Debbie came to Lighthouse in 2006 with a B.A. in Communication from Rutgers University, experience in public relations, and a heart for serving young adults in pregnancy-related crisis. She and her husband, Fred, have four adult children. Ten years in youth ministry and 20 years of parenting and providing premarital counseling motivated them to create a student curriculum called Sex Matters. Offered free of charge to schools and youth groups, Sex Matters equips young adults to think proactively about life-altering choices and to build healthy, lasting relationships.

Jackie came to Lighthouse as a PREP Shoppe Volunteer in April 2017 as well as a Global Service Desk Manager. After being with the company almost 36 years, God paved the way to allow Jackie to retire early from her job in May 2018, and to look for new opportunities where she would have a “purpose” and be “intentional”. It was God’s guidance, nudging and opening of doors that Jackie became an employee of Lighthouse in February 2019 as the Operations Manager. Jackie is a single mom to her adult daughter Katelyn.

Jess joined the Lighthouse team as volunteer in 2013 and then became a Center Manager in 2015. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and spent a few years teaching 3rd grade. Prior to joining the staff at Lighthouse, Jess worked at a local running store (it’s where she gets her incredible stamina)! She is passionate about coming alongside teen moms and women with at risk pregnancies. Jess wears many hats at Lighthouse! When she’s not at our Wayne Center, you will find her coordinating our YoungLives Paterson program for young moms, managing our material aid donations, or training new volunteers.

Jessica has been married for 19+ years and has two daughters. In the midst of pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Jessica needed to complete an internship for her last class. It was during this time she was connected with Lighthouse. Jessica says, “During my internship, not only did I learn a lot about other individuals but I also learned a lot of myself. I soon realized that I am not that different than those that are receiving resources.” Soon after completing her internship, Jessica was offered a position at Lighthouse. Jessica is now pursuing her Masters Degree in Professional Counseling and is looking forward to completing her next internship at Lighthouse.

Melanie started as a Lighthouse Mom in 2018. As the years went by, she grew an interest in working for Lighthouse. She knew she wanted to give back to this organization that helped her out when she did not have anyone or anything. Lighthouse became her family, so she knew she would be able to grow in her faith if she was surrounded by people who were also passionate about serving Jesus. “This place is my second home, and the people here are like a family I never had before.”

Lauren launched the REALife Relationship and Love Training program at Lighthouse in January 2013, and has implemented the program in middle and high schools, community and youth groups throughout North Jersey. She and her team of volunteers presented to over 5,000 students last year, primarily in Bergen and Passaic counties. Lauren has a heart for teens and young adults, and her mission is to see the youth of today have the healthiest and most fulfilling relationships possible while successfully working towards their life’s dreams and goals!

Prior to joining our staff, Lauren served as director and educator for teen-based programs in Atlantic County. She attained her NJ Teaching Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing for K-12 in 2010. Her continuing education includes a training certificate from the Physician’s Advisory Group for their YES, You Can! curricula for four levels, including 6th-12th grades. Yes, You Can! curriculum focuses on character development, good decision making and goal setting, healthy relationships, and avoiding high risk behaviors such as early sexual involvement, drugs and alcohol. Lauren also received her Sexual Risk Avoidance (S.R.A.) Specialist Certification in March 2014.

Jim starting volunteering as a peer counselor in June of 2020 and was immediately hopeful to be part of the fulltime staff one day. After facilitating the first Birth of a Family pilot, Jim saw first-hand the amazing effect the Lighthouse brings to people in need. Jim has been working in the corporate world in a sales and marketing capacity for more than 30 years along with coaching basketball and volleyball as a volunteer for many years. Lighthouse is an answer to prayers and, Jim is looking forward to contributing meaningful advice and guidance to the men and women served at Lighthouse. Jim is married to his college sweetheart for 33 years and is the proud father of three girls.

Tito (Oscar) is originally from Guatemala, Central America. Moved to NJ in January 2021 and started volunteering at Lighthouse in February. Tito has worked with various Faith based Non-profits in Guatemala for over 20 years and was very happy to help with anything needed at Lighthouse, he has helped with the Spanish version of Birth of a Family and joined us as permanent Staff early in 2022. Among many things, he assist with bilingual mentoring for married couples and/or men in making life affirming choices.  Tito is married to Joan, who also volunteers with our Birth of a Family program.

