Staff & Board Of Directors

Tim Carden joined the Board of The Family Success Institute in 2019 and became Director of the Institute in April of 2020. As a respected expert in public sector management and finance with over 30 years of experience, Tim has led and advised public agencies through periods of fiscal stress and organizational upheaval, developing innovative and forward looking responses to public sector challenges. As the New Jersey Commissioner of Human Services, in response to major reductions in federal funding, he pioneered an inclusive planning process, engaging local government and non-profit service providers in program evaluations and funding decisions. The community based coalitions that emerged from this process have remained champions of collective impact approaches to supporting at risk families and communities of need throughout the state. He has served on the boards of numerous non-profit agencies in the State, including Community Planning and Advocacy Council of Camden, Independence: A Family of Services in Newark, Community Options, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy in Camden, Friends of Team Academy in Newark and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

As a financial advisor specializing in public finance for over 30 years, Tim has guided numerous state and local government agencies through periods of economic turmoil, bringing outcome-driven change to a broad spectrum of public sector operations. In the early 1990’s, during a period of severe financial stress for urban hospitals, Mr. Carden assisted Newark Beth Israel Hospital on its strategic acquisition by St. Barnabas Health Care Corporation, stabilizing the hospital’s finances and funding the initial endowment of the New Jersey Health Care Foundation. Reflecting his conviction that community based services are an essential and under- valued component of essential services, Mr. Carden has spearheaded transformational projects in education, social services, transportation and economic development for Newark, Camden and other New Jersey cities . In addition to his active support of non-profit agencies throughout the State, he served two terms on the Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and on the transition committees of three New Jersey Governors.

Lori brings her enthusiasm and committed energy to fighting for the well-being of children and families. Her tireless approach to fundraising and development makes her an upbeat and refreshing asset to FSI.

Lori is the Director of Community Development at Center for Family Services (CFS), a human services agency serving families and children in New Jersey, where her work has focused on grants, fundraising, event planning, and donor and community partnerships and relationship building. She began her tenure at Family Intervention Services (FIS) as the Foster Care Coordinator for the Kid Connection Program and transitioned into her work as a volunteer recruiter and trainer. Prior to her work at FIS, Lori was a Resource Coordinator for Youth Consultation Services, a comprehensive mental health and education services provider for children in need. In this role, she came to learn firsthand the importance of a holistic approach to family support.

Lori received her B.A. in Sociology from William Paterson University.

Eliza graduated from Elon University in 2017, majoring in Media Arts and Entertainment. After graduation, Eliza moved to Madrid, Spain, teaching English to third and fourth graders in a primary school. Originally from Montclair, N.J., Eliza moved across state lines and jumped headfirst into the world of Connecticut state politics, working as a Legislative Aide in Hartford. She has run two successful campaigns – a state Senate race and a state Representative race, both in Connecticut. Eliza joined The Family Success Institute in August of 2020 and serves as the Communications Director, and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the Silberman School of Social Work.

Erica Harris DeValve graduated from Princeton University in 2017 with degrees in English and African American Studies (AAS). In Princeton’s AAS department, Erica focused much of her study on the black experience in political and religious spaces. A particular interest in the intersection of race and Christianity in the U.S. led her to theological studies at Fuller Theological Seminary following undergrad. While in grad school, Erica did her field study with Racial Agency Initiative and George Floyd Global Memorial, and was also selected to participate in the MIT Feminist Future(s) Hackathon as a member of the prison abolition cohort. After graduating with her master’s degree in 2021, Erica joined the staff at Princeton University’s Office of Religious as the Communications & Program Coordinator, and serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives for The Family Success Institute.

Caroline Oakley was born and raised in England and graduated from Warwick University in 1994 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She then moved into the finance field gaining a qualification as a Chartered Accountant at Arthur Andersen in London. After relocating to America in 1999 and eventually putting down roots in New Jersey, she began her own financial outsourcing company and returned to the finance management field working with a wide range of different clients and businesses. Caroline joined The Family Success Institute in December of 2020 in the position of Finance Manager.

