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Our Team

Lillian Julien

Founder

In 1992, Lilly Julien’s 20-year-old daughter, Michelle, lost her life in a car accident. With her husband, Robert, and two surviving children, Spencer & Greer, Lilly struggled to rebuild her life after the devastation of losing a child.

Inspired by a dream visitation from her daughter, Michelle, Lilly founded the COPE Foundation, a nonprofit grief organization dedicated to supporting parents and families living with the loss of a child.

Since 1999, Lilly’s vision has guided COPE and its expanding grief support programs. An exhibited painter and portrait artist, she has facilitated many of COPE’s art therapy programs.

Read full bio

Co-Founders

Judy Berg

Co-Founder

Dr. Richard Berg

Co-Founder

Patti Greenberg

Co-Founder

Board Of Directors

Larry Mergentime

Co-President

Jennifer Schwartz

Co-President

Lillian Julien

President Emerita

Barbara O'Malley

Treasurer

Scott Haber

Jenn Webb

Doug Newton

Sonia Mukhi

Steven Reisman

Kristin Gill, MD, FAPA, PMH-C

Judy Lipson

Kelsey Kroning

Leadership Team

Adam Rabinovitch

Executive Director

Claire Sharkey

LCSW Clinical & Program Director

Rashida Sanchez, MA, LMSW, FT

Community Outreach & Engagement Manager

Ann Fuchs

Camp COPE Director

Carly Bergstein, LMSW

Camp COPE Clinical Director

Marianne Bujacich

Financial Officer

Patricia Cocchiarelli

Financial Administrator

Jennifer Capozzoli

Marketing and Development Coordinator

David Oralevich

Website Development Consutant

Support Group Facilitators

Barbara Goldstein

LCSW

Carly Bergstein

LMSW

Janet Zimmerman

LCSW-R

Lauren Jukofsky

LCSW

Marilyn Kohn

LMSW

Mary Ann Stein

LMSW

Michelle Graff

LCSW

Rashida Sanchez

MA, LMSW, FT

Rhonda Ryan

LCSW

Lorraine Kransdorf

LCSW-R

Jane Bishow-Semevolos

LCAT , ATR-BC

Carmen Reyes

LMSW

Advisory Board

Jeff Ackerman, PhD

Fern Cohen

Ron Jasser

Judy Berg

Michael Corpuel

Sherry Radowitz, PhD

Dr. Richard Berg

Patti Greenberg

Sandra R. Wolkoff, PhD., LCSW-R

Esther Bogin

Amy Bobrow Gross, PhD

Judy Berg

Co-Founder

Judy Berg grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated University of Wisconsin- BS in art history and fine arts.  She moved to NYC 1967 and was a buyer for Montgomery Ward and Lane Bryant 1967-1972.  She married Richard Berg 1972 and had two children, Erica born 1974. David born 1976. 

Judy served as co-PTA president at Sunquam Elementary School and has been a resident of Melville, 1976 - present.  She joined Temple Beth Torah in 1978 and served as a Board member and co-chair of Social Action committee.

She worked as a part time patient care coordinator for Plainview Oral Surgery from 1985-2016

Judy lost her son, David, in a skiing accident on January 19, 1972. She supported Lilly and BJ Julien as co-founders of COPE (Connecting our Paths Eternally).  She has served as a member of the Board of Directors from 1999-present and as treasurer from 2000-2015

Judy’s grandchildren are Benjamin [2009] and Eli [2011], children of Erica Berg Gavin and Douglas Gavin.

Richard Berg

Co-Founder

Richard grew up in Woodmere, NY.  He attended Lawrence High School and the University of Rochester, receiving B.A.  in psychology, general science, and pre-dental. He attended NYU College of Dentistry, in 1967.

Richard completed oral surgery residency LIJ medical center, 1970.  He was a founding partner, Plainview and Massapequa Oral & Maxillofacial Associates, p.c. 1972-2011

Richard is an assistant professor of clinical oral & maxillofacial surgery, 1974-present, at Stonybrook University School of Dental Medicine and has done volunteer teaching at Stonybrook Dental, 1970-present.

He married Judy Schwartz in 1972 and had two children, Erica born 1974 and David born 1976.   He has been a resident of Melville 1976-present and joined Temple Beth Torah in 1978.

