Executive
Diane Rosenthal
Executive Director
Bio
Diane Rosenthal
Diane Rosenthal
Executive Director
Diane Rosenthal brings a life-long commitment to education as Executive Director at Student Advocacy, Inc. Diane began her career as a middle school English teacher in the Yonkers Public Schools and transitioned to non-profit management when she joined The New York Public Library Centers for Reading and Writing as its Executive Director.Under her 10-year leadership The Center was recognized as one of the top ten library-based adult literacy programs in the United States.At Student Advocacy, Inc, since joining in 2021, Diane has worked steadfastly to enhance community partnerships, diversify revenue, invest in staff development, and expand opportunities for students with disabilities and other challenges to access the resources to which they are legally entitled to in school. Diane also serves on the Board of Trustees at Temple Shalom, Norwalk, CT and was a founding Board member of Building One Community in Stamford, CT. Diane holds an MAT from Fordham University, completed her doctoral studies in dance history at New York University, and received her BA from Hunter College. When not at work Diane enjoys yoga, attending dance performances, and spending time with family and friends.
Stefanie Shabman, Esq.
Legal Director
Bio
Stefanie Shabman
Stefanie Shabman, Esq.
Legal Director
Stefanie joined Student Advocacy as an education attorney in 2011. Since 2014, Stefanie has been the Legal Director where she is committed to ensuring that all students have equity and access to what they are legally entitled to so that they are able to remain in school and thrive.
Stefanie represents some of our most educationally at-risk clients, supervises the advocacy staff and is the chief architect of our professional development program. She trains parents, community groups and professionals on education/special education law. Stefanie is spearheading the revision of our book for New York Parents on special education.
Stefanie also serves on the Appellate Division, Second Department Attorney for the Child Panel in Family Court proceedings.
Prior to Student Advocacy, she served the New York State Unified Court System as a Court Attorney Trial Part for 11 years. Stefanie is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School.
Attorneys & Advocates
Carole Boccumini, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Bio
Carole Boccumini, Esq.
Carole Boccumini, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Carole Boccumini is devoted to children and youth. After teaching in Yonkers, Carole earned her JD from Pace University Law School. Carole joined Student Advocacy as an Education Staff Attorney and served as Legal Director for ten years. Carole brings extensive knowledge of working cross systems in mental health, juvenile justice, and education enabling her to be an exceptionally effective advocate for her clients. Carole received the Dennison Ray Award from the NYSBA in recognition of her legal representation of children and contributions to our community. Many students who Carole has helped enjoy updating her on their progress and achievements.
Kaylin Bridglall, Esq.
Westchester Bar Foundation Fellow
Bio
Kaylin Bridglall, JD
Kaylin Bridglall, Esq.
Westchester Bar Foundation Fellow
Kaylin Bridglall joined Student Advocacy in 2024, after being chosen as the Westchester County Bar Foundation Fellow, the charitable arm of the Westchester County Bar Association. As the recipient of this prestigious fellowship, Kaylin is eager to fulfill her longtime desire to use her law degree to advocate for others and to do public interest work. At Student Advocacy Kaylin is gaining in depth knowledge about education and special education law while advocating for the educational rights of students, especially those who have experienced challenges with learning due to disabilities and other complex issues.
Kaylin received her Juris Doctorate from the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Fordham University in political science and Spanish studies. During her time in law school, Kaylin was a member of the Immigration Justice Clinic advocating for the rights of immigrant populations, a research assistant, the president of the First-Generation Law Students Association, a paralegal, and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion editor of Pace International Law Review. Kaylin can be contacted at kbridglall@studentadvocacy.net
Amadi Umi, JD
Education Staff Attorney
Bio
Amadi Umi, JD
Amadi Umi, JD
Education Staff Attorney
Amadi Umi J.D., joined Student Advocacy in Spring of 2026. A strong writer, researcher, and negotiator, Amadi is excited to use her talents to forge robust relationships and meet the evolving needs of the communities in Westchester County. Amadi received her Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law (NCCU) in 2025. She earned a master’s in administration of justice (ADJ) with a concentration in leadership and a bachelor’s with honors in ADJ at Salve Regina University. She also completed her paralegal certification at Pace University. During her time in school, Amadi was a work study at NCCU’s Pro-Bono Legal Clinic, head writing consultant, torts tutor, president of the Art and Law Society, vice president of the Caribbean Law Student Association, and community liaison of the Intellectual Property Law Society. In the Durham community, she volunteered as the NC Chapter Representative on the National Conference of Black Lawyers’ board of directors. Before entering law school, Amadi served as a Family Centered Treatment Therapist, administering intensive in-home therapy to families on the brink of child removal or reunification. At Student Advocacy, she is gaining in-depth knowledge about special education law while promoting the educational rights of students who have experienced challenges with learning due to a disability, suspension, or other complex issue. Amadi can be contacted at aumi@studentadvocacy.net.
