Nicole Baez

Nicole Baez of Oakland, N.J. is a Social Work major. She has a 3.7 GPA and made the Dean’s List in fall 2017.

At Ramapo, Nicole is the vice president of Tau Sigma, where she is part of the welcoming ceremony for the transfers who have reached high academic standards. She is also an active participant in the meditation groups offered by the Krame Center.

Nicole is also part of the Franklin Lakes Sangha, a local meditation group, as well as a volunteer at Eva’s Village, a Paterson-located organization that helps feed the homeless.

Izabela Sadej

Izabela Sadej of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a Social Work major with a minor in Neuroscience. She has a 3.8 GPA. She has been acknowledged on the Dean’s list both semesters of her freshman year, sophomore year and junior year.

At Ramapo, Izabela is a member of the Social Work Club and was inducted into the Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity where she held a “Support the Troops” sisterhood, sending care packages to troops deployed in Afghanistan. She also holds the chair for “Academic Excellence” and CPH Vice President of Finance.

Izabela works as part of the sales and support team at Macy’s and as a Direct Support Professional for ResCare, located in Temple, Texas.

Victoria Sharp

Victoria Sharp of Rockaway, N.J. is a Social Work major with a Substance Use Disorders minor. She is a 3.9 GPA. She is also a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Victoria has been active in the Social Work Club and Ramapo Readers, an on-campus group that collects and distributes books to underserved children in Paterson.

Victoria has also been involved in off-campus organizations, including Morris County Prevention is Key, an addiction resources center.

Rachel Agnello

Rachel Agnello of Midland Park, N.J. is a junior Social Work major. She has a 3.8 GPA and is proud to have made the Dean’s List all semesters thus far.

At Ramapo, Rachel has been active with the Social Work club and recently became the treasurer. Rachel is also active off-campus, and works as a Sunday school teacher and praise band singer at the Grace United Methodist Church.

“After completing a 100-hour internship at West Bergen Mental Healthcare, I am passionate about improving the lives of others and excited to work in the Social Work field.”

She plans to go to graduate school to pursue a Master of Social Work degree.

Nancy Lopez

Nancy Lopez of Elmwood Park, N.J. is a transfer student from Bergen Community College. She is a Social Work major, has a 3.7 GPA and is on the Dean’s List. She is part of the Social Work Club at Ramapo.

This semester Nancy is starting her fieldwork placement at Bergen Family Center in Englewood. “I hope to work with lower-income children and families, and help them reach their full potential.”

Nancy hopes to pursue her Master of Social Work and eventually receive her clinical license.

Rachel Coakley

Rachel Coakley graduated with honors from Bergen Community College where she was a board member for both the Pride Club and the Hillel Club. She is a Social Work major at Ramapo and has made the Dean’s List.

At Ramapo, she attends weekly Hillel club meetings and occasionally assists with setting up club meeting activities. Rachel also volunteers as a teacher assistant at the Northern New Jersey Jewish Academy. Post-graduation she plans to begin working towards her Master of Social Work degree.

Rachel is from New Milford, N.J. and has a 4.0 GPA.

Tracy Sherman

Tracy Sherman of East Brunswick, N.J. is a Social Work major. She has a 3.7 GPA.

She is a part of the Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors, giving campus tours for prospective students at open houses. Tracy is also a brother of the co-ed community service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, where she hosted a service project to make “welcome home” banners for an organization that works to make houses for homeless veterans. She also served as the New Interest Member Educator and is secretary of the Social Work Club. During the summer she works as a lifeguard supervisor at her community pool.

Tracy is starting her first semester of fieldwork at the Association for Special Children and Families. “I hope to get a job in social work helping children and their families; it brings joy to my heart to be an advocate for a population that is ignored or unable to self-advocate.”

Allison Rocca

“I ultimately hope to work within the Family Court system, advocating for children. I am proud of the educational advancement I have made while attending Ramapo,” says Allison Rocca of Westwood, N.J.  Allison has been active in several organizations on campus such as the Social Work Club and the Golden Key and Tau Sigma Honor Societies.

Allison is a Social Work major and a Substance Abuse minor. She has a 4.0 GPA.

She is also involved in working to bring the Stigma-Free initiative to her hometown.

Kaetlynn Ayala

To pursue her passion of helping others, Kaetlynn Ayala of Lodi, N.J. is a Social Work major. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Bergen Community College and was fortunately able to transfer with a Merit Scholarship due to her high academic achievement. She recently interned at Bergen County Board of Social Services where she was exposed to welfare programs. “This experience ultimately sealed my interest in working with those in need.”

Kaetlynn has been a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician at the Lodi Ambulance Corps for 4 years, where she also currently serves as the youngest President of the organization. She has also been a Big Sister for over a year with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. “At the end of each day, I hope that I may have somehow made an impact on someone’s life.”

