Executive Director
Kerry Bacsik
After building experience helping to run a case management company serving Pennsylvania's senior population, Kerry learned of the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities' transition to a Medicaid-based, fee-for-services system. Having a nephew with autism, Kerry was aware of the need for compassion and commitment in helping those with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities - and their families. She founded Keeping Independence Services and Supports and has continued to steer the ship as the company has blossomed. Kerry has a strong belief in a teamwork approach and has dedicated herself to hiring trustworthy, devoted, and compassionate employees. Kerry loves the company she has created and remains an essential part of her own team, which is what makes her a valuable member of the KISS Leadership Team, assuring quality services are received by every individual served by KISS. Kerry attended The College of New Jersey and taught at Mercer County Technical School.
Support Coordination Supervisor
Laura Tiefenthaler
As a Support Coordination Supervisor, Laura stays involved in cases while providing Support Coordinator's with in-depth training and conducting client outreach. She reviews Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) for plan approval and other various paperwork related to services and monitoring. Laura is also a valuable member of the KISS Leadership Team, which assures quality supports for all individuals served by KISS. After obtaining a B. A. in Communication Arts from Villanova University, she began a career in advertising before realizing that helping others was her real calling. After completing an M. A. in Elementary Education from Cabrini College, she worked at Freehold Township High School in their workplace training program, assisting with teaching functional academic and life skills, as well as serving as a job coach in the community. Laura enjoyed working with this population and seeing people reach their potential. Support Coordination helps her combine her passion for helping others with her skills relating to people, managing complex and difficult situations, her knowledge of the educational system, and her experience helping individuals navigate the challenges of transitioning into adult life.
Support Coordination Manager
Helen Centrella
Helen has had been enthusiastic working with individuals with different abilities since she was young. Helen volunteered at a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities when she was fourteen and knew then that she would pursue a career in this field. Helen received a B.A. in psychology from Kean University. While in college, Helen completed an internship at an adult day program After graduation, Helen took a position as a recreation specialist with the Arc of Ocean. Soon after, she was promoted to recreation coordinator for Ocean County. In addition, Helen has worked as a direct support provider in group homes and supervised apartments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Helen decided to branch out into Support Coordination and found it to be her dream job. As Support Coordination Manager, Helen oversees the Lead Support Coordinators and Support Coordinators by reviewing paperwork, accompanying them on visits, training, and help with organization and planning. She is also a valuable member of KISS' Leadership Team, assuring quality services to all individuals. She serves Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
Support Coordination Supervisor
Valaree Henderson
Valaree graduated from the College of New Jersey with a BA in elementary education, a minor in psychology, and specializations in English and History. After graduating, she worked in the Princeton school district with children with special needs. Valaree has been with the KISS agency since 2018. She reviews Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) for plan approval and other various paperwork related to services and monitoring. Valaree assures that our agency is in compliance with Division standards and that all applicable background checks have been completed and are up to date. Valaree works with the Support Coordinators and the Leadership Team to assure quality, making sure our agency is providing the best supports possible to all individuals served.
Support Coordinator
Lauren Whidby
Lauren serves Burlington and Camden counties. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Wilmington University. While Lauren was in school, she worked in customer service. After graduating, she began working in the school system with children with autism. While she loved working with these children and watching them thrive and meet goals, she also saw the need for continuing support as they entered adulthood and aged out of the school system. She learned of Support Coordination, and – as they say – the rest is history. Lauren strives, above all else, to help others any way she can.
Support Coordinator
Joann Kaul
Joann serves primarily Middlesex County. She has a master's degree in therapeutic recreation from New York University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kean University. She has worked with people with disabilities of all ages and enjoys building relationships with the individuals and families she serves. Joann believes that bringing a sense of humor helps her support people through difficult times.
Support Coordinator (Bilingual - Spanish)
Johanna Gonzalez
Johanna serves primarily Mercer County. She is a native of Colombia and fluent in Spanish, which was her primary language as a young child. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kean University. She has over a decade of working with adults and children with mental health diagnoses and developmental disabilities. Before moving to Support Coordination, she worked as a case manager at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. She has a passion for serving others and makes sure to keep the goals of the individuals and families she serves as the priority.
Support Coordinator
Heather Lacher
After obtaining a B.A in psychology from Kean University, Heather worked at Freehold Township High School in their workplace training program, assisting with teaching life and functional academic skills, as well as serving as a job coach in the community. She worked as an instructional assistant at a therapeutic school for Ocean Mental Health Services. While Heather found working with these children to be rewarding, she also saw the need to help them successfully transition into adulthood. She branched out into Support Coordination to help young adults and others with disabilities reach their full potential and become their best selves. Heather serves primarily Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
Support Coordinator
Kathleen Celestino
When asked to define the role of a support coordinator, one could explain that it involves assisting individuals in accessing services, enhancing community participation, and helping them achieve their personal goals. However, if I were to describe myself in this role, I would emphasize that there are many other aspects to consider. I bring not only drive, but also valuable experience to the table. My background has equipped me with a deep understanding of developmental disabilities and mental illness. I possess a genuine passion for people and take pleasure in getting to know them, comprehending their strengths, preferences, and what motivates them. Establishing meaningful relationships with the individuals I support, their families, and other caregivers is something I truly enjoy. By doing so, I can provide the individual with the best possible quality of life and facilitate their access to activities that bring them joy.
Support Coordinator (Bilingual - Spanish)
Emily Calle
Emily serves primarily Mercer County. She is fluent in Spanish. She has a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Mercy College and Master's Degree in Social Work from Kean University. While obtaining her bachelor's degree, Emily worked at a middle school guiding students to overcome barriers through individual and group mental health therapy. While obtaining her Master's degree, Emily provided individual and group therapy to domestic violence victims and focused on identifying safe and effective resources for them. Emily’s transitioned into support coordinator to further pursue her passion for helping individuals and families to overcome obstacles and reach goals.
Support Coordinator
Marni Yannaccone
After getting a degree in theatre from Otterbein College, Marni moved to NYC to pursue a career in the arts. She now lives in NJ with her husband and three children. Marni has been involved in the disability community in many roles. She was a member of the staff at School for Children (now Hawkswood School) serving students with multiple disabilities and autism, an aunt to an adult with Autism, and she is a parent to a middle schooler with Autism. She enjoys working with families and individuals with disabilities to find the support they need to reach their goals.
Support Coordinator
Jessica Fisher
Jessica serves Middlesex County primarily. She obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in 2011. Jessica has been in the field for over a decade providing case management, care coordination, and held supervisory positions where she administered services to a diverse group of clients. Jessica has experience working for a local non-profit, an outpatient mental health clinic, a group home for youth, within the school system with students of all ages, and most recently, a special needs trust and life care planning company. There, Jessica led the care coordination team, and assisted in developing and writing a holistic questionnaire. Guided by that care plan, Jessica understood the nuances of each client, allowing her to deploy the appropriate resources to make their lives better. Jessica has a passion for helping others, and is excited about transitioning into the support coordination world.
Support Coordinator
Kathleen Christensen
Katie serves primarily Middlesex county. Katie graduated from Marist College with a major in English and minors in literature and theatre. After graduating, she taught English in Thailand, served as a county committeewoman, worked in customer service and taught dance. After getting the opportunity to work with adults with disabilities years ago, she is thrilled to be able to continue that work as a support coordinator. Above all, she has a passion for helping people in all walks of life to live joyful and meaningful lives.