JRamirez@pipnj.org
(201) 552 2263
Jeanette Ramirez
Senior Program Director
What brought you to Coalition work?
I grew up in Hudson county and this community is very important to me. I am very interested in prevention work as I worked with adults in recovery from substances in the mental health field. I also facilitated group discussions regarding substance abuse prevention strategies and mental wellness related topics.
Educational Background
I obtained my undergraduate bachelor’s degree in psychology at Kean University, having transferred from Hudson County Community College where I earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts. I am currently finishing a master’s degree in psychology at Montclair State University.
Fun Fact:
I am an avid traveler and foodie. When not at work I enjoy travelling, exploring new places, and discovering new foods.
Favorite Quote:
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
~ Aesop
Anthony Menafro
Coalition Supervisor
What brought you to Coalition work?
Hudson County has been my home my entire life. I have a lot of love and care for this community being that I have lived in the same town my entire life and a majority of my family also reside in Hudson County. During undergrad, I had the opportunity to intern for a rehabilitation facility or prevention agency. After working in a pharmacy for almost eight years and being a pharmacy technician for five years, I decided that I no longer had much interest in solely the treatment of disease, but rather focus on prevention efforts. My internship changed my perspective and really made me understand how important prevention and upstream action is. I want to help create a community where our youth are protected.
Educational Background
I obtained my undergraduate degrees from William Paterson University of New Jersey in Public Health & Psychology. I conducted research as an undergrad and have been published in research journals. I am in the process of going to graduate school to obtain my MPH in Biostatistics & Epidemiology.
Fun Fact:
Outside of work and school, I still try to learn as much as possible, such as learning how to speak a new language. I enjoy traveling, riding my bike, longboarding, and spending time outdoors as well as spending time with my family and dog, Cookie.
Favorite Quote:
“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.”
~ Buddha
AMenafro@pipnj.org
(201) 552 2263
GBanoub@pipnj.org
(201) 552 2263
Gyzial Banoub
Coalition Coordinator & Youth Prevention Specialist
What brought you to Coalition work?
Growing up I knew I always wanted to help, give and be around people. I have always felt a sense of fulfillment helping others. I started as a Community Health Worker in Hudson then Essex County. I enjoyed being the front line helper to the people of the community and connecting them to the resources they needed. It was recently when I began feeling like I need to learn and do more. Shortly after, I came across the Coalition Coordinator position and I applied for it and now I am grateful to have this opportunity to tap deeper into the community along with other professionals to work together in unity to help bring awareness to our community.
Educational Background
I graduated from Rutgers University where I earned my degree in Public Administration and psychology.
Fun Fact:
When I’m not working, I am with my husband and family and friends making memories. I also have a blog where I enjoy sharing about beauty tips and tricks, home décor and self-care.
Favorite Quote:
“Nature never hurries yet everything is accomplished.”
Tyree Bolden
Coalition Coordinator & Youth Prevention Specialist
What brought you to Coalition work?
Motivation is defined as the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. I know that I am destined to help others soar beyond the limits of their potential. My journey started as an HIV Counselor/ Health Educator within Hudson County. I enjoyed helping people find ways to live a healthier and safer life by providing one on one counseling, prevention outreach, and health education presentation within the Hudson County community. However, as a front-line helper within the community, I saw a bigger calling and need within the youth dealing with substance abuse that leads to other chronic conditions. I knew then to make a change, I needed to help enforce the importance of youth substance abuse and prevention. Shortly after, I was hired as a Coalition Coordinator with the Hudson County Coalition For A Drug-Free Community, which was the best decision I made to help create a change within our youth. As one of the new members of the Hudson County Coalition For A Drug-Free Community. I am now able to start this new journey in educating and providing substance abuse prevention strategies to our youth.
Educational Background
I graduated from New Jersey City University where I earned my degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Then I attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where I earned my master’s degree in Public Administration.
Fun Fact:
I love to play outdoor, indoor, and beach volleyball. I enjoyed traveling, being around my friends, and my favorite place to visit is Washington DC.
Favorite Quote:
“Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself “
TBolden@pipnj.org
(201) 552 2263
MSilverman@pipnj.org
(201) 552 2263
Mike Silverman
Coalition Coordinator
What brought you to Coalition work?
I have been involved with the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute since high school. Volunteering to help develop leadership skills in youth while remaining drug and alcohol free has been a fantastic experience, and actually led me to my first job as a Coalition Coordinator for the Bergen County Prevention Coalition. Being able to develop a network of support through many people in different fields of expertise, and then using this network to tackle the various substance misuse issues in the county, slowly became a passion. It was inspiring to see many different people coming together toward a common goal and actually accomplishing sustainable change. After spending a year with Bergen, I saw the opportunity to join the team in Hudson and I went for it. I am ecstatic to be able to work in such a diverse county with an extremely strong and supportive team.
Educational Background
I attended Rider University for both my undergraduate and graduate academic careers. I received my bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Computer Info Systems, and my masters degree in School Counseling with a certification to be a Student Assistance Coordinator.
Fun Fact:
I absolutely love trying new things. Have a new band or artist that you have been listening to nonstop? Maybe an awesome restaurant somewhere in the area, or in the city? Or even simply a new kind of tea that you have been enjoying? I am always open to suggestions, don’t be shy!
Favorite Quote:
“When the wind’s against you, remember this insight. / That’s the optimal condition for birds to take flight. / Now the wind’s against you, don’t give up the fight.”
~ Rou Reynolds | Enter Shikari, “Airfield”
Priya Patel
Coalition Coordinator & Data Specialist
What brought you to Coalition work?
Hudson County is my new home and I love the diversity and culture the community has to offer! During my master’s, I learned the importance of addressing the social determinants of health to prevent adverse health outcomes. Since I graduated, I have been working with non-profit organizations which increased my passion for working in a team to conduct outreach in local communities to initiate sustainable social change. I have always had a passion for working with children and youth as well as working with the mentally ill population, and people of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team to educate and protect the youth in our community!
Educational Background
I attended Hofstra University for both my undergraduate and graduate academic degrees. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Neuroscience Concentration and my master’s degree in Public Health.
Fun Fact:
As a vegan, I love animals and enjoy living a plant-based lifestyle. When not at work I enjoy traveling to new places with my family and friends. I also like upcycling clothing and sustainable fashion.
Favorite Quote:
“The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers.”
~ Deepak Chopra
PPatel@pipnj.org
(201) 552 2263