Our Team

Lynne Algrant, MA

Lynne is a resourceful and equity-focused leader with extensive experience in executive leadership across academic, non-profit, government, and community sectors. As Chief Resource & Development Officer at Greater Bergen Community Action, she drives initiatives to improve health access for vulnerable populations. Notably, she Co-Chaired the NJ Covid Vaccine Equity Team and developed the Unity Health Partnership. Lynne is a skilled consultant, trainer, and speaker specializing in leadership, governance, program development, equity, community engagement, trauma-informed approaches, strategic planning, health equity, and advocacy.

Nicole Arias

Nicole is our detail-oriented, highly effective, and responsive Executive Coordinator with 10 plus years working for non-profit organizations and corporations. Nicole oversees the administrative functions and business operations for the Collaborative with a commitment to advancing practices that promote equity in our workplace. Nicole is fluent in Spanish.

Liz Corsini, MPH

Founder & CEO

Liz is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years of experience advancing equity and justice across government, non-profit, and international sectors. Holding a Master of Public Health, Liz has worked with youth, women, and families across multi-disciplinary systems and approaches her work through a trauma-informed, public health lens. Liz has a proven track record of driving organizational growth and long-term sustainability, while actively engaging and valuing community input. Liz specializes in leadership and board development, talent retention, change management, strategic planning, operations, fundraising, program development, community engagement, and advocacy. A skilled trainer, facilitator, and speaker, her expertise includes gender violence, youth development, community engagement, workplace justice, and trauma-informed systems. Liz works with leadership teams, organizations, and whole communities, emphasizing integrity, values-driven strategies, transparency, and accountability.
Liz launched the Collaborative for Organizational Change in late 2023 to amplify and support the work of organizations driving social and economic change.

Caroline Corsini, MA

Caroline is a health and wellness expert with over 15 years in education and wellness. Holding a Master's in Special Education, she blends her teaching background with certifications as a health coach, holistic nutritionist, yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner. Caroline specializes in developing employee health and wellness programs that enhance productivity and retention, focusing on physically and psychologically safe, equitable workplaces. She works with leaders, educational institutions, health organizations, and corporations.

Jhonatan Garcia, MA

Jhonatan is a passionate program leader and communications strategist dedicated to community empowerment. Holding a dual BA in Sociology and Criminal Justice and an MA in Professional Communication, he has a proven track record of driving organizational growth and community impact. As Assistant Director at Bergen Community College, Jhonatan has generated over $1M in revenue and launched programs supporting women and minorities in construction trades, youth enrichment, and career readiness. A skilled connector, he excels at building public-private partnerships and developing impactful programs. His expertise includes marketing, grant initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations. Founder of Jay's Candid Consult, Jhonatan leads brand strategy, workshops, and fundraising. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, committed to creating lasting community change.

Sue Gelsey, MA

Sue is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of experience driving justice-focused community advancement. As Chief Engagement Officer at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and Founder/Director of Community Calls, she builds relationships and fosters community change. Sue is an expert facilitator and speaker in areas including team building, management, employee development, strategic planning, community engagement, advocacy, and change management. She works with leadership teams and organizations and is committed to advancing equity and justice across all operational functions.

Mariam Gerges, LCSW

Mariam is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of leadership experience increasing access to mental health services for marginalized communities in the US and Egypt. Fluent in Arabic, she is a skilled trainer and speaker specializing in gender violence, human trafficking, trauma-informed care, youth development, toxic masculinity, program development, community engagement, supervision, and workplace equity. Mariam works with organizations globally and has provided frontline trauma support and prevention education in crisis-stricken areas.

Diana Gerges, Ed.D

Diana is an education leader with 15 years of experience driving community transformation through education and inclusion. Holding multiple Master's degrees and a Doctorate in Higher Education focused on advancing justice, she blends her expertise with certifications as a mindfulness coach and restorative practices facilitator, utilizing trauma-informed decision-making. Diana excels at facilitating inclusive and innovative team environments, fostering growth through shared mission and accountability. She is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and speaker working with diverse organizations.

Linda Henderson- Smith, Ph.D

Linda has over 23 years of clinical and administrative experience in community-based mental health. Most recently, she served as Sr. Director of Product Management at Carelon Behavioral Health, overseeing children's behavioral health and crisis behavioral health products. Prior roles include Sr. Director at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Director at the Georgetown University National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health. Her expertise includes trauma-informed systems, co-occurring disorders, wraparound services, and crisis intervention. Linda is an expert in behavioral health promotion, prevention, intervention, and system transformation, with extensive experience in training, consultation, design, implementation, and evaluation services across community, government, and national levels. Linda works with leadership teams, small and large organizations, systems of care, and educational institutions.

Tashiera Howard, Ph.D

Tashiera is a seasoned non-profit leader with over 20 years of executive and program experience, holding multiple advanced degrees in mental health and psychology. Driven by a passion for sustainability and community empowerment, she excels in organizational change, leadership development, strategic planning, program implementation, and advancing equity and justice. Tashiera has a strong track record of increasing access to mental health and social services for vulnerable populations, building accountable systems. She is a skilled facilitator and speaker specializing in trauma-informed care, mental health, family systems, and staff development.

Rev. Sanetta Ponton, J.D, M.Div

Sanetta is an executive leader with over 15 years of experience driving equity and justice in non-profit and faith-based organizations through transformative practices and strategic engagement. Holding a JD and a Master of Divinity, she serves as Executive Director of Metro Community Center and Associate Pastor of Justice, Advocacy and Compassion for Metro Community Church. Sanetta is a skilled facilitator, speaker, and trainer specializing in leadership development, youth development, program planning, equity, community engagement, advocacy, and organizational change. She works with diverse stakeholders and is adept at bridging collaborations between faith-based organizations, government, business, and non-profits, promoting impactful, equitable, and professional practices.

Laura Satterfield-Mathieu, Ed.D

Laura is an educational and community leader with over 20 years of experience advancing justice and equity within New Jersey public education. Holding an Ed.D. in K-12 School Administration, she currently serves as the Principal at Janis E. Dismus Middle School in Englewood, NJ. Laura has spearheaded the integration of restorative justice, social-emotional learning, and mindfulness practices in schools, fostering healthy cultures focused on educator well-being. Her expertise spans educational policy, instruction, assessment, school structure, and transformative culture. A trained facilitator and speaker, Laura works with diverse educational stakeholders, driven by the belief that quality education is fundamental to societal equality.

Davia Valenzuela

Davia is a human resources and organizational leader with over 25 years of experience across government and non-profit sectors, working with diverse communities. As Director of Human Resources and Administration for the Bergen Family Center in Englewood, NJ, she champions equitable talent strategies, employee engagement, advancement, and well-being. Davia's expertise includes leadership coaching, HR practices, recruitment and retention, professional development, organizational systems, and change management. She excels at developing and implementing inclusive strategies that foster professional growth. Davia works with leaders, executive teams, non-profits, and governing boards.