James R. is a Licensed Social Worker successfully working with children and families for over 25 years. He has worked in the summer camp and social service industries in various aspects including: management, clinical and direct services. James’ vision is to maximize the focus on the front line within social service agencies towards more effective and lasting impacts on lives.

James is described by clients, employees, and fellow leaders as a team player, who easily cultivates solid rapport and can facilitate success with most anyone. He is also a practicing psychotherapist.

Program Director

Sr. Program Manager

Danielle B. holds a degree in Human Development and Family Science from Syracuse University and joined Lodestar in early 2021 as a field provider. Over time, Danielle has contributed to the organization’s development and fundraising efforts and was elevated to our Senior Program Manager. She is deeply committed to supporting both our clients and staff, and is dedicated to helping Lodestar grow, reaching even more families in our communities.

Program Manager

Dorothy W., LMSW, has been a part of our Lodestar supervisory staff since 2021. With a Master’s in Social Work from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology from SUNY Farmingdale, she is dedicated to providing compassionate therapy to children and adolescents at Lodestar. Dorothy is passionate about creating supportive environments that foster growth and healing. In her spare time, she enjoys taking long walks with her dog, Holly, and exploring her creative side through crocheting.

Allison K. is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor through the State of New York and is working towards Certification through the Association of Play Therapy. As a Play Therapist, her ability to meet each child where they are at is where growth and change can take place. Allison has been serving individuals and families on Long Island for five years, and enjoys continuing to grow in the field. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and has training relating to anxiety in children and teens, Trauma, CBT, Child Centered Play Therapy, and working towards completion of the Adoption Competence program. 

Kayla F., LMSW is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker with over five years of experience supporting youth and adults facing various mental health challenges. Since joining Lodestar in 2020, they have progressed from an in-home mental health support specialist to their current role as Program Coordinator. Kayla specializes in a diverse range of mental health diagnoses, intellectual and developmental disabilities, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ issues, bringing a compassionate and tailored approach to their work.

Emalee F. LMSW, MPH is a dedicated professional with dual degrees in Public Health and Social Work from Stony Brook University. Emalee has been a staff member at Lodestar for the past four years and has extensive experience enhancing the accessibility and quality of mental health services for children, families, and communities both in the field and in management roles.

Lindsey H-B. has her Bachelor’s from Southern New Hampshire University in Psychology with a specialization in childhood and adolescent development. Now she is working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Lindsey has worked in daycare centers as a lead teacher and knew that she wanted to work with children since she was five. She enjoys reading, music, hiking, yoga, and meditation.

Raina B. graduated with Magna Cume Laude honors at St. Joseph’s University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She also held the office of secretary of the Psi Chi National Honors Society. During her college career, Raina became a mother to her beautiful son, who was gifted with an extra chromosome. When she was informed of her son’s diagnosis it became her mission to spread awareness and advocate and support those with special needs. Some of Raina’s favorite things to do are to go on long walks, visit local farms and zoos with her son, and cook fun, nutritious snacks and meals for both her son and herself.

Joseph S. obtained his Master’s in Literacy Education at Long Island University. His experience as an educator across multiple elementary schools from Riverhead to Northport. With a specialization in ELA, he enjoys teaching children reading and writing.

Tricia O. earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University and is currently pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Public Health at SBU as well. Tricia has many years of experience working with children including in daycare settings, babysitting, working with children with special needs, and being a foster parent to vulnerable children. Outside of work, Tricia’s passions and hobbies include wellness, mental health, fitness, cooking/baking, being active outdoors, and going to the beach.

Erin E. graduated from Stony Brook University with her BA in Psychology. She is a problem solver and a committed team player. She worked as a Babysitter for helping Hands Babysitting, an organization that helps families.

Cyla C. graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. She graduated from Kutztown University with her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business where she played lacrosse all four years. She is passionate about advocating for others’ mental health and enjoys working out and being active!

Brianna J. earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University and now works with children ages 3-5 as an Educational Replacement Staff Member at Stony Brook Childcare Services. She also completed an internship at the Developmental Disabilities Institute in early 2021. In college, she was an active member of the Women’s Lacrosse Club and the Psi Chi Honor Society.

Megan S. graduated from National University with her Master’s Degree in Education. She specialized in teaching and learning in a global society. She has worked as a Care Manager Supervisor for the last 10 years and as a CFTSS worker for the last five years. Megan is also trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and has supervisory experience as a Health Care Integrator.

Courtney S. received her Master’s of Social Work from Stony Brook University. During her time as an undergraduate at SUNY Westbury, she worked as a volunteer for the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative and as an Intern for the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. Her undergraduate research project studied the link between social media use and academic performance.

Daniella L. graduated from CUNY Brooklyn College and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Since 2018 she has worked as an after-school teacher, teacher’s assistant, a student mentor/intern, and provided children of all ages with a safe, friendly environment. Daniella cherishes the connections she has made with each of her students and ensures that they feel valued as individuals. Daniella is very passionate about helping children, mental health, and fitness.

Human Resources

Alyssa B. graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is currently enrolled in a Master’s Program for Mental Health Counseling. She has a passion for helping others and has been working with children for many years as a babysitter, and field worker and is also a mother of two daughters.

Operations

Kadin N. graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. He is working towards a career in animation, but also enjoys graphic design, critical psychology, and environmental field work. Kadin loves using his skills in visual arts to spread awareness for causes that he is passionate about. In his free time he enjoys birding, cooking, reading, and playing with his cat.

Quality Assurance

Maeling R. has been a Program Supervisor for Lodestar starting December 2019 and was elevated to Program Coordinator in August 2022. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. She has seven years of experience providing children’s mental health services, including clinical services for foster children and mental health services for autistic young adults.

Authorizations

Nicole B. graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. Nicole’s studies focused primarily on children’s and women’s studies. For two years she was a Home Health Aide for her mother, helping her with everyday tasks that were difficult due to her mother’s disability.

Billing

Stephanie L. received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Queens College and a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Pathology.  She is passionate about working with children and she is most proud of her three beautiful children.

Payroll

Gillian J. earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Suffolk County Community College. She is a team player with over four years of experience in hospitality and management. During high school, she worked as a sports counselor for children aged 5-12.

Development

Tyler G. is the Development Coordinator at Lodestar Children’s Services, where he enjoys his role in fundraising and event coordination. With a degree in Communications and Media from Fordham University, Tyler brings a diverse professional background spanning Marketing, Human Resources, Graphic Design, and Film Production. In his career, he has worked with production companies and pharma companies across New York, providing him with a broad skill set and unique perspective. Passionate about mental health, Tyler is deeply committed to valuing an individual’s story and the personal journeys that shape them, believing that everyone has a meaningful narrative to share.