Meryl Rosenblatt, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Bio
Meryl Rosenblatt, Esq.
Meryl Rosenblatt, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Meryl Rosenblatt earned a law degree from New York University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in business administration from SUNY Albany. She is a seasoned corporate attorney with more than twenty years of experience in corporate law representing some of the world’s most well know businesses in multiple industries. Prior to coming to Student Advocacy, Meryl was a partner at Friedman Kaplan Seiler and Adelman, a prominent NYC law firm, and served on the Education Committee and the Children and the Law Committee of the New York County Bar Association. When moving to Westchester, she decided to pursue her passion for helping families in education matters by volunteering with Student Advocacy in 2015 and thereafter becoming an educational advocate.
Kaylan Sobel, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Bio
Kaylan Sobel, Esq.
Kaylan Sobel, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Kaylan Sobel earned her Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School. During that time, she worked with the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute on initiatives to improve the quality of educational programs for children birth through age eight. After her admission to the New York State Bar Association, she continued working with non-profit organizations and public agencies on programs that focused on helping children, families, and people with disabilities thrive. Prior to joining Student Advocacy, she worked on learning and development initiatives at New York City Emergency Management that helped support people with disabilities to access services during disasters. Throughout her career, Kaylan has volunteered for educational projects with New York Cares, teaching children everything from arts and crafts to robotics. In 2023, Kaylan enthusiastically joined Student Advocacy, where she collaborates with students and their families to advocate for their educational rights.
Alana Steinberg, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Bio
Alana Steinberg, Esq.
Alana Steinberg, Esq.
Education Staff Attorney
Alana Steinberg earned a law degree from Emory University School of Law after completing a BA at Brandeis University. After law school, she practiced general civil litigation. While taking time off from her legal practice to raise her three children, she moved with her family to Japan for two years, where she headed a committee at the American School in Japan responsible for bringing in speakers from around the world to help connect families, faculty and other community members from diverse backgrounds and cultures. After moving back to the States, Alana became interested in special education law and became certified as a special education mediator, mediating cases in Westchester, Rockland and New York County. She joined Student Advocacy in 2009 and for the past 11 years has tirelessly, passionately and compassionately advocated for students in special education meetings, disciplinary hearings, manifestation determination reviews and residency cases, ensuring that the rights of all students are protected under the law.
Maria Suchy-Kozak
Education Advocate
Bio
Maria Suchy-Kozak
Maria Suchy-Kozak
Education Advocate
Maria Suchy-Kozak joined Student Advocacy in 2006 as an Education Advocate bringing with her many years of special education advocacy experience and professional training including participating in the first class of COPAA SEAT trainees (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates Special Education Advocate Training), now a nationally recognized training program. Her entry into this field after years in Consumer Marketing was due to her personal experience of raising and advocating on behalf of her autistic children. She has extensive knowledge in adult disability systems such as ACCES-VR, SSI, OPWDD, SEMP, and Self Direction which has been an asset both to families and school districts when providing guidance in Transition Planning. She is an active member of NYS IEP Facilitators, since the inception of the program in 2016, and has facilitated multiple meetings. She currently serves on the NY State Family Advisory Committee, whose function is to advise OPWDD of local needs for disabled individuals, having been appointed in 2019 after many years of serving in various capacities on the local Board of the Family Support Services Advisory Committee. Maria maintains her level of knowledge by participating in professional development opportunities and over the years has attended programs at William and Mary Law School ISEA Program, Practicing Law Institute, Pace Law School Special Education Updates, NYSBA, and COPAA Conferences.
Vivian Ossowski
Education Advocate
Bio
Vivian Ossowski
Vivian Ossowski
Education Advocate
Vivian Ossowski joined Student Advocacy in 2024 as an Education Advocate. Her extensive experience in education spans thirty-seven plus years in service to youth. She started her career as a teacher in the Yonkers Public Schools. She then joined the Pleasantville School District starting out as the Director of Educational Services and followed by Middle School Principal. She expanded her experiences when she joined St. Christopher’s, Inc. as the Director of Admissions and then served four years as the organization’s Assistant Executive Director.
