificate in Criminal Investigations from CUNY John Jay, and received her undergraduate degrees in Human Development and Sociology from Binghamton University.
Kelsey Park, MA, is a facilitator and consultant working in the fields of non-profit leadership, conflict transformation, and higher education. She holds an MA from Union Institute and University in Leadership, Public Policy, and Social Issues. Kelsey played an instrumental role in increasing youth access to Restorative Justice processes across Maine. She now works internationally, combining her gifts for conflict transformation, curriculum development and implementation, and group facilitation to create engaging learning environments online and in person.
Dr. Dina Patel is a board-certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist dedicated to healthy aging, cognitive concerns, and mood symptoms in late life. She has a special interest in elder abuse and a passion for teaching. As a consultant to the New York City Elder Abuse Center and The Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, she performs elder abuse outreach and training to medical communities in NYC, participates in Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (EMDTs), and provides case consultations when needed. She trained in adult psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine while serving as chief of medical education. She then completed her fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital before founding Gramercy Psychiatry. In private practice, she cares for older adults of diverse backgrounds, including homebound seniors through her house call program.
Marie B. Philip has dedicated her distinguished career to the creation of programming and emergency/ intervention services for women and families impacted by addiction, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence. During her tenure, Marie contributed to the development of domestic violence policy, program initiatives, and funding, and worked with domestic violence (DV) service providers and advocates to improve the coordination of DV services citywide. As a persuasive communicator, she has utilized her voice on behalf of others to streamline processes for clients to minimize re-victimization and empower survivors. In each of her roles, Marie has proven success in cultivating community partnerships to create innovative solutions to overhaul outdated systems that perpetuate inequity and structural racism. She specializes in policy development and optimization, coaching, mentoring, and program development. As Deputy Commissioner for the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) for six years, Marie spearheaded the HRA Office of Domestic Violence and subsequently Emergency & Intervention Services, which includes the Office of Domestic Violence, Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance Program, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and Emergency Utility Intervention Program (EUIP). These programs provide a variety of comprehensive emergency social services to vulnerable populations in New York City. Marie expanded the shelter service system by over 90% and built accountability and oversight practices to strengthen local-level leadership and stakeholder partnerships. Upon her retirement in 2018, she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic Gender-Based Violence and she is also the recipient of the Susan B Anthony Award from the National Organization of Women (NOW), NYC Chapter.
Throughout her career, Marie served on numerous boards and co-founded the Brooklyn Women's Anti-Rape Exchange (BWARE), the first grassroots volunteer organization in Brooklyn exclusively offering sexual assault services. Marie chaired the New York City Task Force Against Sexual Assault, served as a Board Member for the Center Against Domestic Violence), and contributed as a member of the NYC Domestic Violence Task Force, Governor's Task Force on Sexual Assault, NYC DV Fatality Committee, and Coalition on Working with Abusive Partners (CoWAP).
Marie graduated from Lincoln University with a Master of Arts in Human Services Administration and studied Psychology & Women’s Studies at the City College Of New York (CUNY). She earned an Executive Certificate in Government Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and she completed leadership training and career development in the NYC Management Academy. Marie has been published as a co-author of Trends in Domestic Violence Services and Leadership: Implications for an Integrated Shelter Model in the Journal of Administration and Policy in Mental Health.
Currently, Marie is serving as a consultant and is a Certified Professional Coach continuing to support advocates, activists, and colleagues working to serve individuals and families disproportionately impacted by poverty, racism, and victimization.
Lisa Rachmuth is the Executive Director of the Center on Elder Abuse Solutions, (CEASe). She oversees all the programs within CEASe at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM). Before joining CEASe/WCM, Lisa was the Director of Clinical Initiatives and Programming for NYC’s Human Resources Administration’s Office of Domestic Violence. Through these positions, Lisa has worked with systems, communities, and individuals affected by and dedicated to Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse. Lisa holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. She has 34 years of social service experience, with particular expertise in elder justice, child abuse, intergenerational abuse, domestic violence, and housing initiatives for individuals and families. In addition to her years of clinical and administrative experience, Lisa is an experienced workshop curriculum developer and presenter. Lisa is also a board member of an organization called Evenfooting.