Yasmin Angon

“My future goals are to become a social worker and work in the field of child welfare,” said Yasmin Angon of Paterson, NJ

At Ramapo, she has been an active member of several organizations and activities, including Chi Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Lambda Delta.

In addition to working at TD Bank, Yasmin volunteers at the Compassion House Outreach Ministry and Christian Education Center as well as Transition Professionals.

She has a 3.8 GPA.

Marie Caufield

Marie Caufield of Wantage, NJ is a Social Work major. She has a 3.85 GPA.  She has been on the Dean’s List for consecutive semesters, is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, in the top 15% of her school, and is a Phi Alpha Honor Society member. She has been accepted to both NYU and Ramapo’s advanced standing MSW programs for Fall 2017. She wants to work in mental health and is well on her way to achieving her goals. As a single mother she is staying strong and doing everything she can to provide her daughter with a great future.

She is the Project Coordinator at Jersey Cares and Transition Professionals.

Tamara Chatelain

Tamara Chatelain, from Rockland County, NY is currently pursuing her Master in Social Work degree. She is fluent in two languages, Creole and English.  Her family is from the beautiful island of Haiti, and she will be the first in her generation to receive an advanced degree in the field of social work. Her plan is to further pursue her education by getting a license in Clinical Social Work.

Tamara is passionate about helping the youth in her community.  As the leader of her church dance group, she helps give teens and young adults an outlet to express their spirituality in the form of dance. The group also connects with one another about life issues and connects with the community by providing performances. “My life goal is to always uplift people to their fullest potential, and to utilize my bubbly spirit to inspire others to always find the brighter side of life.”

Steven Cruz

“With a long list of life lessons and hardships, I’ve managed to remain determined through it all, and am the only child in my family to make it this far academically,” says Steven Cruz, a senior Social Work major with a concentration in substance abuse. The Dean’s List student has a 3.83 GPA.

Steven is part of the Golden Key International Honour Society, and has worked with chapter officers and members to cultivate leadership skills that will prepare them for professional and personal success. He has also helped fundraise for the New Jersey AIDS walk in Morristown, helping to raise awareness and managing merchandise booths at the event.

“I aspire to advocate for those who are in need of that one push. I plan on pursuing my master’s degree and hope to one day work with the Peace Corps,” added Steven.

Angela Edson

Angela Edson of Union City, NJ is a student in the MSW program at Ramapo College. She graduated from Ramapo College in 2015 with a degree in Sociology. She is an active member of the MSW Association.

Angela participates in an adult recreational kickball league on the weekends, and is the Office Manager at The Life Raft Group, a non-profit organization providing research, education, and advocacy for a rare cancer called GIST.

Julisa C. Isom

Julisa C. Isom of Paterson, NJ is a second year graduate level Master’s of Social Work student. She has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of Phi Alpha the National Social Work Honor Society.

Julisa has been involved in off-campus activities and organizations including Relay for Life of Paterson, where she helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Julisa aspires to use her social work platform to work with children, adolescents and families, which she has always had a desire to do. After graduation, Julisa plans on working for a social work agency dedicated to child advocacy and/or children and family services.  

Jenisha Johnson

Jenisha Johnson of Paterson, NJ is a MSW candidate.  Her GPA is 3.7. “I was not a child who was forced to attend school, and education was not a demand in our household. However, I became aware of the importance of an education because I knew it would one day be an avenue to me achieving success,” said Jenisha.

“I always dreamed of being a first generation college graduate, and I am very proud to say that I successfully achieved this goal,” she added.  Jenisha earned her associate’s degree in Liberal Arts Humanities from Passaic County Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University. Her next educational goal is to earn a master’s degree in Social Work from Ramapo College, and continue her journey in helping others.

Cara Maloney

Cara Maloney of Boonton, NJ is enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program. She has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the Phi Alpha Honors Society.

Cara works with adolescents at NewBridge Services, and helps at risk youth with job skills training.  She was offered a summer position with the organization after completing a first year internship.

She has always had a passion for working with children and adolescents and would love to further her career with that population. After graduation she plans to work as a school social worker with adolescent students or with a substance abuse prevention program in a school setting.

Sierra K. McEniry

Sierra K. McEniry of Roxbury, NJ is enrolled in the Advanced Standing Masters of Social Work Program.  Sierra earned her BSW from Centenary College and is expected to graduate from Ramapo College of New Jersey with her MSW in May 2017.  Sierra has a 4.0 GPA and is very proud of this accomplishment.

Sierra has been active in the study abroad program at Ramapo.  She travelled to Ghana to study Social Work in West Africa in Summer 2016 and is preparing to travel to Portugal to study Substance Use Disorders in Spring 2017.

