VIP COMMUNITY SERVICES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Assistant Director - 764 Residence
Abdoulaye Samb is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of delivering health and social services to vulnerable individuals. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, multimillion-dollar network deployments, Healthcare product launches, budget policies, business analysis, risk assessments, auditing & compliance HIPPA & HIM regulations, cross-functional operations, domestic, global, and tactical planning. Professional with in depth senior management planning and global business operations skills with international and domestic experience
Prior to joining VIP in 2019, Mr. Samb oversaw multiple health care programs including DHS shelters to be successfully transitioned from Next Step to much more aligned contemporary social organizations. Mr. Samb earned a Master of Science and fulfilling a Doctorate of Professional Studies at Pace University. Mr. Samb is a longtime New York resident and a strong business development expert with a passion for social justice.
Job Titles:
- Director of Wellness
- LCSW Director of Wellness
Alison Maling serves as Director of Wellness for VIP Community Services. She oversees daily operational and clinical services for VIP's mental health programs.
Maling has worked in the Bronx since moving here in 2005 and finds that the needs of this community are often overlooked. Her passion is to bring creative ways to help people make a difference in their own lives and the lives of those that they care about.
Maling has been a master's level clinician for 20 years and has worked with a variety of organizations and agencies whose focus has been the mental health of people in those communities. Whether it was working with at risk youth identified by their school system in the DC area, to running residential programs and working on crisis teams in the Boston area to now merging her skills to address substance use and mental health in a holistic way, teamwork and the commitment to healing has been her clinical focus.
She is an avid Boston area sports fan and enjoys watching most of those teams dominate in recent years. Maling holds a MSW from the Catholic University of America and a BSW from Trinity College of Vermont.
Job Titles:
- Director of Health Services
Anna Otero serves as Director of Health Services for VIP Community Services and has worked in the healthcare industry for the past eight years. She is well-versed in medical billing, front office management, and patient advocacy. Otero came to VIP in July 2012 as senior biller in the billing department, before taking on a dual role as interim clinical supervisor. In 2015, she successfully transitioned to the role of clinical supervisor of the Health Services Department, and played an instrumental role in VIP's FQHC application process.
Otero's passions are helping people and making a difference in their lives. She works with a team who shares her sentiments for wanting to make a difference in the world and wanting to make a positive change in the lives of our patients. In her spare time, Otero enjoys spending quality time with family, reading, and golfing.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Front Desk
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Aurelio Gooden has over 25 years of Human Resources experience handling all aspects of human resources.
Prior to joining VIP, Aurelio served as Director of Human Resources with The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center where he managed the day-to-day operations and implemented new initiatives such as an open-door policy, employee satisfaction surveys, salary surveys to bring compensation up to market levels, reduced annual provider recruitment costs and identified overpayment to third parties over a fifteen-year period.
Aurelio also worked as HR Deputy Director with The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and oversaw a workforce of 12,000 employees. He also served as HR Director with the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health and with Steinway Child and Family Services, Inc. Moreover, he successfully managed a start-up criminal defense law firm - The Bronx Defenders, which was funded by The City of New York with an initial operating budget of 8.5 million dollars, 55 Attorneys and 25 support staff. Within a few months of operations, they exceeded their annual goals, and received an additional 10 million dollars in funding from the Office of The Criminal Justice Coordinator to manage additional criminal cases.
Aurelio holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Saint Mary College. He is a candidate for a Master of Science in Counseling Degree from Mercy College - which he expects to complete by December 2022. Aurelio is married and resides in Orange County with his family. He is involved in his local community and his church.
Job Titles:
- Director of Shelters
- Licensed Master Social Worker
Brenda Wine-Cooks is currently the Director of Shelters at VIP Community Services. Ms. Wine-Cooks is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of New York. As a Shelter Director she oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of an ongoing program including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and ensuring that appropriate program activities are provided to clients. Ms. Wine- Cooks has a particular interest in improving the accessibility of the lives of homeless individuals, single adults, and individuals who are at a disadvantaged.
