| Executive Director |
Andrea Burleigh
Hi, I'm Andrea. I am a wife and mother of 4 children (1 biological son & 3 step daughters). I took this position at the FSO because I wanted to help families who had children with emotional & behavioral challenges like mine. My husband & I started out on our journey navigating the New Jersey mental health system alone and scared until we learned that there was help out there. I love sharing my experiences with others in the community that are going through similar experience. I enjoy being in a position to continue advocating for my family as well as, guiding others who may be just beginning their journey. |
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| Financial Administrator / Office Manager |
Debbi Fricker
Hi I'm Debbi Fricker. I am a wife and mother of one college age son. I began with the FSO in January of 2006 and after one year I am in awe by my co-workers and what they do for families in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. I look at my work somewhat differently now, instead of just coming to work to do something that I love, bookkeeping, I try to make a small contribution by working closely with staff to be sure our budget sustains informative programs and activities that they believe will support and educate the families involved in the FSO. And sometimes we try to find the funds to take families out just to have some fun, it always helps to have a moment where you forget all about reality!!! |
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| Community Relations Specialist |
| Laura Marcy
As a former foster parent and adoptive mother of 4, Laura brings a wealth of personal experience to her role as parent support partner. Because of her children's involvement with the CMO, Laura's life has evolved from being crisis driven to proactive advocacy. While a student at Richard Stockton College of NJ, Laura became a founding board member of a successful local charter school, director and founder of a small non-profit organization assisting children and families with HIV and AIDS. Laura has also had her written work published by Crossing Press. Recently Laura has become a member of the advisory board at an out of state residential treatment center where her daughter is currently residing. |
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| Peer Support Coordinator |
Rhoda Picirilli
Hi, my name is Rhoda. I am a wife and mother of 3 children, the proud grandmother of 3 and soon one great grandchild. I am also a parent/ caregiver of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. I have navigated the mental health system in New Jersey for the last 35+ years. I have long-established relationships in the Cape May area with families and providers, which helps me in my position at the ACFSO as Peer Support Coordinator. I am the current President of the Cape May County Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), I serve on the County Board of Mental Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse (MHADA) and I am the coordinator for the Hospital Companion program at Cape Regional; Medical Center. I am truly dedicated to helping the families we support. |
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| Senior Peer Support Partner - Atlantic County |
| Lorraine Khan
I am a graduate of Jersey City State College, ( currently named New Jersey City University), with a BA in Elementary Education. I have worked in the school districts for approximately twenty years. I am married and I have a16 - year old daughter and an 18- year old son. I have had a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges while teaching them to be successful, caring and responsible, as they are reaching their adult lives. I would be happy to share my experiences and knowledge with you, and would like you to know you are NOT alone in raising your child with emotional or behavioral challenges. |
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| Peer Support Partner - Atlantic County |
| Gloria Rivera
Gloria Rivera will be joining the FSO on Monday July 14, 2008... |
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| Full-Time Peer Support Partner - Cape May County |
Christine Meehan
Hi, my name is Chris and I am a mother of 3 children, 18, 14, and 9. My daughter has emotional and behavioral challenges, which is how I became involved with the ACFSO a few years ago. Shortly after I became an FSO family, I got involved as the facilitator of the Youth partnership in Cape May County, and I love it. Prior to coming on full time with the FSO, I worked at a nursery school in Cape May County. I have worked with children since I had my first child 18 years ago, and just love being with the kids. I also work at Cape Regional Medical Center part time as an advocate for the Hospital Companion program and I volunteer with CARA (Coalition Against Rape and Abuse). I am happy and honored to be a full time part of the FSO as a Peer Support Partner and look forward to supporting the many families in Cape May County. |
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| Part-Time Peer Support Partner - Cape May County |
Colleen White
Hi, my name is Colleen. I am the wife and mother of 6 children, 2 of which are stepchildren. I have lived in Cape May County all of my life and for the past 20 years have worked closely within the community with many families. I have had years of experience and have educated myself with the struggles of mental health facilities, drug and alcohol rehab facilities. I have participated firsthand as my son and our family have threaded our way through many emotional crisis’s without an advocate to inform us as to the many options and avenues available. I have personally explored many of the choices available and run into enough walls to have gained a wealth of information that I can’t wait to share with the families in Cape May County. I have found that in sharing with others what my family has learned and lived that I not only help them but I too am encouraged. I look forward to working as a part time Peer Support Partner for the ACFSO, to be able to come alongside families experiencing what I have been through, and to strengthen their reserve to continue advocating for their children. |
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