She is currently employed by the Sherry Blair Institute for Inspirational Change, providing behavioral assistance to youth.  Sierra is also completing 600 hours of field work at the Morris County Department of Human Services, participating in the Stigma-Free Initiative, Opioid Task Force, and the social service program at the Youth Shelter.

Post-graduation, she intends to continue working for the Morris County DHS and earn a PhD in Social Policy Analysis.

Graciela Montero

Graciela Montero won’t have much time off after she receives her undergraduate degree in Social Work in May.  She will begin with the Advanced Standing Program in Social Work at Ramapo right away, and begin working toward her Masters in Social Work. She hopes to work with adults with chronic mental illnesses, in particular those diagnosed with Schizophrenia. “I want to become a social worker to educate individuals on equality, dignity, and worth of the person,” says Graciela.

At Ramapo, Graciela is the treasurer of the BSW association and has held internships at Alternatives to Domestic Violence, Integrity House and West Bergen Mental Healthcare. In addition, Graciela works as a supervised visitation worker at Family Intervention Services, as a tutor at Passaic Community College and an emergency service specialist at Alternative to Domestic Violence.

Graciela has a 3.9 GPA and is from Clifton, NJ.

Charli Virginia Neibart

Charli Virginia Neibart of Wayne, NJ is a Social Work major. She has a 3.977 GPA and has been awarded and acknowledged as a Dean’s List recipient for the past four semesters.

Charli recently interned at a domestic violence agency, and says of the experience, “…I was able to learn, grow and expand my cognitive thought processes.”  She aspires to open her own private practice and become a licensed clinical social worker in a psychiatric hospital.  She will be attending New York University in the fall of 2017 to achieve her Masters of Social Work degree through the one year, advanced standing program.

“Although I hope to make a change; it is my goal to be a part of the amazing and resilient changes already occurring through the eyes and minds of those all around me. I would not be where I am or who I am without all of the love, support and inspiration around me from my family, peers, professors and supervisors,” added Charlie.

Kaitlyn O’Donnell

Kaitlyn O’Donnell of New Milford, NJ is a Graduate Level Masters of Social Work student.   Kaitlyn graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Ramapo College in 2014, and was awarded the Faculty Award for Distinction in Psychology that year. She is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, Phi Alpha the National Social Work Honor Society, and Golden Key International Honor Society.

During her undergrad years she was active in the Peer Facilitation Program and is currently part of the MSW Association.

Kaitlyn works full time as a Senior Case Manager with Alliance Against Homelessness of Bergen County. “This scholarship is helping me to support myself, work full time, and earn my MSW at night, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA,” said Kaitlyn.

Gabrielle Quinones

Gabrielle Quinones of Ramsey, NJ is a second year graduate student in the Social Work Master’s program. She has a GPA of 3.8 and is a member of the National Honor Society Phi Alpha Pi. She is also the treasurer of the MSW Association.

She volunteers for many organizations including America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K) Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Reed Academy.  Volunteering her time for these programs has motivated her to find ways to do more.  “The sense of joy I get from helping and supporting others is what compels me to aspire to a higher level of achievement,” said Gabrielle.

Nina Kharchilava

Nina Kharchilava is a Social Work major in the School of Social Service and Human Studies.

Maria Skidmore

“My experiences at Ramapo have helped me achieve my ultimate goal of working as a social worker with children and families,” said Maria Skidmore, a junior Social Work major. This semester she will be interning at CarePlus NJ, working with children and families in their adoption program.  Despite working full-time she has a 3.9 GPA and has consistently been on the Dean’s List.

Maria has also been involved in Active Minds and the Yoga Club on campus, and has volunteered at the Center for Food Action.

She is from Bellmore, NY.

Lauren Hudon

Lauren Hudon of Ramsey, N.J., is a psychology major and an art minor. She has a 3.45 grade point average.
At Ramapo, Lauren is involved with the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. She has worked with Shaziela Ishak, Ph.D. as a research assistant and is completing a paper based on her work for publication.
Lauren completed an internship with the dementia unit at the Christian Health Care Center. She plans to become a licensed counselor.

Diane Madsen

Diane Madsen of Sparta, N.J., is a social sciences major in the College’s degree completion program. She has a 3.87 grade point average. Diane was inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society.
Off campus, Diane is a group home manager with Sussex County Arc of N. J. She is proud of having facilitated the county’s first Overdose Awareness Day in 2013.
Diane plans to pursue a master’s in social work.

Julia Hughes

Julia Hughes of Glen Rock, N.J., is a social work major.

Off campus, Julia has worked as an Apple store specialist for almost five years.

Julia is proud to have paid for five international trips without assistance.

Tammy Smith

Tammy Smith of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a social work major. She has a 3.92 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Tammy is a member of Active Minds and the Social Work Club. Off campus, she is a board member of the Bergen County National Alliance for Mental Illness and a volunteer at Bergen Regional Medical Center.

