Council members review the state’s service systems for people with developmental disabilities and advise policy makers on the best ways to change those systems to better serve the population. Members also review and award grants to spark innovative projects throughout New Jersey as well as advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families on an ongoing basis.
Paul Blaustein, Edison, NJ
Family Member Advocate
Kevin Nunez, Willingboro, NJ
Self-Advocate
Todd Emmons, Voorhees, NJ
Andrew McGeady, Jackson, NJ
Myrta Rosa, Elizabeth, NJ
Ryan Roy, Saddle Brook, NJ
Gary Rubin, Elizabeth, NJ
Sarah Aziz CPA, Monroe Township, NJ
Elizabeth C. Dalzell, Haddonfield, NJ
Walter Fernandez, Barnegat, NJ
Margaret (Peg) Kinsell, Browns Mills, NJ
Nantanee Koppstein, Princeton Junction, NJ
Kara Kushnir, Pompton Lakes, NJ
Michael J. McCarthy CPCU, Dumont, NJ
Safiyyah Muhammad, East Orange, NJ
Annette Smith, Newark, NJ
Helen I. Steinberg, Plainsboro, NJ
Federally mandated members of the Council serve in accordance with the federal Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and Assistance Act.
NJ Department of Health Division of Family Health Services
Nancy Scotto-Rosato , Assistant Commissioner
Dawn Mergen, Designee
PO Box 364, Trenton, NJ 08625
Email: dawn.mergen@doh.nj.gov
NJ Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Dispute Resolution
Kathy Ehling, Assistant Commissioner
Alexandra Pensiero, Designee
PO Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625
Email: alexandra.pensiero@doe.nj.gov
NJ Department of Labor Div. of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Karen Carroll, Director
PO Box 398, Trenton, NJ 08625
Email: Karen.carroll@dol.state.nj.us
NJ Department of Human Services /Title XIX Social Security Act. Div. of Medical Assistance & Health Services
Jennifer Langer-Jacobs, Director
Phyllis Napier Melendez, Designee
PO Box 712, Trenton, NJ 08625-0712
Email: phyllis.melendez@dhs.state.nj.us
The Arc Ocean County
Laura Williams, Executive Director
815 Cedar Bridge Ave.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Email:laura.williams@arcocean.org
Protection and Advocacy System – Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ)
Gwen Orlowski, Executive Director
Jill Hoegel (Designee)
210 S. Broad St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Email: gorlowski@disabilityrightsnj.org
jhoegel@disabilityrightsnj.org
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service –
The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers University
Joyce Jelley, Training & Consultation Specialist
Liberty Plaza, 335 George Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Email: joyce.jelley@rutgers.edu
NJ Department of Human Services – Div. of Developmental Disabilities
Jonathan Seifried, Assistant Commissioner
PO Box 726, Trenton, NJ 08625-0726
Email: jonathan.seifried@dhs.state.nj.us
NJ Department of Human Services Division of Disability Services
Peri Nearon, MPA, Executive Director
Jacqueline Moskowitz, Designee
PO Box 705, Trenton, NJ 08625-0705
Email: peri.neron@dhs.state.nj.us
jacqueline.moskowitz@dhs.state.nj.us