Meet Our
Community Advisory Group

Bethsy is the Assistant Vice President for Programs at the Hispanic Federation.  She helps develop and design of HF programs and impact strategy at the national level. Ms. Morales-Reid has a public health background and assists in the development of health policy priorities for HF. She has a track record of developing healthy living programs and health advocacy strategies that engage communities and their leaders.

Dr. Raudales has been with Comunilife for eight years and currently serves as the Chief Program Officer. In this capacity, she is responsible for the successful operation of all Comunilife housing programs, which include 2,152 units of transitional and permanent apartments in congregate and scattered site settings, the Medical Respite program, as well as the facilities and procurement departments.

Elyssa Gersen is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and has worked in social services since 1991. She is the Director of Work Wellness at The HOPE Program, a NYC based workforce development community based organization.

Jason Wu joined the Human Services Council in July 2013. In 2013, Jason graduated with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. As a social work intern, Jason worked at HSC with the Director of Communications, Membership, and Development and at FEGS Health and Human Services with the Director of Planning, Policy, and Special Initiatives. Prior to joining HSC, Jason worked at the New York Asian Women’s Center as a Residential Advocate. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Vassar College.

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Dr. Lena L. Green is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist and fatherhood practitioner. She currently serves as the executive director of the HOPE Center, a community based mental health clinic in NYC. In her more than 20 years of direct practice and management experience as a clinician, professor and administrator, Dr. Green has had a tremendous impact on countless New Yorkers. She is skilled in various areas of mental health, program planning, development, clinical supervision and building strategic partnerships.

Matt Kudish is the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City.   NAMI-NYC is one of the largest NAMI affiliates and helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy.

Shimonah B. Israel is the Senior Program Officer of Field Excellence at Local Initiatives Support Corporation's National Office. She works with local LISC offices across the Northeast region towards the advancement of marginalized populations. Shimonah previously served as a Director of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation's Center for Personal Financial Health from 2017-2022.

Sinead has worked in the non-profit and public sectors for almost 20 years. She currently works at the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity), which helps the City apply evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity. More specifically, Sinead oversees a portfolio of programs designed to equip non-clinical social service providers with mental health skills and supports.  She also manages knowledge sharing and communications efforts at NYC Opportunity, sharing lessons internally and externally.

Sinead has worked in the non-profit and public sectors for almost 20 years. She currently works at the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity), which helps the City apply evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity. More specifically, Sinead oversees a portfolio of programs designed to equip non-clinical social service providers with mental health skills and supports.  She also manages knowledge sharing and communications efforts at NYC Opportunity, sharing lessons internally and externally.