fax (908) 725-3945
Our Staff
Mindy Hoppe, MS,LDTC
Director of the Somerset Children’s Center
As the Director of Somerset Children’s Center, I am privileged to bring to the table over 29 years of valuable experience as a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant in the field of Special Education. My journey began with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education, Teacher of the Handicapped (Pre-K through 12) from The College of New Jersey, followed by a master’s degree in Special Education from Jersey State University. My commitment to professional growth led me to become certified as a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with children across the entire spectrum, both as a special education teacher and as a Learning Consultant on various Child Study Teams. My dedication to fostering excellence in education extended beyond the classroom as I served as a member of the Board of Education for Somerset Hills School District, representing Peapack Gladstone. Within this capacity, I actively contributed to crucial committees such as the Curriculum Committee and Policy Committee, and played an integral role in shaping the strategic plan for the School District. Additionally, I had the privilege of assisting in the creation of a state-of-the-art Media Center, enriching the educational experience for all students.
Amidst my professional accomplishments, my greatest love remains centered on my family. I take immense pride in the unwavering support of my husband, who has been by my side for over 35 years, and my grown son. Notably, both my husband and I share a deep passion for education, engaging in passionate discussions about current educational practices and legal issues in the field, as we constantly strive to work for the betterment of children, communities, and families.
Having dedicated over 30 years to public education, I am now privileged to serve as the Director of the Somerset Children’s Center. At our center, we take great pride in providing comprehensive and state-of-the-art services to children with special needs. Our team includes State Licensed Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, a Physical Therapist, and a Nationally Certified Art Therapist. Our mission revolves around a holistic approach, ensuring each child’s potential is maximized within a safe and nurturing environment.
The core philosophy of our center aligns with the insightful words of Ignacio “Nacho” Estrada: “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” In embodying this ethos, we strive to create an inclusive and tailored learning environment for every child under our care, fostering their growth and success.
Gladys Arika, MBA Finance, MA Economics, BA Economics
Accounting Manager
Gladys Arika is an Accounting Manager at Somerset Children’s Center with the responsibilities of managing the Centers’ monthly accounting system. Her roles are to manage fundamental aspects of the company’s financials, including; financial transactions, managing Accounts payable, and Accounts Receivables. Handles the monthly accounting system such as journal entry processing, Prepaid accruals, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and reporting for monthly Board Meetings. Works with the auditors during the annual review to ensure that there are governance performance measures in place.
Before joining the Center in March 2008, she served as an Accounts Executive at Patel Communications NY, New York. In her previous roles. She was responsible for its increasing development and expansion; she established and enforced proper accounting methods, policies, and principles. She handled the full accounting circle and reporting for Patel Communications monthly. She managed to raise the growth of revenue and streamlined the vendors’ accounts.
Before joining the two above organizations, Gladys worked at an International Revenue Authority as a Revenue officer at the Department of Customs, Income, and Sales tax. Her responsibilities were to ensure that proper tax codes implemented and revenue collected promptly. At the Revenue Authority, she gained experience developing data-gathering studies designed to assess the economic impact. She also offered sensitivity analyses to understand economic value drivers in her department. She analyzed and evaluated international trade agreements and trade legislation.
Gladys holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Finance from Saint Peters University New Jersey, Masters in Economics, and Bachelor in Economics from Pune University.
Overall, Gladys is creative, innovative with proven reliability and good interpersonal skills.
Diana Liedl
Marketing and Development Coordinator
Diana Liedl, Creative Liaison at our center! With 27 years of experience as a graphic designer and photographer, Diana excels at turning visions into tangible products. Her role involves creating files and collateral, researching grants, and fundraising. Not only is Diana a skilled professional, but she’s also a local real estate agent who can help you find your dream home. She’s deeply rooted in the community, actively involved in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. As President of the Princeton Elks Charitable Trust and Chairman of the Special Children’s Committee at Princeton Elks 2129, Diana is passionate about giving back. She has organized numerous successful fundraisers for the Elks and actively participates in church fundraising while teaching CCD in the summer. Additionally, Diana is engaged with the Hunterdon County 4H, where she’s certified to teach in the club. With her husband Doug, their twins, rescued dogs, and a cat, Diana leads a fulfilling life. When she’s not volunteering or caring for others, you might find her enjoying some relaxing country line dancing.
Jalyn Gonzalez
Administrative Assistant
Hello everyone, my name is Jalyn! I will be the first smile you see when you and your child walk through the door. I enjoy working with children, as I have been working/volunteering with kids of various ages since I was 15. I believe in creating a safe, fun, and playful environment where every child can grow, learn, and shine. When I’m not in the office, I’m either in school, softball, or spending time with my two dogs, Axe and Dior. I look forward to spending my weekdays with you and your children!