Geoff Rogers has a BA in European history and English from Colby College and has more than three decades of professional change management experience. His commitment to racial and social justice is the foundation of his transformative leadership in guiding organizations and their staff as they learn to manage and navigate change and new opportunities.He brings to his work an array of multifaceted experiences including working in advertising, publishing, and marketing, as well as time working in New York City Adult Protective Services serving in multiple roles such as the Director of Special Projects, Director of Training, and the Director of Operations.
Geoff’s diverse background, from public administration to management consulting, informs his work as he leads the development of expansive and inclusive learning opportunities that engage a diverse array of human services professionals. Geoff is the Director of the Learning & Development Projects for the Silberman School of Social Work.
Loangys Sanchez, MSW, is the Program Director of the Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP)- Elder Justice Program at Neighborhood SHOPP. Loangys was promoted to the position in August 2021, prior she was the Elder Abuse Social Worker and has been dedicated to working in this field since 2015. Loangys holds undergraduate and graduate Social Work degrees from Leham College, she is a certified Relationship-Centered Communication Specialist and a SIFI Field Instructor. Loangys has prior experience with the youth population and overall, she carries a strong passion for promoting well-being, safety, and independence to this vulnerable population utilizing the self-help model within her practice.
Tracey Siebert-Konopko, LMSW, serves as the Director of Education, Training, & Research Initiatives at the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan as part of a dedicated career spanning over 15 years. Since embarking on her professional journey in 2008, Tracey has passionately committed herself to the well-being of older survivors of abuse and the professionals who support them.Tracey's profound enthusiasm and commitment are evident in her multifaceted role. Not only does she manage direct case management responsibilities, but she also spearheads Education, Training, and Research Initiatives, contributing significantly to the center's impact and outreach. She has been a prominent speaker at various levels, sharing her insights and expertise on Elder Abuse and related topics. Co-authoring the Elder Abuse Risk and Evaluation Tool (EARAE)© underscores her commitment to developing practical resources that guide elder abuse work and track outcomes for Lifespan and affiliated organizations.
Tracey earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Brockport in 2006. She earned her master's degree in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Program in 2008, where she specialized in coursework and field practicum focusing on developing social work competencies for working with older adults.
Adina Segal, LCSW, is the Senior Navigator and Community Builder at CaringKind, where she provides emotional support and education to individuals and families affected by all forms of dementia. Adina is passionate about helping people thrive through difficulties and has worked with family caregivers over the past 15 years. Her past experience includes serving as the Caregiver Program Director at Heights and Hills in Brooklyn as well as practicing clinical social work at the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services and Ohel Children's Home and Family Services. She holds a B.A. from CUNY Queens College and an MSW from NYU School of Social Work.
Jo Anne Sirey, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry of Weill Cornell Medicine. Her research includes the development, implementation, and dissemination of therapies to improve depression in later life. She is the Director for the Weill Cornell ALACRITY for Mid- and Late-Life Mood Disorders (P50 MH113838) and has two R01 grants (MH 124966) to test the delivery of interventions for depressed older adults. Dr. Sirey serves on the New York State Interagency Geriatric Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Planning Council and has been awarded the Spero Award for Community Psychiatry from Weill Cornell Medical College.In addition to her research, Dr. Sirey and her team deliver mental health services in 20 senior centers in NYC where they have integrated clinicians on site 1-2 days a week. Research and service delivery is supported by grants from NIMH, NYC Department for the Aging, Dept of Justice, Foundation funding
and private donations.