Richard lost his son, David, in a skiing accident on January 19, 1972. He supported Lilly and BJ Julien as co-founders of COPE (Connecting our Paths Eternally).  He has served as a member of the Board of Directors from 1999-present.

Richard’s grandchildren are Benjamin [2009] and Eli [2011], children of Erica Berg Gavin and Douglas Gavin

Larry R. Mergentime

Co-President

Larry is a member of the real estate law firm of Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. in New York City practicing in real estate transactions and development.  Larry was introduced to COPE in 2009 following the sudden loss of his 3-year-old daughter Samantha.

Larry’s family started Sammi’s Circle Charitable Fund following Samantha’s passing as a way of remembering Sammi’s gentle spirit and to ensure that her kindness is passed on to those in need.  Sammi’s Circle quickly became an active supporter of COPE. Larry’s introduction and exposure to monthly group therapy sessions with COPE and his support of their mission has led him to take a more active leadership role within the organization. 

Larry joined the board of directors in 2016 and serves as Co-President.  Larry lives on Long Island with his wife and 2 sons and is passionate about music and college sports. 

Larry’s goal is to help improve the lives of families that have suffered a loss by encouraging their healing and to expand the organization’s outreach.

Jennifer Schwartz

Co-President

Jen Schwartz graduated Long Island University at CW Post in 2007 with a Master's Degree in School and Mental Health Counseling and holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Psychology from Lehigh University. During her graduate school internship, Jen co-facilitated a bereavement support group for middle school students who had expressed a need for a space to talk about their losses and the impact it had on them. 

In 2008, Jen started working as an educational advocate for the Long Island Advocacy Center, assisting students with disabilities who were involved in the juvenile justice system, to obtain the appropriate educational services to be successful in school. In 2012, Jen co-wrote a youth-centered curriculum and co-facilitated groups for teens with behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. LEAP (Learning, Exploring, Advocating, and Persevering) focused on helping teens to become more self-aware and to develop helpful communication skills so they could become self-advocates. In 2014, Jen started a second job as the Youth Engagement Director for the North Shore Jewish Center where she creates and implements programs for the synagogue's youth groups. In 2015, Jen started jGAY! (Jewish Gay and Allied Youth), the first support group on Long Island for Jewish LGBTQ+ youth and families. 

When Jen's older brother passed suddenly in July 2016, she attended her first COPE sibling support group.  She remembers feeling more connected to a group of strangers than to anyone else in her life at that time.  She continues to attend the Long Island sibling group monthly, not because of her individual 'need' to attend, but because she knows there will always be someone new starting the group and if people stopped attending once they felt they didn't 'need' it, then who would be there for the next person to show up? Jen currently serves on COPE's Family Advisory and Program Committees and became a COPE Ambassador in December 2020. 

 

Lillian Julien

President Emerita

In 1992, Lilly Julien’s 20-year-old daughter, Michelle, lost her life in a car accident. With her husband, Robert, and two surviving children, Spencer & Greer, Lilly struggled to rebuild her life after the devastation of losing a child. 

Inspired by a dream visitation from her daughter, Michelle, Lilly founded the COPE Foundation, a nonprofit grief organization dedicated to supporting parents and families living with the loss of a child.

Since 1999, Lilly’s vision has guided COPE and its expanding grief support programs. An exhibited painter and portrait artist, she has facilitated many of COPE’s art therapy programs. 

After losing her husband in 2000, she spearheaded the inauguration of COPE Camp Erin NYC in 2011, in partnership with Eluna (f/k/a the Moyer Foundation) —a free weekend bereavement camp for children ages 7 to 17 grieving the loss of a parent or sibling—with a concurrent parent retreat started in 2015.

Lilly Julien and I. J. Weinstock have presented workshops at Compassionate Friends and Camp Widow bereavement conferences. 

Lilly is the co-author of Grief Quest: A Journal & Workbook to Heal the Grieving Parent's Heart which was named a Finalist in the USA Best Books of 2012. 