Tammy sees herself as an advocate for the rights of the mentally ill. Her career goal is to work in community mental health and to implement policy changes in the field.

Diane Madsen

Diane Madsen of Sparta, N.J., is a social sciences major in the College’s degree completion program. She has a 3.87 grade point average. Diane was inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society.
Off campus, Diane is a group home manager with Sussex County Arc of N. J. She is proud of having facilitated the county’s first Overdose Awareness Day in 2013.
Diane plans to pursue a master’s in social work.

Julia Hughes

Julia Hughes of Glen Rock, N.J., is a social work major.

Off campus, Julia has worked as an Apple store specialist for almost five years.

Julia is proud to have paid for five international trips without assistance.

Tammy Smith

Tammy Smith of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a social work major. She has a 3.92 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Tammy is a member of Active Minds and the Social Work Club. Off campus, she is a board member of the Bergen County National Alliance for Mental Illness and a volunteer at Bergen Regional Medical Center.

Tammy sees herself as an advocate for the rights of the mentally ill. Her career goal is to work in community mental health and to implement policy changes in the field.

As a Social Work student, I endeavor to use my education to help effect changes in the current mental health system and to implement policies which will reduce stigma directed at those who are severely mentally ill.

Brittany Brienza

Brittany Brienza of Marlboro, NJ is a Psychology major. After graduation, she plans to attend Montclair State University to pursue Early Childhood and Special Education teacher certification. “Receiving this scholarship bolsters my confidence and allows me to continue learning and succeeding in life,” she said. Brittany has a 3.74 grade point average.

Heidi Nani

Heidi Nani of Garnerville, NY is a Social Work major. Heidi thinks it is wonderful that there are many roles a social worker can fulfill. “As an individual who is compelled by social justice, I know I could take on multiple roles to better help individuals who are in need,” she said. Heidi has completed field work in an elementary school working with children to build their self-esteem, in a family service agency with children who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and as a co-facilitator in a creative arts program for those with Alzheimer’s. Heidi is certified in CPR and as a home health aide. On campus, she is a member of Ramapo Readers and the Social Work Club. She was inducted into the Golden Key Honor Society and Phi Alpha Honor Society. Heidi has a 3.77 grade point average.

Rachael O’Brien

“To have the ability to empower individuals to advocate for themselves or to create programs and policy for the benefit of the public are just two of many ways I will be able to impact the world around me,” said Rachael O’Brien, a senior in the Social Work major who has earned a 3.71 grade point average. Internships at Bergen Regional Medical Center and at Northwest Bergen Senior Center helped Rachael put her goals into action. In addition to internships, Rachael worked as a publicist for the Women’s Center on campus and volunteered at Bergen County Jail and a drug rehabilitation center in art therapy group sessions. On campus, she is a member of the student clubs NORML and 1Step, as well as the Yoga Club. Rachael is from Seaside Park, NJ.

Zuleima Alzate

Zuleima Alzate of Wallington, NJ is a Social Work major. She is a returning adult student who admits that attending college as a non-English speaking immigrant is challenging. Zuleima is excited to make her dream a reality. She plans to assist the Hispanic community to learn what services are available to help children. Zuleima works 30 hours a week as a secretary and as an intern at a mental health facility. She was named to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This life-long learner would also like to learn Italian and sign language. Zuleima has a 3.47 grade point average.

Matthew Wilson

Matthew Wilson of West Milford, NJ is a Social Work major. He has participated in two Alternative Spring Break programs, one to Asheville, NC and another to Quito, Ecuador. He has worked at a homeless outreach/shelter program and at a middle school for children with emotional and behavioral issues. As a result of these experiences, Matthew would like to focus on the clinical aspects of social work. An accomplished vocalist and musician, Matthew is a member of the Ramapo College Chorale, Canta NOVA and Take 12 as well as the String Ensemble and the Latin-Jazz Ensemble. In addition, he is a member of the High Crest Lake Association Environmental Committee. He plans to earn a MSW, followed by an LCSW. He says, “I look forward to spending my career and my life in search of social justice and empowerment for whatever client base I may come into contact with.” Matthew has a 3.50 grade point average.

Receiving this scholarship is an honor that will distinguish me from other potential students applying to graduate school.

Heidi Nani

Heidi Nani of Garnerville, NY is a Social Work major. Heidi thinks it is wonderful that there are many roles a social worker can fulfill. “As an individual who is compelled by social justice, I know I could take on multiple roles to better help individuals who are in need,” she said. Heidi has completed field work in an elementary school working with children to build their self-esteem, in a family service agency with children who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and as a co-facilitator in a creative arts program for those with Alzheimer’s. Heidi is certified in CPR and as a home health aide. On campus, she is a member of Ramapo Readers and the Social Work Club. She was inducted into the Golden Key Honor Society and Phi Alpha Honor Society. Heidi has a 3.77 grade point average.

