Michelle Casserly
Hackensack Meridian Health
Meridian Health Foundation
A die-hard sports fan all of her life, Michelle originally
dreamed of being a broadcaster for ESPN. However, after gaining
valuable experience at Elizabethtown College, she turned down a job
offer from the network to pursue event planning as a career.
Following her position at Street & Smiths’ SportsBusiness
Journal in Charlotte, North Carolina, she returned to her Jersey roots
to work for the Lakewood BlueClaws baseball team. She then gained
experience in other industries, including hotel and pharmaceuticals,
before finding her calling in non-profit work.
Currently, as the Executive Director of Strategic Events for
Hackensack Meridian Health Meridian Health Foundation, Michelle
is responsible for the planning and execution of all logistics related
to the annual fundraising events for the hospitals in the network’s
southern region. In this capacity, she has increased the revenue total
and strategic value of the activities each year during her 10-year tenure.
Michelle leads a team of committee members, volunteers, an event
associate and an event assistant. She regularly presents to other
non-profit organizations regarding strategically aligning events with
the organization’s mission, including three times at the Association
of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) International Conferences and at
Raise - 2018 The Event Fundraising Conference.
Michelle is a resident of Belmar where she serves as a committee
member for the Belmar – Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee,
the Belmar Democratic Committee and sits on the Zoning Board of
Adjustments. She also volunteers for the Monmouth Park Charity Fund.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in flip-flops with
her family including her two phenomenal nieces Molly and Morgan
(ideally at the beach!) and following her favorite sports teams.
Erin Chiaravalloti
The Rumson Country Day School
Community
outreach is especially important to Erin Chiaravalloti who has
organized and directed multiple fundraising events. She is the
Director of Operations for Costumes for Cancer, which is a fundraising
event based around a Halloween costume party that takes place every
October. All proceeds go toward endowing a scholarship at Christian
Brothers Academy, known as the Vito J. Chiaravalloti, Sr. Memorial
Scholarship. Chiaravalloti organized and managed Gracie’s Zumbathon in
2015 where she helped raised $8,000 in one day for Gracie West, a
survivor of childhood cancer.
During her college years, Chiaravalloti attended Rowan University
where she was a member of the Dance team, Admissions Ambassador, and
involved in Phi Beta Kappa, an Education honors society. Chiaravalloti
is constantly using her talents in dance, physical fitness training,
swimming and the performing arts to help others. Today, Chiaravalloti
works as the Co-founder and Operating Manager of The Anchor’s Edge
Pool Management Company, which operates out of Beacon Hill Country Club.
“She leaves a positive legacy in the lives of all she meets. Her
students love her and she is an asset to her school,” said nominator
Samantha Rice, former Communications Manager at Girl Scouts of the
Jersey Shore. “Overall, Erin actively seeks the needs of others and
finds way to help them. She is a star. She is a difference maker.”
Chiaravalloti is a leader and has taken numerous such roles in her
community. She exemplified this role when she raised money for a
fellow dancer at Count Basie, whose mother had passed suddenly during
preparation for the show. Chiaravalloti’s heart leads her to give back
to the community. She is currently a Beginner’s Teacher at Rumson
Country Day School, where she has also authored, choreographed, and
directed a children’s play 30 Days Has September for her Kindergarten students.
Kimberly Clark
Pinelands Regional School District
Courage
is the leading characteristic used to describe Kimberly Clark through
her endeavors thus far in her life and career. As a loving wife and
newbie mother, she continues to thrive in her work, community
leadership, and volunteering. Dr. Clark is an Assistant Principal
& District Supervisor (of English, gifted and talented, special
education and the media center), at the Pinelands Regional School
District and Board of Education.
At her school, Dr. Clark has founded the “Golden Paw” Committee for
staff recognition, created a Practical Leadership Experience (PLEX)
program for aspiring administrators, and much more, truly embracing
her role and stepping outside her duties in making a true difference
in the school district.
