Meet Our Team

A team committed to empowering caregivers through support and understanding.

People joining hands in a heart-shaped circle, symbolizing unity and teamwork.

The Heart Behind the Mission

At Family Based Services Association of New Jersey, Inc., our work is powered by people who have lived the journey. Our team brings compassion, experience, and unwavering commitment to supporting families, caregivers, and youth across our community.

Leadership That Leads With Purpose

Susan Mazzeo, DSW

Executive Director

Susan Mazzeo, DSW—Interim Executive Director

I deeply believe in the power of peer support and community as I was the recipient of both as I navigated my daughter's struggles with her mental health.

I first joined Family Based Services Association of NJ as a board member. I was drawn to this organization because of their focus of peer support for the caregiver. I was happy to step into the role of executive director when an opportunity presented itself.

I have a strong commitment to advancing human rights, promoting accessibility, and amplifying the voices of individuals and families served by community-based systems.

Jennifer Entwistle

Family Support Coordinator

As Family Support Coordinator, I lead and support a dedicated team of Family Support Partners, ensuring services are delivered with empathy, professionalism and respect.

I draw from my experience as a Family Support Partner and my lived experience as a recipient of services from FBSA.

I believe caregivers are experts on their own families and understand the power of peer support in building trust, fostering hope and empowering caregivers.

Dawn Ellis

Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Programs

As the Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Programs at Family Based Services, I am passionate about bringing people together, to create a supportive environment where families feel connected and encouraged. My goal is to create meaningful partnerships that expand opportunities for youth and families to feel welcomed and empowered.

With more than 20 years of experience working alongside families, I believe that every family deserves access to resources, support and encouragement. Whether, I am developing programs, attending and organizing community events, or collaborating with community partners, my focus is always to create a space where youth and families feel seen, valued and heard.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that while life’s challenges don’t always have easy solutions, no one should have to face them alone. By celebrating progress big or small, walking alongside one another, together we can build hope, find resilience, and discover strengths in every step forward.

Renee Cooper

Executive Administrative Assistant

As the Administrative Assistant for Family Based Services Association, I am proud to support an organization dedicated to helping children, families and communities. My connection to this work is both professional and personal. As a parent whose child received services through the Children's System of Care, I experienced firsthand the positive impact these supports can have. That experience inspired me to become part of this mission and I am proud to be part of an organization that helps other families access the care and resources they need.

Michelle Donofrio

I do this so no other caregiver feels like I did, and no other child has a caregiver unaware of a challenging system, as my son did. I do this so more caregivers have a voice than feel they don’t. I do this to validate that my family’s struggles had purpose—and that every hurdle and every victory matters.

Dawn Coppola

I am a mother to two daughters and stepmother to a son. Having navigated a mental health crisis, ADHD diagnosis and other challenging traumas with my children, I came to work with other caregivers going through similar struggles knowing all to well that it truly takes a village. I am passionate about meeting families where they are at and providing support through education, advocacy and support.

I am a Certified Advanced Trainer in Nurtured Heart Approach and I share this education with parents knowing just how pivotal it was for my family's journey. My goal is to help every caregiver feel seen, heard and empowered as they build on their family's strengths. It is an honor to walk alongside families as they discover hope, resilience and confidence in the journey ahead.

Catalina Murcia

I am a bilingual Family Support Partner who works in the community, helping children, youth, and families find the support and resources they need. I enjoy building trusting relationships, listening without judgment, and connecting families to services that improve their well-being. My goal is to empower families by providing guidance, encouragement, and support in both English and Spanish.

Martha Santiago

Being a parent of two awesome kids can be a real rollercoaster. There was a time when my youngest had some pretty tough behaviors, and during that time, I got support from a really understanding and knowledgeable FSP from FBSA. That experience inspired me to give back in a meaningful way. Now, I get a great sense of reward using my life experiences to help other caregivers who are going through their own journeys, which can often feel overwhelming and lonely.

Ruth Casella

Ruth’s story is coming soon.

Kristin Prest

Hi, my name is Kristin J. Prest, and I'm a Family Support Partner with the FBSA of NJ. This work is deeply personal to me because I am also the parent of a teenager with autism and other diagnoses. While I've been in this role for about a year, I've spent many years navigating the challenges, triumphs, and advocacy that come with raising a child with unique needs.

I work with parents, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers to help them feel supported, connected, and empowered. I bring with me a background in both financial and medical settings, which helps me think creatively and support families in finding resources and solutions that best meet their needs. I strive to create a warm, judgement-free space where caregivers feel heard and understood, and I'm known for being compassionate, down to earth, and relatable. I truly enjoy helping families feel less overwhelmed and more confident in supporting their children, and if I can help even one family feel like they're not alone, then I'm doing exactly what I'm meant to do.

Kylie Queen

I am passionate about creating a welcoming environment where young people feel supported and empowered. As a creative person, I enjoy finding engaging ways to connect with youth while helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and create meaningful connections.