Awards include:

  • 2008 inductee into Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame as Founder of COPE
  • March 8, 2010, Ben Appelbaum Foundation Recognition Award
  • May 11, 2014, received The Roger E. Joseph Prize on behalf of COPE-Camp Erin NYC for its contribution to children's grief
  • May 3, 2016 recipient of Long Island Imagine Awards recognizing innovation and leadership in the nonprofit sector 

Barbara O'Malley

Treasurer

Barbara O'Malley grew up on Long Island and is a 1990 graduate of St. John's University School of Law.  She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Hofstra University.  While attending law school in the evenings, Barbara handled customer relations for an international airline, and upon graduation began working as an Associate at an aviation firm in NYC where she represented international airlines clients in both state and federal court.   Thereafter, Barbara transitioned to an in-house position at an international insurance company where she held positions of increasing responsibility over a ten-year period.   In the years that followed, she held additional in-house roles including that of Senior Counsel at a financial services company, General Counsel for a privately held real estate franchisor, and an executive level position at an international labor and employment firm headquartered in Atlanta.   Her legal career spans more than 30 years.

In 2014, Barbara was faced with the sudden and unexpected loss of her 36-year-old son.  She relied heavily on the resources provided by COPE and has always been grateful for the support provided by the organization. As someone who is a firm believer in giving back, Barbara became involved with various committees and helped to develop COPE's Ambassador Program.  The Ambassador Program is comprised of like-minded individuals who have lost a child or sibling and expressed an interest in giving back to the organization.

Barbara joined the Board of Directors in 2020 and is a member of the Executive Committee, as well as the Co-Treasurer.  She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Scott Haber

Scott Haber lost his 34-year-old sister Elana Haber April 5th, 2020.She had such a bright future ahead of her and was the best sister. During the height of covid and the world in quarantine Scott found a COPE group which he joined May 2020. Almost 3 years later he still attends monthly groups. The groups are a blessing as you are with people who are going through the same thing. COPE has taught Scott that everyone grieves in their own way.

In December 2022 Scott joined COPE as a board member. His mission is to make others aware that COPE exists and help make it more accessible to people that are experiencing loss. Scott is now the chair of fundraising and will continue to help others.

Jennifer Webb

Jennifer Webb is a life-long special educator, mother, and devoted family member.  She has dedicated her career to the special needs community, along with raising 3 children and serving on the COPE Board.  

Jenn graduated from St. Joseph’s University in the Spring of 2003 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Studies with a dual certification in General and Special Education. She later earned her Masters Degree in Literacy from Long Island University in 2005.

Jenn began her career in special education as a teacher at BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School, then as a special education teacher at the West Islip School District.  Early in Jenn’s career, she was accepted into the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program, a selective program for US teachers and administrators to travel abroad to learn new educational practices, develop authentic global content, and share their pedagogical expertise.  Later, after marrying her husband who was serving on active duty in the US Army, she continued her career as a special education teacher for the Department of Defense in Fort Campbell, KY.  

In February of 2017 Jenn learned the tragic news that her brother, Tommy, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After an incredible fight, Tommy lost his battle in September 2017.

Jenn reached out to COPE one month after Tommy’s passing. After coming home from her first sibling bereavement group she recalled “that was the most comfort I have felt in a month.” For the years that followed, Jenn made her Sibling Bereavement Group a priority in her busy schedule. Simply stated, it was the only place where she felt that her grief was truly understood and seen. Years later when Jenn was invited to join the COPE Board, she jumped at the opportunity.  Jenn is eternally grateful for the COPE community, including facilitators and sibling bereavers, and was elated at the opportunity to give back to COPE.  

As a tribute to her brother, Jenn named her latest endeavor “Tommy’s Friends,” which is an educational company that offers curriculum based classes for individuals with and without disabilities. 

Jennifer currently lives on Long Island with her husband and 3 children. She is passionate about traveling, her family, and enriching the lives of her community through Tommy’s Friends and the COPE family.  

Douglas Newton

Douglas Newton, a Senior Managing Director and Co-Founder of CC Capital, brings more than 20 years of investing experience across both public and private markets to his role. CC Capital invests in high-quality companies with compelling customer value propositions and sustainable competitive advantages that drive long-term performance.