Tom’s life-long quest to include disenfranchised members of our communities in the decisions that impact their lives inspires his leadership in the Family Success Institute. His vision for all people to have equal access to the resources and supports they need to succeed drives his pursuit of transformative strategies for the future. His dedication to investing in success and divesting from distress poses tantalizing questions for progressives and conservatives alike.

Tom has held a variety of key governmental positions and has implemented major systems reforms in the arenas of children and family services, welfare reform and behavioral health. His public sector experience includes serving as the Deputy Director for Alcoholism Services in New York City, Deputy Director and Chief Operational Officer for the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Hospitals, founding Director of the Office of Policy, Planning and Advocacy for the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Director of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services Management Team, and Special Assistant for Juvenile Services for the New Jersey Department of Corrections. In each assignment, Tom led change initiatives that included needs-based planning, unified local systems of services and support, seats for the consumers of service at policy tables, quality management methods and transparent budgeting.

Tom is the founder of JANUS Solutions, a cutting edge human service-consulting group that offers strategic and tactical assistance to public and non-profit organizations. JANUS consultants have fostered innovative solutions to socioeconomic challenges in fourteen states. Tom and his colleagues developed the family success platform while supporting the work of then-Mayor Cory Booker in the City of Newark. JANUS teams have broadened this family success work to other New Jersey communities.

Tom holds a B.A. from Colgate University where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a major in political science. He also earned a Master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Jeanne’s passion for enhancing the welfare of individuals, children and families has earned her a national reputation as a leader and advocate. Her steadfast belief that families represent the bedrock of our society has led her to be a founding member of the Family Success Institute. Through her collaborations with fellow-founder Tom Blatner, Jeanne coined the term “family success” as a message of hope for the future.

Jeanne is the CEO and President of Family Intervention Services (FIS), a non-profit agency that serves the children, youth and families of New Jersey. FIS provides family counseling, family support and education and crisis intervention services as well as clinical training and advocacy throughout the State. Under Jeanne’s leadership, FIS became a member of the New Jersey Children’s Coordinating Council and Family Support America. She has received recognition for her tireless championing of children and families and for pioneering a family systems approach. She has spearheaded legislative reforms, served as the Court Monitor for the closing of a children’s psychiatric hospital and served on a variety of statewide policy councils. The Family Success Institute has been incubated and launched under the stewardship of Jeanne and her board.

Jeanne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.

Khizar Sheikh is a founding member of the FSI Board. His deep interest in the future of our country and his passion for strong returns on social investments drives his leadership in the Institute.

Khizar is a Member of Mandelbaum Salsburg PC and chairs its Cybersecurity & Privacy Law Group. He focuses his practice on cybersecurity, privacy, and data matters. Khizar is an avid speaker and writer on cybersecurity, privacy, and technology topics, has been an adjunct professor at Seton Hall School of Law, and has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Dedicated to leadership and community service, Khizar is a graduate of both Leadership New Jersey and Leadership Morris. Khizar serves as the Chair of Family Intervention Services and a Board Member of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation. Khizar lives in Morris County, New Jersey with his wife and two sons, and volunteers his time also as a little league coach, former chair of his town’s environmental commission, and former vice chair of its zoning board.

Khizar received his B.A. from Hamilton College, and his J.D. from Rutgers Law School.

Charles (Charlie) Venti is the President of Inventive Strategies LLC where he provides technical assistance to government agencies and community organizations that are focused on human services, employment and training, social entrepreneurship, revenue development, service integration and systems reform. He is also an Adjunct Professor for the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work. He began his professional career as a VISTA Volunteer in Fulton County, Georgia (1974-1975) and later with the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (1975-2002) and was the first Division protective services caseworker to rise to the position of Director (1998-2002) until his retirement from state service. After a fourteen-year affiliation with The Nicholson Foundation, a family foundation focused on alleviating poverty in New Jersey (2003-2016), where he was Executive Director for the last seven years, he again retired to pursue his consulting practice full time.

