Where were you born?
I was born in Bridgeport, CT
How did you get involved in the non-profit world?
As a child, I was surrounded by adults in the helping professions of nursing, social work and teaching. Consequently, I had made up my mind at the age of 10 that I wanted to be a social worker and work at Covenant House to help homeless children. In 1984, as a young graduate, working in the President’s Office at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, I was nominated for the Director of Development position at Covenant House/NY. I landed the job and moved to NYC immediately thereafter, and have remained ever since.
What are the biggest challenges you have to face in such a volatile economy?
The recession has impacted the non-profit world tremendously. Donations have decreased, endowments have fallen and layoffs are often the results of government funding cuts. The biggest challenge is maintaining fiscal stability to ensure quality services to the children and families served at my agency. Fortunately, through aggressive fundraising and careful oversight and management of resources, The NYSPCC has maintained a balanced budget through this rocky time.
How were you introduced to The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children?
During my studies for my Masters Degree in Social Work, I learned about the work of The NYSPCC and the groundbreaking case of Mary Ellen Wilson that launched the child protection movement in the United States. As my career continued after moving to NYC, I often crossed paths with staff from NYSPCC programs at meetings and conferences. In 2001, when I was being considered as a candidate to lead the first child protection in the world, I was honored, humbled and thrilled!
Can you tell me a time when you were so moved by your mission at NYSPCC?
My work is a constant source of inspiration for me. The NYSPCC stands apart from other agencies serving children for three reasons. First, we accept the most challenging cases of child abuse and neglect in the City. These are the cases that you hear about in the news. Second, I am fortunate to have amazing experts - at the top of their game- working with these children and their families. The outcomes are amazing. These children heal. Finally, because we have such amazing results, everyone wants to know how we do it, so we are launching The NYSPCC Training Institute in January 2012. This will help us train other providers throughout the U.S.A.
Last year, when I was at our gala here at the Plaza, I was very moved by the generosity and kindness of our donors, Board members and honored guests who made it the most successful gala to date. I’m thrilled that we’ll have our 2011 event here too! Please join us at our gala on November 10th – Lynda Carter will perform!
What can the private sector do to make a difference with NYSPCC?
The NYSPCC depends on the donations and support of the private sector to keep our programs running. We need the help of foundations, corporations and individuals to both raise the awareness of our work and to help us raise funds.
The other point that I’d like to stress is that it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe. All New Yorkers should know the signs of child abuse or neglect and take action if they think a child is in danger. The government and mandated professionals can’t be the sole eyes and ears for children in harm’s way. Everyone must step up and take action if they think a child is at risk of being hurt. We encourage people to learn how to make a report by visiting our website www.nyspcc.org for easy to follow instructions.
If you had the power to change one thing in this world in regards to helping a child have a better life what would it be?
The elimination of childhood poverty.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy cooking and baking for my family and friends, reading part of a good book every night, Pilates and exercise.
If you could have dinner tonight with three people who would they be?
John F. Kennedy, Bono and Lucille Ball.
What haven’t you accomplished at NYSPCC?
We’ve made great strides in the past 10 years, but there is always more to be done. In our strategic plan that carries the agency through 2014, we plan on launching the Training Institute, expanding our advocacy efforts and publishing more articles on best practices for professionals working with children who have been abused and neglected.
Was there ever a time that you felt you couldn’t make a difference?
No.
How do you stay centered and objective when dealing with some many children in need?
In order to stay focused and effective while working in the child protection field, practitioners need to learn how to manage secondary traumatic stress (STS). Secondary Trauma occurs when a provider is constantly exposed to the trauma of others. Exposure to children’s trauma is especially provocative. I have learned through the years to balance my work/home life and practice mindfulness and self-care techniques to offset the constant barrage of horrific child abuse cases. I also stay current on the latest research and techniques used for trauma recovery of children. I do know that our work is making a tremendous difference in the lives of children and that is very centering.
Who do you most admire?
My father, my mother and my husband. They have all enriched my life many times over.
In a perfect world what would you dream for every child that comes thru your door?
In a perfect world, no child would come through The NYSPCC’s doors, as child abuse and neglect would cease to exist…..our services would not be needed.
Please support our gala, “Protecting Kids First”. To order tickets or make a donation, please call 212-843-1714 or visit www.nyspcc.org.