Staff
Jeanne Andrews, LCSW-R is the Program Director for CANDLE. In her role, she oversees CANDLE programming. She also presents workshops and trainings such as the Facilitator Training to Lead Groups. She joined CANDLE's staff in 1994 as Staff Social Worker and Coordinator of the Kids/Teen Connection Program. Jeanne has a Master's Degree in Social Work from NYU and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She also has a private psycho-therapy practice. She is available by email or phone.
j.andrews@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 15
Jim Andrews
Jim is the Coordinator of the CANDLE Center of Orangetown, located at Tappan Zee High School and the Nyack Center. As coordinator, he oversees the functioning of the Center, has direct contact with youth, and provides community and school outreach about the Center's services for the youth of Orangetown. He received a Masters in Counseling, Guidance and Human Services from Montclair State College in NJ.Before joining CANDLE, Jim was an educator with 35 years of experience, as well as a coach at the high school level for 10 of those years.
jim.andrews@candlerockland.org
(845) 680-1683
Patty Campbell
Patty is the Administrative Assistant / Grants Coordinator. As Administrative Assistant she assists the Executive Director and all staff with any office related duties, and program preparation. As Grants Coordinator she is responsible for accounts receivable, financial reporting to various funders, vouchering, financial tracking and assisting with budgeting.
p.campbell@candlerockland.org
(845) 634- 6677 x 10
J.R. Cehonski
J.R. is the Youth Pride Coordinator for CANDLE. In this role, he coordinates all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth related services for the agency, including TRUST, Triangles, and Common Threads. J.R. has a Bachelor's Degree in Art Therapy from St. Thomas Aquinas College and is currently studying Social Work in the Masters' Program at Fordham University. Before joining CANDLE, J.R. gained experience working with the adult psychiatric population, as well as youth with Pervasive Developmental Disabilities. He is available as a resource for all LGBTQ youth related issues.
j.cehonski@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 20
Moira Eilers
Moira Eilers, LCSW-R, is the Program Supervisor for CANDLE. In her role, she oversees all CANDLE group programs, including Kinder, Kids & Teen Connection as well as the Strengthening Families program. She also presents a variety of workshops and trainings throughout the county to children and adults alike. She joined the CANDLE staff in 1999 as a Staff Social Worker. Moira has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
m.eilers@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 16
Annie Golemba
Annie is a Program Coordinator at CANDLE. In this role, she coordinates Kinder and Kids Connection groups in Clarkstown Central School District. She also facilitates Kinder, Kids and Teen Connection groups, as well as the Strengthening Families Program. She helps develop and present classroom programs and workshops for youth of all ages throughout Rockland County. Annie joined the CANDLE staff in 2006 as a Program Assistant. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts from Salisbury University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University.
a.golemba@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 13
Joanne Goodman
Joanne is the Executive Director of CANDLE. A graduate of Hunter College, Joanne holds a Master's degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Michigan and a Master's degree in Public Administration from New York University. She joined CANDLE in 2002, bringing with her many years of experience in non-profit management. As CANDLE'S executive director, she is pretty much responsible for everything!
j.goodman@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 11
Maureen Heller
Maureen Heller MA, CHES is CANDLE's Tobacco-Free Schools Coordinator. She joined CANDLE in 2003 and has an MA in Health Education and Promotion. She is a Certified Smoking Cessation Specialist and Certified Laughter Leader (laughter improves health and well-being). Maureen has been working in tobacco education for 11 years, and before joining CANDLE, she was a Youth Tobacco Education Consultant with the Rockland County Department of Health. Through a grant from the NYS Tobacco Control Program, Maureen provides Rockland County schools/districts with the resources, and technical assistance to develop, communicate, and enforce a comprehensive tobacco-free healthy schools policy. She is happily available as a resource for any tobacco or laughter-related issue.
m.heller@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 17
Chip James
Chip James, LCSW, CASAC, is a trainer for CANDLE. In this capacity, Mr. James presents to educators, health and mental health professionals, and in college and postgraduate professional training programs providing cultural competency regarding LGBT issues across the life span. He has been a founding member and presenter for the Common Threads Youth Empowerment Project. He is also a trainer for the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association, a school social worker, psychotherapist, and consultant based in Nyack, New York. To schedule a training or consultation please contact the Youth Pride Coordinator.
youthpride@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677
Randy Kaplan
Randy is the Coordinator for the Strengthening Families Program. In her capacity as Coordinator, Randy assists organizations in the community by providing them with the tools they will need to implement this program. Randy has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cortland State College and a master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Before joining the CANDLE family, Randy worked for 24 years as a Student Assistance Counselor for Suffern High School, working with adolescents. She also has 9 years of experience in the Department of Social Services working with families.
r.kaplan@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 24
Lois Ross
Lois Ross is the Social Worker at the CANDLE Center of Orangetown, located at Tappan Zee High School and the Nyack Center. Lois has been in the field of human services for 27 years. She received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. Before joining CANDLE, Lois worked as a volunteer providing services to troubled adolescents and their families. This included outreach, school intervention, counseling in the adolescent?s home and school, and emotional support. She has been a volunteer in various agencies throughout the County.
l.ross@candlerockland.org
(845) 680-1683
Tina Vaccarelli
Tina is a Prevention Educator for CANDLE. In this role, she coordinates and presents CANDLE's classroom programs- Peacemakers & "Too Good For Tobacco, Alcohol and other Drugs" for Elementary School students. Tina has a Bachelor's Degree in Interpersonal Communication with a minor in Education from Hunter College. Before joining CANDLE, Tina was employed by the Clarkstown Central School District as a Teaching Assistant. Tina has also served on various committees including past president and vice-president of the PTA at Clarkstown North HS and Felix Festa MS.
t.vaccarelli@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 19
Mara Yacobi
Mara is the Program Coordinator for CANDLE's Training of Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse. She is involved in many of CANDLE's programs and develops and presents workshops and classroom presesentations such as "Too Good for Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs" for Middle School students. Mara received her Bachelor's degree in sociology and health and earned her Masters in Social Work from New York University. Prior to CANDLE, Mara worked in the field of sexuality, pregnancy prevention and child abuse.
m.yacobi@candlerockland.org
(845) 634-6677 x 23