Karina Colagreco
Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Karina! I look forward to coming to work every day to be a part of the important work that the center does to help children reach their potential. Throughout my own schooling, I saw how difficult it is for children who learn differently to get the support they need. I love working with children, I have been a part of Hunterdon County 4-H for over a decade and am a leader and instructor for my club. When I’m not working at the center, I enjoy writing, reading, and spending time with my dog named Sherman and cat named Mango. Did I mention that I am a huge Marvel fan? Be sure to stop by and tell me about your favorite character!
Urmila Mane, M.S. OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
My name is Urmila, and I am an Occupational Therapist. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from MUHS, India and Master of science degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. I have over 5 years of experience working with pediatric clients whose medical diagnosis include: ASD, ADHD, and CP in variety of settings such as outpatient OT dept. in children’s hospital, sensory gym, and pediatric clinic. I have experience in NDT and sensory integration techniques. I have volunteered in NJ Special Olympics, youth program.
Currently, I am working in the NJ Early Intervention System with children under age three.
I like to take care of plants in my free time. I also like to play board games and games on Xbox Kinect with my son., and I like to go for hikes with my family.
Mary McEvoy, BS
Occupational Therapist
Mary McEvoy grew up in the Buffalo area and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She has practiced as a pediatric occupational therapist for more than 25 years. Most of her experience has been with children from pre-school through grade 5. Her special interests include visual perception and sensory processing. She has worked in the Manville, South Bound Brook, and Sayreville Public Schools. She has been employed at Somerset Children’s Center since 2015.
Brittany Clark, M.S. OTR
Occupational Therapist
Brittany graduated from Belmont University with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Honor Society. Brittany is excited to be working at Somerset Children’s Center. She has previous experience working at a school for children with ASD, developmental delay, and Down Syndrome before attending graduate school. Her goal is to work with her pediatric clients and their families to increase their skills and participation in functional and meaningful activities. In her free time, Brittany enjoys finding new recipes for baking, spending time at the beach, and reading.
Andrea Frain, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapist
My name is Andrea Frain and I am an OT who has 20 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings.I love working with children and am passionate about my profession so I am basically living my best life. Working with children has allowed me to think outside the box and be creative in my sessions which is so fulfilling. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child make progress and having fun doing it! I’ve taken training in Sensory Integration techniques, Behavior Modification, Handle With Care and Life Skills Curriculum for Special Needs Students to name a few. I reside with my husband, daughter, two dogs and cat in Somerset where we are involved in many volunteer organizations including Greenwich Autism Alliance, Special Olympics and Franklin Food Bank. We love to travel as a family (pets included) and have as many adventures as possible. I’m really excited for the opportunity to work at Somerset Children’s Center and help make a difference in a child’s life.
Danielle Cuozzo, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapist
Danielle graduated with honors from Seton Hall University in 2020 with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Therapy Honor Society and was President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association from 2019-2020. She has a variety of experience working across the lifespan, with most of her experience being in Early Intervention and the Public-School setting. Danielle loves working with the pediatric community and has experience working with children with ADHD, ASD, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay, seizure disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Regulation Impairment. She has a younger brother diagnosed with Autism and she considers him her biggest inspiration for becoming an OT.
Danielle loves to travel and has been to over 7 countries and counting. She has a passion for volunteer work and hopes to travel abroad to provide volunteer OT services to children in underprivileged communities in the near future! In her spare time, she enjoys hanging with her family, exploring new places with her friends, and playing with her pets Lucy and Gatsby.
Emily Sutaria, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Emily is an occupational therapist who graduated from Ithaca College with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Nutrition. She completed research at Ithaca College to learn more about the lived experiences of adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Emily loves working with children and young adults and being able to make a difference in their lives and help them participate fully in all aspects of life. She has experience working as a school-based therapist in public and special education schools to help students ages 3 to 18 reach their full potential. Emily is excited to be a part of the Somerset Children’s Center team! In her free time, she enjoys traveling – some of her favorite places she’s been include Colorado, Florida, Croatia, and Kenya. Emily also enjoys skiing, reading, painting, walking her dogs, and spending time with family and friends!
Laura Cursi, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapist
Laura graduated from Delaware State University with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Honor Society and was Philanthropy chair of the Student Occupational Therapy Association from 2021-2022. Laura loves working with children and young adults and has experience working with children with ADHD, ASD, Developmental Delay, SPD, Visual impairments, as well as emotional regulation impairment. Laura loves making a difference in her community and is always willing to help others. In her free time she enjoys going on hikes and traveling to new places, as well as spending time with family.
