The Keeping Values in the Mission, LLC. Team
Get to know the talented individuals behind our success.
We don't just process paperwork. We partner with families to build sustainable, high-quality lives through the NJ DDD system.
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Karen is a passionate advocate for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities with over a decade of experience in direct support, service coordination and residential leadership. She is committed to providing dignity-driven, person-centered care to you and your loved ones.
A St. John’s University graduate, Certified Medical Assistant, former Group Home Manager and Certified Human Rights Consultant (USIDHR), Karen blends compassion with accountability to build ethical, inclusive systems. She is proud to be an active community volunteer as well as a participant in both the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine and Special Olympics Torch Run.
As a proud military mom, Karen’s leadership is grounded in service, integrity, and resilience. The values she keeps core to our mission elevate person-centered care by building systems that promote independence, respect, self-determination, and meaningful community inclusion.
Marissa Torrone is a dedicated professional in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With extensive experience in Residential and Day services, including leadership as an Assistant Director of Day Services, she has developed innovative programming that promotes community inclusion, independence and workforce readiness.
Marissa is an impassioned advocate for individuals and families navigating the DDD system. She regularly assists in transition planning, service navigation as well as next steps: helping families and young adults better understand available supports and opportunities.
A Rutgers University graduate and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey, Marissa brings almost two decades of experience in behavioral health and addiction services, offering a unique and insightful perspective to her work. Renowned for her compassionate and practical approach, she is committed to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential while supporting families at every stage of this journey.
Dr. Loren B. Amsell is a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist, who received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Amsell has extensive experience working with intellectually and developmentally disabled youth and adults as well as those who present with a host of maladaptive or concerning behaviors.
Dr. Amsell has, for over 30 years, provided services in community and residentially-based as well as outpatient treatment and day program settings. Our staff is elated to bring an asset like Dr. Amsell to what you and your family need.
Mary Benzeleski has been bringing her elite level of care and compassion to patients since 2002. Her nursing experience ranges from pediatric intensive care to emergency room and long-term care, and of course, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most recently working with Mobile Health, she ensured those in need have the proper medical attention and care they require.
With a BSN from Chamberlain University and vast credentials including being a Certified Emergency Nurse, ACLS, PALS, BLS, TNCC, and an ENPC; Mary’s experience in the nursing field allows her the knowledge you need. Her own experience as a mother of a daughter with developmental and intellectual disabilities has given her the compassion and heart your loved one deserves.
Aaron Frankel is an American Heart Association (AHA) and American Health & Safety Institute (HSI) certified CPR & First Aid Instructor. After earning a BA from Tufts University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut, Aaron worked for several years on the administrative side of the healthcare industry, both in and out of the hospital system.
He first learned CPR as a requirement to coach youth baseball. After hearing a story about a high school student who collapsed in a hallway and went unattended for nine minutes, Aaron became passionate about helping people feel empowered to act in these life-threatening situations. He has now trained over a thousand people in New Jersey and New York in Basic Life Support (BLS), Heartsaver CPR/AED, Pediatric CPR/AED, and First Aid best practices.
Certified through the American Heart Association (AHA), Lisa Edmondson has been providing comprehensive CPR/BLS instruction with a strong emphasis on hands-on, evidence-based training since 2019. We’re proud to bring her level of direct communication and student-first teaching style to our team of experts.
Lisa specializes in delivering high-quality education to a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals, as well as families and caregivers, equipping each learner with the critical skills and confidence required to respond effectively in emergency situations.
