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Staff
For general information, please call our main number at 973.998.0820 or email us at info@familypromisemorris.org.
Leadership Team
About Joann
Joann Björnson, LSW, holds over three decades of experience in the human service field and is currently the CEO of Family Promise of Morris County. Throughout her 18 years with the agency, she has helped it grow into a stable, sustainable organization which positively impacts Morris County’s most vulnerable each day. Joann holds a degree in Sociology from Bloomfield College and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She has worked with homelessness and mental health in Morris County since 1994.
Joann is deeply passionate about community organizing and advocacy. Whether she is forging lasting partnerships with local organizations or simply engaging with our community, she believes relationships and collaboration are key to bridging gaps and making an impact. She credits her father, a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, with teaching her how to be an impactful leader, the importance of trusting your instincts, and that people and relationships are the most important assets.
Joann is a member of the Lead Morris Alumni Association, the Morris County Board of Commissioners Advisory Committee on Women, and most recently Impact 100; she formerly chaired Morris County’s Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry Committee and serves on several county committees.
Joann Bjornson, LSW
Chief Executive Officer
About Ron
Ron Reed's journey with Family Promise of Morris County began in 2008. For fifteen years, he served as a pro-bono consultant and hands-on volunteer, providing support in marketing strategy, digital communications, technology implementation, and professional event photography. Now as our Chief Operating Officer, Ron applies his extensive professional background to the organization's strategic objectives. With over 20 years of experience in business management, public communications, and marketing, he has a proven track record of developing and executing successful strategies and impacting organizations.
Ron Reed
Chief Operating Officer
About Laura
Laura Giorgi started with Family Promise of Morris County in 2017 as a Housing Case Manager. Since then, she has held several positions with the agency, including Coordinated Entry Case Manager, Our Promise Coordinator, and currently, the Director of Programs & Services. She currently serves as the Co-Chair for the Morris County Coordinated Entry Committee and also leads the Coordinated Entry Shelter Work Group.
Laura received her BA in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of West Florida. Prior to Family Promise, she worked in a variety of social service fields including child protective services, mental health, court appointed special advocates (CASA), and with youth aging out of foster care. In her current role, she draws upon twenty years of experience, allowing her to connect with clients in a meaningful way while implementing and maintaining effective housing solutions.
Laura spends her free time with her favorite people—her three children, niece, nephew, and rescue dog, Skipper. She enjoys traveling, the beach, Walt Disney World, and most of all, Bruce Springsteen.
Laura Giorgi
Director of Programs & Services
About Diane
Diane Sudo began her journey with Family Promise of Morris County as a part-time Bookkeeper, which quickly grew into a full-time position. Originally working with a major corporation in the for-profit sector, Diane's responsibilities, at a management level, focused on financial statement preparation, analysis, and budgeting. Over time, she desired to work for an organization that gave back to the community, and which shared the mission of making a difference in people’s lives. The combination of her personal and career goals positioned her to transition into her current role as the Director of Finance at Family Promise.
Diane Sudo
Director of Finance
Management Team
About Alanna
Alanna Gonzalez, LSW, began her journey with Family Promise as an Emergency Shelter Intern in 2018. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Seton Hall University (go Pirates!) and a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University.
After gaining experience working alongside community members to help them achieve housing stability, Alanna shifted her focus to development work, contributing to the agency's marketing efforts, social media management, and fundraising.
Alanna serves as the chairperson of FPMC's DEIA Committee and as the Administrative Coordinator of the Morris County Continuum of Care's Community Assistance Services subcommittee. Alanna is also on the Leadership Team at Impact100 Garden State and serves as their Communications Chair. In her free time, she enjoys baking and going to the movies.
Alanna Gonzalez, LSW
Associate Director of Development
About Amanda
Amanda Sears, MSW, began her journey with Family Promise of Morris County in 2019 as an intern during her Master Level Social Work Program. In 2021, she received her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. Despite the pandemic occurring at the time, she continued to intern with Family Promise in their Outreach and Shelter Programs. Upon graduating, Amanda knew she wanted to work full time with Family Promise and accepted a role as the Motel Shelter Case Manager and Coordinated Entry Housing Navigator.