Prior to establishing CC Capital, Doug co-founded The WindAcre Partnership, LLC, an investment firm known for its private equity approach to public market investing. His extensive background in investment is complemented by roles at Seneca Capital, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, and in investment banking at Credit-Suisse First Boston and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Doug's educational foundation includes an A.B. in Economics from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

For Doug and his family, supporting COPE has been a heartfelt commitment since the foundation's inception 25 years ago and he has been a member of COPE’s board for the last five years. Doug deeply values COPE’s mission to assist parents and families grappling with the loss of a child, recognizing the essential support it provides in addressing the profound impact of such tragedies on families and communities.

Doug resides in New York, NY, with his wife, Amy, and their sons, Sawyer (9) and Archer (5).

Sonia Mukhi

Sonia Mukhi joins us as a strategic leader from the Technology/AI industry where she’s worked at several Software as Service startup companies. She currently leads a Customer Success / Sales group at a Legal technology company that helps streamline electronic discovery processes for attorneys. Prior to that she worked at a Marketing company that specialized in AI copywriting, helping to deliver millions of dollars in incremental revenue to Fortunate 500 companies. She also has extensive experience working in Financial Services having worked in Finance and Merchant Services at American Express for 5 years. Sonia has always been passionate about serving and spent several years working in the international microfinance industry where she helped enable funding for women entrepreneurs in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Mexico.  She has prior board experience having served as a Junior Board member for the career development / mentorship non-profit Streetwise Partners.  

Sonia brings her extensive experience in technology, marketing, and business strategy to COPE where she hopes to help bring efficiencies and streamlined efforts to the organization. 

She holds an MBA Degree from Wharton with a specialization in Marketing, and a BS from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, yoga, spending time with her family, partner and cat Shera.

Steven J. Reisman

Steven J. Reisman is Co-Chair, Insolvency and Restructuring Practice at Katten.

Steven advises clients on a wide range of insolvency, restructuring and creditors' rights matters. His work helps creditors to protect their interests and maximize their recoveries, helps debtors to restructure or wind down their businesses in an orderly manner, and helps investors to locate hidden opportunities. Steve regularly represents debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, as well as boards of directors and independent directors in all aspects of insolvency matters.

Dr. Kristin Gill

Dr. Kristin Gill is a Psychiatrist, Physician Executive expert, and thought leader in Women’s Mental Health and Public Psychiatry. She has led large teams of Behavioral Health clinicians in digital health, on the payer side and in hospital systems, and continues to see patients in her private practice actively.

Dr. Gill is the Behavioral Health Medical Director for New York State at Elevance Health. Previously, she was the first Chief Medical Officer at Minded, a digital healthcare company specializing in women’s psychiatry. Prior to this, Dr. Gill co-led the national behavioral health team at CareMore Health, Elevance Health’s value-based care company, which utilizes both integrated primary care and behavioral health as well as the Collaborative Care Model. During the pandemic, she led a large inpatient psychiatry service at a New York City public hospital, where one of the units served as the designated inpatient psychiatry unit for COVID-19 positive patients for the entire NYC Health + Hospitals system.

She is a champion of group therapy, has led process and reflection groups during times of high stress (for resident physicians) and during catastrophic events (for physicians on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic), and is a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Foundation. Dr. Gill also serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter of Postpartum Support International. In addition, she is an advisor for several women’s digital health start-ups.

As a recognized thought leader in the field of behavioral health, her insights have been featured in prominent media outlets including The Huffington Post, SELF Magazine, Women’s Health, Yahoo News, Reader’s Digest, among others.

She is passionate about empowering folks to take control of their mental health; championing and promoting females of color to positions of clinical leadership; and advocating to close the gender pay gap in physicians. Her philosophy as a leader is to encourage clinicians and staff to care for each other, so that together can provide the best care for our patients.

Kristin grew up in Queens and Long Island. She received her Bachelor’s degree at UCLA, attended SUNY Downstate for medical school, and completed residency training and a fellowship in Public Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

She is a proud resident of Bed-Stuy, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, where she lives with her husband, two cats, and a big puppy.

Judy Lipson

Judy Lipson is the author of Celebration of Celebration of Sisters: It Is Never Too Late To Grieve, winner of the Literary Titan’s 2021 Silver Award.

The sole survivor of three sisters, Judy founded Celebration of Sisters, an annual ice-skating fundraiser to commemorate the lives and memories of her beloved sisters Margie and Jane to benefit Massachusetts General Hospital Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program.

