Our Team
At Allies in Caring, our team is united by a shared commitment to improving mental health, wellness, and opportunity throughout South Jersey. From clinicians and program leaders to community outreach and support staff, each member plays an important role in helping individuals and familes access the care, resources and support they need to thrive.
Our Management Team
Danielle Paris
Operations Manager
Danielle Paris is a versatile operations and project management professional with over 16 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. She began her career in the medical device sector, where she handled a wide range of responsibilities including inventory and project management, technical writing, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, health insurance administration, regulatory compliance, customer service, FDA compliance, and OSHA reporting. As Operations Manager at Allies in Caring, Danielle ensures the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. She oversees day-to-day administrative and financial operations, including billing, payroll processing, financial management, grant reporting, and the development of internal policies and procedures. She brings a sharp focus on operational efficiency and organizational growth, with a proven ability to streamline processes, optimize resources, and align teams toward measurable outcomes. Danielle is deeply aligned with Allies in Caring’s mission to meet people where they are, break down barriers to care, and uplift often-overlooked communities—principles that reflect her own dedication to practical solutions and compassionate service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, graduating summa cum laude. Outside of her professional work, Danielle is passionate about creative writing, homesteading, and self-sufficiency. She has a strong interest in natural living, sustainability, and hands-on skills. Whether she’s writing, gardening, or exploring new ways to live more intentionally, she approaches her personal interests with the same curiosity, discipline, and creativity that define her professional life.
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Karen Miguel
Clinical Services Manager
I am the Clinical Services Manager at Allies in Caring, Inc., where I also work directly with youth and families as a Behavioral Technician and Behavioral Assistant. In my leadership role, I oversee the entire case referral process, reviewing referrals, coordinating services, and supporting our providers. I began my career at the Family Success Center, where I organized community events and provided tutoring to youth in need of academic support. I later joined Vineland Public Schools, contributing to their before- and after-school programs by developing and implementing social-emotional learning activities for children and adolescents. Earlier in my journey, I worked at a daycare, caring for children ages 3–12 and designing engaging, age-appropriate activities in a nurturing environment. During my undergraduate studies, I completed my internship at the Boys and Girls Club, where I facilitated group activities that supported the emotional and social development of youth. I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Stockton University in 2021 and have been part of the Allies in Caring team since August 2021. I appreciate how the team uplifts one another and the continuous knowledge-sharing that helps us all grow. Allies in Caring has helped me step outside my comfort zone and discover my purpose, helping youth with developmental disabilities build life skills and supporting youth ages 3–21 as they navigate social and emotional needs. I am proud to witness their growth and be part of their journey toward success.
Alma Orozco
Clinical Services Assistant
Certified community health worker at Allies in Caring, with a strong commitment to supporting Hispanic communities. Originally from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, Alma moved to the United States at age 3 and grew up in Carson City, Nevada, before relocating to New Jersey at age 10. A 2019 graduate of Hammonton High School, her experiences in ESL classes fueled her passion for helping others face similar challenges. At Allies in Caring, Alma has made a significant impact on the lives of many Hispanic families, connecting with them on a personal level. She currently helps with parental skills, navigation services, and teaches ESL classes in the office. Alma loves working at Allies in Caring because she is passionate about being part of a team that shares her culture and traditions, which enhances her ability to support her community effectively.
Christine Colon
Workforce Development Specialist
Christine Colon serves as the Workforce Development Specialist at Allies in Caring, where she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, build confidence, and create pathways toward meaningful employment and personal growth. She believes that everyone has value, potential, and a unique story, and she is committed to helping participants recognize opportunities that can lead to lasting success. With a background in workforce development, youth services, career coaching, and community engagement, Christine has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families as they navigate challenges and pursue their goals. Her experience has taught her that meaningful change often begins with connection, encouragement, and having someone who believes in your potential. Christine is especially passionate about creating opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to employment and helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to move forward. She values a person-centered approach and strives to build authentic relationships rooted in trust, respect, and compassion. Outside of work, Christine enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, participating in her faith community, and sharing her love of music and worship. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside others on their journey and is honored to be part of a team dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities.
