Caseworkers

Dina, MSW, LSW

Lead Social Worker

Dina has dedicated her 25-year career in social work to assisting children and families in crisis. She has worked in a number of capacities including counseling and crisis intervention. Dina received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University and is a Certified Health Coach. She enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, writing, and cooking. Dina is thrilled to be joining the ECF team and grateful for the opportunity to serve ECF’s families.

Caitlin, LCSW

Program Coordinator

Caitlin earned a BA degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Masters degree in Social Work from New York University. She holds a Clinical Social Work License (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey. Caitlin has worked in several healthcare settings with a main focus on children, adolescents and adults dealing with chronic and serious illnesses. Caitlin is equipped with the training and experience to successfully help ECF children and their families cope with their pediatric cancer diagnosis and effectively support them through this time

Ilene, CSW

Referral Coordinator

Ilene is a certified social worker with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Monmouth University and a Master’s in social work from Temple University. She has been a social worker for over 20 years with experience in long term care/discharge planning, Medicaid/Medicare managed care, people with developmental disabilities and mentally-ill chemical abusers. Ilene has been with ECF since 2003 and loves working with the kids who have cancer and their families in Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. In her supervisory role at ECF, Ilene also enjoys assisting with case management oversight.

Zuleima, MSW

Caseworker

Zuleima, MSW, graduated from NYU’s Silver school of Social Work, specializing in individual and group therapy, and received her Bachelors in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Zuleima has worked with both children and adolescents, most recently as a Medical Case Manager for the Ryan White program. Zuleima is excited to be a part of ECF and to work with families in need of assistance and emotional support.

Christina, LCSW

Caseworker

Christina has been a healthcare social worker for over 15 years, providing an array of services to adults, children/adolescents and families managing chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Her passion is to improve the patient experience through improved health literacy and strengthening communication between patients and their providers. In her previous role as a pediatric oncology social worker with the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Newark Beth Israel, Christina collaborated with numerous state and national cancer support organizations, including ECF! Christina earned her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University and completed post graduate training in Play Therapy at Monmouth University.

Eileen, MA, LAC

Caseworker

Eileen received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education from Brooklyn College in NY and then taught elementary school. She went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from The College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ. She currently holds a license as an Associate Counselor in the state of NJ. Eileen feels that her role as a Caseworker with the children and families in the Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties adds another dimension to her life.

Theresa, MSW

Caseworker

Theresa earned her MSW with a concentration in Policy Practice and Advocacy from Fordham University. She also received a BSW from Rutgers University and further advanced her education with post graduate studies at Montclair State University with a Certificate in Adolescent Advocacy. Theresa brings with her 15 years of servicing children and families, most recently at DCP&P in numerous capacities including Investigator, Caseworker and Adolescent Worker. Theresa enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Theresa is excited to be a part of the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation Team and is looking forward to bringing her skills and knowledge to be a great asset to the families being served.

ViAnna, LSW

Senior Case Worker

ViAnna is a dedicated and compassionate Senior Case Worker at the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. With a Master of Social Work degree and a background in Family and Child Studies, ViAnna brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted by cancer.

In her role at Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, ViAnna provides comprehensive counseling, advocacy, and support services to families facing the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. She is passionate about empowering individuals and families to navigate through difficult times with resilience and strength.
ViAnna's approach is grounded in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a holistic understanding of the unique needs of each family. She collaborates closely with families to address their emotional, practical, and logistical concerns, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to cope with the impact of cancer.

In addition to her direct client work, ViAnna also plays a vital role in mentoring and guiding new employees, helping to ensure that the organization continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in service delivery.

Outside of her work at Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, ViAnna is actively involved in ongoing professional development and community engagement initiatives. She is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others and is committed to advocating for increased awareness and support for cancer patients and their families.

Darlene, MSW, LSW

Caseworker

Darlene received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Rowan University and her masters in social work from Rutgers University. She began her career working with special needs children in a public school and then worked as a support for foster parents and facilitating family reunification meetings. As a licensed oncology social worker for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Darlene helped families through their treatment process, including connecting them to wonderful resources like the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. Darlene enjoys being with family, reading and jogging. She is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful team and supporting and encouraging ECF families.