Vivian is well versed in federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to education, special education, and juvenile justice. She collaborates with many social service organizations to obtain positive outcomes for the students with whom she works. In her position at Student Advocacy, Vivian applies her extensive knowledge to support the families who seek guidance in obtaining the resources their children need to make progress with their learning and are entitled to in school.
Vivian received her Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, her Master of Education Degree from The College of New Rochelle, and her Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University. Vivian can be contacted at vossowiski@studentadvocacy.net
Development, IT and Administration
Zachary Rozenblat
IT and Data Manager
Bio
Zac Rozenblat
Zachary RozenblatInformation Technology and Date Associate
Zac Rozenblat leads Student Advocacy’s Information Technology and Data operations. In this role, he has helped facilitate the implementation of case and donor database management systems, unified communications platforms, and network administration infrastructure. He also assists in analyzing and utilizing organizational data for integration in policy projects and in guiding procedures. He oversees the software and hardware needs and maintenance in the organization and cultivates working relationships with external technology partners and vendors.
Zac Rozenblat’s degrees: BA, Franklin & Marshall College.
Jamie Stone
Development Manager
Bio
Jamie Stone
Jamie Stone
Development Manager
As Development Manager, Jamie works to support and expand Student Advocacy’s fundraising initiatives. Jamie has been working at Student Advocacy for five years and is instrumental in carrying out the annual Overcoming the Odds Awards Celebration, the organization’s signature fundraising event, communicating with Board members and donors, and raising the funds that enable Student Advocacy to continue its important work. Jamie is a member of the Association of Development Officers and is a graduate of Marist College. She lives in Scarsdale, and in her free time enjoys embroidery, reading and writing fiction and poetry.
Jennifer Bonilla
Community Engagement and Intake Specialist
Bio
Jennifer Bonilla
Jennifer Bonilla
Community Engagement and Intake Specialist
Prior to joining Student Advocacy, Jennifer Bonilla served as the Technology Assistant for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, where she provided technical assistance to students, staff and families. In this position she supervised new technology installation projects. She also developed and implemented a revised technology curriculum to align with national and state standards and promote 21st Century skills among students in grades k – 12. Jennifer joined Student Advocacy as the Program Assistant in December 2024, with a deep commitment to community and helping all students succeed.
Jennifer obtained her BA Degree in Media Communications from Lehman College and is a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Jennifer can be contacted at jbonilla@studentadvocacy.net
Rocio Solar Dominguez
Legal Assistant
Bio
Rocio Solar Dominguez
Rocio Solar Dominguez
Legal Assistant
Rocio joined Student Advocacy in December 2024 as the Legal Assistant. The work of the organization aligns with Rocio’s commitment to making a positive impact coupled with her own experience navigating the complexities of the special education system for her son who has dyslexia. It is Rocio’s personal connection to Student Advocacy’s mission that motivates her to support children who face academic challenges.
Prior to joining Student Advocacy, Rocio served as the COO for her husband’s general contracting business where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations and finances. Rocio’s commitment to community is also evidenced by her volunteering with several non-profits in Stamford, CT. including Women’s Mentoring Network and Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers, where she taught English to new immigrants.
Rocio earned a college degree in Civil Engineering from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana,in Mexico City. She has also taken classes in small business management.
Board of Directors
Karen Blumenthal
Board Chair
Bio
Karen Blumenthal
Karen Blumenthal
Karen Blumenthal brings to the board a long history of support for Student Advocacy, vast knowledge of the educational advocacy field, and a distinguished record of leadership and service to the Westchester community. Prior to joining the board, Karen spent 27 years on Student Advocacy’s staff, first as director of the agency’s Homeless Student Project, next as the Assistant Director and later as the Policy Advocate. As Policy Advocate, she spearheaded “Solutions not Suspensions” and “Attendance Matters,” initiatives that influenced education policy in Westchester and beyond. Karen has also worked at WestCOP, Children’s Village, and Family Services of Westchester.
Karen serves on the board, executive committee and children, youth and families committee of Westchester Jewish Community Services, and is a former member and chair of the Westchester County Youth Board. Beyond her board work, Karen helped to establish Project SEED, a mental health and early education consultation program in Jewish nursery schools in Westchester. With her husband David, she sponsored the Cornell Blumenthal Summer Internship program for twenty years, placing 200 undergraduates interested in community service at 13 nonprofits primarily located in Westchester.