This scholarship has empowered me by showing that all my hard working is paying off.

Rachael O’Brien

“To have the ability to empower individuals to advocate for themselves or to create programs and policy for the benefit of the public are just two of many ways I will be able to impact the world around me,” said Rachael O’Brien, a senior in the Social Work major who has earned a 3.71 grade point average. Internships at Bergen Regional Medical Center and at Northwest Bergen Senior Center helped Rachael put her goals into action. In addition to internships, Rachael worked as a publicist for the Women’s Center on campus and volunteered at Bergen County Jail and a drug rehabilitation center in art therapy group sessions. On campus, she is a member of the student clubs NORML and 1Step, as well as the Yoga Club. Rachael is from Seaside Park, NJ.

Zuleima Alzate

Zuleima Alzate of Wallington, NJ is a Social Work major. She is a returning adult student who admits that attending college as a non-English speaking immigrant is challenging. Zuleima is excited to make her dream a reality. She plans to assist the Hispanic community to learn what services are available to help children. Zuleima works 30 hours a week as a secretary and as an intern at a mental health facility. She was named to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This life-long learner would also like to learn Italian and sign language. Zuleima has a 3.47 grade point average.

This scholarship is an opportunity to keep moving forward; a big push to get closer to my goal. Thank you.

Susan Vanino

“This award has changed my life, and allowed me to pursue my dreams,” said Susan Vanino who graduated with a degree in Social Work in 2013. “While it was challenging to return to college as a non-traditional student, as a person with a significant disability, I was motivated during my undergraduate studies by my goal to eventually earn a MSW. Last spring, as graduationneared, my plans for graduate school became overshadowed by looming worries of mounting student debt. Being selected for this award not only provided financial support towards graduate studies, it gave me the confidence to move forward,” she said. Susan began the Advanced Standing Program at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work last fall and will graduate in May. She is completing a year-long internship at Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care in Hackensack. She plans to work in an agency setting, where I can assist people with disabilities in realizing their full potential. “I will be forever grateful to Carol Schaefer for making the Carol Schaefer Human Services/Shepherd Foundation Award possible, and to those at Ramapo College who encouraged me to apply for this remarkable award,” Susan said.

Aloha Wilkins

Aloha Wilkins of Boonton, NJ is a Social Work major with a concentration in Substance Abuse. A returning adult student, Aloha is a board member of Family Promise Homeless Shelter and a committee member for United Way of Northern NJ. On campus, she is active with Ramapo Readers and the Social Work Club. Aloha says, “It has been individuals in the helping professions who have helped me restore my sanity by providing me with their time, encouragement, counseling, and at times, shelter.” She now wishes to pursue a career in which she can enable others to reach their goals. Aloha has gained invaluable experience working as a direct care counselor with developmentally disabled persons. She describes herself as someone who knows what she wants and who is willing to work hard to achieve her academic and career goals. With a grade point average of 3.04, Aloha has proven herself as a conscientious and dedicated student, while providing an excellent role model for her two children.

Devorah Karp

Devorah Karp graduated from Ramapo in May 2013 with a degree in Social Work. Her final grade point average was 4.00. Devorah is from Spring Valley, NY.

This scholarship is a tremendous help to me. I would like to sincerely thank those who provided this scholarship to me.

Tsveta Dobreva

Tsveta Dobreva is a Psychology major interested in the social work aspects of mental health services provided to teenagers and young adults who are at risk in society. Tsveta is still defining her own future role in the psychology field.

Brianna Faith Collinson

Brianna Collinson graduated from Ramapo in January, 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a 3.92 grade point average. She is now pursuing a master’s of social work degree (advanced standing) at Fordham University. “I am currently finishing up my MSW and interning at Willowglen Academy of New Jersey in Sparta,” she said. “With graduation approaching, I look forward to using the generalist social work knowledge I learned at Ramapo and the clinical knowledge from Fordham as I grow in my career as a social worker.” Brianna is from Montague, NJ.

Emily A. Wisniewski

Emily A. Wisniewski is a Social Work major from Highland lakes, NJ. She is a volunteer tutor and a member of reading Buddies in Highland Lakes. Emily is involved with art, swimming, sailing and hiking and has taken honors courses at the University of Colorado. Emily is determined to be a social worker dedicated to helping those in the other 99 percent of the population that need help to enrich their lives. As a child of a military family, Emily has lived all over the United States and has experience with many volunteer programs including Habitat for Humanity, which she worked on with her father.