Amanda works part-time as a Behavioral Assistant specializing in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her free time, she enjoys running/hiking, playing with her dog, and going to the beach.
Amanda Sears, MSW
Interim Coordinator of Outreach and Shelter Programs
About Holly
Holly Dinneny joined Family Promise of Morris County in September 2024, bringing a deep passion for empowering others and a proven track record of creating impactful programs, events, and partnerships. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Holly excels at building meaningful relationships, motivating volunteers, and fostering collaboration. She believes in the power of connection—uniting those who want to help with those who need it—and considers it a privilege to bridge that gap.
Holly holds degrees from Rutgers University and The Institute of Organization Management, along with certifications in Advanced Nurtured Heart Approach, Family Support Partner (NJ Children’s System of Care), Mental Health First Aid, and Family-to-Family best practices (National Alliance on Mental Illness). A dedicated volunteer and former board member, she has spent years deepening her commitment to community engagement.
Holly Dinneny
Associate Director of Community Engagement
About Almeida
Almeida Burgos began with Family Promise of Morris County in May 2025 as Housing is Healthcare Coordinator. Born and raised in West Harlem, NYC, she developed a deep awareness of challenges faced by underserved communities early on. As a child, she often helped family and neighbors with translation and advocacy in public offices and healthcare, sparking a lifelong passion for service.
After earning her Doctor of Medicine degree, Almeida volunteered focusing on disease prevention and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations. She began her public health career as Clinical Mobile Site Manager at Zufall Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and earned a Master’s in Urban Public Health from Rutgers University–Newark.
Almeida is grateful to serve Family Promise, committed to improving the well-being of those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity by connecting them with accessible healthcare.
Outside work, she enjoys dancing, vacationing with family, and caring for her aging parents to ensure their safety and support.
Almeida Burgos
Housing is Healthcare Coordinator
About Francesca
Francesca Lawrence, LSW, began her work with Family Promise of Morris County in 2021 as a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager. Before that, she worked as a case manager at a youth homeless shelter in Newark, NJ, where she became passionate for serving those experiencing homelessness. Francesca earned her bachelor’s degree in social work at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and earned her master's degree in social work at Rutgers University.
Since starting as a case manager at Family Promise, Francesca has shifted roles into the new Landlord Support Program Coordinator. While taking on this role, she has also become a certified Housing Quality Standards Inspector.
Francesca is from Morris County and enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones. She loves her dog and enjoys taking him to work with her.
Francesca Lawrence, LSW
Coordinator of Housing Programs
Staff
About Angela
Angela Gizas began her journey with Family Promise of Morris County in 2025. Prior to joining the organization, she spent eight years working in Morris County—first as an Intake Social Worker at the Office of Temporary Assistance and later as an ECC Specialist at Child & Family Resources, where she supported childcare providers.
Through these roles, Angela developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families and individuals experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. She realized how much she missed working directly with community members, helping them access the resources they need to thrive. That desire to return to direct support is what led her to Family Promise.
Angela is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community and empowering each person she meets to reach their fullest potential.
Angela Gizas
Program Resource Navigator
About Ertula
Tula Deshomme is an Outreach Resource Navigator at Family Promise of Morris County. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. Before joining Family Promise, Tula completed internships at Overlook Medical Center and Passaic Public Schools, gaining experience in hospital and school-based support services. She began her role at Family Promise in September 2025.
In her position, Tula specializes in helping families and individuals experiencing homelessness access essential support, including housing assistance, referrals, employment resources, and educational opportunities.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, practicing Pilates, and spending time with her cat, Cookie.
Ertula Deshomme
Outreach Resource Navigator
About Natalie
Natalie Machavariani joined Family Promise of Morris County in September 2025 as a Master of Social Work intern from Rutgers University, where she is pursuing a concentration in Management and Policy. She brings experience in hospital-based community health initiatives and a strong interest in connecting policy work with real-world impact.
During her internship, Natalie is focused on expanding her skills in grant writing, community engagement, and program development. She is especially passionate about bridging the gap between direct services and long-term systemic change to ensure that programs and policies support families experiencing housing insecurity.
Outside of her practicum, Natalie enjoys music, hiking, and spending time with her loved ones.
