Our Team
As a nonprofit organization, Forestdale profoundly values the trust that has been placed in us. Partners trust us to carry out joint projects; governments and private entities trust our ability to safeguard children and families; and donors trust us to use their funds to innovate with evidence-based approaches that can positively transform child welfare as we know it. To safeguard this critical trust, Forestdale is committed to best practices in governance, accountability, and transparency. Our talented leadership team helps to direct and implement Forestdale’s strategies and advances our mission to end the intergenerational transmission of poverty and trauma among low-income families in Queens.Executive Staff
William Weisberg, Executive Director
Bill Weisberg, PhD has worked in the fields of youth services and international conflict resolution since 1981 motivated by the conviction that children deserve to flourish free from the obstacles of poverty and war. He is currently Executive Director of Forestdale, Inc, a leading family service organization in Queens, New York. He is working with the Forestdale team to continue to develop wrap-around supports that help families in distress create the conditions for their children to thrive, from evidence-based treatments increasing secure attachment in children to prevention programs that promote the long-term growth of families to internship programs that place young people on a path to adult success. Prior to Forestdale, he was with The Children’s Aid Society (CAS), where he held a variety of positions, including Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer. He developed two strategic plans while at CAS to reshape its services into a cradle-through-college continuum of services in 4 distressed communities. He worked to bring the full-service community school strategy to scale, to create a state-of-the-art service center for young people who are out-of-work and out-of-school, to develop the African American Male Initiative, and to implement new family asset-building cash transfer and college savings initiatives. He helped to design and implement a collective impact strategy, building a cradle through college pathway for children living in poverty. In international affairs, Bill has been a facilitator of multi-party talks to address conflicts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, the Haitian Diaspora, and the Mohawk Nation. His manuscripts on ethnic relations appear in three books. Dr. Weisberg graduated from PS 7-8 in downtown Brooklyn, JHS 104 in lower Manhattan, LaGuardia High School. SUNY Binghamton (BA, Psychology), and Harvard University (MA, PhD, Social Psychology).
Robert Aguirre, Chief Financial Officer
Robert Aguirre joined Forestdale in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer. He oversees Forestdale’s financial operations, including audits, cash flow management, financial reporting, and payroll. He is also responsible for developing and monitoring the annual operating and capital budgets. Mr. Aguirre ensures that Forestdale maintains its track record of financial strength and fiscal responsibility that our community and funders have come to expect. Before joining Forestdale, he spent 14 years at The Children’s Aid Society overseeing budget and operations for the School-Age division’s 20+ sites (community schools, community centers, and charter school) as Deputy Director of Operations. Mr. Aguirre graduated from St. Leo School, St. Francis Preparatory (High) School, and Baruch College (BBA, Business Administration and MPA, Public Administration), where he was a National Urban Fellow.
Maria Astudillo, LCSWD- Assistant Executive Director for Health
Maria Astudillo, LCSWD, is the Assistant ED for Health. She leads a talented team that includes our Director of Health Services (Suchireta Kapoor), Director of Behavioral Health (RoseAnn Lowe), and a group of experienced practitioners and administrators. She leads Forestdale's health division as we continue high-quality integrated healthcare for young people in our Foster Care (FC) Program. In addition, Forestdale continues expanding services to high-need children outside of the FC system. Maria helps Forestdale develop programs that address health service gaps for young people in under-resourced communities in Queens and Brooklyn. Maria has decades of experience in child and family services, including as Vice President of Behavioral Health at Partnership for Children, Director of Mental Health at Children's Aid, and Director of Clinical Operations for Children's Services at Healthfirst.
Rosemarie Ewing-James, LMSW–Assoc ED of Programs
Rosemarie Ewing-James, LMSW, Associate ED of Programs has 26 years’ experience working with families and provides administrative oversight to all of Forestdale’s client service programming, with the exception of clinical programs and Strong Mothers. Ms. Ewing-James most recently held the position of Assistant Executive Director at Forestdale and oversaw all foster care and adoption programs. She holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor’s in Linguistics and Social Psychology from Swarthmore College, and is a longtime resident of southeast Queens. She directly supervises the Asst. ED of Foster Care, Administrative Director of Preventive Services, Director of Strong Futures/Youth Development, and the Administrative Director of Strong Fathers. Rosemarie is responsible for continued program compliance with all institutional, governmental, and regulatory guidelines.
