Planning Committee
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.
A special thank you to Sharon Steinberg, Conference Assistant, for her dedication to making this conference a success!
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.
Donna Maria Cooper is the Senior Training Director from the Office of Policy, Procedures, and Training (OPPT) for the Office of Special Services for the New York City Human Resources Administration (NYC-HRA). Ms. Cooper is charged with managing all training activities and responsibilities for the development, execution, and ongoing trainings for Adult Protective Services (APS), HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA), Medical Assistance Program (MAP), Home Care Services Program (HCSP) and Customized Assistance Services (CAS). She has more than 37 years of social services experience with 6 years as a dedicated Bronx-APS Supervisor and 7 years as the Training Director for Adult Protective Services. She’s known for implementing new and creative training methods, designing Special Services’ curriculum, and establishing a culture of continuous learning.
As a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer, Donna is charged with training HRA employees to recognize symptoms of mental health problems and offer the appropriate help and support until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis is resolved. Donna is also a member of the Association for Talent Development and the National Adult Protective Services Association. She sits on the steering committees of the Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA) NYC Elder Abuse Conference and the Adult Abuse Training Institute (AATI) through the Learning and Development Projects at the Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College.
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 currently servs as the Elder Justice Specialist at The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice, the nation's first elder abuse shelter, where she provides comprehensive support to older adults experiencing mistreatment. Her role includes conducting elder abuse risk assessments, supportive counseling, safe discharge planning, advocating, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Passionate about promoting healing and justice for survivors of elder abuse, Rachael assisted in formulating the expansion of the Weinberg Center’s Restorative Steps initiative, fostering opportunities for survivors to rebuild relationships with those who have caused them harm. Beyond offering direct services, she conducts trainings and outreach to professionals on topics related to elder justice, equipping them with the tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent elder mistreatment.
Rachael holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Molloy University. She has pursued additional professional development through the NYU Zelda Foster Adaptive Leadership Lab in Palliative and End-of-Life Care and the Lifespan Gerontology Certificate Program in partnership with the University of Rochester.
Donna Dougherty, Esq. Donna Dougherty is the Senior Director of Legal Services for Elder Justice. 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. Donna is an adjunct professor at New York Law School and St. John’s University School of Law. Donna is a member of the NYS Judicial Committee on Elder Justice, NYC Bar-Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force, and the Queens Bar Association, Landlord/Tenant Committee. Donna received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta and her Juris Doctor Degree from Albany School of Law. Before law school, Donna was a community organizer in Brooklyn.
Ayana Mortley 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.
Avinand (Avi) Persaud, MA, is a dedicated professional who currently serves as the Associate Director of Protective Services at JASA, a nonprofit organization committed to serving older adults in New York City. In his leadership role, Avi is responsible for overseeing several vital programs, including Adult Protective Services (APS), the Elder Justice Programs, the Family Caregivers Assistance Program (FCAP), the Elder Justice Training Institute, and the Elder Justice Conference.
Avi's journey with JASA began in 2013 when he joined the organization as an APS Case Manager. His unwavering commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and his passion for improving the lives of older adults propelled him through various positions, ultimately leading to his current leadership role.
Avi frequently presents on Adult Protective Services and Elder Justice at professional conferences and community events, sharing his expertise and raising awareness about the needs and rights of older adults.
Before his work at JASA, Avi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the City College of New York in 2010, followed by a Master of Arts in Sociology from the same institution in 2014. His educational background and professional experience provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues affecting older adults, and he remains deeply committed to advocating and safeguarding vulnerable and at-risk adults in New York City.
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 by utilizing the self-help model within her practice.
Tracey Siebert-Konopko, LMSW, has dedicated over a decade to her role as the Director of Education, Training, and Research Initiatives at the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan. Since beginning her professional journey in 2008, Tracey has passionately dedicated herself to the well-being of older survivors of abuse and the professionals who support them.
Her profound enthusiasm and commitment are evident in her multifaceted role. Not only does she manage direct case responsibilities, but she also spearheads Education, Training, and Research Initiatives, significantly contributing to the center's impact and outreach.
Tracey Siebert-Konopko is a prominent speaker at various levels, sharing her insights and expertise on Elder Abuse and related topics. Her influence extends from local to statewide and national platforms, where she continues to make meaningful contributions to the field. Co-authoring the Elder Abuse Risk and Evaluation Tool (EARAE)© reflects 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, laying the foundation for her understanding of human behavior and motivations. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete her master's degree in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Program in 2008, specializing in coursework and field practicum focused on developing social work competencies for working with older adults.
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 the NYC police department's 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.
Dianne O. Woodburn, Esq. is the Legal Services Supervisor for the Senior Initiative and Home Retention Programs at JASA|Legal Services for Elder Justice. Ms. Woodburn assists seniors who are victims of scams or who are at risk of foreclosure. Ms. Woodburn is also the Supervising attorney for Queens’ Legal Elder Justice Program formerly known as “LEAP.” The Elder Justice program is an elder abuse prevention project that combines teams of social workers and attorneys to help senior citizens fight against physical and financial abuse and exploitation in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Ms. Woodburn also supervises the Family Caregiver Assistance Program “FCAP.” FCAP is a collaboration of six agencies representing different disciplines and resources working together to support caregivers of any age.
Prior to joining Legal Services in 2003, Ms. Woodburn was employed at the trial litigation firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges. Ms. Woodburn is also an Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University School of Law. Ms. Woodburn graduated from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law.
Margaret M. Woods, LMSW, ASW-G, ACSW, CCM is a licensed social worker and graduate from NYU Silver School of Social Work in 2015, member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and double recipient of the Silver Student Spirit Award. Margaret earned 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 in 2018. 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 been employed by the Carter Burden Network in the Geriatric Case Management Unit assisting homebound older adults and their caregivers with direct services before being promoted to the director’s position for CEMAPP (Community Elder Mistreatment & Abuse Prevention Program) in June 2021. Margaret continues to be an active member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Jeanne Zieff, LMSW, Elder Justice Program Director, and her dedicated staff have been on a mission for the last 15 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. October 24, 2024, Jeanne became the recipient of the “CASC 6th Annual Helping Hands Award”.