Jessica Peacock

Jessica Peacock is a Social Work major from Ridgewood, NJ. She is a certified EMT and was president of the Spanish Club while volunteering at the Ridgewood Food pantry. Jessica has interned at the Bergen County jail as a social services assistant working with individuals who are ostracized from society, but need someone to help them salvage their lives. She intends to become a social worker upon graduation.

Taylor Mahnken

Taylor Mahnken is a Social Work major from Hopatcong, NJ and a graduate of Sussex Community College where she was a Dean’s List student. Taylor has worked with Family Intervention Services and plans to continue her career in the helping professions upon graduation.

Dolores Costanzo

“My passion for the social work profession and advocacy for others is my highest priority,” says Dolores Costanzo of Mount Laurel, NJ. She credits receiving the scholarship with allowing her to continue her education in Social Work. “When perceived in the real world as a professional, I can, without a doubt, attend to matters of social injustice in the most appropriate, accurate way.” Dolores consistently demonstrates her penchant for advocacy by volunteering for the Special Olympics, tutoring in the Office of Specialized Services, interning at the Center for Food Action and Care Plus New Jersey – Families First, as a peer facilitator and holding several positions with Residence Life. Dolores, who has a 3.61 grade point average, is president of the Social Work Club, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and has been named to the Phi Alpha Honor Society and the Rho Alpha Sigma Honor Society.

Taryn Blaustein

Taryn Blaustein of Parsippany, NJ, a senior, is a Social Work major. On and off campus she has demonstrated her compassion for those with physical and mental illnesses. Taryn has completed internships with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris County, the NJ Aids Services/Eric Johnson House and NewBridge Services that provides services for mental illness and substance abuse. She is a member of the Mental Health Players, an acting troupe, with the Morris County Mental Health Association. As a member, Taryn received the 2011 Ambassador Award from the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma. She is a member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and volunteers with Jersey Battered Women’s Services. Taryn, who has a 3.98 grade point average, choose Social Work as a major because it will allow her “ample opportunity to help those facing serious hardships to reach their greatest potential.”

Jamie Ziegelhofer

Jamie Ziegelhofer graduated from Ramapo in May, 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She earned a 3.79 grade point average. Jamie Ziegelhofer is a program analyst in the Division of Planning and Contracts and administrator for the Commission on the Status of Women, both within the Bergen County Department of Human Services. She said the scholarship “helped ease my transition into graduate school.” Jamie is enrolled in Rutgers University’s Intensive Weekend Advance Standing MSW program. “My internship for this program is at the Bergen County Department of Human Services Division of Family Guidance Adolescent and Family Treatment program where I provide individual counseling and co-facilitate psychoeducational groups,” she said. Jamie is from Hackensack, NJ.

Carol Parker

Carol Parker of Hackensack, NJ worked for 27 years in the corporate world and managed a budget in excess of $3.5 million. After being downsized, she went back to college to earn a degree. As a Bergen Community College student, Carol became a mentor for College Now After-School Academy, a supplemental learning program for at-risk third graders in New Milford, NJ. She also was a math tutor and continues to assist non-traditional students at a community college. She volunteers in the community with Habitat for Humanity, as a Sunday School superintendent and as an intern at the Midland Park Senior Center and Adult Protective Service. At Ramapo, Carol was a Social Work major who graduated in January, 2013 with a 4.00 grade point average. She was a member of the Social Work Club and was active with Ramapo Readers.

This scholarship allows me to dream the impossible dream and have it come true.

Chase Burns

Chase Burns of Sussex, NJ is a Social Work major with a minor in Psychology. Her goal is to work with and advocate for adolescents in the foster care system. “They face the most adversity in terms of being adopted into permanent, healthy homes,” she said. She would also like to increase the societal support these youths receive. Chase’s experiences are preparing her to reach her goal. She earned an associate degree in Human Services and Liberal Arts from the County College of Morris. She then took a semester off to build houses in Thailand with Habitat for Humanity. At Ramapo College, she was an intern with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency through a program called the Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program. Completing the internship enabled Chase to begin a career with the division this past January. “Attending college is not just a choice for me,” she said. “It is a critical necessity to establish the professional capabilities to pursue my dreams of helping to change the atmosphere of the child welfare services in our society.” Chase graduated with a 3.98 grade point average.

This scholarship increases my chances of pursuing my Master’s degree in the future and I am so grateful to those who made this possible for me.

Susan Vanino

“This award has changed my life, and allowed me to pursue my dreams,” said Susan Vanino who graduated with a degree in Social Work in 2013. “While it was challenging to return to college as a non-traditional student, as a person with a significant disability, I was motivated during my undergraduate studies by my goal to eventually earn a MSW. Last spring, as graduationneared, my plans for graduate school became overshadowed by looming worries of mounting student debt. Being selected for this award not only provided financial support towards graduate studies, it gave me the confidence to move forward,” she said. Susan began the Advanced Standing Program at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work last fall and will graduate in May. She is completing a year-long internship at Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care in Hackensack. She plans to work in an agency setting, where I can assist people with disabilities in realizing their full potential. “I will be forever grateful to Carol Schaefer for making the Carol Schaefer Human Services/Shepherd Foundation Award possible, and to those at Ramapo College who encouraged me to apply for this remarkable award,” Susan said.