Ms. Wine- Cooks has over 15 years of experience in a variety of settings and with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief interventions. She provides clinical oversight of program assessment and services provided by the staff to residents to ensure the quality of the services and to ensure that services meet or exceed regulatory guidelines. In her spare time, she enjoys the comfort of her family, God, and weekend getaways. Ms. Wine- Cooks graduated from the University of Fordham with her graduate degree in Social Work, and possess an undergraduate degree from City College in Psychology minoring in addiction.
Job Titles:
- Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer
- Community Affairs Officer
Carmen G. Rivera serves as Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer for VIP Community Services. Carmen served on the Board of Directors of VIP Community Services for 35 years, where she served as its Chair for 20 years. Ms. Rivera is an active community organizer and activist who facilitated a myriad of community partnerships throughout her 42-year history with the organization.
Ms. Rivera was born in Bayamon, in Puerto Rico and is the third of six children. Her bilingual and bicultural background provided her with sensitivity to the plights of the influx of immigrants and those with language barriers. She began a career of volunteerism; most notably at her local parish of St Anthony's where a local priest (Rev. Father Robert Banome) helped to nurture her thirst for spiritual ministry and activism. These ecumenical efforts helped to propel the Bronx leaders into providing housing for the poor, food for the hungry, and treatment for those suffering from chemical dependency. Ms. Rivera became a leader in provision of those services in her community.
Her community leadership has spanned decades. Carmen has served on Community Board 9 for 17 years, and held a post on the Executive Committee for 9. Ms. Rivera also served for 14 years as Housing Chairperson. Ms. Rivera honorably served as parish trustee for 18 years, and President of Parish Council for Church of St. Anthony. Ms. Rivera serves as a mentor and leader to young girls ages 7-18 years. She provides spiritual mentorship and community projects to create future Latina leaders. She also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of Discovery for Justice Coalition, a nonprofit organization that advocates for criminal justice reform.
Her early professional career was in Publishing. Carmen was employed as the National Sales Manager at Bookazine a Book Wholesaler, later becoming National Trade Sales Manager at Lectorum/Scholastic Publishing marketing Spanish books nationwide. Carmen was a member of the American Library Association, American Bookseller's Association, and a member of Reforma, supporting the needs of Spanish speakers through library services. In 2009, Carmen was honored with the first Lifetime Achievement Distinction providing services to the Latino community.
Her most important role is the matriarch of her family. Carmen is mother to Yolanda and Jeanette and grandmother of three: Jasmine, Destiny, and Brandon. She is great grandmother to Hailey and Dominick. Ms. Rivera is a proud resident of Bronx, NY, for 54 years and has resided in the same home for 45 years. She is an avid reader who enjoys culinary arts and travel.
Job Titles:
- CASAC - T, CARC Senior Director of Housing and Shelter
- Senior Director of Housing and Shelter
Dana Coleman is the Senior Director of Housing and Shelter at VIP Community Services in the Bronx, New York. Ms. Coleman has over 25 years of clinical and administrative experience, with 15 of those years with VIP. She has held various positions at VIP such as Health Education Coordinator, Social Worker, Program Coordinator and Program Director. Ms. Coleman has been an integral part of the VIP support team at most of the VIP programs and has been involved with SAMHSA grants throughout her VIP years. Before joining VIP, Ms. Coleman worked as a social worker in a renal dialysis program and at a Ryan White hospital based program. She received her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work and her undergraduate degree from Herbert H. Lehman College. Ms. Coleman is directly responsible for the oversight of 3 supportive housing sites, while also supervising the Directors over VIP SRO Housing and Women's Shelter. Ms. Coleman enjoys watching sports and playing basketball.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Debbian Fletcher-Blake specializes in technical assistance related to the administrative areas of health care services. She has a master's degree in nursing from Pace University and bachelor's degrees in Nursing and Chemistry. With an Executive Leadership in Health Information Technology Certificate from the University of Colorado School of Nursing, Debbian brings expertise and efficiency to the coordination of health and social services programs.
Debbian serves on several boards including Montefiore Nyack Hospital, the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), the Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates (COMPA) of New York State, and NYC Coalition for Behavioral Health, CCBHC Expansion Grantee National Training and Technical Assistance Center (CCBHC-E NTTAC) Advisory Board, and collaboratives and associations including Alcohol and Substance Abuse Providers (ASAP) of NYS. She serves as the Co-Chair of the CHCANYS Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Council.