Linda Ford, LMSW–Assistant ED of Foster Care
Linda Ford heads Forestdale’s Strong Families – Foster Care, therapeutic foster care and adoption programs. Before coming to Forestdale, she was a Program Director at Steinway Child and Family Services, working with adults with severe mental illnesses. The Bronx native has also worked as a substance abuse counselor, a hospital-based social worker and a case planner for pregnant mothers in foster care.
Lorraine Gonzalez-Camastra, LCSW-R–
Asst. ED of Policy and Practice
Lorraine Gonzalez-Camastra, LCSWR, has accepted new responsibilities at Forestdale, as the Assistant Executive Director for Policy and Practice. In this role, she will oversee Forestdale’s practice models, including Best Practice Casework (BPC), Attachment & Bio-Behavioral Catch-up (ABC), and Solution-Based Casework (SBC). Ms. Gonzalez-Camastra will lead our implementation of evidence-based/informed practices, emphasizing partnerships with families resulting in long-term growth and stability. In addition, she will ensure that our services incorporate those most likely to produce the positive changes for families they seek to make.
Ms. Gonzalez-Camastra will be Forestdale's senior policy leader advocating for public policies that reduce child poverty and radically improve child well-being. She will continue to supervise the Director of Reproductive Health, Christine Rodriguez. Before this new appointment, Lorraine served as Forestdale's Assistant ED for Clinical Services, Program Development, and Evaluation for five years. She has extensive experience in behavioral health, policy, and administration, including as the Director of Health Policy at the Children's Defense Fund NY and Mental Health Director at Children's Aid. Forestdale is grateful for her service, flexibility, and expertise.
Krista Larson, MSW–Assistant ED of Preventive Services
Krista Larson joined Forestdale as the Assistant Executive Director for Preventive Services in July, 2020. She brings over 25 years of experience as a social worker, serving young people and families through direct practice, program development and management, and policy advocacy. Most recently she was the Director of the Center on Youth Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice, a national criminal justice reform organization based in NYC.
Rachel Tzimorotas, Esq.–General Counsel and Assistant ED of Operations
Rachel Tzimorotas, Esq. is Forestdale’s General Counsel and Assistant Executive Director of Operations. Ms. Tzimorotas oversees several Forestdale operational units, including Development/Community Engagement, HR, IT, and Facilities. Additionally, all capital/renovation projects for all three Forestdale locations (i.e., in Jamaica & Forest Hills, Queens, and Downtown Brooklyn), fall under her management. As General Counsel for Forestdale, she coordinates all work performed by outside counsel. She joined Forestdale in 2011 after working as a Family Court Legal Services attorney with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). Ms. Tzimorotas graduated from St. John’s University School of Law and went on to work as an Assistant D.A. in Kings County for six years and then practiced medical malpractice litigation before her tenure at ACS.
Senior Management
Anstiss Agnew, LCSW–Senior Advisor
Anstiss Agnew, LCSW, is Senior Advisor to Forestdale, researching new strategies – especially those to ensure that when young people leave foster care, they have the resources and caring support to succeed socially, academically, and professionally. Ms. Agnew formerly served as Forestdale’s Executive Director from 2006 – 2016. Ms. Agnew brings more than 40 years of experience in organizational leadership and therapeutic practice, including eight years as Associate Director and Executive Director of Inwood House. An expert in adolescent health, Ms. Agnew began her career in 1971 as a coordinator of a community mental health center in New Mexico.
Derek Carter, MPA–Administrative Director of Strong Fathers
Derek Carter joined Forestdale in November 2014 and oversees the Strong Fathers program as its Administrative Director. Prior to joining Forestdale, Mr. Carter worked for 30 years with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. During that time, he worked in various areas within ACS, including the Family Preservation Program. Mr. Carter also served as an ACS representative in the Brooklyn Fatherhood Coalition. He last served as Director of Field Operations in the Division of Child Protection and received his BA in Urban Studies from Queens College and an MS in Urban Policy and Administration from Brooklyn College.
