Moderators
Maureen Curtis, LMSW, MPH, Vice President, Safe Horizon, Criminal Justice ProgramsMaureen Curtis 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.
Ayana Mortley, M.Ed., Training and Program Facilitator, Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Elder Abuse Solutions, Division of Geriatric and Palliative MedicineAyana 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.
Geoff Rogers, Director of the Learning & Development Projects at the Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter CollegeGeoff 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 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, Program Director, Violence Intervention & Prevention Program (VIP), Neighborhood SHOPP
Loangys Sanchez 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, Director of Education, Training, and Research Initiatives, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.Tracey Siebert-Konopko 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 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.
Margaret Woods, LMSW, ASW-G, ACSW, Director, CEMAPP, Elder Justice Program, Carter Burden NetworkMargaret Woods is a licensed social worker and a graduate from NYU Silver School of Social Work in 2015, a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and a 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.
Presenters
Ivette Callender, MSW, Managing Director, Selfhelp Community Services, Inc., Community Guardianship ProgramIvette is currently the Managing Director of the Community Guardian Program at Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. Before joining Selfhelp in 2018, she was the Director at JASA Bronx Adult Protective Services. She also supervised a DFTA-funded Case Management program at Isabella Nursing Home.
For five years, Ivette also worked part-time as a Mental Health Counselor at the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center. Her career began as a Case Manager, and she brings over 20 years of professional experience to her current role. Ivette holds a BA in Social Work from Grambling State University and an MSW with a concentration in Aging and Health from Hunter College School of Social Work. Her extensive experience in social services has provided her with a deep understanding of senior communities, elder abuse, substance abuse, and mental health. She is highly skilled in serving both adults and the elderly.
Furthermore, Ivette is adept at understanding and navigating the evolving work environment and is dedicated to ensuring that professionals at all stages of their careers are equipped to be effective change agents and provide excellent services, especially to vulnerable populations and communities.
Dr. Sara J. Czaja, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and the Director of the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Weill Cornell MedicineDr. Sara Czaja is a professor of Medicine and the director of the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Czaja is also the director of the National Institute of Health (NIH) multi-site Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE), and the co-director of the Center for Enhancing Neurocognitive Health, Abilities, Networks, & Community Engagement (ENHANCE), which is funded by NIDILRR. Her research interests include: aging and cognition, caregiving, aging and technology, aging and work, training, and functional assessment. She has received continuous funding from the NIH and other funding agencies to support her research and has published extensively on these topics. She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), serving as the past president of Division 20. She is also a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and the Gerontological Society of America.
Casandra Deguire Walker, Associate Director of Legislative Affairs, New York State Attorney General’s OfficeCasandra Deguire Walker is the Associate Director of Legislative Affairs and the Regional Director of Intergovernmental Affairs covering the Capital District, North Country, and Hudson Valley for the New York State Attorney General’s office. Casandra previously served as the Assistant Director of Correspondence and Public Information and Community Liaison for the Attorney General’s office. In addition to legislative work, Casandra covers Intergovernmental Affairs in 19 counties that stretch from the Canadian border to Westchester County.
Casandra spent time living and studying in Ukraine and can communicate fluently in both Russian and Ukrainian. Casandra was named to City and State Magazine’s 2019 Albany 40 under 40 Rising Stars. Casandra graduated from the University at Albany with a Master of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Casandra lives in the capital district with her teenage sons, Donovan and Dominic.
Rachael Domanico, LMSW, Elder Justice Specialist, The Weinberg Center for Elder JusticeRachael Domanico currently serves 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.
Takai Forde-Hillman, LMSW, Associate Director of Government Affairs, JASATakai Forde 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.
Dr. Patricia A. Gray, LCSW, EdD, Doctoral Lecturer & BSW Field Education Director at the Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter CollegeDr. Patricia Gray, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has been with the Silberman School of Social Work since 2013 and has held several Administrative roles as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor. With over thirty years of experience providing services in Mental Health, Child Welfare, Homeless Services, Supportive Housing, Addiction Services, and Academia. Dr. Gray’s experience and educational qualifications allow her to provide an array of social work services, including but not limited to clinical services, supervision, training, staff development, and supportive case management services.
Her passion for social work education propelled her to become a Field Advisor, Field Instructor, and Seminar in Field Instructor (SIFI) to develop current and future social work leaders. Further, her research on Social Work Faculty and Student Perceptions of a One-Year Residency Program: A Phenomenological Perspective allowed her to discuss their lived experiences and explore readiness to take the licensed master's exam upon graduation.
Finally, Dr. Gray is responsible for developing the Service Coordination Program Development Institute as part of the Academic Partnership Professional Development with the New York City Department of Health Mental Health Bureau of Early Intervention. Further, Dr. Gray will Co-Chair Practice Lab, Director of Field Education for the BSW Program, and Silberman’s and the Workforce Development LMSW Test preparation and Continuing Education. Dr. Gray is also the Guest-Editor for Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping Journal.