Karen’s degrees: BS, Cornell University; MSW, Columbia School of Social Work (concentration in community organizing and planning).
Pauline Mosley, DPS
Vice Chair
Bio
Pauline Mosley, DPS
Dr. Pauline Mosley, DPS is a tenured Full Professor of Information Technology at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Pace University, Pleasantville campus. Her career is distinguished by a strong dedication to teaching, mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in computer science and technology. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Mosley has been deeply committed to mentoring both students and junior faculty, providing guidance, support, and encouragement to help them achieve their professional and academic goals. She is especially passionate about supporting students who face challenges, and her involvement on the SA Board reflects her desire to share her story and experiences to motivate and uplift others. By fostering resilience and perseverance, she strives to empower individuals to persist in the face of adversity. Pauline received her DPS and MS from Pace University, School of Computer Science and Information Systems and her BS from Mercy University, Honors Program.
Carolyn Kay
Vice Chair
Bio
Carolyn Kay
Carolyn Kay
Carolyn Kay co-chairs the Board’s Development and Governance Committees, and is a member of the OTO, Board Engagement, and Ad Hoc Search Committees. She is a Scarsdale native and residential real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Westchester. Previously, Carolyn co-owned and operated The Write Impression, a personalized stationery and invitations business. She brings to the board her business knowledge and the experience of her daughters’ mild learning challenges, for which they received additional services and advocacy throughout their education.
Carolyn’s degrees: BA, University of Hartford; AA (Associate of Arts), Tobe-Coburn School of Fashion Careers.
Elana Rothschild
Secretary
Bio
Elana Rothschild
Elana Rothschild
Elana Rothschild is a social worker with a breadth of experience working with children in urban environments. She directed Mayor Daley’s YouthNet for the Northside of Chicago, organizing children’s after school services in coordination with community partners. In New York City, she was a program supervisor in the corporate mentoring program Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She also interned with Advocates for Children of New York City. In addition to her social work, Elana has worked as a special events coordinator in the development department of the Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester. Currently, she is the office manager at RF Investment Partners.
Elana’s degrees: MSW Bryn Mawr School of Social Service (fellowship, Yale Psychiatric Hospital); BA, Rutgers University (with honors).
Carole Chaimowitz
Treasurer
Bio
Carole Chaimowitz
Carole Chaimowitz
Carole Chaimowitz has served on the board for 11 years, including 4 as Board President. She currently chairs the Board Advisory Council. She is a former assistant director of admissions at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Manhattan, as well as a teacher and community facilitator for EPIC. She previously served on the Board of Directors for Groundwork Hudson Valley. Carole has also chaired the Edgemont Community Committee on Education and the Education Committee of Scarsdale Synagogue-Tremont Temple. Currently Carole is the principal of Garden Designs, a Westchester based landscape firm.
Carole’s degrees: BS (The Child and the Individualized Curriculum), MS, Education, C.C.N.Y. Has also completed two Certificate Programs at The New York Botanical Gardens.
Tim Adler
Bio
Tim Adler
Tim Adler
Vice President
Tim Adler is an experienced investment professional who now conducts independent portfolio assessments for high net worth individuals. Prior to his current role, Tim helped to turn around and recapitalize a hedge fund, Emerson Capital. He also spent close to 10 years at JP Morgan Asset Management as a small cap specialist and portfolio manager, founding and overseeing the firm’s small cap value investment strategy. Tim brings his knowledge of successful business models and best practices, based on both his direct experience and his unique access to hundreds of company managements, to his service on Student Advocacy’s Board, Finance Committee, and Executive Committee. Additional community service includes a term on Edgemont’s school board nominating committee. He sees Student Advocacy as crucial to enabling all students to realize their potential, and he is dedicated to securing the resources the Agency needs.
Tim’s degrees: BA, Haverford College; MPPM, Yale School of Management.