“Kim strides above most, with relentless energy and passion. A
go-getter whose sole focus is to make this world a better place for
those who follow after her,” said nominator Jacqueline Stone, who work
in the department under Dr. Clark. “She is not afraid of challenges,
faces obstacles and daunting projects with fierce determination and
set goals most wouldn’t have the stamina or determination to achieve
or accomplish.”
Service to her community plays a big role in Dr. Clark’s life. She
is a volunteer on the Dissertation Committee, Doctoral Student Mentor,
Aspiring Administrator Mentor, weekly book reader for a student with
multiple disabilities, and an Alliance for a Living Ocean Volunteer.
Dr. Clark has shown her involvement in the community and appreciation
of nature as the Coordinator of the Food & Clothing Center during
Hurricane Sandy, and organized the “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes”
Hurricane Sandy Awareness Event in 2012.
Dr. Clark is someone who encompasses traits such as authenticity,
trustworthiness, kindness, commitment, savvy, fairness, appreciation,
and respect, in an environment where people feel safe and loved.
Jessica Easton
St. Denis D.O.V.E.S & Seabrook
Jessica
Easton, was born and raised in Manasquan; she graduated Manasquan High
School in 2012, as vice president of her class and varsity
cheerleading captain. Upon graduating from Manasquan, she went on to
obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Widener University in
Chester, Pennsylvania.
Jessica works full time as a programs assistant at Seabrook Senior
Living in Tinton Falls, while continuing her education at Rutgers
University studying for her Master’s Degree in Healthcare
Administration. She enjoys working every day with the elderly.
While in high school, Jessica attended her first service trip with
the St. Denis D.O.V.E.S. which means Dedicating Our Values Every
Second through Catholic Heart Work Camp in Buffalo NY. Her team
served an elderly woman in her home with painting, yard work and
friendship, she left that service trip with a new outlook on life. Not
knowing her career path, she knew that “she wanted to help people.”
Every summer since she has spent a week of her summer at Catholic
Heart Work Camp, doing a variety of different work. Jessica has gone
from camper to chaperone over the past 10 years. Last year when the
directors and co-founders of DOVES decided to reduce their
responsibility and involvement with DOVES, they approached Jessica
with the opportunity to take over the reins of the group. Jessica
believes so strongly in this program so along with her mother Ellen
they decided to take over the responsibility. This past summer was
the 2nd year that Jessica served as Co-Director of the St.
Denis DOVES youth group as she along with 51 others traveled to serve
the less fortunate in Dover Delaware.
Laura Grunin
The Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation
Laura
Grunin resides in Toms River with her husband of 18 years, Jeremy, and
her three amazing children, Josh (17), Rebecca (15), and Emma (13).
Laura makes her impact in the philanthropic endeavors of The Jay and
Linda Grunin Foundation locally, with the goal of doing the same
globally. She has helped implement school-based mental health services
in the Toms River School system in order to benefit children in need.
Laura is the Second Vice Chair of the Ocean County YMCA as well as a
founding and active member of the 100 Women Campaign at Ocean County
College, where she mentors nursing students. Although she is quite
busy with her family as well as volunteering for non-profit
organizations, she has recently gone back to school at NYU for her PhD
in Nursing Research and Theory Development in order to maximize her
nursing expertise in the same manner as her work at the Foundation -
positive global impact. Although she does not necessarily believe she
deserves this honor, her compassion, need to help others, and
willingness to work hard all make it clear why she was nominated for
this award.
Meghan Kane
Clean Cheats LLC
Since
she was young, community service and the love of food had been a part
of Meghan Kane’s life. With her great grandmother and her sister, Kane
volunteered as a child preparing food baskets during the Thanksgiving
season through the Freehold Open Door. After the devastation of
Superstorm Sandy hit the Jersey Shore, Kane helped coordinate the
adoption of homeless families who were in need of comfort and
normalcy. Together with her family, Kane provided a luncheon for five
families, including the presentation of gifts to all family members by
Santa Claus.
During her last semester at Rutgers University, Kane fell in love
with her fieldwork class at the Douglas Developmental Disability
Center (a school for individuals with Autism), and found her
professional calling. Now she is employed as a special education
teacher in the New Brunswick School District teaching students with
Autism at the elementary level.
