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Our Team
Miriam's Heart is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteer leaders and staff, The Board of Directors, and professional Advisors
Leadership and Staff
Miriam's Heart is lead by a devoted group of volunteer leaders and staff who devote themselves to radically supporting children and families
volunteers and staff
Board of Directors
board of directors
The Board of Directors provides direction, oversight, protection, and development leadership to Miriam's Heart
Kathleen joined the Miriam's Heart Board in October of 2024. Her dedication to the well-being of children has been a driving force for many years. After earning her degree from the University of Pittsburgh, she was employed as a case manager for Big Brother Big Sister Association, where she matched children with mentors, building positive and meaningful relationships that have lasting effects on the lives of young people. Later in her career she transitioned into medical sales, but her commitment to at-risk youth never wavered. She continued her advocacy work as a CASA (court-appointed special advocate) in Hudson County, NJ, giving a voice to children in the foster care system.
She currently resides in Hoboken, NJ with her husband David of 14 years.
Joined 2024
Kathleen Platt
Nicole G. Epps, COFO of Brooklyn Org, has over a decade of leadership in strategy and community engagement, particularly in under-resourced areas. Previously, she was Chief of Staff at Osborne Association and Executive Director of the World Childhood Foundation USA, where she launched key child protection initiatives and co-developed the *Out of the Shadows Index* on child sexual abuse.
Nicole serves on New Jersey’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and RAINN’s National Leadership Council. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the University of Georgia, and an MSW from Rutgers University.
Joined 2024
Nicole Epps
Elizabeth Occhipinti is the co-founder and President of Miriam’s Heart, a New Jersey nonprofit established in 2009. With 15 years of experience in supporting adopted and foster children and their families, she holds a B.S. in Human Services, an M.S. in Child and Adolescent Psychology, and is a certified Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner.
In 2021, Elizabeth received the Angels in Adoption® award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. She serves on the Somerset County Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children and the Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC). the local planning body for the Children's System of Care (CSOC). The CIACC develops & maintains a responsive, accessible & comprehensive system of care for youth with emotional & behavioral health challenges; intellectual & developmental disabilities; and substance use.
Founder
Elizabeth Occhipinti
Patrick Todd is a leader with extensive experience in test security and law enforcement. As Associate Director of Test Security at the College Board, he ensures fair testing for students. He served 29 years at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, retiring as Detective/Sergeant of the Financial Crimes Unit. Patrick holds a B.S. in Business Management from Hampton University.
In 2020, he became the first African American male elected to the Montgomery Township Board of Education, where he contributes to curriculum and anti-racism initiatives. A 32-year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Patrick is active in social action forums. He and his wife, Patricia, have two sons: Cameron, a 2021 Morehouse College graduate, and Evan, a freshman at Morehouse.
Joined 2024
Patrick Todd
Jesse is a corporate attorney, focusing on tech, venture capital and private equity. He is also a pastor’s kid, born and raised in NJ. Representing many area ministries on a pro bono basis, Jesse is passionate about helping local Christian organizations navigate the challenges posed by operating in a challenging environment and operate with excellence. Jesse has had had many connections in his life with friends and family engaging with the foster system and is excited about doing his part to help make the system better.
Jesse lives in Neshanic Station, along with his wife Beth, son Jacob and daughter Caroline. Jesse is also a musician and incurable history nerd.
Joined 2024
Jesse Nash
Jonelle has been a board member since 2022. As a board member of Miriam's Heart and she has a passion for supporting adopted and foster children and their families. Jonelle carries a deep connection to adoption. Jonelle has experience with fundraising, non-profit leadership, and development and a background in veterinary medicine and expertise in dog training. When not at work, Jonelle loves to hang out with her two boys and her husband and enjoys snuggling with her labradoodles, Elvis and Skippy.
Joined 2022
Jonelle Marchese
Dr. James Occhipinti, a lifelong New Jersey resident, was born in Rahway and raised in Princeton Junction. He graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, attended Dickinson College, and earned his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. With nearly 25 years of dental practice in NJ, he is dedicated to community outreach, having treated patients at an AIDS hospice, volunteered in Romania, and served on the Board of the International Children’s Aid Foundation.
Dr. Occhipinti is a member of several dental associations and participates in the Seattle Study Club for continuing education. Recently, he was honored as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and named a Top Dentist by Healthy Living Magazine. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have five children and are active in their local community.
Founder
James Occhipinti
Dynamic and creative Communication leader with twenty-five years of experience contributing to the success of corporate and nonprofit organizations. Strong skills in strategy development; internal employee engagement and organizational transformation; external reputation, media and public relations; executive counsel and thought leadership; team management; channel management; and event planning. Exceptional at aligning communications with corporate strategy and vision. Recognized for unwavering integrity and being a problem solver.
Founding Board Member
Jennifer Taylor
Ivonne Droz has been a Miriam’s Heart Volunteer and Supporter for over 10 years. She has served on various roles at Miriam’s Heart and one of her favorites activities is the Respite Nights. She married her college sweetheart, Jose and together they four children and two grandchildren that keep them on their toes. She is a bio, adoptive and former foster mama. Ivonne joined the Board of Directors in 2024.
2024
Ivonne Droz
Professional Advisors.
Miriam's Heart has a large network of professional advisors to help support adoptive and foster children and families. This group of consultants works with Miriam's Heart year-round to ensure kids and families get the help they need!
Heather Janci
Child Development
Jim Occhipinti, FAGD
Dentistry
Valerie Pena and Zoey
Occupational & Pet Therapy
Christina Mosleh
American Sign Language
Emily Yang
LCSW - Child Centered Play
prof advisors
Where to Find Us
732-469-0194
215 West Union Avenue
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
Mon - Fri: by appointment 10-3
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
contact
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