Charlie holds an MPA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BA in Sociology from George Washington University. He has been an expert witness in child welfare litigation. He is a Board member for The Family Success Institute, Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ), and the Pascale Sykes Foundation, former Board Chairman of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers (CNJG) and current advisor to the Global Center for Social Entrepreneurship Network (GCSEN), Huamin Research Center at Rutgers University, and Greater Newark Local Initiative Support Corporation. Among others, his consulting clients have included Essex County Government, UMDNJ – Stratford, NY/NJ Volunteers of America, Community Education Centers, North Ward Center and NJ Community Development Corp.

Charlie and his wife Amy live in Fair Haven, NJ.

Karen Zaledzieski was an invaluable member of the Family Intervention Services Board for twenty years, first as a member and then as Board Chair. Karen also served on the Paterson Cares team as a Board member helping the homeless and those less fortunate. As a mom who has overcome tremendous challenges in her own life, she is the pure personification of parent leadership. Karen developed an interest in giving back and paying it forward after dealing with her own personal challenges and has spent her life in service of others. Her dedication, commitment and contributions over the years have been immeasurable. Her professional career, which spans several decades, includes the Lincoln Park Nursing Home as a Nurse’s Aide, Valley Hospital as a Patient Care Tech, a private doctor’s office as a medical assistant, Passaic County Technical High School as a part time instructor and as an instructor in a Physicians assistance course in Paramus, NJ.

In addition to volunteering her time on the Board of Directors at FIS, and Paterson Cares Karen Z. continued to volunteer in her community. She participated in and sought out donations for back to school drives, food drives, thanksgiving donation drives and holiday drives.

Born in Kentucky, raised in Camden (NJ), with roots in Paterson (NJ), Karen Z has a very fulfilling life. She has a wonderful husband of 18 years, a loving daughter, two beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson. She takes great joy in spending time with her grandchildren.

Karen enjoys riding her bike; but not the kind you pedal. Karen Z. restored a 1996 Suzuki 650 motorcycle, which she enjoys cruising around. In addition, you will see her spending time on her boat fishing. Karen has moved her family to South Carolina and is now an active member of the VFW Post 9037 auxiliary. She is excited to bring her passion, energy, commitment and warmth to the Family Success Institute. Her down-to-earth perspective and sharp mind will keep the FSI work well grounded in families and community.

Kevin has over 40 years’ experience in the banking industry. He is Market Executive for Synovus Bank, in the Florida Division comprised of 72 full service commercial branches. Kevin supports the commercial, marketing and business development strategy for the commercial and business bankers in the state of Florida.

Kevin was Executive Vice President, Retail Lending Director – Residential Mortgage and Home Equity for TD Bank which included a $36Bn portfolio. He was responsible for product development, pricing, secondary market sales, risk, US Sales through multiple channels

Prior to this role, Kevin was EVP- Head of Retail Strategy and Solutions for TD Bank. In this role, he was responsible for US Retail strategy. Reporting into Kevin was Retail Sales and Solutions, US Retail Operations, US Distribution, US Retail Risk, US ATM and US Contact Centers. Total operating budget was $1.6Bn with 14,000 employees.

Previously, Kevin was the Regional President for TD Bank’s Florida market, overseeing all retail, consumer, commercial & middle market lending, government banking and cash management operations throughout the state of Florida. With extensive experience leading in multiple markets, Kevin’s former roles include Market President for Metro D.C. and New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining TD Bank, he was a member of Summit Bank’s senior leadership team for 19 years, where he worked in various capacities, including Regional President for the bank’s New Jersey business.

Involvement in the communities he represents has always been important to Kevin. He was a member of SHRM and the Sarasota / Manatee SHRA Chapter; College Relations Chair, board member for Family Success Institute and a pre-IPO mortgage service firm. He is Chair for Jesus Father of the Poor Clinic – Haiti. He is an advisory board member for the business and accountancy school at State College of Florida.
He was appointed by former Florida Governor Scott to the Enterprise Florida Board. He was on the board for The Broward Workshop and the Florida Bankers Association.

