SNJREIC
Board of Trustees:
Laila Louie
President
Laila Louie
Tara Harrison
Vice President
Tara Harrison serves as Vice President on the Board of Trustees for SNJREIC. As both a dedicated professional and a parent, Tara brings a unique perspective to the board. Her daughter was a recipient of early intervention services, inspiring her deep commitment to ensuring every child has access to the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive from the very start.
With a professional background as an event coordinator, Tara combines organizational expertise with a passion for community engagement. She is dedicated to supporting the team at SNJREIC and their mission to ensure eligible children birth to three have the opportunity to reach their full potential
With a professional background as an event coordinator, Tara combines organizational expertise with a passion for community engagement. She is dedicated to supporting the team at SNJREIC and their mission to ensure eligible children birth to three have the opportunity to reach their full potential
Maria Emerson
Treasurer
Maria Poradek Emerson, MA, CCC-SLP
Director Rehabilitation Services, Pediatric & Community Based Services
31 years working with children, birth – 21 years old, and their families throughout New Jersey
Speech-Language Pathologist
Oversees Virtua Rehab Pediatric programs including Early Intervention, School Therapy, Pediatric Mobile Services, Good Foods to Grow, and Aqua Buddies with a dotted line to Outpatient Pediatric Services, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and Special Care Nurseries
Passionate about Health Justice and that ALL Children and Families have an equitable start.
Director Rehabilitation Services, Pediatric & Community Based Services
31 years working with children, birth – 21 years old, and their families throughout New Jersey
Speech-Language Pathologist
Oversees Virtua Rehab Pediatric programs including Early Intervention, School Therapy, Pediatric Mobile Services, Good Foods to Grow, and Aqua Buddies with a dotted line to Outpatient Pediatric Services, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and Special Care Nurseries
Passionate about Health Justice and that ALL Children and Families have an equitable start.
TBD
Secretary
TBD
Heather Leiser
I am Heather Leiser, an Early Intervention Service Coordinator with over eight years of experience supporting families in Gloucester County through The Cooperative. I hold a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and have spent more than two decades working with children and families with special needs.
I am committed to family-centered support and to expanding community awareness of Early Intervention services. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I bring both professional expertise and personal perspective to my work. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, exercising, baseball, and spending time at the beach, and I’ve completed both a full marathon and a half Ironman.
Lauren Cummings
Lauren Cummings
Tara Szymanek
Tara Szymanek
Guadalupe (Lupe) Alavez
My name is Guadalupe Alavez, I prefer to go by Lupe 🙂 I am Mexican American and speak both English and Spanish. My parents came to America about 31 year’s ago from Oaxaca, Mexico. I am a mom to two wonderful girls (age 3 and 2) and you can say life is pretty busy. Over the last year I became a gymnastics/cheer/soccer mom. I am also a licensed practical nurse and currently work with special needs children. I am passionate when it comes to advocating for not only my own children but also advocating for my clients and getting them what they need. I go above and beyond and find the resources that they need and would benefit from. I first found out about this program through one of my clients and then later on given some information for my own child. Through my job and my own personal experiences I continue to learn more each day and gain more knowledge to continue helping not only my clients or my own children but to help out the community as well. Being part of the board and having that Hispanic background I hope to help out as much as possible and help out as many families as I can. My goal is to further my career and continue to care for the tiny humans and continue to advocate for them. I look forward to this new opportunity in life and to learn from it.
Dana Nahill
Dana Nahill is an Early Intervention Service Coordinator with more than 25 years of experience supporting children and families through the Early Intervention system. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles dedicated to promoting developmental growth, family empowerment, and inclusive practices.
Her most meaningful perspective comes from her own experience as a parent of a child who participated in Early Intervention, which has deepened her empathy and commitment to helping families navigate their journeys with understanding and confidence.
Beyond her professional work, Dana is an active community member and advocate. She is a devoted mother of two daughters—one biological and one adopted—and an avid animal rescuer who volunteers with several local rescue organizations. Dana also serves as the appointed President of Delran’s Chicken Advisory Board and owns a local shop that supports community initiatives and local causes.
Driven by compassion, collaboration, and community spirit, Dana continues to dedicate her life to improving outcomes for children and strengthening the families who love them.
Her most meaningful perspective comes from her own experience as a parent of a child who participated in Early Intervention, which has deepened her empathy and commitment to helping families navigate their journeys with understanding and confidence.
Beyond her professional work, Dana is an active community member and advocate. She is a devoted mother of two daughters—one biological and one adopted—and an avid animal rescuer who volunteers with several local rescue organizations. Dana also serves as the appointed President of Delran’s Chicken Advisory Board and owns a local shop that supports community initiatives and local causes.
Driven by compassion, collaboration, and community spirit, Dana continues to dedicate her life to improving outcomes for children and strengthening the families who love them.