Honorable Judge Alison Hamanjian, Supervising Judge, Family Court, Bronx CountyHonorable Alison M. Hamanjian was appointed to the New York City Family Court by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2018 after previously serving as an Interim Civil Court Judge, assigned to Kings County Criminal Court, in 2017. In October 2018, Judge Hamanjian was designated an Acting Supreme Court Justice by Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks and assigned to the Richmond County Youth Part where she served as a hybrid judge presiding over violent felony offenses in the Youth Part as well as juvenile delinquency, child protective, custody/visitation and family offense matters in Richmond County Family Court.
In July 2022, Judge Hamanjian was appointed as the Supervising Judge of Richmond County Family Court. In December 2023, she was appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas as Co-Chair of the New York State Unified Court System’s Family Court Advisory and Rules Committee, and in January 2025, Judge Hamanjian was appointed as the Supervising Judge of Bronx County Family Court.
Judge Hamanjian previously served as a Court Attorney Referee in Richmond County Family Court; Assistant Deputy Counsel to Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, former Chief of Policy and Planning for the Unified Court System, and Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Michael A. Corriero, former presiding justice of Manhattan’s Youth Part.
Before joining the New York State Unified Court System, Judge Hamanjian served as Supervising Attorney for the Urban Justice Center’s Domestic Violence Project and began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, handling cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, and sex crimes.
Judge Hamanjian received her undergraduate degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York and her law degree from New York Law School.
Donna M. Harris, Public Information Representative, United States Postal Inspection ServiceDonna 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 14 years and has worked at the United States Postal Service and its law enforcement agencies for over 39 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 the New York/New Jersey area to her current position, 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.
John Holt, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney, The Weinberg Center for Elder JusticeJohn Holt is the Senior Staff Attorney at the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice. As part of a multi-disciplinary team of elder justice professionals, John provides direct legal services to older adults who have entered The Weinberg Center’s safe haven program after experiencing harm in the community. John provides training to professionals and volunteers in the greater New York City metropolitan area on elder abuse prevention and intervention and related elder justice topics and is active in initiatives to improve government and social service responses to the mistreatment of older adults.
Before joining The Weinberg Center, John was the Director of Legal Services for Project Guardianship, a non-profit provider of guardianship services in New York City. John is a member of the New York State Office of Court Administration Guardianship Advisory Committee and was a long-time presenter of trainings at the Guardianship Assistance Network for newly appointed lay-guardians in New York State. John is admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York and is an attorney in good standing.
Jeanine Launay, Esq., Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit, Special Victims Unit, Manhattan District Attorney’s OfficeMs. 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 Elder 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.
Courtney Littlejohn, Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Cyber and Investigative Technology Group, Cyber Crime UnitPostal Inspector Courtney Littlejohn is a member of the Cyber Crime Unit (CCU), under the Cyber & Investigative Technology Group at the National Headquarters of USPIS. Inspector Littlejohn has been a member of CCU since 2021, with a primary focus on Phishing/Smishing/Vishing fraudulent scams. Before coming to CCU, Inspector Littlejohn was domiciled in Rhode Island, working mail theft and workplace violence investigations. Prior to becoming a Postal Inspector, Inspector Littlejohn was a Uniformed Division Officer with the US Secret Service and is a licensed (non-practicing) attorney in Maryland.
Leardo Luis Lopez, Esq., Senior Supervising Attorney, Safe Horizon Immigration Law ProjectLeardo is a Senior Supervising Attorney with the Immigration Law Project (ILP) of Safe Horizon. He graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law with a Juris Doctor. He has been admitted to practice law in the State of New York since 1998.
Leardo has been working at ILP since 2014, representing immigrant clients before USCIS, the Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. The ILP provides immigration legal services, including adjustment of status, naturalizations, VAWA and U visa, family petitions, employment authorizations, and green card replacements. The project concentrates on survivor-based cases for victims of crimes and domestic violence. The project also provides representation before the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Leardo is a former member of the Brooklyn Bar Association Board of Directors, the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts of New York, and the NYC Committee on City Marshals.
Danielle Palmisano, DPA, LMSW, Chief Program Officer, JASAAs JASA’s Chief Program Officer, Danielle is responsible for coordinating services across JASA’s various arenas and integrating new initiatives to assure that the agency’s 40,000 clients receive the life-enhancing services that JASA delivers. In her role, she is in charge of Residential-Based Services, Legal Services for Elder Justice, Government Relations, Protective Services, Health Services and Business Development, NORC Supportive Services, Mental Health Services, and Elder Abuse Prevention Services.
Danielle’s career with JASA has spanned two decades, having joined the agency in the year 2000. Prior to assuming her current role, she has held several positions in the agency including Senior Director of Intensive Services and Business Development, Director of Adult Protective Services and Community Guardian, Bronx District Director, Director of Mental Health Services, Director of the Bronx Caregiver Respite Program, Director of the Bronx Adult Protective Services, and Co-op City NORC Social Worker.