Ellen Bergman, Ed.D
Bio
Ellen Bergman, Ed.D
Ellen Bergman, Ed.D, a longtime admirer of Student Advocacy, Inc., is enthusiastic about joining its Board of Directors bringing over 40 years of experience in leadership roles as a special educator and school administrator. As the former Superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Blythdale Union Free School District, a Special Act K – 12 School Program, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges that families face when their children have disabilities and the importance of helping them navigate the complexities of the special education system. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University’s Graduate School of Education and supervises dissertations for the Transformational Leadership Program. Ellen looks forward to collaborating with the Student Advocacy, Inc. board and staff to prioritize projects that will meet the educational needs of those students in Westchester and Putnam Counties who can benefit the most from its services. Ellen earned her doctorate in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a master’s degree in Special Education from Hunter College. She continues to serve as a mentor for teachers and administrators and is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of educators. Having raised her children in Westchester County and participating on many local boards and committees, she remains committed to promoting educational excellence and access throughout our community.
Jodi Cascade
Bio
Jodi Cascade
Jodi Cascade brings deep experience in human resources, talent development, and client service. She spent over a decade at Bear Stearns in New York, where she served as Associate Director of Human Resources for the Fixed Income division, leading recruitment, performance management and leadership development initiatives. Currently, Jodi operates Cascade Travel Group as an independent advisor affiliated with FORA Travel, where she designs personalized travel experiences. She is actively involved in the Scarsdale school community and supports organizations including Don Bosco and Volunteer New York. Jodi has been a volunteer at Student Advocacy for the past four years and is excited to join the board, where she looks forward to working with a team committed to ensuring all students’ educational rights are recognized, respected, and supported. Jodi received her BS in Business from Indiana University and her MS from The New School in Human Resources.
Gail Dobosh
Bio
Gail Dobosh
Gail Dobosh
Gail Dobosh brings substantial experience working and serving the community in the spirit of Student Advocacy’s mission. Currently, she serves as co-leader of Amazing Readers, a volunteer organization that focuses on reading remediation through phonics in underserved public elementary schools. Additionally, she is active in YPIE (Yonkers Partners in Education) where she serves as a graduation coach to high school students. She is a former special education elementary classroom teacher at the Windward School and a general education teacher at Carmel Academy. She has also worked as marketing manager at American Express.
Gail’s degrees: AB, Princeton University; MBA., Columbia University; MPS, Manhattanville College (certification in childhood and special education).
Elizabeth M. Guggenheimer
Bio
Elizabeth M. Guggenheimer
Liz Guggenheimer brings more than 35 years of professional and volunteer experience at the intersection of law, nonprofits, and the public interest.
A longtime champion of pro bono legal assistance, Liz looks forward to working with the Student Advocacy board and staff to advance the organization’s work to provide much-needed education advocacy services to students in Westchester and Putnam counties.
Liz began her legal career as a litigator at the law firm of Dewey Ballantine, before serving as deputy and acting chief of the Charities Bureau at the New York State Attorney General’s Office. She then spent 25 years in staff leadership roles at Lawyers Alliance, the leading provider of business and transactional law services to nonprofits that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods, including five years as executive director. She is a former president and member of the Scarsdale Board of Education and a former member of the Mount Pleasant Blythedale School Board, and she has coordinated multiple pro bono networks. Currently, she volunteers locally and nationally to help community-focused organizations achieve their missions.
Liz’s degrees: AB, Harvard University; JD, New York University School of Law; MPA, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.
Stephanie Hinkaty
Bio
Stephanie Hinkaty
Stephanie Hinkaty has more than 25 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily in roles focused on communications and fundraising, and has a masters degree in Nonprofit Administration. Her commitment to Student Advocacy’s work is personal: She has a child with Down syndrome and therefore has first-hand experience navigating the world of special education. A passionate advocate for inclusive education, she is a member of the National Down Syndrome Congress’ Advocacy Coalition and completed the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT) 1.0. She previously served as the founding board vice president for GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester (a Down syndrome achievement center in Ardsley) and completed two terms as the co-president of her school district’s Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). A native of California, she lives in Hastings-on-Hudson with her husband and youngest daughter and relishes the much-too-infrequent school breaks when both of her college-age daughters are at home at the same time.
Mili Iyengar
Bio
Mili Iyengar
Mili Iyengar is a Managing Director at Accenture and a global technology strategist who advises Fortune 500 leaders. With more than 22 years of international leadership experience across technology areas like outsourcing, cloud and now AI, she leads Accenture’s global Intelligent Edge practice, building multi billion dollar growth engines and driving large scale digital transformation.