Captain Carlos Thorbourne is a Captain with the New York City Human Resources Administration Police Department (HRAPD). With over twenty-two years of city service, Captain Thorbourne began his time with the HRAPD in 2005, after leaving the NYC Health and Hospitals Police. Since that time, Captain Thorbourne realized his passion for training by becoming a certified Police General Topics instructor in 2007, where he has instructed hundreds of police recruits and veteran officers in various police science topics to better prepare them for service in HRA centers. Over time and with the insistence of HRA program stakeholders, Captain Thorbourne has expanded his training field to include HRA civilian employees in a myriad of topics including Crime Prevention and Active Shooter civilian response. He intends to carry on his mission of training both HRAPD officers and HRA civilian staff, to encourage more and better understanding and cooperation to the benefit of all staff and clients.
Kenneth Toyos is a Crime Victim Advocate with Safe Horizon's Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). Kenneth graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in law. Since April 2019, Kenneth has been a full-time advocate at the 83rd Precinct. In addition to his work there, Kenneth has supported various other precincts across Brooklyn, assisting elderly clients affected by domestic violence and other crimes. Kenneth frequently helps clients with safety planning, risk assessment, and filing for compensation through the Office of Victim Services to recover lost funds resulting from criminal activity.
Detective Yussef Vass began his career in New York City as a Traffic Enforcement Agent. After five years in this role, he joined the NYPD in July 1995 as a Police Officer. Following his training at the Police Academy, Officer Vass was assigned to the 81st precinct in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Detective Vass has dedicated approximately 35 years of service to the City of New York.Throughout his career, he has worked in various units within the police department, including roles as a Domestic Violence Prevention Officer, Domestic Violence Investigation Officer, and currently as a Domestic Violence Training Instructor assigned to the Chief of Department Office. His responsibilities include training department personnel on current laws related to domestic violence victims and NYC police department policies on domestic violence.
In his current role, Detective Vass has the honor of collaborating with outside agencies to better serve families affected by domestic violence. His ongoing goal is to help victims of domestic violence restore their self-confidence and provide them with hope, ensuring they do not face the challenges of domestic violence alone.
Detective Vass’s commitment to his work is evident in his continuous efforts to stay updated with the latest developments in domestic violence laws and best practices. He regularly attends workshops and seminars to enhance his knowledge and skills, which he then imparts to his colleagues. His dedication has earned him several commendations and awards throughout his career.
Beyond his professional achievements, Detective Vass is also actively involved in community outreach programs. He frequently participates in local events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and providing support to victims. His empathetic approach and unwavering dedication have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families in New York City.
Detective Vass’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. He continues to inspire his colleagues and the community with his tireless efforts to make New York City a safer place for everyone.
Margaret M. Woods, LMSW, ASW-G, ACSW, CCM, is a licensed gerontological social worker who graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work in 2015 and is a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Margaret has a post-master certificate from the NYU Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End of Life Care as well as a Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) Certification from NYU. Margaret has experience in field instruction, clinical, community-based, and medical social work which included a Fellowship at the VA Medical Center in Manhattan in Palliative and End of Life care working with our nation’s veterans and their families. Since graduation, she has worked for the Carter Burden Network in the Geriatric Case Management Unit assisting homebound older adults and their caregivers with direct services before assuming the director’s position for CEMAPP (Community Elder Mistreatment Abuse Prevention Program) in June 2021. 
Jeanne Zieff, LMSW, Elder Justice Program Director, and her dedicated staff have been on a mission for the last 14 years to bring awareness to the all too frequently concealed crime of Elder Abuse to the Staten Island Community. Jeanne received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brooklyn College, in Television and Radio. Jeanne then pursued the very rewarding career of “motherhood”, returned to school, and pursued her Master of Social Work Degree from NYU. Jeanne graduated with her MSW in 2006, receiving the “Student of Distinction Award.” Jeanne serves on the Professional Advisory Board for Stella Orten and Richmond Home Needs. She also volunteers for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and is a proud member of the Soroptimist International of Staten Island.