Janice brings over 10 years in customer relations management proficiency to Lighthouse. She started as an office volunteer, then was recruited for a short-term assignment and shortly thereafter hired full time as a donor relations coordinator in our Development group. Her attention to detail, interpersonal skills, tenacity and poise support her as a knowledgeable team player. After experiencing 3 consecutive miscarriages in her mid-30’s and working for secular consumer & service industries, joining Lighthouse was truly an answer to prayer. She looks forward to their Monday morning weekly prayer sessions, speaking with donors who come into the center or by the telephone and enjoys the interactions with her colleagues. Janice is married to her college sweetheart for 30 years and is blessed with two children ages 24 and 17. Reading, walking and cooking are some of her interests when not working at Lighthouse.

Emily joined the amazing Lighthouse family as a volunteer photographer in January of 2023. It was an answer to her prayer for God’s guidance to find a new way to serve Him more. Before joining the staff in September of 2023 as Volunteer Coordinator she worked part time at her church as administrative assistant and outreach director as well as running her full-time photography business. When a couple from her church mentioned that there was a position for full time work opening at Lighthouse she immediately applied, and the rest is history. A little after a year of working at Lighthouse Emily stepped into the role of Events & Communications Coordinator! She brings many skills to her job including being a people person, computer knowledge, graphic design experience and of course her eye for photography. She is so blessed to have found such an awesome opportunity to use her skills for God’s kingdom!

John came to Lighthouse in February 2024 after spending many years serving in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. John has a PhD in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, ThM from Princeton Theological Seminary, MDiv from Alliance Theological Seminary, and BA in Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Having supported the ministry of Lighthouse for many years, both personally and through her church, Jan was thrilled to join the Lighthouse staff in January 2014. Graduating from the College of St. Elizabeth with a BSN, Jan has been a nurse for over 40 years with experience in Intensive Care, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Oncology, Hospice and home care. She brings to Lighthouse a love for people and a passion for life. Jan is married to Don and they have three adult children.

Christina started volunteering at Lighthouse in 2020 with a passion to bring the hope and love of Jesus to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. Christina was so excited when God opened the door for her to come on staff as a nurse sonographer.  She is a registered nurse and received her BSN in nursing from Quinnipiac University and specializes in cardiac surgery critical care. She resides in Hawthorne with her husband Andrew and daughter Quinn.

Because of her own experience with abortion, Lauren has been drawn by God to bring truth and light to women before and after abortion. After raising her children, she returned to school and became certified as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Lauren now works as a sonographer and coordinator of the post-abortion Bible study, Forgiven and Set Free. Lauren and her husband, Glen, enjoy spending time outdoors and with their grandchildren.

Having supported Lighthouse and their ministry for a number of years, Darlene has been wanting to join the team and has been here since June 2022. God has given her a passion for the unborn child and she is excited to help show women the wonder of life within them! She is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer for over 20 years, and resides in North Haledon with her husband and son.

Sara joined Lighthouse in January 2024. She is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with experience in women’s health and fertility. With a passion for women’s health, Sara was honored to join the Lighthouse team and be able to come alongside and provide hope and resources to those facing unplanned pregnancies. Sara is married to Chris and has two little boys.

Maggie was born and raised in Mexico City but has had the opportunity to live in 5 countries and learn 3 other languages. Maggie has a BA in Education, and specialized in Early Childhood Education in Argentina and Germany. Recently she became DONA certified as a Postpartum Doula. She has always worked with babies, young kids and their families. Maggie is passionate about giving moms and dads tools and resources to empower them in their journey as parents . She believes that every child deserves a good beginning. Maggie started volunteering at Lighthouse in 2010 and served as Paterson Center Manager from 2018-2020.

Susan started with Lighthouse volunteering at BOAF in early 2022. She was offered a position to work at the Paterson center. She started September 2022. “I am a trophy of God’s amazing Grace! My heart is to let everyone know that God can do it for them also!”

Jessica came to Lighthouse in 2022, honored to support and serve in the Client Services department.  With her 35 plus years of corporate experience in both the business sector and non-profit sector, she has become a valuable asset to the Lighthouse Team.  She’s a wife of 33 years to her husband Samuel, better known as Frisco, and has 5 adult children.  Before becoming a full-time employee at Lighthouse, she served as a volunteer for our Parenting Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP).

Dan started as a Baby Bottle Boomerang donor through his church. He and his wife have helped organize diaper drives and volunteer events at their church, but in 2019 Dan felt lead to do more. He now uses his professional skill set in marketing strategy to help us reach and engage with new and existing supporters.

Bio coming soon!