Most recently, Debbian was the Assistant Executive Director at Care for the Homeless in New York City, Clinical Director of the Mobile Health Program and instructor at the New York University College of Nursing. In 2020-2021 she served as a mentor to two Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) and continues to provide mentorship after her commitment ended.
As VIP's CEO, Debbian provides leadership and direction for daily operations relating to integrated clinical care delivery, customer service excellence that exceeds patient, provider, and payer expectations, as well as coordination of internal team efforts with external community key stakeholders, providers, and regulatory agencies. Under her leadership, VIP has doubled its budget and expanded its housing & shelter portfolio to include sanctuary shelters for asylum seekers, and shelters across New York City. To meet the mental health needs of children, under her leadership VIP established a school-based mental health program. Other programs implemented or about to launch under her leadership include a dental clinic, a Mobile Medication Unit and a Harm Reduction Program.
Debbian was awarded Crain's New York Notable Black Leaders as well as 2022 Schnepps Media Healthcare Heroes presented by Catholic Health for her contribution and dedication to the healthcare community. In 2021, for her role in rebuilding New York City during the pandemic, she was recognized as an Empire Whole Health Hero and showcased on the Bronx Power List as one of the most influential and impactful individuals in the borough for her continued commitment to improving the Bronx under-resourced communities. In 2019, for her leadership, vision, and dedication to reducing health disparities in the communities and transforming the lives of underserved populations, Debbian was selected as a CRAIN's Notable Women in Health Care. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Philip W. Brickner Award Honoree from CHCANYS for advocating and being a champion for the medical needs of those who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness. Debbian has received numerous quality awards from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Job Titles:
- Chief Clinical Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Darcia Bryden-Currie joined VIP Community Services in January 2018 and currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for Health Services and Wellness.
Dr. Bryden-Currie has more than 20 years of experience in the health care field. She has served as a provider, and more recently as an administrator. Her work as an administrator was to address the challenges faced by her colleagues and patients within the New York health care system. Prior to joining VIP, she served as Vice President of Health Services for a local FQHC. Dr. Bryden-Currie also has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges.
Dr. Bryden-Currie holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D in Public Health from Walden University.
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Member of the Executive Team
Dr. Jean has been the Medical Director at VIP Community Services for the past 3 ½ years. He graduated from and completed his Medical Degree at the State University of Haiti School of Medicine and Pharmacy. With 20 years of experience in Addiction Medicine/ Outpatient Behavioral Health and Ambulatory Medicine, Dr. Jean is committed to patient education and finding solutions in Medication Assisted Treatment with emphasis in quality improvement and aiding consumers to be productive members of society.
Job Titles:
- Clinic Director
- Senior Director of MAT
Ellen Hoffman joined VIP Community Services in 1998. Hoffman dedicated her time and attention to addressing the needs and care of VIP's vulnerable population, consisting of individuals with substance abuse issues and co-occurring disorders as a clinical counselor. She sought out continuing education opportunities to develop the necessary skills and comprehensive understanding of the OASAS/CARF regulations to take on a supervisory position in 2010. While aiding OTP consumers, Hoffman enhanced her CASAC license to further service gambling addiction issues and was then promoted to Clinical Director in 2013. Hoffman later pursued her M.S. in Human Behavior Studies, as well as obtaining her SAP (Substance Abuse Professional, CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach), MAC (Master Addiction Counselor) and FDC (Family Development Credential).
In 2016, Hoffman was promoted to Senior Director of MAT and in this role, she provides direct supervision and oversees the advancement of the Opioid Treatment Program and all Medicated Assisted Treatment Services as well as overseeing grants for the following programs: MAT-PDOA, Bronx Hope, NY Community Trust and the 350-hour CASAC curriculum, offered through the continuum, in an effort to advance MAT in the community. She also oversees the OOPP (Opioid Overdose Prevention Program), providing training on how to properly use NARCAN to outside and in-house providers.
In her spare time, Hoffman likes to spend time with her children and is very family-oriented.