Aloha Wilkins

Aloha Wilkins of Boonton, NJ is a Social Work major with a concentration in Substance Abuse. A returning adult student, Aloha is a board member of Family Promise Homeless Shelter and a committee member for United Way of Northern NJ. On campus, she is active with Ramapo Readers and the Social Work Club. Aloha says, “It has been individuals in the helping professions who have helped me restore my sanity by providing me with their time, encouragement, counseling, and at times, shelter.” She now wishes to pursue a career in which she can enable others to reach their goals. Aloha has gained invaluable experience working as a direct care counselor with developmentally disabled persons. She describes herself as someone who knows what she wants and who is willing to work hard to achieve her academic and career goals. With a grade point average of 3.04, Aloha has proven herself as a conscientious and dedicated student, while providing an excellent role model for her two children.

I am grateful for this scholarship and I would like to thank you for your help and support. I am a member of the working poor population and receiving this scholarship has made things less stressful for me and my family.

Matthew Gannon

Matthew Gannon of Monroe, NY is a Social Work major. He recalls, at the age of 5, seeing homeless men and women in the Bronx, NY. “To this day,” he says, “I cannot ignore homelessness and I certainly cannot walk past an issue this grave.” He spent a year as an intern at a shelter for the homeless. “I find the cause-effect relationship between homelessness and mental illness fascinating and terrifying at the same time.” Matthew is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity,The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources and is serving as a team coordinator for Autism Speaks and an MSWalk. He is a student member of the National Association of SocialWorkers and a member of Phi Alpha SocialWork Honor Society. Matthew has a 3.72 grade point average and plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in SocialWork.

Maria Zampetoulas

Maria Zampetoulas of East Rutherford, NJ is a Psychology major and an Anthropology minor. Maria is a strong believer in service to others. “I have lived by this philosophy throughout my life,” she says. Maria has volunteered at her church, in her town and at nursing homes. She especially enjoyed doing fieldwork placement at a child care center. On campus,Maria is secretary of the Executive Board of the National Society of College Scholars and is a member of the Culture Club, the Psychology Coalition and Psi Chi, the international honor society in Psychology. Maria, who has a 3.80 grade point average, plans to attend graduate school to earn a doctorate degree in the field of Clinical Psychology.

Loryn Britton

Loryn Britton of Lincoln Park, NJ has a double major: Psychology and Social Science with a concentration in Community Mental Health. She considers an internship at New Views, located within Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, as one of her best college experiences. “Those with mental illness need help advocating for their rights and putting an end to the negative stigma surrounding the term mental illness,” she says. At Ramapo Loryn is a co-founder of the group Above the Influence. She also is active in Colleges Against Cancer, the Psychology Coalition and Psi Chi, the international honor society in Psychology. Loryn, a senior, plans to attend graduate school to become a licensed psychologist or to attain licensure for professional counseling. She has a 3.61 grade point average.

Cardacia Davis

Cardacia Davis of Hackensack, NJ is a Social Work major. A returning student, she is determined to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Cardacia holds a full-time job and is a director of a residential program that serves clients who are developmentally disabled and mentally ill. On campus she is active with the Social Work Club and Ramapo Readers. For more than 10 years Cardacia has known that she wants to make a difference in others’ lives without them losing their dignity. She has already accomplished that goal and now seeks to perfect it. “I am looking forward to even more challenges, to becoming more knowledgeable and to increase my overall wellbeing,” Cardacia says.

Taryn Blaustein

Taryn Blaustein of Parsippany, NJ, a senior, is a Social Work major. On and off campus she has demonstrated her compassion for those with physical and mental illnesses. Taryn has completed internships with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris County, the NJ Aids Services/Eric Johnson House and NewBridge Services that provides services for mental illness and substance abuse. She is a member of the Mental Health Players, an acting troupe, with the Morris County Mental Health Association. As a member, Taryn received the 2011 Ambassador Award from the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma. She is a member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and volunteers with Jersey Battered Women’s Services. Taryn, who has a 3.98 grade point average, choose Social Work as a major because it will allow her “ample opportunity to help those facing serious hardships to reach their greatest potential.”

Maria Molina

Maria Molina is enrolled in a graduate program at New York University.