Jennifer, LSW

Caseworker

Jennifer has an MSW from Rutgers University and a BA in psychology from Rowan University. Jennifer has eighteen years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Her experience also includes working at the county crisis screening center and providing counseling to adolescents.

Ana, MA

Caseworker

Ana earned her Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She has worked in a school setting as an outreach worker, an advocate, and at-risk support staff, providing services in both the home and school for the students and their families. In addition, she has worked as a visiting coach for the county, assisting at risk families. Ana is bilingual in English and Spanish. She enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Ana is excited to join the ECF team.

Amy, LSW

Caseworker

Amy is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of NJ. She has been a Caseworker in Middlesex and Monmouth counties since 2004. She holds an MSW from Temple University. Her work experience includes employment at The Division of Youth and Family Services as well as in a hospital as a Medical Social Worker.

Denise, MHS

Caseworker

Denise earned her Master’s degree in Human Services with a Concentration in Counseling from Lincoln University, PA. Denise has worked with children and families in a school setting providing counseling, case management and serving as an advocate. In addition she has worked in providing intensive in-home services to parents of youth at risk of being placed. Denise is bilingual and fluent in Spanish. Denise enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, as well as traveling and baking when her time permits. She is extremely excited to be joining the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation team and looking forward to working with the families.

Javier, MS, LAC

Caseworker

Javier received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University in Union, NJ and earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, in West Long Branch, NJ. He currently holds a license as an Associate Counselor in Marriage and Family Therapy from the state of NJ. Javier is bilingual, and for the past 7 years, he has worked with children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with severe developmental disabilities and mentally-ill. Javier feels that his role as a Caseworker with children and families is meaningful and empowering.

Jason, LCSW

Caseworker

Jason (he/him/his) is honored to be a part of the ECF community and to support its mission of assisting children and families impacted by cancer. He has a background working in the Robert Wood Johnson and Penn Medicine hospital systems, supporting patients with complex medical needs and helping patients cope with and recover from complex trauma. He holds an undergraduate degree from Fordham University and an MSW from Rutgers University.

Melissa Cardenas

LMSW

Melissa Cardenas is a licensed social worker with a distinguished career marked by progressive responsibilities in the field. As the Program Manager at a reputable organization, she oversees multiple programs for children and adults across the five boroughs of New York State. Her team of aspiring social workers provides immediate crisis interventions and support to youths and adults with various diagnoses, focusing on stabilization, maintenance, and self-improvement.

For over a decade, Melissa's earlier career was dedicated to providing general social services and individual counseling to senior citizens. Her experience extends to the corporate, private, and legal sectors, showcasing her versatility and comprehensive skill set. Melissa's attention to detail, passion for social work, and strong work ethic have significantly contributed to the field.

In the past two years, she has co-led a suicide prevention program with an interdisciplinary team, targeting individuals aged 10-24 who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities in New York State.

Melissa holds a BA in Sociology with a minor in Latino Studies from Fordham University and a Master's in Social Work from Adelphi University. She is also a certified Parenting Journey facilitator, a program recognized by state and private agencies for effectively engaging parents who have experienced stressful or traumatic events and those seeking community support and guidance.

Melissa has been happily married for over ten years and has two boys. Along with her husband and extended family, she has been dedicated to caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's over four years ago. Melissa is devoted to her faith and family, and she strongly believes in and encourages self-care. She enjoys yoga, jogging, singing, and party planning.

Christine, LCSW

Case Worker

Christine earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University and is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. As founder of Compassionate Care Services LLC (@trustccs), Christine has spent the last decade ensuring each client has the support to live their most fulfilling life. She believes that with adversity comes empathy and compassion, which she incorporates into her interactions with clients. In her free time, Christine enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Marinelly, LSW

Caseworker

Marinelly graduated with a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University School of Social Work in New York. Since childhood, Marinelly has had a desire to help others connect with their strengths, purpose, and passions. She has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including providing comprehensive support and coordinating services for individuals with chronic health problems and persistent mental health conditions. Marinelly is committed to helping families in need of emotional support and believes that every day is a new beautiful beginning. Outside of work, Marinelly enjoys cooking, caring for plants, and spending time with family. She is bilingual--fluent in English and Spanish-- and uses the pronouns She/Her.