Job Titles:
- LMSW, MS, CASAC - M Program Director - 822 Outpatient Services
Fenesha Blanchard, LMSW, MS, CASAC-M manages an outpatient substance use treatment program providing group and individual counseling to individuals as well as addressing mental health, medical and vocational needs. Ms. Blanchard is a dedicated and passionate individual with many years of experience working in the Medical and Social Services field. Her most recent experience includes working with survivors of domestic violence, incarcerated women and individuals with mental health issues. Ms. Blanchard obtained a Masters in Social Work from New York University and a Masters in Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Services from Pace University. Her favorite color is purple and she has her motorcycle license.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Frank Kploanyi joined VIP Community Services in December 2017, providing leadership in the organization's financial management and strategy. He has over 25 years of experience in the Healthcare Industry - specifically in FQHCs and Community based Organizations and Hospitals - with a strong background in Financial Management, Reimbursement, organizational process design, and improvement. Frank's recent position was as Director of Finance, Business Development at Northwell Health, Physician Partners.
He has previously served as CFO at both 1199 SEIU Training and Employments Funds and Morris Heights Health Center, and also as Director of General Accounting at Beth Israel Medical Center. Frank is a CPA, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Accountants, and serves on the Boards of a couple of non-profit organizations.
Occasionally, Frank teaches courses in Accounting, Auditing, and Cost Accounting at the City University of New York, York College, as an Adjunct Professor. Frank received his Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of Ghana, Legon, and his MBA in Management Accounting from Pace University Lubin School of Business in New York. Outside work, Frank's interests are in tennis and golf.
Inez Sieben - Chief Strategy Officer
Inez Sieben comes to VIP with over 30 years of experience in numerous public health, social services and health programs.
As Chief Operating Officer of OneCity Health Services, a subsidiary of Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), she ramped up the program to meet key DSRIP goals, developed and implemented strategies subsequently approved by the subsidiary's governance and achieved 99% of DSRIP funding.
Previously Inez served as Chief Operating Officer for the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), a non-profit that promotes health information technology that ensures secure access to patient data across New York State. In collaboration with stakeholders and the State, Inez coordinated the development of the Statewide Health Information of NY (SHIN-NY).
She served as Vice President of Nonprofit Consulting and Special Projects at Public Health Solutions, and as Executive Director of the SKILL Center, a training and employment program for home health aides.
Her degrees include an MPH from Boston University and a BA in women's health from the University of Massachusetts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Housing
- Licensed Master Social Worker
- LMSW Director of Housing
Janette has over 30 years of administrative, clinical and property management experience in creating comprehensive plans to improve housing suitability and environmental fit for older adults with chronic conditions living in supportive housing as well as providing services to vulnerable populations including individuals, families, seniors, and young adults.
As Director of Housing at VIP, Janette manages four buildings with 122 units of housing for single adults and families at VIP Community Services.
From 2015 through 2018, Janette was the Director of the first LGBTQ Supportive Housing Program for young adults 18-24 years old in the Bronx.
Janette also worked as a Legislative Aide, Community Liaison and Research Analyst to the Late Assemblyman Angelo Del Toro District 68th in the East Harlem section of Manhattan when he was the Chairman of the Legislative Taskforce on Demographics and Reapportionment as well as the Chairman of Education Committee.
Janette Viera is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College with a specialization in Aging.
As Janette says, "Social Work is the art of listening and the science of hope".
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology
Jimmy Liranzo is an Information Technology professional with over 15 years of experience leading and participating in the planning, design, and implementation of information security and vulnerability management programs. Jimmy's experience is focused on day-to-day operations of enterprise security, management of assets, risk vulnerability, network infrastructure, and cloud architecture. He's had proven success leading broad ranges of instantiates, developing and implementing policies and procedures that decrease exposure and increases awareness, productivity, and strengthening operating efficiency.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice Chair
- President of PHI
Jodi M. Sturgeon is President of PHI, a nonprofit committed to improving quality care for older adults and people with disabilities by creating quality jobs for direct care workers-including the country's four million home health aides, personal care aides, and certified nursing assistants. Under Jodi's leadership, PHI has worked with hundreds of employers and achieved state and national policy victories elevating compensation for millions of home care workers. PHI sees investing in training, support, fair compensation, and advancement for caregivers as not only a social justice issue, but as essential to strengthening the U.S. health care system.