Jillian Consovoy

Jillian Consovoy of Paramus, NJ is a Social Work major who has been named to the Dean’s List each semester. Her goal is to become a social worker in the area of child welfare. She’s already gained valuable experience as a DYFS casework intern and as a family advocate intern with Head Start of Bergen County. Jillian says it’s always been in her nature to give to others and as she matured, she realized she could contribute to the community by giving of herself and getting involved in causes she believes in. She is most proud of her work with the Rotary Gift of Life by serving as a host family for a child from Honduras who had a heart condition and came to the United States for treatment, and as a host for a student exchange student from Argentina. Jillian, who has a 3.80 grade point average, says, “I want to be a social worker because I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

This scholarship has made it possible for me to finish my degree in Social Work and to reach my dream of being a social worker in the child welfare field.

Jessica Stone

“I love the field of community mental health, and am ready to embark on my journey to help people with mental illness,” says Jessica Stone. The senior is majoring in Social Science and has earned a 3.81 grade point average. Jessica has been an intern at Fort Monmouth, Sage Day School and P.S. 28 in Paterson. On campus she serves as a Judicial Board student representative and is a member of the RASCALS Comedy Club and the Democratic Club, where she is the associate director of youth outreach. She has volunteered at the Center for Food Action and for the Cahill Center’s “Adopt A Soldier” project. Jessica is from Tinton Falls, NJ.

This scholarship has motivated me to achieve any goal I choose. I feel empowered to set my mind to anything.

Casey Castronova

Casey Castronova is from Freehold, NJ and graduated in May with a degree in Social Work and a 3.82 cumulative grade point average. She was a member of the Social Work Club and Operation Smile and was a Ramapo student ambassador. Casey interned at The Center for Alcohol & Drug Resources, Verona High School and the Liberty Partnership Program. She attends Monmouth University as an advanced standing Social Work student and is working in a substance abuse treatment facility. “Casey is presently working towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor,” says Professor Mitch Kahn.

This scholarship will be used to further fund my education and my career in the social work field.

N.Wayne Harper

N.Wayne Harper of Garfield, NJ, a junior, is a Social Work major. He has distinguished himself as coordinator of Ramapo Readers, a project of the SocialWork Club, which promotes literacy one book at a time by collecting books and distributing them to schools serving the K-12 population and social service agencies in New Jersey. Wayne has increased membership in Ramapo Readers and enlisted the support of other Ramapo clubs. He oversees the sorting, boxing and delivery of books and has met with donors and students and teachers at the schools involved. With Wayne’s leadership, Ramapo Readers has distributed more than 30,000 books to nine schools in Paterson, NJ.

The scholarship I received is extremely significant in preparation for my future. It has provided me the means and opportunity to return to Ramapo to obtain my degree in Social Work. The invaluable knowledge I have gained will make it possible for me to start a non-profit agency that will concentrate on healthy child development, education and empowerment in order to ensure a better life for the underprivileged. Receiving a scholarship for assisting others and doing community work is a great blessing. Because of Marion Dugan’s generosity, it has inspired me to strive for excellence and nothing less. As a result of receiving this scholarship, when I am able I will also become a benefactor of a needy Ramapo student.

Maria Molina

Maria Molina is enrolled in a graduate program at New York University.

This scholarship makes school affordable and proves that there are people willing to support me and help me achieve my dreams.

Cristina Melgarejo

Cristina Melgarejo is in her senior year at Ramapo majoring in social work. Cristina has earned a 3.71 grade point average while continuing to perform over 200 hours of volunteer work every semester. She has completed internships at West Bergen Mental Health and at the Bergen County Central Trades and Labor Council (AFL-CIO). At the Trades and Labor Council, Cristina was an election volunteer, educating constituents on the political process. She also volunteers at Shelter Our Sisters and Citizen Action doing research on consumers’ rights. Cristina plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s in social work.

Nicole Filiberti

Nicole Filiberti of Randolph, NJ is a Social Work major. She has served on the Executive Board of the Social Work Club and was its president during the fall 2013 semester. She was inducted into the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Nicole is completing a Study Abroad program in India. “Studying abroad in South India has been a rewarding and highly educational experience,” she said. Nicole plans to attend graduate school to pursue an MSW. “Receiving a scholarship has helped me achieve various academic goals,” she said. Nicole has a 3.52 grade point average.

Ryan Levy

Ryan Levy of Fair Lawn, NJ received a BA in Social Work from Ramapo College in January, 2014 and is now enrolled in the MSW program at Fordham University. When Ryan finishes the program, he will work with children with developmental disabilites. “I intend to provide these children with any service required for them to live full, happy and productive lives,” he said. Ryan enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and exercise. “The scholarship has not only assisted me financially, but it has also allowed my transition into graduate school to be less strenuous. Receiving a scholarship not only assists my educational career, but also my future profession as a social worker.” Ryan has a 3.69 grade point average.