At Student Advocacy, Inc., Mili brings her expertise in systems thinking, governance, and change management to advance the organization’s mission of securing equitable educational supports for students with disabilities and other learning challenges. As both a corporate leader and a parent, she has seen firsthand how early advocacy and the right interventions can transform a child’s trajectory, and she is deeply committed to ensuring that every student’s unique strengths are recognized and nurtured. Mili is passionate about amplifying the voices of families who too often go unheard and helping build an education system where all children can learn, belong, and thrive.
Jeanne Kennedy
Bio
Jeanne Kennedy
Jeanne Kennedy
Jeanne Kennedy is a long-time Board member and member of the Executive Committee, for whom service is an extension of her professional work promoting literacy. Currently, Jeanne teaches an after school literacy curriculum for Southern Westchester BOCES’ Homeless Student Program in Tarrytown, New York. She is a former classroom teacher and a remedial reading teacher/Reading Recovery teacher in Mount Vernon. In addition to serving on the Executive Committee, Jeanne is serving her third term as Board Secretary, and she co-chairs the Engagement, Development, Governance Committees. As a leader of Student Advocacy’s annual special recognition event, she is responsible for honoring student achievers on the Board’s behalf.
Jeanne’s Degrees: BA, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences; MS, College of New Rochelle.
Barbara R. Kutcher, Psy.D
Bio
Barbara R. Kutcher, Psy.D
Barbara R. Kutcher, Psy.D is a New York State Certified School Psychologist who has served as a consultant in numerous public schools, providing psychological services to students with challenging conditions and guidance for administration and staff. During her tenure at the Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., she evaluated at risk youth and led individual and small group counseling sessions. Dr. Kutcher helped develop a social skills counseling curriculum aimed at decreasing violence and developing prosocial behaviors in elementary aged children. As an adjunct instructor at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y., Dr. Kutcher taught undergraduate psychology courses and a variety of graduate courses in the Master’s in Counseling Program. She led supervisory groups and provided ethical guidance for graduate students in field placements. Continuing her mission to help special needs students and their families, Dr. Kutcher is currently training to become an Executive Functioning Coach. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, School Psychology Division, and of the Parent and Family Advisory Board at Boston University. Dr. Kutcher earned an M.S., Ed. and Psy.D. in School-Community Psychology from Pace University, New York, N.Y. She lives with her husband in Westchester County and they are the proud parents of two children who are now young adults.
Barbara’s degrees: MA, Psy.D, Pace University; BS, SUNY Oneonta.
Christine Y. Lee
Bio
Christine Y. Lee
Christine Y. Lee is a registered nurse with over 30 years of clinical and leadership experience. She serves as an Infection Preventionist at Montefiore Medical Center, leading infection control initiatives with expertise in surveillance, data analysis, regulatory reporting, and cross-department collaboration.
She has cared for the complex needs of oncology patients, provided critical care in the emergency department, and held nursing leadership and management roles. Christine earned her BSN from Felician College and her MSN with a specialization in Education from Mercy University, maintains Certification in Infection Control (CIC), and is an honorably discharged Army Reserve Nurse Corps Officer.
Through decades of clinical practice and participation in international medical missions, Christine has gained firsthand insight into inequities in health, education, and community resources. These experiences have shaped her holistic, system-based approach and informed her understanding of how access to critical supports impacts long-term academic and social outcomes.
As a Board Member of the Student Advocacy organization, she is dedicated to helping families connect with vital support, fostering empowered families and effective systems that allow children—and communities—to flourish.
Christopher Miehl, Esq.
Bio
Christopher Miehl, Esq.
Christopher Miehl, Esq. is a partner at the law firm of Danziger & Markhoff LLP in White Plains, NY, where he focuses his practice on estate planning and administration. He takes great pride in developing estate and tax planning strategies specifically tailored for each individual client’s specific needs and circumstances. Prior to joining Danziger & Markhoff, Christoper worked at a large firm on Long Island, where he represented high-net worth clients. He holds a BA from Fordham University in American Studies where he graduated magna cum laude. He attended Boston College Law School and received his Juris Doctor in 2006. During law school, Christopher served on the Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau as a volunteer assisting with landlord/tenant issues and SSI issues. Chris resides in Hasting-on-Hudson, NY. He has a longstanding dedication to public service and is passionate about the mission of Student Advocacy as dedicated to helping others. He has two daughters who attend public school in Westchester County.
Lucille Oppenheim, Esq.
Bio
Lucille Oppenheim, Esq.