“Meghan has been instrumental in developing vocational tasks taken
for granted by most people, and in some cases the start of verbal
communication,” said Kevin Kane. “Her character and integrity are well
respected by those involved in the special needs community, especially
parents of children with Autism.”
Through her day in the classroom and in-home after care sessions,
Kane came across many children who had food allergies or specific
dietary restrictions who could not enjoy delicious treats such as
cookies. This inspired Kane to start baking cookies to reward and
treat the children she was teaching. Her passion led to the creation
of Clean Cheats Cookie Company in Spring Lake, 2017. Kane bakes 40-50
dozen cookies a week that are now sold in 16 locations across 4 states.
The courage, determination and confidence in her ability has allowed
Kane to help make the world a better place for all, especially children.
Shani Love
YMCA of Western Monmouth County
Dance
and movement have played prominent roles in the life of Shani Love and
continue to provide her inspiration in life. Love graduated from Mason
Gross Performing Arts School at Rutgers with her Bachelor’s Degree.
Today she continues to work as a dance instructor and Zumba
instructor, keeping her passion close to heart.
For the past 10 years, Love has donated her time volunteering to the
Macedonia Debutante and Escort Cotillion, which is sponsored by the
Macedonia Baptist Church. More recently she decided to take charge and
become the Chairwoman of the event. Love felt strongly that she needed
to strengthen the program and bring it back to its relevant purpose
for the minority youth in the area. Her plans for the cotillion
include making it a year-round program that would in return expose the
youth to more opportunities, workshops, and trips so when high school
is over, the youth feel more prepared for the next chapter of their lives.
“Shani is very passionate about the work that she is doing in all
areas, especially the cotillion,” said nominator and mother Gwendolyn
Love. “She sees so much value in pouring positivity into the lives of
the youth who participate in her programs.”
Working full-time as Coordinator at the Western YMCA for the Before
and After school care, Love exemplifies her leadership capabilities.
She has lead people by gaining their trust to make the changes and
take the risks that are needed to have a positive impact in the end.
Love’s humble personality allows for the teachable moments that help
not only herself, but her youth to grow to their full potentials. The
hardworking Love seeks to find the best in each and every child that
comes across her path, truly improving their lives.
Samara Porter O’Neill
Broker and Owner of PorterPlus Realty
From
a young age Samara Porter O’Neill was encouraged to live a life built
upon the foundation of values. Such values focused on the importance
of education as well as living a life of purpose. After earning her
Master’s degree from Drexel University in marketing, Samara began the
climb up the Fortune 500 corporate ladder.
Before leaving the corporate world, to take over her fathers Real
Estate legacy; she was an esteemed consultant, Director and Project
manager. When her father passed away she walked away from corporate
America and took on the challenging role of Real Estate broker while
being a full time mom and heavily involved in her community. She has a
passion for following in her family’s footsteps and showing her
children the importance of risk taking and staying faithful to your roots.
From taking on the challenge of her daughters elementary yearbook,
to being a youth basketball coach, board member of YMCA, a member of
the rotary club, volunteer at the Jackson food pantry and more; there
is nothing she can’t find the time for. This is because Samara
believes in giving back to the community ten fold and that being a
role model for the youth is of the utmost importance.
Samara’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, compassion,
passionate drive and perseverance can be seen in all she takes part
in. Everyone who knows her respects her for her ability to transcend
challenges through perseverance and compassion.
“Samara has a genuine heart and is eager to jump to the call of
service for her community,” said nominator Allison Niedrach. “She is a
do all, take charge, and love all the people kind of woman!”
Samara plans on continuing to serve as a pillar in the community
while instilling the important values she learned herself as a child.
She also hopes that her company Porterplus Realty can continue to
positively help the community while bringing the dreams of home buying
for families to a reality.
Kelly Servodio
CG Healthcare Solutions
Involvement
in the community is a top priority for Kelly Servodio, as she is
involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and the Salvation Army.
Servodio received her Bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from
Felician College, which led her to her job today working as a
Credentialing Coordinator at CG Healthcare Solutions.