Kelin Jimenez
Grant Manager
Ana Iuliucci
Community Wellness Manager
Our Clinical Team
Santiago Gonzalez
Master's Level Therapist
My name is Santi. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, focused on Cellular and Molecular Biology. I spent my undergraduate years working in labs outside the classroom, investigating molecular pathways vital for communication among glial cells in neuroinflammation. After graduating from Hopkins, I decided to work as a junior research specialist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in a nutritional neuroscience laboratory. The main focus of my projects here stemmed from a curiosity on whether nutrient-choice decision making operated in part from a circadian rhythm-based neural circuit, using fruit flies as a model organism for bulk genetic screening. I eventually matriculated into the UCSF graduate neuroscience program in 2021 and shifted my research focus in early brain development, specifically as to how immune cells influence the formation of large-scale neural pathways. I graduated with my Master’s in Neuroscience in 2024 and decided to contribute to more social work by becoming a registered behavior technician (RBT) at my previous company, Attain ABA. I also recently earned my license to work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and will be over at Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company in Weymouth Township as an EMT whenever I’m not here at AIC. Needless to say, I’ve got my work cut out for me! Why I’m appreciative of AIC: The providers on every level of Allies in Caring seem to genuinely care for the well being of their clients and families, as evidenced by the community-based projects AIC has implemented as well as the individual care rendered by providers. After completing his certification, Diego continued as a full-time community health worker at Con-Vivir, where he facilitates programs and plans to further his education while remaining active in the community. One thing Diego loves about working at Allies in Caring is being a peer mentor to kids, integrating his love for art and creativity. Outside of work, Diego enjoys art, acrylic painting, plants, nature, and being a good older brother. He is involved in various programs, including facilitating computer classes and the Liber=Arte Art Club, as well as helping with navigation services and more.
Diego Gonzalez-Roias
Behavioral Assistant
Diego started working for Allies in Caring in 2023 after graduating from Hammonton High School in 2022. He began as a Summer Camp Facilitator, where he discovered his passion for community work. This experience led him to start an apprenticeship at Allies in Caring to become a community health worker. After completing his certification, Diego continued as a full-time community health worker at Con-Vivir, where he facilitates programs and plans to further his education while remaining active in the community. One thing Diego loves about working at Allies in Caring is being a peer mentor to kids, integrating his love for art and creativity. Outside of work, Diego enjoys art, acrylic painting, plants, nature, and being a good older brother. He is involved in various programs, including facilitating computer classes and the Liber=Arte Art Club, as well as helping with navigation services and more.
Elizabeth Morales, MSW
Master's Level Therapist
My name is Elizabeth Morales. I am a motivated provider ready to support families and loved ones build positive and healthier relationships that can soon be reflected to their communities and peers. Growing up with loved ones with special needs/ developmental disabilities I take the initiative to support communities members be involved in their environment to their fullest potentials. On my free time I love going to church, walking my dog, go to the gym, watch sports, and dance.
Paula Martin
Behavioral Assistant
Hello, I am Paula! I am a recent Rutgers University Camden graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I am from Bogotá, Colombia, and I am proud of my origins. In my free time, I enjoy reading and painting. I am eager to serve individuals, families, and the community with dignity and respect, and I am excited to be part of the AIC team to help community members improve wellness through support and education.
Yulissa Nuesi
Respite Provider
Breatney Reyes
Behavioral Aid
Hello, my name is Breatney Reyes, and I’m proud to be part of Allies in Caring. I joined this organization because I genuinely love helping others, and I believe deeply in the mission of supporting individuals and families in meaningful ways. Being able to contribute to a team that values compassion, inclusion, and service is incredibly rewarding. Professionally, I have experience working with the Atlantic County Division of Public Health, where I supported clinical operations as a Clinical Attendant. In this role, I assisted with administrative and clinical tasks, helped coordinate public health services, and contributed to maintaining an organized and welcoming environment for clients. This experience strengthened my skills in teamwork, attention to detail, and direct support for community initiatives. Outside of work, I’m passionate about connecting with people, especially children. I love spending time with kids and find joy in seeing them grow and thrive. What I appreciate about Allies in Caring: I appreciate that Allies in Caring truly prioritizes making a positive impact in people’s lives through culturally respectful and empowering services. It feels good to be part of a team that shares the same passion for helping others.