Lucille Oppenheim, Esq. is delighted to rejoin the Board of Directors of Student Advocacy, Inc. after a pause. Lucille brings an independent voice and her extensive legal career devoted to child welfare, to enhance the organization’s growth and development once again. Her family law practice, Gutterman and Oppenheim, specialized primarily in custody litigation and in protections for children in cases of abuse and neglect. From 1987 to 2017, Lucille was a member of the Board of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, serving as Board Chair and in other senior roles. She is also a member of the Board of Directors, and Treasurer, of the Hudson Valley Justice Center. Lucille received her J.D. from Pace University School of Law and her A.B from Smith College.
Bill Poorten, Esq.
Bio
Bill Poorten, Esq.
Bill Poorten is a seasoned attorney with two decades of experience in government and private practice. For over 17 years, Bill worked in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where he held multiple roles including Senior Compliance Team Attorney and Attorney-Advisor, and helped enforce federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination against students on the bases of
race/national origin, sex, and disability. In his private sector career before joining the government, Bill practiced employment law in NYC. Bill has also provided pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals in areas including consumer debt and public housing.
Bill occasionally dabbles in community theater acting, and enjoys hiking and making music with family and friends in the Rivertowns and the city.
Lauren Reale, CPA
Bio
Lauren Reale, CPA
Lauren A. Reale is a Director at PKF O’Connor Davies where she works closely with non-profit organizations to support their financial reporting, compliance, and operational goals. She has over 15 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in audit and tax consulting, and serves a diverse client base including private foundations and public charities. Lauren is responsible for designing audit approaches and overseeing engagement teams to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. She is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and an active member of the AICPA and NYSSCPA, and was recognized as a 2026 NYSCPA Emerging Leader. She is also actively involved with Volunteer New York!, supporting community-focused initiatives. A lifelong resident of lower Westchester, Lauren values her strong connection to the community. As a parent of two young children, she is especially passionate about the Student Advocacy mission, which is deeply meaningful to her both personally and professionally.
Lauren’s Degrees: Iona College – Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, summa cum laude and Master of Business Administration degree in Finance, Certificate in Public Accounting and International Business
Alice Tenney
Bio
Alice Tenney
Alice Tenney brings to the Student Advocacy, Inc. Board of Directors a longstanding history of commitment and dedication to educational and children’s causes. For over 15 years, she has served as President of The Main Idea at Camp Walden, a summer camp that provides economically disadvantaged girls with a no-cost summer experience that builds self-confidence and promotes leadership skills. Alice has also participated on local nonprofit boards including the Westchester Children’s Association and the Westchester Community College Foundation. For more than 10 years, Alice was active in various PTAs and other school-related organizations in her hometown of Mamaroneck, NY.
Education: B.A.,Tufts University; Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, Manhattanville College
Joan Weber, Ed.D
Bio
Joan Weber, Ed.D
Joan Weber, Ed.D
Joan Weber joins our board with great breadth and depth of experience within education. During her long tenure as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administrative Services in Scarsdale Public Schools, she oversaw all aspects of personnel management for both faculty and staff. She actively participated in the Scarsdale Teachers Institute and led several district initiatives, including the Interdependence Institute, the Equity and Access Committee, the Mentor Program, and the Performance Appraisal Program. Notably, she spearheaded the Scarsdale Interdependence Institute, a think tank designed to promote global awareness and foster international perspectives among teachers and students. Prior to her role in Scarsdale, Joan taught English and social studies in both New York and Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Director of Educational Leadership Programs at LIU Hudson and serves as a trustee on the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School Board and the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Joan is also a former member of the Harrison Board of Education.
Patricia D. White
Bio
Patricia D. White
Patricia D. White
Pat White has spent her career at the intersection of Westchester’s child welfare resources, and the local population which relies on them. She worked for the county for 30 years in the area of human services, including 19 years with the County’s Department of Community Mental Health, in the Children’s Division. In 2016 she became the department’s Coordinator / Program Administrator, serving as a single point of contact for area schools and families. Among her accomplishments, Pat helped to organize Westchester County’s System of Care, for children with emotional, social, and behavioral challenges, and their families. Her primary role was to introduce the community network model to communities across the county.
Pat’s presence on the Board ensures that the communities Student Advocacy serves have a strong voice in the Board’s dialogue and deliberations.
Pat’s degrees: BS, Hofstra University School of Education; coursework, SUNY Albany School of Social Work; MPA, Marist College.
Andrea Potash
Board Board Member Emerita