Natalie Machavariani
Social Work Intern
About Nubia
Nubia Gomez started her role with Family Promise of Morris County in December of 2021. She is the Bookkeeper for the organization.
Prior to her role at Family Promise, Nubia was the Systems Coordinator for a local non-profit where she worked for 4 years and implemented new systems for the organization. She received a BA in Justice Studies from Saint Elizabeth University. She currently lives in Randolph, NJ, with her family. In her free time, Nubia enjoys playing soccer, exercising, and spending time with her children.
Nubia Gomez
Accounting Administrator
About Wendy
Wendy Miller joined Family Promise of Morris County as a volunteer in 2011. Not long after, in 2014, she transitioned to a full-time staff role, starting in the position of Office Assistant and now as Office Manager.
Wendy is so grateful to work alongside staff who are passionate about helping and advocating for people impacted by homelessness. She is inspired and motivated everyday by the resilience and strength of the people Family Promise serves who are overcoming some of life’s biggest obstacles.
Wendy resides in Morris County. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to garage sales and flea markets, and spending time outdoors.
Wendy Miller
Office Manager
About Charles
Charles Wilson joined the team at Family Promise of Morris County in 2018 and is currently the Operations Associate. Charles splits his time between Family Promise’s Day Center and Our Promise Drop-In Center in downtown Morristown, where he supports the agency as a member of the Operations Team. His main duties include maintenance of the buildings, landscaping, painting, and other supportive tasks where needed.
Charles really enjoys working for Family Promise and helping the community. He appreciates the respect he feels from fellow staff members.
Charles grew up in Sussex County and graduated from Sussex County Technical School many years ago. He enjoys theater, bowling, and sporting events.
Charles Wilson
Operations Associate
About Isaiah
Isaiah Hamilton is an Outreach Resource Navigator at Family Promise of Morris County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and originally planned to become an English teacher before discovering his passion for social work. Isaiah is committed to advocating for individuals and families facing hardship and is driven by a deep belief in justice, equity, and community care.
His areas of interest include racial reconciliation and unity, ending homelessness, and preventive education for adolescents. As he returns to school to pursue a Master of Social Work degree, Isaiah saw an opportunity to apply what he is learning in the classroom through his work at Family Promise. His previous experience includes roles as a Program Coordinator and Case Manager.
Outside of work, Isaiah enjoys cooking, taking road trips, and staying active at the gym. Above all, he is a proud father of an almost–three-year-old son and a husband to his wife, who is expecting their baby girl in April 2026.
Isaiah Hamilton
Outreach Resource Navigator
About Jakeli
Jakeli Lliguicota joined Family Promise of Morris County in September 2023 as a social work intern from Montclair State University, balancing her studies with her work as a teacher assistant. After earning her Master’s in Social Work in May 2024, she transitioned into the role of Housing Case Manager for the Landlord Support Program.
During her internship, Jakeli developed a deep understanding of the challenges surrounding homelessness and the mission of Family Promise. She found fulfillment in helping individuals and families secure stable housing while connecting them to resources they were previously unaware of. Her passion for empowering those she serves drives her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community.
Outside of work, Jakeli enjoys music and movies, which are an essential part of her self-care routine.
Jakeli Lliguicota, MSW
Housing Case Manager
About Tania
Tania Novack joined the team at Family Promise of Morris County in 2021. She is currently the Housing Locator and supports families and individuals in their housing search through the Rapid Rehousing and Housing Programs.
Tania Novack
Resource Navigator
Volunteers
About Kara
Kara Pollard first began volunteering with Family Promise in 2015 when her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop made healthy casseroles to stock freezers of FP Guests moving into their new homes. Encouraged by the positive feedback, she and her children have continued providing casseroles to Making Moves Matter.
Currently, Kara meets with residents to provide one-on-one financial education via The New Beginnings curriculum. The primary goal is to empower residents to take control of their finances allowing them to save more and plan for their future. Residents learn about budgeting, smart spending habits, credit reports, banking, taxes, and workforce development. The program teaches critical financial literacy competencies which encourages fiscal security.
Kara enjoys playing tennis with her husband, any type of board game with her children, and relaxing with family and friends.
Kara Pollard
Staff Volunteer
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