“Kelly is a go-getter, she does not hesitate when asked for help,
and is always ready with a recommendation or idea,” said nominator
Danielle Bagdzinski. “She gives 100% all the time and is a role model
for young women everywhere.”
Not only is she successful in her career, but also an incredible
volunteer and philanthropist. The lists of organizations she serves is
extensive and she is constantly getting involved in additional causes.
Servodio is a shining example of what it means to be a woman of
courage, confidence and character.
“Kelly Servodio is very dedicated to helping out in the community
where she was raised and always looking to give back to make Toms
River a better place for generations to come,” said second nominator
Kelli Peterson. “Kelly is an outstanding example to women as to what
it means to be a part of the community and exemplifies going above and
beyond for those around her.”
Jamie L. Sheridan
UBS Financial Services
Moving to Monmouth County in 2000 
gave
Jamie L. Sheridan the life she always hoped to lead. She attended
Monmouth University, earning her degree in Marketing and
Communications. After graduation, Sheridan set out to build a
tremendous career as a young, female leader in the Financial Services
Industry, which is predominantly a male-oriented industry. Today,
Sheridan serves as the Branch Office Administrator for UBS Financial
Services Wealth Management.
Sheridan's leadership ability was noticed when she lobbied the firm
to purchase an automated external defibrillator machine for the
office. She arranged for 12 employees to be trained in AED/CPR,
including herself. At work, she leads an entire office of over 30
employees, and her commitment reaches beyond the office as she has
immersed herself into the community.
“Jamie has been recognized by our firm as an outstanding leader and
contributor,” said nominator and fellow employee Maria Farhat-Tanzola,
who is also a member of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's Board of
Directors. “She is excellent at all she does while sometimes under the
radar, makes a huge impact as a leader and role model for young girls
and women. She is Phenomenal!”
Sheridan gives back to the community as a driver, contributor and
supporter of many organizations. Her involvement in Clean Ocean
Action, Holiday Express, Foodbank of Monmouth & Ocean (now called
Fulfill), Ocean’s Harbor House and Operation Gratitude has given her
the opportunities to give back that she sought out as a student. She
makes a true impact in her community each and everyday.
In addition to her workplace, Sheridan has a loving husband, Tim,
who she has been married to since 2015. She was lucky enough to grow
her family immediately with her husband’s three wonderful adult
children: Kate, Andrew and Kristen. Sheridan and her husband enjoy
volunteering on their own time, helping St Luke’s Church and adopting
families through Good Counsel. When Sheridan and her husband are not
giving back to the community, they enjoy playing golf, traveling and
listening to Bruce Springsteen music.
Sarah Snell
Holman Frenia Allison, P.C.
Having
the Girl Scouts close to heart, Sarah Snell is an active member of the
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore where she holds the position of
regional delegate to the Board of Directors and serves on the
council's recruitment committee. She is also involved as a troop
leader for not one, but two troops in the Shore Pines Region since 2015.
Snell attended Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, where she
holds dual bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Finance. Snell works
as chief operating officer at Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. When she
started working in 2005 she became one of the fasted moving
accountants; she rolled up her sleeves and shifted focus inward on the
heart of the company she grew to love. Her ambition kept her working
while growing her family, which is often not the choice for women in
public accounting since it is such a demanding job.
“Sarah is a true role model for women not only in our firm, but in
the workforce. She has proven that you can have an awesome career
while at the same time being an amazing wife, mom, daughter and
sister,” said nominator Lauren Holman, 2016 Phenom Award Recipient.
“She does all of this with grace and elegance and honestly makes it
look easy.”
Snell implements and oversees a wide range of activities in all
phases of administration, personnel, finances, facilities, and
marketing for an 80+ employee firm with four offices located
throughout New Jersey. She belongs to the New Jersey and National
Chapters of the CPA Firm Management Association where she received the
designation of “PAFM” Professional Accounting Firm Manager and
graduated from the CPAFMA Leadership Institute in 2017. She is a
member of the New Jersey State Society of CPAs and serves on the
Student Programs and Scholarship Committee. She is also a new member
of the Junior League of Monmouth County, currently serving on the
Community Impact Council.
