Director of Programs and Partnership

Youth Life Coach/Mentor

Parent Mentor

Cassandra is our dedicated Director of Program and Partnership, Life Coach/Mentor, and Parent Mentor passionately serving at-risk youth and young adults. She's a driving force behind the development and implementation of innovative programs designed to empower young people to thrive. Through one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and program management, Cassandra provides crucial support and guidance, helping youth overcome obstacles, discover their potential, and build brighter futures. Her genuine care and belief in each individual inspires growth and empowers them to confidently face life's challenges and pursue their dreams. Cassandra has extensive experience working in the fields of domestic and sexual violence as well as human trafficking. She is deeply committed to advocating for and supporting individuals affected by these issues, bringing a compassionate and informed approach to her work. Her expertise spans a range of services, including crisis intervention, case management, and survivor empowerment.

Mentor/ Life Coach

Autumn has a background in case management, mentoring, and youth advocacy. As the youngest in her family with much older siblings, she often wished she had the chance to be the “big sister.” Working with youth gives her the opportunity to fulfill that role—showing up for young people in the way she always hoped someone would for her. Autumn is passionate about building confidence, creating a sense of community, and helping youth and young adults believe in their own potential. She truly believes in being the change she wants to see in the world.  

Youth Life Coach/ Mentor

Parent Mentor

Patrick is a dedicated union electrician who brings a grounded, compassionate presence to his work as a mentor. Growing up with a brother who has Cerebral Palsy has given him unique insight into the experiences of individuals and families navigating disability-related challenges. This personal connection has shaped his ability to engage with empathy, patience, and authenticity. Patrick is passionate about supporting youth through life’s complexities and believes in the power of consistent, caring mentorship to build confidence and resilience.

Life Coach & Mentor

Meghan brings a unique blend of experience working with both animals and youth. As an Animal Control Officer, she’s seen firsthand how the bond between animals and people can be a powerful tool for healing. With over 8 years of experience working with the developmentally disabled community, She’s witnessed how animals can help youth build trust, empathy, and emotional resilience. She’s also proud to serve on the board of SCARC, and in her free time, she enjoys hiking and being outdoors.

Life Coach & Mentor

Ryan is a 30-year-old aspiring physical education teacher. A graduate of Roxbury High School, he went on to earn an Exercise Science degree from Ithaca College. Currently, he works as a Special Education Aide. Ryan also brings several years of experience as a youth football coach and summer camp counselor to his work with young people. He is considered uplifting, personable, relatable to kids and young adults, and a caring individual who prioritizes others.

Life Coach & Mentor

What really inspired me to get into this work was seeing how much of a difference one caring adult can make in a child’s life. From early on, I knew I wanted to be that steady support for kids going through tough times. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to walk alongside so many families—helping them feel heard, supported, and empowered. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work I do can help bring a little more hope and stability into someone’s life when they need it most.

Life Coach & Mentor

Will is a proud father of two wonderful sons, ages 14 and 10, who are his greatest inspiration. A longtime resident of Sussex County for over 25 years, he has built strong community ties and knows firsthand the value of mentorship—having benefited from it during his own youth. That experience helped him develop lasting, healthy habits that continue to guide his life today.

Professionally, Will has worked with children on the autism spectrum and has also served in a Batterers Intervention Program, where he supported individuals through meaningful behavior change and accountability. These roles have deepened his understanding of empathy, structure, and personal growth. He’s passionate about giving back and is committed to helping young people build confidence, self-awareness, and positive direction—just as he was supported years ago.

Youth Life Coach & Mentor

Parent Mentor

Kimberly is a youth mentor and life coach at Bloom and Grow Coaching. Her passion for working with children and teens has been a constant throughout her life. Since high school, she has been actively involved in enrichment learning programs and volunteered with both the Cockling Youth Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Her current work in the mental health field allows her to connect deeply with her patients and the young people she mentors.

Kimberly's own diverse background and cultural experiences help her build rapport with the kids she works with. She is naturally energetic and positive, and she strives to bring that energy to every interaction. As a parent herself, she is committed to being a positive role model for her daughter, encouraging her to achieve success and cultivate kindness.

Life Coach & Mentor

John is a dedicated mentor with a passion for guiding others, having begun his journey in 2007 as a volunteer with Big Brothers. A married father of three, he balances his life as a social worker, mentor, part-time musician, and sports enthusiast, always making time for family and creativity. He finds joy in writing and performing music and believes that supporting and encouraging growth in others can lead to lifelong positive change.

