Barbara Wexler OSS Memorial Fund

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The Barbara Wexler OSS Memorial Fund was created by Barbara’s colleagues, family, friends and former students in 2019. In keeping with Barbara’s commitment to students, and her dedication to collaborating with her colleagues, this fund also provides a meaningful way to honor other members of the OSS staff who have passed away (listed below). Like Barbara, these staff members were tireless advocates for students with disabilities, and helped hundreds of Ramapo students meet their career and transition goals.

William Ward, Psychological Counselor and Founding Staff

Beth Shapiro Steele, MSW ’79, Career and Independent Living Counselor

Christina Hartman ’89, Office Manager

James Piatti, Career Counselor

*More about Barbara Wexler*

After Barbara joined the College in 1989 as a Disability Counselor with the Office of Specialized Services, she methodically honed her professional development with additional degrees and certifications, primarily focused in later years on meeting the OSS students’ career and transition needs. During her time at RCNJ, she was routinely tapped to fulfill state-wide leadership roles with the NJ Association on Higher Education and Disability, was a proud Safe Zone ally, and also was for a time the campus advisor to Hillel. She passed away on February 15, 2019, after having served the college for almost 30 years.

Barbara is fondly remembered for her compassionate support of students and her engaging sense of humor. She was passionate about helping others of all backgrounds. Like her colleagues, she embodied true advocacy, especially for students with disabilities. In working with faculty and staff to advocate for her students, she was implicit with making sure they understood that providing accommodations for students was no excuse for them not being accountable for their academic responsibilities. Moreover, she gave students hope, empowering them to achieve their academic and career goals. Her legacy continues through love and the many students who have gone on to become leaders and agents of positive change.

The purpose of this fund is recognize Ramapo students who are affiliated with the Office of Specialized Services, in order to assist them to meet their career and transition goals. The recipient will be nominated by members of the College and selected by members of the Office of Specialized Services, in consultation, whenever possible, with family or friends of OSS staff who have passed.

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2022 Recipient

Dannie Sinisi

Dannie Sinisi is a Contemporary Arts contract major in Film. They have a 3.85 GPA.

At Ramapo, Dannie has joined several organizations and activities, including the Fishing Club, Italian Club and the Women’s Center.

Dannie is the founder of Safe Space America, Owner of Draco Natural Art and is Co-owner of Kitty Kat Films. Dannie also volunteers throughout N.Y. and N.J. for human rights issues with several organizations. They received a Human Rights Award from the US Government for over 20 years of work.

Dannie is most proud of being a mother to her daughter. who is 10 years old. “Looking to the future, I want to find a safe place to live and to work in the film industry, and to continue my work for human rights through films that make the world change for the better.”

2021 Recipients

Lauren Ullman

Lauren Ullman of Berkeley Heights, N.J. graduated in May 2021 with a BSN in Nursing. She was part of the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society and has received a previous scholarship from the Aronow Summer Intern Scholarship Award. She plans on soon becoming a registered nurse.

On campus, Lauren participated in volunteer work through the Nursing Student Organization, and she served as a peer facilitator through the Office of Specialized Services. She was also a peer facilitator for incoming freshmen. Off campus, Lauren volunteered at the RWJ Barnabas Medical Center in the emergency department. She helped patients with mobility assistance, provided support for family members, and trained new volunteers.

Marissa Zervelis

Marissa Zervelis of Dumont, N.J. is a Master of Social Work student with a 3.9 GPA. She works with Ramapo’s Office of Violence Prevention at the annual Take Back the Night event, which raises awareness, empowers individuals, and inspires action that will bring an end to sexual assault.

Off campus, Marissa worked with Bergen’s Promise, where she provided care management services for children with serious behavioral health, substance abuse, and/or developmental issues in their families. She also worked with Advance Housing, Inc., providing rehabilitative support services to individuals with psychiatric disabilities and a history of homelessness.

“I am proud to have worked effectively with children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population by providing psychoeducation and psychotherapy through empowerment and evidence-based practices,” says Marissa.

After graduation, Marissa plans on taking the ASWB Master Exam to receive her credentials of a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), subsequently starting her clinical hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

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Barbara Wexler OSS Memorial Fund

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2022 Recipient

Dannie Sinisi

2021 Recipients

Lauren Ullman

Marissa Zervelis