Saundra Umstead
Master's Level Therapist
My name is Saundra Umstead Capers, and I am currently working for Allies in Caring as an IIH therapist. My background and mental health and education is based on over 36 years of experience working with children and adolescence. I hold a bachelor of science degree in speech, pathology and audiology, and I received my masters degree in clinical counseling from Seton Hall University, and then I returned to Seton Hall University, where I obtained my educational specialist degree which is an EDS in mental health. I taught special education for 25 years in the state of New Jersey, where I worked with children who had emotional challenges on a middle school level and high school level. I then became an adjunct professor at Burlington County College and then also an ad junk professor at Temple University. After retiring from teaching full-time in the state of New Jersey, I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I was the lead psychology professor for a large county college for seven years. My work in this field with children who have special needs has been very rewarding. I have worked with all of the disabilities that young children and teenagers have experienced, including autism. I love working with AlliesinCaring because it’s a great agency. They are very supportive. They really love working with the providers and supporting the families, which is their first area of passion and commitment. I join them in supporting that mission and I’m so happy to be a part of their team.
Lisa Thomas El
Master's Level Therapist
Cinthya Castillo
Master's Level Therapist
Cinthya Castillo is a bilingual behavioral health professional with a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stockton University. She has built her career serving children, families, and communities through evidence-based practices, case management, and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Over the past several years, Cinthya has worked in a variety of roles that reflect her commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes. As a Bilingual Travel Case Manager, she successfully manages high caseloads, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines while providing culturally responsive support to youth and families. Her previous role with the Cape Atlantic Care Management Organization involved collaborating with families, schools, and service providers to develop individualized care plans and connect clients to essential behavioral health resources. Cinthya also brings direct experience in ABA service delivery through her work with Allies in Caring, where she supported children and families in skill development and reduction of challenging behaviors while also training staff in effective behavioral strategies. Additionally, her experience as a Health School Specialist with AtlantiCare gave her the opportunity to promote social-emotional learning and support students with behavioral and mental health needs in educational settings. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Cinthya is passionate about providing accessible, culturally competent services. Her strengths lie in individualized treatment planning, staff development, and family advocacy. She is recognized for her leadership, problem-solving, and ability to collaborate across systems to ensure the best outcomes for the individuals she serves. Guided by a belief in equity and community well-being, Cinthya is dedicated to using behavior analysis and compassionate care to empower youth and families across New Jersey.
Erik Timmons
Master's Level Therapist
Amy Ashenfelter
Master's Level Therapist
Amy Ashenfelter, MA, IIH, is a Master’s-level Intensive In-Home (IIH) therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling and Applied Psychology from Rowan University and holds a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Drexel University. Amy utilizes an eclectic, strengths-based approach that emphasizes the importance of the family system in supporting meaningful change. She has extensive experience working with children and families impacted by DCPP involvement, foster care, adoption, trauma, stress, grief and loss, ADHD, anger, mood disorders, and experiences of abandonment or neglect. She has also worked with child survivors of human trafficking and brings a strong understanding of the unique challenges, needs, and resources for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Amy is passionate about incorporating compassionate, trauma-informed Applied Behavior Analysis to empower children and families to build safe, stable, and fulfilling lives. Cinthya also brings direct experience in ABA service delivery through her work with Allies in Caring, where she supported children and families in skill development and reduction of challenging behaviors while also training staff in effective behavioral strategies. Additionally, her experience as a Health School Specialist with AtlantiCare gave her the opportunity to promote social-emotional learning and support students with behavioral and mental health needs in educational settings.