He served in numerous New Jersey-based community organizations before moving to Virginia, including Chairman of the Board for the Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Family Intervention Services and a board member of Rotary, Morris EDC, Better Business Bureau, State Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Business and Education Together, the Morris Union Foundation for Autism, Caldwell College and Leukemia Society. Kevin is also a 4th degree knight for the Knight of Columbus. In Virginia he served as a Board Member for the Northern Virginia Community Foundation, Greater Washington Board of Trade and Northern Virginia Family Services.

Kevin graduated Lycoming College – BA in Business Administration / Finance, Sociology & Anthropology.

Carolyn McCombs has been blessed to serve in the Paterson community for over 25 years. She has earned a Master in Business Administration and a B.A. degree in Spanish and Communications both from Rutgers University. During her early career she served in various marketing and strategic planning capacities at Chubb & Son, AT&T and Sony.

Pastor McCombs has served in various ministerial capacities over the past 17 years including Co-Pastor of Open Door Ministries (in partnership with her deceased husband, Pastor Charles McCombs), volunteer Chaplain Passaic County Jail, Member of the Board of Directors of Paterson Alliance, Chairperson of the Passaic County Workforce Development Board Faith Based Committee. In 2006 she partnered with community leaders to establish New Destiny Family Success Center which serves as a centralized resource hub for more than 1500 familiar each year. New Destiny has partnered with various organizations including Paterson Public School District and William Paterson University to establish the Full Service Community School at The Senator Frank Lautenberg School 6. The Full Service Community School provides wrap around services and support to over 500 students and their families. She takes great joy in being a mom to two adult children and grandmother to a baby girl and boy.

Carolyn has dedicated her life to restoring hope and faith to families, youth and parents in the community.

Richard Stagliano, President and CEO of Center For Family Services, is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed marriage and family counselor with more than 35 years of experience in the human service field.

Stagliano has been with Center For Family Services for 37 years, spearheading numerous innovative programs in the areas of Behavioral Health, Child and Family Services, and Victim Services. Through his leadership, Center For Family Services has remained true to its mission and responsiveness to community needs.

In the year 2000, Stagliano facilitated a merger of three small nonprofits to create a new organization, Center For Family Services. Following the merger, Stagliano was named President/CEO. Prior to the merger, Stagliano served as Associate Executive Director of Family Counseling Service for 10 years and then as Executive Director for nine years.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Since 1984, Stagliano has been a faculty member at Rutgers University School of Social Work. He has served as the President of the Family Service Association of New Jersey, the Chairperson of the Camden County Division of Child Protection and Permanency Advisory Board, a Board Member of the Camden County United Way, a member of the Commission on Abused and Missing Children, and a consultant to numerous community groups and organizations.

In 2016, Stagliano was awarded with the Outstanding Service Award from the National Association of Social Workers, NJ Chapter for outstanding service to the local community. In 2018, he was recognized as one of South Jersey Biz Magazine’s 2018 Executives of the Year.

Kathleen is an expert in the field of Parent Leadership, Engagement and Family strengthening practices. An active social service professional for over 40 years, Ms. Roe began her career working for the DYFS. She was promoted from a general caseload to the Sexual Abuse Unit where she was instrumental in starting Parents United, a professionally facilitated support network for victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse. At Parents Anonymous she planned and implemented all training programs and oversaw the development of Statewide Parent Support groups, a 24 hr. Parent Helpline and an Adult survivor of childhood abuse group called H.O.P.E.S. (Healing Ourselves, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually).

She has spent the last 40 years actively advocating for a family strengthening approach to child welfare. Kathleen advocates on a state level for policy changes supporting parents and their families. She has been a member of the NJ Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, a member of the Safe Haven Task Force, Co-Chair of the NJ Citizen Review Panel, Co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Adolescent Pregnancy and a member of the Prevention Committee of the NJ Task Force.

