Speakers Bureau
JASA staff are experts in a wide array of topics related to aging and often speak at conferences and workshops. To request a speaker for your event, contact communications@jasa.org.
Alan Cohen is JASA’s Chief Program Officer of Congregate, Care, and Behavioral Services. Alan worked for more than 20 years in corporate social responsibility and international and domestic Jewish communal service. Alan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brandeis University and a Master's of Public Policy Degree as well as a Master's of Public Administration Degree from Columbia University.
Donna Dougherty is a 30-year veteran of JASA, currently serving as the Senior Director of Legal Services for Elder Justice. In her role, she oversees a 20-person legal team and provides direct legal services to older adults in the areas of evictions and foreclosures, financial exploitation and fraud, public benefits, healthcare, and elder abuse. Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY Oneonta and a Juris Doctor Degree from SUNY Albany.
Florian Edwards is JASA’s Senior Director of Protective Services, overseeing 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. Florian attended CUNY’s Herbert H. Lehman College, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2002, with honors. Florian received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2004 from Fordham University School of Social Work.
Latoya Ellis is an ICF-certified leadership and business coach and an agile Human Resources (HR) leader with over 16 years of progressive and proven experience in both generalist and specialist roles. Her experience includes work at Services for the UnderServed, City Harvest, and NYC Health & Hospitals. Her specialties lie in talent management, employee & labor relations, benefits administration, organizational development, talent acquisition, DEIB, HRIS, compliance, and HR metrics. Latoya most recently worked at City Harvest, where she shaped the organization’s culture, fostering a positive work environment, and enhanced professional development.
Wayne A. Francis is the Chief Operating Officer at JASA. He is responsible for leading operations across JASA’s 2,000+ employees that support over 40,000 New York City older adults. Wayne brings his decades of executive leadership experience from organizations such as LSNYC, Teach for America, and Boys and Girls Club of Harlem to help JASA provide over 20 different services to NYC’s seniors, from housing to home-delivered meals. Wayne received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Hunter College and holds a Master of Science from Brooklyn College, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Molly Krakowski serves as JASA’s Senior Director of Government Affairs and is a passionate advocate for senior rights. In her role, she organizes numerous JASA-hosted conferences relating to advocacy, volunteering, mental health, and affordable housing. Molly supports JASA’s work through advocating for seniors’ rights and benefits, and providing education and leadership development workshops for older adults so they can be effective voices for change and recognition in their communities. Molly testifies regularly in front of the NYC Council Committee about supporting the human services sector and increased funding for senior services and programs.
Meredith Levine is the Senior Director of Information and Case Assistance. Before serving at JASA, 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. She has over 15 years of experience helping families access social services in their communities. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Social Work Degree from Columbia University.
Donald Manning is the Executive Director of Real Estate & Management at JASA, overseeing 10 buildings that are home to more than 2,400 older New Yorkers and individuals with disabilities. He works with JASA’s partners in the development of three new affordable senior buildings that once completed, will be home to over 400 older adults. Donald serves on the board of the New York Affordable Housing Management Association and on the Housing Committee of LeadingAgeNY. Donald received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Pace University and is a graduate of CUNY School of Law. 
Danielle Palmisano is JASA's Chief Program Officer and 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. Danielle’s career with JASA has spanned two decades, having joined the agency in the year 2000. Danielle received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lehman College, her Master's in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work, and her Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University.
Aisha Parillon is the Senior Director of Older Adult Centers for JASA. She is responsible for fostering an inclusive culture among JASA’s 22+ Senior Centers. Through Aisha’s leadership, the program delivers high-quality services that engage a diverse and evolving population of older adults. Aisha holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University and a Master of Social Work Degree from Hunter College. 
Alla Pliss is a 20-year veteran of JASA, currently serving as the Senior Director of NORC Supportive Services. Alla’s responsibilities include oversight, program development, and staff management of JASA’s thirteen Naturally Occurring Communities (NORC) that serve more than 6,500 clients annually. Alla has presented on the topic of Caregiving and Healthy Aging at national conferences. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Alla received her Master's from Saratov University in Russia and a Master's in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work.
Dianne Woodburn has worked at JASA for more than 15 years as Legal Services Supervisor and Supervising Attorney for Queens Legal and Social Work Elder Abuse Prevention and Intervention. As Legal Services Supervisor for the Senior Initiative and Home Retention Programs, Dianne assists seniors who are victims of scams or at risk of foreclosure. As Supervising Attorney for Queens’ Legal and Social Work Elder Abuse Prevention and Intervention program, she works with teams of social workers and attorneys to help older adults fight against physical and financial abuse and exploitation.