Ariana Serillo, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapist
Ariana graduated from Elizabethtown College, PA with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She has experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, Down syndrome, SPD, developmental delays, and oral motor deficits (3 months to 18 years old) in various settings. She is excited to be a part of this community and to connect with families to make a difference. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking with her husband, traveling, and reading.
Danielle Dolinski, MS, OTR
Occupational Therapist
Danielle graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2015. She has worked in a large variety of pediatric settings including private practice, outpatient rehabilitation, public elementary school, and currently works at a private out of district school. She loves working with children and using play as a means for making progress towards therapy goals as well as collaborating with families to support success in all settings. She has taken coursework in the areas of sensory integration, visual perception and ocular motor skills, NDT, and DIR Floortime to name a few. Danielle enjoys traveling with her family, spending time in the pool with her two children, crocheting, and DIY projects. When the weather is nice you will always find her outside exploring parks with her kids!
Shannon Cassidy, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Shannon is a speech-language pathologist with 3 years of experience working with children with complex communication needs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from West Chester University, and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. Shannon works full-time as a school-based speech-language therapist. She works with students in the following classrooms: Autism, Multiple Disabilities, and Language/Learning Disabled, as well as with students in general education with fluency and articulation disorders. She has completed trainings in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding (SOS), Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP), and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Shannon aims to be a positive communication partner, and to help the children she works with become functional communicators.
Cynthia Fisher, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Cyndi was born and raised in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Training and Development, and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. She has experience with pediatrics in the outpatient rehabilitation setting, elementary school setting, and within the home setting via Early Intervention. She has experience with adults in the outpatient rehabilitation setting and within the inpatient acute rehabilitation setting. She is currently employed full-time as a school-based speech language specialist in a public-school setting with students with needs in various areas of communication including articulation, fluency, voice, receptive & expressive language (vocabulary, phonology, and grammar), and pragmatics (social skills). The classrooms she works in contain children with all different levels and abilities, and she is passionate about using a child’s strengths and interests to build and strengthen their communication skills.
Rosemarie Neubauer, MS
Speech Language Pathologist
Rosemarie Neubauer has lived in New Jersey all of her life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and her Masters of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University. Rosemarie has practiced as a pediatric speech therapist for more than twenty years in public schools, private schools for children with developmental disabilities, and the Somerset Children’s Center since 2008. Her special interests include working with young children having language disorders and teaching functional life skills to older children and adolescents.
Speech Language Pathologist
Julia is a licensed speech-language pathologist, who holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Her experience includes working with children and young adults (ages 3-21) of diverse backgrounds and developmental needs in a public school setting. Julia is a graduate of Kean University in Union, NJ. She obtained her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University as well as her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. Julia’s philosophy on teaching and learning are heavily rooted in her undergraduate work based on the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, which include respect, exploration, discovery, and play.She was born and raised in Central New Jersey. Julia is proud of her Colombian heritage and speaks conversational Spanish. She is an animal lover who enjoys hiking, volunteering, crafting on her Cricut machine, and spending time with her Wheaten Terrier, Coconut.
Liz Strohman, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Liz was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and graduated with my Masters of Speech Language Pathology from Governors State University in 2006. Most of her career has been within the public school working with kids in preschool through high school. She has also worked for private clinics and she enjoys the close collaboration that happens with other therapists in this environment. When she is not working, she spends her time with her husband and two boys.
Ashley Russo, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Ashley Russo has been an SLP specializing in pediatrics for over 12 years. She received her B.A. in Communication Sciences from the University of Connecticut in 2008 and then went on to complete her M.A. in Speech Language Pathology in 2010. Since then, she has worked in several settings which include public schools, early intervention and private practice. Ashley enjoys helping children improve their speech and language skills so that they can effectively communicate with others. She is passionate about involving and empowering parents to help their children become effective communicators.
Ashley is a mom of two children. Her hobbies include running, taking photos, and spending time down the shore. But, most of all, she enjoys any and all activities with her kids!
Laurie McKenzie, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Laurie received her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science from Loyola University in Maryland. She has worked as a pediatric speech language pathologist for over 30 years in both private and public schools. Laurie has had the opportunity to professionally work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Language/Learning Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Feeding/Oral Motor Disorders, Articulation/Phonological Disorders, and Medically Fragile Children. She has received specialized training in motor speech disorders, feeding assessment/treatment, high and low tech augmentative communication devices, and the Picture Exchange Communication System. Laurie is also trained in the use of mindfulness practice to increase attention, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop positive learning environments.