Brooke Thomas-Rowser
Behavioral Assistant
Catherine Cipolla
LCSW
Catherine Cipolla, LCSW, has over 27 years of experience in psychotherapy, with specialty training in working with children, adolescents, and families. She also has presented many workshops for the general public and for clinical training purposes. Catherine also has teaching experience in the Masters of Social Work program at Stockton University. Besides her private practice and her work with Allies in Caring as a Clinical Supervisor, she has worked at Atlanticare Behavioral Health: Child/Adolescent Unit; Bacharach Institute: Eating Disorders Center; Atlantic County Special Services School: Consultant and Provider; and Stockton University in various roles. After receiving her Master’s Degree from Rutgers University in 1996, she continued formal training in a 2-year eco-systemic structural family therapy externship program at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center. In addition, she is enrolled in Child Parent Psychotherapy, a two-year training program to serve children from birth to age five and their families. She has training in a variety of areas, including trauma, alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, childhood behavioral problems, ADHD, ODD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, relationship issues, domestic violence, divorce, and parenting. After completing his certification, Diego continued as a full-time community health worker at Con-Vivir, where he facilitates programs and plans to further his education while remaining active in the community.
Myriam Ciifuentes-Solari
LAC
Myriam Ciifuentes-Solari is a Master Therapist providing counseling, crisis intervention, resource and support system development, and case management for families and children. Myriam believes that delivering a goal-oriented and structured therapy will help families recover from neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or physical abuse. In addition, having a time-limited, goal-oriented, and structured therapy in the families' natural environment will encourage positive changes in family dynamics. In addition to many certifications in personal development and her Holistic Coach Platform, she managed the Guidance department curriculum for the local School District. Myriam has a master's degree in School Counseling, a postgraduate degree as a Specialist in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University, and a Certification as a Holistic Life Coach from the Holistic Institute of Vital Hygiene in Spain.
Claudia día Del Pilar Ramírez
Master's Level Therapist
Claudia was born in Medellin, Colombia. There she graduated in Psychology and worked as a therapist for 26 years in the clinical area providing individual and family care. Claudia also worked in the educational space as a school counselor and university professor in Psychology. In addition, she attended crisis intervention and psycho prophylaxis in Mental Health, identifying psychosocial protective and risk factors in children and youth. Then she completed a master's degree in Psychology at the Atlantic International University. She has been happily working with Allies In Caring for four years, working as a therapist. Claudia appreciates working in this company for the quality of human beings who work there and because its managers and staff decisively and effectively take on new challenges, seeking progress for all.
Solaida Santiago-Ramos
LSW
Solaida Santiago-Ramos began as an intern for Allies in Caring in 2018 while earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Counseling from Pillar College in Somerset, New Jersey. She returned as a graduate-level intern and remained for the next three years. After earning her Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University in May 2022 and her license to practice from the State of NJ, she joined our team as a full-time clinician. Solaida is fluent in English and Spanish and is trained in several clinical and evidenced-based modalities. As the oldest of three and raised in Camden, Solaida learned early how relationships and environment influenced choices. Her passions became her spirituality, family/friends, and education. She loves learning about other cultures and practices and has a deep and complete affinity for humanity. She enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and grandkids, traveling, loving animals, and ministry. As a clinician, Solaida hopes to bring hope, a guide to thrive, and solemnly support and uphold the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. She is both honored and humbled to fulfill this role.
Our Outreach Team
Sandra Gomez Espinosa
Community Engagement Coordinator
Sandra was born in Colombia and holds a degree in Business Administration. For 26 years, she has worked as an Insurance Agent for a Spanish multinational based in Colombia, a role in which she has received important recognitions for her performance. Alongside her professional career, she has dedicated much of her life to working with vulnerable communities through nonprofit organizations, supporting adults in vulnerable situations, youth, and women. These experiences strengthened her passion for community service and her commitment to social impact. As an immigrant in the United States, she has been able to support the Latino community with her experience and deep sense of service. Nearly four years ago, she began volunteering with Allies in Caring – Convivir, where she has met valuable people who share her life mission: to help others. She is grateful for the opportunity to be here and to continue serving this community.
Flor Vega
Community Engagement Coordinator
Eduardo Samaniego
IT Instructor / Tech Skills Coach
Tania Rivera
Communications Coodinator