Danielle has been featured in a number of news articles, including stories that appeared in The New York Times, Bronx Talk, and The Bronx Times. She also has been featured as a guest on WABC’s NY Viewpoint.
Danielle received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lehman College, her Masters in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work, and her Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University.
Kate Roberts, Esq, Staff Attorney, Safe Horizon Immigration Law Project
Kate Roberts works as an immigration attorney focusing on immigrant youth clients and adults who seek humanitarian and family-based immigration relief. Kate’s work has primarily focused on immigrant youth clients seeking asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile status within the United States.
Before working with the Safe Horizon Immigration Law Project in Brooklyn, New York, Kate worked at Catholic Charities of the East Bay and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kate speaks Spanish fluently and is conversant in Portuguese.
Robert J. Seewald, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney, JASA Legal Services for Elder Justice (LSEJ) Robert Seewald is a Senior Staff Attorney at JASA/Legal Services for Elder Justice. Robert serves as one of JASA’s Legal/Social Work Elder Abuse Program (“LEAP”) attorneys, representing senior citizens in all stages of litigation in domestic violence, financial abuse, and exploitation cases in Queens and Brooklyn Family and Supreme Courts. Robert also does Appellate practice and represents senior citizens facing foreclosure in Queens County Supreme Court.
Robert graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 2009. At St. John’s Law, Robert was an active member of Phi Alpha Delta International Law Fraternity. Robert’s passion for public interest lawyering grew from his experience at St. John’s Consumer Justice for the Elderly: Litigation Clinic (formerly, “the Elder Law Clinic”), first as a student and following graduation as a Dean’s Fellow. Robert joined the JASA/LSEJ staff in 2011. He is a frequent speaker at forums and presentations on foreclosure defense, defending victims of deed theft and foreclosure rescue scams, and on domestic violence. Robert is a member of the Queens County Bar Association.
Olivia Shlansky, MSW, Social Worker, JASAChatOlivia Shlanksky, MSW, was the first social worker hired for the JASAChat program in February 2021. As a founding member of the program staff, Olivia has been instrumental in developing program standards and successful client engagement, enabling the program to serve over 1,200 older adults since its inception. She is responsible for screening and training participants, pairing matches based upon mutual interests, supporting the development of peer relationships, and facilitating program evaluation. Olivia holds a SIPI certificate from Lehman College and supervises a team of social work interns. Olivia is also a graduate of the JPRO Ignite innovative leadership program.
Olivia serves as chair of JASA's Manhattan Outreach subcommittee, promoting person-centered care across all of JASA. A graduate of Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, Olivia pursued a double major in Social Work and English at The College at Brockport, SUNY. Before joining JASAChat, Olivia interned at the Weill Cornell Center on Aging and Behavioral Research, becoming grounded in aging and healthcare concerns for older New Yorkers.
Katherine Tineo-Komatsu, LCSW, RYT, Consultant, Senior Lecturer and Advisor, Columbia School of Social WorkKatherine Tineo-Komatsu (she/her/they) is a licensed clinical social worker, registered yoga teacher, and advocate for healing-centered, trauma-informed care. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and educational settings, Katherine brings deep expertise in mental health, social-emotional learning, and holistic wellness. She currently serves as the Intake Coordinator at the Family PEACE Trauma Treatment Center, supporting young children and families impacted by trauma.
Katherine holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from Brown University and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University. She is a senior lecturer and advisor at the Columbia School of Social Work, where she mentors and teaches future social workers. She has also served as a clinical supervisor, guiding early-career practitioners across various sectors. Katherine has completed advanced training in Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy at The New School and is certified in yoga and social-emotional learning.
Through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), Katherine participates in national collaboratives focused on trauma, substance use, and anti-racist care. She was recently selected to serve on the NCTSN Steering Committee, helping shape the network’s national strategy. She also leads a consulting practice offering trainings on identity development, trauma-informed care, and healing-centered, embodied practices.
Dr. Jennifer Wong, Ph.D., Interim Executive Director, Life Story ClubDr. Jennifer Wong, Ph.D., is a passionate advocate for reimagining aging through storytelling, direct services, and community. As Interim Executive Director of Life Story Club, she brings a wealth of experience from roles dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.
Dr. Wong previously served as the inaugural director of Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, a groundbreaking community center that celebrated creativity and lifelong learning while challenging ageist stereotypes in the media. Earlier, she helped shape California’s Master Plan on Aging and worked on aging and disability health care policies during her fellowships at the city, county, state, and federal policy levels.
With a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology and a deep focus on behavioral health, integrated care, and social determinants of health, Dr. Wong is committed to creating systems that empower older adults to thrive. She believes in the power of storytelling to build connections, shift narratives, and celebrate the rich lives of every generation.
- Dianne O. Woodburn, Esq., Legal Services Supervisor, JASA Legal Services for Elder Justice (LSEJ)