Women Of Monmouth County Wendy DePedro, Executive Director Mental Health Association of Monmouth County Wendy was raised in Edison, NJ but later moved to California, where she graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Returning to NJ she completed her MS in Counseling Education at Monmouth University. Wendy’s mental health career began at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch where she held managerial positions in outpatient and inpatient programs. This was followed by her position as the Administrative Director of Inpatient Services at Princeton House. Currently Wendy has been using her experience in healthcare and community organizations to assure the Mental Health Association (MHA) has a long-range strategy to achieve its mission of promoting mental health and wellness. Always an advocate, she provides leadership in Monmouth County and the state on ways to improve care and treatment for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Strongly affected by an increase in youth suicides in Monmouth County, Wendy participates in the NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. Currently, Wendy resides in Belmar with her husband Mario and their 20-year-old son who attends Rollins College in Florida. She can be reached by calling 732 542-6422, or visit www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org.
Elaine Geiger, Vice President School Age Child Care & Camp YMCA of Western Monmouth County
Elaine Geiger began her YMCA career over 25 years ago. Throughout her career, she worked in various Child Care Centers and Summer Day Camps. In 2004, she joined the team at The YMCA of Western Monmouth County, a cause-driven organization, committed to strengthening our local communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Elaine’s dedication and passion for working with children is evident through the programs she facilitates. Most recently, she has been a leader with the Healthy U initiative, a program designed to combat childhood obesity with a multi-pronged program that includes nutrition education, increased physical activity and a focus on family. Under Elaine’s direction, the Healthy U program has been carried out successfully for 6 years in the Before and After School Care programs in five different towns as well as introduced in two elementary schools’ curriculum. Elaine received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rider University, where she also met her husband of 40 years, Bob. Elaine and Bob have a daughter, Cheryl, who has developed a passion of learning, following her mother’s footsteps. You may contact Elaine at 732-462-0464, ext. 123, or visit www.ymcanj.org.
Photo by Annette Jenkins Photography
Patricia Huizing, Interim Executive Director Ronald McDonald House of Central & Northern New Jersey Change is hard. Leadership transitions can be very difficult for nonprofit organizations of all sizes. But Patricia Huizing, the recently appointed Interim Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern New Jersey (RMH), loves the challenge. Dedicated to helping groups to thrive through leadership changeovers, Patricia has worked for a broad assortment of nonprofits including the arts group City Without Walls in Newark, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association in Hillsboro. Part of a growing trend in nonprofit succession planning, interim executive directors are skilled managers who temporarily take the helm of an organization, help the board and staff address important capacity building and systems issues, and lay the groundwork for the next leader’s success. Patricia has more than 25 years’ of experience in executive leadership roles for a diverse array of nonprofit organizations including human services, environmental, historic preservation and arts groups. She enjoys travel, photography and attending live music events. Pat owns a 185-year-old farmstead in New Jersey known as Hand Picked Farm, which grows and sells organically grown vegetables and free-range chicken eggs. Contact Pat at (732) 222-8363 or pat@rmh-cnj.org or visit www.HandPickedFarm.com.
Photo by Annette Jenkins Photography
Bridget Corsentino, Office Manager Bogdan Interventional Pain Management Bridget Corsentino is the office manager at Bogdan Surgery Center in Freehold, NJ. She began working for Dr. Bogdan as a receptionist in 2008, when he first opened an office in New Jersey. Since that time, she has helped the practice grow into an OSHA and Medicare compliant pain management surgery center. Bridget was born and raised in Middletown, NJ. After high school, she attended UMDNJ, received certification as a dental assistant, and enjoyed 15 years of work at a dentist’s office in Hazlet. She eventually transitioned into the medical field and feels like she has found the area of work in which she belongs. She truly enjoys helping patients and does all that she can to make their visit to Dr. Bogdan’s office a pleasant and successful one. Her role of office manager holds many responsibilities but she works hard to make each day run seamlessly. In her free time, Bridget enjoys reading, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with family and her grand-dogs. Throughout her time at Dr. Bogdan’s office, she has come to learn that she especially enjoys assisting the elderly and plans to volunteer at a local senior citizen center. For questions regarding services offered at Dr. Bogdan’s office or to contact Bridget, please call 732-577-9126 or visit www.bogdanmd.com.
Photo by Annette Jenkins Photography
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The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
Photo by Annette Jenkins Photography
March/April 2015