Judy shared her experience of losing two sisters, the life forever changed as the keynote speaker for The Bereaved Parents National USA 2023 Conference, presented at The Compassionate Friends National Conference, The Open to Hope Cable television, and as a ForGrief speaker.

Judy passion for figure skating rewarded by being the recipient of the 2020 Get Up Award by U.S. Figure Skating Association for her resilience on and off the ice.

For a complete list of podcast interviews, published articles, events and photos, please visit www.judylipson.org

Kelsey Kroning

After losing her father, Kelsey Kroning was compelled to join the board of COPE and make an impact, helping others experiencing loss.

A Telly Award winner, with years of marketing experience, leading disruptive and groundbreaking campaigns at Fortune 100 companies and startups alike, Kelsey looks forward to strategically bringing her brand and digital marketing skills to COPE. She is inspired to give back and be a part of the incredible work that COPE brings to life.

Adam Rabinovitch

Adam Rabinovitch is currently Executive Director of COPE – a nonprofit grief and healing organization dedicated to helping parents and families living with the loss of a child.

He is also the Business Development Manager at Heller Fundraising Group.

Previously he was Executive Director of GOAL - a nonprofit educational program that provides children from under-served communities with the resources to help them get the most out of their education.

Prior to that he was Deputy Director of Neighbors Link Network, a Tri-State area nonprofit.

Adam has nearly 30 years of leadership experience with nonprofit and for-profit organizations, along with a proven track record in business and organizational development, revenue generation and strategic planning, with emphasis on education, poverty reduction and social justice in under-served communities.

Adam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Claire Sharkey

Clinical & Program Director

Claire Sharkey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who splits her time between her private therapy practice and her work as COPE’s Clinical and Program Director. She is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey and specializes in grief and bereavement, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal grief and loss, parenting, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy for grief.

Claire worked for 8 years at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City as a pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, and pediatric heart transplant social worker. Claire worked in obstetrics with women with prenatal diagnoses of fetal heart conditions and in neonatology and pediatrics with infants and children with serious heart conditions and their families. A lot of her work focused on education and support around death and dying.

Claire simultaneously worked for 9 years for A Caring Hand: The Billy Esposito Foundation providing an 11 week curriculum based group support program for grieving children and providing trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy for grief for bereaved children and their caregivers.

Claire is a graduate of Boston College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Human Development and English and Columbia University with a Master of Science in Social Work. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, three children, and dog.

Rashida Sanchez

Outreach and Engagement Manager and a Sibling Group Facilitator

Rashida Sanchez is the Outreach and Engagement Manager and a Sibling Group Facilitator for COPE. She is a licensed Social Worker and a certified Fellow of Thanatology through the Association of Death Education and Counseling. In her career, Rashida has facilitated a variety of bereavement groups including those for children and teens. She also counsels individuals utilizing one-to-one grief support. She recently established her organization AnchorGrief, focused on grief education, validation and community.

As a first-generation Haitian American, Rashida is passionate about viewing grief from immigrant and social justice perspectives. Her research incorporates the experiences of children and adolescents, immigrant populations, and faith communities. She recognizes the importance of creating a supportive environment that allows grievers to feel validated and accepted.

Rashida earned her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from New York University. She holds two Master’s degrees, one in Community Health with a Thanatology focus from Brooklyn College and an MSW from Adelphi University.

Ann Fuchs

Director of Camp COPE

Ann Fuchs has been Director of Camp COPE since its inception in 2012.

Her teaching career began immediately after college starting as a Physical Education and Heath Teacher and eventually becoming an Athletic Director . She has enjoyed impacting Pre-K - 12th graders while teaching in New York, Aruba and Florida. What do teachers do during the summer? Camp! Ann worked for 7 summers at Mohawk Day Camp in NY, led an 8 week camping cross country teen tour through the US, and landed at Camp Wayne for Girls as a gymnastic counselor and Athletic Director. Working with children for over 50 years has kept her energized!

It is at Camp Wayne where she met Lily, COPE founder, and her family. Their love of children brought them together and came full circle when Ann chose to be Director of Camp COPE which is held at Camp Wayne - her home away from home. It has been a privilege for Ann to honor Lily’s family and others coping with loss by embarking on this journey to support grieving children. Often unheard and forgotten, being able to offer grieving children a safe, supportive space to share, be with others and grieve - all while having fun- has filled her soul and been one of life’s most rewarding and unexpected experiences!