Jodi has worked in nonprofit management for 30 years. She previously held Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer roles at PHI, introducing innovations that strengthened the organization's infrastructure and programs. Prior to PHI, Jodi served as Vice President of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, where she directed investment in housing, jobs, and services for low-income individuals and families. Jodi is currently the Vice Chair of VIP Community Services, a Bronx-based integrated medical, behavioral, housing, and social service organization and Board Treasurer of both Cooperative Home Care Associates in the Bronx, the largest worker-owned company in the country and Home Care Associates in Philadelphia.
Jodi received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Franklin Pierce University. She received an Advanced Certificate in Governmental Finance Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and completed the Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals at Columbia Business School, Executive Education.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Operations ( FTS - Facility, Transportation, and Security )
Jonathan Robles serves as the Sr. Director of Operations (FTS- Facility, Transportation, and Security). His responsibilities include the management of Facility (building contractors and maintenance), Transportation (vehicles and drivers), as well as Security (desk managers and security personnel). He also oversees janitorial services, equipment, help desk services system, and handling payroll for his department, and assists and advises the Chief Operating Officer and various program directors.
Robles is passionate about the FTS mission to provide the best quality service and to ensure a safe working environment, a safe and rapid transportation system, and a clean comfortable facility for our staff and visitors.
Robles has worked at VIP for 16 years, and brings to his work over 25 years in custodial and building maintenance, eight years in security, 14 years in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Director & Active Shooter license FDNY), and 12 years as supervisor for FTS.
In his spare time, Robles enjoys relaxing, watching movies, sports, bowling, pool table, dominoes. He used to play and coach softball, football, and baseball.
Robles trained in fire safety at John Jay College and received the FSD Certificate in Active Shooter and Medical Emergency Preparedness, F-01 Fire Guard, and Boiler P99.
Justin Mitchell joined VIP Community Services in February 2020 as the Chief Program Officer. Justin has worked in the substance use/mental health disorder field for the past twenty years. For the last twelve years, he has held various leadership positions at Odyssey House including as the Vice President, Director of Residential Services since 2011. Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in Education (Rehabilitation Counseling) from Hunter College, CUNY, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Core to his beliefs are that consumers participating in substance use disorder treatment and other healthcare services are deserving of the highest quality care including access to evidence based clinical practices and medication assisted treatment. Each day provides new opportunities for success by inspiring hope in those we serve and by role modeling patience, positive communication skills, and genuine care and concern.
Justin grew up in Sunnyside, Queens and is a long-time resident of Yonkers where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Director for Casa Esperanza
Karen Frost is the Shelter Director for Casa Esperanza. She began her career at VIP in 2008 as a Case Manager at the College Avenue Apartments, where she discovered her passion for working with the homeless and addressing their mental health needs. After getting her Master's in Social Work from CUNY, Hunter College in 2014, Ms. Frost transitioned into a full-time social worker at VIP's 716 Residence when it was an all-women's facility. There, she worked her way up as Clinical Supervisor, and later became the Program Director when the Residence transitioned to an all-men's facility through the 820 model.
In 2020, Ms. Frost transitioned from her Program Director role to her previous social worker role at the 716 Residence where she continues to show her support and dedication to her clients. Karen obtained her CASAC training through VIP.
Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old granddaughter and biking around the city.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Front Desk
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Treasurer of the Board
Effective August 2021, Mr. Jackson assumed the position of Director of Finance at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center & North Central Bronx Hospital. In this role he is responsible for supporting hospital management and corporate finance in the areas of budgeting (operations and capital), financial reporting, revenue cycle and strategic planning as well as providing oversight of the Finance, Admitting and Patient Access Departments.
Mr. Jackson is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in leading overall financial and business management operations across the healthcare industry. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at NY State Department of Health, where he was responsible for the financial, accounting and business operations of the New York State Nursing and Rehabilitative Homes of Montrose and Westchester, a 252-bed long term care facility. Some of his key accomplishments in that role included decreasing costs and increasing the facility's net operating profit.
Mr. Jackson has also held leadership roles at Columbia University Irving Medical Center as Director of Finance and Budgets, Mount Sinai Health System as Director of Supply Chain, and New York University College of Dentistry as Senior Manager of Clinical Finance & Operations.
