EXECUTIVE STAFF
& MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Roxana Morel
Director of Operations
Roxana Morel is the Director of Operations at Marydell Faith & Life Center (MFLC), a role she has served in since 2021. Prior to working in her current role, Roxana provided finance and operations support to MFLC. A longtime Rockland County resident, Roxana graduated from Rockland Community College with a degree in Accounting and completed additional and related coursework at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Dominican University. She worked in various roles with Finance Departments for several years at both Sony Electronics and Toys R Us.
When Roxana first visited Marydell’s grounds, she felt that they were in a beautiful slumber. As the on-site director and an essential member of the senior leadership team, she has supported the launch and growth of a variety of programs and offerings for members of the local community and beyond by overseeing all operational aspects of the grounds, its buildings, and the staff that maintain them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Roxana’s role has been witnessing the profound impact that Marydell has on so many lives. She is thrilled that Marydell is emerging from that beautiful sleep to expand that impact and looks forward to continuing to work alongside the team of staff, board members, and volunteers dedicated to nurturing MFLC’s mission.
Jessica Wahlstrom
Chair
Jessica is a program developer and director who has worked with a number of non-profit organizations and health agencies in diverse settings across the globe. She also works as a freelance writer and creative project director. Jessica holds a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University and degrees in International Affairs and Spanish from the George Washington University.
Through her board leadership, Jessica helped steer efforts to strengthen MFLC as it transitioned into an organization directed by a lay board, overseeing the process of refining a vision and building the systems, team, and programs at its foundation. She continues to work in an advising capacity alongside the incredible Director of Operations and other key staff and board members.
As Director of Community Programs & Collaborations at Marydell, Jessica plans and directs a portfolio of diverse programs and partnerships that build and support creative and practical strategies for bolstering community mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing through social connection and environmental encounters.
TRUSTEES
Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD
Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD has been on the Board since it was only an Advisory Committee. She has been a Sister of O.L. of Christian Doctrine for 62 years. Sister has ministered in New York, South Carolina and Florida. From 1981-1988 she was Camp Director for Marydell Camp.
Sr. Eileen O’Farrell, RCD
Sister Eileen was born and raised in England. She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1949. In 1952, she entered the Sister of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine. Sister received a Bachelor and Masters degrees in Religious Education from Fordham University. For the past 71 years she ministered in New York, New Hampshire, Florida, and South Carolina, as a teacher and as a director of Religious Education. She is a writer of human-interest stories and shares many talents. Sister has served on the board for three years.
BOARD MEMBERS
Denise Adorante
Denise became a camper in the mid 60s and thus began years of summers spent at Marydell as a camper, kitchen/laundry worker, “CIT” and ultimately a counselor. Denise is a recently retired educator, teaching in the Independent School system in New York City for 43 years.
Chase R. Altneu
Chase R. Altneu has been on the Board of Marydell Faith and Life Center since 2022. In addition to being a neighbor and volunteer of Marydell, Chase is a financial professional working at large bank in New York City for the past 15 years. Chase graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Rhode Island in 2008 with a minor focus in economics. He lives with his wife and chickens in Upper Nyack, NY and enjoys creating self-sustainable living for his family and for surrounding family and friends.
Carolyn Caulfield
Carolyn is a special education teacher to 3 – 5 year old autistic children in Jersey City, NJ. She has degrees in Journalism and Music, Education, and an MA in Special Education, she is also a certified paralegal. She is an active member of St. Michael’s RC church in Cranford, NJ. She volunteers for the Radio station Star99.1 FM Radio. The station spreads the Gospel and brings hope through its many ministers of Christian music. She is also very proud to be a former Marydell Camp camper and counselor. Her experiences as a teen at Camp Marydell literally saved and changed her life.
Diane Eppolito Gaber
Diane was a camper starting at the age seven and joyfully spent the next 13 summers at Marydell,
She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and health education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent as well as a master’s degree in Science education with a concentration in the biological sciences.
Diane has been a science teacher for the last 30 years. Diane is married to her husband Adam and they are blessed with four beautiful children and three grandchildren. She lives in Woodbury Connecticut . Her hobbies include teaching fitness classes as well as hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Sr. Cecilia LaPietra, OP
Sister entered the Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill, NY on September 8, 1959. In 1994, after participating in different ministries, she began seeing many new faces around Sparkill. She and the other sisters thought the best service they could provide is to teach them English. Classes began in 1997. They had 39 students then and now, 25 years later, they are located in Marydell Faith & Life Center in Nyack with registration of 250 to 300 students.
Monica Lepore
Monica Lepore is a professor emeritus from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She currently keeps busy with Adapted Aquatics Instructor Training, coaching Special Olympics, triathlon coach for Down Syndrome Sports of America, teaching swim.
STAFF
Ourania Grimes
Communications and Operations Consultant
Ondrej Basti
Groundskeeper
Natalia Lemus
Maintenance