Life Coach & Mentor

Miranda is a licensed clinical social worker certified in clinical adoption work. Currently working full-time as a school social worker, she has thoroughly enjoyed her work with the youth at Bloom and Grow Coaching. She is passionate about empowering young people to become their best selves, actively setting and working towards their personal goals. Believing in everyone's capacity for resilience, she is honored to be a part of their journey.

Life Coach & Mentor

Alexis has extensive experience in case management, family advocacy, and mentorship. As a former foster care and adoption mentor, she has worked to support, empower, and serve as a positive role model for youth and young adults as they navigate life challenges and become the best version of themselves. Alexis is committed to making a meaningful impact in the community and fostering a brighter future for those in need. In her free time, she enjoys trying new workout classes, exploring local parks, and volunteering her time to give back.

Life Coach & Mentor

Elizabeth has a great passion for working with youth and their families, empowering them to address their challenges. She has been working in this field since 2009, focusing on goal-directed support and solution-focused interventions designed to address challenges associated with behavioral needs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has participated in additional training to further enhance her ability to assist youth. She looks forward to continuing to help families with the skills she has developed throughout her experience.

Life Coach & Mentor

Yancarlo has been working in the mental health field for 9 years. He has experience working as a Care Manager, Behavioral Assistant, and as Fitness Mentor. Yancarlo enjoys playing chess, watching tennis, and loves anything written by Richard Yates. Yancarlo is currently in the process of completing his Master of Social Work degree

Life Coach / Mentor

Parent Mentor

Zachary has dedicated his career to studying and implementing equitable solutions to the barriers that limit access and opportunity for youth. From his undergraduate studies in society, ethics, and human behavior to his graduate work in Education Leadership and Policy, he has focused on creating real pathways for all students, from early childhood through high school, to succeed. He knows that success isn't just built in the classroom it grows from the connections between home, community, and school. With hands-on experience in school districts and early education leadership, Zachary is passionate about breaking down systemic barriers and making sure every young person has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Mentor/ Life Coach/ Parent Mentor

Wayne describes his life as one devoted to the growth and development of young people. He has always felt that the best way to reach young people was to meet them where they’re at; whether it’s on the sidelines coaching varsity football or a jail assisting them with corrective thoughts and actions. With 15 years of youth mentorship on his resume, Wayne always seeks to learn with each new endeavor, because none of us ever arrive at a place where we can’t be taught.

Life Coach & Mentor

With over 15 years of experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds, Danielle is a dedicated and compassionate advocate—especially for young people facing adversity. She holds a degree in Social Work and has built her career supporting at-risk youth and those navigating trauma. Her focus has always been on building trusted relationships and creating safe spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Danielle brings patience, empathy, and a trauma-informed approach to every mentorship and youth engagement setting. Her belief is simple yet powerful: every young person deserves access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to grow into strong, confident adults.

Whether working in schools, community programs, or one-on-one mentorship, Danielle is committed to helping youth recognize their worth, build resilience, and reach their full potential.

Life Coach & Mentor

Nicole is a BSW graduate from Centenary University, currently working towards her goal of becoming a child therapist. Additionally, she holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Outside of her work with clients, she spends her time working as a daycare teacher, walking her dogs, or engaging in arts and crafts.

Life Coach & Mentor

Jim has 25 years of social service experience. He has worked in family services with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and Children’s Mobile Response. He also has an extensive mental health background working in residential settings and integrated case management outreach services. For the last two years, he has been a youth mentor/coach, and he has enjoyed building rapport with his clients, assessing their needs, and helping them develop healthy coping skills.

Mentor/ Life Coach

Ash attended High Point Regional High School, where he founded Students Against Being Bullied (S.A.B.B.)—a nonprofit organization focused on combating harassment, intimidation, bullying, and promoting suicide prevention across school communities in the Tri-State area.

He began his career working at DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services) as an emergency shelter intake and hotline worker while pursuing his degree in Psychology. Ash later completed his Bachelor’s in Psychology at Thomas Edison State University and went on to earn a Master’s in Homeland Security and Global Terrorism Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

For the past eight years, Ash has served as a law enforcement officer, with a focus on behavioral threat assessment, school violence prevention, and community outreach. He has also acted as his agency’s LGBTQ Community Outreach Officer, helping to foster trust through inclusive events and advocacy.

In his free time, Ash enjoys hiking, fitness, community activism, and spending time with his three dogs—Bayou, Luna, and Maverick.