Mr. Jackson also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, where he teaches graduate level courses in business, program management, operations, and leadership. He holds a Master of Accounting from New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business; a Master of Business Administration from Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY; and, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration & Finance from John Jay College.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Member of the Executive Team
- Board Chair for the Brooklyn Hospital Center
Lizanne serves as Counsel at VIP Community Services where she reviews and drafts contracts, and advises staff on a variety of matters that may have legal significance or risk. She is gratified to work with such committed and dedicated colleagues.
Lizanne received her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and then a law degree from New York University, subsequently returning to NYU for a nursing degree. She started her career as a litigator and then transitioned to health care. She spent five years working as a nurse on board a mobile medical van in Brooklyn, NY, and since then has worked in health care administration at organizations serving the homeless and other vulnerable populations.
When not at VIP, Lizanne serves as the Board Chair for The Brooklyn Hospital Center. She enjoys reading, museums, and spending time with her five children and their families.
Job Titles:
- Program Director at Hotel Omega
Mrs. Marika Mathias is the Program Director at Hotel Omega. She originally started her journey in 2019 as a Case Manager with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) serving the homeless male population. As a Case Manager, she linked clients to services such as employment and HRA benefits. In addition, she made recommendations for required services such as psychosocial psychiatric evaluation, substance abuse therapy, and much more. Within eight months in that role, Mrs. Mathias moved 16 clients out of shelter into permanent housing. Other duties included training all new staff members on her team, assisting the Housing Specialist by attending housing viewings, and scheduling move outs.
Later, she was promoted to Case Manager Supervisor where she oversaw the work of all case managers and conducted monthly supervision and monthly chart reviews. Other responsibilities included supervising clients' cases regarding their mental illness, helping recovering addicts, people with disabilities, and the undocumented. She was also responsible for supervising treatment plans created for clients and coordinating needed therapies, evaluations, and other activities, as well as running the entire site as the acting Director of Social Services and Program Director.
In March 2022, Mrs. Mathias was hired as the new Director of Social Services for VIP at Hotel Omega. Six months later, she was appointed acting Program Director of the site after the previous program director transitioned to run VIP's Sanctuary Facility.
On October 2022, Mrs. Mathias completed her interview with DHS for the Program Director position at Hotel Omega and was granted the role shortly after.
Mrs. Mathias describes herself as a diligent, hard worker who loves challenges and works great under pressure. Her goal is to always go above and beyond to meet all the clients' needs. She says she will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be the Program Director of Hotel Omega.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director of Operations for Shelter Housing and Facilities
- Managing Director of Operations Shelter, Housing and Facilities
Dr. Richardson is the Managing Director of Operations for Shelter Housing and Facilities at VIP Community Services. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, NYU Robert Wagner Graduate School, NYU School of Social Work, Capella University and Coro Leadership Program, NYC. She is an advocate for the homeless and has successfully propelled nonprofit organizations to meet and exceed their strategic plan goals and government assigned targets for over 25 years. Her areas of special interest include affordable, transitional and supportive housing for the homeless and vulnerable populations as well as economic stabilization for the less fortunate.
She previously served as the Vice President, Programs for Homeless Families for the nonprofit, Urban Resource Institute, where she provided expert oversight of a portfolio of 10 shelters ensuring best practices and compliance with OTDA Part 900 and other regulatory guidelines. She served as the Director of Residential Programs and Community Services for Heritage Health & Housing, overseeing a portfolio of 19 programs (over 300 beds) with funding from NYC Department of Homeless Services, HPD, HUD, HASA, HRA, NYS Office of Mental Health, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Medicaid billing operations. She oversaw the Hurricane Sandy Operation with 22 commercial hotels at SCO Families of Services, housing over 500 families and individuals. In addition, she provided leadership for a 200-bed single adult shelter that housed men experiencing mental health challenges and behavioral health issues. As the Executive Manager at Care for the Homeless she provided leadership and guidance over a 200-bed shelter for single adult women that were medically frail, active substance users, experiencing mental illness, and living with physical impairments. As the Deputy Executive Director and Compliance Officer for Veritas Therapeutic Community she provided oversight for multiple NYS-OASAS funded and licensed residential, outpatient and prevention programs serving on the executive team ensuring contract compliance.
Job Titles:
- in 2012 As a Supervisor
- Social Worker in New York
Nicholas Jefferson joined VIP Community Services in 2012 as a supervisor in the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). Since 2018, Nicholas has served as Director of the Admissions Department.