Laurie is licensed in the State of New Jersey and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She loves to work closely with children and their families to facilitate effective communication skills in all environments.
In her free time, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family, vacationing at the beach, and baking.
Marisa Curtis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist
Marisa is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who has 6 years of experience working with children with a variety of communication needs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Emerson College. Marisa works full-time as a school-based SLP within her district’s integrated preschool program. She has experience helping children with Late Language Emergence, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Articulation/Phonological Disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and Language/Learning Disabilities. Marisa is trained in both high and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (e.g., PECS, Speech Generating Devices, Core Language Boards) and is certified in The Hanen Centre’s It Takes Two to Talk program. Marisa believes in the power of play as an effective tool to facilitate speech/language development.
Outside of work, Marisa enjoys living in Somerville, seeking out new restaurants, reading novels, baking, traveling, and hiking.
Alison Penna, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Alison is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for the state of New Jersey and she holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Her experience includes working with children and young adults (ages 3-21) of diverse backgrounds and developmental needs in a public-school setting since 2011. Alison received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Richard Stockton College of NJ (currently known as Stockton University) in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. Alison believes wholly in functional and natural means of growing and learning when it comes to her approach to therapy. She is originally from South Jersey but currently resides in Central Jersey with her husband, daughter, son, and four cats. If she is not working or with her family then you can probably find her cooking or baking, reading a book, or having an impromptu dance party in her living room!
MaryKate Ryan, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
MaryKate Ryan is a speech language pathologist with 6 years of experience. She has worked primarily with autistic students and students with multiple disabilities. She also has in-depth experience in working in Early Intervention. MaryKate has a passion for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She believes that therapy should be functional, fun, and child-led. When she isn’t working, MaryKate enjoys traveling with her husband or hiking with their two dogs, Banjo and Maple.
Cristina de Oliveira, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Cristina earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Kean University’s Nathan Weiss Graduate School. Cristina is bilingual and able to speak proficiently in Spanish and at the conversational level in Portuguese (Brazilian). Her clinical experience focused on the evaluation and treatment of both pediatric and adult clients in a university-based clinic, a private practice, and in an autism program in the public school setting. She has experience treating children with a range of diagnoses such as Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, and fluency disorders.
Her passion is empowering children to become better communicators in their day-to-day life. She finds joy in forming a bond with her clients. Her goal is to create a safe and fun therapeutic environment that her clients enjoy returning to week after week.
When she is not working, Cristina enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family. 💜
Michelle Jones, PT
Physical Therapist
Michele Jones graduated from the City University of New York Hunter College. She comes to the Somerset Children’s Center with over twenty years of experience in the field of physical therapy. She has worked in the hospital setting, private practice and educational setting. Michele has a unique and vast skill set. She worked in acute care, main rehabilitation, day rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and provided home care to the adult and elderly population.
Since having worked at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ Michele has focused on the pediatric population. Michele’s experience has had her work with a variety of pediatric clients whose medical diagnoses include: ADD/ADHD, ASD, CP, Down Syndrome, High Risk Infants, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury. Michele has worked with a wide range of pediatric patients who have developmental delays and/or physical disabilities. her passion is to have each client she works with reach their optimal level of functional independence in their home, school and community. Michele also enjoys coaching Special Needs cheerleading, tumbling stunting and dance and Special Olympics basketball, track and field events.
Michele is actively involved in her town’s school district and recently with her colleagues established a scholarship in the name of her former colleague. Michele enjoys mentoring high school age students who have a desire to work in the related services professions. Michele is a dog lover and one day hopes to raise a service dog for a special needs child. Michele is proud to share that her daughter, Mary Kate, was accepted into the Rutgers School of Nursing and an incoming freshman in the fall. GO RU!
Emily Pike, ATR-BC
Art Therapist
Emily has worked professionally with children for more than 30 years in a variety of roles including kindergarten teacher, art teacher, enrichment specialist, school counselor and art therapist. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, a Master’s degree in Clinical Art Therapy from Hahnemann Medical College, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut, and a post-Master’s degree in School Counseling from Seton Hall University. She is a board certified registered art therapist. In her sessions, Emily uses art-making as a form of psychotherapy to help students access and process emotions that may be difficult to express verbally, as well as help them develop coping skills and improve their overall well-being. The goal of her art therapy sessions is to facilitate personal growth and encourage self-expression and self-discovery through the creative process.