A sought-after speaker and trainer, Ms. Roe co-presented the New Jersey Prevention Standards at the National Child Abuse Conference in Portland, Oregon; coordinated the statewide Prevention 101 training and developed and implemented the first New Jersey Prevention Standards Training for Trainers. Ms. Roe is passionate about all organizations embracing Trauma informed care and providing resources for not only children but adults still traumatized from their adverse childhood experiences.

Ms. Roe received her Masters Degree in Non-Profit Administration from Rider University in 2000 and a B.S.W. from Stockton University in 1977.

Gloria Aftanski’s leadership as President and CEO with United Way of Central Jersey has transformed the organization to invest in evidence-based preventive programs for children ages 0-5 and their families. United Way’s inter-generational approach invests in early childhood development, particularly for children most in need whose families have the least access to the resources and support to lead more prosperous, healthy and stable lives.

United Way’s program initiatives are grounded in the research of Economist and Nobel Laureate James Heckman: “Every child needs effective early childhood supports – and at-risk children from disadvantaged environments are least likely to get them. They come from families who lack the education, social and economic resources to provide the early developmental stimulation that is so helpful for success in school, college, career and life. Poor health, dropout rates, poverty and crime – we can address these problems and substantially reduce their costs to taxpayers by investing in developmental opportunities for at-risk children.”

In addition to membership on the Family Success Institute’s Board of Directors, Gloria is a member of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Universal Newborn Home Visiting Advisory Council; the Nurse Family Partnership National Service Office’s Administrators Advisory Council; Advocates for Children in New Jersey’s Pritzker Grant Home Visiting And Child Care Work Groups; the Middlesex County Workforce Investment Board and its Executive Committee and also Chairs its Literacy Committee; the Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Council and its Executive Committee, currently Chairs its Leadership Development Committee and is a member of its Planning and Child Care Committees and is past Chair of the full Council.

Gloria earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in American Government, both from Temple University.

Elsa Candelario (MSSW, Columbia University School of Social Work) is a Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the LISTA (Latino/a Initiatives for Service, Training and Assessment) Certificate Program at Rutgers University School of Social Work. Her teaching and professional experiences largely focus on macro social work practice, nonprofit leadership and social determinants of health. She is particularly interested in the areas of diversity and equity in nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, social determinants of health related to immigrants and Latino/a/x communities and cross sector collaboration, planning and advocacy.

Prior to joining the faculty, Elsa had a distinguished career of more than 25 years as a nonprofit administrator in New York and New Jersey. As an organizational leader, she was responsible for: strategic organizational direction; maintenance of donor, governmental and governance relationships; promotion of sound external affairs; and design, implementation and monitoring of health and human services programs. Her innovative and impactful work as a macro social work practitioner yielded scores of prestigious awards and recognitions during her tenure.

Elsa has served as a respected voice within the areas of nonprofit leadership and health/human services through her participation in a wide range of activities, including her current service as a member of the Rutgers School of Social Work’s Inclusion, Intersectionality, Diversity, Equity and Advancement (IIDEA) Committee, advisory board member of the NJ Population Health Cohort Study for the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy and member of the Center for Nonprofits’ Diversity and Equity Committee. She is a former board member and executive committee member of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NJ), Center for Nonprofits, past president of the New Jersey Hispanic Directors Association, past vice-president of the Latino Action Network and past president of the Council of United Way of Camden County Partner Agencies. She is also a past member of the boards of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden, United Way of Camden County and the Community Planning and Advocacy Council.

In addition, Elsa’s industry expertise has resulted in her participation on a number of prominent and influential advisory boards and task forces. She was the founding chairperson of the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma from 2005-2009 and was a member of the New Jersey Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Integration from 2007-2009 and the New Jersey Commission on the Status of Women from 2004-2007. From 1998-2002 she also served as Chairperson of the NJ Latino Health Advisory Committee.

Elsa is an LCSW who clinically supervises social work professionals and students and also provides clinical social work interventions to individuals.