Jana Dawson
I’m Jana Dawson, a dedicated advocate for early childhood development with a professional background in communication disorders and multiple years of experience as a Speech Therapist, a Developmental Interventionist, and a Lead Early Intervention Service Coordinator. I am deeply committed to supporting children with developmental needs and strengthening family-centered services.
Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated closely with families, educators, and community partners to promote equitable access to resources and ensure that each child has the opportunity to thrive.
As a Board Member at SNJREIC, I bring a strong passion for building inclusive, supportive systems that empower families and foster lifelong learning.
Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated closely with families, educators, and community partners to promote equitable access to resources and ensure that each child has the opportunity to thrive.
As a Board Member at SNJREIC, I bring a strong passion for building inclusive, supportive systems that empower families and foster lifelong learning.
Jacqueline Aviles-Torres
Jacqueline Aviles-Torres
Jowana Wilkins
Jowana has been an Ongoing Service Coordinator in Burlington County for 10 years. Prior, she worked in CO and NJ as a preschool special education teacher working with at-risk populations and children with diagnoses. In her free time, Jowana enjoys cheering on her two boys while watching them play sports.
Dr. Emiola Asemota
Board certified Pediatrician since 1994 Working at Ventnor Pediatrics in Ventnor New Jersey . Solid pediatric advocate.
Shannon Omark
Hello, my name is Shannon Omark. I was born and raised on the Jersey Shore. After high school, I spent many years traveling the United States and living abroad in Amsterdam for college and teaching ESL in Korea & Australia. I was a high school Science teacher in California and upon my return to NJ, I switched gears and have been an Early Intervention Service Coordinator for 11 years. Outside of work, my boyfriend Lucas and I love to travel the globe, try out new restaurants, take our RV to different locations in the USA, explore the wilderness, participate in bicycle events, hang out with our friends, and drive on the beach.
Amanda Brooks
Hello, my name is Amanda Brooks, and my pronouns are She/Her. I am a loving and dedicated single mother to my two children and, professionally, a Triple-Certified Peer Support Specialist. My oldest has faced challenges since a young age-diagnosed with ADHD at age six and later with Autism Spectrum Disorder and additional mental health diagnoses at age fifteen-and is now in mental health recovery. When my oldest was young, I searched for early intervention services and supports, but found very few options. My youngest has also had mental health struggles, diagnosed with multiple conditions at age nine, and is currently in mental health recovery. These experiences have deeply shaped who I am and fuel my dedication to supporting others on their own paths.
Presently, I continue to support my children in their recovery while serving others through my professional role as a Certified Peer Support Specialist for the 988 MCORT Program in New Jersey. Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, I have faced the difficulties of mental health and addiction struggles firsthand, beginning my own recovery journey in August 2007. My lived experience gives me compassion and understanding for the individuals and families I serve. Many describe me as kind, respectful, empathetic, caring, and community-oriented-a leader who values family, connection, and hope.
What I love most in life is helping others gain the tools they need to succeed, sharing the message that recovery and success are possible, and connecting people with the resources they deserve. I run a Facebook group called The Resource Exchange, where members of the community and local providers come together to share information and support in a welcoming and accessible environment. Outside of these roles, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, photography, learning new things, watching sports, and focusing on personal and professional growth.
As a Board Member at SNJREIC, I bring a combination of compassion, leadership, and outreach skills that I believe can help us continue improving the way we serve the beautiful families in our community. My goals for the future include becoming a homeowner, continuing to uplift others, and furthering my education with the ultimate dream of becoming a Licensed Therapist. I look forward to making the future brighter for as many people as possible-and, as I always say, have a great day on purpose!
Presently, I continue to support my children in their recovery while serving others through my professional role as a Certified Peer Support Specialist for the 988 MCORT Program in New Jersey. Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, I have faced the difficulties of mental health and addiction struggles firsthand, beginning my own recovery journey in August 2007. My lived experience gives me compassion and understanding for the individuals and families I serve. Many describe me as kind, respectful, empathetic, caring, and community-oriented-a leader who values family, connection, and hope.
What I love most in life is helping others gain the tools they need to succeed, sharing the message that recovery and success are possible, and connecting people with the resources they deserve. I run a Facebook group called The Resource Exchange, where members of the community and local providers come together to share information and support in a welcoming and accessible environment. Outside of these roles, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, photography, learning new things, watching sports, and focusing on personal and professional growth.
As a Board Member at SNJREIC, I bring a combination of compassion, leadership, and outreach skills that I believe can help us continue improving the way we serve the beautiful families in our community. My goals for the future include becoming a homeowner, continuing to uplift others, and furthering my education with the ultimate dream of becoming a Licensed Therapist. I look forward to making the future brighter for as many people as possible-and, as I always say, have a great day on purpose!
