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WHO
WE ARE
MEET OUR
TEAM.
Each member of the team brings a unique set of skills that assist us in our mission.
We are extraordinarily fortunate to have the wisdom of truly resilient supporters who have been integral in Haven's growth.
Meet the Leadership Team
A deep and experience-rich assortment of community members has committed themselves to assist Haven in its development. Below is a list of our Leadership Team and Staff. They have made a long-term commitment to attend planning meetings and funnel youth to the program.
Executive Director
Keith Dent
“My favorite ‘go to’ song I listen on my way to work is Working Day and Night by Michael Jackson.”
Director of Operations
Jose Diaz
“If I could teleport back 10 years ago, I would tell my younger self to not take a break from college and to ‘Just keep swimming”. Just like Dory says on the movie Finding Nemo.”
Associate Director of Social Work
Sheri Aguilar
“My favorite quote is: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
Meet the staff
Program Coordinator
Marquis Blackwell
“If I were an animal I would be a lion, because it’s the king on the jungle.”
Youth Advocate
Diandra Dwyer
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Case Manager
Titus Thomason
“One activity on my bucket list is to just be successful.”
Youth Advocate/House Maintenance
Darryl Yorker
"One activity on my bucket list is to travel to Atlanta Georgia to see my sister's hometown."
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Data Coordinator
Kenneth Terry
“My favorite ‘go to’ song I listen on my way to work is Might as well by Future.”
Youth Advocate
Quashanna Smith
“If I could teleport back 10 years ago, I would tell my younger self to never change for anyone.”
Youth Advocate
Ermelindo "Figgy" Figueroa
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Youth Advocate
Cynthia Anderson
“If I were an animal, I would be a butterfly. They are a symbol of transformation, hope and faith.”
Youth Advocate
Giovanni Matos
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Meet the Executive Board
Our Executive Board is still in a dynamic period of growth. Current Executive Board Members are listed below.
Founder and Board Chair
Attorney and Brooklyn Adolescent Representation Team Coordinator, Brooklyn Defender Services
Amy Albert
Amy has represented young people in a variety of settings since graduating from law school in 2002. While at Brooklyn Defender Services, her role has also included fundraising and designing a state-of-the-art representation team for older adolescents, age 16 to 24. She raised more than six hundred thousand dollars for adolescent representation while at BDS. In each of her positions, Amy has been witness to the ways in which current systems fail families with older teens challenged by a range of issues from teen pregnancy, to family conflict caused by mental illness, drug addiction, and generational divides due to recent immigration, and homophobia. Haven represents an opportunity for Amy to be part of the solution to this deep fissure in existing support systems. Amy is thrilled to be serving young people in her home, Jersey City.
Board Member
Senior Director, ADP
Rebecca Woods
Rebecca is responsible for Global Mobility and US Immigration Departments and corresponding P&L.
Ensure excellent service delivery for associates that need US visa sponsorship and cross-border transfers. Skilled in aligning global mobility initiatives with strategic Company objectives.
Board Treasurer
Consultant, Community Outreach, City of Jersey City
Cynthia Blue
Cynthia has specializes in administrative, operational, grant Management and Housing/Economic Development Projects. Cynthia also has over thirty years experience as a fiscal officer for the city of Jersey City.
Board Member
Professor and Clinical Coordinator, New Jersey City University
Dr. Vaibhavee R. Agaskar, PhD, NCC
Vaibhavee is a counselor educator with more than 14 years of experience in the mental health field in the United States and India. She serves as an assistant professor of counselor education and clinical coordinator for mental health counseling at NJCU where she teaches, mentors and advises graduate students in school counseling and mental health counseling. She has experience working in residential facilities for youth and in providing a variety of assessments for young people. She has generously agreed to apply her skills to Haven’s work. She is a Jersey City resident and is honored to serve her community.
Board Member
Morrease Leftwich
Raised in Jersey City, Morrease is a graduate of McNair High School and Temple University and
is a current law student at Columbia University. Morrease led his first political campaign - for
Jersey City Board of Education - at 18. He has been a major contributor to Haven's youth voice since its founding serving on its inaugural Community Advisory Board.
Board Member
CEO, Guazabara Insights
Dennis Febo
Dennis is the Founder of Guazabara Insights which provides health and educational services with a mission to raise social consciousness and uplift communities. He serves as an adjunct professor at NJCU and as a lead organizer in the New Jersey Campaign to amend the 13th Amendment. He
is the father of five and has deep ties to Jersey City.
Board Member
Community Advocate and Student
Kimberly Goycochea
Kimberly, 20, is a lifelong Jersey City resident and community activist who partnered with
Mussab Ali in a race for Jersey City School Board. She is a graduate of Snyder High School and currently attends Saint Peter’s University. She is involved in a range of campus and
community-based efforts to create social change. She is a powerful advocate within the youth and Latino communities in Jersey City. She brings compassion, grace, and strength to her work on behalf of Haven’s youth and families.
Board Member
Carol Blum
Carol, a long-time Jersey City resident, is a community activist and foster parent who works in the financial industry. Her community activism is deeply centered on improving the lives of children and teens. She has brought energy and compassion to her work on the advisory board.
Board Member
Carmen Russell
Experienced Freelance Writer with a demonstrated history of working in multimedia production. Skilled in Journalism, Opinion Polling, Adobe Photoshop, Legal Reporting, and Interviewing.
Board Member
Priscilla Carmona
Executive Director of S.C.O.R.E.S. an organization that creates opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, poverty, or substance abuse. The agency seeks to make a significant contribution to the awareness, development, and progress of reintegration services.
Board Member
Ashley Foster
Currently Editor-At-Large for Mr. Warburton Magazine skilled at feature writing, contentstrategy, digital media, and copy editing.