Jacqueline Denson, MPA–Director of Family Enrichment Center
Jacqueline Denson joined the Forestdale team as the new Family Enrichment Center Director in 2022. An educator and entrepreneur by profession, Jacqueline has extensive experience in both fields. Her teaching and business experience spans over 20 years. As an experienced nonprofit and business professional, she provides insight and strategy for students and communities alike. With a certification in Personal Development Coaching, a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and a Master's Degree in Public Affairs, she has a broad background in education and public affairs. As a leader, she brings a sincere commitment to her work. She has a deep appreciation for teaching and inspiring others to be the highest versions of themselves. Enabling them to become better than ever in every aspect of their careers and lives. She possesses a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about sharing it.
Javier Estrada–Director of Facilities
Javier Estrada joined Forestdale in December 2015 and oversees the Facilities Department as the Director of Facilities. Before joining Forestdale, Javier worked as the Director Of Operations for The New York Public Library for 10 Years and oversaw all Operations for 85 of its locations throughout Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx. Javier loves to spend time with his family in his spare time as well as work on his cars.
Danielle Brown Fuller, MSW–Director of Youth Services
Danielle B. Fuller is a capacity leader offering comprehensive experience in senior-level planning, administration, resource development, and goal setting with expertise in program and youth development. International and nationally recognized practitioner well versed in improving systems and developing comprehensive professional development curricula for the social service field. Consistent record of success in effectively developing resources, building healthy work environments, staff morale, and strong teams through professional communication, devotion to ethical practice, and leading by example. Ms. Fuller came to Forestdale with 20 years of leadership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. Most recently, Ms. Fuller served as Chief Program Officer, where her responsibilities included strategic planning, fundraising, and managing the operations, marketing, and quality of programs that served 4,000 youth annually. Ms. Fuller received her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work and her BA from SUNY Stony Brook.
John Guerine, Information Technology Director
John R. Guerine joined Forestdale in 2022 as the Information Technology Director after working many years in corporate industries. He brings a comprehensive background in directing technical operations and facilitating technology projects to Forestdale. He has managed technology in corporations for over 20 years before moving to the managed services business, where he served as a project manager and technical consultant for several years. In these roles, he oversaw large portfolios of technology projects for a diverse range of companies. He looks forward to using his expertise to support and advance Forestdale’s amazing mission.
Rose Jones, LCSW–Clinical Director of Preventive Services
Rose Jones, MSW, is the Clinical Director of Preventive Services, and she monitors the safety and risk concerns for families to prevent out-of-home placement. She has over 18 years of experience working with families at risk. Ms. Jones graduated from Lehman College with an MS in Special Education — Learning Disabilities. After having taught “boys at risk” at DeWitt High School in the Bronx, Ms. Jones decided to return to school. She enrolled in the Graduate School of Social Services at Fordham and graduated with an MSW. She currently holds an LCSW-R license and advocates for families by procuring entitlements and providing access to information related to job/career opportunities and affordable housing.
Suchireta Kapoor, LMSW–Director of Health Services
Suchireta Kapoor oversees the Children’s Health Home Care Management Program and Forestdale’s medical clinic. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Stony Brook University in 2009 and is an LMSW. Ms. Kapoor has been working in the field of social services and child welfare for the past ten years. She was born and raised in Queens and has an extensive knowledge of the community resources that this borough has to offer.
Roseann Lowe, LCSW-R–Clinical Director of Behavioral Health
Roseann Lowe is the Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Services, and she started at Forestdale in 2016. A graduate of NYU School of Social Work, LCSW-R, she has worked in mental health for her entire career. Prior to Forestdale, she worked as a Director of School-Based Mental Health Programs in Brooklyn with The Institute for Community Living for 15 years. She is motivated by seeing the potential and the growth in families and helping to advocate for and support children and families. She enjoys reading, spending time with family, and cooking in her spare time.