Nicholas is a licensed social worker in New York and a clinical supervisor for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services. Nicholas has been in the human services field since 2002 and specializes in working with individuals with substance use and mental health diagnoses, at-risk high school-aged youth/young adults, and people without homes. Nicholas also specializes in program development and educating addiction treatment and recovery professionals.
Nicholas earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at John Jay College and a Master's in Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College-CUNY. Nicholas has more than 18 years of experience with a diversity of patients and settings, including both long-term and brief interventions. For 14 years, Nicholas has taken his field experience to the classroom as an adjunct instructor and lecturer at colleges and training centers across New York City, including Fordham University and John Jay College.
Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys sports and reading.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operations Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Opal Dunstan joined VIP Community Services as the Chief Operations Officer in March 2020. Opal has been in healthcare leadership for over thirty years in both hospitals and ambulatory care FQHC settings. She worked with Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Hospital as Associate Executive Director with responsibility for various areas such as Quality Management, Regulatory Affairs, Utilization Review, Inpatient Services, Risk Management, and Outpatient Surgery.
Most recently, Opal worked for over twenty years at Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, where she served in various roles such as Chief Operations Officer, Acting Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Executive Officer.
Opal holds a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from New York University and a Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). She is committed and dedicated to the belief that the population we serve should receive quality efficient healthcare.
On a personal note, Opal enjoys music, gardening, and cooking. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, Opal has two adult twin daughters, Tisha and Tracy and resides in Fishkill, NY.
Job Titles:
- Program Director of Flushing Meadows / Best Western LGA Plus
Rosemary Gordon is the Program Director of Flushing Meadows/Best Western LGA Plus. She has extensive years of experience working in the shelter system, improving, and assisting the lives of patients.
As the director of the site, Ms. Gordon is responsible for the management of the facilities, compliance with applicable program requirements and plans, interpreting all policies and procedures for staff to ensure correct implementation. Also, she directs the delivery of services to ensure case management is substantive and client centered. Other responsibilities include ensuring the site and team meet targets (i.e., case management, employment, housing placement, medical, chart compliance and recreational activities), and addressing and attending community-based meetings.
Prior to transitioning to VIP Services, she served as a Program Director with Cores Services Group, Acacia Network Housing and Volunteers of America, where she oversaw all aspects of the site's operation, including but not limited to bed management and incident reporting.
She graduated from Long Island University with a Master's in Public Administration (M.P.A).
Job Titles:
- Director of Social Services Adult Families
- Program Director - Queens Sanctuary Family Shelter
- Program Director of the Queens Sanctuary Family Shelter
Sabrina Soto is the Program Director of the Queens Sanctuary Family Shelter. Previously, she was the Facility Director of Hotel Omega, a 112-bed general population commercial hotel. She joined VIP Community Services in March 2022.
Ms. Soto started her career in the human services field at Services for the Underserved in 1994. In her 17-year journey at SUS, Ms. Soto held various positions, from Billing Administrator to Assistant Program Director of a 71-bed Mental Health Community Residence-Single Room Occupancy program in Far Rockaway, Queens.
Later, Ms. Soto joined the Acacia Network as the Director of Social Services Adult Families in The Bronx and was quickly promoted to Program Director of a Mental Health women's facility in Brooklyn.
Ms. Soto also worked at Core Services Group in 2017 as the Facility Director of Bergen House Senior Residence for males 62 years and older. She contributed to the opening of the facility and remained there until it closed in December 2021. Ms. Soto says that it was a great experience to assist and provide seniors with the services they needed as she feels that there aren't enough shelters that cater to the senior population.
Ms. Soto holds a bachelor's degree of Professional Studies in Human Services and a Master's in Public Administration. She is a mother of three adult children and two grandchildren. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.
Susan Terrell Thomas joined VIP Community Services in December 2020 as Program Director at the 716 Residence.
Ms. Thomas began working with special populations in 1992 at Edgecombe Correctional Facility where she taught GED classes to probationers. Through this experience she made it her personal and professional mission to assist and encourage men and women to realize that their past does not dictate their future. She has worked in the field of addiction for over 21 years and the last 14 years at Cornerstone of Medical Arts as the Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Services.