Carly Bergstein, LMSW

Group Facilitator, Camp COPE Clinical Director

Carly Bergstein is a Licensed Social Worker who obtained her graduate degree from Fordham University and undergraduate degree from The University of Delaware. Carly is also a graduate of the Greater Good Program and Northwestern University for non-profit management. Carly has been working professionally at The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood cancer, since 2012. Carly has held various roles at The B+ Foundation and was named Executive Director in 2022. In addition to her work at The B+ Foundation Carly teaches a course at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Services focusing on fundraising in the nonprofit sector. Prior to being a group facilitator at COPE Carly worked for nearly a decade at A Caring Hand facilitating grief groups for young children who had lost a significant person in their life. Carly lives in New York City and likes to spend her free time walking in Central Park and going to concerts.

Marianne Bujacich

Marianne Bujacich has been employed with COPE since 2014 as its Financial Officer and brings to the organization her extensive knowledge of nonprofit organizations.

Her leadership includes overseeing all areas of finance and administration including payroll, budgeting, and audits. She works closely with Patricia Cocchiarelli - COPE's Financial Administrator - in all aspects of daily accounting and job reporting.

Marianne has always enjoyed working for nonprofit organizations that are able to help people and make a difference in their lives.

Patricia Cocchiarelli

Patricia Cocchiarelli has worked for COPE for 5 years as a financial advisor and is an experienced bookkeeper with a keen eye for detail. She works directly with the financial Officer, Marianne Bujacich, on a daily basis. She enjoys utilizing her skills and contributing to the growth of the organization.

Jennifer Capozzoli

Jennifer Capozzoli began working at COPE in December 2023. Jen is currently an administrator at New York University and previously served in administrative roles at Riverdale Country School and the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her career in education, she has advised students, developed and facilitated workshops and programs, managed civic engagement initiatives, and built relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including alumni and donors.

Jen earned a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, in addition to completing a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from Penn. She graduated from St. John’s University’s Tobin College of Business and earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in Social Justice, Cum Laude with Honors. Jen is a proud St. John’s alumnus and serves as the Recruiting Chair for the St. John’s Graduates of the Last Decade Executive Board. She is also actively involved in the Ozanam Scholars Program, where she collaborates with leadership, current students, and fellow alumni.

Jen grew up in a close-knit family on Long Island with her sister and two loving parents. In June 2022, Jen’s father passed away at the age of 64 after a tragic accident. In search of ways to connect with fellow bereaved families and dedicate time in honor of her dad, she found COPE and jumped at the opportunity to become part of the team. Jen is committed to working with fellow grieving individuals and families, helping them tell their stories and navigate their own journeys after the shattering passing of a loved one.

Jen and her fiancé, Justin, enjoy exercising, exploring NYC and Long Island, trying new restaurants and breweries, and spending time with family and friends.

Rashida Sanchez

Outreach and Engagement Manager and a Sibling Group Facilitator

Rashida Sanchez is the Outreach and Engagement Manager and a Sibling Group Facilitator for COPE. She is a licensed Social Worker and a certified Fellow of Thanatology through the Association of Death Education and Counseling. In her career, Rashida has facilitated a variety of bereavement groups including those for children and teens. She also counsels individuals utilizing one-to-one grief support. She recently established her organization AnchorGrief, focused on grief education, validation and community.

As a first-generation Haitian American, Rashida is passionate about viewing grief from immigrant and social justice perspectives. Her research incorporates the experiences of children and adolescents, immigrant populations, and faith communities. She recognizes the importance of creating a supportive environment that allows grievers to feel validated and accepted.

Rashida earned her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from New York University. She holds two Master’s degrees, one in Community Health with a Thanatology focus from Brooklyn College and an MSW from Adelphi University.

Carmen Reyes

For over 2 decades, Carmen has focused her work on serving women, children, youth and families in different capacities. She is a licensed social worker and earned her degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

Throughout her work, Carmen has facilitated a variety of groups including but not limited to mom support calls, parenting workshops and grief groups for middle schoolers. She is passionate about supporting mothers to reconnect with themselves in order to connect deeper with their child and has started a non profit to fulfill her passion.