Yanick Maakheru, BA–Director of Community Development
Yanick Maakheru is the Director of Development at Forestdale Inc. Forestdale is a child welfare agency that provides comprehensive foster care, preventive, and wrap-around services to more than 1,500 children & families each year. Yanick works with Forestdale’s executive leadership and heads a team of professionals responsible for grant writing & management, community engagement, individual donor relations, and other fundraising activities that help support Forestdale’s innovative, trauma-informed programming. Ms. Maakheru has over 30 years of experience encompassing work in Fund Development, Grants Management, and Program development & implementation within the non-profit sector. She also has extensive Project Management experience with large-scale capital projects and short-term initiatives of varying duration and scope. Before joining Forestdale in 2016, Yanick worked with such well-established NYC-based agencies as A Better Chance, Inc., AHRCNYC, LaGuardia Community College, Urban Health Plan, Hunter College, MCCUSA Ltd, and the BMS, Joseph P. Addabbo, and Access Family Health Centers. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Nutrition Sciences from Brooklyn College, CUNY.
Dominique Manfreda, LMSW–Best Practice Administrative Director & Advocacy Analyst
Dominique Manfreda, LMSW, is the Administrative Director of Best Practice and an Advocacy Analyst at Forestdale, where she has been employed since 2018. She brings her extensive experience as a child welfare expert and advocate, having practiced at Lawyers For Children for over 15 years. Dominique directed the Mental Health Advocacy Project there, providing her with a deep view of the NYC child welfare system, including institutional settings, policy, and family court. Dominique holds an Advanced Forensic Interview Certificate, which she obtained through the America Professional Society on the abuse of children. Dominique holds a Certificate in Social Work and The Law from Fordham University. A resident of Queens, Dominique attended Siena College and Fordham University and is currently studying to obtain her clinical social work license.
Vicky Minor, BA–Director of Human Resources
Vicky Minor has been the Director of Human Resources at Forestdale since 2009. Prior to her role here, she was the Associate Director of Investment Banking Recruitment at UBS and the Campus Recruiting Manager for Citigroup in Long Island City.
Jasmine Pitts, MSW–Senior Administrative Program Director of Preventive Services
S. Jasmine Pitts joined Forestdale Inc. in October 2019. She joins the Forestdale team with more than 20 years of experience in organizational management and child welfare services, starting as a case planner and progressing to leadership positions in various programmatic and administrative roles. Jasmine is an energetic and innovative leader with a proven track record of increasing operational efficiencies through organizational and culture reengineering, including coaching and educational development of her team, and has established an impeccable reputation with management, staff, and colleagues for being accessible, innovative and holding the highest standards for herself and her team. Jasmine honed her expertise in performance improvement as the Acting Director of Preventive Services and Program Coordinator of Continuous Performance Improvement at Lower East Side Family Union and as the New York State Family Engagement Specialist with the Office of Children and Family Services, where she conducted best practice training and program reviews. Jasmine gained child welfare experience also at Safe Horizon, HeartShare/St. Vincent Services, Abbott House. Good Shepherd credited her with improving organizational structure and implementing new policies to promote high-fidelity best practices.
Marlene Pressner, MA–Director of Quality and Performance Management
Marlene Pressner joined Forestdale in March 2013 and serves as the Director of Quality and Performance Management. She comes to Forestdale with over 20 years of quality experience in health care and human services organizations. She earned her BA from the University of Pennsylvania and her MA from New York University.
Christine Rodriguez, MSW–Director of Reproductive Health
In 2019, after three years as a Supervisor within our Strong Families, Foster Care division, Christine was promoted to Director of Forestdale’s Reproductive Health department. She provides oversight, guidance, and strategic direction to the Reproductive Health programs (i.e., Parenting, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Trauma-informed therapy, and Case Management). She provides direct supervision to MSW interns and direct services to Spanish-speaking clients. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in child welfare and school settings and holds a Master’s degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work. Christine serves as an Adjunct Lecturer for the Department of Social Work at York College. In her spare time, Ms. Rodriguez enjoys spending time with her two sons, her family, and in the great outdoors.