Early on, Ms. Thomas was exposed to culturally-competent care and throughout her professional career she developed programs, created curriculums, and provided necessary training skills to address the needs of all special populations and provide clinical skills to other professionals in the addiction and social service field.
Ms. Thomas is a firm believer that "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives," which happens to be a quote from her grandfather, baseball legend, Jackie Robinson. She is a lifelong resident of Harlem and a proud METS and Knicks fan.
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Tabitha Gaffney comes to VIP with 23+ years of experience working in social services and non-profit organizations that provide services and support to consumers who have a history of homelessness, mental health and substance use issues, physical and mental health and care coordination needs. Ms. Gaffney's track record of success includes driving program and project development, implementation and management, quality improvement projects, and effectively restructuring and rebuilding failing programs into high performing programs. Ms. Gaffney's expertise in Corporate Compliance, Privacy Compliance, Risk and Incident Management, Training, Team Development, Quality Improvement, Program/Project Development, Implementation and Management will be critical in her new role as Chief Compliance Officer for VIP where Ms. Gaffney will be responsible for the oversight and management of the Corporate Compliance Program and HIPAA Privacy Management.
The son of a man raised as a Southern Baptist from Clarksville, TN, and an Irish Catholic woman from Chicago, Terence Boyd is the Director of Development at VIP Community Services. He values the work of VIP due to his lifelong commitment to service and his view of life as a "calling." He believes deeply that "it is so important to understand that we are all in this life together and that we all need a hand at some point." A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Terence got his start in fundraising working on the Xavier Forward Fund in the early 80s. He has more than thirty-eight years of development experience working for Xavier, as well as Rust College, The National Judicial College, Marygrove College, Elizabeth City State University, "I Have a Dream" Foundation, and a handful of other nonprofits. He and his wife Mae live in Montclair, New Jersey. He has two adult children: Sarah, and Robert.
Job Titles:
- LMHC, MCASAC Program Director - Metro Inn
Venus Brown is a former employee of VIP and has returned to work as the Program Director at Metro Inn. Venus credentials include a master's degree in social work (M.S.W) from Hunter College, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Master Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (MCASAC). Venus Brown has worked in the field of human services serving populations in transitional and supported housing, substance abuse and mental health and criminal involved populations. In addition, she ha s work ed in the CUNY sector providing educational courses in health, human behavior, addiction, and dependencies.
Victoria Robinson joined VIP Community Services in November 2020, as Program Director at the 764 Residence. Victoria has worked in residential treatment settings for the past 17 years servicing populations with substance use and mental health disorders. Her latest venture was at Odyssey House's 241-bed location on Wards Island working with both the elder care and women with children populations.
Victoria has strong leadership skills as evidenced by a unique ability to motivate others to take pride and quality in the work that we do while leading by example. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brooklyn College, CUNY, a Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, CUNY, and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Certified Master Level Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-M). Victoria strives to provide quality care by developing systems to enhance a positive treatment experience and promote a healing environment.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of the Officers Team
William Bifulco is a native New Yorker who joined the VIP Board of Directors in 2017. He lives on Long Island with his wife, Noreen and their son, Conor.
Will oversees the operations of the DC37 Welfare and associated Trust/Funds, where he is responsible for the prescription drug, optical, dental, audiology, legal, behavioral health, and annuity services for 300,000 NYC municipal workers and retirees. He has been in this position since 2021.
Previously he was Vice President of Clinical Administration of The Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, responsible for the operations of all clinical services offered. Will joined Brookdale in 2014 to focus his career on servicing the underserved from Southampton Hospital, where he served as VP/CIO and VP Ambulatory services.
Will graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and an MBA. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from SUNY Stony Brook in 2006. In 2016 he published an article on Babesia infections in The Journal of Clinical Chemistry.
Zenali Tirado has been a member of VIP Board since 2013. She currently serves as Attorney and Vice President of Santa Barbara Realty Corporation, located in The Bronx, New York. She also handles legal contractual, and immigration matters in her personal practice. Zenali is a graduate of Tulane Law School and began her career as a criminal defense attorney at the Legal Aid Society. Thereafter, she specialized in immigration, handling deportation, asylum and exclusion hearings, before the Immigration Naturalization Service. as well as challenges before the Board of Immigration Appeals.