Great things are on the horizon

Brian McGovern CEO

Brian is a dedicated social worker with extensive experience in program development, service planning, and funding development. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University and has been a Licensed Social Worker since 1991. Brian’s professional journey began at the NYC Health and Hospital Corporation in1992 as a Social Work Supervisor. Brian helped implement new Social Work program services while at the Hospital; Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, and a Federally Qualified Health Center, in Jamaica Queens NY. Brian later served as Associate Director at Queens Health Network, administering HIV grants for Pediatric and Adolescent HIV services. He joined NJCRI in 2001 and became CEO in 2009.

Awilda Rivera Managing Director

Awilda Rivera is a Managing Director with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. With over 30 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, she has successfully managed large-scale operations and fiscal oversight. For the past eight years, she has worked in the nonprofit sector, overseeing fiscal grants management, operations, and finance. She has led key initiatives, including the implementation of electronic medical records (EMR), third-party billing, and data integration with partner laboratories. Rivera possesses extensive expertise in program data systems such as CHAMP, ATHENA, SAGE, SPARS, and Blackbaud Financial Edge, ensuring compliance, accurate reporting, and financial oversight. Committed to operational excellence, she drives policy development, telemedicine integration, and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring compliance with grantors and agency standards while fostering agency-wide improvements.

Corey DeStefano Director of Clinical Operations

Corey Rosmarin-DeStefano is the Director of Clinical Operations at the North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI), where she brings over 25 years of experience in managing and overseeing clinical research and operations. In her role, she is responsible for directing a wide range of clinical programs and studies funded by leading organizations, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and various pharmaceutical companies. Corey is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly those at risk for infectious diseases and related health disparities. Under her leadership, NJCRI has developed and implemented comprehensive clinical programs that focus on prevention, care, and treatment for populations such as substance users, adolescents, young adults, the homeless, and other marginalized groups. Her expertise lies in overseeing the clinical aspects of recruitment, outreach, infectious disease testing, and ensuring the seamless connection of individuals to essential healthcare services, with a strong emphasis on retaining individuals in care. Corey’s work also spans STI/HIV/Hepatitis C care, treatment, screening, and clinical behavioral health interventions, addressing the unique needs of underserved communities. A highly skilled leader in clinical systems, Corey excels at integrating clinical care with behavioral health services. She designs and implements evidence-based strategies, policies, and operational procedures that ensure optimal patient care, enhance program effectiveness, and reach hard-to-engage populations. Corey has a particular focus on streamlining clinical workflows, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and improving patient outcomes. Corey holds a bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a specialization in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, to further refine her expertise in clinical operations, public health, and program management to better serve vulnerable communities.

Dale Glover HR Director

Dale Glover is the Human Resources Director at the Newark Community Health and Research Institute (NJCRI), where they lead all HR functions including talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. With a strong background in human resources management and a passion for fostering inclusive, mission-driven workplaces, Dale plays a key role in supporting NJCRI’s commitment to community health and social equity. Prior to joining NJCRI, Dale held HR leadership roles in both Veterinary and healthcare sectors. They bring over 15 years of experience in driving strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational goals and values.

Dorinda Colman Director of Behavioral Health

Dorinda Coleman has been a practicing Behavioral Health Clinician for more than 20 years. Earlier in her career, Dorinda worked in a residential treatment facility as a counselor/assistant for two years, collaborating with women who had DCP&P involvement and mandated residential treatment. In 2006, Dorinda began her tenure at NJCRI, providing substance abuse services to individuals under the Ryan White Program. In 2010, she transferred to Project WOW working with LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13-24. Dorinda found her work with youth to be both rewarding and fulfilling. In 2022, Dorinda was promoted to the position of Director of Behavioral Health at NJCRI. This position affords her the opportunity to hone her skills in the Behavioral Health field. Dorinda graduated from Essex County College with an Associate degree in mental health and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University.

Erika Ferradino Director of Nursing

Erika is a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse licensed in New York and New Jersey. She has focused on addiction medicine since 2008, working in methadone clinics, inpatient detox, rehabs, and harm reduction centers. She has opened and managed addiction treatment centers in both states. She serves as Director of Nursing at North Jersey Community Research Initiative, overseeing their harm reduction program and medical services department. Erika is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for patients with substance use disorders.

Christian Mendez-Baez Director of Prevention and Education

Christian serves as the Director of STD Prevention Education and Clinical Services at the Newark Community Health and Research Institute (NJCRI). In this role, Christian oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive sexual health programs aimed at reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and improving access to clinical care in the Newark community. With a strong foundation in public health and community outreach, Christian leads a dedicated team that delivers evidence-based education, testing, and treatment services with a focus on culturally competent care and health equity. Bringing over 20 years of experience in sexual health education and clinical program management, Christain is passionate about empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health. Their work is deeply rooted in NJCRI’s mission to serve vulnerable populations and reduce health disparities through prevention, education, and compassionate care.